Hiss Golden Messenger – Brother Do You Know The Road?

Hiss Golden Messenger have signed to Merge Records and released this new track, the blues inflected, call and response, six minute stunner Brother Do You Know The Road? It is yet another example of M.C. Taylor and collaborator Scott Hirsch’s incredible ability to create some of the most affecting and original Americana out there. Immerse yourself in slide guitar, organ, shuffling percussion and resigned, world-weary vocals below. … Continue reading Hiss Golden Messenger – Brother Do You Know The Road?

Saturday @ The Great Escape

Having spent two days at the Great Escape mostly under a regular onslaught of aggressive guitars and drums, it was a relief to head out early and catch a marvellous set of twangy Americana, folk and country from The Crooked Brothers who were playing at the Alberta Music Week Canada Showcase – not only that but there was a mighty fine breakfast on offer too. … Continue reading Saturday @ The Great Escape

Friday @ The Great Escape

On reflection, it was a day for the Celts at the Great Escape, and the Aussies, and even the Argentinians… We kicked off the day with a set from New Desert Blues, whose mix of folk, country and indie rock has graced previous posts here on MM. They have a debut album in the pipeline and happily the songs they showcased from this stood up … Continue reading Friday @ The Great Escape

Mad Mackerel Recommends… Christopher Denny

Christopher Denny is no stranger to battling demons, being a Southern choirboy who attended the church of alcohol, drugs and self-destruction in a failed attempt to deal with his inner pain and conflicts. He says, “There was a lot of poverty, insanity and self-destruction. I was never taught how to take care of myself. I barely lived through my childhood.” Addiction followed, drugs and alcohol … Continue reading Mad Mackerel Recommends… Christopher Denny

We’re Heading to the Great Escape…A Playlist

Today, Chris T Popper and I are heading south to Brighton and our first visit to the Great Escape festival. There are a whole host of bands we’re looking forward to seeing, from the South American punk-pop of Las Kellies, the angst of Gambles, the spectral folk of Mirel Wagner and the junkyard blues of the Amazing Snakeheads, to the stoned slacker indie of Dune Rats and the … Continue reading We’re Heading to the Great Escape…A Playlist

Gold Star – Dark Days Debut Album

Just over a year ago we posted a video for the sweetly organic Americana of Gold Star’s Back To Me.  The project of Los Angeles based songwriter Marlon Rabenreither, his soon to be released debut long-player, Dark Days brings more sincere vocals and warm harmonies with various deconstructed elements of American music using lap steel, harmonica, vintage organ, and finger picking. Watch the video for the lovely Sadie … Continue reading Gold Star – Dark Days Debut Album