Twangville

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

Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 1

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ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Joy of Nothing, by Foy Vance Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance spent his childhood years traveling the American Midwest and South with his preacher father. He soaked in the rich American musical traditions that he encountered during these travels, which later infused his music upon his return to Ireland. This rich musical […]

Music with a Purpose: A Compilation for Nuci’s Space

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This post continues our series about music that serves a higher purpose. Beyond pure listening enjoyment, these releases raise awareness about important issues that impact countless people in their day-to-day lives. Our friends at Country Fried Rock have just released an awesome new compilation. The release supports Nuci’s Space, a not-for-profit that provides mental health […]

Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 2

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ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Close to the Floor, by Patrick Sweany They say that great art is often the result of pain and adversity. It is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that we get to share in the work that results, a curse that the artist’s suffering lies at the root of the […]

Mayer’s Playlist for July and August 2013, Part 1

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ALBUMS OF THE MONTH American Ride, by Willie Nile Willie Nile is on a roll. After playing the major label game twice in his nearly 35-year career, Nile quietly self-released 1999’s outstanding Beautiful Wreck of the World. Since then he has delivered three more compelling albums filled with high energy rock songs and touching ballads. […]

Little G Weevil – Moving

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Little G Weevil is likely the greatest – and possibly the only – Hungarian blues musician of all time.  Born and raised in Budapest as the the former “Eastern Block” nation became more open to outside cultural influences, Weevil became enamored of American blues music.  He grew up playing drums but took up the guitar at 17 to […]

Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2013, So Far (the Songs)

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Elephant and Super 8, Jason Isbell (from the Southeastern Records release Southeastern) This list wouldn’t ordinarily include two tracks from the same artist but I’m gonna make an exception. These two tracks exemplify the range of Isbell’s songwriting talent, from the somber beauty of “Elephant” to the boisterous rock of “Super 8.” Alphabet City, Todd […]

Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 2

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ALBUMS OF THE MONTH American Kid, by Patty Griffin It’s hard, if not impossible, to avoid being mesmerized by Patty Griffin’s new release. Long revered for both her passionate songwriting and enchanting voice, both are in exceptional form on American Kid. Just one listen to album opener “Go Wherever You Want to Go” and you […]

Mayer's Playlist for May/June 2013, Part 1

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ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Low Highway, by Steve Earle The burden of Steve Earle’s legacy is mighty awesome. Since he emerged in the mid-1980’s he has established — and maintained — an incredible standard with his songwriting. His latest release continues the trend. Earle passed through Boston recently and talked about how this album […]

Twangville Presents… Bill Janovitz

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Any discussion of Bill Janovitz will undoubtedly start with his tenure as a member of Boston-based trio Buffalo Tom.  For more than 25 years the group has released an incredible catalog filled with emotionally charged rock and roll.   Songs like “Tailights Fade” and “Sunday Night,” to name just a few, have a raw intensity […]