ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: City Lights, by Javier Escovedo Ironically, we finish the year with an album that arrived at the year’s start. The Escovedo name may sound familiar. Brother Alejandro gets most of the attention but City Lights proves Javier to be equally talented. Escovedo is clearly a student of classic rock, filling his […]
Slithering Beast – Midnight Royalty
Raise your hand if you are tired of hearing much buzzed about indie bands being hyped with comparisons to The Band (my hand is raised as high as I can raise it). Darling indie bands such as Fleet Foxes, Dr. Dog and many others, while very good and deserving of credit for their tight harmonies […]
Best Albums of 2008, Mayer’s Picks
#1. MATTHEW RYAN, Matthew Ryan Vs. the Silver State (00:02:59) Whether he’s performing a ballad or a rock song, Ryan’s intelligence and intensity course through this release. (Twangville review, mp3s and video here.) #2. THE HOLD STEADY, Stay Positive (Vagrant) They rock, they roll and then they rock some more. The Hold Steady may very […]
Alternate Routes – A Sucker’s Dream
It is easier to describe the Alternate Routes by what they are not. They are not Rock, Pop or Folk. They are just good. Their eclectic sound will actually work against them but they are too talented to ignore. For some reason in the current music industry we need to pigeon-hole everything. Everywhere else in […]
More of Tom’s Favorites of 2008, a Video Companion
Selected favorites from some of my favorite albums of the year. Also, some superlatives: Best Alternative Album: THE HOLD STEADY, Stay Positive (Vagrant) Best Alt-Country Album: OLD 97S, Blame It On Gravity (New West) Best Emerging Artist: GLOSSARY, The Better Angels of Our Nature (Undertow) Best Country Album: RECKLESS KELLY, Bulletproof (Yep Roc) Best R&B/Soul […]
The British Columbians
Ironically they actually are from British Columbia. So their name may lack a little originality. That is ok because it appears they put all of their originality and creativity into their music. The Blues have influenced Rock & Roll since, well actually forever. However, thanks to bands like White Stripes, Black Keys and Black Mountain […]
Best Albums of 2008, Tom’s Picks
These are my favorite albums of 2008. As always, these only reflect music that I was able to afford or otherwise get my grubby hands on. Regretfully, the lastest from Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Marc Broussard, Ray Lamontagne, Amos Lee, and Butch Walker among dozens of others kept a distance. #1. THE HOLD STEADY, […]
Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs.
Looking for a stocking stuffer for the Country Music fan in your life? Look no further than the remarkable new release from living legend,Charlie Louvin. With Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs (Tompkins Square), Louvin has mixed his own classics with tales from other legendary names to createa document that will shine for […]
A Kickbacks Holiday Treat
Boston’s Kickbacks are a sentimental favorite. For ten years they’ve been serving up some mighty fine Americana. Singer-songwriter Tad Overbaugh has a knack for catchy melodies made all the more satisfying by the band’s harmonies. The band is celebrating the holidays by offering a free five-song ep for download. The ep features songs from Even […]
New Doug Burr – The Shawl
As I mentioned a while back, the excellent Doug Burr from Denton, TX is soon releasing an LP that consists of songs inspired by The Psalms. As high as my expectations are for this disc, I am certain that the disc will exceed those almost unfair expectations. The Shawl (Spune/Velvet Blue) comes out digitally next […]