The Posies are throwing themselves a year-long birthday party and we’re all invited. The group, anchored by Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, released their first album 30 years ago. They’ve been through a lot in the subsequent years – the ups and downs of being on a major label, rhythm section personnel changes and more […]
SXSW 2018 – The Sounds, Part 3
TERRA LIGHTFOOT If there was one artist on my “do not miss” list this year it was Terra Lightfoot. I first saw her at SXSW a few years back and she just keeps getting better and better. The combination of her voice, songs and guitar playing makes for a potent rock and roll cocktail. JAIMEE […]
Folk Alliance 2018 – Mayer’s Picks, Part 2
Ruby Boots Nashville by way of Australia singer-songwriter Ruby Boots was celebrating the release of her just released Bloodshot Records debut. She brought together an infectious enthusiasm with stellar songs, mostly about relationships, that matched catchy melodies with lyrical fervor. Una and Bob Walkenhorst There aren’t many father-daughter duos in music. Then again, there aren’t […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2017
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2017. New MistakesTerra Lightfoot Letters Never ReadDori Freeman Other Love SongsFront Country Boy Crazy and Single(s)Lydia Loveless Transient LullabyThe Mastersons The World We BuiltThe Wild Reeds Youth DetentionLee Bains III and the Glory Fires Tomorrow ForeverMatthew Sweet Life Is FinePaul Kelly This Is My […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2017, Part 3
(This Ain’t) An Original Sin, Will Hoge (from the EDLO Records release Anchors) Nashville-based singer-songwriter Will Hoge possesses the twin powers of lyric and melody, a talent that is finely displayed on Anchors. From a lyrical perspective, the album overflows with yearning, disappointment and self-reflection. “You can try to fight the truth, but time will […]
Monday Morning Video – Terra Lightfoot
One of my favorite discoveries from SXSW last year was Canadian powerhouse Terra Lightfoot. She’s a triple threat – her voice, guitar and songs come together with a fiery intensity. Lightfoot has just announced a new album, entitled New Mistakes, due on 13 October. Given how much I enjoyed her previous Every Time My Mind […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2016
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2016 back in June (here and here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Stay Gold, Butch Walker (from the Dangerbird Records release Stay Gold) My […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2016
Another year is winding down, leading us to the moment where we look back at all our favorite releases from 2016. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of the year. #10. THE ROOMSOUNDS, Elm St Dallas, TX quartet The Roomsounds hit the mark with a feel good rock record heavy […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Stay Gold by Butch Walker The opening guitar riff of the lead-off track sets the tone right out of the gate: Butch Walker is ready to rock. His last album, 2015’s Afraid of Ghosts, was a somber and moving reflection on the loss of his father. After the catharsis that came […]
SXSW 2016 – The Sounds, Part 2
SXSW never lacks for great music, so here are more favorites from 2016. Ryan Adams One of the few relatively big budget corporate events this year was Marriott hosting a couple of nights of music at their downtown Austin location. It was an interesting venue as the ballroom setting made the shows feel sort of […]