ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Debris, by Michelle Malone Pity me, I almost missed this release. Fortunately fate intervened and I’ve now got my lead candidate in the summer album derby. Malone’s blend of Southern rock and blues, with the occasional folk and acoustic rock interlude, are the perfect accompaniment for sunny summer days. And lest […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 3)
The Damnwells The Damnwells burst right out of the gate with the rocking “55 Pictures†from their exceptional new release. The set was electric as the band veered from brawny rockers to moody ballads. Almost as entertaining was the young girl – I’m guessing 4 years-old – who jumped on stage to join the band. […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 2)
The Right Ons The quintet from Madrid, Spain is like a party in a box. They’re well-studied students of the classic Detroit garage rock sound, with bits of Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone thrown in as well. They paid tribute to Stone with their intense cover of Sly’s “I Want to Take […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 1)
Low Anthem The Central Presbyterian Church, one of the more interesting SXSW venues, was the perfect room for the majestic songs of the Low Anthem. The talented trio moved swiftly through a range of instruments during the course of their set. It was completely captivating, albeit a bit ironic to hear songs about Charles Darwin […]
Twangville City Limits – Mo Robson
Mo Robson is the lead-singer and songwriter for The Mo Robson Band. To celebrate the release of his new live album, Mo Robson Band – Live at Adair’s (Smith Music – out this week), Mo gives us a stripped-down preview of some of the new tracks and old favorites that we can expect from the […]
Old Californio – Westering Again
There are only a few regions around the great 48 that seem to have their own sound or musical vibe that serves as an identifiable tag of sorts to the rest of the country. I can’t help but think of Texas when I listen to Willie’s Red Headed Stranger or anything from Joe Ely, for […]
Kiss Off! A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 4
I could go on for weeks picking tracks for this playlist. Alas, this will be my final installment. Now I turn it over to you, residents of Twangville. What songs have I missed? Daylight, Mike Errico If my life were a movie you’d be buried in the credits, you’d be woman #2 with her head […]
The Legacy of Townes and Sir Douglas
Spring brings us two phenomenal releases honoring the legacy of Texas music pioneers Doug Sahm and Townes Van Zandt. The recently released Keep Your Soul: A Tribute to Doug Sahm (Vanguard Records) pays tribute to San Antonio native Doug Sahm. Sahm established himself in 1965 as leader of the Sir Douglas Quintet, a band whose […]
Kiss Off! A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 3
In the words of the guy in the Verizon ad, “Can you hear me now?” If not, try these gems from the classics edition of our special Twangville playlist: Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright), Bob Dylan So long, honey, babe Where I’m bound, I can’t tell Goodbye’s too good a word, babe So I’ll just […]
Kiss Off! A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 2
Here’s the second installment of our special “Kiss Off” playlist, country and folk edition: So Long Baby Goodbye, The Blasters There was a cold wind blowing on the night we met, The leaves fell from the trees, You made a lot of promises I ain’t seen yet, And I ain’t gonna ask you please. You […]