ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Wings, by Will Kimbrough Nashville’s Will Kimbrough has long been a musical journeyman, lending his [immense] talents to artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Rodney Crowell. Yet, despite this heavy schedule, he still finds time to create some striking music of his own. Wings, his latest release, has a gentle and […]
Sharif – Kisses & Lies
Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine […]
The Honey Dewdrops – If the Sun Will Shine
When did Gillian last do an album, 2003? Â Sure, David Rawlings had a great release last year, but it was a Dave Rawlings album that Gillian sang on, not a Gillian album. Â Well, if you have a hankering for something new in that vein, I suggest you check out the latest release from The Honey […]
The .357 String Band – Lightning From The North
Musical fads are a double-edged sword…or are they a blessing and a curse? Either way, with each new “movement”, whether it be Texas/Red Dirt or Freak-Folk or whatever, we see an influx of artists that, thanks to the artists who initially drew the attention of the masses to a certain trendy style, get to bask […]
Singin’ Happy Tunes with the Truckers, Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes
Need some extra juice to get you through the week? Two Twangville faves recently released mp3s for your listening pleasure. Drive-By Truckers, “This Fucking Job” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/5/28/2459127/Drive-By%20Truckers%20-%20This%20Fucking%20Job.mp3] Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/5/28/2459127/Justin%20Townes%20Earle%20and%20Dawn%20Landes%20-%20Do%20I%20Ever%20Cross%20Your%20Mind.mp3]
The Texas Sapphires – As He Wanders
For a guy from Dallas, I will admit to feeling pretty lucky about the great music I have available to me throughout the Dallas, Ft. Worth and Denton area, no doubt. I will also admit that I sometimes get twinges of jealousy of the music lovers in my state’s capitol. Austin is obviously home to […]
Ten for Oh-Ten
2010 is shaping up quite nicely, thank you. Here are ten upcoming releases whose arrival is eagerly anticipated at the Twangville general store. FREEDY JOHNSTON, Rain on the City (Release date January 12th) Has it really been eight years since Johnston’s last album of originals? Johnston’s instrument of choice is an acoustic guitar, all the […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 2
Arms & Legs and Flowers, Ian Hunter (from the New West Records release Man Overboard) It’s no accident that Ian Hunter gets two mentions on this list. The legendary singer-songwriter is a true rock and roll poet, writing magnificent songs that combine simplicity with depth. “Arms & Legs” is an inspirational tribute to love built […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 1
Give Me Tomorrow, Willie Nile (from the River House Records release House of a Thousand Guitars) Nile’s eternal optimism reigns supreme, most notably on this spirited testament to change and opportunity. “I’ve seen poison in the waters, heard the crying of the sea, I have heard your sons and daughters say what’s to become of […]
Kelly’s Top 25 for 2009
In year’s past, I haven’t done much a personal “Best-Of” list at year’s end. I have left that up to others, mainly due to the stress level inherent with such a task. This year, I contributed a list to multiple outlets, so I figure I would share my ballot with you here. What you see […]