North Carolina’s American Aquarium has certainly made the most of their tenacious touring and effective self-promotion over the past few years. With their last two studio albums, Dances for the Lonely and Small Town Hymns possessing an irresistibly comfortable blend of country and rock, and the band’s live shows having gained a reputation for being [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

To help us get in the mood for the upcoming Twangville showcase, here are videos from two of our featured artists: Lydia Loveless and the Mooncussers. Loveless and the Mooncussers will be joined by Kasey Anderson and American Gun for this special night of music on 10 March 2012 at the New Brookland Tavern in [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

There’s something unexplainably exhilarating about a rapid and dramatic change in temperature.  In Russia and Scandinavia they go from a hot sauna to a leap into freezing cold water.  Where I grew up in the Midwest, we’d go from a hot, sweaty mosh pit in a club with ear-ringing decibels to the subzero outdoor environs [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

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by Mayer Danzig

There are still two more days to enter our Paul Kelly box set give-away. Click here for more details. Here’s a personal favorite from the Kelly catalog and yet another example of his songwriting prowess. more »

by Mayer Danzig

I caught these guys for the first time in New Orleans last fall. Led by singer-songwriter Luke Spurr, the group features a number of talented New Orleans musicians. Visit the band’s web site to learn more, but first check out this entertaining live performance. more »

by Mayer Danzig

A few years back I put together a series of special playlists featuring my favorite kiss off songs. Despite what my family may think, I’m really not that cynical. Rather, I just appreciate how some songwriters can tackle the topic with humor and bite. Over the past year I’ve come across a few more to [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Live At Lincoln Hall, by Joe Pug Since arriving on the singer-songwriter scene in 2008, it didn’t take long for Joe Pug to establish himself as a rising star. This live album, recorded in Chicago last spring and comprising songs from his one full-length album and two eps, is a spectacular [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Rock and roll lost a legend on Friday with the passing of Etta James. An oft-troubled life didn’t prevent James from a remarkable career that inspired several generations of artists. And how many artists can lay claim to having been inducted into the Rock and Roll and Rockabilly Halls of Fame, not to mention a [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

I can’t think of many better ways to usher in the new year than to spend it rockin’ with Lucero. Hence I was thrilled when the band scheduled a New Year’s Eve show in Boston. ’round midnight the band played a song from their forthcoming release. more »

by Mayer Danzig

Rock and roll lost a friend and a brother on Friday when Tommy Ardolino of NRBQ passed away. Our video this morning is a tribute to Tom and his musical legacy. As Terry Adams says in the video below, “Gimme a beat! Gimme what I love, that beat baby!” more »

by Mayer Danzig

By now you’ve seen what most of us were listening to on our MP3 or CD players last year.  So I thought I’d add my favorite live sets from last year.  1) Roger Waters: I got a chance to see The Wall at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.  Holy cow.  As far as I’m [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2011 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the addendum — the best songs from the second half of the year. When My Time Comes, Barnstar! (from the self-released C’Mon!) I somehow missed this song [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

A Twangville reader rightfully called me out for last week’s Monday Morning Video. A great song, for sure, but certainly more fitting for the political season than the holiday season. So here’s a gem that is perfect for all seasons! more »

by Mayer Danzig

Many of my favorite releases from this year were 5-6 song eps rather than 8-10+ song full-length releases. It is, perhaps, a statement on modern music industry that, with one exception, all of these were self-released. As John Lennon said, “Power to the people.” Here, in no particular order, are a few favorite EPs from [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig