ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Complicated Game, by James McMurtry Six years. That’s how long it has been since we last heard new music from McMurtry. While he hasn’t been missing during this time – he could always be found on the touring circuit – many of us were anxiously awaiting some new music. Well, that […]
James McMurtry Shares His Rules for Eating While Touring and Building a Career In Music
James McMurtry talks tour van strategies, the difference between Ford and Chevy vans and the sources of artist income, yesterday and today.
Monday Morning Video – Patrick Sweany Rockin’ Some AC/DC
How about starting the week with Patrick Sweany and his band laying down an especially bluesy version of AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” I guess no one told them that they were playing the “acoustic stage.”
JJ Grey & Mofro – Ol’ Glory
Southern swamp funk-blues band JJ Grey & Mofro have a unique sound forged in the backwaters of Florida. Grey, the band’s leader, is well established as a songwriter, and the band’s recordings and live performances are among the most dependably enjoyable in the business. Grey & Mofro’s reputation grew steadily since the band recorded its first […]
Hazy Shade of Winter — A Special Boston Playlist
Here is the latest installment in our periodic series highlighting Boston and New England artists. (View the complete series here.) FEATURED ALBUMS Barnstar! (from the Signature Sounds Records release Sit Down! Get Up! Get Out!) I don’t think that it is possible to listen to Barnstar and not crack a smile. Every performance, even the […]
Matthew Ryan Talks the Economics of Touring, His First Gig and the Value of Having a Gang
Matthew Ryan talks about life on the road and why healthy eating is a priority, when and why he purchases new instruments and gear (and what it costs), plus the friction between being wildly self-conscious and not giving a shit.
Monday Morning Video: Free Energy Broadcast Hope
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2015
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Fear and Saturday Night, by Ryan Bingham Bingham sets the tone for his latest album right out of the gate. “I’ve been carrying my troubles in this pack strapped to my shoulder,” he confesses in the opening “Nobody Knows My Trouble.” What follows are twelve songs that are filled with life […]
Monday Morning Video – A Premiere from Sam Morrow
We’ve got a special treat this week, an exclusive premiere from LA by way of Texas songwriter Sam Morrow. Morrow has been spending time in the studio working on a new album which will be released later this year. He paused long enough to share this special live performance of “14,†a track from last […]
Monday Morning Video – Aimee Mann and Ted Leo
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Watch the video to see what I mean.