Josh Ritter, ‘The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter’ (Partial CD [source: JoshRitter.com]) “Wise beyond years” is a phrase that comes to mind when listening to Josh Ritter. He seems to have incredible insight into humanity all the while being tremendously adept at making great music. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, his fourth studio recording, […]
Superdrag Needs Your Help
It’s been five years since their last album and a few beyond that since the original line-up played together. Whether playing live or on record the Knoxville, Tennessee-based quartet’s raucous guitars couldn’t mask their infectious pop melodies. This fall the original members — singer/guitarist John Davis, guitarist Brandon Fisher, bassist Tom Pappas, and drummer Don […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2007
THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: It was a tough month for the Album of the Month… in a positive way. I couldn’t decide on a single album so this month we get two! A Year in the Wilderness, by John Doe John Doe may be one of the most under-appreciated songwriters of the day. Musically […]
Justin Trawick Rocks the 9:30 Club
Accompanied by 7 additional musicians, Justin Trawick rocked DC’s 9:30 Club Friday (6/29) night peforming as The Justin Trawick Group. Donning worn Saucony shoes, ripped jeans, tattered tee and a engineer’s cap that’s probably got a story of its own to tell, Trawick led a bouyant band of musicians including such varied instruments as bongos, […]
Rocky Votolato + More, Album Previews
Rocky Votolato, The Brag & Cuss (Full CD) The fifth album from Seattle based Rocky Votolato. Many of the songs were conceived while on the road touring with Lucero and William Elliott Whitmore. This is a solid record though I’d love to see Votolato rock a little harder. I get the sense he’s got it […]
Juliana Hatfield & Frank Smith + More, Album Previews
Juliana Hatfield & Frank Smith, Sittin’ in a Tree (Full CD) Unfortunately Sittin’ in a Tree is only an EP, but I love the sweet buttery sound of Juliana Hatfield layered on top of formerly Boston, now Austin-based alt-country outfit Frank Smith. Check out EP track “A Beer and a Shot”. Even better, be sure […]
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club & More, Album Previews
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, Baby 81 (RCA) Now this is my kinda week! Make a note of it, the first week of May 2007 brought guitars in full effect. Leading the pack we’ve got Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Dinosaur Jr. (oh yeeah, they’re back!), Patty Hurst Shifter and even Miranda Lambert can rock it when […]
Patti Smith & More, Album Previews
PATTI SMITH, Twelve (Sony) I’m not really quite sure what to think of Patti Smith’s eleventh full length album titled, Twelve. On the one hand, its just another long time rocker making an album of other people’s hits. On the other hand, its Patti Smith and she rocks. Regardless, she was recently inducted into the […]
Joseph Arthur & More, Album Previews
Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts, Let’s Just Be (Lonely Astronaut) Recored over a three week period concluding their Fall 2006 tour, this is the first of two albums expected this year paring down the 80 or so tracks captured during these sessions. File under: alternative, indie, rock. WORTH MENTION: Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero […]
Bright Eyes & More, Album Previews
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga (Saddle Creek) Under normal circumstances, Connor Oberst aka Bright Eyes is the kind of guy I want to chaperone to the gym. Aside from his tender heart, his music is generally hit or miss for me. For many others (including one of my all time favorites, Michael Stipe), he is highly revered. […]