It’s been a rough couple of weeks in the world of the music. The passing of Robbie Robertson, Sixto Rodriguez, and Sinead O’Connor have taken from us three artists who, each in their own way, made an indelible mark on audiences around the world. Here is a brief video playlist that features just small pieces […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2023 (So Far), the Songs
Suicide of Town, Ben de la Cour (from the Julian Records release Sweet Anhedonia) Amidst an album of dark and sobering ballads, de la Cour proves that he can rock with the best of ‘em. Simple Things, The Band of Heathens (from the BOH Records release Simple Things) Getting by on simple things, letting go […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2023 (So Far), the Albums
Stand in the Joy by William Prince Stand in the Joy is the kind of album that you can get lost in – Prince’s voice and songs are as soothing as they are poignant. Best listened to with your eyes closed. Sweet Anhedonia by Ben de la Cour Sweet Anhedonia is richly textured and darkly […]
Monday Morning Video – Tina Turner
We lost another legend with the passing of Tina Turner last week. Turner didn’t just sing songs, she owned them. Need proof?
Monday Morning Video – Roanoke
Another of my favorite SXSW discoveries this year was the band Roanoke. “If You’re Gonna Leave” – from 2022’s Wolf Motel is a particular favorite. If you’ve seen it, tell me that this shouldn’t have been the theme song of the Amazon series “Daisy Jones and the Six”.
Monday Morning Video – Annie Hamilton
Annie Hamilton was one of my favorite discoveries at this year’s SXSW. As this song illustrates, the melodic intensity of her music is captivating.
SXSW 2023 – Say What?!
One of my favorite things about SXSW (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from SXSW 2023. THE SXSW EXPERIENCE Feel that joy in the air? I’m about to fuck that up. Jon Dee Graham How about some water. That’s not water. Cian Godfrey of […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 4
SIR WOMAN Sir Woman celebrated their 2023 Austin Music Awards Band of the Year award by, well, playing all over town. I caught their last set – on Sunday afternoon – where singer-songwriter Kelsey Wilson led the group, including featured vocalists Spice and Roy Jr., through a wonderous and soulful performance. GOODNIGHT TEXAS Another band […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 3
ROANOKE Another on my short list of new to me artists for me this year was Roanoke. They bore more than a passing resemblance to the fictional Daisy Jones and the Six in both song and spirit. A good thing in my book. JAKE BLOUNT Jake Blount is a true student of American music. So […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 2
ANNIE HAMILTON A favorite new artist discovery for me – great pop songs wrapped in an indie rock package, delivered by one of the most captivating performers that I saw all week. WILLIAM PRINCE I caught Canada’s Prince two times within twelve hours, first closing out the Canada House line-up at 1am on Wednesday night […]