Frank Turner passed through Boston last week, playing three shows in 24 hours. Turner was spectacular, an artist clearly getting stronger in both his songwriting and live performances. Here are two clips from show #2, a private mid-day acoustic affair at a small Boston club: “Peggy Sang the Blues” and, one of my favorites, “I […]
Music With a Purpose: Grooving Forward, Vol. 1
Musicians have a long tradition of giving. Sure, they give to all of us with the music that they share. Yet they also have a penchant for supporting meaningful causes. Over the next few weeks we will highlight several releases that demonstrate this giving spirit. Grooving Forward, Volume One is the brainchild of Jake Bush […]
Monday Morning Video: Jimmy Ryan’s “John Brown”
This song has quietly become a staple of the Boston music scene. It is no surprise, really, with the song’s achingly beautiful melody and emotionally charged lyrics. Judge for yourself by watching a performance by Ryan and friends from a few years back.
The Trishas – High, Wide and Handsome
More a legend than a band. Â That phrase was first coined a couple of decades ago about a set of 4 guys from West Texas, the Flatlanders. Â But it could apply equally to a group of 4 young women, The Trishas. Â First performing together as a hastily arranged act as part of a tribute to […]
Whispering Pines
It is a digital world, mp3s are our music, the internet provides our news, and we can read on multiple devices. Oh and by the way we are connected wherever we go. Digital communication is the best …. Or is it? Along comes Whispering Pines. They take us to their world of analog recording. The […]
Monday Morning Video: Kevn Kinney
This is a classic song in its own right, made even better by Kinney’s mid-song story-telling. It’s been a long hot year you know….I spent it all out on the road Downtown, chasing a dream…till it came chasing me. But in the end the whole thing turns around…you find some spirit and you find the […]
La Resistance – Philosophy
Sometimes gaining momentum is better than a sprint. Greg Summerlin has passionately pursued his craft for years. As a solo artist his songs have been used in numerous TV shows. He has even owned his own record label. His new band, La Resistance, is an ambitious undertaking evocative of bands like Joy Division and Echo […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2012
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Radiant Land, by Leeroy Stagger British Columbia singer-songwriter Stagger is a bit of a dichotomy. One minute he is singing an uplifting ode to love, the next minute a seething indictment of economic injustice. He reminds one of Steve Earle in many ways, possessing a restless fervor channeled through no bullshit […]
SHEL – SHEL
It’s been my experience that bands who do a Led Zeppelin cover in an album are walking a dangerous line. Â As Yoda says, “do or do not, there is no try”. Â Tackling an interpretation of Plant and Page requires not just sharp musical insight, but a lot of skill to then pull off the execution. […]
Monday Morning Video: Shovels & Rope
Shovels and Rope are one of those bands that everyone should see at least once. Here’s why — two shots of glorious noise from the duo’s latest release.