Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. MATTHEW RYAN, Boxers Ryan has never been one to pull his punches so why should we expect […]
Monday Morning Video: Uncle Tupelo
How about some vintage Uncle Tupelo (circa 1994) to start your work week? Why yes, that sounds good.
Chris Batten of Enter Shikari on the Path from Selling CDs (at Woolworths) to Making Them (for Themselves)
UK-based rock quartet Enter Shikari talk about the time that their tour van was impounded by the police and how they found success in the music business.
Monday Morning Video: The Silks
It’s always intriguing to hear two versions of a single song that sound dramatically different. Here’s a great example courtesy of the Silks and their song “Mud Money.” First we’ve got the full band ripping it up live and then singer Tyler-James (accompanied by Jess Powers) picking an acoustic version.
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 2
Tennessee Mud, Trigger Hippy (from the Rounder Records release Trigger Hippy) There seem to be a rash of Americana “super groups” making headlines these days. Lest anyone think that Trigger Hippy is jumping on the bandwagon, consider that they’ve been around since 2009. Singers Joan Osborne and Jackie Greene, along with Black Crowes drummer Steve […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Chasing Beauty, by Ellis Paul Ellis Paul long ago established his credentials as a folk musician. He is an astute observer of the world around him who excels at transforming stories into song. In recent years he has shifted a bit from his folk roots, flexing more of his acoustic pop […]
Johnette Napolitano on Rarely Breaking Strings and the Only Thing That Matters
The Concrete Blonde singer talks tour meals (and the value of “a good, clean egg” in the morning) and time spent working in the film industry.
Monday Morning Video: Social Distortion
Here’s a vintage full-length concert from Social Distortion, captured live at CBGB’s in 1992. ‘Cause sometimes you need to start your week with a snarl.
Jonathan Fox Band – 20 Something Runaway
The subtitle for the new Jonathan Fox Band record, 20 Something Runaway, could easily be “A Young Man And His Guitar”. Â Although he’s recorded solo efforts before and made a choice to put more emphasis on the band this time, the songs are really about Fox and his guitar. Fortunately Fox got a lot of […]