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Let the Day Begin: A Tribute to Michael Been

We lost one of the good ones last week. Michael Been, former front-man for the Call passed away. The Call were one of those impressive bands that married intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics with fervent rock anthems. It was a potent combination, reflective of Been’s passion as the band’s singer and primary songwriter. Although the Call [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Will Hoge For Nashville: Washed By the Water

From tragedy comes inspiration. The recent floods in Nashville reached deep into the heart of one of America’s finest musical cities, taking lives and destroying property throughout Nashville and the surrounding communities. Twangville favorite and Nashville native Will Hoge originally wrote and recorded “Washed By The Water” about New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Record Store Day, My Favorite Holiday

How quickly Record Store Day has become one of my favorite holidays. The annual celebration of the independent record store features special performances and a spectacular list of exclusive releases. I won’t get sentimental about the decline of the record store, yet it is hard to ignore the special qualities that they possess. There’s something [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Who Should The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induct in 2011?

I finally got around to watching the broadcast from last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 inductions. The ceremony — honoring inductees ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and Iggy Pop & Stooges — was, well, rather tame. Even Iggy Pop, in fine Stooges form, struggled to get a reaction from the crowd. [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Ain’t Nobody Better Than The Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Few cities have as rich a musical heritage as New Orleans, Louisiana. Even fewer have a modest building the mere mention of which conjures up vivid images, both visual and aural. Such is the legacy of Preservation Hall. The building itself is strikingly humble. No running water. No air conditioning. Six spare benches and a [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Win Big: Elvis Costello’s Spectacle

Costello LaMontagne and Lowe

If you haven’t been watching the second season of Spectacle: Elvis Costello With… on the Sundance Channel, you’ve been missing some incredible music television. A storied songwriter in his own right, Costello is able to speak as a peer with a diverse range of musical guests. He deftly explores their musical history and approach to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Ten for Oh-Ten

Peter Wolf

2010 is shaping up quite nicely, thank you. Here are ten upcoming releases whose arrival is eagerly anticipated at the Twangville general store. FREEDY JOHNSTON, Rain on the City (Release date January 12th) Has it really been eight years since Johnston’s last album of originals? Johnston’s instrument of choice is an acoustic guitar, all the [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Drive-By Truckers Get Ready to Rock

Truckers

This picture just about says it all. The Drive-By Truckers, newly signed to ATO Records, will release a new album — The Big To-Do — on March 16, 2010. “It’s very much a rock album,” says Patterson Hood, “Very melodic and more rocking than anything we’ve done since disc 2 of Southern Rock Opera.” The [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Giving Thanks, a Twangville Toast

Matthew Ryan

It’s that time once again to reflect on another eventful year in the history of Twangville. As it turns out, we’ve been at it for close to five years now. Each year has brought new joy along with new challenges. Seeing as Twangville is an all-volunteer effort it’s never easy to find the time to [...] more »

by Tom Osborne

The Rock Hall @ 25: Night One (Part 2)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts, Night One 29 October 2009 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City Headliners: Crosby, Stills & Nash; Paul Simon; Simon & Garfunkel; Stevie Wonder; Bruce Springsteen Guests: Jerry Lee Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Dion DiMucci, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Smokey Robinson, John [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Celebrating the Rock Hall of Fame: Night One

newsRockHall25

Tom Hanks may have kicked things off with a hearty “Hail Hail Rock and Roll,” but it was the legendary Jerry Lee Lewis (HoF inaugural class of 1986) who got the party started. The 74-year old was clearly showing his age yet still showed his spark as he knocked out a healthy version of “Whole [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Marah, How We’ve Missed You

Marah

I’d just about given up hope on these guys. When their last tour fell apart almost as soon as it began, one couldn’t help but fear the worse. Now, many months down the line, the band re-emerges with promises of a new album and extensive tour in 2010. Sign me up! In the meantime, the [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Win Big: The Beatles

The Beatles

It’s a give-away throwdown here on Twangville this week. Lucero versus, well, the Beatles. To celebrate the recent re-mastered Beatles catalogue, EMI is offering one lucky Twangville reader this special Beatles lithograph. more »

by Mayer Danzig

Lucero- 1372 Overton Park, GIVEAWAY!

Critics often throw around the title “best American rock band”, usually in relation to outfits like the Drive-By Truckers, My Morning Jacket, or Wilco.  Who am I to disappoint?  So I’ll say it, 1372 Overton Park is Lucero’s entrance into that league.  It’s a straight up American rock and roll classic and I dare you [...] more »

by Eli Petersen

Coming Soon: Matthew Ryan

Twangville fave Matthew Ryan is set to release Dear Lover, his latest DIY effort on October 27th. Initially available exclusively via digital channels, a physical version of the album is expected in 2010. We like what we hear but wonder, can we get a bit more reverb with that? more »

by Mayer Danzig