You picked Counterfeit Blues by Corb Lund as your favorite for the week of Jul 1, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) Counterfeit Blues by Corb Lund (82) Remedy by Old Crow Medicine Show (13) MARY GAUTHIER, Trouble & Love (11) Heal by Strand of Oaks (10) JACK WHITE, Lazaretto (10) Good Luck Charm […]
Monday Morning Video: Locals Covering Locals ’round Boston
Our friends at Red Line Roots spearheaded a really cool project this past spring. With support from the Club Passim Iguana Fund, they invited a plethora of local artists to cover one another’s songs. Locals Covering Locals, the resulting collection, is now available for download. Even better, you can get it for free here. I […]
Celebrate the 4th with the Blasters
I usually like to celebrate the 4th of July by posting Dave Alvin’s “4th of July” but this year I’m going to break with tradition. Well, at least a bit. Dave and his brother Phil founded legendary rock band the Blasters nearly thirty-five years ago. The group was born from — and brought life to […]
Madisons – You Can Take Your Sorry Ass Back To West Texas!
If there is such a musical genre as Americana Noir, the Austin-based Madisons may be one of the leading disciples.  Front man, and sole songwriter for the band, Dominic Solis has imbued their second album, You Can Take Your Sorry Ass Back To West Texas! with a darkness that is equal parts fear and curiosity.  Solis’ […]
Twang in South Carolina
Although we twangers are located all across this great United States of America, and while Boston often gets a little more recognition on this blog thanks to the tireless efforts of Mayer, little ole’ me takes up residence in the capital city of South Carolina. Being a college town, we get our share of young […]
Readers’ Pick: Heal by Strand of Oaks
You picked Heal by Strand of Oaks as your favorite for the week of Jun 24, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) DAVE & PHIL ALVIN, Common Ground (12) MARY GAUTHIER, Trouble & Love (11) Heal by Strand of Oaks (10) JACK WHITE, Lazaretto (10) Good Luck Charm by The Mastersons (8) Favorite Waitress […]
Monday Morning Video: Patrick Sweany Rocks the House
We in Boston have been spoiled with the plethora of great shows that have come to town this month. Among the latest to hit town was Patrick Sweany. The Nashville-based singer-guitarist is a force of nature, serving up an incredible blend of rock, soul and blues. This video, although not from the Boston show, provides […]
Billy Joe Shaver – Long in the Tooth
Billy Joe Shaver is back at 74 with his first album in seven years. Shaver reportedly feels that “Long in the Tooth†is his best album. It is a tall claim considering his voluminous discography, but it is definitely in the upper echelon. Since his last album, Shaver has shown he is not ready to […]
Classic African American Songsters from Smithsonian Folkways
It’s often said that those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. Â The implication is this is a bad thing. Â It may be in many settings, but in music it’s more the case that those who know history love to repeat it. Â Shortly after World War II there was a concerted effort to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2014, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Trouble, by The Howlin’ Brothers The Nashville-based Howlin’ Brothers expand their musical palette with their latest release. Sure, it has plenty of the traditional bluegrass upon which they’ve established their reputation. The unexpected treat, however, are the shades of reggae and pop that make an appearance. They kick things off in […]