In this day of specialized labels, specific tastes, and narrow radio play lists, it seems that the number of artists that attempt to break new ground with each CD release is rare. Many artists are practically forced to simply recreate a sound that will keep a fan-base intact and not alienated. There are great acts […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2008, a Video Companion
More video goodness this month. We kick things off with two of my favorite songs this summer, Little Jackie’s “The World Should Revolve Around Me” and the Hold Steady’s “Sequestered in Memphis.” Keep on moving and you’ll see a special video from Alex Woodard and live performances from Love Pyschedelico, the Baseball Project, Eric Lindell, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2008, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Stay Positive, by The Hold Steady When Craig Finn preaches, “our psalms are sing-along songs,” in the opening track of their latest release, he might as well have revealed the band’s musical mission. Whereas previous albums have focused on the characters living in Finn’s imagination, this go-around spotlights the rock anthems […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Low on Cash, Rich in Love, by Eric Lindell Northern California musician Eric Lindell has found a spiritual home in New Orleans and it inhabits every corner of his latest release. Opener “Lay Back Down” eases you in with a breezy R&B feel before giving way to tracks like the bluesy […]
Country with Muscle – John D. Hale Band & Back Porch Mary
I have been very clear (or not, probably not) in the past that I have grown weary of musical-genre labels that either fail to make much sense, or simply don’t really define much (“Red-Dirt” anyone??). Having said that, I have recently began espousing a labeling philosophy that I think suits me just fine. If the […]
3827Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2008, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Saving Grace, by Scott Kempner Long-time Dictator and former Del-Lord Kempner steps out for only his second solo album of a nearly 35 year career. The first thing you’ll notice is the musical efficiency throughout the album. Kempner clearly understands that restraint can often unearth a stronger power within the song. […]
Anthony DaCosta-Abbie Gardner “Better Nights-Better Days”
Ryan Adams. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. Conor Oberst. Cory Branan. These are names that are thrown around a lot when you are talking about modern day singer-songwriters. What if I told you there may be someone not just like them, but better? Anthony DaCosta might just be. About 3 hours ago, my brother handed […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Living in the Aftermath, by Chris Mills Brooklyn-by-way-of-Chicago musician Chris Mills is a pop classicist. Spend time with Aftermath and you’ll hear a guy well versed in retro-1960’s pop but with a proper contemporary attitude. His latest release takes the production richness of his 2005 orchestra-backed “The Wall to Wall Sessions” […]
We Can’t Make it Here Anymore
DEL MCCOURY AND FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO THE STRUGGLES OF RURAL AMERICA Del McCoury has put out a compilation project that sings about the plight of rural America. The album enlists a stellar group of artists to tell this story. Moneyland, which is also the name of the title cut, invokes the spirit of FDR […]
Reckless Kelly – Bulletproof
In the late-nineties and early in this current millennium, the Texas-Country scene exploded, not only in the Lone Star State, but throughout the South. The vast scope of the music attracted many listeners, as the movement represented an alternative to the product that was being churned out in Nashville. The giants from that not-so by-gone […]