Here’s Billy Joe Shaver’s classic “Live Forever” to kick of your week. And, as a special bonus, below is Joe Ely’s take on this beautiful song.
Win Big: Van Morrison’s Moondance
The mere mention of Van Morrison’s name can spark a healthy debate as to which of his many albums is the most influential. Among the many that will undoubtedly be mentioned, I’m sure that Moondance would figure strongly in the discussion. Warner Brothers Records has just released a re-mastered version of the legendary album. Even […]
Monday Morning Video — a Premiere from Don DiLego
Yeah, I know that seeing a musician play in a bar is fairly commonplace. There’s something special about this video, however. NYC songwriter Don DiLego spent an afternoon sitting at an East Village bar with his guitar in hand. The feel of the room matches the melancholy of his song “Midnight Train,” taken from last […]
Listen Up: Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, Toy Soldiers and the Silks
There’s been something of a resurgence of 1970’s rock of late. The three bands highlighted below are among the finest purveyors, each adding their own distinctive stamp to the classic sound. TOY SOLDIERS When I first saw this Philadelphia-based quintet live I was tempted to put them in the indie rock category. The Maybe Boys, […]
Dr. Gasp Heralds Halloween
Still working on that creative costume for Halloween this week? To get you in the spirit, here is the mysterious Dr. Gasp performing the seasonal “Wax Museum” in the middle of The Old Burying Ground in Fall River, MA. For more tricks and treats, visit Dr. Gasp or his alter ego, Dan Blakeslee.
Monday Morning Video: Lou Reed
We lost a legend over the weekend. Lou Reed passed away on Sunday at the age of 71. From his early years with the Velvet Underground to his later solo career, Reed has inspired countless musicians and left a treasure trove of influential recordings. Here is a complete Reed performance from New York’s Bottom Line […]
Monday Morning Video: Eilen Jewell
Here’s one of my favorites from Eilen Jewell, “Rain Roll In” from 2009’s Sea of Tears.
Amy Black — The Muscle Shoals Session
Remember a few weeks ago when Amy Black wrote about her experience recording at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals? Well, now you can hear the results for yourself. Even better, Black is sharing the ep — for free — via her web site. Black recorded four songs in Muscle Shoals. The tracks span […]
Monday Morning Video: An Encore from John Hiatt
We’re going to stick with John Hiatt again this week. This humorous ditty is taken from a 1989 songwriters showcase that also featured John Prine, Guy Clark and Joe Ely. Hiatt’s introduction about the pressures of writing a hit song is classic. It is almost as memorable as the song that follows.
The Muscle Shoals Music Guide, Part 4
Twangville has teamed up with Muscle Shoals musician Jimbo Hart, known to many for his work with Jason Isbell and others, to highlight the many great artists that call Muscle Shoals home. THE FIDDLEWORMS Twangville Says: Just to let the reader know, I have heard about Muscle Shoals all of my life. I was born […]