Twangville

A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

The Waifs – Ironbark

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Soul is the incorporeal essence of a living being, by one definition. In the case of Ironbark, the latest from Australian music stars The Waifs, it’s the incorporeal essence of 3 living beings; sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson, plus long time musical partner Josh Cunningham. The Waifs have been together 25 years now, and […]

Future Twangville Residents

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Later this week I’m headed to Austin for the 30th edition of Old Settler’s Music Festival.  In addition to the normal, stellar list of established and up-and-coming acts, there will be a hidden gem late morning on Saturday, the Youth Talent Competition.  Most major Americana festivals these days have a talent competition, so why do […]

SXSW 2017, The Sounds – Part 3

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MATTHEW LOGAN VASQUEZ The former (?) Delta Spirit frontman sure likes to rock. I caught him a few times over the week and it he fired up the crowd each time. He suffered from poor sound at one show, but the energy carried him through. Like many an artist, he was showcasing songs from the […]

Bill & Joel Plaskett – Solidarity

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Joel Plaskett is well known to Canadian music fans; his father probably less so, but a defining character of the eastern Canada folk scene nonetheless.  So when they decided to do an album together, the odds were stacked in their favor.  What was targeted as a musical project they could unite on, hence the title, […]

SXSW 2017 – The Sounds, Part 2

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AUSTIN LUCAS Lucas snuck into Austin to play a single afternoon solo acoustic show. To say that he attacked his guitar wouldn’t be an overstatement. He alternated between channeling Johnny Cash in his fiery moments and Blaze Foley’s mellow stylings. It was a powerful performance from start to finish. RON GALLO Gallo was a contender […]

SXSW 2017 – The Sounds, Part 1

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LANGHORNE SLIM This was the best of the best, my favorite musical moment of the week. Langhorne Slim sitting in a chair on the floor, the audience arrayed cross-legged on the floor around him. A campfire festival without the campfire. His late-night performance was a freewheeling gem that included a few impromptu requests, all delivered […]

Eric Bibb – Migration Blues

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The plight of troubled people on the move seeking a new, safe home is the theme of Eric Bibb’s heartfelt Migration Blues. It tells the tale of various peoples – refugees and migrants – who have hit the road to escape violence or grinding hardship. With the album, Bibb says he hopes to “encourage us all […]

Front Country – Other Love Songs

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Joe Strummer once said, “Rock and roll ain’t about playing all the right notes.”  I’m pretty sure he was referring to the passion that elevates something good to be something great.  I happen to think you can be both passionate and really good at what you do.  Because I’m also pretty sure the Edge never […]

Beth Bombara – Map & No Direction

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What is it about electricity that so irritates the traditional folk music crowd?  Dylan practically caused a riot back in 1965 when he plugged in at Newport.  The acoustic crowd wanted nothing to do with Fairport Convention or It’s A Beautiful Day when they displayed some rock and roll showmanship and musical direction.  As late […]