THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: It was another great month for new albums. I’m calling it a draw in the album of the month category. Sirens of the Ditch, by Jason Isbell At long last, Isbell unleashes his solo debut and shows the breadth of his talents. Sure, there are rock songs like the opening […]
Jason Isbell Live – Sloss Furnace Birmingham, AL (With Video)
Jason Isbell put on a great show at the Stokin’ the Fire Barbecue Festival in Birmingham this weekend. The festival was held at Sloss Furnace, which can be a challenge for a sound tech. For those unfamiliar with the venue it is a big metal roofed and walled structure with a stage in front of […]
Ben Harper + More, Album Previews
Ben Harper, ‘Lifeline’ (Full CD) Part of me wants to call this a return to form. But I know better. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are always on fire. Lifeline, their latest, appears to highlight what I love best about this band, a brilliant blend of folk rock, twang and soul. Upon my first […]
Live Shots: Kay Hanley @ Lizard Lounge
Having re-located to Los Angeles, Boston native former Letters to Cleo singer Kay Hanley returns home twice annually for the Hot Stove, Cool Music shows. Invariably Hanley and crew fit in a club gig to stretch their legs a bit, as was the case at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, MA on August 17th. Perhaps […]
Giant Bear
Giant Bear just released there self-titled album on August 14th and it will rank up there with Elliot Randall as one my surprise favorites of the year. They are an Americana outfit with Indie Rock sensibilities. Based in Memphis the Commercial Appeal says they are “somewhere between cowboy noir and the best band to ever […]
Readers’ Pick: Lori McKenna, “Unglamorousâ€
With 36% of the votes, you chose the Lori McKenna‘s Unglamorous as your favorite new album in a recent Twangville poll. To celebrate, here are some Lori McKenna videos. Enjoy! Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
9 Questions with Henry Rollins
Art by Mitch Clem You might know Henry Rollins for any number of reasons, whether you’re a Black Flag fan, an I.F.C. movie buff, an avid political reader or someone who’s crazy about watching stand-up comedy and spoken word. Seeing as I am all of the above, it’s understandable that I was interested in interviewing […]
Readers’ Pick: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, “This is Somewhereâ€
With 47% of the votes, you chose the Grace Potter & The Nocturnals‘ This is Somewhere as your favorite new album in a recent poll. To celebrate, here are some Grace Potter videos. Enjoy! Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
Josh Ritter + More, Album Previews
Josh Ritter, ‘The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter’ (Partial CD [source: JoshRitter.com]) “Wise beyond years” is a phrase that comes to mind when listening to Josh Ritter. He seems to have incredible insight into humanity all the while being tremendously adept at making great music. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, his fourth studio recording, […]
Kieran Kane , Kevin welch and Fats Kaplin – Kane Welch Kaplin
Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch, Fats Kaplin will be releasing a new album on September 11, the album is self titled Kane Welch Kaplin. Not exactly a creative title but after the first listen it is obvious they spent their time making the album not naming it. Their previous album Lost John Dean went number one […]