I expect that these releases are just the beginning of another great year of Boston music. MAKE TIME by THE SUITCASE JUNKET(6 January) Singer-songwriter Matt Lorenz knows how to make one heck of a racket. His one-man band sound leans heavy on fuzzy guitar and ragged percussion, augmented by occasional throat-singing that gives the songs […]
The Twangville 2015 Release Preview
There is already an impressive collection of releases on the docket for 2015, with plenty more sure to follow. Here are a handful that the Twangville crew are eagerly anticipating. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? ABSENT FATHERS by JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE(13 January on Vagrant Records) Earle […]
Celebrate the New Year with Slaid Cleaves and Matthew Grimm
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 […]