It is hard to describe songs that leave you speechless. The breathtaking tracks on “American Kid†mesmerize from beginning to end. This is Patty Griffin’s first album of original material in six years. Since then she has recorded an album of Gospel songs and hymns, “Downtown Churchâ€, and toured with Robert Plant’s Band of Joy. […]
George Glenn Jones (1931-2013)
“I would give anything if I could sing like George Jones. If we could all sound like we wanted to, we’d sound like George Jones.†-Waylon Jennings Growing up in flyover country in the 70’s George Jones represented what I hated so much about country music, particularly with his wife at the time, Tammy Wynette. […]
Monday Morning Video: George Jones
Country music lost a giant late week. George Jones, you’ll be greatly missed. Here’s a collection of four videos — two recorded in his early years and two from his later years — that feature some of his biggest hits.
Deadstring Brothers- Cannery Row
Look. It only took me eleven words to drop in my Exile On Main Street reference. Sorry Kurt Marschke, you ain’t never out running that one. The Deadstring Brothers front man and sole surviving member has had his music compared to the golden era of the glimmer twins for so long he probably thinks “Moves […]
Old Settler’s Music Festival 2013
In the middle of April, a few weeks after the madness of SXSW, one of the more under appreciated events on the Austin music scene happens about 30 miles southwest of town; The Old Settler’s Music Festival. Â Here are some of the highlights from this year’s festivities. Who Was That Band? Festivals like this always […]
Monday Morning Video: Neil Diamond at Fenway Park
It’s been an emotional and frightening week for the greater Boston area. Neil Diamond lent his voice to support the community by flying to Boston for Saturday’s Red Sox game, the first home game since last Monday’s tragedy. Diamond apparently showed up at Fenway unannounced just prior to game time and said “I’m here.” Fenway […]
Caitlin Rose- The Stand-In
Writing this review is difficult for me, and not because my feelings about the album are ambiguous. I almost uniformly adore the record. The difficulty arises in attempting to write about the record. Because, despite my adoration of The Stand-In, I can’t really put my finger on the reason why. Every thought comes across as […]
Lisa Biales – Singing In My Soul
Lisa Biales (pronounced “Be-Alice”) has a uniquely clear voice reminiscent of Patsy Cline, whom she once portrayed in a community theater musical production. That clear, soothing voice of hers is a fresh change from the scorching vocals of many country and blues singers today. The Oxford, Ohio based Biales has independently released seven previous albums […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Other Life, by Shooter Jennings I’ll admit that I haven’t spent much time with Shooter’s previous releases. No real explanation, his music just never made it into my rotation. My bad. His latest is one of the most refreshing country records that I’ve heard in quite some time. Shooter and […]
Kim Richey – Thorn In My Heart
Here’s a question for you.  Who’s the female John Hiatt, or Randy Newman, or Willie Nelson?  All are people who were super well-known in the music business for the quality of their songs long before they hit the public eye.  I’ll be the first to admit that  it’s maybe pointless to discuss the sex of […]