Nine year itch? Well nine years can’t come fast enough. Nickel Creek albums have instrumental brilliance throughout, folky, experimental, bluegrass, and true band dynamics. The albums can be uneven at times, but such sheer brilliance shines through each album. So I thought that a reunion album would be the diet coke of Nickel Creek. Strangely, […]
Readers’ Pick: JOHNNY CASH, Out Among The Stars
You picked JOHNNY CASH, Out Among The Stars as your favorite for the week of March 25, 2014. Readers’ Top 10 (last 4 weeks) DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, English Oceans (23) LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues (11) JOHNNY CASH, Out Among The Stars (9) SIMONE FELICE, Strangers (7) JOHN GORKA, Bright Side of Down (7) THE […]
Monday Morning Video: Ray Charles and Willie Nelson
Two legends. ‘nuf said.
The Annie Ford Band
The PR blurb that came with the release talks about how Annie Ford was reared in the “sparse, rustic darkness of rural America.” Â One of the notes from my first listen to the release was, “what David Lynch would have used if he chose bluegrass for Twin Peaks.” Â From those two comments I think you […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Feb/Mar 2014, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTHS English Oceans, by Drive-By Truckers I suppose that this review could be titled “Cooley Steps Out.” The band co-founder, who has historically contributed only a couple of songs per release, is credited with six songs on English Oceans. Ever better, they are some of his strongest songs in years. The opening […]
Nick Moss Band – Time Ain’t Free
Nick Moss paid his dues, working as a side man for veteran Chicago bluesmen, including Buddy Scott, Jimmy Dawkins, Jimmy Rogers and former Muddy Waters drummer Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. Those blues chops, hard earned, provided the backbone for Moss to lead his own formidable blues outfit for more than a decade. A student of […]
Readers’ Pick: LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues
You picked LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues as your favorite for the week of March 18, 2014. Readers’ Top 10 (last 4 weeks) DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, English Oceans (23) BECK, Morning Phase (13) LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues (11) JOE LOUIS WALKER, Hornet’s Nest (8) JOHN GORKA, Bright Side of Down (7) BOB MOULD, […]
Monday Morning Video: Steve Earle and John Prine cover Townes Van Zandt
Plenty to love here. Steve Earle and John Prine teaming up to cover Townes Van Zandt’s “Loretta.” Recorded live at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
The Grass is Always Bluer – The Seldom Scene
At twangville, we love our rootsy music but thus far we haven’t given one of the most distinct strains of country its due. And that will change today. I’ve had my own personal bluegrass renaissance and at the hands of the skilled pickers of the  Seldom Scene. The band has made a habit of bringing […]
Lost & Nameless, Cody Jasper
Empty Spaces, the latest EP from Lost & Nameless opens with a title track that is perhaps best described as an Americana tango. Â So right from the get-go you know this is going to be an interesting listen. Â The remainder of the record does not disappoint. Â Lost & Nameless is an Austin-based group composed of […]