Last week brought the news that Shane MacGowan, co-founder and singer-songwriter for Ireland’s legendary the Pogues, had passed away. MacGowan’s songs, not to mention his interpretations of other folk songs, were as stirring as his life was complex. Even though he had only performed sporadically over the last decade, the impact of his music has […]
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Twangville Playlist
Bulletproof Man, The Bluest Sky (from the self-released The Bluest Sky) Chuck Melchin first appeared on our radar a number of years ago as the Bean Picker’s Union. Essentially a solo artist surrounding himself with a loose collective of acoustic players, he wrote songs that oozed melancholy and were tied to quiet and captivating melodies. […]
Monday Morning Video – Dr. John
The Last Waltz, the all-star farewell concert by The Band on Thanksgiving night back in 1976 is the stuff of legend. As we wrap up the holiday weekend, here’s one of my favorite performances from that show – “Such a Night” by the late Dr. John.
Peace, Twang, and Turkey Grease: A 2023 Thanksgiving Toast to Tom Osborne
Here we are again! Thanksgiving 2023, y’all! which means we’re celebrating 19 years of Twangville’s existence. In what has become an annual tradition for us, we raise a toast to thank our contributors, our community, and the artists who give us something to listen to and write about. Without someone to make the music, we’d have nothing to […]
Monday Morning Video – Jeff Black
How about we start the week with one of my favorite songs. Jeff Black, accompanied by Sam Bush on mandolin (with Jon Randall and Dierks Bentley mostly out of view), performing his gem “That’s Just About Right”. I don’t think people’s visions get jadedI think the times change and so does the truthSo in that […]
Monday Morning Video – Paisley Fields
Let’s start the week with a drinking song! Here’s a mighty fine one courtesy of Brooklyn’s Paisley Fields. I could be drinkin’ instead of sitting behind this deskI could be drinkin’ instead of cleaning up someone’s messWhen the boss comes ‘round my wayAsks me how I’m doing today I’ll sayI could be drinkin’
Magic Trick – A Premiere from Speedfossil
One of the things that I’ve long appreciated about the Boston music scene is the sense of community that exists there. It is common to see musicians out supporting one another in the clubs, not to mention performing with one another whenever the opportunity allowed. Which makes it all the more painful when a member […]
Bonus Monday Video – Ben Kweller
It’s hard to believe that Sha Sha, Ben Kweller’s debut record, is more than 20 years old (even older if you count the original self-released version). It launched Kweller as one of power pop’s shining lights, a place that he still holds today. Kweller is celebrating the anniversary with a handful of shows across the […]
Monday Morning Video – Boy Golden
I first encountered Boy Golden at SXSW earlier this year. Caught them again at the AmericanaFest a few months back. And now eagerly awaiting the chance to see the group again at New York City’s fame Mercury Lounge a week from tonight (13 October). They’ll be joined by friend of Twangville Robert Cody Maxwell and […]
Monday Morning Video – Julie Rhodes
New England singer-songwriter Julie Rhodes is a powerhouse performer. Don’t believe me? Check out this performance.