I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2024 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2024. Rosemary and Thieves, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Memoriam) Owen’s tale of fractured relationships is […]
Mayer’s Picks, More 2024 Favorites
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2024.
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2024, the Albums
11. Our Time in the Sun by Jeremie Albino Bursting with raw emotion, swaggering grooves, and a touch of grit, Jeremie Albino’s Our Time in the Sun is a joyous revival of classic soul. Albino may sing about “Rolling Down the 405” in California, but one listen and you’ll imagine yourself cruising down Highway 72 […]
Monday Morning Video – Roky Erickson & The Black Angels
The late psychedelic rock legend Roky Erickson was joined by Austin’s The Black Angels for this incendiary performance of Erickson’s classic “You’re Gonna Miss Me” back in 2008. Yes, that’s a water jug being used for vocal effects in the song.
Monday Morning Video – Hothouse Flowers
A gospel choir joining in for an uplifting classic? Yes please. Here’s Ireland’s Hothouse Flowers singing “Give It Up”. Well, this song’s inspired by a good man and his tuneDoing good for others, sing “Amazing Grace” for you, yeahIt doesn’t really matter if you’re all jumbled up insideAs long as you know that love is […]
“Dropped the Ball” – A Premiere from Matthew McNeal
2024 isn’t quite over but it’s not too early to start thinking about 2025. Fort Worth’s Matthew McNeal, alongside his long-time collaborator Andre Black, tease an album to be released next year with a gem of a song. A sublime melody, the wail of a pedal steel guitar, and McNeal’s plaintive vocals come together to […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2024, Part 2
Behind The Eight/Count Your Blessings, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records releases East Jesus and Lighthouse on the Shore) For nearly a decade, Michael McDermott has been on a creative tear, releasing more albums in that period than many artists create during their entire careers. And apparently he’s not interested in slowing down; rather, […]
Monday Morning Video – Randy Newman
It’s been a while since we paid tribute to one of America’s greatest songwriters. Let’s remedy that. Here’s Randy Newman from his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony performing “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today.” And just for fun, two bonus videos featuring Newman alongside Bonnie Raitt (“Feels Like Home”) and Mark Knopfler […]
Monday Morning Video – Thank You Friends
It’s Thanksgiving week in the US so it seems like an appropriate time for us to give thanks to everyone who makes Twangville such a special place. And as we approach our 20th year, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for – starting with the artists who share their talents and continuing through to […]
Monday Morning Video – Justin Currie
Strings make pretty much any song better. Here’s proof to the point: Justin Currie of Del Amitri performing his classic “Be My Downfall” with the Royal Conservatoire Scotland Symphony Orchestra as part of the 2024 Celtic Connections Festival.