Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2025.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2025, Part 2
True Believer, Jason Isbell (from the Southeastern Records release Foxes in the Snow) Foxes in the Snow finds Jason Isbell in a raw, reflective space, drawing from the emotional wreckage of heartbreak and the cautious hope of starting over. These songs live in the aftermath—where pain lingers, memories echo, and new love emerges slowly, shaped […]
SXSW 2025: The Sounds, Part 2
BABY SAID I saw sisters Veronica and Jess Pal deliver two blistering sets of rock and roll, sweetened by their catchy pop melodies and perfect sibling harmonies. Even those two times was not enough – here’s hoping they return soon for a proper tour. JOELTON MAYFIELD My favorite Americana discovery was Nashville by way of […]
The Twangville Early 2025 Preview
Astrovan: The Love Song Vignettes by Humbird (10 Jan) Humbird’s slow trickling of singles over the past couple months has us primed for their newest full length. Landing somewhere musically between Bjork and Neil Young, these short tunes showcase Siri Undlin’s sweet vocals. (Todd Mathis) Bloom by Larkin Poe (24 Jan) Megan and Rebecca Lovell […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2022 (So Far), the Songs
Meant to Be, BER & Charlie Oriain (from the self-released And I’m Still Thinking About That) A wonderful discovery at this year’s SXSW… and one of my favorite songs so far this year. But I think you’re the one for someone else And that shit’s hard to say It’s okay, you feel the same and I can […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2022 (So Far), the Albums
Twilights by Jesper Lindell Sweden’s Lindell makes true Americana that channels the spirit of the Band, a point he emphasizes with a great cover of that group’s “Twilight”. It’s Lindell’s own compositions and the arrangements that bring the songs to life, however, that make Twilights such a memorable experience. How Long Will It Take Them […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Feb/Mar 2022, Part 2
Not Ready Yet, Jamie McDell (from the ABC Music release Jamie McDell) I’ve been not so patiently awaiting the latest release from New Zealand’s Jamie McDell. Her 2019 EP was a tremendous introduction to her songwriting talent, especially the pull no punches “Botox” and the raw emotion of “Worst Crime”. Both songs are featured, alongside […]
Americana 2021: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
The Americana Music Association Conference and Awards made a welcome return from the virtual world this year. The annual event showcased several hundred artists who collectively illustrate the breadth of the Americana umbrella. Going back through the schedule to consider the highlights is always a frustrating experience. Not only is it tough to feature just […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2018, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2018 back in July (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. Right On Time, Kevin Gordon (from the Crowville Media release Tilt and Shine) A […]
Newport Folk Fest 2018: New Arrivals
At Newport Folk Fest 2018, the lineup included both established artists and up-and-coming artists. The up-and-comers were particularly compelling this year. Brand new artists, those coming together as a new band, and those with a totally new sound. This year’s committee did a great job of finding acts coming into their own and all of […]