Album of the Year: Noah Gundersen, Ledges My pick for album of the year is Noah Gundersen’s Ledges. The up and coming singer-songwriter from Seattle, nails it with Ledges. It’s a family affair as his sister, Abby, joins in on vocals including album opener “Poor Man’s Son” which simply stops time as it blends effortlessly into […]
Shawn’s Top 10 Live Sets Of 2014
I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with a tradition of supporting live music. Â It’s not Austin or Nashville, but Santa Cruz holds its own when it comes to getting some great Americana tour stops. Â I’m also lucky enough to be able to travel to some music festivals every year. Â So while I don’t […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2014
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2014. And the War CameShakey Graves The Shipwreck From the ShoreAnthony D’Amato HealStrand of Oaks Parker MillsapParker Millsap All or Nothin’Nikki Lane Common Ground: Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin Play and Sing the Songs of Big Bill BroonzyDave Alvin and Phil Alvin Eli Paperboy […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. MATTHEW RYAN, Boxers Ryan has never been one to pull his punches so why should we expect […]
Sun Kil Moon/Benji; Todd Begins Looking Back on His “Best of 2014”
From the opening lines of “Carissaâ€, you realize this isn’t a happy go lucky listen. Not that Sun Kil Moon ever is. Even when covering Modest Mouse, it’s pretty slow going and dark. But this album is 11 originals that stick in the gut like…hell, I don’t know. It’s just powerful stuff. The storytelling is […]
Readers’ Pick: Best Album of 2014 Nominations
We’re going to try something different this year with our Readers’ Pick. Last year, I started the list with the best of our Reader’s Pick polls for each week. This year, we’ll start from zero and build the list from there. The rules: You get one nomination. So use discretion and pick the best. If you […]
Sturgill Simpson/Metamodern Sounds in Country Music; Todd Begins Looking Back on His “Best of 2014”
I had not heard of Sturgill Simpson until attending a Gamecock baseball game this past April. It was a cold day (luckily we had box seats) and I was talking with my friend Ryan, who I had invited along. Ryan and I don’t see each other often, but we’re always emailing and exchanging CDs and […]
Americana 2014, The Sounds, Part 3
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are my highlights among the many live performances I saw […]
Americana 2014: 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 THE AWARDS SHOW If it wasn’t for that guy we’d be doing this at a burnt out Kmart. Jason Isbell acknowledging that the awards show was being […]
Americana 2014: The Sounds, Part 2
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. MATTHEW RYAN This was, hands-down, the highlight of the week for […]