Songs really don’t come much better than “It’s Alright Just to Beâ€. The acoustic ballad starts with a random encounter between the singer and a drunk man at a bar. As the man’s heartbreaking story emerges, the singer considers the false assumptions he made about the man. A musical pause transitions the song into a […]
Monday Morning Video: Kevin Gordon Goes Back to the Well
There’s something special about hearing songs in their truest form. Kevin Gordon’s recent release of the demos from his 2000 release Down to the Well is a fine case in point. Sure, it’s nice to hear Lucinda Williams adding her voice to the album version of the title track. The original demo, however, bristles with […]
Sean Danger Smith – Space Camp
He calls it “music to think to.” Sean Danger Smith’s music is introspective and interesting. Introspective, these days, with many of us unemployed and shut in at home, might just be where it’s at. I was turned on to Sean Danger Smith by a young friend of mine in Philadelphia. Smith has released a new […]
When the Lawn Gets Dark – a Premiere from Jackson Emmer
You can hear lots of musical touchpoints in Jackson Emmer’s music. There’s the lyrical perceptiveness of Jackson Browne, the melodic air of fellow Colorado artist John Denver, and the occasional flash of wit reminiscent of Todd Snider. It all comes together quite nicely on Alpine Coda, Emmer’s forthcoming new album (arriving 2 Oct). “When the […]
Peter Himmelman on Tour Cooking and Writing in Optimistic Font
Singer-songwriter Peter Himmelman talks about the tortoise and the duck in his rehearsal space and recalls the lesson that he learned at his first gig.
Samantha Crain on Five Iron Frenzy and The Worth of Work
Samantha Crain recalls the drum machine that accompanied her on her first gig and the time that someone put pepper in the tour van radiator.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2020 (So Far), the Songs
No Time for Love Songs, The Mastersons (from the Red House Records release No Time for Love Songs) I love you so much but it’s no time for love songs We’re starting to unravel at the seams Maybe I care too much and this world is hard enough How come everybody’s gotta be so mean? […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2020 (So Far), the Albums
Self Made Man by Larkin Poe Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell take no prisoners on this sonic rock and blues explosion. Self Made Man is a brilliant combination of fierce guitars, impassioned vocals, and rousing anthems. Key Tracks: She’s a Self Made Man, Holy Ghost Fire, Keep Diggin’, Back Down South, Tears of Blue to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2020, Part 4
She’s a Self-Made Man, Larkin Poe (from Tricki-Woo Records Self Made Man) Rebecca & Megan Lovell pull no punches on their latest release. Self Made Man, their follow-up to 2018’s Grammy nominated Venom & Faith is a bruising rock album pure and simple. The sisters are old souls possessed by the spirit of the legendary […]
Broke Down South of Dallas – A Special Playlist
Voices, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Glad You Made It) Joshua Ray Walker sure seems like he’s having fun on Glad You Made It. Sure, the album opens with the stunning “Voices”, a song of loneliness and despair. Yet as the album progresses, Walker leans into the country side and showcases […]