I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2024 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2024. Rosemary and Thieves, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Memoriam) Owen’s tale of fractured relationships is […]
Mayer’s Picks, More 2024 Favorites
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2024.
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2024, the Albums
11. Our Time in the Sun by Jeremie Albino Bursting with raw emotion, swaggering grooves, and a touch of grit, Jeremie Albino’s Our Time in the Sun is a joyous revival of classic soul. Albino may sing about “Rolling Down the 405” in California, but one listen and you’ll imagine yourself cruising down Highway 72 […]
Beau Janke of Them Coulee Boys on Touring in “The Breakdown King” and Keeping Perspective
Beau Janke of Madison, Wisconsin’s Them Coulee Boys talks about enjoying regional foods while on tour, the rabbit that invaded the band’s rehearsal space, and working as a printmaker.
Tom’s Tops: 2024
Waxahatchee’s “Tigers Blood” is my favorite album of the year for its raw emotional depth and strikingly beautiful production.
Fancy Hagood on Chase Rice, Cracker Barrel, and Being an Independent Artist
Singer-songwriter Fancy Hagood talks about “yes men” and “no people” in the music industry and names his favorite Nashville rehearsal space.
Readers’ Pick: Best of 2024
It’s the season to ask you, our beloved readers, what your favorite album of 2024 was. To help, we’ve created a poll with over 100 nominations.
Ben Chapman on Guy Clark, Chick-fil-A, and the “Wantcha Back Blues”
Nashville singer-songwriter Ben Chapman talks about the time his tour van was almost stolen, the band he performed with at his first gig, and the business of the music.
CJ Lewandowski of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys on Preventative Maintenance and Oatmeal Cream Pies
CJ Lewandowski, mandolinist and bandleader of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, talks about the ebb and flow of music economics, getting their start as the house band at a Tennessee moonshine distillery, and the time that they had to use a broom handle as the key to their tour bus.
Americana 2024, Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Americana Festival. Do people clap at your job when you mess up? Iron & Wine It was a big hit for me in Texas and […]