ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Queen of the Minor Key, by Eilen Jewell It is perhaps fitting that Dave Alvin and Eilen Jewell have just released new albums. Both are flagbearers of American roots music, adept at a wide array of styles but imbuing everything that they do with integrity and authenticity. Jewell is often compares […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2011, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Eleven Eleven, by Dave Alvin It’s hard to believe that this Alvin’s first full album of new songs since 2004’s Ashgrove. Not that he hasn’t been active; Alvin has put out a series of live albums that showcase gems from his songbook with a variety of musicians and arrangements. I, however, […]
Really Rockin’ in Boston: A Special Playlist
Here’s the latest installment of my playlist series highlighting the latest and greatest in New England music. Zero, Sea Monsters (from the Q-Dee Records single Zero b/w Don’t Make Me Wait) It’s about time that we let you in on a little Boston secret. They’re called the Sea Monsters and for over three years they’ve […]
Mayer’s Playlist from May 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive, by Steve Earle Steve Earle could perhaps be America’s most honest songwriter. When one listens to his albums there is never a doubt what he is thinking. Whether railing against George W. Bush (“Little Emperor”) or pledging his love (“Every Part of Me”) […]
Monday Morning Video: Session Americana and Kris Delmhorst
Boston legends The Cars recently reunited and released Move Like This, their first album of new music since 1987. Missing from the line-up is bassist Ben Orr, who passed away from cancer in 2000. Orr sang best online casino one of the band”s biggest hits, the ballad “Drive.” This tender take on that classic hit […]
Shoulda Been Huge: A Special Playlist
I’m sure that everyone can name a band or two that shoulda been huge. Someone with tremendous talent, for sure, but who got side-swiped by the recording industry or for some other reason never achieved the recognition that their talent deserved. Here are a few on my list. The bridge between classic 1950’s rock and […]
Monday Morning Video: Mar/Apr 2011 Playlist
How about some videos to accompany the recent March/April 2011 Playlist? Lots of goodness from Mike Errico, Jason Isbell, Jill Sobule & John Doe, The Damnwells, Ha Ha Tonka, Jeremy Messersmith, The Trews, Black Joe Lewis, Ted Russell Camp, The Biters, Andy Clockwise and Fences. Whew. The videos are below and the written playlist can […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Mar/April 2011, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Wander Away, by Mike Errico I can think of less than a handful of times where I have seen an artist silence a room with a song. One of the most impressive was watching Errico, armed with just his guitar, silence a rowdy New York audience with just a single song. […]
Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
Let’s get this much out of the way: Everyone’s right about the new Fleet Foxes album, Helplessness Blues (Sub Pop). It’s astonishing. Sorry. It’s a safe bet that many out there were hoping the gentle, bearded, harmonizing folkies form the Northwest would fall flat on their nature loving faces. But, alas, they stand triumphantly, even […]
SXSW 2011: The Video Companion
I got a bit carried away with the videos, compiling 26 great videos captured live at SXSW. Not surprisingly, we kick things off with the performance that introduced me to Maxim Ludwig & the Santa Fe Seven. From there, a three-fer from Alejandro Escovedo’s special Sunday night gig at the legendary Continental Club. We’ve got […]