If there has been a more heart-breaking song this year than the Miller’s “Chalk,†I haven’t heard it. The twinge in Buddy’s voice as he sings, “If all our heartaches were in a stack, they’d go all the way up to heaven and back,†is spine-tingling. The song, a duet with Patty Griffin, is only […]
Old Settler’s Music Festival Highlights
While my colleagues have regaled you with tales and reviews of the annual over-indulgence in Austin known as South by Southwest, I’ve found myself over the past few years gravitating to the far, far less heralded (and far, far less crowded) Old Settler’s Music Festival a couple of weeks later in the month. Beating out […]
Ronnie Fauss – New Songs for the Old Frontier: Vol. 1
Twangville City Limits – Mo Robson
Mo Robson is the lead-singer and songwriter for The Mo Robson Band. To celebrate the release of his new live album, Mo Robson Band – Live at Adair’s (Smith Music – out this week), Mo gives us a stripped-down preview of some of the new tracks and old favorites that we can expect from the […]
Old Californio – Westering Again
There are only a few regions around the great 48 that seem to have their own sound or musical vibe that serves as an identifiable tag of sorts to the rest of the country. I can’t help but think of Texas when I listen to Willie’s Red Headed Stranger or anything from Joe Ely, for […]
The Legacy of Townes and Sir Douglas
Spring brings us two phenomenal releases honoring the legacy of Texas music pioneers Doug Sahm and Townes Van Zandt. The recently released Keep Your Soul: A Tribute to Doug Sahm (Vanguard Records) pays tribute to San Antonio native Doug Sahm. Sahm established himself in 1965 as leader of the Sir Douglas Quintet, a band whose […]
Isaac Hoskins – Half Empty
After my recent outing to the NX35 Conference in Denton Texas, I was able to more fully understand why so many people feel that Denton has become quite the scene. So many quality bands that call Denton home playing in the clubs that truly are their homes made for a great weekend of discovery for […]
Neko Case – Middle Cyclone
When I was growing up back in the 70’s, it wasn’t unusual for an artist to have a Concept Album. They would take some idea or theme and write a number of songs at least vaguely in line with the concept. Of course all those records can really be traced to Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts […]
Kiss Off! A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 2
Here’s the second installment of our special “Kiss Off” playlist, country and folk edition: So Long Baby Goodbye, The Blasters There was a cold wind blowing on the night we met, The leaves fell from the trees, You made a lot of promises I ain’t seen yet, And I ain’t gonna ask you please. You […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2009, a Video Companion
We book-end this month’s video playlist with Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys), opening with a rocking take on “My Last Mistake” and closing with a special acoustic performance of “Trouble Weighs a Ton.” In between we’ve got live performances from Alex Dezen (The Damnwells), Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Justin Townes Earle, Sam […]