The Apples in Stereo – The gauntlet has been thrown down, my friends. I challenge any band to top the energy of an Apples performance. First during the afternoon CMJ Texas Tea Party and then at their official showcase, the band blew through one high energy rock song after the next. If fact, band and […]
SXSW 2007: The Scene
Another year, another SXSW. An estimated 1,500 bands and artists — not to mention tens of thousands of music industry and other spectators — converged on Austin for the annual music industry showcase, filling hotels, clubs and the streets beyond capacity. Over the next week, I’ll be highlighting the scene, sounds and sayings of this […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February: A Video Companion
This companion to the February Playlist includes videos from: the Apples in Stereo, the Teenage Prayers, the Cat Empire, the Resentments, the Low Stars, the Silos, JJ Grey & Mofro, the Good the Bad and The Queen, and Will Hoge. I believe that this month may set the Twangville record for the number of band […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2007
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: New Magnetic Wonder, by The Apples in Stereo After a five year hiatus, the Apples return with their best album yet. Album opener “Can You Feel It” sets the stage with a burst of merriment, with an energetic cowbell-anchored beat to the ELO and Buggles (remember them?) style vocals on the […]
The Return of Matthew Sweet?
Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album Girlfriend burst through like a breath of fresh air. During a time when grunge ruled the airwaves and Nirvana was leading the charge, Sweet took the roughness of grunge and married it with southern California harmonies and pop sensibilities. Sweet has quietly reemerged in recent years, most notably collaborating with Susanna […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2007
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Engagement, by Dennis Brennan Boston-based Brennan kicks of the year with a combination of studio recordings and live performances that showcase his broad musical range. He shifts seamlessly from rock (“Sugar Falls”) to country (Merle Haggard’s “You Don’t Have Very Far to Go”) and rhythm and blues (“It Ain’t What You […]
Thoughts on the Grammys
In a word: Yawn. Here are some quick thoughts on this year’s Grammy awards. The Police: It was great to see the Police but I really wish that they wore their outfits from the Synchronicity II video. Dixie Chicks: A great song and a passionate live performance. And Twangville sends a hearty shout out to […]
Randy Newman in Defense of our Country
When he’s not composing movie soundtracks and collecting Oscar nominations, Randy Newman writes pop songs filled with biting social and political commentary. So it should come as no surprise to see Newman offer his perspectives on today’s highly charged global political environment. “A Few Words In Defense of Our Country”, by Randy Newman A president […]
Twangville Recommends: You Am I
Long known in their native Australia, You Am I have found limited success in the United States. With a little luck that is about to change. Months after releasing their latest album, Convicts, in their native country, the band just joined the powerhouse Yep Roc line-up.* Although I don’t find Convicts, their Yep Roc debut, […]
Mayer’s Picks for 2007
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 […]