Every now and then I run into someone I work with living my own dream, to play in a band. This time around its John Mahlinha drummer of DC act, city-state. The band lists The Cure, Interpol, Joy Division, Radiohead, Versus, British Sea Power and Coldplay as influences on their MySpace page. I can’t help […]
New Releases from Minus 5 & more
We’re back on track this week with a number of exciting releases. I’ll be listening to Minus 5, Marty Stuart, Beth Orton, Shannon McNally and two tribute albums, one for Elliott Smith and the other for Peter Case. My pick of the week: Various Artists A Case for Case: A Tribute to the Songs of […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2006
1. A Way to Say Goodbye, Mike Viola (from the album Just Before Dark) An achingly beautiful ballad recorded live in an LA club, with captivating vocals from Inara George. 2. You Made Your Bed, Daddy (from the album Daddy at the Women’s Club) Featuring the mighty Will Kimbrough and partner in crime Tommy Womack, […]
Best Alternative Songs of 2005
While my taste in music has gone decidedly Americana, I still consider Alternative the root of my interest in song. That being said, I’m not going to go into detail on why I like these but I did want to list some of my favorite alternative songs from 2005. (listed in no particular order) Playlist […]
Best Albums of 2005 (Tom’s Picks)
My Top 10 Albums of 2005 listed in order. 1. Back to Me, Kathleen Edwards An impressive follow-up to 2003’s Failer, for me Back to Me was the album to beat all year. I’ve listened to songs from this album all year long. Her tales of absence and heartache delivered by smokey yet smooth vocals […]
Mayer’s Picks for ’06
Streets of New York, Willie Nile It’s hard to believe that it has been over six years since Willie last released an album. He is an American original, crafting some of the most refreshing rock anthems around. Don’t believe me? Check out the impressive list of others endorsing him on his web site. (Expected release: […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Songs
Here, in no particular order, are my favorite songs from 2005. Washed by the Water, Will Hoge (available for download at Hoge’s web site) In a song as inspiring as it is inspired, Will Hoge leads a gospel revival for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. “Down here we are washed by the water, the […]
“Fresh” Picks for ’06
“They call me the seeker…” because I search low and high for great music. If your New Year’s resolution is to find that elusive gem — the undiscovered album that you won’t know how you lived without — the Discman’s Top 100 Albums can help. It has plenty of Twang, a little bang, and k.d. […]
Notable Releases: December 20, 2005
Some day (today?) we will call Ryan Adams prolific or perhaps lunatic for the amount of music produced in a single year. How about prolific lunatic? Adams released his third album of this year today going solo this time around. Seems like a strange time of year to release new music but who am I […]
Free Download: Marah, New York is a Christmas Kind of Town
Perhaps the best holiday pop song released this year. This should resonate for anyone who’s been in the Big Apple for the Christmas season. For me, it brings up memories of my family and I in Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall this time of year. — T.O. Marah A Christmas Kind of Town […]