Out in Hollywood, all the pretty people were swirling down the red carpet. Decked out to be seen, glittering and sparkling, heels that theaten nosebleeds or spinal injuries, clothing folded like origami armor or barely there to catch the eye.

They tromp that camera-line, professing their undying love for Bruce Springsteen, a working class hero who rose from the practically Asbury boardwalk to sing their truth with bravura and an insistence that let them know that someone saw. For him…

Don’t tell Holly Williams that the road is a lonesome place. To begin 2013, there’s nowhere else she’d rather be.

Of course, it took a while for the thoughtful singer-songwriter, a breath of fresh Americana heir within country music’s royal dynasty, to get back there. And while there are so many interests dividing her time — from fashion to cooking to blogging to deer hunting — she seems determined to avoid any dead ends and keep…

The honey-warm harmonies and slice-of-life charm of the Keller Sisters’ debut EP Shine recalls the days of summers past. Maybe it’s the sweetness of the vocals or the nostalgic yearning of songs such as “That Room,” but there is an undeniably sunny vibe that is being emitted here. Certainly, the music itself offers the coziness of a campfire – smoothly textured acoustic riffs and bluesy harmonica.

Siblings Sheryl and Kerry have produced a heartfelt collection of…

The Delta Saints know a thing or two about how to market their sound and personalities. They do exactly that right up front in their bio. On the band’s Facebook page, the Nashville five-piece announce their interests to be “Women, Whiskey and Woes,” while their influences are summed up with “Dames. Working hard. Playing harder.” Under “Artists we also like,” The Delta Saints say, “You name it, we love it.”

Those coming into the band’s debut full-length album armed with that…

The name of the episode is either misleading or says it all. I didn’t have time sit down in the studio and record this weeks episode. But I didn’t want to leave you guys without an episode this week, so I’m doing it while traveling around in my car. Hopefully my “popping p’s” and “tapping t’s” won’t annoy you too badly. Enjoy

Download this episode HERE

Music in this…

If the title is familiar, it’s because it should be. However, that doesn’t mean Run 8 Rider’s version of Devo’s iconic 1980 New Wave smash “Whip It” sounds anything like the original. Run 8 Rider give the herky-jerky punk-funk of Devo’s classic a country-fried makeover. Gone are the choked-up nerdy vocals and robotic throb that ushered in the Rock of the ‘80s, replaced by raspy Southern-boy harmonizing and pedal steel guitar. In other words, it’s a total laugh riot, a blast of wit…

PC, otherwise known in the Valley of California as Patrick Coleman, is still a young guy by my standards, but he's been around. Around in this case is mainly the Valley (home base is Modesto). He describes his musical background in the interview below, but let's say he's been everywhere musically. But with Jaded Starlings In a Gilded Cage he and his band come home to their roots in the Valley, which to anyone familiar with names such as Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Chris…

1.0 – What is it about rock & roll that makes people feel good?

For me its the feeling I got when I heard Lou Reed “Walk On The Wild Side” on the radio when i was a boy has never really gone away. It made me love rock so much. I was…

My first show in a while that doesn't have an agenda, besides just playing some great music. This episode has a higher amount of female vocalists than most episodes. We just don't receive enough submissions from female artists that are unique in the genre, so hopefully this will open the door to that a bit more. Enjoy!

Download this episode…

Usually an album opens with a strong track and the commercial hook song is often, but not always, track four. But, Boston's Bethel Steele opens her beautifully artistic CD with a slow moody tragic tale with “Base.” (Some printings of this title have it "B.A.S.E." -- but I prefer to go with the way it ws reproduced on the album artwork).

I thought about this strategy and I think Ms. Steele’s choice was actually brilliant. Because the song grabs you with its compelling…

I always enjoy discovering something special about any new music. So, with this new CD – “Caravan,” I am treated to the refreshing voice of  Terry Burns – the youngest sister of the Burns Sisters – a trio that recorded two albums with Columbia Records in the late 80’s and continue to release great music independently - and Ron Kristy – composer of music for…

Welcome back for part 2!

In this episode, we're recapping the second half of my top albums of 2012. Sit down, put on your headphones, and check some music from 14 albums that you should already own.

Download this episode HERE

Music in this week's episode:

- Bedroom Dance AND In The Casket by Fistful Of Beard

(from Until We…

Hailing from San Francisco, the folk-pop duo the Keller Sisters offer some of the year's warmest harmonies and roots-drenched melodies. The band, consisting of real-life siblings Sheryl and Kerry, have just released their debut EP, Shine, and what a refreshing break it is from the testosterone-fueled Americana scene. The Keller Sisters discussed how family played a significant…

ERIN McKEOWN

Manifestra (TVP)

Long held separate, McKeown's personal and political passions merge in the instrumentation that defines the album. Saxophones double guitars. Vintage synths merge with strings as keyboards mirror vocal…

Here it is. Probably my most popular episode of the year, and it's the first one of 2013! Crazy...

We're recapping the first half of my top albums of 2012. And I talk a little about the Podcast Awards. Sit down, put on your headphones, and check some music from 14 albums that you should already own.

Download this episode HERE

Music in this episode:

- Hang Loose…

The invitations were sent out months ago. Did you RSVP?

While a Denver bash to celebrate a phenomenal, breakout year was thrown by a most promising host, some of us waited until the final day of 2012 to get the party started. In the year of the Lumineers, did we miss anything?

With a…

Central New York is  in the middle of a cold snap. Mother Nature has also blessed/cursed us with 2 feet of snow. A night housebound, curled up with a good book, was an attractive option. Add the temptation of the Packers-Vikings rematch and venturing out 40 miles from home was less likely as the time to leave approached. I am very glad I braved the cold, dark drive through back country roads to catch Mr. Tombstone "Live".

His latest release "Greenwood" is an excellent…

The warm, transcendent vocal harmonies of the Nayman Brothers may suggest the Beach Boys, but this group leans more slightly in the rock and roll direction than Brian Wilson and his siblings. Although both have roots in early pop music, the Nayman Brothers also have an undeniable affection for folk music, especially when their fellow Minnesota native Bob Dylan went electric. Listening to their album A Nayman Brothers Christmas reveals later influences, too, namely Elvis…

Extraordinary, yet virtually unknown singer-songwriter Americana from 1973

A label as big as Columbia in the early ‘70s was bound to miss a few opportunities, even ones they’d signed, recorded and released. Such was the case for this 1973 rarity, the product of an Indiana singer-songwriter, the famous producer he engaged and the all-star studio…

Happy New Year Everyone.

This the first Medicine Show of 2013 is dedicated to 2 musical heroes. 6 years ago to new years day we lost Townes Van Zandt and 60 years ago to the same day we lost Hank Williams, this weeks Health and Happiness Hour is a tribute to and celebration of the music and legacy of those of 2 pillars of American Music.

I dedicate this show to the memory of my Father who also died on New Years Day 16 years ago.…