The Mavericks – Mono  More than their previous albums I felt like Mono showcased the band more than the individuals in it.  They”re not breaking any new ground here, but that”s like dinging someone for being the best in the world at something.  This stayed in the disc changer in my car for about 6 […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2015
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2015 back in July (here and here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Get Better, Frank Turner (from the Xtra Mile Records release Positive Songs […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2015
Another year is winding down, leading us to the moment where we look back at all our favorite releases from 2015. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of the year. #10. (tie) ANDERSON EAST, Delilah The Nashville by way of Alabama singer-songwriter is a welcome new talent whose songs are […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH All a Man Should Do, by Lucero There’s something to be said for aging gracefully, especially when you’ve got a well-earned reputation for raucous and whiskey-fueled rock and roll. Memphis-based Lucero demonstrate how to do it right on the 12th album of their nearly 18 year career. Singer-songwriter Nichols has long […]
The Bottle Rockets’ Brian Henneman Talks Ford Econoline Vans and Being Paid to Listen to the Radio
Brian Henneman of the Bottle Rockets reveals the first song that he ever wrote, what he does when he’s not on the road and asks for suggestions on how to eat cheap and healthy on the road.
Readers’ Pick: The Loneliest Man I Ever Met by Kinky Friedman
KINKY FRIEDMAN,The Loneliest Man I Ever Met beats out BOTTLE ROCKETS, South Broadway Athletic Club as your favorite for the week of October 2, 2015. 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 – […]
Readers’ Pick: Best of Summer 2015
BOBBY LONG , Ode to Thinking beats out PUGWASH, Play This Intimately (As If Among Friends) as your favorite for the Summer of 2015. Readers’ Top 25 – Summer 2015 BOBBY LONG, Ode to Thinking (134) PUGWASH, Play This Intimately (As If Among Friends) (78) JASON ISBELL, Something More Than Free (34) THE BLACKBERRY BUSHES STRINGBAND, Three […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 1
GLEN HANSARD Hansard delivered what was easily the best set of the week. He brought a full band, including strings and horns, to showcase songs both new and old. Josh Ritter joined for a couple of choice covers, including songs by Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric Company), Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen. THE BOTTLE ROCKETS At […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON The Death of the Self-Preservation Society, by Two Cow Garage Two Cow Garage have a well-earned reputation as road warriors who put on ferocious live performances. Their shows are always intense, sweaty and raucous, the way rock is meant to be enjoyed. What sets these guys apart, however, is the strength […]
Americana 2013: The Sounds, Part 1
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. PATRICK SWEANY Sweany delivered what was, hands down, my favorite showcase […]