Musician, songwriter, and actor John Doe talks about giving away his tour van and finding coffee, cigarettes, and beer on the road.
Socially Single – A Special Twangville Playlist
It is times like these where we most need artists. And they are rising to the occasion. Many a music fan has watched some of the flood of online streaming shows that have – and continue – to occur. While these events are a crucial source of income to artists in an era where most […]
SXSW 2018 – The Sounds, Part 3
TERRA LIGHTFOOT If there was one artist on my “do not miss” list this year it was Terra Lightfoot. I first saw her at SXSW a few years back and she just keeps getting better and better. The combination of her voice, songs and guitar playing makes for a potent rock and roll cocktail. JAIMEE […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Cold Snap by Anthony D’Amato Singer-songwriter Anthony D’Amato stretches out on his latest release, his second for New West Records. An acoustic guitar may still be his instrument of choice but the arrangements are robust and more orchestrated, reminiscent of Josh Ritter’s more recent work. Cold Snap was recorded in Omaha, […]
SXSW 2016 – The Sounds, Part 3
And yet more favorites from SXSW 2016… Matthew Logan Vasquez It may have been just past noon, but the Delta Spirit front-man came to rock. Vasquez prowled around the stage while he and What Made Milwaukee Famous guitarist Michael Kingcaid traded some snarling guitar solos. His set leaned heavily on songs from Solicitor Returns, his […]
Hey Baby, It’s the 4th of July (Dave Alvin & X)
Let’s celebrate the fourth of July with one of my favorite songs. Originally written by Dave Alvin, it was popularized by the punk band X on their 1987 album See How We Are. Here are two versions of the song. The first is Dave Alvin performing the song with his band the Guilty Ones. The […]
SXSW 2014 — The Sounds, Part 1
THE HOLD STEADY While I may not be as crazy as my friend who chased the band around Austin for the band’s 7 planned shows, I wasn’t going to pass up a chance to see the Brooklyn rockers celebrate their first album in 4 years. I accompanied said friend to the front of the stage […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2012, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Everything’s Up For Grabs, by Christian McNeill and Sea Monsters It has been ten years since Christian McNeill’s last studio release, but it’s not as if he has been absent from the music scene. He has continued to write and perform around Boston, ultimately joining up with a talented crew of […]
Monday Morning Video: John Doe (with Jon Dee Graham)
Here’s a lost classic that remains one of my favorite songs. Doe and his band (look closely to see Jon Dee Graham on guitar) let loose a furious romp that punctuates Doe’s social commentary. Some people say they like to hear me talk ’cause I tell ’em what’s wrong. I don’t see much more than […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Old Mad Joy, by The Gourds The Gourds latest is a bit deceiving. The band has built a reputation as a bluegrass and backporch country band, but things aren’t always what they seem. The album open as one would expect. “I Want You So Bad” is built around an accordion and […]