Chicago-based four-piece Maps & Atlases aren’t a math-rock band. O.K., good, we’ve got that out of the way now. Sure, there are some rather math-y elements to the band’s indie-folk informed sound, but not to the extent where those intricacies define their overall sonic contributions in the way that many would have one believe. While […]
Monday Morning Video: Big Star
A classic song performed by a legendary songwriter. What better way to start the week.
John Hiatt- Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns
You know what they say about 20th records…….well actually you probably don’t, because few artists ever reach that particular milestone. Well John Hiatt has always had a way of making the difficult look easy. His career now spans 40 years and includes a Lifetime Achievement Award for songwriting from the Americana Music Association, a couple […]
Mayer’s Playlist from July 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Not So Loud: An Acoustic Evening, by The Bottle Rockets I don’t know why, but I’ve always hedged when considering the Bottle Rockets as an acoustic outfit. It makes no sense, I know, given that the band is so well travelled on the Americana road. Sure, I love the backporch feel […]
Hayes Carll Vinyl Giveaway!
A few months ago, we took an initial look at the latest record from Hayes Carll, KMAG YOYO (And Other American Stories), and decided that yes, it was worth having and was indeed a good record, but wasn’t the greatest record of Carll’s young career. Well, a few months later, those feelings haven’t necessarily changed, […]
Monday Morning Video: Celebrating with Springsteen
Two members of the Twangville posse had an eventful July, celebrating their weddings in the summer sun. To mark the occasion, my mind first veered toward a slow, sentimental ballad. But that just wouldn’t be the Twangville style. So I give you the celebratory electricity of Bruce Springsteen and the Mighty E Street Band. Congratulations […]
Kelsey Waldon – Anybody’s Darlin’
Like the aunt that you only see at Christmas, some people put out a vibe that’s fun to be around. Â Same thing with some records. Â My case in point is the second release from Nashville-based singer-songwriter Kelsey Waldon, Anybody’s Darlin’. Â I’ve listened to this record half a dozen times now and I can’t really put […]
Listen Up: Rave On Buddy Holly
When Buddy Holly died in a tragic plane crash in 1959, the world lost a tremendous musical talent. Only 22, Holly demonstrates a depth of talent rivaled by few in rock history. As important, he inspired generations of rock artists who now return the favor with a wide-ranged tribute to the rock legend. The sheer […]
Readers’ Pick: Gillian Welch, “The Harrow & The Harvestâ€
READERS PICK: JUNE 2011 Twangville readers picked Gillian Welch‘s The Harrow & The Harvest as their favorite album of June 2011. A harrow is a heavy, machine-size rake that drags over plowed land to remove weeds and break up lumps of earth and clay. There’s no doubt careful thought was put into the title of […]
Monday Morning Video: Ellis Paul
I had the opportunity to see Ellis Paul play the legendary Club Passim a few weeks back. The show was billed as his “20th Anniversary Career Retrospective in Song” and featured a set list comprised of fan requested favorites. Alas, Paul didn’t play this track, which was featured in my “Kiss Off” playlist from a […]