ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Poor Man’s Bible by Mike June Mike June doesn’t pull his punches. At all. His latest release is filled with biting commentary about society, politics and religion. He approaches it with a working-man’s perspective, certainly jaded but with a spirit that flirts between combative and cautiously optimistic. “Big corporations too big […]
Shamrock Shakes and Oxycontin – A Special Boston Playlist, Part 2
The musical ground in Boston and New England has been especially fertile this year. We’ve already seen some outstanding releases by artists that run the gamut from long-time favorites to incredibly talented newcomers. To that end, here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series […]
Got You Covered – A Random Spring Playlist
It’s one thing to simply cover another artist’s song; it’s quite another to re-imagine it in a meaningful way. In that vein we’ve been treated to some mighty fine covers this year. Here are a few of my favorites plus a brilliant selection from the archives . Stop in the Name of Love, Bob Woodruff […]
Monday Morning Video (and a Song) – Sammy Walker
Bob Dylan casts a long shadow, perhaps too long. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Dylan’s work and consider him one of the greatest songwriters we’ve known. But think about how many artists have been called “the new Dylan†over the years. While in one sense it is undoubtedly flattering, it is nonetheless […]
Shamrock Shakes and Oxycontin – A Special Boston Playlist, Part 1
The musical ground in Boston and New England has been especially fertile this year. We’ve already seen some outstanding releases by artists that run the gamut from long-time favorites to incredibly talented newcomers, with plenty more undoubtedly to come. To that end, here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Narrows by Grant-Lee Phillips Grant-Lee Phillips is, quite simply, one of the most distinctive voices in American music. His songs conjure up vivid portraits of the American experience, from the fault lines of California to the rural lands of Tennessee. The imagery in his songs, both lyrical and musical, is […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Rangers & Valentines by Trapper Schoepp When was the last time that you heard an infectious song about mononucleosis? I can’t recall either but Trapper Schoepp demonstrates that it can be done. The lead-off track to his latest release crackles with energy, driven by an irresistible pop hook and emboldened by […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Walking With a Stranger by Escondido It’s tempting to describe Escondido as cosmic country. Sure, that’s a core part of the duo’s sound. There’s a rock undercurrent and a musical tension, however, that pushes beyond the genre’s typical boundaries. Primary vocalist Jessica Maros has an ethereal voice but a healthy dose […]
Steve Dawson – Solid States & Loose Ends
Steve Dawson, whose amazing acoustic guitar picking on Rattlesnake Cage grabbed attention in 2014, has proven once again he is a great and versatile artist by moving in a completely different direction with a blues-based masterpiece, Solid States & Loose Ends. Canadian roots master Dawson, who relocated a few years ago to Nashville, is more than just a gifted musician. He won two […]
Jeff Plankenhorn – SoulSlide
Jeff Plankenhorn is a versatile lap steel guitarist, well established in the Austin, Texas music scene, who delivers a funky, crusty and soulful performance on his unique new solo album, SoulSlide. Plankenhorn, who has collaborated with artists like Joe Ely and Ray Wylie Hubbard, says he found his voice while singing in the church choir growing up in […]