THIS WEEK’S ELITE: It’s a quiet week, rest up your ears for next week and all of September. WORTH MENTION: Hem, Funnel Cloud (Nettwerk) Libby Johnson, Annabella (Wrong) MISSED OPPORTUNITIES (high anticipation, no apparent album stream): Record companies… What’s up? Still on vacation? Did Beyonce and Jay-Z pay everyone off? [AOL Music]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2006
I Am a Leaver, The Damnwells (from the album Air Stereo The boys from Brooklyn may have switched labels, but the sound remains constant. Songwriter Alex Dezen knows how to construct energetic rock songs with smart lyrics. “I am a Leaver” packs a punch with its driving rhythm and gleaming power chords. Lookin’ for a […]
Bob Dylan & More, Album Previews
THIS WEEK’S ELITE: Bob Dylan, Modern Times He never ceases to amaze. For many of the songs, the growling vocals are an acquired taste, but the songwriting is as strong as ever and the musicianship with the Never Ending Tour band makes the album unforgettable. Notable Tracks: “Thunder on the Mountain”, “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”, “Someday […]
What Made Milwaukee Famous & More, Album Previews
My full album stream pick of the week goes to What Made Milwaukee Famous. Its hard to believe Trying to Never Catch Up is the debut album for the Austin-based band as they’ve been at it for a while now. In reality, this is a reissue with some bonus tracks but it represents their first […]
The Damnwells & More, Album Previews
If you love The Replacements and Wilco the way I do, you’ve got to check out the latest from Brooklyn-based band, The Damnwells. I’ve haven’t been through the whole disc yet because I keep getting caught on standouts “Golden Days” and “You Don’t Have to Like Me to Love Me”. If you don’t look into […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2006
Love It When You Call, The Feeling (from the album Twelve Steps and Home) For fans of the late, great Jellyfish, this may be the best thing since, well, Jellyfish. The Feeling blend 1970’s pop classicism in the vein of ELO with the polish of 1980’s alterna-pop. The icing on the cake is the closing […]
Capitol Records will release “Bonnie Raitt and Friendsâ€
Arguably the reigning Queen of Americana, Bonnie Raitt’s performance from the live concert series VH1 Classic Decades Rock Live! will be released by Capitol Records on August 15. The CD/DVD will feature live performances by Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Alison Krauss and Keb’Mo’. Here’s an excerpt from the press release followed by some […]
Gin Blossoms & More, Album Previews
When I found out the Gin Blossoms were releasing their first new album since 1997 I was intrigued but my expectations were quite low. Bands just don’t come back after all that time and sound like they used to. Excuse me while I pull my shoe out of my mouth… on first listen this album […]
Best of Spring 2006, a Playlist
Similar to my Winter playlist, there were some great releases in Spring of this year. A few of my favorites that made this list were by the Sam Roberts Band, Josh Ritter, Roman Candle, Drive-by Truckers, Allison Moorer, Tim O’Reagan, Keb’ Mo’ and, of course, Bruce Springsteen. That nearly names them all, but more importantly, […]
G. Love’s Lemonade Is Still Tres Saucy
Okay, so this one is begging for bad puns, but that’s as close as I can come to saying anything negative about this album. Garrett Dutton’s (G. Love) new record is the perfect refreshment in a summer that was (both musically and physically) starting to drag a bit for me. Maybe it’s just because there was […]