When Ryan Montbleau and his ace band entered the studio in 2013, they knew that their decade-long road warrior days were winding down. They channeled that energy, no doubt stretching from sorrow to euphoria, into Growing Light, his ninth release. Recorded in New Orleans with Galactic’s Ben Ellman, the album soaks up that city’s character […]
Victor Wainwright & the WildRoots – Boom Town
Victor Wainwright is relatively new on the national music scene, but his swampy honky tonk piano licks are having an impact in both his solo career and as a member of roots rock, blues and funk “supergroup” Southern Hospitality. Wainwright, who grew up in a musical family in Savannah, Georgia, moved to Daytona Beach, Florida to […]
Short Takes – Three Gems For Summer
There has been a lot of good music cross my desk in the last couple of months, and I’ve finally internalized I’m not going to get to all of it.  Summer’s here, though, and it’s important to have some new music in your player.  So here are some short takes on albums I’m really enjoying, but […]
Say What?! Winter/Spring 2015 Edition, Part 2
One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from Winter and Spring 2015. I went to a college called USC, otherwise known as University of Spoiled Children. I got a scholarship. Tracy Bonham This […]
Readers’ Pick: Sundown Over Ghost Town by Eilen Jewell
EILEN JEWELL, Sundown Over Ghost Town beats out VICTOR WAINWRIGHT & WILDROOTS, Boom Town by 13 votes as your favorite for the week of May 26, 2015. Poll Results Readers’ Top 25 – Spring 2015 THE SIDESHOW TRAGEDY, Capital (50) RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune (22) DWIGHT YOAKAM, Second Hand Heart (21) EILEN […]
Jamie Lin Wilson on Keeping a Journal and Avoiding the”Bright Lights of Fast Food Joints”
The Texas singer-songwriter talks about traveling with children (not her band), playing to a packed room for her first gig and working in the family business while pursuing her musical career.
Monday Morning Video – Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers’ “Banditos”
How about some fiesty rock and roll to start the week? Here’s a classic from Arizona’s Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers. And everybody knows That the world is full of stupid people Well, I got the pistols, so I’ll keep the Pesos Yeah, and that seems fair
Sour Bridges – Sour Bridges
The simple fact is, some bands are better when they’re in the studio and some are better out on a stage.  Ray LaMontagne literally made me squirm at a show given how obviously uncomfortable he was on the stage.  Carrie Rodriguez has never managed to capture the magic of her stage charisma on a record. I […]
Say What?! Winter/Spring 2015 Edition, Part 1
One of my favorite things about seeing live shows (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from Winter and Spring 2015. This song is the single. Because it sold one copy. Pugwash singer Thomas Walsh When you actually sing it, the song […]
Readers’ Pick: Glory Bound by The Grahams
THE GRAHAMS, Glory Bound beats out DARRELL SCOTT, Ten by 8 votes as your favorite for the week of May 19, 2015. Poll Results Readers’ Top 25 – Spring 2015 THE SIDESHOW TRAGEDY, Capital (50) RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune (22) DWIGHT YOAKAM, Second Hand Heart (21) THE GRAHAMS, Glory Bound (16) ALABAMA […]