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 [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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 [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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 [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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 [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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

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 Legend, [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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 [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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 [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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

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

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

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by Mayer Danzig

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by Mayer Danzig

We’re getting into the fall release season and there are some good ones on the horizon. Here are a few for your consideration. 1372 Overton Park, Lucero This may be my most anticipated release for the fall. The boys from Memphis have long been known for their raucous live shows and whiskey-soaked songs. (Although [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

The Bloodshot Records day party is a traditional highlight of every SXSW. Held behind the Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery in Austin Texas, it is a relaxed afternoon of filled with beer, food, merriment and, of course, great music. To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the folks at Bloodshot decided to take that experience [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig