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 to her lover, has become too ingrained in the relationship and needs to re-discover her identify. Set against a plaintive piano, Higgins vocals – and her lyrics – perfectly balance the pain of ending the relationship with the determination to stand by the decision. More uplifting but no less engaging is “Steer,” a charming acoustic pop song. It is so refreshing and airy that you can easily imagine yourself cruising in a convertible down a rural highway. From start to finish it is Higgins voice – both lyrical and sung – that makes this such an enchanting release.

THE PLAYLIST:
Be With Me, Foy Vance (from the 2007 Wurdamouth Records release Hope)
Take a touch of blues guitar, put it next to a slow funky groove and top with Vance’s distinctive soulful vocals and you end up with this smokin’ track.

Audio Download: Be With Me
[source: SXSW]

Count to Ten, Tina Dico (from the Defend Music release Count to Ten)
Similar to Ani DiFranco, Tina Dico conveys tremendous confidence in her vocals. An urgent beat underscores Dico’s song about taking a moment to collect oneself and letting that moment put things in perspective. Like a less roots-oriented Ani Difranco, Dico’s confident songwriting and vocals are a powerful force.

Audio Download: Count to Ten
[source: Defend Music]

I Do, Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers (from the Emma Java Recordings release Turbo Ocho)
For their latest release, Clyne and crew decamped for Mexico and wrote and recorded their entire latest release in eight days. The looseness shows, especially on this track built around an infectious hook and raucous guitars. Here’s to some mighty fine down-home rock and roll!

Into the Mystic, Jason Isbell (from the New West Records ep release Live at the Twist & Shout 11.16.2007)
This is one of two versions of the Van Morrison classic making the rounds (the other is by The Swell Season’s Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova). Isbell gives it a proper Southern rock shine, letting the electric guitars ring true as he sings “I want to rock your gypsy soul.” My only complaint with this ep release is that it didn’t include Isbell’s rocking “Never Gonna Change,” which was downright incendiary at this point in the tour.

Heaven Inside and Out, Ted Lukas (from the Nine Alarm Records release Misled)
Big jangly guitars guide the way on this power pop gem from Tampa’s Lukas.

Love’s Standin’, Vince Gill (from the MCA Nashville Records release These Days)
I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of Gill’s 4-cd collection, with each cd comprising a different musical style from rock to bluegrass to honky-tonk to acoustic ballads. I started with “The Rockin’ Record” and immediately latched onto this blissful ode to love. The lyrics can be a bit contrite, but between the euphoric melody and the jubilant horns this song never fails to put a smile on my face.

Thrash Unreal, Against Me! (from the Sire Records release New Wave)
The Gainesville power punkers tell a cautionary tale of a drug-addled woman who has lost too many years as a club denizen where “she can still hear that Rebel Yell just as loud as it was in 1983.” A persistent back-beat keeps the song moving while coarse lead vocals are countered by a catchy group harmonies on the chorus.

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 this situation, go on a hunger strike or a big vacation?” Elsewhere Poltz exposes the heart of a romantic underneath his wicked sense of humor. The bittersweet “Once Again” is an impassioned plea to a former lover to take him back while he declares “a love so true I’m gonna break on through” on the string-laced “Break On Through.” All too often simultaneous releases result in two albums of mediocrity (remember G&R’s Use Your Illusion 1 & 2?, anyone), but Poltz mines pockets of gold across Traveling and Unraveling. [Note that Unraveling is only available at live shows.]

THE PLAYLIST:
Who You Are, American Music Club (from the Merge Records release The Golden Age)
AMC’s Mark Eitzel is among rock’s most introspective writers, quietly exploring his feelings and reflecting on the emotions of those around him. This elegant opening track from their latest release finds Eitzel pleading to a lover to commit to the relationship, “you never love when you never trust, it’s hard to love when you only see the dust.”

Real Long Distance, Josh Ritter (from the Sony Records limited edition release Live at the 9:30 Club)
A limited edition release from National Independent Record Store Day, we’ve got NPR to thank for recording this stellar show. Although a short eight tracks, it perfectly captures the energy and enthusiasm of Josh and band in concert. This track stands out for the intensity of Ritter’s vocals and the brilliant cacophony of the band’s performance.

I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory, Kathleen Edwards ((from the Zoe Records Release Asking for Flowers)
Edwards has a sweet airy voice that belies the sarcasm in her lyrics. Case in point, “You’re cool and cred like Fogerty; I’m Elvis Presley in the 70’s.” Regardless, the gentle ambling melody of this twang-filled gem is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Every Fucking City, Paul Kelly (from Paul Kelly A-Z Downloads)
Kelly chronicles a couple’s vacation break-up and the protagonist’s subsequent sullen European wanderings until he finally declares that “every fucking city looks the same.”
Now I’m in a bar in Copenhagen, trying hard to forget your name, and I’m staring at the label on a bottle of cerveza, and every fucking city feels the same.” [Selections from A-Z Downloads are available at Kelly’s web site. A new “letter” is posted each month.]

Big Things, Shurman (from the Abet Music release Waiting for the Sunset)
Shurman’s Aaron Beavers excels at writing big country rock songs with brawny guitar-driven choruses. “Here’s to big things from something small,” indeed.

When Yer Sad, Tim Rogers (from the Ruby Q Records release The Luxury of Hysteria)
On his frequent solo releases, You Am I’s Rogers leaves the guitar fury but not the songwriting chops behind. This is perhaps the most rock-oriented track on his latest release which finds strings and horns accompanying Roger’s (mostly) acoustic guitar. The melancholy oozes from the lyrics and Roger’s restless yet driving melody.

The Cheapest Key, Kathleen Edwards (from the Zoe Records Release Asking for Flowers)
“A is for all the times I bit my tongue; B is for bullshit and you fed me some; C is for charity and now you’re mine; D is for dollars but you’re counting dimes…” A classic opening line.

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 crossed the bridge back to my hotel.

“I performed Lionel Richie’s “3 Times a Lady” in the 6th grade talent contest. I came in third and went from social outcast to the most desirable boy on the playground.” ~ Paul Thorn

“It’s not the volume, it’s the sucking that’s the problem.” ~ Name withheld, referring to one of the worst bands that I’ve ever seen.

“Do that one I like.” ~ request from a guy in the crowd (not me) at a Langhorne Slim set.

“We’re only playing songs that we refused to rehearse this afternoon because, as my daddy used to say, it’s good enough for who it’s for.” ~ Syd Straw

“None of these people are actually from Texas, they’re all from New York.” ~ Billy Bragg, referring to the crowd at an afternoon gig.

“Closed, ran out of food” ~ sign on the door of a restaurant whose permanent sign proudly proclaimed “always open.”

“We have to do this interactive shit or the younger people get bored. Then they start texting and shit.” ~ Billy Bragg, commenting on the state of the music industry. I was taking notes on my blackberry at the time.

“Bring me the whole top shelf.” ~ Syd Straw

“We’re taking a vote. I’ll accept a 47 percent majority because this is America.” ~ Billy Bragg, asking the crowd to choose between a Dylan cover and a Shangri-La’s cover. He played both.

“I saw 5 guys [this afternoon] with their pants around their ankles with their belts tight. I couldn’t help it, I started laughing. I thought that they might beat me down but then I realized that you can’t kick someone if you’re moving like this.” ~ Paul Thorn, while trying to kick with his knees locked together.

“Any brits here? It’s a half price sale across America. It’ll teach you right for electing republicans, you bastards.” ~ Billy Bragg

“My band sounds like two dinosaurs fighting.” ~ Jon Dee Graham

“That was so exciting I think we’ll do 9 or 10 ballads.” ~ Syd Straw, after an enthusiastic introduction by uber-fan Beatle Bob.

“Do you know why they call it football? Because you play it with your feet. That game you play should be called running around and catching.” ~ Billy Bragg

“I especially like these 4 ladies right here. They’re shaking their money-makers and making it easier for me.” ~ Paul Thorn

Me, to the woman sitting next to me at the airport lounge while waiting for my flight home: “Are you down here for the conference?”
Woman: “Yea, the renal physician’s conference.”

“This is a song about the first band that I was in. It was called the Nuns. We sucked.” ~ Alejandro Escovedo.

“It’s great to be back at the Toronto film festival. I think it’s the best one yet.” ~ Chuck Prophet.

Me: “What kind of ales do you have?”
Bartender (after an extended blank look): “Well, we’ve got sam adams lager.”

“Stick around for whoever’s next.” ~ Andre Williams

“Jon Dee, you sure are a mother-fucker.” ~ the waitress who brought me my beer at the front of the stage as Jon Dee lit up a blistering solo.

“I love Twangville!” ~ first response from a Los Angeles publicist when we were introduced. Ah shucks.

Nakia & His Southern Cousins
This was my top discovery of the week. It all starts with the voice, a rich and soulful baritone that recalls the best of the Stax vocalists. Throw in some groove courtesy of the Southern Cousins and a topping of harmony from the Fresh Up Girls and you’ll be in rhythm-n-blues heaven.

Audio Download: Playing the Cards
[Source: SXSW]

Audio Download: One More Try (George Michael cover)
[Source: Nakia]

Billy Bragg
Bragg has firmly established his reputation as one of music’s most intelligent troubadours, equally inspired by Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer. During a solo afternoon outing Bragg peppered the crowd with his opinions on American politics, the demise of the music industry and the Clash’s influence. Oh yeah, he also played a satisfying collection of originals, including highlights from his forthcoming release, and a few choice covers.

Langhorne Slim
Brooklyn-based Langhorne Slim blends folk, bluegrass and punk into a musical concoction that we’ll call punk-grass. Slim, backed by a stand-up bassist and drummer, got my day started with a burst of energy at the Bowery Poetry Club party.

Audio Download: Restless
[Source: SXSW]

Paperboy Reed
Boston soul sensation Reed was in fine form for his official SXSW showcase. Highlighting tracks from his forthcoming debut, he and the mighty True Loves blew through a tremendous set of classic Stax rhythm and blues.

Audio Download: The Satisfier
[Source: SXSW]

Ed Harcourt
Britain’s Ed Harcourt has a quiet intensity that belies his immaculate pop songs. His writing style is clearly rooted in the standards of the 1950’s and 1960’s but with a sharp contemporary edge. He also may be among the clumsiest musicians of the week. I saw him dump his keyboard on the floor at one gig and spill his beer at another. (“Oh shite,” he exclaimed when an audience member pointed out “Hey, you spilt your beer man!”).

Chuck Prophet
My pick for the hottest show in town was Chuck Prophet at the Ale House. Playing to a near capacity crowd in a basement with limited air circulation, Prophet and company turned the room into a rock and roll sweat box.

Audio Download: The Freckle Song
[Source: SXSW]

Little Jackie, the best band that I didn’t see
SXSW set times typically run like clock-work. Alas this year there was a bit of fraying at the edges which dashed my hopes of catching a handful of bands during the course of the week. Little Jackie was one such casualty. It was a pity as the duo’s blend of classic Motown R&B with contemporary hip-hop and pop flourishes is intoxicating. I’m eagerly awaiting their debut release later this year and, if all goes well, a proper tour.

Audio Download: The World Should Revolve Around Me
[Source: SXSW]

Watershed
These four guys from Columbus Ohio clearly came to rock. The power chords and pop hooks flew from the opening song and continued as the band tore through an adrenaline-fueled set. Watershed are, hands down, one of the most impressive power pop bands around.

Audio Download: Obvious
[Source: SXSW]

Stonehoney
You get a taste of Stonehoney’s energy and enthusiasm when you listen to their music. Seeing them live, however, gives you a much deeper appreciation of their talents. Guitarist Shawn Davis revels as the ring-leader, bouncing around the stage while Phil Hurley demonstrates his prowess on guitar. Best of all, the rich harmonies that glimmer on their records are just as magical in their live show.

Audio Download: Million Pretty Girls
[Source: Stonehoney]

Joseph Arthur
I got to Arthur’s Friday night 1:00am set a bit late and was forced to sneak in a back door to catch the end of the set. It was well worth it as Arthur’s songs have an intensity that is all the more captivating in a live setting. Accompanied primarily by his acoustic guitar and the occasional assistance of a female back-up singer, Arthur highlighted several tracks from his just released ep and also took a few audience requests.

Audio Download: Rages of Babylon
[Source: Joseph Arthur]

Paul Thorn
Thorn is one of the most engaging performers around, a distinctive personality with a razor sharp wit. Set him loose in front of his crack band and the joint gets jumping with his Southern-tinged rock and roll.

Audio Download: A Long Way From Tupelo
[Source: SXSW]

Liam Finn
Finn rivaled Nada Surf and the Raveonettes for the title of most active performer during SXSW. Backed by vocalist and auto-harp player EJ Barnes and a collection of loops and electronic gadgets, Finn was a musical force as he re-created the complex Beatles-esque pop of his solo release. It was hard not to be impressed by his energy as he jumped back and forth between guitar and drums.

Justin Townes Earle
The temperature hit the mid-90s on Friday afternoon but Earle and his band of country gentlemen still wore suits for the Bloodshot Records outdoor showcase. The traditionalist approach carried through to their performance, a rousing honky-tonk set that brought the Grand Old Opry to Austin for a few minutes.

The Right Ons
Spain’s Right Ons brought the party with a groovin’ set of garage rock with a healthy dose of Detroit rhythm and blues.

Audio Download: Do Your Thing Babe
[Source: SXSW]

Nada Surf
Indie faves Nada Surf drew a healthy crowd wherever they went in Austin. I caught a mid-day show at a small club so crowded that I couldn’t see the stage. It hardly mattered as the band’s delicate angst-filled pop songs permeated the room.

• Newbury Comics (Boston, MA and throughout New England), featuring Dennis Brennan with Peter Wolf, The Dresden Dolls, Aaron Lewis from Staind and many more
• Waterloo Records (Austin, TX), featuring an autograph signing wtih Panic at the Disco.
• Criminal Records (Atlanta, GA), featuring Anna Kramer & the Lost Cause and many more artists.
• Amoeba Records (San Fransisco, Berkeley and Hollywood, CA), featuring the Donnas and Jello Biafra

Exclusive Releases (Get ‘Em While You Can*

• 36 Crazyfists - The Oculus CD EP
• The Black Keys - “Strange Times” 7″ single
• Breeders - “We’re Gonna Rise” 7″ single
• Built To Spill - “Don’t Try” 7″ single
• Death Cab for Cutie - “I Will Possess Your Heart” remix 7″ single
• Kevin Devine - Put Your Ghost to Rest CD
• Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple Double LP
• Jason Isbell - Live at Twist & Shout CD
• Magnetic Mornings Magnetic Morning CD EP
• Stephen Malkmus - “Cold Son” 10″ single
• Matador Records turntable slipmats
• Jason Mraz - “I’m Yours” 7″ single
• Josh Ritter - Live at the 9:30 Club CD
• Josh Ritter - self titled CD
• Panic at the Disco - “Nine in the Afternoon” 7″ single
• R.E.M. - “Supernatural Superserious” 7″ single
• Arthur Russell - Four Songs By Arthur Russell 12″
• The Teenagers - “Love No. (Tricolore Collection)” 3×7″ single bundle
• Vampire Weekend - “A-Punk” 7″ single

*Courtesy of Waterloo Records

Now, many of our colleagues in the media worked hard to provide real-time updates from Austin during SXSW. At Twangville, we try not to let editorial obligation stand in the way of fun. Sure, we’ll give you the details, the highs and the lows, but we’ve got certain priorities. Music comes first. And in Austin, Shiner Boch comes second.

Somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 bands converged on Austin for this year’s SXSW music industry conference. Here are some of my highlights. (For additional SXSW coverage from Tom and John, click here.)

Theme and Variations
Soul and R&B continued to be a powerful presence for another year. Yet one could see the next trends emerging. Music is certainly taking on a darker edge, not doubt a reaction to the economic and political turbulence infecting the globe.

The garage door was opened slightly and the rough edges of rock could be seen establishing a foothold. The Raveonettes and the The Black Keys are the apparent ring-leaders with the power duo format but Spain’s The Right Ons and Boston’s Muck and the Mires are clearly part of the club with a more pop-oriented garage rock sound.

Singer-songwriters were also in abundance, particularly those with dark, brooding sounds. England’s Christopher Rees and Foy Vance stood out among them; others included Wisconsin’s Bon Iver, New York’s AA Bondy, Australia’s Paul Kelly (a long-time fave), and a solo outing from Pedro the Lion’s David Bazan.

Of course there is always a strong representation of UK alternative rock bands at SXSW. Leading the charge this year were London’s The Duke Spirit, Scotland’s Sons & Daughters and Leed’s the Pigeon Detectives.

Austin Rocks
SXSW aside, Austin is clearly one of the finest music towns in the country. I’m always excited to see some of the incredible local acts that play regularly in Austin but rarely tour outside the South.

At the top of the list is Jon Dee Graham, who delivered a sonic attack alongside his band the Fighting Cocks. When you’re starting to get tired and grumpy there is no better elixir than standing front and center at a Jon Dee Graham show. His pounding brand of rock will kick you in the ass. I suspect that if he weren’t such a nice guy, he’d probably do it literally as well.

It was a special treat to close the official SXSW showcase schedule with David Garza’s Saturday 1am set. Garza is as eclectic as he is talented, rivaling Ryan Adams at times (in a good way). Even though he was backed by a non-traditional band of three percussionists, a bassist and xylophone player, Garza delivered a healthy rock set. Hearing him power through some shoulda-been monster hits from his 1998 major label debut This Euphoria was, well, euphoric. (This Euphoria is out-of-print but now available for digital download on Amazon.com).

The Year of the Duet?
I suppose that there are surprise combinations every year at SXSW, but I caught a number of notables this year. Billy Bragg invited new-found friend Kate Nash to duet on the Shangri-las “Give Him a Great Big Kiss” during an intimate afternoon party I attended.

The New West Records party featured legendary guitarist Johnny Rivers (“Secret Agent Man”) joining Buddy Miller and band for most of the latter’s set. It was a somewhat odd but interesting pairing which showcased the incredible musical talents of Miller & company in keeping the free-wheeling set moving. For some odd reason, Rivers kept referring as Miller as “Jimmy.” Miller appeared bemused.

Tim Easton had already created a potent concoction by inviting The Whipsaws — Alaska’s answer to Texas’s Drams – to back him during SXSW. During Alejandro Escovedo’s traditional Sunday night unofficial closing showcase they cranked it up a notch by bringing Lucinda Williams to the stage for a rousing blues number.

Club “Tattoos”
I guess that several clubs got new ink pads prior to the conference and were anxious to use them. On Thursday most of my right hand and forearm were covered in stamps – sometimes with duplicates from the same club!

Hello Montgomery?!
Ok, so this wasn’t quite a musical experience but my trip home to Boston was certainly memorable. My flight was connecting through Atlanta where, according to the pilot, the weather was quite nice. Shortly before landing in Atlanta, however, the pilot announced that we had been put into a holding pattern but that we didn’t have enough fuel to last. We “pulled over” in Montgomery, Alabama where the pilot announced that we he would “tell them what kind of plane we had so that we could get some fuel.” Not sure whether he put the gas on his credit card or was able to get by with an IOU.

• 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 signed limited edition lyric sheet AND a copy of What Is Love For, Currie’s excellent debut solo release.

Justin will be kicking off a limited US tour next week, beginning on April 13th in Nashville. More info here. If we’re lucky, he’ll play “As Long As You Don’t Come Back,” the biting yet insanely catchy outtake from What Is Love For that can be found on his myspace page.

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 a web site for those who want to contribute towards Chris’s recovery. Click here for more information.

I first heard Gaffney when he toured with Dave Alvin several years ago. I had no idea who he was but am forever grateful to Alvin for introducing me to a talented singer and performer. Here is a clip of Gaffney and the Hacienda Brothers in action.

We at Twangville send our best wishes to Chris for a speedy recovery.

Don’t miss the haunting J. Tillman & Emily Loizeau duet performance of Tillman’s “Crooked Roof, courtesy of impressive French music video blog La Blogotheque.