ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Sunshine Lies, by Matthew Sweet “’cause we’re already good and we’re already evil, unfazed by a world of constant upheaval,” sings Matthew Sweet on “Let’s Love” from his latest release. It’s a moment that carries meaning beyond the song’s intended topic. In the nearly fifteen years since Sweet’s seminal Girlfriend, the […]
High on Stress – Cop Light Parade
Minneapolis has a storied musical history. Luminaries such as Bob Dylan, Prince, The Replacements and even The Hold Steady have some sort of link to that chilly region. After listening to Cop Light Parade by the Minneapolis band, High on Stress, I can’t help but feel they have done their regional, musical ancestors proud. The […]
Exclusive: Alejandro Escovedo Still Talking
Exclusive! Alejandro Escovedo Speaks
Carrie Rodriguez – She Aint Me
In this day of specialized labels, specific tastes, and narrow radio play lists, it seems that the number of artists that attempt to break new ground with each CD release is rare. Many artists are practically forced to simply recreate a sound that will keep a fan-base intact and not alienated. There are great acts […]
Your Favorites in 2008… So Far
The residents of Twangville have spoken! Here are some of your favorites from the first half of the year. The Band of Heathens, The Band of Heathens Hayes Carll, Trouble In Mind Drive-By Truckers, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark Justin Townes Earle, The Good Life Kathleen Edwards, Asking for Flowers Elbow, Seldom Seen Kid Eleven Hundred […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2008, a Video Companion
More video goodness this month. We kick things off with two of my favorite songs this summer, Little Jackie’s “The World Should Revolve Around Me” and the Hold Steady’s “Sequestered in Memphis.” Keep on moving and you’ll see a special video from Alex Woodard and live performances from Love Pyschedelico, the Baseball Project, Eric Lindell, […]
Country with Muscle – John D. Hale Band & Back Porch Mary
I have been very clear (or not, probably not) in the past that I have grown weary of musical-genre labels that either fail to make much sense, or simply don’t really define much (“Red-Dirt” anyone??). Having said that, I have recently began espousing a labeling philosophy that I think suits me just fine. If the […]
Twangville Picks the Best So Far in ’08
We at Twangville have been fortunate to hear some great music in the first half of ’08. I polled the crew on their favorites are here are the results: Todd: Hayes Carll, Trouble in Mind (read more) Chip: Drive-By Truckers, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (read more on this album and Chip’s full list) Tom: Old […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2008, A Video Companion #2
Part two of this video companion features live performances from Hayes Carll, Paddy Casey, Reckless Kelly, Todd Thibaud and John Hiatt plus a powerhouse cover of AC/DC’s “Back in Black” by Danielia Cotton. We wrap up this installment with a video from Jabe and Baltimore’s Splitsville with our pick from the archives.