From the beginning track “Dragonfly,” Susan Cowsill recalls days when she was a kid and youth was full of hope. This uptempo rock song sets a positive mood for the album. Cowsill seems to have recaptures the innocence of youth on lighthouse. The irony of all of this, is the fact her life has recently […]
The Sadies – Darker Circles
For Dark Circles (Yep Roc) the first studio album since 2007, The Sadies once again enlisted the help of Jayhawk co-leader Gary Louris to produce. And, they also employed their signature melange of tight, Bakersfield electrified country, psychedelia, and jamming surf rock. While the Toronto foursome, led by brother Dallas and Travis Good, has racked […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Midnight Souvenirs, by Peter Wolf Graceful is the first word that jumps to mind upon hearing Peter Wolf’s latest. That and “what the hell took you so long.” It has been eight years since his last solo album, and Wolf makes up for lost time with an impressive song collection. Although […]
Screen Door Porch
Todd Snider once advocated a life where you could “pack everything you own in 15 minutes and move on” as a way to collect the stories needed to be a good singer-songwriter. Â That philosophy has certainly given Todd plenty of good material. Â The duo of Seador Rose and Aaron Davis, in their persona as Screen […]
Old Settler's Music Festival – 2010
As the first night of this year”s Old Settler”s Music Festival was just swinging into high gear, the Infamous Stringdusters took the stage.  Andy Falco marched up to the microphone and said, “Wow, feels like we”ve been cooped up all winter”. That pretty well captured the moment. They then launched into a version of the […]
Alejandro Escovedo’s Legendary Conclusion to SXSW 2010 at the Continental Club
It was two years ago at the unofficial Sunday night South-by closing ceremonies at the Continental Club that Alejandro Escovedo world premiered his then-forthcoming album, Real Animal live and in sequence from the first track to the last. It was a remarkable show, and it proved to be an album that raised Alejandro’s profile considerably, […]
The Rock Hall in 2011: Your Recommendations
Hats off to fans of the late Johnny Maestro for their overwhelming response and thanks to everyone who participated in our Rock Hall Nominations discussion. Judging from your responses, there is a strong feeling that progressive and glam rock are overdue for recognition by the Hall. Here are your nominations: Johnny Maestro – Maestro, lead […]
Tumbledown into Punk Country
There are still many a music fan out there that doesnt quite get where the roads of punk and country or folk meet. For those that do “get it”, it isnt hard to draw a straight line that connects the spirits of Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer. While the sonics of the two genres can […]
The Drive-By Truckers – The Big To-Do
At Twangville, the Drive-By Truckers carry a lot of weight. In fact, in the post-modern, post-alt-country (whatever) era of Indie rock, they are like superstars to some. Not like in the “Oh my god, what is Britney wearing†kind of way but rather in the anticipation that comes for some in a new record. It […]
Sharif – Kisses & Lies
Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine […]