The centerpiece of Brent Best”s most recent solo album (Your Dog, Champ) is a haunting tale of family tragedy, written from the perspective of an eight year old boy. The song had been kicking around for awhile – here”s Best performing it back in 2006.
Bill’s Blues-Based Best – 2015
There’s no way we can claim to track all the new music that comes out in a year. But we’re wired to find what we like. While I certainly enjoy the alt. country artists so popular on Twangville (caught Jason Isbell’s show at the Electric Factory last summer – fantastic!) I tend to write more […]
Monday Morning Video: Girls Guns & Glory cover Hank Williams
There are certain statements that are indisputable. One of those is the profound impact that Hank Williams has had on American music. There’s really no escaping it. From the tortured heartache of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry†to the gospel jubilee of “I Saw the Light†to the unbridled joy of “Jambalaya†he has […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2015
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2015 back in July (here and 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. Get Better, Frank Turner (from the Xtra Mile Records release Positive Songs […]
Monday Morning Video – Chris Stapleton “Parachute”
Stumbled across this great acoustic performance by Chris Stapleton, playing one of the stand-out tracks from his long overdue debut release. The show took place at Musician’s Corner in Nashville, a special venue in a public park that offers free shows by an impressive roster of artists each year.
Todd's Tops of 2015
Lists. Do they matter? Does anyone care anymore? In this day of Spotify, do we still need people pointing out what to listen to? Or do we need suggestions more than ever because of the volume of releases? I don’t know. All I know is that I find it fun to compile a list of […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Marshall Crenshaw Talks the Perils of Airport Food and Hearing His Songs Played at the Hardware Store
Marshall Crenshaw reflects on his early years – imitating Elvis at the age of four and playing in a band with high schoolers when he was twelve. He also recalls the early years when he played music through the night and delivered newspapers into the morning.
Monday Morning Video – Jeffrey Foucault Sings About “That Night in Des Moines”
Jeffrey Foucault played a marvelous show in Boston a few weeks back. The singer-songwriter left the crowd in awe with an inspired set that highlighted songs from Salt As Wolves, his latest release. Foucault excels at painting wistful musical landscapes, as this favorite from the new album attests.
Mike Zito – Keep Coming Back
Mike Zito throws all of himself into his music.  With Keep Coming Back, Zito & The Wheel has taken Zito’s gritty recipe of blues-rock and country and stirred in a bit more country than in his 2013 release, Gone to Texas, and some classic rock to cook up a strong collection of songs. A St. Louis native now […]