Let’s ring in the new year with Slaid Cleaves’ classic “One Good Year,” plus a bonus rocker from Matthew Grimm that highlight’s Woody Guthrie’s list of New Year’s resolutions from 1942.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2014
I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2014 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. An Anthem for the Broken and A Song to Learn and Sing (Until Kingdom […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014, Boston Edition
This has been a great year for music in and around Boston. I hesitate to break these out into a separate regional list as they would all feature prominently on my overall Best of 2014. That said, taken together they make a great statement on the vibrancy of the Boston music scene. GIRLS GUNS AND […]
Monday Morning Video: Jackson Browne covers “Free Bird”
You know those idiots who scream “Free Bird†at every show that they attend? Sometimes dreams really do come true.
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2014
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Monday Morning Video: The Silks
It’s always intriguing to hear two versions of a single song that sound dramatically different. Here’s a great example courtesy of the Silks and their song “Mud Money.” First we’ve got the full band ripping it up live and then singer Tyler-James (accompanied by Jess Powers) picking an acoustic version.
Brett Newski’s Salute to Holiday Shopping
Here’s a song for your shopping soundtrack courtesy of Milwaukee-based troubadour Brett Newski.
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Chasing Beauty, by Ellis Paul Ellis Paul long ago established his credentials as a folk musician. He is an astute observer of the world around him who excels at transforming stories into song. In recent years he has shifted a bit from his folk roots, flexing more of his acoustic pop […]
Dream On — a Special Boston Playlist
Here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series here.) 1-2-3, Amy Fairchild (from the self-released Amy Fairchild) There’s something to be said for only speaking when you have something to say. Just ask Amy Fairchild who has just released her first album since 2002. […]
Billy Strings & Don Julin – Fiddle Tune X
Fiddle Tune X is for bluegrass fans with attention deficit problems. Â The new album from Billy Strings and Don Julin nearly captures an entire bluegrass festival in 59 minutes. Â The Michigan based duo, with just a guitar, a mandolin, and their vocals, cover ground from speed-picking, self-written tunes all the way to slow gospel harmonies. […]