The legendary Mark Knopfler, one of rock and roll’s most distinctive guitarists, is releasing a new album on September 18th. Titled Kill to Get Crimson, it hearkens back to classic songwriting of the early Dire Straits releases. I’ve been particularly taken with “Punish the Monkey,” and its catchy chorus “punish the monkey, let the organ […]
Patti Scialfa + More, Album Previews
Patti Scialfa, ‘Play It As It Lays’ (Full CD) The truth is that I don’t know much about Patti Scialfa other than the fact that she’s Bruce Springsteens better half as if there can be such a thing. My ignorance aside, Play It As It Lays appears to be worth some attention. Chalk another one […]
Live Shots: Josh Ritter @ The Box
Josh Ritter has always come across as a polished live performer, but his enthusiasm couldn’t be contained within the theater walls at a low profile cd release performance on August 22nd in New York. “It is amazing to be here, awesome, awesome,” he exclaimed a few songs into the show. Much of the set focused […]
Ben Harper + More, Album Previews
Ben Harper, ‘Lifeline’ (Full CD) Part of me wants to call this a return to form. But I know better. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are always on fire. Lifeline, their latest, appears to highlight what I love best about this band, a brilliant blend of folk rock, twang and soul. Upon my first […]
Josh Ritter + More, Album Previews
Josh Ritter, ‘The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter’ (Partial CD [source: JoshRitter.com]) “Wise beyond years” is a phrase that comes to mind when listening to Josh Ritter. He seems to have incredible insight into humanity all the while being tremendously adept at making great music. The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, his fourth studio recording, […]
Superdrag Needs Your Help
It’s been five years since their last album and a few beyond that since the original line-up played together. Whether playing live or on record the Knoxville, Tennessee-based quartet’s raucous guitars couldn’t mask their infectious pop melodies. This fall the original members — singer/guitarist John Davis, guitarist Brandon Fisher, bassist Tom Pappas, and drummer Don […]
Lori McKenna + More, Album Previews
Lori McKenna, ‘Unglamorous’ (Full CD) Here we go again. The ladies keep on making a statement this year. This time around its Lori McKenna with her Warner Bros. debut titled Unglamorous. When she’s not making babies (she recently had her fifth), she’s writing songs. She’s so good at songwriting that Faith Hill decided to repurpose […]
G.Love + More, Album Previews
G. Love & Special Sauce, A Year and a Night with G. Love & Special Sauce (Full CD) If you’re attention is not set on the new Josh Rouse release as it should be this week, immerse yourself in G.Love and Special Sauce‘s live recording which spans two sold out nights at the Electric Factory […]
Prince + More, Album Previews
Prince, Planet Earth (Full CD) Whether you want to call him Prince, “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince”, “Symbol” or TAFKAP one thing is certain, he’s the King of Rock & Soul and well deserving of a prominent mention even in a town known for twang. Never one to shy away from controversy, Prince made […]
Josh Rouse + More, Album Previews
Josh Rouse, Country Mouse, City House (Full CD) Josh Rouse has been a Twangville favorite for some time now. Of course, we’re partial to his Nashville release, but there’s not much to dislike about any of his many songs to date. Like Ryan Adams, Rouse keeps making music and never looks back. The songs and […]