Some may know the story of Jesse Malin. The longtime cornerstone of New York’s East Village music scene suffered a traumatic spinal stroke in 2023, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The singer-songwriter, who has long preached “positive mental attitude”, persevered through months of medical treatments and physical therapy with the hope of returning […]
Monday Morning Video – Revisiting Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”
Inspired, or more rather provoked, as a populist response to Irving Berlin’s “America the Beautiful,” Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” has become an American institution in its own right. In celebration of Independence Day, here is a video playlist that includes some engaging covers of the Guthrie classic from the likes of the […]
Readers’ Pick: Somewhere Under Wonderland by Counting Crows
You picked Somewhere Under Wonderland by Counting Crows as your favorite for the week of September 2, 2014. Readers’ Top Picks (last 4 weeks) Swimmin’ Time by Shovels & Rope (11) [8/26] Too Blessed to Be Stressed by Paul Thorn (11) [8/19] Somewhere Under Wonderland by Counting Crows (10) [9/2] Step Back by Johnny Winter […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2012, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Little Victories, by Chris Knight This has been the season for political commentary and focused exploration of the American spirit. Lots of people will attempt to describe it, but few will come as close as Chris Knight. His songs ring out with an unparalleled authenticity, with music as well worn as […]
Monday Morning Video: SXSW 2012
There are literally thousands of performances that take place across Austin during SXSW. Here is a small sampling for your listening and viewing enjoyment. See below for a detailed list of the performances in this video playlist. Tom Morello, “World Wide Rebel Song” from the New West day party Bahamas, “Caught Me Thinking” The Lumineers, […]
SXSW 2012: The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for SXSW. With upwards of 2,200 bands and 19,000 attendees, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, it is one heck of […]
Best of Winter 2008, Tom’s Mixtape
Another winter passes without disappointment. There were some expected solid records like those from Tift Merritt, Gary Louris, Kathleen Edwards and the Drive-by Truckers. Some breaking artists like Liam Finn, The Whigs, Mando Saenz and Justin Townes Earle. Some surprises from Counting Crows, The Black Crowes and Seven Mary Three. And some that simply made […]
Justin Townes Earle + More, Releases 3/25/08
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, The Good Life (Bloodshot) Official Site | MySpace | MP3* [audio:http://www.chimehosting.com/bsr/justintownesearle/private/file_xfer/TheGoodLife/hardlivin.mp3] At times Justin Townes Earle sounds like he’s broadcasting songs from a time long gone. At others he couldn’t be more here and now. As you might already know, he’s the son of legendary singer/songwriter Steve Earle and wears the mark […]