“Now we’re gonna just kinda roll with it,†said Peter Wolf as he joined extraordinary Boston musicians Session Americana for a surprise set last week. Imagine Wolf playing a house party in your living room, sitting around a table with a group of extremely talented and relaxed musicians, and you’ll get a sense of this […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2011, a Video Companion
We’ll book-end this edition with two clips from the Low Anthem. “Boeing 737,” the opener, features clips of the band recording in the abandoned pasta sauce factory while “Apothecary Love,” the closer, was recorded live in Grand Central Station. In-between you get Lucinda William’s acoustic take on “Buttercup,” the David Wax Museum performing “The Least […]
Lucinda Williams – Blessed
Some albums have lyrics with an emotional impact, but more often than not, the music impacts me more than the lyrics. So it is always special to find an album that does both. Then there is Lucinda Williams’ new project Blessed , which has great musicianship delivering a Soulful Blues with deep roots. Even More impressively, the […]
Live From Daryl’s House
For over three years Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates fame) has been inviting musicians – both strangers and friends – to his house for conversation and music. The show, “Live From Daryl’s House,†is a great example of web-only programming. While I don’t watch it all that often, it was hard not to get […]
Win Big: Unbelievable Johnny Cash Prize Package
An original demo of “I Walk the Line.†Early recordings with Sam Phillips. A solo acoustic version of Leadbelly’s “Goodnight Irene.†If one every wanted to understand why Johnny Cash is a legend, this collection of 57 tracks from speaks volumes. Cash had a voice that commanded authority. The demos captured here – more than […]
Monday Morning Video: Justin Townes Earle covers Springsteen
Here’s a recent performance of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing In the Street” by Justin Townes Earle to start your week. Happy Monday.
Listen Up: Joey’s Song
I’ve always taken a mixed view of benefit compilations. Yet there’s something special about this one. On first listen I was immediately struck by the consistent feel of the song selection. Every track is heartfelt and uplifting, undoubtedly reflecting the spirit of Joey Gomoll, the young boy who inspired this collection. Among my favorite tracks […]
Go Time for New DBT!
The Go-Go Boots Episodes – Episode 1 – Drive-By Truckers from Drive-By Truckers on Vimeo. In what is becoming my favorite annual spring ritual (maybe more than even march Madness?), the Drive by Truckers will be releasing yet another album that has already been garnering raves from those who’ve heard it, whether it be partially, […]
Coming Soon: 2011 Release Preview, Part 3
We’ll wrap up this go-around with a few more promising releases scheduled for early 2011. This is shaping up to be a mighty fine year for music. EDDIE SPAGHETTI, Sundowner (Release date 15 February 2011) This is a record that overflows with personality. Not that anyone should be surprised given the reputation Spaghetti has established […]
Coming Soon: 2011 Release Preview, Part 2
Without fail, there are always two random days each year that overflow with impressive new releases. Mark February 15th on your calendar for a bounty of musical delight. And if you are still catching up on 2010, you’ll find our Best Of 2010 lists here. KASEY ANDERSON, Heart of a Dog (Release date 15 February […]