Rocky Votolato | Makers

I once brought my girlfriend to see Rocky Votolato play a show at someone’s apartment. I kept it a surprise because I thought it was so cool that we could go see a private show from one of our favorite songwriters in some random living room.  We got to the door and a scantily clad young…




Black Sabbath | Sabotage

Ya, ya…. I know this album is old but you know what?  It still rocks hard… real fucking hard.   So just bare with me one this one, you won’t regret it. Released in 1975 Sabotage is Sabbaths sixth studio album and in my opinion one of their most underrated.   We’ve all heard Iron Man, War…



Ben Nichols | The Last Pale Light in the West

I should read more books. Every once in awhile I’ll pick up a novel and it will blow me away. Even if I’ve read it before, if it’s special enough I’ll spend weeks thinking about it. Sometimes it’s good for me, I’ll read Three Men in a Boat and remember that people have been laughing…




RYAN ADAMS | COLD ROSES

Before Ryan Adams was living happily ever after with Mandy Moore (yes this is true and more than a little strange) he was creating mostly depressing, sometimes beautiful, pop and alt-country (there is is again!) albums. In the early 2000s, Adams was particularly inspired, creating his best work while under the influence of alcohol and…




Justin Townes Earle | Harlem River Blues

While we’re on this Americana kick, I figured I’d write about Justin Townes Earle.  He’s the son of the legendary Steve Earle and he certainly lives up to his old mans legacy.  Now if you don’t know Steve Earle go check him out now, because he’s been turning out raw country albums, that are actually…




Murder by Death | Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon

Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon is the sixth studio album by the band Murder By Death. It is similar in sound to their last few albums, a sort of alt-rock/americana blend that is pretty popular these days. If the band is known at all it’s because their song “Coming Home” was used in the trailer for…




Neil Young | Trans / This Is Why I Love Neil Young

Let me just start by saying I know I generally write about albums that I would recommend but…. this is not an album recommendation.  It’s more of a ‘holy shit what the fuck is this, this is crazy‘ type of thing.   I mean wow, this album is something else.   In fact you should just skip…




Dropkick Murphys | House of Blues Boston

It’s St Paddy’s Day in Boston. So it’s time for that annual tradition. Not drinking, that’s not a tradition, more like a daily task. I mean seeing the Murphys live. This year they are playing 6 shows on Landsdowne Street. To which I say: please stop. I went to the 3/14 show. I had a…




Chris Darrow | Artist Proof

One of the unfortunate aspects of liking country music is that, well…you have to tell people that you like country music. I mean, country music? The genre with the songs about sexy tractors, red solo cups, and saving-a-horse-riding a cowboy? Modern popular country music is a sad shadow of its former self, so it’s understandable that many…




World Boogie Is Coming | North Mississippi Allstars

I’ve been a fan of the North Mississippi Allstars since I realized that Luther Dickinson is one of the filthiest guitarists I’ve ever seen.   Seriously, this dude is a legend in the making and his brother Cody is no joke either.  The first time I saw them live he busted out a wiffle ball bat…