The Hold Steady are known as a quintessential live band. I never doubted this but until I saw it for myself I never realized how true it is. Since I am currently Sequestered (but not subpoenaed) in Baton Rouge during the weeknights, when I saw that The Hold Steady was playing at a cozy venue […]
Exclusive: Alejandro Escovedo Still Talking
Murry Hammond + More, Releases 8/12
Old 97’s Gruene Hall Murry Hammond Valentine MURRY HAMMOND, I Don’t Know Where I’m Going But I’m On My Way (self) MySpace Already a key player on one of the best albums of the year (Blame It On Gravity) as the bassist for the Old 97’s, Hammond takes a more spiritual route with his solo […]
Exclusive! Alejandro Escovedo Speaks
Isaac Hayes, 1942-2008
We’ve lost another soul legend with the passing of Isaac Hayes today. In his early years Hayes and songwriting partner David Porter were the force behind many Stax soul hits, including several of Sam & Dave’s greatest hits (“Soul Man” and “Hold On I’m Coming” to name just two). Hayes launched a solo career in […]
Carrie Rodriguez – She Aint Me
In this day of specialized labels, specific tastes, and narrow radio play lists, it seems that the number of artists that attempt to break new ground with each CD release is rare. Many artists are practically forced to simply recreate a sound that will keep a fan-base intact and not alienated. There are great acts […]
Your Favorites in 2008… So Far
The residents of Twangville have spoken! Here are some of your favorites from the first half of the year. The Band of Heathens, The Band of Heathens Hayes Carll, Trouble In Mind Drive-By Truckers, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark Justin Townes Earle, The Good Life Kathleen Edwards, Asking for Flowers Elbow, Seldom Seen Kid Eleven Hundred […]
Conor Oberst + More, Releases 8/5
Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band at work and at play while making the new record! CONOR OBERST, self-titled (Merge) Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon) Assembling a group of musician friends known unofficially as The Mystic Valley Band (Nate Walcott, Jason Boesel, Macey Taylor, Nik Freitas, and Taylor Hollingsworth), Conor Oberst spends […]
Tom Waits, Glitter and Doom in Paris
Last week I was lucky enough to catch Tom Waits in Paris. One of the last truly hard tickets out there. Front row seats for the Grand Rex went for a whopping 140 Euros a pop. But because of a cunning ticket selling scheme, where tickets were printed with your name and entrance in the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2008, a Video Companion
More video goodness this month. We kick things off with two of my favorite songs this summer, Little Jackie’s “The World Should Revolve Around Me” and the Hold Steady’s “Sequestered in Memphis.” Keep on moving and you’ll see a special video from Alex Woodard and live performances from Love Pyschedelico, the Baseball Project, Eric Lindell, […]