I’m in the mood to start the week with some good ol’ rock and roll. And who better to Rockpile, part of the English pub rock movement of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Rockpile – Dave Edmunds (vocals, guitar), Nick Lowe (vocals, bass guitar), Billy Bremner (vocals, guitar) and Terry Williams (drums) – only […]
Monday Morning Video – Nick Lowe
Nick Lowe took advantage of an off night while touring with Elvis Costello (“Elvis has a more leisurely work ethic”, he quipped) to play a small club in Queens, New York City. Backed by the mysterious Los Straightjackets, Lowe reminded why he is a revered pop songwriter. The set list included lots of Lowe classics, […]
Monday Morning Video – Mavis Staples & Friends
Let’s continue with the “and friends” theme that we started last week. Next up is a three-fer from the great Mavis Staples. First, a 1988 performance of the Staples Singers classic “I’ll Take You There” that features Dr. John and Jeff Healey. Second, a 2011 backstage rehearsal of the Band’s “The Weight” with Wilco and […]
Monday Morning Video – What’s So Funny…
This song seems appropriate as we put 2020 in the rear view and look towards better days in 2021. Here’s Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets performing the Lowe classic “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”.
Readers’ Pick: The Quality Holiday Revue (live) by Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets
NICK LOWE & LOS STRAITJACKETS, The Quality Holiday Revue (live) beats out MARC BROUSSARD, Magnolias & Mistletoe as your favorite holiday album of 2015. Poll Results Best New Album of 2015 Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ […]
Readers’ Pick: Busted Jukebox: Volume 1 by Shovels & Rope
SHOVELS & ROPE, Busted Jukebox: Volume 1 beats out LESLIE WEST, Soundcheck as your favorite for the week of November 20, 2015. Poll Results New Holiday 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’ Top 25 – Fall […]
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 […]
Americana 2012: The Scene
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members and artists together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. The Americana Music Awards Any discussion of the AMA Conference has to start […]
Listen Up: Rave On Buddy Holly
When Buddy Holly died in a tragic plane crash in 1959, the world lost a tremendous musical talent. Only 22, Holly demonstrates a depth of talent rivaled by few in rock history. As important, he inspired generations of rock artists who now return the favor with a wide-ranged tribute to the rock legend. The sheer […]
Win Big: Elvis Costello’s Spectacle
If you haven’t been watching the second season of Spectacle: Elvis Costello With… on the Sundance Channel, you’ve been missing some incredible music television. A storied songwriter in his own right, Costello is able to speak as a peer with a diverse range of musical guests. He deftly explores their musical history and approach to […]