Los Angeles by way of Boston duo Aloud launch the countdown to their new album with a Beatles style rooftop acoustic performance of new single “The Comeback Kid”, the first single. As a bonus, I’ve included the full-on – and rockin’ – studio version of the song. The Comeback Kid by Aloud
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2022, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) Crackdown by GA-20 Two guitars and a set […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2022, the Albums
10. When I Go I Ghost by Cory Branan Branan has never been known to pull his punches and he lives up to that reputation on When I Go I Ghost. From the opening rock blast of “When In Rome, When In Memphis” to the brooding closer “Of Two Minds”, Branan unleashes songs filled with […]
Benedicte Braenden on Teaching Yoga and a Band Named “Negative Creep”
Norwegian singer-songwriter Benedicte Braenden talks about who she doesn’t allow in her rehearsal space and explains how she keeps grounded.
Monday Morning Americana – Session Americana “Roadrunner”
I’ve had several conversations recently about the greatness that is the Boston music scene. So what better way to celebrate it than sharing a cover of a Boston music classic performed by one of Boston’s current finest. Here’s Session Americana’s “big band” take on Jonathan Richman’s “Roadrunner”.
Buffalo Rose – Again, Again, Again
I find myself getting into music ruts sometimes. I listen to records I know I like, and even the new music that comes my way somehow reinforces what’s already in my collection. Then out of the blue something will come along that’s like a breath of fresh air after being trapped inside. Such was the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 3
Let You Down, Bird Streets (from the Sparkle Plenty/Deko Records release Lagoon) John Brodeur – aka Bird Streets – is a master of the power pop craft. To be sure, these aren’t pop songs of the three chord variety. Rather, they have an inspired complexity – accessible yet filled with melodic and lyrical twists along […]
Adeem the Artist on the Ghost of Janis Joplin and Why Songwriting is a Strange Kind of Magic
Adeem the Artist talks about why music beats painting houses and developing the songwriting craft by reading books and watching movies.
Monday Morning Video – Christine McVie
Christine McVie, who passed away last week, was the quiet force behind Fleetwood Mac. McVie wrote or co-wrote many of the band’s most memorable hits. Here are two classic faves, notable for, among other reasons, their iconic McVie opening keyboard riffs. And while we’re at it, let’s listen to the glorious harmonies on McVie’s “Say […]
Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul
One of the best sets I saw at this year’s AmericanaFest was the trio of Brennan Leigh, Kelly Willis, and Melissa Carper. As they told stories of their travels together in between the songs it was clear they were having as much fun off stage as on. That newfound, or perhaps refound, appreciation for touring […]