Hannah Aldridge’s ghostly, unflinching, sometimes gritty album Razor Wire is a treat of dark Americana. Watch her video for Howlin’ Bones, an angry declaration of independence. . . Continue reading Video: Hannah Aldridge – Howlin’ Bones
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?
1. Sharon Van Etten – Your Love Is Killing Me 2. Parquet Courts – Instant Disassembly 3. Peter Matthew Bauer – Philadelphia Raga 4. Big Search – Role Reversal 5. Lydia Loveless – Mile High . . . . . . Continue reading Five Songs You Should Have Heard This Week
We are loving Insignificance, a track of warm, unhurried, organic folk that is as mellow as they come. It is the first single from Matt Kivel’s forthcoming album Days of Being Wild, which is out on the 8th July via Woodsist Records. Listen below, and pre-order the album from iTunes here. . Continue reading MM Shorts 562: Matt Kivel
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
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
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
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
Here is a second track from Texas troubadour Collin Herring’s new album Some Knives. The uptempo percussion and sinewy, haunting pedal steel guitar that threads through Kicked Around is a delight, the song about a relationship that has gone stale. Have a listen… . Continue reading More From Collin Herring
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
The Mad Mackerel 