“Puff the Magic Dragon” is one of folk music’s greatest songs. Sure, songs like “This Land Is Your Land” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” epitomize folk’s socio-political spirit. Yet I ask you this: how many songs have been – and continue to be – sung by generations of children. I’m fairly certain just hearing the […]
The Twangtown Paramours – The Wind Will Change Again
You’re no doubt familiar with the idea that two people know each other so well they can finish each other’s sentences. In the case of Nashville couple MaryBeth Zamer and Mike T. Lewis, also known as The Twangtown Paramours, they know each other so well they can finish each other’s songs. As MaryBeth notes, “I […]
The Twangville Early 2025 Preview
Astrovan: The Love Song Vignettes by Humbird (10 Jan) Humbird’s slow trickling of singles over the past couple months has us primed for their newest full length. Landing somewhere musically between Bjork and Neil Young, these short tunes showcase Siri Undlin’s sweet vocals. (Todd Mathis) Bloom by Larkin Poe (24 Jan) Megan and Rebecca Lovell […]
Monday Morning Video – Lucero Unplugged
Memphis’ Lucero personify fortitude and commitment to craft. For more than two decades, the group has delivered a steady mix of boisterous rock songs and heartbreaking ballads, much to the delight of fans who turn their live shows into high octane sing-along affairs. At the core, however, are the songs. And what better way to […]
Shawn’s 25 Favs of 2024
1) Kacey Musgraves – Deeper Well She raised her game to a new level. The insight and emotion in some of the songs on this record really do make me think that cardinal was John Prine. I’m not sure there’s been a better song ever about growing up than the title track. 2) Billy Strings […]
Sarah McCombie of Chatham Rabbits on Venue Merch Cuts, Authenticity, and Touring in “The Rig”
Sarah McCombie of North Carolina folk duo Chatham Rabbits shares the story behind how they found their tour RV and talks about the good old days.
Bonus Monday Video – More on Buddy Holly
Rounding out Buddy Holly Monday, here are Dion, Graham Nash, Paul McCartney, and Ronnie Wood talking about the legendary Lubbock, Texas artist. Dion talks about time spent with Holly and sings “Rave On”. Nash talks about and plays Holly’s guitar, crooning “Peggy Sue”. McCartney and Wood dissect and perform “Peggy Sue”.
Merry Mulligans
I haven’t played golf in 20 years, and when I did play, I was terrible at it. But I gotta say that when I did play I was the master of one particular stroke – the “Mulligan.” That’s when your shot off the tee is so bad you either miss it all together or you […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2024, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2024 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2024. Rosemary and Thieves, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Memoriam) Owen’s tale of fractured relationships is […]
Mayer’s Picks, More 2024 Favorites
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2024.