I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2022 back in July (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. Paranoid Heart, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release The Liar) “Well maybe […]
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 […]
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”.
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 […]
Dallas Got a Soft Machine – a Special Playlist
It’s been a while since I made a playlist featuring Dallas artist releases so I’ve got some catching up to do… This playlist is a mix of songs from albums released in 2021 and 2022. Panhandle Wind, Isaac Hoskins (from the self-released Bender) Denton’s Isaac Hoskins rode out Covid – no pun intended – working […]
Glen Phillips On Rush, a Band Called Destiny, and Building a Community Through Livestreams
Glen Phillips talks about the time someone threw a milk carton at him while he was performing and why he doesn’t get any food backstage while on solo tours.
Monday Morning Video – Andy Frasco and the U.N.
Andy Frasco and the U.N. brought a party to Brooklyn this past weekend. And what a party it was – I don’t think it was possible to walk out of the venue after the show without a big ol’ smile on one’s face. Frasco and company interspersed fun covers (ranging from TLC to Nirvana to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 2
Breaking Slow, Anthony D’Amato (from the Blue Rose Music release At First There Was Nothing) Anthony D’Amato is on a creative tear. Fresh from the this summer’s debut of Fantastic Cat, the songwriter collective of which he is a founding member, D’Amato has released an album that ranks among the finest of his on-going career. […]
“Forget” – a Premiere from The Half Guided Hearts
There’s something special about a melancholy pop song. Sure, a happy song now and then never hurt anyone. But the real emotions – and the power of music – emerge when things aren’t so great. Which brings us to “Forget”, the latest single from The Half Guided Hearts. Anchored by singer Raquelle Langlinais and guitarist […]