For the first time in three years Twangville presents an official top albums list aggregated from several of our editors’ picks. The first number in parenthesis represents the cumulative score and the second number is the number of editors who selected a particular album. 1. Jason Isbell, ‘Sirens of The Ditch’ (26.5/4) 2. Patty Griffin, ‘Children [...] more »

Sat, Jan 26, 2008 | 0 Comments

Top 10 lists are relative in that they are best judged against the music the reviewer was exposed to and spent enough time listening to to properly analyze. For this reason, many fine albums of 2007 didn’t make my list. I had every intention of purchasing Steve Earle’s and Bettye Lavette’s albums in time to [...] more »

Mon, Jan 14, 2008 | 4 Comments

Before we get too far into 2008, here’s a quick trip down (recent) memory lane with some of my favorites from 2007. Among them: Jason Isbell (”Dress Blues”), Josh Ritter (”Right Moves”), Justin Currie (”If I Ever Loved You”), Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (”Falling Slowly” plus a bonus “Into the Mystic”), Brandi Carlile (”The [...] more »

Mon, Jan 14, 2008 | 0 Comments

As 2007 fades from memory, there’s a wealth of great music on the horizon in 2008. I’ve listed a few of my most eagerly awaited arrivals below, ordered by expected release date. Most of the artists have preview tracks available via MySpace; click on the artist name to link there. Check the Twangville Release [...] more »

Thu, Jan 10, 2008 | 1 Comment

Dress Blues, Jason Isbell Potent in its simplicity, Isbell reflects on the loss of a high school friend in the Iraqi War. Even after hundreds of listens, I still get a chill in my spine when Isbell sings “You never planned on the bombs in the sand, or sleeping in your dress blues.” [...] more »

Tue, Jan 08, 2008 | 1 Comment

A few more for your consideration… Free Life by Dan Wilson Intelligent lyrics and extraordinary pop sensibilities make Wilson an in-demand songwriter and collaborator. Left to his own devices he delivers an impeccably produced pop gem. Cigarettes and Gasoline by Emerson Hart The former Tonic front-man serves up some of the [...] more »

Sat, Jan 05, 2008 | 0 Comments

With the passing of one year and the start of another, we at Twangville relish the opportunity to reflect on our favorite music of the past year. Over the next week I’ll be highlighting my favorite albums and songs from 2007, culminating with a preview of some highly anticipated 2008 releases. We start with the [...] more »

Wed, Jan 02, 2008 | 1 Comment

Favorite Albums:   Neil Young/Live at Massey Hall – So, some folks call it a reissue, but it’s the first time I’ve heard it and I believe, the first time its been released.  Yeah, it was a concert that took place over 30 years ago but still new to my ears and it was one of [...] more »

Mon, Dec 31, 2007 | 3 Comments

Hey Everybody, As always, the following is a link to ITunes to download a playlist of some of my favorite songs of the year: BOBBY K’S 2007 PICKS. This playlist contains a song from most of the records I reviewed below, as well as some other great songs from 2007. I took great care in [...] more »

Thu, Dec 27, 2007 | 0 Comments

I’m finally getting around to sharing my favorite songs from releases in Spring. As usual, there were a few casualties trying to fit the entire list onto a single disc. Among the fallen were Loudon Wainwright III, Elliot Smith and Mando Daio. All were painful to remove, but in the end I don’t think the [...] more »

Thu, Aug 16, 2007 | 0 Comments

After a slow start, winter ended on a high note with some great songs and albums freshly introduced at SXSW. Notables amongst those in attendance at the festival were Albert Hammond, Jr., Low Stars and Paolo Nutuni to name a few. I compiled some of my favorites into this handy playlist with a few expected [...] more »

Mon, Apr 16, 2007 | 0 Comments

I know this is a little late in coming, and I apologize (I’ve been having some computer problems as of late). However, because of said problems, all earlier drafts of this post are gone for good thanks to good ol’ Word. So instead of a thoughtful, potentially insightful and possibly witty post, you [...] more »

Tue, Jan 23, 2007 | 2 Comments

As 2006 fades from memory, there’s a wealth of great music on the horizon in 2007. Here are a few eagerly awaited arrivals. Jake Brennan Its hard to believe that it has been three year’s since Love and Bombs, Jake Brennan’s last release. Brennan is expected to return later this year with a stripped down [...] more »

Sat, Jan 20, 2007 | 0 Comments

Love from a Scar, Will Hoge I’ll stick with my description from last March… “The horns, oh the horns! Imagine a classic rock song finished off with the Muscle Shoals soul sound — this track is a lock for my list of 2006’s top songs. Even if the song weren’t a perfect blend of classic [...] more »

Thu, Jan 18, 2007 | 0 Comments

In addition to my top ten, there were many other great albums this past year. Here, in no particular order, are some for your consideration. From a Late Night High Rise by Matthew Ryan Great art is born of personal tragedy and pain, as evidenced by this powerful album. From the etheral ballad “Follow [...] more »

Tue, Jan 16, 2007 | 0 Comments