The Minus 5 released their seventh full length album this week. The self-titled album is being referred to as “The Gun Album” due to the handgun pictured on the cover (or is it the gunpowder laden tracks?). Already loaded with talent, guest appearances include Peter Buck, Jeff Tweedy, John Wesley Harding and more. Give the […]
Check out City-State
Every now and then I run into someone I work with living my own dream, to play in a band. This time around its John Mahlinha drummer of DC act, city-state. The band lists The Cure, Interpol, Joy Division, Radiohead, Versus, British Sea Power and Coldplay as influences on their MySpace page. I can’t help […]
Notable Releases: February 7, 2006
I second Tom’s recommendation on the Peter Case Tribute disc. The following releases are also hitting your local and online record stores are worth considering: Will Hoge, The Man Who Killed Love At long last, Will Hoge releases a new studio album. Hoge has been previewing a track a week on his mySpace and PureVolume […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2006
1. A Way to Say Goodbye, Mike Viola (from the album Just Before Dark) An achingly beautiful ballad recorded live in an LA club, with captivating vocals from Inara George. 2. You Made Your Bed, Daddy (from the album Daddy at the Women’s Club) Featuring the mighty Will Kimbrough and partner in crime Tommy Womack, […]
Notable Releases: January 24, 2006
Patty Hurst Shifter, Too Crowded on the Losind End (Evo Recordings) The first of several anticipated releases this quarter, North Carolina’s Patty Hurst Shifter deliver solid rock and roll with a touch of the South. The band delivers some tear-stained ballads but is at its best with in-your-face rockers. (See my earlier preview here.) Cat […]
Notable Releases: January 17, 2006
As the record industry continues its extended holiday for new releases, attention turns to greatest hits collections and re-releases of classic albums. Here are a few notable releases for this week. Daryl Hall & John Oates, Rock ‘N Soul Part 1 (RCA/Legacy) You can love ‘em or you can hate ‘em, but Hall and Oates […]
Best Albums of 2005 (Tom’s Picks)
My Top 10 Albums of 2005 listed in order. 1. Back to Me, Kathleen Edwards An impressive follow-up to 2003’s Failer, for me Back to Me was the album to beat all year. I’ve listened to songs from this album all year long. Her tales of absence and heartache delivered by smokey yet smooth vocals […]
Mayer’s Picks for ’06
Streets of New York, Willie Nile It’s hard to believe that it has been over six years since Willie last released an album. He is an American original, crafting some of the most refreshing rock anthems around. Don’t believe me? Check out the impressive list of others endorsing him on his web site. (Expected release: […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Songs
Here, in no particular order, are my favorite songs from 2005. Washed by the Water, Will Hoge (available for download at Hoge’s web site) In a song as inspiring as it is inspired, Will Hoge leads a gospel revival for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. “Down here we are washed by the water, the […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Albums (pt. 2)
The countdown to the #1 album of 2005 continues… 7. Mr. Hollywood, Jr., 1947, Michael Penn It’s hard to decide which is more impressive, Michael Penn’s intelligent lyrics or his pop music sensibilities. On his first album in five years, Penn leaves little doubt that both are in peak form and that the combination is […]