In the summer of 2021, Matt Hillyer and long-time bandmate Steven Berg decide to bring an end to their beloved band Eleven Hundred Springs. The group was a Dallas institution and credited with playing a big role in putting some edge back in the north Texas country scene. But certain things in life run their […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2022, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2022 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Paranoid Heart, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release The Liar) “Well maybe […]
Monday Morning Video – Aloud
Los Angeles by way of Boston duo Aloud launch the countdown to their new album with a Beatles style rooftop acoustic performance of new single “The Comeback Kid”, the first single. As a bonus, I’ve included the full-on – and rockin’ – studio version of the song. The Comeback Kid by Aloud
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 3
Let You Down, Bird Streets (from the Sparkle Plenty/Deko Records release Lagoon) John Brodeur – aka Bird Streets – is a master of the power pop craft. To be sure, these aren’t pop songs of the three chord variety. Rather, they have an inspired complexity – accessible yet filled with melodic and lyrical twists along […]
Dallas Got a Soft Machine – a Special Playlist
It’s been a while since I made a playlist featuring Dallas artist releases so I’ve got some catching up to do… This playlist is a mix of songs from albums released in 2021 and 2022. Panhandle Wind, Isaac Hoskins (from the self-released Bender) Denton’s Isaac Hoskins rode out Covid – no pun intended – working […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022, Part 2
Breaking Slow, Anthony D’Amato (from the Blue Rose Music release At First There Was Nothing) Anthony D’Amato is on a creative tear. Fresh from the this summer’s debut of Fantastic Cat, the songwriter collective of which he is a founding member, D’Amato has released an album that ranks among the finest of his on-going career. […]
“Forget” – a Premiere from The Half Guided Hearts
There’s something special about a melancholy pop song. Sure, a happy song now and then never hurt anyone. But the real emotions – and the power of music – emerge when things aren’t so great. Which brings us to “Forget”, the latest single from The Half Guided Hearts. Anchored by singer Raquelle Langlinais and guitarist […]
Bonus Monday Video – A Dallas House Show Preview
Twangville continues our Sunday Social concert series in Dallas, Texas this coming Sunday, October 16th (details here and rsvp here). Joining us are three incredible artists – Mando Saenz, Isaac Hoskins, and Carter Sampson. As we eagerly await an afternoon of songs and stories, here is a video playlist to whet our appetites: Mando Saenz […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2022
Roll Away (Like a Stone), Butch Walker (from the Ruby Red Recordings release Butch Walker as… Glenn) Butch Walker’s latest is something of a concept album, but not in the traditional sense. It portrays an artist playing a club show, complete with an emcee introduction, a simulated bar fight, and calls for an encore. Yet […]
Drayton Farley – Walk Home
Before I get into his excellent new EP, let me reflect on the near meteoric rise of singer-songwriter Drayton Farley. His is a true DIY story and proof that talent, not publicists, sometimes win the day. He started out recording in his home studio with no publicists or street team and no label. He persists […]