New music is created in studios, bedrooms and studios every day. We at Twangville are fortunate and honored that many emerging artists chose to share their music with us. Join us below and in future installments to see what we find in the Twangville mailbox. Potlatch, The Bean Pickers Union (self-released) If music is at […]
A Few Words With Justin Currie
The basement of the Brattle Book Shop may seem an odd place to conduct an interview but in this case it was entirely appropriate. Sitting on a small step ladder surrounded by a stacks of books, Justin Currie reflected on the character study captured on his debut solo album, “I wanted to explore love from […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Video Companion
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 […]
Mayer’s Picks for 2008
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 Calendar […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Songs
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.” If I […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: Honorable Mentions
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 most mesmerizing melodies this […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Albums
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 […]
Happy New Year 2008
I woke up this morning, and none of the news was good Death machines were rumblin’ ‘cross the ground where Jesus stood And the man on my TV told me that it had always been that way And there was nothing anyone could do or say And I almost listened to him Yeah, I almost […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November/December (part 2), a Video Companion
The second party of our November/December video companion is chock full of live performances. Bettye Lavette kicks us off, Jason Anderson kicks it up a notch and Ben Arnold just kicks it. Other performances include Band of Horses, Brother Ali, the Redwalls, Joe Purdy, Mark Ronson and Chris Mills.
Mayer’s Playlist for November/December, part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: The Scene of the Crime, by Bettye Lavette Detroit’s Bettye LaVette wastes no time in making a statement on her latest release. “I’ve been this way too long to change now,” she declares with a voice that leaves no room for negotiation, “you’re going to have to take me like I […]