THE PLAYLIST: Broke My Heart, Tim Easton (from the New West Records release Porcupine) “Love and destruction seem to go together, when you find one the other’s close behind. A broken heart isn’t the worst thing in the world, when you give it justa little piece of time.” Six Fast Bullets, These United States (from […]
Mayer’s Playlist from May 2009, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Spills and Thrills, by John Paul Keith & the One Four Fives Last month we highlighted ex-V-Roy Scott Miller’s latest release, this month it is his former band-mate John Paul Keith’s turn. Keith’s latest is a rockabilly romp, heavy on Southern boogie and down-home fun. The party gets started with the […]
Listen Up: Roman Candle “in the Ear”
Roman Candle is one of those bands that confuse me. I guess it is rock, but it could be pop. Sometimes it is roots, except when it is not. Despite the confusion, there’s no denying that Oh Tall Tree in the Ear is a gem. Though the band has only released three proper albums since […]
Dexateens – Singlewide
In today’s crowded field of twangy-rock bands that aspire to be something greater than a glorified Skynyrd tribute band, all-too few of those bands ever actually break out. Chances are slim that a certain new or little known band will produce something that really sets them apart from being just another southern rock band that […]
Cracker/ Sunrise In The Land of Milk and Honey
I went back and listened to all of my Cracker albums before writing this review. They’re a good band. A fun band. And they definitely put on a good live show. (Well, I actually haven’t seen them in about 10 years, but I saw them 3 or 4 times when I was in college.) Turn […]
Sometymes Why- Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine
Your Heart Is A Glorious Machine is the second record from the trio of beautiful singer songwriters that comprise Sometymes Why. Â I like the title. Â Its an apt fit for this “side” project (each singer also sings for a prominent string band ensemble- Uncle Earl, Crooked Still, and the Mammals). Â The idea behind Sometymes Why […]
Jay Bennett, 1963-2009
Audio Download: Jay Bennett, “The Engines Are Idle” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/11/1/2169351/04%20The%20Engines%20Are%20Idle.mp3] [Source: Rock Proper]
Red Stick Ramblers – My suitcase is Always Packed
The Red Stick Ramblers derive their name from where their hometown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Their music is also derived from the cultural influences of their native region. Baton Rouge is located along a corridor that runs from New Orleans to Houston. Consequently the Red Stick Ramblers deliver an eclectic mix of Zydeco, Country, Bluegrass and […]
Caleb Caudle and the Bayonets- Stay On
This is the first release from Caleb Caudle featuring the Bayonets.  This is evident right from track one.  Whereas Caudle’s debut Red Bank Road , was a mostly acoustic affair of heartfelt classic Americana, Stay On uses more electric guitars and piano to create an almost R&B sound.  Luckily for the band, Caudle’s voice has […]
John Moreland and the Blackgold Band- Endless Oklahoma Sky
John Moreland is from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  The Black Gold Band calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home.  So it isn’t that surprising that the Endless Oklahoma Sky sounds like a piece of heartland Americana rock. What is surprising is that it peels the paint off the wall and makes John Mellencamp sound like Olivia Newton John.  These […]