Here’s Mark Erelli performing “Her Town Now”, a fave from his 2020 gem Blindsided. Long time readers know that I love a good kiss-off song. Sure, this one doesn’t go full scorched-earth like those on my kiss-off playlist, but this sly, sarcastic verse more than makes up for it.: A little bad TVWould’ve helped me […]
Readers’ Pick: Robert Randolph – Preacher Kids
You picked Robert Randolph – Preacher Kids as your favorite new release for the week of June 27, 2025.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2025 (So Far), the Songs
Wrong End & Black Snake, Mojave Blues, Balto (from the self-released No Hard Feeling) These two songs represent the scope of Balto’s musical power – the unbridled rock and roll fury of “Black Snake, Mojave Blues” and the powerful emotion of “Wrong End”, the band’s seeming farewell to music: I don’t believe in songs no moreIn the long dead horse […]
BettySoo – If You Never Go Away
As far as I can tell, every musician has a bunch of sad songs in their catalog. If songwriting is cathartic, that makes complete sense because it’s the difficult things in life that need to be worked out, not the happy moments. Austinite BettySoo professes to be the queen of sad songs, going so far […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2025 (So Far), the Albums
No Hard Feeling by Balto Released quietly in late December 2024, Balto’s surprise album opened 2025 on an incredibly powerful note—impassioned, defiant, and beautifully crafted. From the slow-burning heartbreak of “Big City” to the searing catharsis of “Black Snake, Mojave Blues,” the band channels their frustrations and fading faith in music into a collection that’s […]
The Gasoline Lollipops on Tour Van Discussion Topics and Post-Pandemic Economics
Clay Rose and Donny Ambory of Colorado’s Gasoline Lollipops talk about a rehearsal space mishap, playing 3D tetris, and Clay’s inspiration for the first song that he wrote.
Monday Morning Video – John Hartford
There’s something special about a song that strikes such a deep chord with fellow musicians. John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings” is a perfect example. Its gentle folk melody carries words that speak to the quiet heartbreak of all that’s lost when life becomes consumed by work in “tall buildings.” I was introduced to the song […]
Readers’ Pick: James McMurtry – The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy
You picked James McMurtry – The Black Dog & the Wandering Boy as your favorite new release for the week of June 20, 2025.
Brayden Baird and the Once In A Lifetime Band – Lord, why do you do these things to me
If you’re over a certain age one of the memes that sticks with you is Monty Python’s “and now for something completely different.” That’s the thought that crossed my mind when I heard Brooklyn resident Brayden Baird’s new album, Lord, why do you do these things to me. Some of the materials label it as […]
D.K. Harrell – Talkin’ Heavy
Young D.K. Harrell is good. Really good. With a polished guitar sound and soulful vocals, his sound is reminiscent of a Harrell’s idol B.B. King or a young Robert Cray. Born D’Kieran Harrell in Ruston, Louisiana, Harrell says he first heard King when he was a toddler and immediately started singing along. He grew up […]