From tragedy comes inspiration. The recent floods in Nashville reached deep into the heart of one of America’s finest musical cities, taking lives and destroying property throughout Nashville and the surrounding communities. Twangville favorite and Nashville native Will Hoge originally wrote and recorded “Washed By The Water†about New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. […]
John Hiatt Has a Secret: An Exclusive Live Performance
Our friends at New West Records sent along this great video of John Hiatt talking about “Fireball Roberts,” a track from his latest release. The slow bluesy number finds Hiatt drawing a parallel between the late race-car driver’s professional career and a failed relationship. The video includes a special live performance by Hiatt and his […]
SXSW 2010: The Sounds, Part 2
Jon Dee Graham My SXSW show list is usually built around bands that I’ve never seen. Jon Dee Graham is the rare exception who makes the list every year. His gruff voice fits well with the bit of his lyrics, not to mention his razor-sharp guitar-playing. And his stories and between song banter, rich with […]
SXSW 2010: The Sounds
Buddy Miller I’ve got a simple rule of thumb: don’t miss a solo Buddy Miller show. Miller’s work with artists ranging from Robert Plant to Solomon Burke to Patty Griffin overshadows his own recordings with his wife Julie. It’s a shame, really, as Buddy and Julie are simply brilliant. Whether playing country, blues or a […]
The Rock Hall in 2011: Your Recommendations
Hats off to fans of the late Johnny Maestro for their overwhelming response and thanks to everyone who participated in our Rock Hall Nominations discussion. Judging from your responses, there is a strong feeling that progressive and glam rock are overdue for recognition by the Hall. Here are your nominations: Johnny Maestro – Maestro, lead […]
Confederate Fagg
While we here at Twangville mostly focus on the country/alt-country/hillbilly side of things, some of us have a soft spot for metal…gay metal. And there is no better gay metal band than South Carolina’s own Confederate Fagg. This past weekend, the boys got together to play a rally organized by City of Columbia mayoral candidate […]
Who Should The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induct in 2011?
I finally got around to watching the broadcast from last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 inductions. The ceremony — honoring inductees ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and Iggy Pop & Stooges — was, well, rather tame. Even Iggy Pop, in fine Stooges form, struggled to get a reaction from the crowd. […]
Tumbledown into Punk Country
There are still many a music fan out there that doesnt quite get where the roads of punk and country or folk meet. For those that do “get it”, it isnt hard to draw a straight line that connects the spirits of Woody Guthrie and Joe Strummer. While the sonics of the two genres can […]
Win Big: Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Friends
Last week we profiled the recent tribute to New Orleans’ Preservation Hall. Recorded over the past year in New Orleans historic landmark, the album features the legendary jazz band performing with artists ranging from Tom Waits to Jason Isbell to Brandi Carlile. Did I say win big? I meant really big. Thanks to our friends […]
Win Big: Elvis Costello’s Spectacle
If you haven’t been watching the second season of Spectacle: Elvis Costello With… on the Sundance Channel, you’ve been missing some incredible music television. A storied songwriter in his own right, Costello is able to speak as a peer with a diverse range of musical guests. He deftly explores their musical history and approach to […]