Story: MVY player

Do you have a website or a blog?  You can put an mvyradio streaming player right on your site, so that your viewers can listen to the sounds of Island radio, as they peruse your site.

Simply go to this page.  There's a link that will allow you to copy the HTML code, which you can paste right into your site.  This will create link that will launch a MVY streaming player, right on your site.  We've posted it right here.  Click and see what happens:

Launch mvyradio
   

Uncharted Waters: Aoife O'Donovan

". . . mostly just me."

That's how Aoife O'Donovan describes her music in the video below, but also talks about the great players and stylistic influences that make up her solo record "Fossils."

Barbara Dacey will feature several tracks of this record, as part of Uncharted Waters, Friday at 9pm ET and in the archives.

For more Aoife, head into the archives where we have 9 different sets from her former band Crooked Still and a really wild set from Merlefest that includes almost all the member of Crooked Still, The Duhks, The Infamous Stringdusters and Uncle Earl.


Hear the song on Youtube.

New on mvyradio: Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples' last record was a superb collaboration with producer Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.

Delightfully, they have decided to continue to work together.  We're awaiting the full album "One True Vine" with great anticipation, and are thrilled to have the first single on mvyradio already.

And to see what else is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio


Hear the song on Youtube.

AOW: Tom Jones

If the name "Tom Jones" brings to mind some goofy images, well, maybe you should just close your eyes during our Album Of The Week.

"Spirit In The Room" is Tom Jones and just Tom Jones.  His voice and his emotion are front and center, while the production and image have been stripped way back.

Listen in, Wednesday at 9pm ET, or hear some of the tracks on our Album Of The Week page.

Of course, if you don't mind goofy, you might get a laugh out of this . . .


See the video on Youtube.

Story: Elvis Costello & The Roots

One of mvyradio's favorite songwriters works with one of the best House bands in the business?

Yes please!  September can't come soon enough.

From Elvis' website: 

Elvis Costello and The Roots have announced today that a collaborative album entitled Wise Up Ghost will be exclusively released by Blue Note Records on Monday 16th September 2013 in the UK and Tuesday September 17th 2013 in the USA.

Elvis described the record as “the shortest distance between here and there” and containing “both rhythm and what is read”. Ahmir says, “It's a moody, brooding affair, cathartic rhythms and dissonant lullabies. I went stark and dark on the music, Elvis went HAM on some ole Ezra Pound shit.”

 

Read the full press release.

Story: Jess In The Gazette

Our friends at The Vineyard Gazette had a great story in last Friday's paper, profiling something that most Islanders know pretty well---living here means having more than one job.

Part of the article focused on mvyradio's Jess Phaneuf.  It's not enough that Jess does literally dozens of jobs within MVY (helping in promotions, music programming, social media and other areas), she also works at a furniture store, and is an independent concert promoter.

Find the story here.

photo credit: Ray Ewing & The Vineyard Gazette

LMC: Tristan Israel

There are lots of musicians on Martha's Vineyard, but only a few that have roots going back 4 decades.

Tristan Israel has been an integral and involved part of community activity for years, all the while making music too.

He's posted a number of songs for free download on his page in our Local Music Cafe.  We are partial to his ode to the late Vineyard bluesman Maynard Silva, but we think you'll find more than a few things you can sink your teeth into.

For more free downloads, visit the main LMC page.  And for more independent music, join Alison Hammond, for The Local Music Cafe show, Tuesdays at 9pm. ET.

The Hot Seat: Songs With Spelling

On Monday night's episode of The Hot Seat, PJ Finn explores a couple of different show themes.

One section of the program will feature songs that include lyrics where the singer spells out what the lyric or song title.

The Otis Redding track below is one great example.

And that's only part of the show.  More themes to ponder as the program continues. Hear tracks from Glen Hansard, R.E.M. and KRS-One, and Blondie.


Hear the song on Youtube.

The MVY Music Hour on WCAI

We've very excited about a new collaboration with our friends across Vineyard Sound at WCAI.

They've invited us to produce a monthly program for them called "The MVY Music Hour" hosted by Barbara Dacey, which will air on the last Sunday of every month at 9pm.  You can hear it on 90.1 in the Falmouth or on The Vineyard, or through the WCAI website.

The debut episode features an interview from the mvyradio archives with Mary Steenbergen.  You may know her mainly as an actor, but you'll be amazed to hear what an accomplished songwriter and collaborator she is.  The episode also includes a new interview with the Island's own Mike Benjamin, who is one of Mary's collaborators.

Listen in, this Sunday at 9pm on WCAI.

My Back Pages: Anniversary and Birthday!

Congratulations to Barnes Newberry, who is celebrating the 2 year anniversary of his show "My Back Pages."

It just so happens the his show's anniversary corresponds with the birthday of a certain folk icon who (rumor has it) inspired the name of Barnes' show.

Mark the day by listening debut to the episode of "My Back Pages," which doubled as a 70th birthday celebration for the former Mr. Zimmerman.  Find it in the archives.

And be listening on Saturday, for an all-new episode/anniversary/birthday event!

Liz Longley "Bad Habit"

Our pal Livingston Taylor introduced us to Liz Longley several years ago, when she was one of his ace students at Berklee School Of Music.

We have several Longley concerts in our archives. You can even a download free copy of her performance from Newport Folk 2010.  And check out a track from her new album, in the video below.

And to see what else is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio


Hear the song on Youtube.

AOW: Iron And Wine

Sure, you could listen to reviews of the new Iron And Wine album "Ghost On Ghost."  The gentlemen below makes lots of salient points, don't you think?

Or, you could listen in tonight, and judge for yourself.  We're playing "Ghost On Ghost" as the mvyradio Album Of The Week, tonight at 9pm ET.


See the review on Youtube.

Story: Learn Songwriting From Dar Williams

"This workshop is for anyone who wants to write a song that counts: for ourselves, for the people we love (or pets), and for the world. Our songs can be funny, catchy, heavy, or sappy! We’ll just be looking for ways to say what we really want to say."

Dar's one of our favorite songwriters.  So we wanted to let you know about this opportunity.

She's hosting a 4-day Songwriting Retreat in Garrison, New York in August for 35 people.  Early Bird Registration is going on now.

http://darwilliamsretreat.com/

Just Four Guys: The Doors

We don't want to suggest that Ray Whitaker has some sort of clairvoyant powers or anything.

But it IS a little strange that last week's episode of "Just Four Guys" is about The Doors.

Did Ray open his own "Doors Of Perception" to know that this would be an excellent time to take note of the work of Ray Manzarek, The Doors keyboardist (and bass player!) who passed away yesterday?

What about the artists Ray is playing this week?  Should they be nervous?

New on mvyradio: Cayucas

Mixing a modern sensibility with some distinctly California-in-the-60s production touches, Cayucas manages the strange feat of recalling both Vampire Weekend and The Beach Boys.  It's an intriguing, and infectious new song on mvyradio.

And to see what else is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio


Hear the song on Youtube.

Monday Free CD: Johnny Marr

Johnny Marr can play with Billy Bragg, The The, Paul McCartney, Modest Mouse, Bryan Ferry, Talking Heads, Beck, Tom Jones, Oasis, Pearl Jam, Everything but the Girl, the Pretenders, Lisa Germano and Crowded House.

But c'mon, he's only asked about one band:  The Smiths.

As in:  "When are The Smiths going to reunite?"

Probably the closest its going to get, is Marr playing with Andy Rourke.  Read more about it in Rolling Stone.  And listen today to win Marr's new solo record, "The Messenger."


See it on Youtube.

Story: Independent Radio on CNN

Here at mvyradio, we have a special place in our hearts for any of our independent radio brethren, who have braved the challenges of small broadcasters, survived the near misses of bankruptcy, rejected the offers of corporate radio and gone "all-in" with a radical gameplan of, you know, playing music and talking to people like real human beings.

CNN did pretty extensive story on one such station in Ohio.  And though this piece has nothing to do with us, there are many, many parallels to who we both are, how we survive, and why we even bother to fight the good fight.

It's a good read and you can find it here.

New on mvyradio: Aoife O'Donovan

We first crossed paths with Aoife O'Donovan (prnounced EEF-ah) as a part of the band Crooked Still (find several concerts and an interview in the mvyradio archives).

She's got a beautiful voice and a feel that fits perfectly into the mvyradio sound.

And to see what else is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio

mvy Live!: Bettye Lavette

This is a few years old, but it you've never seen it, prepare to become a Bettye Lavette convert.

You can tell by the reactions of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and Barbra Streisand that they just became Lavette converts.

Bettye nails this one tune.  But this is how she performs every song.  With incredible conviction and soul.

She was at The Narrows a few weeks ago, and she's allow us to replay the concert one time only.  Hear it tonight at 9pm ET on mvyradio.  And find more Bettye in the archives.


Hear the song on Youtube.

New on mvyradio: Tom Jones

Is it one of the most unexpected covers and albums of the year?  Yes, that bearded fellow in the video below is the same Tom Jones that you know for "What's New, Pussycat."

But on his new record, he covers Odetta's "Hit Or Miss."  How about that!

And to see what is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio

The Lunch Hour: The Eagles

Barbara Dacey had a chance to watch "The History Of The Eagles" documentary, and it left her inspired to revisit some of their music.

Check out today's Lunch Hour, for an Essential mvy on The Eagles.  And see the trailer for the documentary below.

And while we're talking about The Eagles, check out this surprising cover of "Peaceful Easy Feeling" that Brett Dennen performed for the mvyradio Archives.


See the trailer on Youtube.

New on mvyradio: Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac is back out on the road, and surprisingly, they've released new tunes.

Hear the Stevie, Lindsey and Mick talk about the new EP and their tour, and hear the new song "Sad Angel," below.

And to see what is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.


Hear the interview on Youtube.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio

LMC: Luba Dvorak

Visitors to the mvyradio Local Music Cafe homepage will find a treasure trove of free tracks to download, including a 6-pack from Luba Dvorak.

He's been called a Dylan-Forbert-Springsteen-Cash combo with his earthy vocal style and enticing storytelling.  And if that sounds exciting to you, download free tracks on our Local Music Cafe page, like this one for "Starr Street Blues."

Read more and hear more about him on our Luba Dvorak page.

Just Four Guys Archives: ELO

Many of Ray Whitaker's "Just Four Guys" recent episodes have focused on bands other than The Beatles, including The Who and Led Zeppelin, and bands who were direct descendants of The Fab Four, like ELO.

Visit the "Just Four Guys" archives from April 2013, to hear Ray's two ELO episodes.  And enjoy this video of the band covering "Daytripper."

For a new episode of "Just Four Guys," click on the link at mvyradio.com every Tuesday at 4pm.


See the video on Youtube.

New on mvyradio: Josh Ritter

We just added a second single from the new Josh Ritter album, "The Beast In Its Tracks."  Check out a live version of "Hopeful," below.

And to see what is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.



Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio

Special: R.E.M.'s "Green"

It's the 25th Anniversary of R.E.M.'s landmark album "Green."  Check out this brand new special, featuring new interviews from all band members talking about tracks from the album, plus it features a concert recorded as part of the "Green" world tour, which will be part of the reissue package.

New on mvyradio: Sara Watkins

Former Nickel Creek singer/fiddler, Sara Watkins has been putting out great solo work, including this bouncy new single, "You And Me."

For more from Sara, check out this solo show from the mvyradio Archives.

And to see what is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio

LAC: Sarah Jarosz with Alison Krauss and Jerry Douglas

This song was featured on Thursday morning's set of Live, Acoustic and Covers. Laurel was on a youtube journey the other day and fell in love with the whole vibe of this song. We LOVE Sarah, a gifted young performer with an old soul, reverent of the enviable position she was in when asked by Jerry Douglas to be part of the Transatlantic Sessions 5 in Scotland recorded earlier this year! The Transatlantic Sessions is a series of six 1/2 hour programs celebrating traditional and contemporary links between Scottish, Irish and American music and song. The chemistry between Alison, Jerry and Sarah was familial, like her auntie and uncle! The fact that it was recorded in Scotland just adds to the beautiful mystique of the song.


See this video on youtube.

mvy Live!: Serena Ryder

Serena Ryder's new song "Stompa" is making great waves.

Tonight on mvy Live! we go back to 2007, when we were first hipped to her.  At 9pm ET, you'll hear a full length concert.  And during The Lunch Hour today, you'll hear a snippet of an interview she did with Barbara Dacey that day.

You can hear the full Serena Ryder interview from 2007 at SXSW by clicking through.

Album Of The Week: Patty Griffin

Just to be clear, Patty Griffin is NOT married to Robert Plant.  She finally talks about it in this Billboard magazine interview.

But you can hear Patty and Robert together on Griffin's "American Kid," our Album Of The Week tonight at 9pm.

New on mvyradio: Sons Of Fathers

Check out this video from Sons Of Fathers that tells a great split screen story, while you enjoy the engaging dynamics of the Sons vocal interplay.

Jess Phaneuf is a fan . . .

And to see what is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio

Music Movie: Inside Llewyn Davis

Though it's not out until Christmas, we're already pretty excited about the new Coen Brothers' film "Inside Llewyn Davis.  We imagine Barnes Newberry is too, given that the setting is the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene.

Interesting side note.  Lead actress Carrie Mulligan is married to Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, and supposedly, Mumford and another of the film's supporting players, Justin Timberlake, have made some music together.

(Please note that this is the Red Band trailer, and does contain a few swears)

See the movie trailer on Youtube.

New on mvyradio: Jake Bugg

He's young, he's a bit of a throwback, and he's catching folks attention.

Listen for Jake Bugg's "Lightning Bolt," newly added to mvyradio.

And to see what is brand new on the station, visit the playlist page.  Look to the right for what's been added this week, and scroll to the bottom for songs in current rotation.


Hear the song on Youtube.

Buy it on Amazon and support Friends of mvyradio.

Monday Free CD: Eric Clapton

Whose new album blew Clapton away?  Who did he try to get into the studio with him to make his new record?

Hear this and more about Eric Clapton's "Old Sock," in this video.  And listen all day to win it, as our Monday Free CD. 


See it on Youtube.

If you buy it at Amazon, part of your money goes to Friends of mvyradio.

Free Download from ATO

ATO Records, Dave Matthews' label, is offering this free download through Noisetrade.  Trey Anastasio, Brandi Carlile, Allen Stone, Alabama Shakes and more.  You do need to share your email, but the tracks are free!

Uncharted Waters: Billy Bragg

Barbara Dacey features the new Billy Bragg album "Tooth And Nail" on Uncharted Waters, Friday at 9pm (with a Replay on Sunday at 9pm, then in the Archives).


Hear the song on Youtube.