It’s been said by many, including myself, that tons of alt-country records sound the same, and those are the records that give weight to the arguments that alt-country, roots-rock or whatever it’s called, is a dying art-form. Here’s the thing: Sadly, that is the case for the bad, bland records that suffer from a lack […]
Klausner Music Newsletter 2010, Year-End Musings by Bobby K
Hey Everybody, The following is a link to iTunes to download a playlist containing songs from many of the records I reviewed below: BOBBY K’S 2010 PICKS. I took great care in arranging this playlist, which I think you’ll enjoy as a CD in and of itself. If you click on an artist’s name below, […]
Coming Soon: 2011 Release Preview, Part 3
We’ll wrap up this go-around with a few more promising releases scheduled for early 2011. This is shaping up to be a mighty fine year for music. EDDIE SPAGHETTI, Sundowner (Release date 15 February 2011) This is a record that overflows with personality. Not that anyone should be surprised given the reputation Spaghetti has established […]
Readers’ Pick: Scott Miller, “Christmas Gift”
READERS PICK: DECEMBER 2010 Twangville readers recognized Scott Miller’s “Christmas Gift” as their favorite holiday album of 2010 which also makes it our Readers’ pick for the month of December. When Miller was asked about it he plainly said “Why a Christmas record? Because I like Christmas, that’s why.” That seems like a good enough […]
David Berkeley – Some Kind of Cure
While the image of David Berkeley from the album cover and his stage persona may suggest otherwise, David Berkeley’s music sounds like anything but. . . . The songs have subtle orchestrated textures and thoughtful but not self-indulgent lyrics. Berkeley spurns the folk-singer norm, but his voice won’t let him fall fully into the Americana […]
Coming Soon: 2011 Release Preview, Part 2
Without fail, there are always two random days each year that overflow with impressive new releases. Mark February 15th on your calendar for a bounty of musical delight. And if you are still catching up on 2010, you’ll find our Best Of 2010 lists here. KASEY ANDERSON, Heart of a Dog (Release date 15 February […]
Up & Comers – Honey Child
Honey Child may be currently unsigned, but that will not be the case for long. Their sound is definitely Indie Rock, but their music is mostly up tempo and very accessible. They mix the electric instruments of a Rock band with mandolin, banjo and acoustic guitars. The instrumentation produces an Alternative sound with Americana undertones. The songs have melodies and […]
Abigail Washburn- City of Refuge
City of Refuge is a surprising album from Abigail Washburn. It’s not surprising because it’s a crazy fusion of Appalachian music and Chinese folk songs—she’s done that already. It’s not surprising because it features the talents of banjo-god Bela Fleck—she’s done that too, with the ground breaking Sparrow Quartet. It’s surprising for a whole passel […]
The Acoustic Burgoo – Soul Bucket
Sometimes it’s amazing how changing just one instrument changes the whole sound of a band. Â You can hear that happen a few times in the latest release from The Acoustic Burgoo, Soul Bucket. Â From the folky, acoustic, harmonies of Appalachia, band member Rudy Bzdyk (sic) chimes in with his trumpet and suddenly you’re down in […]
Todd’s 2010 Mixtape
So folks, I made this easy for you. 20 songs, a little over an hour, it all fits on one CD, and it is promised to delight. Some of my favorite tunes from the past year. Cheers. This Fucking Job / Drive By Truckers Swollen But Not the Same / Bobby Bare Jr. Hurricane J […]