Mellow can often mean bland, but it can also be deceiving. The heartfelt sincerity of Somethin’ Concrete by Joe Koenig (Official / Myspace) comes through in a mellow flow that is soulful, not shallow. The Californian considers his folk-rock/country/gospel hybrid to be a Texan form of soul. Such a description is appropriate, as Koenig spent [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

As usual, there have been many great albums come from artists that call Austin home. I recently enjoyed Tom Gillam’s latest, and am looking forward to Reckless Kelly’s soon to be released disc. A recent release that is easily one of the better “Austin albums” of the year is Graham Wilkinson’s Yearbook. This record is [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

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

If Night One was about the late night party, night two was about the tributes. Most of the headliners – most notably Metallica and the Jeff Beck Band – mixed a healthy dose of covers into their sets, many with special guests along for the ride. Similar to Night One, the legendary Jerry Lee [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Seventy years.  That’s right, this year marks the seventh decade the Blind Boys of Alabama have been performing.  Sure, the personnel have undergone some changes in that time, but one of the original members, Clarence Fountain, still tours with them as his health allows.  What’s more, they’ve never been as relevant to the current music [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

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

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

I have always been beyond hesitant to call any of my posts “reviews”. For one, I’m not much of a writer, for two, I am basically just trying to tell you about a record that I really like, so I don’t feel the need to dress it up as anything more journalistic and formal than [...] more »

by Kelly Dearmore

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

A couple of months ago, I was driving somewhere with my twin brother.  He’s yammering on and on about this new songwriter that I have to listen to.  Now my brother has pretty good taste and has introduced me to many if not most of my favorite artists, but he’s still my brother–so I mostly [...] more »

by Eli Petersen

Twangville readers picked ‘Flower Petals’ by The Subdudes as their favorite release for week of August 18, 2009. Deep in the heart of New Orleans is where you’ll find The Subdudes, a band that uses a tambourine in place of drums. They played together for 9 years before reuniting in 2002 to give it another [...] more »

by Tom Osborne

In the words of the guy in the Verizon ad, “Can you hear me now?” If not, try these gems from the classics edition of our special Twangville playlist: Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright), Bob Dylan So long, honey, babe Where I’m bound, I can’t tell Goodbye’s too good a word, babe So I’ll just say fare thee well I [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

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by Mayer Danzig

If you ever wanted to see what happens when a great song inspires and even greater performance, check out Bettye LaVette’s performance of the Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” at the recent Kennedy Center Honors presentation to The Who. The facial expressions of Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey say it all. Sorry gentlemen, [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

We bolt right out of the gate this month with Butch Walker’s smokin’ video for “The Weight of Her” followed by the Right On’s blazing through a live performance of “Do Your Thing, Babe.” After that, you’ll want to catch your breath with live acoustic performances from Ben Nichols and David Garza. From [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig