ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Debris, by Michelle Malone Pity me, I almost missed this release. Fortunately fate intervened and I’ve now got my lead candidate in the summer album derby. Malone’s blend of Southern rock and blues, with the occasional folk and acoustic rock interlude, are the perfect accompaniment for sunny summer days. And lest […]
Sara Watkins
When you heard about Nickel Creek prior to their break up most of the focus was on mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile. Although Sean Watkins’ guitar work also collected a following. In fact, Watkins and Thile have had similar solo success. Since they parted ways, Thile has garnered praise with the Punch Brothers and Sean Watkins […]
Old Settler’s Music Festival Highlights
While my colleagues have regaled you with tales and reviews of the annual over-indulgence in Austin known as South by Southwest, I’ve found myself over the past few years gravitating to the far, far less heralded (and far, far less crowded) Old Settler’s Music Festival a couple of weeks later in the month. Beating out […]
Ronnie Fauss – New Songs for the Old Frontier: Vol. 1
SXSW 2009: The Video Companion
For more Twangville SXSW coverage click here.
Springsteen Gets Socially Distorted
Bruce Springsteen unleashed his inner punk with special guest and Twangville fave Mike Ness of Social Distortion last week in L.A. This is the sound of four guitars a blazin’. Click here for a bigger fix of Social D. Thanks to Between Love and Like for the tip-off.
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 3)
The Damnwells The Damnwells burst right out of the gate with the rocking “55 Pictures†from their exceptional new release. The set was electric as the band veered from brawny rockers to moody ballads. Almost as entertaining was the young girl – I’m guessing 4 years-old – who jumped on stage to join the band. […]
Record Store Day This Saturday!
Get ready for Record Store Day this Saturday, April 18th. Started in 2007 to promote independent record stores, it has grown into a celebration of independent music and the hearty souls that support it. Across the country and around the world Independent Record Stores will be hosting special in-store performances. You’ll likely find me at […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 2)
The Right Ons The quintet from Madrid, Spain is like a party in a box. They’re well-studied students of the classic Detroit garage rock sound, with bits of Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone thrown in as well. They paid tribute to Stone with their intense cover of Sly’s “I Want to Take […]
Commander Cody – Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers
Some albums require several listenings to really get the subtlety and nuance of the music composition or the power of the thought in the lyrics. Commander Cody’s first studio effort in 20 years, Dopers, Drunks and Everyday Losers is not one of those albums. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a party album. If you don’t […]