Another year – heck, another decade – 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 2019. 10. MATTHEW RYAN, The Future Was Beautiful Matthew Ryan somewhat quietly released a pair of EPs in 2019 before […]
Monday Morning Video – Joe Pug “Call It What You Will”
Ok, so it’s not quite December the 3rd, but it’s close enough to share this Joe Pug classic. I CALL TODAY A DISASTERSHE CALLS IT DECEMBER THE THIRDCALL IT WHAT YOU WILLI’M HEARTBROKEN STILLWORDS ARE JUST WORDS
Americana 2019: Mayer’s Picks (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 several days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2019, Part 2
Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) There are certain albums that were meant to be heard on vinyl. While the latest from Todd May isn’t available in that format, one can hear both its inherent warmth and insistent crackle in every song – even when streamed or […]
Readers’ Pick: Joe Pug – The Flood in Color
You picked Joe Pug – The Flood in Color as your favorite new release for the week of July 19, 2019. 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 Summer & Fall 2019 Joe Pug – […]
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 Picks: The Best of 2015 (So Far), the Songs Part 1
For me, at least, this year has been more about songs than albums. Here are just a few of my favorites from the first half of 2015. If Still It Can’t Be Found, Joe Pug (from the Lightning Rod Records release Windfall) A melancholy ode to perseverance and pursuing one’s dreams. Simply magical. Don’t Let […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2015 (So Far), the Albums
Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2015. COMPLICATED GAME by JAMES MCMURTRY As he celebrates the release of his first album in six years, there’s a part of me that wishes that McMurtry was more prolific. Then I remember that it takes time to craft […]
Monday Morning Video – Joe Pug and the Milk Carton Kids Cover Tom Petty
The Newport Folk Festival will soon be upon us. Here’s a flashback to one of last year’s late night shows that featured Joe Pug and the Milk Carton Kids covering Tom Petty’s “Time To Move On.”
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2015, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Windfall, by Joe Pug It has been three years since Joe Pug’s last release, a time that found the singer-songwriter coping with the burn-out that comes from years of continuous touring. Sharing one’s music with audiences around the world may be joyous, but the life can be arduous. In that context, […]