The Avett Brothers, ‘Emotionalism’ Before you get too excited, the truth is that I haven’t been able to locate a full album stream of The Avett Brothers’ new album Emotionalism. However, if it is anything as good as their recent Four Thieves Gone EP, you’ll want to get your hands on it. All is not […]
George… Giving It Up for Neil Young
In words far greater than anything I could come up with, my father-in-law (George) had this to say about Neil Young’s recent retrospective: Please tell Tom that the Starbuck’s edition of Neil Young’s live retrospective in Canada is a spectacular tour de force of a writer and player who’s ear hears melody lines and chord […]
Wilco & More, Album Previews
Wilco, ‘Sky Blue Sky’ With hints of Southern California folk-rock reminiscient of the Eagles, Wilco is back with its sixth studio album. I may be alone in this thinking, but I’m relieved to hear less ‘experimentation’ in this release. With the exception of a few songs, 2004’s A Ghost is Born was not for me. […]
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club & More, Album Previews
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, Baby 81 (RCA) Now this is my kinda week! Make a note of it, the first week of May 2007 brought guitars in full effect. Leading the pack we’ve got Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Dinosaur Jr. (oh yeeah, they’re back!), Patty Hurst Shifter and even Miranda Lambert can rock it when […]
Patti Smith & More, Album Previews
PATTI SMITH, Twelve (Sony) I’m not really quite sure what to think of Patti Smith’s eleventh full length album titled, Twelve. On the one hand, its just another long time rocker making an album of other people’s hits. On the other hand, its Patti Smith and she rocks. Regardless, she was recently inducted into the […]
Grace Potter, David Serby & The Wells, via Tom’s Mailbox
One of the perks of being involved with Twangville is that some really great artists send me music to sample. The unfortunate thing is that more often than not, much of what is sent to me never sees the light of day. I’ve been burdening myself with the idea that I have to do an […]
Joseph Arthur & More, Album Previews
Joseph Arthur and the Lonely Astronauts, Let’s Just Be (Lonely Astronaut) Recored over a three week period concluding their Fall 2006 tour, this is the first of two albums expected this year paring down the 80 or so tracks captured during these sessions. File under: alternative, indie, rock. WORTH MENTION: Nine Inch Nails, Year Zero […]
Best of Winter 2007, a Playlist
After a slow start, winter ended on a high note with some great songs and albums freshly introduced at SXSW. Notables amongst those in attendance at the festival were Albert Hammond, Jr., Low Stars and Paolo Nutuni to name a few. I compiled some of my favorites into this handy playlist with a few expected […]
Bright Eyes & More, Album Previews
Bright Eyes, Cassadaga (Saddle Creek) Under normal circumstances, Connor Oberst aka Bright Eyes is the kind of guy I want to chaperone to the gym. Aside from his tender heart, his music is generally hit or miss for me. For many others (including one of my all time favorites, Michael Stipe), he is highly revered. […]
Kevin Lawson, On the Radar
It’s unlikely that you’ll find me in the Christian section of the record store. Its not that I’m anti-Christian. To the contrary, I’m quite comfortable and proud of my faith. Its more a case of my lack of knowledge in Christian music. Unlike my friend Stephen over at Fishtones.net (shameless plug) I haven’t been exposed […]