I got a bit carried away with the videos, compiling 26 great videos captured live at SXSW. Not surprisingly, we kick things off with the performance that introduced me to Maxim Ludwig & the Santa Fe Seven. From there, a three-fer from Alejandro Escovedo’s special Sunday night gig at the legendary Continental Club. We’ve got […]
SXSW 2011: The Sounds, Part 2
Kasey Anderson & the Honkies Music is often about improvisation. In this case, however, it wasn’t the type of improvisation that one would expect. When the bass drum kept slipping across the cement floor, the band grabbed a keg to hold it in place. When that didn’t work, Anderson took a seat on the keg […]
SXSW 2011: The Scene, Part 1
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 2,000 bands and 13,000 attendees, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, it is one heck of […]
Monday Morning Video: Jon Dee Graham is “Beautifully Broken”
In honor of this week’s SXSW Music Conference, here is John Dee Graham performing “Beautifully Broken.” No trip to Austin is complete without catching a set by the Bard of Austin. If you like what you hear, Graham is offering a full live album (recorded at Austin’s Saxon Pub) as a pay-what-you-like download. Check it […]
Mayer’s Playlist from January 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Heart of a Dog, by Kasey Anderson and the Honkies If last year’s Nowhere Nights stood out for the down-tempo songs, this time it’s all about the rockers. “Kasey Anderson’s Dream” and “Revisionist History Blues” are driven by heavy classic blues rock guitar riffs while “My Baby’s a Wrecking Ball” and […]
Listen Up: Joey’s Song
I’ve always taken a mixed view of benefit compilations. Yet there’s something special about this one. On first listen I was immediately struck by the consistent feel of the song selection. Every track is heartfelt and uplifting, undoubtedly reflecting the spirit of Joey Gomoll, the young boy who inspired this collection. Among my favorite tracks […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2010, Pt. 1
Not So Sure and How Good You Are, Joe Pug (from the Lightning Rod Records release Messenger) Quite simply, I couldn’t decide which of these songs I liked better so called it a draw. Both are shining examples of Pug’s songwriting prowess: thoughtful lyrics, engaging melodies and a captivating performance. Down in the Bowery, Alejandro […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Street Songs of Love, by Alejandro Escovedo Alejandro Escovedo is living proof that some things just get better with age. Street Songs of Love rocks with abandon and rolls with purpose. “Anchor†is a fitting opener, electric guitars kicks off a rocker that, although mid-tempo, still packs a forceful punch. “If […]
SXSW 2010: The Sounds, Part 2
Jon Dee Graham My SXSW show list is usually built around bands that I’ve never seen. Jon Dee Graham is the rare exception who makes the list every year. His gruff voice fits well with the bit of his lyrics, not to mention his razor-sharp guitar-playing. And his stories and between song banter, rich with […]
SXSW 2010: The Scene
SXSW 2010 has come and gone. Over the next week I’ll be sharing a few highlights of my experience. All in good fun. Children By the Million Sing for Alex Chilton This year’s SXSW began and ended with the passing of Alex Chilton. The co-founder of Big Star was scheduled to participate in a panel […]