The Wood Brothers released their first official album recently. Until now all that had been available were bootlegs of live shows that were only attainable through generous friends. Their new album is titled “Ways Not To Lose” and was released by Blue Note records, the same label that has claim over bassist Chris Wood’s other […]
Party Like It’s 1899
In the 200 years since Irish-Scots settlers crossed the broad Atlantic, their instruments, tunes and stories have dramatically affected the music of the Appalachian region, an antecedent of many of the rootsy styles we lovingly call “Twang.” Irish Folk and traditional Celtic music is a proud living tradition, rich in history, poetic, entertaining, and intensely […]
Notable Releases: March 7, 2006
Its a big week for releases and here are a few top picks… Centro-matic, Fort Recovery Will Johnson could be rock’s most prolific songwriter. He has consistently put out several albums each year under his own name and with the bands South San Gabriel and Centro-Matic. Its the last incarnation that is behind this new […]
Listen to KT Tunstall’s “Eye to the Telescope”
Check out up and coming folk pop star KT Tunstall’s full release “Eye to the Telescope” on ARTISTdirect.com. Its so refreshing to see someone new to the pop scene that carries some solid songwriting, outstanding acoustic guitar and bluesy vocals. For her, I’m going to start an early campaign for Best New Artist of 2006. […]
New Releases from Shawn Mullins & more
Only one release really shines for me this week, but it shine, shine it does like a full moon on a clear night. My pick of the week: Shawn Mullins 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor (Vanguard) acoustic, folk, americana Referring to the New Orleans home studio of old friend Mike West, the title of the album […]
New music from Josh Ritter due out in Spring
Some news on Josh Ritter and a new album: JOSH RITTER : THE ANIMAL YEARS Josh’s new album, titled The Animal Years, will be released this Spring on V2 worldwide and on Independent Records in Ireland. Download Thin Blue Flame now for free. Source: Josh Ritter.com
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Songs
Here, in no particular order, are my favorite songs from 2005. Washed by the Water, Will Hoge (available for download at Hoge’s web site) In a song as inspiring as it is inspired, Will Hoge leads a gospel revival for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. “Down here we are washed by the water, the […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Albums (pt. 2)
The countdown to the #1 album of 2005 continues… 7. Mr. Hollywood, Jr., 1947, Michael Penn It’s hard to decide which is more impressive, Michael Penn’s intelligent lyrics or his pop music sensibilities. On his first album in five years, Penn leaves little doubt that both are in peak form and that the combination is […]
“Fresh” Picks for ’06
“They call me the seeker…” because I search low and high for great music. If your New Year’s resolution is to find that elusive gem — the undiscovered album that you won’t know how you lived without — the Discman’s Top 100 Albums can help. It has plenty of Twang, a little bang, and k.d. […]
Best Songs of 2005 (Tom’s Picks)
Here they are, my twenty favorite twang induced songs of the year. They are in no particular order of greatness, simply numbered in the order I burned them to disc. Enjoy! Playlist also available on iTunes. Wicked Twisted Road, Reckless Kelly (from the album Wicked Twisted Road) Texas country at its best from the Austin […]