Don’t miss out on your chance to win either the new Sam Mellon and the Skylarks or Mark Knopfler cds. For a chance to get Sam Mellon and the Skylarks self-titled debut, post a comment here. Contest ends Thursday, 9/13/07 at midnight EST. Mark Knopfler fans (or potential fans) who are eyeing Knopfler’s latest Kill […]
Mark Knopfler: A Twangville Contest!
The legendary Mark Knopfler, one of rock and roll’s most distinctive guitarists, is releasing a new album on September 18th. Titled Kill to Get Crimson, it hearkens back to classic songwriting of the early Dire Straits releases. I’ve been particularly taken with “Punish the Monkey,” and its catchy chorus “punish the monkey, let the organ […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2007
THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, by Josh Ritter Josh Ritter bounces back from his label’s bankruptcy in fine fashion. Quickly (and smartly) picked up by Victor/Sony, Ritter releases his second masterpiece in as many years. Historical Conquests may not have the lyrical gravity of last year’s breathtaking Animal Years, […]
Live Shots: Josh Ritter @ The Box
Josh Ritter has always come across as a polished live performer, but his enthusiasm couldn’t be contained within the theater walls at a low profile cd release performance on August 22nd in New York. “It is amazing to be here, awesome, awesome,” he exclaimed a few songs into the show. Much of the set focused […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2007, A Video Companion
“My name is Jason Isbell. This is my fabulous rock and roll band The 400 Unit. And we need more whiskey as soon as anybody can get it up to the stage.” Quite the fitting kick-off to the July video companion… This month’s video companion bears a certain similarity to a full bottle of Jack […]
The End of an Era
Hilly Kristal, founder and proprietor of CBGB, passed away on Tuesday. A musical patriarch and legend.
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2007
THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: It was another great month for new albums. I’m calling it a draw in the album of the month category. Sirens of the Ditch, by Jason Isbell At long last, Isbell unleashes his solo debut and shows the breadth of his talents. Sure, there are rock songs like the opening […]
Live Shots: Kay Hanley @ Lizard Lounge
Having re-located to Los Angeles, Boston native former Letters to Cleo singer Kay Hanley returns home twice annually for the Hot Stove, Cool Music shows. Invariably Hanley and crew fit in a club gig to stretch their legs a bit, as was the case at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA on August 17th. Perhaps […]
Superdrag Needs Your Help
It’s been five years since their last album and a few beyond that since the original line-up played together. Whether playing live or on record the Knoxville, Tennessee-based quartet’s raucous guitars couldn’t mask their infectious pop melodies. This fall the original members — singer/guitarist John Davis, guitarist Brandon Fisher, bassist Tom Pappas, and drummer Don […]
And the “Best Yet in 07” Winner Is…
Residents of Twangville favored a diverse range of new music so far in 2007, ranging from Wilco to Tori Amos to the Beastie Boys. Among the Twangville crew, Patty Griffin respectfully ruled the roost. A complete list of submitted albums is included below. Congratulations to Kimberly Cole from Colorado, the randomly selected winner of our […]