At one point in every musician’s career, he or she has done some D.I.Y. touring. Brett Newski has become a zen master at it. Last year he spent 3.5 months on a planes, trains and automobiles journey around the world – an itinerary that would make even the most hardened traveler wince. Somehow Newski managed […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Poor Man’s Bible by Mike June Mike June doesn’t pull his punches. At all. His latest release is filled with biting commentary about society, politics and religion. He approaches it with a working-man’s perspective, certainly jaded but with a spirit that flirts between combative and cautiously optimistic. “Big corporations too big […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Between the Moon and the Midwest by Austin Lucas Austin Lucas wears his heart on his sleeve. He writes from a personal place, revealing – if not quite reveling in – tales of his adventures in love and music. “I look around and at 35 all I’ve got are songs,” he […]
Lloyd Cole On Why Deadlines are Helpful and How To Survive a Tour Van Breakdown (Hint: Really Good Tequila)
Lloyd Cole talks about splurging on a Michelin 3 star restaurant while touring in France and celebrating his 50th birthday by playing heavy rock songs with his kids (songs like “Back in Black” and “Ace of Spaces”).
Monday Morning Video – A Double Dose of Beach Slang
Beach Slang, a Philadelphia rock band (apparently with some Rhode Island roots), passed through Boston last week and put on one hell of a show. The quartet unleashed a fury of guitars and attitude, much to the crowds delight. The set list was a moving target in the best way. Plenty of band originals, along […]
Shamrock Shakes and Oxycontin – A Special Boston Playlist, Part 2
The musical ground in Boston and New England has been especially fertile this year. We’ve already seen some outstanding releases by artists that run the gamut from long-time favorites to incredibly talented newcomers. To that end, here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series […]
Got You Covered – A Random Spring Playlist
It’s one thing to simply cover another artist’s song; it’s quite another to re-imagine it in a meaningful way. In that vein we’ve been treated to some mighty fine covers this year. Here are a few of my favorites plus a brilliant selection from the archives . Stop in the Name of Love, Bob Woodruff […]
Sam McCormally of Fellow Creatures on Trusting His Gut and a First Song That Has Been “Lost to History”
Fellow Creature’s Sam McCormally confesses to argument over whether Prince or Bruno Mars are cooler and talks about his first gig at a battle of the bands. They placed fourth. Out of four bands.
Monday Morning Video – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”
So much has already been said about Prince and his impact that we thought it best to simply honor his legacy with this vintage performance from the 2004 Rock Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Prince stands on the side of the stage, oft in the shadows, until it’s time for him to take a guitar […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Rangers & Valentines by Trapper Schoepp When was the last time that you heard an infectious song about mononucleosis? I can’t recall either but Trapper Schoepp demonstrates that it can be done. The lead-off track to his latest release crackles with energy, driven by an irresistible pop hook and emboldened by […]