We’re going to keep with the covers theme this week. The video quality is a bit iffy on this one, but Matt the Electrician’s humor and personality shine on his cover of this Rick Springfield classic. “In a very real way, as well as a metaphysical way, I think Rick is inside each and every […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2016
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH My Way Home by Eli Paperboy Reed They say that what doesn’t kill us just makes us stronger. While not quite that extreme, Brooklyn by way of Boston singer-songwriter Eli Paperboy Reed emerges from the ashes of a major label deal gone bad with a remarkable new album. The slick production […]
A (Brand) Spankin’ New Video from Brett Newski
At one point in every musician’s career, he or she has done some D.I.Y. touring. Brett Newski has become a zen master at it. Last year he spent 3.5 months on a planes, trains and automobiles journey around the world – an itinerary that would make even the most hardened traveler wince. Somehow Newski managed […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Poor Man’s Bible by Mike June Mike June doesn’t pull his punches. At all. His latest release is filled with biting commentary about society, politics and religion. He approaches it with a working-man’s perspective, certainly jaded but with a spirit that flirts between combative and cautiously optimistic. “Big corporations too big […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Between the Moon and the Midwest by Austin Lucas Austin Lucas wears his heart on his sleeve. He writes from a personal place, revealing – if not quite reveling in – tales of his adventures in love and music. “I look around and at 35 all I’ve got are songs,” he […]
Lloyd Cole On Why Deadlines are Helpful and How To Survive a Tour Van Breakdown (Hint: Really Good Tequila)
Lloyd Cole talks about splurging on a Michelin 3 star restaurant while touring in France and celebrating his 50th birthday by playing heavy rock songs with his kids (songs like “Back in Black” and “Ace of Spaces”).
Shamrock Shakes and Oxycontin – A Special Boston Playlist, Part 2
The musical ground in Boston and New England has been especially fertile this year. We’ve already seen some outstanding releases by artists that run the gamut from long-time favorites to incredibly talented newcomers. To that end, here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series […]
Got You Covered – A Random Spring Playlist
It’s one thing to simply cover another artist’s song; it’s quite another to re-imagine it in a meaningful way. In that vein we’ve been treated to some mighty fine covers this year. Here are a few of my favorites plus a brilliant selection from the archives . Stop in the Name of Love, Bob Woodruff […]
Shamrock Shakes and Oxycontin – A Special Boston Playlist, Part 1
The musical ground in Boston and New England has been especially fertile this year. We’ve already seen some outstanding releases by artists that run the gamut from long-time favorites to incredibly talented newcomers, with plenty more undoubtedly to come. To that end, here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Narrows by Grant-Lee Phillips Grant-Lee Phillips is, quite simply, one of the most distinctive voices in American music. His songs conjure up vivid portraits of the American experience, from the fault lines of California to the rural lands of Tennessee. The imagery in his songs, both lyrical and musical, is […]