It’s generally a slow release week, but here are a few highlights: Rhett Miller, The Believer You might know him as the lead singer and songwriter for Old 97’s. This, his second solo outing, mines familiar Old 97’s territory: an acoustic-based mix of pop and alt-country with clever lyrics. Bruce Springsteen, Hammersmith Odeon, Live ’75 […]
Notable Releases: February 21, 2006
Although winter is still upon us, the spring release season kicks off with a bang this week. Check out these great releases, plus a few re-releases. Willie Nile, Streets of New York This is my pick of the week. Its hard to believe that its been over six years since Willie’s last release. It was […]
Check Out Jon Nicholson’s “Stereo”
They say that we all benefit from artists’ pain and sacrifice. Well here’s one tale that proves the point. A few years back, the drummer in Jon Nicholson’s former band broke into the band’s storage locker, stole all the gear and pawned it for cash. Nicholson took the tale and turned into this great track. […]
Check out The Minus 5
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 […]
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 […]
New Releases from Minus 5 & more
We’re back on track this week with a number of exciting releases. I’ll be listening to Minus 5, Marty Stuart, Beth Orton, Shannon McNally and two tribute albums, one for Elliott Smith and the other for Peter Case. My pick of the week: Various Artists A Case for Case: A Tribute to the Songs of […]
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, […]
Album Preview: Will Hoge
With a voice that resembles Elvis Costello and an energy that recalls early Bruce Springsteen, Will Hoge is the artist to watch in 2006. His long-awaited new album, The Man Who Killed Love, is scheduled for release on February 7th. Hoge wears his influences proudly, but always with originality rather than imitation. The title track […]
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 […]