ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: On a Clear Night, by Missy Higgins The first thing that you’ll notice about Australia’s Missy Higgins is her stunning voice, a magical blend of confidence and uneasiness. Opening track “Where I Stood” epitomizes this dichotomy. The song captures the moment where a woman realizes that, despite her emotional attachment [...] more »

Fri, May 16, 2008 | 0 Comments

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Traveling and Unraveling, by Steve Poltz Poltz proves himself to be a genuine musical instigator across two concurrent releases, blending a comedic wit and biting lyrics with instantly hummable acoustic melodies. Who else would react to life’s frustrations by asking the semi-serious question “What would Ghandi do in [...] more »

Wed, May 14, 2008 | 2 Comments

“More vocals? I’m glad you actually want to hear me. I wish my mother did.” ~ Elia of the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Drunk guy: “Do you guys know where the bridge party is?” Non-drunk guys: “Well there’s a bridge but I don’t see a party.” ~ Overheard at 3am as I [...] more »

Fri, Apr 25, 2008 | 3 Comments

Alejandro Escovedo Escovedo’s Sunday night show at the Continental is the traditional unofficial closing of SXSW and this year he served up a special treat. With co-conspirator Chuck Prophet on guitar, Alejandro and company performed the entirety of Wild Animals, his forthcoming release. Lyrically it finds Escovedo in a reflective mood but musically ready [...] more »

Wed, Apr 23, 2008 | 1 Comment

X Legendary Los Angeles punk band X authoritatively declared that they could still rock hard after 31 years together. I caught them twice and the band pounded through both shows without a set list. The band merely called out out songs that captured their mood and responded to audience requests. Their influence on [...] more »

Mon, Apr 21, 2008 | 0 Comments

Mothers and fathers get their own days, so why not independent record stores? Across the country records stores will be celebrating with exclusive releases and live performances. See below for a list of very cool exclusive releases and some select performances taking place at my favorite indie record shops. For a list [...] more »

Fri, Apr 18, 2008 | 1 Comment

I’m delirious from lack of sleep, I can barely stand due to the soreness burning through my legs, I’ve got a blister raging on my big toe and a small scratch has mysteriously appeared on my left hand. Ahh, it must be another Sunday morning at SXSW. Now, many of our colleagues in the media [...] more »

Thu, Apr 17, 2008 | 2 Comments

I wasn’t kidding when I said that Justin and Rykodisc were generous. Here are the winners of the Twangville Justin Currie give-away: John Mingus of Arlington, Virginia Cindy Francies of Baltimore, Maryland Glen Levy of New York, New York Laura Koenig of Dorchester, Massachusetts Kimberly Cole of Grand Junction, Colorado Brett Tervalon of Melrose, Massachusetts This crew will be receiving a [...] more »

Mon, Apr 07, 2008 | 0 Comments

Hacienda Brother Chris Gaffney was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year. He is about to begin an extreme course of chemotherapy in hopes of eradicating the disease. Although he has health insurance, it will not cover all the costs associated with his treatment. To help defray the costs, friends and family have created [...] more »

Mon, Mar 31, 2008 | 0 Comments

What’s a monthly playlist without a video companion? This month we start and finish with a pair of incredible acoustic performances by the Jones Street Boys. In between we’ve got clips from Tift Merritt, Nada Surf, Butch Walker, Joe Jackson and Greg Trooper, among others. Don’t miss the haunting J. Tillman & [...] more »

Sun, Mar 30, 2008 | 0 Comments

Don’t forget to get your entry in for the signed lyric sheet and accompanying cd from Justin Currie. To win, simply leave a comment below. Winners (that’s right, we’ve got several of these to give away) will be selected at random when the contest ends on Friday, 3/28/08 at midnight EST.** Special thanks [...] more »

Fri, Mar 28, 2008 | 1 Comment

Cindy Francies of Baltimore, Maryland. Cindy is the winner of our Will Hoge give-away and will be receiving a cd and tour poster, both signed by Mr. Hoge. You can check out Will’s brand-spankin’ new web site here. And don’t miss out on our current Justin Currie give-away. more »

Thu, Mar 27, 2008 | 0 Comments

The final installment of our Win Big Best of 2007 series is particularly special. Justin Currie was kind enough to sign copies of a limited edition lyric sheet for the title track of his latest album, What Is Love For. You’ll also get a copy of the disc so that you can sing [...] more »

Tue, Mar 25, 2008 | 8 Comments

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Another Country, by Tift Merritt After 2004’s classic Tamborine, Tift Merritt escaped more than her record contract — she fled the country. Relocating temporarily to Paris, she found an apartment with a piano. The record that emerged is a travelogue of a different kind, a search for identity and assuredness. [...] more »

Mon, Mar 24, 2008 | 1 Comment

Singer-songwriter Matthew Ryan has built a career delving the depths of human emotion. Whether tackling the state of American society (”American Dirt”) or probing his personal relationships (”I Only Want to Be the Man You Want”) his emotional honesty is striking among contemporary songwriters. Ryan’s new album Matthew Ryan Vs the Silver State [...] more »

Wed, Mar 19, 2008 | 0 Comments