Aside from tributes and fund-raisers, the idea of concept albums fell out of favor about the time disco came into vogue. Sometimes though, there’s a theme that runs through a record. It doesn’t necessarily drive what gets put on disk, but it ties the songs in the project together. That’s the case with the sophomore […]
The Ransom Brothers – Resurgence
There’s much to be said for being old enough that something you loved as a kid has become cool again. In this case I’m talking about the multiple lead guitars with fiddle or pedal steel fed by a driving rhythm section that became known as Southern rock. Several new albums heavy on that style have […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2022 (So Far), the Songs
Meant to Be, BER & Charlie Oriain (from the self-released And I’m Still Thinking About That) A wonderful discovery at this year’s SXSW… and one of my favorite songs so far this year. But I think you’re the one for someone else And that shit’s hard to say It’s okay, you feel the same and I can […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2022
Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions) Oklahoma’s Wood Willow – the duo of Becca Herrod and Joel Parks – introduce themselves in fine fashion with Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions). Their debut’s ten tracks shift effortlessly between between sweet (“You’ve Got Me”, “Birds”) and brooding (“On With the […]
Zach Willdee – Heart That Ain’t Tame
The paths and circumstances leading a musician to record their first album are as varied as life itself. Frequently, they work years so they’re prepared to take full advantage of whatever break presents itself. There’s also a contingent that gets there through sheer perseverance and gutting it out. The debut record from Nashville artist Zach […]
Drew Cooper Song Premiere – Whiskey And Smoke
There’s a transparency that comes with growing up in a town in the Midwest. First of all, everyone knows you. Or your mama. Second, you have to have a certain amount of self-awareness and honesty about yourself. When a simple trip to the mailbox in winter can be death-defying, miscalculations can carry a heavy price. […]
Hank Erwin Video Premiere – Sally
Last fall I wrote about the new album from Hank Erwin, Copper. Generally speaking, the record is full of Southern rock ballads and outlaw country tales, many of them at least partially autobiographical. If you’re going to just sample a couple of songs, you can’t go wrong with Altana or Hell Or Harlan, both with […]
Shawn’s Picks – 2021 Favorite Albums
For the second time in a row we’ve finished a year like no other. On the plus side, all that time at home seems to have upped everyone’s songwriting skills. I can’t remember the last time my first pass at the annual favorites list was so long. The first couple of picks were relatively easy. […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2021, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2021 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. What’s The Matter/Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2021, the Albums
10. Obviously by Lake Street Dive Glorious smooth and silken pop, a mix of songs earnest and spirited – Obviously is another gem from Lake Street Dive. Key Tracks: Hypotheticals, Hush Money, Same Old News, Nobody’s Stopping You Now, Anymore 9. Vessel by The Accidentals Sav Buist and Katie Larson shift away from their folk […]