ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists by Nikki Hill We’re gonna call this the best 2015 album that slipped by me last year. Better late than never, right? Hill’s sophomore release, the aptly titled Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists, hits like a punch in the gut. While her sound is rooted in old-school R&B, […]
Monday Morning Video – Brandi Carlile and Anderson East “Bring It On Home”
How about something a little soulful to start the week? Here are Brandi Carlile and Anderson East covering the Sam Cooke classic “Bring It On Home to Me.”
Robert Earl Keen is Coming Home
Texas hill country singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen has a tendency to mix humor, sometimes dark humor, into his songs. He plays it straight-up, however, on this tender love song “I’m Coming Home.” “Ain’t nothin’ better than your own backyard, I’m comin’ home to you.” Here is an early performance of the song taken from a […]
Monday Morning Video – Patterson Hood “The Righteous Path”
The Drive-By Truckers put out a mighty fine live album late last year. Their guitars were a blazin’. We’re gonna take a quieter approach this week, however, with Patterson Hood’s solo acoustic take on “The Righteous Path.”
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2016
ALBUM OF THE MONTH You’re Dreaming by The Cactus Blossoms There was a time when brotherly harmonies dominated the musical airwaves. From the Everly Brothers in pop to the Louvin Brothers in country, it was a sound that was both soothing and satisfying. Despite the fact that this music was a touchstone for many artists […]
Monday Morning Video – Ocean Carolina
Ocean Carolina, the musical outlet for singer-songwriter Michael Simone, have released a pair of enthralling albums. Maudlin Days, their most recent, made my list of favorite releases last year. As the title suggests, Simone excels at writing songs that conjure up cloudy days and melancholy daydreams. Here is “All I Can Do,” the leadoff track, […]
The Twangville 2016 Release Preview, Boston Edition
One of the great things about living in Boston is all the great music that emanates from the musicians that call that area home. Here is just a sampling of the great music expected out of Boston and New England this year. BOUND TO MEET THE DEVIL by JULIE RHODES(26 February) Rhodes makes a statement […]
Monday Morning Video – Joe Ely and Billy the Kid Never Got Along
Joe Ely has long been one of Americana’s most colorful storytellers. Here he sings about some imagined escapades with legendary outlaw Billy the Kid (as well as Billy’s girlfriend) while John Hiatt and Lyle Lovett look on with rapt attention.
The Twangville 2016 Release Preview
There is already an impressive collection of releases on the docket for 2016, with plenty more sure to follow. Here are a handful that the Twangville crew are eagerly anticipating. What albums, whether on this list or not, are you most excited to hear? CAYAMO SESSIONS AT SEA by BUDDY MILLER AND FRIENDS(29 January on […]
Monday Morning Video – Todd Snider Does the Stupid Human Tricks
What say you, townsfolk of Twangville, is Todd Snider an alright guy?