As the record industry continues its extended holiday for new releases, attention turns to greatest hits collections and re-releases of classic albums. Here are a few notable releases for this week. Daryl Hall & John Oates, Rock ‘N Soul Part 1 (RCA/Legacy) You can love ‘em or you can hate ‘em, but Hall and Oates […]
Mayer’s Picks for ’06
Streets of New York, Willie Nile It’s hard to believe that it has been over six years since Willie last released an album. He is an American original, crafting some of the most refreshing rock anthems around. Don’t believe me? Check out the impressive list of others endorsing him on his web site. (Expected release: […]
Speaking of Josh Ritter…
You know you’ve hit the big time when your name appears on the theater marquee. Said Ritter, “I’m not 40.”
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Songs
Here, in no particular order, are my favorite songs from 2005. Washed by the Water, Will Hoge (available for download at Hoge’s web site) In a song as inspiring as it is inspired, Will Hoge leads a gospel revival for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. “Down here we are washed by the water, the […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Albums (pt. 2)
The countdown to the #1 album of 2005 continues… 7. Mr. Hollywood, Jr., 1947, Michael Penn It’s hard to decide which is more impressive, Michael Penn’s intelligent lyrics or his pop music sensibilities. On his first album in five years, Penn leaves little doubt that both are in peak form and that the combination is […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Albums (pt. 1)
With another year behind us, we at Twangville poured through our cd players and iPods to pick our favorites of 2005. Over the next week I’ll be highlighting my favorite albums and songs from 2005, culminating with a preview of some highly anticipated 2006 releases. 14. Den of Thieves , The Trews This was a […]
A Holiday Gift from the Drive-By Truckers
We’ll have to wait until April for A Blessing and a Curse, the new Drive-By Truckers album, but the band has given us an early treat. Download “Feb 14th“, the powerful new track from one of America’s best rock and roll bands. NOTE: The audio file is no longer available but will be re-posted on […]
Live Review: Will Hoge and the Trews
The tale is legendary: a young Jon Landau saw a young Bruce Springsteen perform live and proclaimed the future of rock and roll. Based on his performance this past Saturday in Boston, Will Hoge is staking his claim as the successor to the throne. Over the course of a two hour show, Hoge demonstrated the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for December 2005
Stand Down at Sundown, Matt Mays and El Torpedo (from the album Matt Mays and El Torpedo) One of the stand-outs from the 2005 SXSW festival, the roots-based Mays and company score with this ragged rock tune. Funky Cupcake, Barfield (from the album The Tyrant) I first encountered Mike Barfield at SXSW a few years […]
Notable Release: Alejandro Escovedo
To tide his fans over until his next studio release, Austin legend Alejandro Escovedo released Room of Songs this past Tuesday. The album, recorded live in Austin earlier this year, features Escovedo on guitar backed by a string quartet. For fans, its a reminder of Escovedo’s musical diversity. For non-fans, its a welcome introduction to […]