Interview and performance footage of The Band of Heathens. BAND OF HEATHENS, self-titled (self)Official Site | MySpace | Stream | MP3* [audio:http://audio.sxsw.com/2008/mp3/The_Band_of_Heathens-Jackson_Station.mp3] A SXSW favorite for the past two years, Band of Heathens release their own brand of Lonestar State countrified rock and soul. Formed as a result of a regular shared billing at Austin’s […]
Mayer’s Playlist for March/April, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: On a Clear Night, by Missy Higgins The first thing that you’ll notice about Australia’s Missy Higgins is her stunning voice, a magical blend of confidence and uneasiness. Opening track “Where I Stood” epitomizes this dichotomy. The song captures the moment where a woman realizes that, despite her emotional attachment to […]
Elvis Costello + More, Releases 5/6
Elvis Costello performing classic “Radio Radio” while touring for new album ‘Momofuku’. ELVIS COSTELLO, Momofuku (Lost Highway)Official Site | MySpace | Samples At Twangville there’s very little that Elvis Costello can do wrong. The lastest from Costello and his merry band of Imposters appears to be no different. Adding to the fun the band teams […]
Griffin House + More, Releases 4/29
“Live To Be Free” from new album ‘Flying Upside Down’ GRIFFIN HOUSE, Flying Upside Down (Nettwerk) Official Site | MySpace | Stream Out of Ohio comes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Griffin House with his latest record titled ‘Flying Upside Down’ available on Nettwerk Records. House draws well-warranted comparisons to Ryan Adams (in a good way) as well […]
Q&A with the Wrinkle Neck Mules + a Monster Giveaway
**NOTE: Contest is now closed. You can still participate but will no longer be eligible for the giveaway.** One disc you may have overlooked in 2007 came from Richmond, VA based Wrinkle Neck Mules titled ‘The Wicks Have Met’. Rustically rooted in Old Dominion’s historic south, the Wrinkle Neck Mules deliver with their own special […]
The Weepies + More, Releases 4/22
“World Spins Madly On” from previous album ‘Say I Am You’ THE WEEPIES, Hideaway (Nettwerk) Official Site | MySpace | Stream | Free Download* They make sweet, sweet music… and babies… or at least one baby. Both parthers in music and in life the duo of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen released another Weepies album […]
James McMurtry + More, Releases 4/15
JAMES MCMURTRY, Just Us Kids (Lightning Rod) Official Site | MySpace | Preview | MP3* [audio:http://audio.sxsw.com/2008/mp3/James_McMurtry-Cheney%27s_Toy.mp3] I never really understood the James McMurtry hype until I saw him live for the first time prior to the start of this year’s SXSW music festival. Outfitted with SIX guitars on this night at Austin’s Momo’s his weapon […]
SXSW 2008 – John’s Saturday Night Highlight: The Airborne Toxic Event
My Saturday night started strong and finished monumentally, though in the middle was an unfortunate lowlight in the form of the only showcase I didn’t get into this year due to the length of the line (it was an acoustic Nada Surf performance, but don’t cry for me, Twangville Nation — I’m seeing them at […]
SXSW 2008 – John’s Friday Night Highlight: Lucero
Friday night followed my unintentional afternoon trend of mixing old favorites with new sounds. My preference at South-by is to see almost entirely new-to-me bands, especially during official showcases, but there were just too many favorites to stick to my guns on a day like this. Sue me. In that respect, Friday night truly provided […]
SXSW 2008 – John’s Thursday Night Highlight: Jens Lekman
The highlight of my Thursday night occurred straight out of the gate in the 8 o’clock showcase time slot, but it was hardly all downhill from there, as a “bonus highlight” also awaited me during the witching hour. I’ve had a few tracks by the Swedish singer-songwriter, Jens Lekman, for a couple of years now. […]