When you see a title like “Shine on the Highway”, you might think sunshine and happiness. But Ben de La Cour doesn’t write a lot of happy songs – it is, in fact, what makes him such a compelling artist. His catalog is littered with dark and riveting tales that resonate with tension and vivid […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Jan/Feb 2023
Missing Someone, Jaimee Harris (from the Folk N Roll Records/Thirty Tigers release Boomerang Town) Harris’ eagerly awaited sophomore release has arrived – and it’s a beauty. What makes it even compelling is that its beauty isn’t easy. Harris fills her songs with difficult topics and troubled characters, digging into them with a thoughtful perspective. The […]
Monday Morning Video – Parker Twomey
How about kicking off the week with a wonderful new video from Dallas musician Parker Twomey. Back in April 2022, he travelled to the ghost town of Terlingua, Texas to perform “I’d Be Your Man” in an old church. The song appeared on All This Life, his debut solo album released last year.
Monday Morning Video – 11th Street Bar
Part of the fun of moving to a new city is exploring new venues. It’s certainly been that way for me in NYC. One of my fave finds is the 11th St Bar in the East Village. The bar has a storied musical history, counting Ryan Adams and Justin Townes Earle, among others, as patrons […]
Monday Morning Video – Abraham, Martin, and John
Originally recorded by Dion in 1968, this song has taken on a life of its own. Here are some classic performances, courtesy of Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, and Dion.
The Twangville Early 2023 Release Preview
Out of the Heart of Darkness by L.A. Edwards (6 January) L.A. Edwards kick of the year with an often brooding but always engaging song collection. Although the group hails from California, they make a mighty fine heartland rock sound. I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying by Whitehorse (13 January) The Canadian duo of Melissa McClelland […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2022, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2022 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Paranoid Heart, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release The Liar) “Well maybe […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2022, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) Crackdown by GA-20 Two guitars and a set […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2022, the Albums
10. When I Go I Ghost by Cory Branan Branan has never been known to pull his punches and he lives up to that reputation on When I Go I Ghost. From the opening rock blast of “When In Rome, When In Memphis” to the brooding closer “Of Two Minds”, Branan unleashes songs filled with […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 3
Let You Down, Bird Streets (from the Sparkle Plenty/Deko Records release Lagoon) John Brodeur – aka Bird Streets – is a master of the power pop craft. To be sure, these aren’t pop songs of the three chord variety. Rather, they have an inspired complexity – accessible yet filled with melodic and lyrical twists along […]