At this point, the fact someone made a pandemic album is hardly a surprise. Typically it’s been a collection of favorite covers, or a project filled with random songs that made the cut after months of alone time. Canadian duo Whitehorse turned that on its ear with their new record, I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul
One of the best sets I saw at this year’s AmericanaFest was the trio of Brennan Leigh, Kelly Willis, and Melissa Carper. As they told stories of their travels together in between the songs it was clear they were having as much fun off stage as on. That newfound, or perhaps refound, appreciation for touring […]
Melissa Carper on Farm Work, Solar Power, and Living in a Music Hub
Country and folk artist Melissa Carper talks about the value of having a great mechanic friend, living in a music hub, and an early song partially inspired by Sesame Street.
Dallas Got a Soft Machine – a Special Playlist
It’s been a while since I made a playlist featuring Dallas artist releases so I’ve got some catching up to do… This playlist is a mix of songs from albums released in 2021 and 2022. Panhandle Wind, Isaac Hoskins (from the self-released Bender) Denton’s Isaac Hoskins rode out Covid – no pun intended – working […]
Paisley Fields on Growing Up in Iowa and Finding One’s Superpower
Singer-songwriter Paisley Fields talks about time spent in Japan and inviting his college friends out to his first gig.
Bonus Monday Video – a Premiere from Greg Hall
I met Greg Hall at his “day job” – playing bass with Boston’s Ward Hayden and the Outliers. Turns out he’s got some damn fine songwriting chops of his own, which he is about to showcase with the release a new EP titled Experiments in the Revival of Greg Hall. The western Massachusetts-based artist […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 2
Breaking Slow, Anthony D’Amato (from the Blue Rose Music release At First There Was Nothing) Anthony D’Amato is on a creative tear. Fresh from the this summer’s debut of Fantastic Cat, the songwriter collective of which he is a founding member, D’Amato has released an album that ranks among the finest of his on-going career. […]