Yo La Tengo and Chris Stamey remind you to vote today. Audio Download: “V.O.T.E.” [audio:http://twangville.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/14-vote-psa.mp3] [Source: Yep Roc Records]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Temporary People, by Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts Apparently Joseph Arthur still has a few things left to say this year. After releasing four EPs this spring and summer, Arthur serves up a proper full-length release just in time for fall. The album has a loose an energetic feel to […]
Cloud Cult – Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)
First off, I’d like to start by saying that many of my recent reviews have been lacking in what many would call twang. Having said that, this specific review will follow suit. For any sort of twangy, countrified needs you may have, please check-out these relatively–recent–releases…now, moving on. It has been said over and over […]
Live Performance Tips
I usually pride myself on going to only the highest quality shows. Unfortunately my radar recently let me down in a big way. The experience did, however, inspire some ramblings on what makes a successful live performance. Tip 1: Don’t Overstay Your Welcome If you’re the opening band, keep your set to 30 minutes, tops. […]
Twangville Cinema: Johnny Cash’s America
As a lover of music and also as a documentary geek, it doesn’t get any better for me than when I get my hands on a well done film that chronicles the artistic life of one of our greatest legends. I have enjoyed films that showcase up and comers, like Dig! for example (featuring Brian […]
Win Big! A Dar Williams Give-Away
Dar Williams cranks it up a notch on Promised Land, her latest release. Returning from a three year recording hiatus Williams transforms her folk roots into a more pop-oriented sound. Lead-off track “It’s Alright” is a great example: a happy-go-lucky melody highlighted by William’s bright lyrics and gentle voice. As if to prove the point, […]
Todd Snider’s Gift to You
One need look no further than the title of his latest release to realize that Todd Snider has an eccentric personality. Peace Queer combines Snider’s outspoken politics with his quirky sense of humor. His stark take on John Fogerty’s “Fortunate Son†takes the song’s anger to a deeper level. “As an International Peace Queer, I […]
Zack Hickman’s House of Ill Repute
Every once in awhile you come across a show that simultaneously offers the highest and lowest of expectations. My first visit to Zack Hickman’s House of Ill Repute, a month-long residency in Cambridge’s Lizard Lounge was that kind of show. Hickman, the mustachioed bassist for Twangville fave Josh Ritter and several others, has been inviting […]
The Book Report Part 1: Sing Me Back Home – Dana Jennings
Dana Jennings shares through his personal experience why traditional Country music endures and has meant so much to so many generations. He also reflects on how it has changed, and conjectures as to why modern country music has changed its tune. The primary factor is socio-economic and demographic. Histtory teaches us that after the great […]
MySpace Secret Shows Hit Boston
After a long wait, the MySpace Secret Shows finally hit Boston last week. In earlier editions, New York got Neil Diamond at the small but legendary Bitter End while Eagle Rock California got Rilo Kiley at a bowling alley. Heck, even Billings Montana got the Hold Steady. Boston got… Chicago punk band Rise Against. Gotta […]