We’re gonna go a bit old school this week. Here is Paul Westerberg performing two gems from the Replacements’ catalog: “Achin’ to Be” and “Skyway.” As Westerberg says in his introduction, “I’m gonna play some tunes for you that I know pretty good and some old ones that I’ve forgotten completely.”
Monday Morning Video: Frank Turner
Frank Turner passed through Boston last week, playing three shows in 24 hours. Turner was spectacular, an artist clearly getting stronger in both his songwriting and live performances. Here are two clips from show #2, a private mid-day acoustic affair at a small Boston club: “Peggy Sang the Blues” and, one of my favorites, “I […]
Monday Morning Video: Jimmy Ryan’s “John Brown”
This song has quietly become a staple of the Boston music scene. It is no surprise, really, with the song’s achingly beautiful melody and emotionally charged lyrics. Judge for yourself by watching a performance by Ryan and friends from a few years back.
Monday Morning Video: Kevn Kinney
This is a classic song in its own right, made even better by Kinney’s mid-song story-telling. It’s been a long hot year you know….I spent it all out on the road Downtown, chasing a dream…till it came chasing me. But in the end the whole thing turns around…you find some spirit and you find the […]
Monday Morning Video: Shovels & Rope
Shovels and Rope are one of those bands that everyone should see at least once. Here’s why — two shots of glorious noise from the duo’s latest release.
Monday Morning Video: Joe Ely
Here’s a guy who just doesn’t get enough recognition for his talent and contribution to American music. Whether performing folk and country with the Flatlanders or rocking alongside the Clash or performing classic Mexican folk with Joel Guzman, Ely has proven himself a masterful musician. Here’s a randomly selected trio of Ely classics: Ely’s take […]
Monday Morning Video: Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers
Chances are that you’ve seen Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers cover of Hall & Oates “I Can’t Go For That.” It has gone viral and has nearly 1.5 million views on YouTube. The cover is part of their Van Session series, recorded with an iPhone in their van as they tour (the video descriptions include […]
Monday Morning Video: Newport Folk Festival
Here’s a great video from this past weekend’s Newport Folk Festival. Torrential rain threatened to cancel the backstage bbq event but the musicians took it upon themselves to make it happen. Here’s Jim James, Ben Sollee, Joe Fletcher and others with an acoustic take on the INXS classic “Never Tear Us Apart.” Pretty special.
Monday Morning Video: John Doe (with Jon Dee Graham)
Here’s a lost classic that remains one of my favorite songs. Doe and his band (look closely to see Jon Dee Graham on guitar) let loose a furious romp that punctuates Doe’s social commentary. Some people say they like to hear me talk ’cause I tell ’em what’s wrong. I don’t see much more than […]
Tom’s Picks: Overlooked in 2011
There’s always a few late releases or ones that seem to pass me by every year. Here’s a few to file in the “better late than never” category: GARRETT J. BROWN, Priorities [★★★★/3.875] CASEY DONAHEW BAND, Double-Wide Dream [★★★★/3.600] These guys fill all voids that Reckless Kelly leave between records. This is Texas country the […]