This has been a great year for music in and around Boston. I hesitate to break these out into a separate regional list as they would all feature prominently on my overall Best of 2014. That said, taken together they make a great statement on the vibrancy of the Boston music scene. GIRLS GUNS AND […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2014
Album of the Year: Noah Gundersen, Ledges My pick for album of the year is Noah Gundersen’s Ledges. The up and coming singer-songwriter from Seattle, nails it with Ledges. It’s a family affair as his sister, Abby, joins in on vocals including album opener “Poor Man’s Son” which simply stops time as it blends effortlessly into […]
Shawn’s Top 10 Live Sets Of 2014
I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with a tradition of supporting live music. Â It’s not Austin or Nashville, but Santa Cruz holds its own when it comes to getting some great Americana tour stops. Â I’m also lucky enough to be able to travel to some music festivals every year. Â So while I don’t […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2014
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. MATTHEW RYAN, Boxers Ryan has never been one to pull his punches so why should we expect […]
Sun Kil Moon/Benji; Todd Begins Looking Back on His “Best of 2014”
From the opening lines of “Carissaâ€, you realize this isn’t a happy go lucky listen. Not that Sun Kil Moon ever is. Even when covering Modest Mouse, it’s pretty slow going and dark. But this album is 11 originals that stick in the gut like…hell, I don’t know. It’s just powerful stuff. The storytelling is […]
Ryan Rocks Boston’s Wang Theatre
Ryan Adams & The Shining Wang Theatre, Boston MA November 18, 2014 Backed by his new band, “The Shining,” Ryan Adams arrived on stage in Boston in his uniform of ripped jeans, shaggy (dreadlocked?) hair, and punk rock patched jean jacket, ready to rock. And just to remind the audience of his current obsessions, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 2
Tennessee Mud, Trigger Hippy (from the Rounder Records release Trigger Hippy) There seem to be a rash of Americana “super groups” making headlines these days. Lest anyone think that Trigger Hippy is jumping on the bandwagon, consider that they’ve been around since 2009. Singers Joan Osborne and Jackie Greene, along with Black Crowes drummer Steve […]
Justin Townes Earle – Live at Workplay Theater 11-19-14
To use the word crooner to describe a singer is a little old fashioned. However, listening to Justin Townes Earle’s voice (especially the live version) it is the most appropriate description. His voice has the diversity cut across Genres from Country to Soul. Whether the lyrics are somber or optimistic, his voice serves as a […]
Peace, Twang, and Turkey Grease: A Thanksgiving Toast 2014
It’s that time of year again. A time to stuff ourselves with stuffing (of course) but more importantly a time of gratitude and reflection. Here at Twangville, like elsewhere in the states as well as other parts of the globe, that’s what we like to do. As Twangville enters its 10th year of existence in 2015, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2014, Part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH Chasing Beauty, by Ellis Paul Ellis Paul long ago established his credentials as a folk musician. He is an astute observer of the world around him who excels at transforming stories into song. In recent years he has shifted a bit from his folk roots, flexing more of his acoustic pop […]