At Twangville, the Drive-By Truckers carry a lot of weight. In fact, in the post-modern, post-alt-country (whatever) era of Indie rock, they are like superstars to some. Not like in the “Oh my god, what is Britney wearing” kind of way but rather in the anticipation that comes for some in a new record. It [...] more »

by Jeff McMahon

I found myself a little torn about whether to post a review of the new Alex Hargreaves album, Prelude, to Twangville.  It does have fiddle and banjo and mandolin, but rarely does it even come close to twangy.  It’s much more a jazz album.  But this is a path that’s been blazed already by Bela [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine and [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

Last week we profiled the recent tribute to New Orleans’ Preservation Hall. Recorded over the past year in New Orleans historic landmark, the album features the legendary jazz band performing with artists ranging from Tom Waits to Jason Isbell to Brandi Carlile. Did I say win big? I meant really big. Thanks to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

If you’re a fan of 70’s country rock, you’ll feel right at home with the latest release from Great American Taxi, Reckless Habits.  Vince Herman, the leader of Taxi, was also a founder of Leftover Salmon, and the jam band roots are noticeably.  But what really comes through is a homage to the early pioneers [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

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

Rich McCulley’s (Official / Myspace) 4th album, Starting All Over Again wastes no time in establishing its identity as a catchy pop-rock record that twangs in just the right spots and even reflects without moping. “Tell Me, I’m Listening”, “Dreams Tonight” and “The Last Song” open the album with a steady tempo that rocks [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: The Day After Everything Changed, by Ellis Paul New England folk musician Ellis Paul headed south to Nashville to record his latest album and returned with a more polished sound. Despite the change of locale, however, the vividness of his songwriting remains the same. Paul’s songs are filled with rich [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Austin Collins is an artist on the rise. His previous release Roses are Black received a lot of critical praise. With the release of Wrong Control on March 2nd, music fans will no doubt take notice. Along with his band the Rainbirds, Collins is delivering a more rocking twist to accompany his excellent songwriting. The album [...] more »

by Chip Frazier

I like a record that grows throughout its playlist.  Like a fine wine that starts with a mouthful of fruit, but then spices and oak and earthiness build across the palate for a wonderfully complex flavor.  The latest album from Kara Suzanne and her band, the Gojo Hearts, is kind of like that.  It starts [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

When did Gillian last do an album, 2003?  Sure, David Rawlings had a great release last year, but it was a Dave Rawlings album that Gillian sang on, not a Gillian album.  Well, if you have a hankering for something new in that vein, I suggest you check out the latest release from The Honey [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

Musical fads are a double-edged sword…or are they a blessing and a curse? Either way, with each new “movement”, whether it be Texas/Red Dirt or Freak-Folk or whatever, we see an influx of artists that, thanks to the artists who initially drew the attention of the masses to a certain trendy style, get to [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

Need some extra juice to get you through the week? Two Twangville faves recently released mp3s for your listening pleasure. Drive-By Truckers, “This Fucking Job” Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” more »

by Mayer Danzig

The late 1990’s may have been the golden era of alt. country. We had Son Volt’s Trace and Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. Steve Earle was having a post prison career renaissance, the Old 97’s were signing with a major label, and Wilco was teaming up with Billy Bragg on [...] more »

by Eli Petersen

Imagine if Graham Parsons had hooked up with Grace Slick instead of Emmylou, and one of their offspring had moved out to Joshua Tree for a decade or so, then formed a band with a couple of his friends.  The real story of how I See Hawks In L.A. came into being is less, well, [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood