It’s always intriguing to hear two versions of a single song that sound dramatically different. Here’s a great example courtesy of the Silks and their song “Mud Money.” First we’ve got the full band ripping it up live and then singer Tyler-James (accompanied by Jess Powers) picking an acoustic version.
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 2
Tennessee Mud, Trigger Hippy (from the Rounder Records release Trigger Hippy) There seem to be a rash of Americana “super groups” making headlines these days. Lest anyone think that Trigger Hippy is jumping on the bandwagon, consider that they’ve been around since 2009. Singers Joan Osborne and Jackie Greene, along with Black Crowes drummer Steve […]
Brett Newski’s Salute to Holiday Shopping
Here’s a song for your shopping soundtrack courtesy of Milwaukee-based troubadour Brett Newski.
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Chasing Beauty, by Ellis Paul Ellis Paul long ago established his credentials as a folk musician. He is an astute observer of the world around him who excels at transforming stories into song. In recent years he has shifted a bit from his folk roots, flexing more of his acoustic pop […]
Monday Morning Video — Dobie Gray's "Drift Away"
As we begin Thanksgiving week here in the US, here”s a song for which I”m thankful. Thanks for the joy that you”ve given me I want you to know I believe in best online casino your song And rhythm and rhyme and harmony You”ve helped me along Makin” me strong Oh, give me the beat […]
While No One Was Looking: Toasting 20 Years Of Bloodshot Records
Insurgent country. Â Twenty years ago, when Nan Warshaw, Rob Miller, and Eric Babcock founded Bloodshot Records in a spare bedroom to promote the copulation of country and punk music, they chose that name over alternative country or Americana. Â While their choice of nomenclature didn’t have the lasting impact of the other two, it’s a microcosm […]
Eric Bibb – Blues People
Eric Bibb is one of a small number of elite blues musicians of his generation that define contemporary blues music. Along with Keb’ Mo’, Otis Taylor, Guy Davis, Corey Harris, Alvin Youngblood and a handful of others, Bibb has assumed the mantle from the great Mississippi Delta artists of the early 20th century and the post-World […]
Sturgill Simpson/Metamodern Sounds in Country Music; Todd Begins Looking Back on His “Best of 2014”
I had not heard of Sturgill Simpson until attending a Gamecock baseball game this past April. It was a cold day (luckily we had box seats) and I was talking with my friend Ryan, who I had invited along. Ryan and I don’t see each other often, but we’re always emailing and exchanging CDs and […]
Johnette Napolitano on Rarely Breaking Strings and the Only Thing That Matters
The Concrete Blonde singer talks tour meals (and the value of “a good, clean egg” in the morning) and time spent working in the film industry.
Monday Morning Video: Social Distortion
Here’s a vintage full-length concert from Social Distortion, captured live at CBGB’s in 1992. ‘Cause sometimes you need to start your week with a snarl.