If Hunter Thompson were still alive, I think he’d like The Back Row Baptists. First off, you know he’d identify with the attitude of their namesakes, the heathens-in-the-house-of-god thing. More to the point about the music, though, Broken Hearts & Bad Decisions is a dark record. It’s about drinking and driving (although not necessarily together), […]
Terri Hendrix – Cry Till You Laugh
Running on all cylinders. In the groove. Hitting the sweet spot. All are descriptors about when everything comes together and suddenly the sum is greater than the parts. They’re also good descriptions of the latest album from the queen of San Marcos, Texas, Terri Hendrix. Her latest release, Cry Till You Laugh, with long-time collaborator […]
Angie Mattson – Skeleton Arm
The latest effort from Angie Mattson, an EP entitled Skeleton Arm, starts with the sound of insects and jungle drums. Â That first song, Bravery, equates the sacrifices needed for love with bravery and sets a kind of “always hunting” mentality that exists throughout the project. Â At the same time, there’s an undercurrent of the caged […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Love on the Dial, by Stone River Boys From the depths of tragedy springs a new beginning. When Chris Gaffney, one half of the Hacienda Brothers, was diagnosed with cancer in early 2008, brother Dave Gonzalez led a tour to raise funds for his close friend. Among those who joined for […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Street Songs of Love, by Alejandro Escovedo Alejandro Escovedo is living proof that some things just get better with age. Street Songs of Love rocks with abandon and rolls with purpose. “Anchor†is a fitting opener, electric guitars kicks off a rocker that, although mid-tempo, still packs a forceful punch. “If […]
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 […]
John Hiatt Has a Secret: An Exclusive Live Performance
Our friends at New West Records sent along this great video of John Hiatt talking about “Fireball Roberts,” a track from his latest release. The slow bluesy number finds Hiatt drawing a parallel between the late race-car driver’s professional career and a failed relationship. The video includes a special live performance by Hiatt and his […]
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 […]
Great American Taxi – Reckless Habits
If you’re a fan of 70’s country rock, you’ll feel right at home with the latest release from Great American Taxi, Reckless Habits. Â Vince Herman, the leader of Taxi, was also a founder of Leftover Salmon, and the jam band roots are noticeably. Â But what really comes through is a homage to the early pioneers […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 1
Give Me Tomorrow, Willie Nile (from the River House Records release House of a Thousand Guitars) Nile’s eternal optimism reigns supreme, most notably on this spirited testament to change and opportunity. “I’ve seen poison in the waters, heard the crying of the sea, I have heard your sons and daughters say what’s to become of […]