Memphis’ Lucero personify fortitude and commitment to craft. For more than two decades, the group has delivered a steady mix of boisterous rock songs and heartbreaking ballads, much to the delight of fans who turn their live shows into high octane sing-along affairs. At the core, however, are the songs. And what better way to […]
Monday Morning Video – Jesse Malin
Some may know the story of Jesse Malin. The longtime cornerstone of New York’s East Village music scene suffered a traumatic spinal stroke in 2023, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The singer-songwriter, who has long preached “positive mental attitude”, persevered through months of medical treatments and physical therapy with the hope of returning […]
Bonus Monday Video – More on Buddy Holly
Rounding out Buddy Holly Monday, here are Dion, Graham Nash, Paul McCartney, and Ronnie Wood talking about the legendary Lubbock, Texas artist. Dion talks about time spent with Holly and sings “Rave On”. Nash talks about and plays Holly’s guitar, crooning “Peggy Sue”. McCartney and Wood dissect and perform “Peggy Sue”.
Monday Morning Video – Buddy Holly “Not Fade Away”
I fell down a Buddy Holly rabbit hole this weekend. It had been a while, but it was great to remind myself of how impressive a talent Holly was. And how inspirational. Below is a playlist that features a jaw-dropping collection of artists performing just a single song from the Holly catalog – “Not Fade […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2024, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2024 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2024. Rosemary and Thieves, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Memoriam) Owen’s tale of fractured relationships is […]
Monday Morning Video – Roky Erickson & The Black Angels
The late psychedelic rock legend Roky Erickson was joined by Austin’s The Black Angels for this incendiary performance of Erickson’s classic “You’re Gonna Miss Me” back in 2008. Yes, that’s a water jug being used for vocal effects in the song.
Monday Morning Video – Hothouse Flowers
A gospel choir joining in for an uplifting classic? Yes please. Here’s Ireland’s Hothouse Flowers singing “Give It Up”. Well, this song’s inspired by a good man and his tuneDoing good for others, sing “Amazing Grace” for you, yeahIt doesn’t really matter if you’re all jumbled up insideAs long as you know that love is […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2024, Part 2
Behind The Eight/Count Your Blessings, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records releases East Jesus and Lighthouse on the Shore) For nearly a decade, Michael McDermott has been on a creative tear, releasing more albums in that period than many artists create during their entire careers. And apparently he’s not interested in slowing down; rather, […]
Monday Morning Video – Randy Newman
It’s been a while since we paid tribute to one of America’s greatest songwriters. Let’s remedy that. Here’s Randy Newman from his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony performing “I Think It’s Gonna Rain Today.” And just for fun, two bonus videos featuring Newman alongside Bonnie Raitt (“Feels Like Home”) and Mark Knopfler […]
Monday Morning Video – Thank You Friends
It’s Thanksgiving week in the US so it seems like an appropriate time for us to give thanks to everyone who makes Twangville such a special place. And as we approach our 20th year, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for – starting with the artists who share their talents and continuing through to […]