Anyone who says that music can’t be an instrument of social change has clearly never heard of Johnny Clegg. The South African artist put together a multi-racial band in response to – and defiance of – Apartheid, creating music that blended traditional Zulu street music (and dancing) with Western pop and rock. The result was […]
Monday Morning Video – Join Twangville in Boston
Hey Boston and Camberville! Twangville is bringing together some incredible New England artists for a special showcase later this month. We’ll be taking over the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge MA, one of our favorite listening rooms, on July 26th for one heck of party. Joining us for the night will be The Silks, Todd Thibaud, […]
The 40 Acre Mule – Goodnight and Good Luck
There are many paths a band can take between inception and the first album (assuming they make it that far). The 40 Acre Mule chose to follow a simple formula. First they decided to kick ass and do it loudly. Second they played anywhere and everywhere people would listen, and made it a party. Third […]
Bonus Monday Video – Remy Reilly & Vandoliers
Teenage singer-songwriter Remy Reilly counts many Dallas-Fort Worth musicians among her fans. Case in point is Vandoliers and John Pedigo, who join her for her latest single. The song is called “Burn” – and that it certainly does. Bonus points for the AC/DC t-shirt….
Monday Morning Video – Dave Alvin on the 8th of July
Sure, the 4th of July was last week. But every day is a good day to listen to Dave Alvin’s classic “4th of July”. Although the song was originally recorded by X, Alvin included it on 1994’s King of California. To celebrate the album’s 25th anniversary, Alvin is releasing a re-mastered and expanded edition. Alvin […]
Monday Morning Video – A Premiere from Melanie Brulee
Toronto-based singer-songwriter Melanie Brulee took to the road to find inspiration for her latest album. And not just any road, but the legendary Route 66. Although song titles like “Oklahoma Rain†and “Pretty Wasteland†suggest a travelogue, it’s more the spirit of the adventure that inhabit the songs that inhabit the songs that ultimately came […]
Monday Morning Video – Andrew Duhon “No Man’s Land”
Andrew Duhon’s False River was one of my favorite albums from last year. He recently released this stunning video of the melancholy “No Man’s Land”, the beauty of the setting offering a gentle contrast to the song’s forlorn lyrics.
Monday Morning Video – Jackson Emmer
I saw Jackson Emmer appear as part of a songwriter round a few weeks ago and I was captivated by the dark beauty of this song called “When the Lawn Gets Dark”. Emmer has just released Diamond Ranch Vol. 1., a pair of new singles that reflect on life as a traveling troubadour.
Monday Morning Video – Dr. John
It’s been a rough spring in the music world. This past week brought the news that Mac Rebennack – Dr. John – had passed. The New Orleans native captured all of the energy, flamboyance and mystery of his hometown and instilling it in his music. Here’s a trifecta from the good Doctor. The righteous funk […]
Monday Morning Video – Roky Erickson
It’s been a tough week in the music world with the passing of three notable artists. Shawn wrote about the loss of idiosyncratic old-timey artist Leon Redbone. We also lost harmonica player and rock historian Tony Glover, an influence for Bob Dylan and countless others. Friday brought news of Roky Erickson’s death at the age […]