We lost one of the good ones last week. Michael Been, former front-man for the Call passed away. The Call were one of those impressive bands that married intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics with fervent rock anthems. It was a potent combination, reflective of Been’s passion as the band’s singer and primary songwriter. Although the Call […]
Will Hoge For Nashville: Washed By the Water
From tragedy comes inspiration. The recent floods in Nashville reached deep into the heart of one of America’s finest musical cities, taking lives and destroying property throughout Nashville and the surrounding communities. Twangville favorite and Nashville native Will Hoge originally wrote and recorded “Washed By The Water†about New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. […]
Record Store Day, My Favorite Holiday
How quickly Record Store Day has become one of my favorite holidays. The annual celebration of the independent record store features special performances and a spectacular list of exclusive releases. I won’t get sentimental about the decline of the record store, yet it is hard to ignore the special qualities that they possess. There’s something […]
Who Should The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induct in 2011?
I finally got around to watching the broadcast from last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 inductions. The ceremony — honoring inductees ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and Iggy Pop & Stooges — was, well, rather tame. Even Iggy Pop, in fine Stooges form, struggled to get a reaction from the crowd. […]
Ain’t Nobody Better Than The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Few cities have as rich a musical heritage as New Orleans, Louisiana. Even fewer have a modest building the mere mention of which conjures up vivid images, both visual and aural. Such is the legacy of Preservation Hall. The building itself is strikingly humble. No running water. No air conditioning. Six spare benches and a […]
Win Big: Elvis Costello’s Spectacle
If you haven’t been watching the second season of Spectacle: Elvis Costello With… on the Sundance Channel, you’ve been missing some incredible music television. A storied songwriter in his own right, Costello is able to speak as a peer with a diverse range of musical guests. He deftly explores their musical history and approach to […]
Ten for Oh-Ten
2010 is shaping up quite nicely, thank you. Here are ten upcoming releases whose arrival is eagerly anticipated at the Twangville general store. FREEDY JOHNSTON, Rain on the City (Release date January 12th) Has it really been eight years since Johnston’s last album of originals? Johnston’s instrument of choice is an acoustic guitar, all the […]
Drive-By Truckers Get Ready to Rock
This picture just about says it all. The Drive-By Truckers, newly signed to ATO Records, will release a new album — The Big To-Do — on March 16, 2010. “It’s very much a rock album,†says Patterson Hood, “Very melodic and more rocking than anything we’ve done since disc 2 of Southern Rock Opera.†The […]
Giving Thanks, a Twangville Toast
It’s that time once again to reflect on another eventful year in the history of Twangville. As it turns out, we’ve been at it for close to five years now. Each year has brought new joy along with new challenges. Seeing as Twangville is an all-volunteer effort it’s never easy to find the time to […]
The Rock Hall @ 25: Night One (Part 2)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concerts, Night One 29 October 2009 @ Madison Square Garden, New York City Headliners: Crosby, Stills & Nash; Paul Simon; Simon & Garfunkel; Stevie Wonder; Bruce Springsteen Guests: Jerry Lee Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Dion DiMucci, Little Anthony & the Imperials, Smokey Robinson, John […]