Twangville

A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

Newport Folk Festival 2019 – Big Names

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This year’s Newport Folk Festival boasts many big name acts and lean towards a jam band atmosphere. Both Phil Lesh and Trey Anastasio will be playing sets. Phil with the Terrapin Family Band (which includes his son Grahame and others based around Phil’s own music venue Terrapin Crossroads in Marin County, California. Trey Anastasio will […]

The 40 Acre Mule – Goodnight and Good Luck

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There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third […]

Derek Senn – How Could A Man

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Central California musician Derek Senn’s latest album, How Could A Man, creates a kind of musical black hole. As you approach it, the shining light (or in this case, the lyrics) tells you of its existence, and tempts you to come closer. As you circle about it though, you realize there’s no escape. Time becomes […]

Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2019 (So Far), the Albums

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Orphans by Michael McDermott It speaks volumes about Michael McDermott’s songwriting prowess that the songs that make up Orphans were originally written for his last few albums but were left sitting on the shelf.  In some ways this is fairly relaxed record by McDermott standards, but it still packs a powerful emotional punch.  Key Tracks: […]

Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2

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All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary.  He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]

Mike Jacoby – Long Beach Calling

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What came first, the chicken or the egg. Did Mike Jacoby write songs honoring The Clash and Elvis before he knew about the album artwork connection? Or, did he pen one of the songs after discovering the London Calling and Elvis Presley sleeves? Either way, his latest collection of originals, Long Beach Calling, puts an […]

Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 1

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Waiting For a Sign, M. Lockwood Porter (from the Black Mesa Records release Communion in the Ashes) M. Lockwood Porter is on a quest, longing to step beyond the anguish and misery he sees around him in hopes of finding a better place, personally and for everyone.  The opening – and title – track freely […]

Greg Felden – Made Of Strings

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Greg Felden may have grown up in the Pacific Northwest, and then spent time on the East Coast. But his new album could be a metaphor for a California coast summer day. It starts with some gray and fog that can limit your visibility, like the first 3-4 songs on the record. So true to […]

Buddy and Julie Miller – Breakdown on 20th Ave. South

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The first couple is back and making music together again. Of course you no doubt know that I am referring to the President and First Lady of Americana, Buddy and Julie Miller. On June 21st they will be releasing their new album “Breakdown on 20th Ave. South”, via New West Records. This will be their […]