The latest effort from Angie Mattson, an EP entitled Skeleton Arm, starts with the sound of insects and jungle drums.  That first song, Bravery, equates the sacrifices needed for love with bravery and sets a kind of “always hunting” mentality that exists throughout the project.  At the same time, there’s an undercurrent of the caged [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Love on the Dial, by Stone River Boys From the depths of tragedy springs a new beginning. When Chris Gaffney, one half of the Hacienda Brothers, was diagnosed with cancer in early 2008, brother Dave Gonzalez led a tour to raise funds for his close friend. Among those who joined for [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Street Songs of Love, by Alejandro Escovedo Alejandro Escovedo is living proof that some things just get better with age. Street Songs of Love rocks with abandon and rolls with purpose. “Anchor” is a fitting opener, electric guitars kicks off a rocker that, although mid-tempo, still packs a forceful punch. “If [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Midnight Souvenirs, by Peter Wolf Graceful is the first word that jumps to mind upon hearing Peter Wolf’s latest. That and “what the hell took you so long.” It has been eight years since his last solo album, and Wolf makes up for lost time with an impressive song collection. Although [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Our friends at New West Records sent along this great video of John Hiatt talking about “Fireball Roberts,” a track from his latest release. The slow bluesy number finds Hiatt drawing a parallel between the late race-car driver’s professional career and a failed relationship. The video includes a special live performance by Hiatt and his [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Todd Snider once advocated a life where you could “pack everything you own in 15 minutes and move on” as a way to collect the stories needed to be a good singer-songwriter.  That philosophy has certainly given Todd plenty of good material.  The duo of Seador Rose and Aaron Davis, in their persona as Screen [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

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

Give Me Tomorrow, Willie Nile (from the River House Records release House of a Thousand Guitars) Nile’s eternal optimism reigns supreme, most notably on this spirited testament to change and opportunity. “I’ve seen poison in the waters, heard the crying of the sea, I have heard your sons and daughters say what’s to become of [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

The Winner is… Tis the season… The best of lists are coming out in force. The Twangville eitors list just came out and now it is time for us in “The Posse” to reveal our individual lists. I am going first because I am the best looking. In my mid-year list, Buddy and Julie were [...] more »

by Chip Frazier

Often, when people think of “Texas Music” or “Texas Country”, they tend to think of the country-tinged rock of Reckless Kelly, the honky-tonk floor-stomping of Aaron Watson or the rock-flavored country of Randy Rogers. I will warn those folks to not overlook the gospel and delta flavored blues of Jason Eady (Official / Myspace). Eady’s [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

Wikipedia defines Americana as “artifacts related to the history, geography, folklore and cultural heritage of the United States.”  By that, the latest effort from The Band Of Heathens is about as close to a definitive musical interpretation of Americana as you can get.  One Foot In The Ether has a little something for everyone who’s [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

A couple of recent releases have provided great examples of records that were made by Texan artists in Music City. People often mistakenly – and lazily – equate any country music made in Nashville to the slick pop style that is featured on Top 40 Country radio. For those paying attention, these two albums should [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

Showerhead, Rachelle Van Zanten (from the RZV Records release Where Your Garden Grows) Canada’s Van Zanten sure can play a mean guitar. What really caught my ear, however, was the confidence and brawn in this track. Mix the rawness of a Lucinda Williams tune with the slide guitar chops of Bonnie Raitt and a touch [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

The new, self-titled disc from Austin’s Porterdavis is a Country-Blues gem. With stomping rhythms, a menacing harmonica weaving it’s way through the melodies, and the dark, smokey and soulful vocals of Dan Barrett, much of the disc seems to be rooted in the mud of Mississippi rather than dusty soil of Texas. If another band [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

The Deep Vibration, out of Nashville, know how to leave a guy wanting more. Their EP, Veracruz (Dualtone), seems to tease the listener with only a total of 5 songs. All 5 songs are made up of high-quality, bluesy rock and it just doesnt seem like enough. Matt Campbell’s vocal performance is strong and the [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore