I’m in the mood to start the week with some good ol’ rock and roll. And who better to Rockpile, part of the English pub rock movement of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Rockpile – Dave Edmunds (vocals, guitar), Nick Lowe (vocals, bass guitar), Billy Bremner (vocals, guitar) and Terry Williams (drums) – only […]
Barbed Wire Kisses – a Premiere from Michelle Malone
Holy Ghost Blues – a Premiere from Silas Nello
“Holy Ghost Blues”, the lead single from Silas Nello’s forthcoming From West Hollywood EP is a bit of a paradox. The song originally appeared on his 2018 debut full-length album, recorded in Dallas where he was living at the time. That version had a decidedly LA flair with its Sunset Strip swagger and snarl. Nello […]
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Playlist
Enough, Alisa Amador (from the Thirty Tigers release Multitudes) If I’m honest, I’m really skeptical about music competitions. Call me idealist, but I think the music industry is tough enough already and pitting artists against one another is counterproductive. That said, watching Alisa Amador win the NPR Tiny Desk Contest is somewhat reassuring. It’s wonderful […]
Blake Christiana of Yarn on Soundcheck Rehearsals and the “Drinkin’ Blues”
Singer-songwriter Blake Christiana of rock band Yarn talks about the demise of several band tour vans and the band’s “all you can drink” first gigs in New York City.
Monday Morning Video – John Mayall, 1933-2024
John Mayall, OBE, died last week at 90. Often called the “Godfather of British blues,” Mayall was so much more than just a pioneer of British blues. By introducing a generation of rock fans to the blues, he arguably had a hand in saving blues as a viable commercial music form at a time in the […]
American Aquarium – Fear of Standing Still
By the time most bands have released a dozen or so albums, they are past their prime. They may still be releasing solid material, but the zenith is clearly in the rear view. Thankfully American Aquarium isn’t most bands. BJ Barham’s band is scarred, and road worn for sure. Lineups have changed and morphed over […]
Exene Cervenka of X on Quiet(ish) Rehearsals and the First Song That She Wrote
Exene Cervenka of legendary punk band X talks about the many day jobs that she’s had and what motivated her and her bandmates over the years.
Cody Dickinson on Stealing His Brother’s Guitar Strings and Avoiding Tour Buses
Cody Dickinson talks about his home studio in Mississippi, winning his kindergarten talent show, and why he memorizes music rather than using charts.
Monday Morning Video – Tom Waits
Let’s kick off the week with one of the greats singing one of the greats: Tom Waits performing “Ol’ 55”.