Aside from tributes and fund-raisers, the idea of concept albums fell out of favor about the time disco came into vogue. Sometimes though, there’s a theme that runs through a record. It doesn’t necessarily drive what gets put on disk, but it ties the songs in the project together. That’s the case with the sophomore […]
The Ransom Brothers – Resurgence
There’s much to be said for being old enough that something you loved as a kid has become cool again. In this case I’m talking about the multiple lead guitars with fiddle or pedal steel fed by a driving rhythm section that became known as Southern rock. Several new albums heavy on that style have […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022
Roll Away (Like a Stone), Butch Walker (from the Ruby Red Recordings release Butch Walker as… Glenn) Butch Walker’s latest is something of a concept album, but not in the traditional sense. It portrays an artist playing a club show, complete with an emcee introduction, a simulated bar fight, and calls for an encore. Yet […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 2)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. WILLIAM PRINCE A couple of songs at the Yellowstone round wasn’t enough so […]
Americana 2022: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Here are some of my highlights from Americana 2022. CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM Ingram is now in the category of “when you can […]
Justin Toland Of Dirty Streets on Fast Food Value Menus and Their “Beautifully Boring” Rehearsal Space
Vocalist and guitarist Justin Toland of Memphis-based Dirty Streets talks about breaking down in their old tour van and the band’s first gig – where their future drummer was among the handful of people in the crowd.
Glenn Tilbrook on His Touring RV and Quitting His Last Day Job
Renowned singer-songwriter Glenn Tilbrook recalls a time when a show audience lent him a helping hand and shares the first song that he ever wrote (later recorded by Squeeze on their first EP).
Monday Morning Video – Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg is among the artists who released an album in 2021 and is finally able to support it with a tour in 2022. Bragg is about to hit the road through portions of the US and Canada (dates listed below) to showcase songs from The Million Things That Never Happened and, undoubtedly, others from […]
Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys on the Band’s Rehearsal Space and “Woulda’ Coulda’ Shoulda’, but Didn’a”
Drummer Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys talks about a favorite day job from when he was a kid and time spent blasting records at the band’s rehearsal space during the pandemic.
Monday Morning Video – Loamlands
Hat tip to Lee Bains for introducing me to North Carolina’s Loamlands. The band recently toured with Bains, opening the show and then backing Bains for his set. The band, led by singer-songwriter Kym Register, pack their rock and roll with a simmering intensity. Here’s a taste, “What Kind of Love” from their 2016 release […]