Though the title lends itself to our Covid lives, certainly these days as Omicron wreaks havoc around the world, “Nothing To Do (For Real This Time)” is about something entirely different. The song, from Ward Hayden & the Outliers‘ outstanding 2021 release Free Country, considers the experience of returning to one’s hometown after time spent […]
Monday Morning Video – Brian Wilson
As we head into another year, this song seems particularly timely given the state of our world. I was lyin’ in my room and the news came on t.v.A lotta people out there hurtin’ and it really scares me Love and mercy that’s what you need tonightSo, love and mercy to you and your friends […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2021, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2021 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. What’s The Matter/Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release […]
Monday Morning Video – Joy Oladokun
With all the talk about the Beatles (I still haven’t watched the documentary… yet), I thought I’d share this wonderful cover of “Blackbird” by Joy Oladokun.
CJ Garton Video Premier – I Went Crazy
CJ Garton was raised a 6th generation Oklahoma red dirt cowboy. Although he makes his living as a singer-songwriter these days, his roots run deep. On a little bit of a whim, he and his son rode their horses from Nashville back to the Oklahoma homestead in 2019. That trip became the inspiration for a […]
Monday Morning Video – Michael Nesmith
Generations of kids, me included, grew up with The Monkees. Although the show only ran for two seasons in the mid-1960’s, it’s reruns endure to this day. Michael Nesmith and his wool cap were an anchor for the show, both as an actor and a musician. Nesmith passed away on Friday, shortly after completing a […]
Monday Morning Video – Butch Walker Honors Adam Schlesinger
Butch Walker is a bad-ass in his own right but he takes it to another level in this tribute to the late Adam Schlesinger. Schlesinger was a tragic early Covid casualty but his legacy lives on in an incredible catalog of power pop songs. Walker performed the Schlesinger composition “Guitar Center” at an online tribute […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2021, Part 2
Cityview, The Accidentals (from the self-released Vessels) With the addition of drummer Michael Dause the Accidentals have expanded their musical palette into full-on rock territory. Songs like opener “Count the Rings”, “Rollercoaster” and “Slow and Steady” bristle with an electric guitar and bass fueled energy. That said, the group also mine familiar acoustic cello and […]
Monday Morning Video – Chris Knight
I took a trip down a Chris Knight rabbit hole this weekend, straight back to the beginning. Here’s “It Ain’t Easy Being Me” from his self-titled debut. Lyrics don’t come more potent than this: Why do I do the things I do?Was I born this way or am I self made fool?I shoot the lights […]
Brandy Zdan on Music Industry Priorities and Touring in “Townes Van Zdan”
Brandy Zdan talks about singing the Canadian National Anthem at hockey games as a teenager, hustling for gigs, and surviving as a middle class musician.