“I’m a legend not a star,†sang Australia’s Paul Kelly on 1998’s Words and Music. It is an apt description for one of the world’s most distinctive songwriters. With a career that dates back to the late 1970’s, Kelly displays a songwriting capacity that crosses numerous boundaries. His base is pop and rock but he […]
Alejandro Escovedo at the “O”
Alejandro Escovedo keeps on rolling this week with the release of Live Animal. The live ep features songs from Real As An Animal, his late spring 2008 release. Those in the DC area can experience the real thing this Sunday. Escovedo is doing a special private concert that will be filmed for potential future release. […]
Butch Walker Listening Party & Give-Away
We’re chock full of goodies today celebrating the US release of Butch Walker’s Sycamore Meadows. The title comes from the name of the street where Walker was living in Malibu when wildfires swept through Southern California in late 2007. Walker lost everything in the fire. Everything, that is, but his spirit. And it’s that spirit […]
Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) Election Tune
From the Drive-By Truckers web site: UNCLE PHIL AND AUNT PHYLLIS IN THE MONTH AFTER THE ELECTION I wrote this song the week after the 2004 Presidential Election. I was in a state of semi-shock and near-depression as my daughter’s birth was impending and I was depressed to think of her born into the world […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, A Video Companion
October’s video companion kicks off with live performances from Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts and Matt Mays & El Torpedo, two of our featured artists. Then we settle into a nice groove with live performances from Dar Williams, Sometymes Why, Gretel, Dan Baird, Backyard Tire Fire, Brandi Carlile, Jesse Malin, Paul Weller and the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Waylon Forever, by Waylon Jennings “You can take my life of luxury,” sings Waylon Jennings on the opening track of this posthumous release, “but you cannot take my soul today.” Backed by his son Shooter’s band the .357s, Jennings tackles heartfelt ballads and raucous rockers with equal aplomb. “Outlaw Sh*t” is […]
Attention US Citizens: Vote Today!
Yo La Tengo and Chris Stamey remind you to vote today. Audio Download: “V.O.T.E.” [audio:http://twangville.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/14-vote-psa.mp3] [Source: Yep Roc Records]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Temporary People, by Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts Apparently Joseph Arthur still has a few things left to say this year. After releasing four EPs this spring and summer, Arthur serves up a proper full-length release just in time for fall. The album has a loose an energetic feel to […]
Live Performance Tips
I usually pride myself on going to only the highest quality shows. Unfortunately my radar recently let me down in a big way. The experience did, however, inspire some ramblings on what makes a successful live performance. Tip 1: Don’t Overstay Your Welcome If you’re the opening band, keep your set to 30 minutes, tops. […]
Win Big! A Dar Williams Give-Away
Dar Williams cranks it up a notch on Promised Land, her latest release. Returning from a three year recording hiatus Williams transforms her folk roots into a more pop-oriented sound. Lead-off track “It’s Alright” is a great example: a happy-go-lucky melody highlighted by William’s bright lyrics and gentle voice. As if to prove the point, […]