About once a year the earth, sun and moon align and a plethora of great new music arrives on a single day. In 2007 that day is July 10th. Jason Isbell, Sirens of the Ditch (New West Records) The former Drive-By Trucker rolls on to great success. Isbell’s tunes were among my favorites on the […]
The Return of Justin Currie (Del Amitri)
Anybody remember Del Amitri? They released a number of solid pop albums in the 90’s before disappearing from the scene by the turn of the century. Although I was never a fan of the band’s biggest hit “Roll to Me,†their catalog is rich with intelligent pop songs. Singer-songwriter Justin Currie excelled at capturing a […]
Warren Zevon – Stand in the Fire
The best album not on CD…is finally on CD. Rhino Records rescued Warren Zevon’s classic live album from Asylum’s vaults and released an expanded and remastered version in late March. This album isn’t just live; it’s ALIVE — a vicious assault on songs taken (mostly) from Zevon’s first (and best) two albums. Almost without exception, […]
Bright Eyes & More, Album Previews
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga (Saddle Creek) Under normal circumstances, Connor Oberst aka Bright Eyes is the kind of guy I want to chaperone to the gym. Aside from his tender heart, his music is generally hit or miss for me. For many others (including one of my all time favorites, Michael Stipe), he is highly revered. […]
Randy Newman in Defense of our Country
When he’s not composing movie soundtracks and collecting Oscar nominations, Randy Newman writes pop songs filled with biting social and political commentary. So it should come as no surprise to see Newman offer his perspectives on today’s highly charged global political environment. “A Few Words In Defense of Our Country”, by Randy Newman A president […]
Josh Rouse, EP Available
A personal favorite artist of mine ever since my cousin Ken mentioned him to me back in 2003, Josh Rouse released a new EP this week. This time as a duo. He’s partnered up with Spanish native, Paz Suay, who’s smooth vocals you might recognize from his last album, Subtitulo. The new EP is aptly […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2006, part 2
What Else Would You Have Me Be, Lucero (from the album Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers The opening track of the band’s great new Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers, shows a band reaching new creative heights. The addition of piano to this track gives the song a new-found grandeur while singer Ben Nichols’ whiskey-soaked voice […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2006, part 1
Although I’ve been rather quiet on the posting front, I haven’t stopped listening to music. Here are some selections from the Fall for your consideration. Stuck Between Stations, The Hold Steady (from the album Boys and Girls in America this song combines all that is great about the Hold Steady: Tad Kubler’s in-your-face guitar, Franz […]
Me First and The Gimme Gimmes & More, Album Previews
THIS WEEK’S ELITE: Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Love Their Country (Fat Wreck Chords) country, pop These guys could be the best cover band around. This time around the album theme is classic country hits played as always with the bands signature punk-pop delivery. K.T. Tunstall, K.T. Tunstall’s Acoustic Extravaganza (EMI) acoustic, folk Tunstall […]
Jamie Cullum & Josh Ritter live in Florida
Let me begin by saying that the talent on this tour is immense. Even the roadies play classical piano and jump in here and there when the band members are busy trading off on other instruments (it seems they all play at least 2 or 3 professionally). Add to that the fact that the frontmen, […]