Putting together my annual list of favorite albums seems to get harder every year.  Much of what I hear comes across my desk in the form of discs or downloads from publicists, labels, and musicians themselves. I also got a few “you’ve got to hear so-and-so” missives from friends and colleagues whose musical tastes I […]
Benyaro – “Pimp Wife” Video Premiere
Back in September, Benyaro released their latest album, One Step Ahead Of Your Past. Â As the musical vehicle for Jackson Hole’s Ben Musser and Leif Routman, Benyaro excels in the rougher, funkier edges of Americana. Â One Step Ahead Of Your Past exemplifies that with some cowpunk, some post-Seattle grunge, and even what I’d call “front […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2017, Part 3
(This Ain’t) An Original Sin, Will Hoge (from the EDLO Records release Anchors) Nashville-based singer-songwriter Will Hoge possesses the twin powers of lyric and melody, a talent that is finely displayed on Anchors. From a lyrical perspective, the album overflows with yearning, disappointment and self-reflection. “You can try to fight the truth, but time will […]
Dori Freeman/Letters Never Read
I’m not sure how I stumbled across Dori Freeman’s latest release. Facebook marketing maybe? A friend listening on Spotify? An email I accidently clicked on instead of deleting? Whatever the method, I’m grateful that I did, as she has turned out to be one of my favorite discoveries of 2017. After listening to the first […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2017, Part 2
No Heart Left Behind, Hannah Aldridge (from the Rootsy Music release Gold Rush) “I take my heartache with a little bit of ice,” announces Muscle Shoals-raised Hannah Aldridge on “Burning Down Birmingham,” one of several stand-outs from her latest release. Electric guitars lead the charge, sometimes chugging with an insistent stoicism and other times unleashing […]
Peace, Twang, and Turkey Grease: A 2017 Thanksgiving Toast to Chip Frazier
Chip Frazier pictured second from left in green shirt. Here we are again… Thanksgiving 2017, y’all… which means we’re celebrating 12 years of Twangville’s existence. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been writing a Thanksgiving toast each year to thank our contributors, our community, and the artists who give us something to listen […]
Josh Ritter and Good Old War in Northampton
It’s not easy to get an overnight sitter and get out to a show these days, but when we had the chance to see Josh Ritter play again we made the many arrangements for our two kids and made a night out of it. Both acts were amazing. The lion’s share of the crowd […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2017, Part 1
Don’t Tell Me to Smile, The Mastersons (from the Red House Records release Transient Lullaby) The husband and wife team of Chris Masterson and Bonnie Whitmore continue to refine their sound on the glorious Transient Lullaby. The duo thoughtfully explore the foibles of contemporary relationships with a studied blend of thoughtfulness and realism. The arrangements […]
The Coffis Brothers & the Mountain Men – Nothing Like Your Love Video Premiere
While we here on the Twangville staff spend a lot of time listening to music with banjos and fiddles, we’re all suckers for a really good power pop song.  A little jangly guitar, a sing-along chorus and great harmonies, and a driving bass and drum beat.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  Coming out of […]
Mark Olson and Ingunn Ringvold – Spokeswoman of the Bright Sun
Success, as pretty much everyone has realized, gives one some freedom that can’t otherwise be earned. Â Some use that freedom to advance an agenda, whereas others look to self-improvement and creativity as the opportunity. Â Mark Olson, founder of pioneering Americana group The Jayhawks, chose the latter path along with his wife and musical partner Ingunn […]