Hailing from West Virginia and southeast California respectively, Xander Hitzig and Nicole Olney wouldn’t be expected to have a similar perspective on life. After meeting on the set of a musical theatre production, though, they realized they shared a lot in common, especially musically. You’ll hear that on their debut record, an EP titled Thirsty. […]
Lydia Luce – Dark River
Let me just start by saying that if you’re in the mood for something twangy, the new record from Nashville’s Lydia Luce is not going to scratch that itch. Luce is an in-demand studio musician around Nashville for her ability on a variety of stringed instruments, so she knows twang. But Dark River draws mostly […]
Old Californio – Songs From the Sea Of Cortez
There’s a very California sound you get by taking the twangy guitar and rock solid rhythm line associated with Bakersfield and overlaying it with the acoustic guitar and multi-part harmonies that sprang from the hills and canyons northwest of LA in the 60’s. You could probably argue Graham Parsons first touched that nerve with Sweetheart […]
Mink’s Miracle Medicine – Thumbs Up Angel
Peanut butter and chocolate. Harley Davidson and leather. Punk and bluegrass. OK, well maybe that last pair doesn’t go together like the first two examples. In the case of West Virginia duo, Mink’s Miracle Medicine, though, it turned out well. Lead guitarist Daniel Zezeski brings his punk and ska roots to the collaboration, while lead […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2020, Part 3
When You’re Gone, Lydia Loveless (from the Honey You’re Gonna Be Late Records release Daughter) Daughter isn’t an easy album. Sure, the album has some strong and engaging melodies, not to mention the wonder that is the singer’s commanding voice. Yet it is also a lyrically and musically dense album, one that finds Loveless continuing […]
The Avett Brothers – The Third Gleam
I have loved the “Gleam†series that the Avetts occasionally put out. It is the band in its most simple form. Let’s face it, the Avett Brothers have become more able than anyone in Americana to write Anthemic ballads. As they have grown, their lineup and live shows have also become bigger. They are in […]
Emily Zuzik – Torch and Trouble
After two Video Premiers most of you should be aware that I am excited about the new Emily Zuzik release “Torch and Troubleâ€. The album id finally releasing after a bit of a pandemic caused delay on Friday, August 28th. Zuzik is an L.A. based singer-songwriter. Her music is a blend of Americana and Rock […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2020, Part 2
FEATURED ALBUM I Was Hurt Today But I’m Alright Now, Robert Vincent (from the self-released In This Town You’re Owned) Robert Vincent has a few things to say. In This Town You’re Owned is an expansive meditation that finds the Liverpool-based songwriter reflecting on religion, war, relationships, and struggles in a way that is both […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2019, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 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. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2019, The EPs
As more and more artists are transitioning from albums to EPs, I thought I’d highlight a few of my faves in that medium. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite EPs of 2019 GOODNIGHT, TEXAS, The Senseless Age JESSE TERRY + ALEX WONG, Kivalina ANTHONY D’AMATO, Five Songs from New Orleans RADICAL […]