Stumbled down the Joan Armatrading rabbit hole this weekend. So much goodness, including these two faves. First, back to the late 1970’s for the uber-funky “Show Some Emotion” and then the wonderful “Love and Affection” from Glastonbury back in 2008.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2022 (So Far), the Songs
Meant to Be, BER & Charlie Oriain (from the self-released And I’m Still Thinking About That) A wonderful discovery at this year’s SXSW… and one of my favorite songs so far this year. But I think you’re the one for someone else And that shit’s hard to say It’s okay, you feel the same and I can […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2022 (So Far), the Albums
Twilights by Jesper Lindell Sweden’s Lindell makes true Americana that channels the spirit of the Band, a point he emphasizes with a great cover of that group’s “Twilight”. It’s Lindell’s own compositions and the arrangements that bring the songs to life, however, that make Twilights such a memorable experience. How Long Will It Take Them […]
Bonus Monday Video – Todd Thibaud
How about another fave Fourth of July song? This time from Boston’s Todd Thibaud, performing the song in a pandemic throw-back living room stream. (If you like what you hear, you can get a full collection of Thibaud’s couch sessions here.)
Fortunate Ones On Band Origins and How They Chose Their Van Name
Andrew James O’Brien and Catherine Allan – Fortunate Ones – talk about the benefit of in-ear monitors and the importance of maintaining a semblance of consistency and routine while on tour.
Shanna In A Dress – Robot
There’s one in every high school class. The kid that’s smart enough to talk to the geeks, hip enough to be accepted by the cool kids, and sincere enough to be liked by the parents. I’m pretty sure Shanna Hoar, musically known as Shanna In A Dress, was one of those kids. She just released […]
Monday Morning Video – James McMurtry
James McMurty may not be the most prolific songwriter – he’s released two albums in the past 11 years – but he sure is consistent. His catalog is rock solid, a songwriter’s songwriter who tells brilliant character-driven stories that accompany well-crafted melodies. And don’t forget that he is one heck of a guitar player – […]
Mike Stevens – Breathe In the World, Breathe Out Music
At the next Twangville town council meeting I’m making a motion to adopt “Municipal Harp Day” in honor of the best new recordings by blues and roots harmonica players. Along with Charlie Musselwhite’s new release, Canadian harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens in May released his remarkable Breathe in the World, Breathe Out Music. Stevens has been […]
Monday Morning Video – Dallas House Show Preview
In Dallas-Ft. Worth? Can you get to Dallas-Ft. Worth? If so, come join Twangville next Sunday as we host a backyard concert with a few stellar artists – Alex Wong from Nashville, TN, Wood Willow from Oklahoma City, OK, and DFW’s own Brandon Callies. Here’s a preview playlist that highlights songs from each artist’s latest […]
Fredrik Saroea on Ritchie Valens, Metallica, and His Accountant
Fredrik Saroea talks about the basement speakeasy at his rehearsal space, how his 2020 album came to be, and sticking with his old crew.