Michael Stipe and REM are in an elite group of lyricists and songwriters. Sometimes oblique but always engaging, the band catalogue has captured listeners attention globally for more than 25 years. The band will release a performance cd/dvd, the aptly titled “REM Live,” on October 16th. The show was recorded at Dublin’s Point Theater in […]
John Fogerty – Revival
John Fogerty releases his new album Revival this week. Fogerty’s career comes full circle on this release. He connects the present to his past, and in doing so kicks off a party at the roadhouse. In fact, he seems to be having as much fun as ever on Revival. Even his political songs sound more […]
AIM Tunes, Share Music With Your Buddies
Its not often that I mix work (AOL) and play (Twangville). But I have a fun announcement to make so I’m gonna stir the pot a little. I work on the AIM Product Design Team and have the pleasure of working with some damn fine designers, developers and product folks. One of our developers cooked […]
The Best of Jonathan Rundman: 20 Songs from the 20th Century
I’ll be honest and admit that I’m not accustomed to receiving “Best Of” CDs from artists I’ve never heard of. But hey, when someone’s been recording albums for around 15 years there’s got to be something good in the catalog right? Thankfully, on this album, there are a number of gems. According to the press […]
Bruce Springsteen + More, Album Previews
Bruce Springsteen, ‘Magic’ (Full CD) Not even a Bob Dylan release can distract me from the mounted anticipation of Bruce Springsteen‘s new release Magic. He’s back with the E Street Band for this record which means the hootenanny is over at least temporarily. I’ve learned to like anything that Springsteen has made over the years, […]
Various Artists/House Soundtrack
So, House is a TV show that comes on Fox about a miracle working doctor with a cocky attitude, a sad love life and an addiction to pain pills. At least that’s what it seemed like the 4 or 5 times I’ve watched the show.  “So, who would make up such a soundtrack?” you ask. […]
Boca Chica: An Encouraging Discovery
Pittsburg isn’t a city that comes up often when I think of the contemporary Americana scene today, but then again Boca Chica doesn’t sound like your typical Americana band. Increasingly it seems like we’re seeing more acts like Boca Chica that are blending the elements of Folk stylings with poetic lyrics, emotion-evoking chords, and a […]
And the Winner of the Mark Knopfler Contest Is…
Thanks to the Twangville community for an impressive array of comments on Mark Knopfler’s career. I’ve re-posted the comments below as they are as thoughtful as they are diverse. Congratulations to Chris McDonald of St. Catharines, ON, Canada. Chris will be receiving a copy of Mark Knopfler’s new cd, courtesy of Knopfler and 820 Media. […]
Mary Gauthier – Between Daylight and Dark
When you think of the great storyteller songwriters certain names come to mind. Names like, Guy Clark, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, Townes Van Zandt, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Jeff Walker and Chris Knight just to name a few. These people have one thing in common. They are all men. I have news for these gentlemen. […]
Oakley Hall & Alberta Cross
There are a couple of recent releases by Indie rock bands that have a significant Americana Alt-country influence. I am referring to Oakley Hall’s I’ll Follow You on Merge records and Alberta Cross’ The Thief and the Heartbreaker a seven song EP on Geffen records. Oakley Hall was formed in 2002 by Pat Sullivan, who […]