First off, year-end lists are hard to do. Especially rank ordering, which becomes murky as you proceed down the list. That being said number one was a no brainer for me. Marcus King’s “Young Blood” was addictive start to finish with his blues-tinged 70’s arena rock. Below is the rest of my list: 2. Old […]
The Twangville Early 2023 Release Preview
Out of the Heart of Darkness by L.A. Edwards (6 January) L.A. Edwards kick of the year with an often brooding but always engaging song collection. Although the group hails from California, they make a mighty fine heartland rock sound. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying by Whitehorse (13 January) The Canadian duo of Melissa McClelland […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2022, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2022 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Paranoid Heart, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release The Liar) “Well maybe […]
Teni Rane Video Premiere : Rosemary & Evergreen
Aside from the standards, I tend to shy away from holiday songs. It seems like they’re either syrupy sweet, or have lyrics meant to be sung by your drunk uncle. Every now and then one comes along that captures some of the holiday spirit while being able to hold its own as a good song […]
Shawn’s Favorite Albums of 2022
It was a good year for music, both live and recorded. I heard some things pushing the envelope of an already large package called Americana. I heard some new takes on old songs and some old takes on new songs. I heard a few things that even though I knew what was coming, and looking […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2022, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) Crackdown by GA-20 Two guitars and a set […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2022, the Albums
10. When I Go I Ghost by Cory Branan Branan has never been known to pull his punches and he lives up to that reputation on When I Go I Ghost. From the opening rock blast of “When In Rome, When In Memphis” to the brooding closer “Of Two Minds”, Branan unleashes songs filled with […]
Benedicte Braenden on Teaching Yoga and a Band Named “Negative Creep”
Norwegian singer-songwriter Benedicte Braenden talks about who she doesn’t allow in her rehearsal space and explains how she keeps grounded.
Buffalo Rose – Again, Again, Again
I find myself getting into music ruts sometimes. I listen to records I know I like, and even the new music that comes my way somehow reinforces what’s already in my collection. Then out of the blue something will come along that’s like a breath of fresh air after being trapped inside. Such was the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 3
Let You Down, Bird Streets (from the Sparkle Plenty/Deko Records release Lagoon) John Brodeur – aka Bird Streets – is a master of the power pop craft. To be sure, these aren’t pop songs of the three chord variety. Rather, they have an inspired complexity – accessible yet filled with melodic and lyrical twists along […]