Used to Be the Next Big Thing is a timeless Americana record. Maple Run Band continue to establish themselves as “one of the 802’s foremost practitioners of the genre,” as Justin Boland called them in his 2020 Seven Days review of their debut LP. These tunes will be playing in the Green Mountains and beyond for many years to come.
Recorded in Vermont, Maple Run Band’s ‘Used To Be The Next Big Thing’ is described by their songwriter Trevor Crist as reaching for a mid seventies soft rock album with a retro-vintage country sound. And by and large the band have been quite successful in their quest. There’s a hint of the Allman’s circa ‘Brothers And Sisters’ in the opening song ‘Used To Be The Next Big Thing’ while ‘Loretta‘ would sit comfortably on any number of singer/songwriter albums of the period albeit that it harks back to an earlier age with Crist explaining that the Louvin Brothers were an inspiration here.
“The guitar plays with our perception, awakening a taste for vacations with friends, something that the video reinforces with its light and fun images of good times, good friends and great waters.”
Minneapolis producer Lazerbeak has recently released two brand new singles titled, “On the Sparrow” and “Maggie Valley,” which serve as preparation for and a glimpse into the artist’s upcoming LP, Lava Bangers II. The new record also happens to be a sequel, following Lava Bangers, which was released ten years ago in 2012.
“On the Sparrow” embodies more of a gospel sound with a smooth, slow, and almost soulful melody and tempo that carefully builds. Meanwhile, “Maggie Valley” is more upbeat with its electronic influences more prevalent throughout.
Americana Highways brings you this premiere of Moon Shine’s song “Ether of My Mind,” from her forthcoming album The Land In Between, due to be available on November 11. The Land In Between was produced, mixed and engineered by Teddy Kumpel (Joe Jackson, Feist, Rickie Lee Jones) at Atomic Sound in Brooklyn.
Portland, Maine indie folk-pop artist Sparxsea’s new single “Forever Love” is scheduled for release on Nobember 10. This gentle and moving ode to love and the changing seasons of our lives was written in the aftermath of her mother’s sudden opioid death and a codependent and tumultuous seven-year relationship.
WATCH HERE…