The True Believers Austin’s The True Believers were high on, if not at the top of, my list of bands to see at SXSW. Nearly thirty years ago they established a reputation as a powerhouse rock and roll band. Given that I wasn’t attending many rock shows thirty years ago so I was downright giddy […]
SXSW 2013: The Sounds, Part 1
Patty Griffin One listen to a Patty Griffin song and you’ll understand why she has developed an almost cultish following. She is, quite simply, an extraordinary songwriter. New West Records, her new record label, arranged a private showcase at a South Austin mansion called the Castle to celebrate her forthcoming release. It was an event […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH On My Mind, In My Heart, by Jesse Dee Who’d have thought that a kid from Arlington Massachusetts could so brilliantly channel Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Al Green? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Jesse Dee. Over the course of 11 tracks, Dee rocks, rolls, reels and strolls as if he was […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Rickenbacker Girls, by Todd May This is a real rock record. Now I don’t mean that it is filled with wailing guitars and pounding drums, although both certainly happen on this record. Rather I am referring to its authenticity: real instruments, real songs, real stories and real emotions. It starts with […]
Josh Ritter: The Beast In Its Tracks
There’s a new Josh Ritter in town. No more “Bright smiles and dark eyes” and “I’ll be the one to drive you back home, Kathleen.” Now there are lyrics like these: “Nightmares have their dreams as well, / when they sleep they go to hell / and they drink their fill on lakes of blood… […]
Wayne Hancock – Ride
“Ride”, the new release from Wayne Hancock, exhibits a little less of his customary Juke Joint Jive. Hank Williams style lonesome Blues is more prevalent on the album. However, Hancock still knows how to swing. Since we last heard him on 2009’s “Viper of Melody”, Hancock has gone through a divorce and sobered up. In […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2013
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Battles, by Kingsley Flood Battles is the sound of a band hitting stride. Kingsley Flood have always delivered rock solid songs and performances. Their latest release, however, packages their most potent songwriting to date with some equally powerful arrangements. There’s a real edge to the songs across this release. The title […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2012
I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2012 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Love Changes Everything, Session Americana (from the self-released Love and Dirt) Session Americana wrap […]
Mayer’s Playlist for December 2012
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Love and Dirt, by Session Americana A cocktail table provides the key to understanding Session Americana. It is so much a part of the band’s experience that they typically travel with it when they tour. The table is a centerpiece, of sorts, around which the musicians gather. Sitting there, they often […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2012, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH In the Dusk of Everything, by Matthew Ryan There are many artists who are ambitious. Some pursue the thrill of live performances, others strive for financial success. While I can’t say that Matthew Ryan doesn’t harbor some of those motivations, he possesses a more powerful quality – ambition for his music. […]