Twangville

A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2017 (So Far), the Songs

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I thought that I’d do something different this year and, with one exception, focus this list on songs that aren’t from my list of favorite 2017 albums (so far). Each of those releases, of course, could contribute songs to this list but let’s highlight some other faves of the year. Hope the High Road, Jason […]

Monday Morning Video – A Lesson for the Week

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This video, from a 2013 performance in Germany, is making the rounds again. For the young bands out there, this is how it’s done. For everyone else, ain’t this the joy of music? And a bit more from the Bruce Springsteen glory of rock and roll file. ’cause once you get started, it’s hard to […]

Readers’ Pick: Out in the Storm by Waxahatchee

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You picked Out In The Storm by Philly-based indie band, Waxahatchee, as your favorite new release for the week of July 14, 2017. Poll Results New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Summer 2017 RANDALL BRAMBLETT, […]

Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2017 (So Far), the Albums

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It’s been a good year for music so far this year (and the rest of the year is looking quite nice, too). Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite releases from the first half of 2017. BIG BAD LUV by JOHN MORELAND It’s not too late to get on the Moreland train […]

Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 4

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Sallisaw Blue, John Moreland (from the 4AD release Big Bad Luv) It speaks volumes when some of Americana’s leading lights are, pardon the pun, singing an artist’s praises. Such is the case with Oklahoma boy Moreland. Perhaps they are captivated with his profound storytelling, simple tales that overflow with emotion and meaning. Or maybe it’s […]

Gerry Spehar – I Hold Gravity

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Distances in western America can be vast.  You have to decide on a philosophy: are you about the journey or the destination.  Focus on the goal and you can embrace the trance of picket fence telephone poles and the sporadic interruption of small towns.  A day, two, three and you’re there with no trauma beyond […]

Monday Morning Video – K Phillips

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There’s something about sitting outside listening to music on a hot summer night. All the better when the performer is someone like K Phillips. Dirty Wonder, his latest release, veers from straight-on rock to Texas red dirt country to hook-heavy pop, all with the soulful swagger that has become the singer-songwriter’s hallmark. Here’s a tasty […]

Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 3

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Battle Born, Matthew Ryan (from the self-released Hustle Up Starling) I tend to judge the quality of a year in part based on the caliber of new music unleashed within them. In that light, any year that we get a new album from Matthew Ryan is well on its way to being a good one. […]

Steve Earle – So You Wannabe An Outlaw

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Steve Earle is back. He may have never really left, but “So You Wannabe An Outlaw” stands beside his best albums (and there are many). It sounds like his classic period from the 80s up through his classic Transcendental Blues in 2000 (without the early 90s records during his descent into drug addiction). Earle has […]