There were so many good albums this year I am breaking my list into two posts. I will start with the best Americana albums. In the next couple of weeks I will post my Best Indie/Rock albums list. Though the latter will be less comprehensive than this one. While picking the best albums was an […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2020
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2020.
BJ Barham on 99 Cent Menus, Turtleneck Sweaters, and Minor Brushes with Catastrophe
American Aquarium’s BJ Barham shares a touring tip to avoid cops and break-ins, reveals the one thing that he has refused to give up, and talks about why it is important to surround yourself with the right people.
American Aquarium – Lamentations
The only good thing about being quarantined from the rest of humanity is seeing some of live via the web shows that so many artists are doing. The ones doing it well are being genuine with their fans. They are sharing personally and bringing a little levity to add some fun to the isolation. BJ […]
Chip’s Top 10 of 2018
1) Brent Cobb – “Providence Canyon” There are a number of young artists carrying the Amercana torch into the future but Cobb is one of the best. 2) Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore – “Downey to Lubbock” This collaboration was at least a decade overdue. These two old friends finally got together and gave […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2018
Another year is winding down, which means that it is time for the ubiquitous best of year lists. Without further ado, here are my picks for the best albums of 2018. #10. KIRBY BROWN, Uncommon Prayer There’s a restlessness that permeates Uncommon Prayer, a point that Brown makes quite clearly in the opening track – […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2018 (So Far), the Songs
Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure. The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone) Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem. Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2018, Part 2
Heartbreak Man, Sam Morrow (from the Forty Below Records release Concrete and Mud) Concrete and Mud is the sound of an artist hitting stride. Sam Morrow’s previous two albums were solid outings but there was a certain restraint, a tentativeness of an artist in the process of finding his voice. One can actually see that […]
Readers’ Pick: American Aquarium – Things Change
You picked Things Change by alt-country band, American Aquarium, as your favorite new release for the week of June 1, 2018. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Winter & Spring 2018 JEFF […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Stay Gold by Butch Walker The opening guitar riff of the lead-off track sets the tone right out of the gate: Butch Walker is ready to rock. His last album, 2015’s Afraid of Ghosts, was a somber and moving reflection on the loss of his father. After the catharsis that came […]