Dave Grohl’s documentary on fabled California recording studio Sound City has been garnering a lot of attention lately. One of the classic albums that can trace some of its history to Sound City is Fleetwood Mac’s classic Rumours. Rumours remains one of the biggest selling albums of all time. It is perhaps not a surprise […]
Wayne Hancock – Ride
“Ride”, the new release from Wayne Hancock, exhibits a little less of his customary Juke Joint Jive. Hank Williams style lonesome Blues is more prevalent on the album. However, Hancock still knows how to swing. Since we last heard him on 2009’s “Viper of Melody”, Hancock has gone through a divorce and sobered up. In […]
Monday Morning Video: When Ian Hunter is President
At 73, Ian Hunter is still putting out rock and roll that should be the model — if not the envy — of songwriters a fraction of his age. In celebration of President’s Day, here’s the title track from Hunter’s fine 2012 release, “When I’m President.” Says Hunter about the song, “really all it is […]
Wood & Wire – Wood & Wire
Here it is Friday afternoon before a long weekend for most, and spring break for many (or Ski Week, as it’s called here on the left coast). Â For lots of people that means a road trip of some kind, and I can’t think of anything better for a long drive than some bluegrass. Â Fortunately the […]
James Montgomery Band – From Detroit to the Delta
Veteran blues rocker James Montgomery has put together a varied, solid collection of songs on From Detroit to the Delta.  As the album title implies, the collection ranges in styles from uptown to urban to a Delta crossroads. Originally from Detroit but based in Boston, harmonica player and singer Montgomery has been a presence on the blues […]
Monday Morning Video: True Believers
Let the guitars ring out, the True Believers have reunited! Back in the mid-1980’s, the legendary Austin band scorched a blazing trail as they criss-crossed the country with their three guitar attack. A solid debut album was released. A follow-up album was recorded but was lost for years in record company limbo. The frustrations mounted […]
Reed Turner – Ghosts In the Attic
I do love me a good murder ballad sometimes. Â Cocaine Blues, popularized by Johnny Cash and later George Thorogood, is maybe my favorite. Â I’m pretty enamored now, though, with a cut off the new Reed Turner release, Ghosts In the Attic. Â The song, Killed That Girl (‘Cause She Was Killing Me) has just the right […]
Monday Morning Video: Kingsley Flood
Along with the download that I posted in my January playlist last week, the fine folks from Kingsley Flood shared this video of the song “Strongman” from their recent cd release party in Washington D.C. If nothing else, watch at the 2:00 minute mark as drummer Travis Richter attempts to atomize his drums. Now THIS […]
Bill Mallonee – Amber Waves
Bill Mallonee’s 50th release (that is not a typo by the way) is one of his most impassioned. I realize that is a bold statement when the referenced artist has such a large body of work. The lyrics on “Amber Waves” are full of pain and loss. However, there is an underlying hope in these […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2013
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Battles, by Kingsley Flood Battles is the sound of a band hitting stride. Kingsley Flood have always delivered rock solid songs and performances. Their latest release, however, packages their most potent songwriting to date with some equally powerful arrangements. There’s a real edge to the songs across this release. The title […]