Timeless. Â That’s the single word that best describes the latest release from Berkeley, CA-based songstress and multi-instrumentalist Laurie Lewis. Â Skippin’ and Flyin’ is a sort of tribute album to Bill Monroe. Â The tribute is an abstract though, that includes Monroe songs, songs from others that were inspired by Monroe, and even songs that just evoke […]
Monday Morning Video: Buddy Miller
Simply brilliant.
Mark W. Lennon – Home of the Wheel
Listening to Mark W. Lennon’s new release Home of the Wheel, I felt as if I was transported back to depression era America without leaving 2011. At times it is the music that takes you there, and other times it is the lyrics. Lennon draws the parallels between the Modern and the past with a […]
Stockbridge to Boston: A Special Playlist
Here’s the latest installment of my playlist series highlighting the latest and greatest in New England music. FEATURED ALBUM C’Mon by Barnstar! There’s a lot to be said for just getting in the studio for a few days and just having fun. Now while I can’t confirm that this was the case with Barnstar, it […]
Monday Morning Video: Los Lobos
So the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees were announced last week. Lots of interesting artists were on the list, but not the one artist that I was looking to see. That band? Los Lobos. I have to imagine that there will be a line of artists volunteering to induct the band when the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Old Mad Joy, by The Gourds The Gourds latest is a bit deceiving. The band has built a reputation as a bluegrass and backporch country band, but things aren’t always what they seem. The album open as one would expect. “I Want You So Bad” is built around an accordion and […]
Win Big: Paul Kelly
What is it about Australia and New Zealand? Per capita, they’ve got some of the most talented and enjoyable musicians in the world. Neil Finn and Tim Finn (from Splitz Enz to Crowded House and the solo stuff in between) to Kasey Chambers to You Am I. And then there’s Paul Kelly. Kelly himself best […]
Win Big: Lydia Loveless & Eilen Jewell
This year has seen a number of impressive releases from women artists. At the top of the list stand Eilen Jewell and Lydia Loveless. Each, in their own way, recalls the musical spirit and individuality of Loretta Lynn. Jewell is the more traditional of the two, breathing fresh air into a classic country sound, while […]
Slaid Cleaves – Addendum
Several days ago I wrote a partial review of the new Slaid Cleaves live double album, Sorrow & Smoke: Live At the Horseshoe Lounge. Â Since then the album has come out, I’ve overcome the technical issue with getting both discs, and I got a chance to see Slaid live at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in […]
Slaid Cleaves – Sorrow & Smoke: Live At the Horseshoe Lounge
I’m going to do something that I don’t think anyone at Twangville has done before. Â I’m going to review half a record. Â I was excited to get a pre-release file of Slaid Cleaves’ new live album, Sorrow & Smoke: Live At the Horseshoe Lounge. Â I gave it several listens, wrote up most of a review, […]