So Old 97s are back with another alt country gem (see Kelly’s take here). To celebrate the new release, we are giving away a copy of The Grand Theatre, Volume One. Here’s how to win: Earlier this year, the band released a 4-song ep of cover tunes called Mimeograph (see the Twangville review here). It […]
Solomon Burke, 1940-2010
The music world lost one of the great ones today with the passing of Solomon Burke. Here are two classic Burke performances to celebrate the life of the man referred to as the King of Rock and Soul. The first, a duet with Patty Griffin on her moving — and fitting — song “Up On […]
Mayer’s Playlist From September 2010
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Blood/Candy, by The Posies “Who’s got into that 80s radio?” ask the Posies at the start of “Licenses to Hide.” It is an appropriate question for a band whose first album dates back to that era. In a triumph of talent and perseverance over the music business vagaries, the Posies are […]
You Pick It: The Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes”
Another Friday (finally), another installment of “You Pick It.” This week we focus on Lou Reed’s classic “Pale Blue Eyes.” Alejandro Escovedo kicks us off with a spectacular live version recorded in Paris. REM picks up the gauntlet and passes it on to Patti Smith and the Kills. We get a sneak peek of Joseph […]
Twangville Town Hall: Justin Townes Earle’s “Harlem River Blues”
MAYER’S TAKE: SHADES OF WOODY GUTHRIE It’s interesting how artists get influenced by their surroundings, particularly when they uproot from familiar territories and move to new locales. It usually sends their music into different directions, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. When Justin Townes Earle moved from Nashville to New York City, I’m sure […]
You Pick It: Springsteen’s “Born to Run”
Continuing our series of classic songs covered, today we survey a collection of fuel-injected takes on Bruce Springsteen’s legendary “Born to Run.” “This Is American Music” – a music collective featuring Grand Champeen, Two Cow Garage, The Drams, and Glossary – kick us off, followed by Butch Walker, the Smoking Popes, Cowboy Mouth, Melissa Etheridge, […]
Monday Mornin’ Rock with David Garza
Two guitarists plus two drummers equals double the rock. Not a bad way to start the week. Learn more about Austin Texas musician David Garza here.
Mayer’s Playlist from August 2010, a Video Companion
The video companion returns with a short but potent set from August’s playlist. We kick things off with Rich Pagano and SugarCane Cups ripping it up on “Change Your Mind.” Luke Doucet takes the baton with a solo performance of “Dirty Dirty Blonde” that rivals the recorded version. Paul Thorn slows us down a bit […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2010, Part 2
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Pimps and Preachers, by Paul Thorn Paul Thorn is the Mark Twain of Americana. Possessing an endearing folksy charm, he fills his songs with a potent and intelligent wit. Thorn’s lyrics are typically self-depreciating yet hopeful. A fine example is “I Hope I’m Doing This Right.” After several verses of reflection […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2010, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: You Go Your Way, by Amy Correia It’s hard not to get lost in Amy Correia’s latest release, You Go Your Way. The story-telling quality of her songwriting, matched with some diverse and engaging instrumentation, conjures up images of a musical from the classic age of Broadway. “Love Changes Everything” is […]