I just returned from vacation and I didn’t want to let the week pass without mentioning new releases from Ben Harper and Josh Rouse. Though Harper’s 2-disc release Both Sides of the Gun simply cannot be ignored, I like Rouse’s Subtitulo. He departs slightly from last year’s smash Nashville by adding some Spanish influences which […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February & March 2006
Sure, I know that March is nearly over. Between my day job and my preparations for SXSW, however, time got away from me. Stay tuned for the complete SXSW recap… Feb. 14, Drive-By Truckers (from the forthcoming A Blessing and a Curse) A fine preview that proves the band’s legendary triple guitar attack remains intact. […]
Tom’s Pick of the Week, Jackie Greene
I’ve been waiting for Jackie Greene‘s next release since I first heard Verve‘s re-release of Sweet Somewhere Bound. I’m happy to say American Myth is here and it is fantastic. This is the fourth album for Sacramento-based Greene. Many early critics labeled him a blues artist after seeing some of his live acts. He pleases […]
Tom’s Pick of the Week, The Little Willies
With high expectations, I was all prepared to make Neko Case my pick of the week until I listened to the album. While Case’s artistry and voice remain top notch, it seems the album must have been recorded at the bottom of a well or in a deep dark cave. I’m guessing this is an […]
Notable Releases: March 7, 2006
Its a big week for releases and here are a few top picks… Centro-matic, Fort Recovery Will Johnson could be rock’s most prolific songwriter. He has consistently put out several albums each year under his own name and with the bands South San Gabriel and Centro-Matic. Its the last incarnation that is behind this new […]
In Heavy Rotation, February 2006
The bar was set high this past month with slammin’ new releases from Will Hoge, Willie Nile, Rhett Miller and more. While you will only see Hoge in this playlist, expect to see more of them in March. In the meantime, here are some songs that earned heavy rotation by me in February. Playlist also […]
Tom’s Pick of the Week, Rhett Miller
There’s no question this week. Hands down its Rhett Miller lead singer of the Old 97s. His second solo effort is outstanding. If you don’t “believe” me, trust Mayer or listen for yourself. Album contributors include guitarist Lyle Workman (Sheryl Crow, Beck), drummer Matt Chamberlain (Pearl Jam, Tori Amos, David Bowie), multi-talented Jon Brion (Kanye […]
Notable Releases: February 28, 2006
It’s generally a slow release week, but here are a few highlights: Rhett Miller, The Believer You might know him as the lead singer and songwriter for Old 97’s. This, his second solo outing, mines familiar Old 97’s territory: an acoustic-based mix of pop and alt-country with clever lyrics. Bruce Springsteen, Hammersmith Odeon, Live ’75 […]
New Releases from Robinella & more
My pick of the week: Robinella Solace for the Lonely (Dualtone) americana, folk, bluegrass, jazz A great week for new releases. I have to admit, I’m only moderately familiar with most of these. Up until today, my pick of the week would have been Ray Davies having listened to his Thanksgiving Day EP late last […]
Notable Releases: February 21, 2006
Although winter is still upon us, the spring release season kicks off with a bang this week. Check out these great releases, plus a few re-releases. Willie Nile, Streets of New York This is my pick of the week. Its hard to believe that its been over six years since Willie’s last release. It was […]