Alex Chilton passed away this evening (yesterday) in New Orleans. The former Big Star and Box Tops frontman was 59. The Boxtops had a hit in 1967 with the Top 40 classic “The Letter”. Big Star never came close to commercial success during their brief tenure with Stax Records in the early to mid-70’s. Plagued […]
The Drive-By Truckers – The Big To-Do
At Twangville, the Drive-By Truckers carry a lot of weight. In fact, in the post-modern, post-alt-country (whatever) era of Indie rock, they are like superstars to some. Not like in the “Oh my god, what is Britney wearing†kind of way but rather in the anticipation that comes for some in a new record. It […]
Alex Hargreaves – Prelude
I found myself a little torn about whether to post a review of the new Alex Hargreaves album, Prelude, to Twangville. Â It does have fiddle and banjo and mandolin, but rarely does it even come close to twangy. Â It’s much more a jazz album. Â But this is a path that’s been blazed already by Bela […]
JT Earle & Joe Pug at the Birchmere
In American society’s current musical climate (without a lot of love of Americana music), you wouldn’t think that a “classic” sound would show up out of nowhere. Not only is JT Earle’s indie-darling status progressively more established, but the newbie Joe Pug ain’t no lightweight either. Earle had nothin’ but love for Pug and it […]
Sharif – Kisses & Lies
Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine […]
6 Questions With Joe Pug
We caught up with Joe Pug on the eve of the release of his debut LP Messenger, the follow up to the widely heralded Nation of Heat EP. Last time we talked you were still talking to various labels and considering putting out Messenger by yourself, how did the deal with Lightning Rod Records happen? We were […]
Deadstring Brothers- Sao Paulo
You’ll be hard pressed to find a review of the Deadstring Brothers album that doesn’t reference the Rolling Stones. Fortunately, they are almost always referencing the Rolling Stones 1968-72 era, aka Beggars Banquet to Exile on Main Street. Personally, I consider that four record run to be the best by any band.  Ever. So yea, […]
Patty Griffin – Downtown Church
Patty Griffin has just released her new album Downtown Church. The album was brilliantly produced by Buddy Miller and has an excellent supporting cast. On this album Griffin captures the soul of the traditional African-American Church, as well as the beauty of more traditional hymns. The mix of songs on this album capture a spirit […]
Butch Walker and The Black Widows/I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart
Let’s flash back to 1996…or 1997. I’m in college at the time, and on this particular night at a small club in Columbia, South Carolina named the Elbow Room checking out the Drag from Myrtle Beach. They put on a pretty good show but weren’t quite as grand as I had hoped. (Not the Southern […]
Great American Taxi – Reckless Habits
If you’re a fan of 70’s country rock, you’ll feel right at home with the latest release from Great American Taxi, Reckless Habits. Â Vince Herman, the leader of Taxi, was also a founder of Leftover Salmon, and the jam band roots are noticeably. Â But what really comes through is a homage to the early pioneers […]