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

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

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

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

Arms & Legs and Flowers, Ian Hunter (from the New West Records release Man Overboard) It’s no accident that Ian Hunter gets two mentions on this list. The legendary singer-songwriter is a true rock and roll poet, writing magnificent songs that combine simplicity with depth. “Arms & Legs” is an inspirational tribute to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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

In year’s past, I haven’t done much a personal “Best-Of” list at year’s end. I have left that up to others, mainly due to the stress level inherent with such a task. This year, I contributed a list to multiple outlets, so I figure I would share my ballot with you here. What you see [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

#1. LUCERO, 1372 Overton Park (Republic/Universal) The former residents of 1372 Overton Park in Memphis let loose a potent blend of classic rock anthems and horn-infused Southern soul. Fueled by singer-songwriter Ben Nichol’s gritty vocals and filled with lyrics about whiskey-filled nights and the mornings after, this one is a barnburner. (Twangville review here [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Man, I’ve got some catching up to do. A heavy travel schedule has kept me from my monthly playlist duties. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had the pleasure to visit some impressive places. Even better, I’ve had plenty of great new music to keep me company along the way. Well, its time to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Man, I’ve got some catching up to do. A heavy travel schedule has kept me from my monthly playlist duties. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had the pleasure to visit some impressive places. Even better, I’ve had plenty of great new music to keep me company along the way. Well, its time to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Man, I’ve got some catching up to do. A heavy travel schedule has kept me from my monthly playlist duties. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had the pleasure to visit some impressive places. Even better, I’ve had plenty of great new music to keep me company along the way. Well, its time to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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

All these records came out this year and have been piling up on my digital nightstand.  They’re all good too.  Enjoy the downloads, graciously provided by the artists/labels involved. Zach Seibert & the Red Wagon An Americana dream of atmospheric folk and country inspired rock and roll, Learning to Drown is Zach Seibert’s first real solo project.  [...] more »

by Eli Petersen

Twangville readers picked ‘I and Love and You’ by The Avett Brothers as their favorite release for week of September 29, 2009. After five full-length albums and two EPs on Ramseur Records the Avett Brothers have decided to go BIG with their latest release ‘I and Love and You’. What do you do when you want [...] more »

by Tom Osborne