Lists. Do they matter? Does anyone care anymore? In this day of Spotify, do we still need people pointing out what to listen to? Or do we need suggestions more than ever because of the volume of releases? I don’t know. All I know is that I find it fun to compile a list of […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Marshall Crenshaw Talks the Perils of Airport Food and Hearing His Songs Played at the Hardware Store
Marshall Crenshaw reflects on his early years – imitating Elvis at the age of four and playing in a band with high schoolers when he was twelve. He also recalls the early years when he played music through the night and delivered newspapers into the morning.
Mike Zito – Keep Coming Back
Mike Zito throws all of himself into his music.  With Keep Coming Back, Zito & The Wheel has taken Zito’s gritty recipe of blues-rock and country and stirred in a bit more country than in his 2013 release, Gone to Texas, and some classic rock to cook up a strong collection of songs. A St. Louis native now […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2015, Boston Edition
This has been a great year for music in Boston and throughout New England. Here, in no particular order, are some favorites 2015 releases from area artists. SESSION AMERICANA, Pack Up the Circus What started as an informal gathering of friends playing primarily cover songs has blossomed into a remarkable musical collective. The group’s latest […]
Monday Morning Video – Marah “Reservation Girl”
Marah, who have a well-earned reputation for incendiary live performances, have reunited their classic line-up to celebrate the reissue of their legendary breakout album Kids in Philly. Only a handful of shows have been scheduled but here’s hoping that the reunion morphs into an on-going revival. Although this song isn’t on Kids in Philly (or […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2015
Another year is winding down, leading us to the moment where we look back at all our favorite releases from 2015. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of the year. #10. (tie) ANDERSON EAST, Delilah The Nashville by way of Alabama singer-songwriter is a welcome new talent whose songs are […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2015, Part 2
Life’s a Bell, Langhorne Slim (from the Dualtone Records release The Spirit Moves) The pride (at least I think) of Langhorne, PA is back with his best album yet. He still has one foot planted in the Americana realm – a banjo plays subtly yet persistently across many of songs here – yet his sound […]
Monday Morning Video – Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats
There’s been, well, a bit of buzz around Nathaniel Rateliff. His recent Boston appearance was initially booked into a small club with a 240-person capacity but was moved to a room that holds more than 1,000. Even then, the show sold out quickly. The buzz is well-deserved as Rateliff and the band put on a […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2015, Part 1
Wonderin’ Where, Joe Ely (from the Rack ‘Em Records release Panhandle Rambler) Joe Ely is a one of the great American musical storytellers. His latest album finds him in a rather reflective mood, casting a thoughtful eye on the characters and landscape of his beloved Texas. Whether he is painting a picture of the lonesome […]