THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, by Josh Ritter Josh Ritter bounces back from his label’s bankruptcy in fine fashion. Quickly (and smartly) picked up by Victor/Sony, Ritter releases his second masterpiece in as many years. Historical Conquests may not have the lyrical gravity of last year’s breathtaking Animal Years, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2007, A Video Companion
Another month, another playlist. Enjoy live and performance videos from the Mooney Suzuki, John Doe, Sarah Borges Chris Knight, Patty Griffin and Glen Hansard. As a special bonus, I’ve included a John Doe live performance of “Fourth of July.”
The 2007 Musical Eclipse
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 […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May 2007
THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: The Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration The Stax sound is one of American music’s greatest legacies. one of the greatest legacy’s in American music. With Booker T & the MGs — a house-band so good that they could score a #1 song on their own (with the instrumental “Green Onions”) as […]
Grace Potter, David Serby & The Wells, via Tom’s Mailbox
One of the perks of being involved with Twangville is that some really great artists send me music to sample. The unfortunate thing is that more often than not, much of what is sent to me never sees the light of day. I’ve been burdening myself with the idea that I have to do an […]
Grace Potter & The Nocturnals “Mystery Train”, a Video
One act I’m really going to try to see this year at SXSW is Grace Potter & The Nocturnals. They’re playing at 1am on Thursday night at the Cedar Street Courtyard. Check ’em out. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals – “Mystery Train” Thanks, John!
Twangville Live In Long Beach, CA
Twangville presents a local alt-country show on Thursday, March 8 at The Blue Cafe in Long Beach, CA with three great bands: The Vaquetones, Merle Jagger and Michael Ubaldini. This is one in a series of Twangville shows that happen every second Thursday at the Blue Cafe.
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 […]
Tom Waits & More, Album Previews
THIS WEEK’S ELITE: Tom Waits, Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers and Bastards (Disc 1) (Anti) If the name of the album alone doesn’t sell you, how about 3 discs, 54 songs including 30 new songs and 24 “lost” tracks. Personally, I find it difficult to digest Waits’ songs in large quantities but isolated they expose their brillance. […]