ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists by Nikki Hill We’re gonna call this the best 2015 album that slipped by me last year. Better late than never, right? Hill’s sophomore release, the aptly titled Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists, hits like a punch in the gut. While her sound is rooted in old-school R&B, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTHS Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, by Sturgill Simpson It’s easy to take pot-shots at what passes for country these days. You know what I’m talking about: the feel-good, truck-drivin’, beer-drinking music makes for great stadium concert sing-alongs. If that’s your scene, then more power to you. Some of you, like me, […]
Mayer's Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Low Highway, by Steve Earle The burden of Steve Earle’s legacy is mighty awesome. Since he emerged in the mid-1980’s he has established — and maintained — an incredible standard with his songwriting. His latest release continues the trend. Earle passed through Boston recently and talked about how this album […]