Vincent Neil Emerson, someone I have never heard of, released a new single “Son Of A Bitch” a few weeks ago, and it’s a stripped-down, sad bastard country tune I can dig. I discovered this song and artist through a personal connection and a hometown girl doing good — Jeana Mahan — who plays the jilted woman at the beginning of the video. You see, I was at the hospital the day she was born, and babysat her and her brother, so it brought me out of hiding to blog about it. Vincent Neil Emerson is someone I should have heard of before this video, but I have been so far removed from music for vari ..read more

When Jeremy Squires started writing Many Moons it was with all intentions of being his last album. He felt it was time to move on to something different, but that was until he realized that the album he had just made was special. It was by far the best thing he has ever written. Many Moons conveys everything Jeremy has felt, been through, current feelings, what his family was going through, and what was happening in his life. The album starts with “Hazy” — a song that speaks volumes about depression, contemplating suicide, and mental health struggles that he and so many people face on a daily ..read more

Photo by Joseph Yarmush Due to the pandemic the release date for Land of Talk’s new album Indistinct Conversations has been pushed back for the end of July. However, new songs have been released “Weight Of That Weekend”, “Compelled”, and “Diaphanous” to tide us over until we can get our hands on the album. “Diaphanous” is the album’s stunning opening track and exactly exemplifies its meaning — light, delicate, and translucent. Elizabeth Powell’s songwriting and airy arrangement floats and hums building up to the anthemic refrain, ” I get caught up in the wrong stuff.” In the press relea ..read more

“Southern Raphael” is Will Stewart’s lead single from his new EP, Way Gone, released on May 8th via Cornelius Chapel Records. A synth-driven, rootsy rock track that is fascinating and complex with its anthology of stories about brief encounters with interesting characters. Stewart told American Songwriter about “Southern Raphael,” “I wanted it to tell a story of those chance encounters you have with transients who make an impact on you, and how strange and beautiful it can be knowing that you’ll never see that person again.” And, he masterfully accomplished his intent by bringing each ch ..read more

On May 1st, Denver singer-songwriter, John Statz, released his new album Early Riser. It’s an album that encompasses a few of the events that defined 2019 — Notre Dame fire, Brexit, and Trump’s racist attacks on the congresswomen of color last July.  It’s a thought-provoking album that is worth listening to, and, possibly, doing a little self-evaluation while playing it. So, naturally, I wanted to ask John a few questions about his album, and he obliged. Below is that little Q&A. CFM: Are there hints of a consistent, underlying worldviews through the album? What do they say abou ..read more

For years I hoped that and waited for Damien Jurado to make an appearance on Mountain Stage, and last summer my dream came true. And, just between you and me, I may or may not have cried when he walked on stage. His set was everything I could have wanted — quiet, intimate, warm, and entrancing. I did not leave disappointed, and I look forward to the next time I have the opportunity to see him live. Now, on to Jurado’s new album, What’s New, Tomboy?… This is Jurado’s third full-length album in three years, 19th full-length album, and his second under Mama Bird Recording Co. His last album In t ..read more

Canadian singer-songwriter, Andy Shauf, is truly gifted when it comes to storytelling and the narrative-based songs, and it really shows on his new album The Neon Skyline. He has the ability to transport his listeners into his world where we have the opportunity to watch what is happening first hand. Andy’s knack for conceptualizing albums around towns, parties, and about a couple of friends’ night out at the local pub talking about an ex who is back in town. Each song on The Neon Skyline is an intimate bar stool dialogue accompanied by Shauf’s instrumentation and an easy soft-rock that masks ..read more

Photo: Kendall Bailey Photography I’m completely obsessed and enamored with Wye Oak’s most recent song, “Fortune”. I know, I know, I’m behind in the times again, but that’s what happens when life strikes and a two year old doesn’t leave you alone long enough to finish a thought. I just wanted to share the song and my humble thoughts on the track. Anyway, back to the song. Wye Oak really hit the jackpot with this song. It’s a shimmering, glistening piece of dreamy-electronic-folk. It’s just as delicate as a fragile crystal while at the same time as strong and durable as a diamond. It’s one of ..read more

With every new album my love for Joan Shelley grows exponentially more, and I’m not sure if it’s possible to love someone this much. So, let me tell you about her new album Like The River Loves the Sea, and it’s melancholic hope. Her sweet, delicate voice sounds beautifully wistful and mourning for love or something from the past. Her collaboration with partner Nathan Salsburg is always magically. The duo always knows how to play to each other’s strengths. Salsburg allows Joan’s voice room to breathe moving it to the front and center without any distraction, while Joan knows when to give ..read more

Photo by Harold Zijp   As part of a series called “Remembering Jason Molina,” I’m collecting stories about Jason and his impact on songwriters, musicians, and music writers. These are all individual tributes, on how Jason has affected their music, their perception of music, or just anecdotes on meeting him or seeing him live. A lot has happened since my last post last year — too much to even talk about in a blog post. I’ve been dealing with my son’s developmental issues, my mom’s health issues, my own health, and unemployment. Regardless of what I have been dealing with, I try my best t ..read more