I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2013 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Closed Hand, Full of Friends, Foy Vance (from the Glassnote Records release Joy of […]
Mayer’s Picks: More Favorites from 2013
I had a tough time narrowing down my list of favorite albums to just ten. So here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2013. Blunderstone RookeryStephen Kellogg Close to the FloorPatrick Sweany Stay RecklessAustin Lucas StudebakerMando Saenz The MooringsAndrew Duhon Truth Be SoldLeeroy Stagger ElectricRichard Thompson American RideWillie Nile Small Town […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2013
This has been a great year in music, a feast for the ears but a challenge when it comes to picking my favorite albums for the year. A good problem to have, I suppose. Without further ado…. #1. JASON ISBELL, Southeastern The demons in these songs are no match for a songwriter of Isbell’s talent. […]
The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash – New Old Story
With the increasing popularity of the various genres of music loosely grouped under the label “Americanaâ€, there has been a proportionate increase in the number of Honky-Tonk and traditional Country bands. The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash are best described by the former. Although Honk-Tonk music is on the rise, the true Country bar is […]
Still Love That Dirty Water: A Boston Playlist
FEATURED ALBUM Common Courtesy, by Rusty Belle I don’t often quote artist bios, but this was too good not to share: They were raised on the Beatles and the Band, went to high school with Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, dated Miles Davis and Tom Waits in college and keep a Lightnin’ Hopkins, Kinks or […]
Hear It First – Susan Cattaneo’s “Lies Between Lovers”
After several years of writing songs to be sung by others, Susan Cattaneo decided to write for herself. The result is an album that has a classic feel, filled with songs that sound like timeless standards yet are infused with a contemporary freshness. From the heart-wrenching “Done Better†to the country swagger of “Worth the […]
Monday Morning Video: Boston Music Awards Winners
The Boston Music Awards were held in, um, Boston last night. Congrats to all the deserving winners, a list that included several Twangville faves: Kingsley Flood — Album of the Year Girls, Guns and Glory — Americana Artist of the Year + Male Vocalist of the Year (Ward Hayden) Session Americana — Best Live Ongoing […]
Three Recent Gems
Sometimes records find their way to my inbox that I really enjoy, but for some reason I don’t get a review written up.  It could be  they’re an EP and short of material for a full review.  Or they showed up at the same time as a bunch of other good material.  Occasionally it’s the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 3
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON Stay Reckless, by Austin Lucas Some may disagree with my classification, but this is my kind of country. It starts with Lucas’s voice, which has just the right amount of relaxed drawl. When he sings, “I don’t want to be alone in Memphis, I don’t want to be alone in New […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2013, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON The Death of the Self-Preservation Society, by Two Cow Garage Two Cow Garage have a well-earned reputation as road warriors who put on ferocious live performances. Their shows are always intense, sweaty and raucous, the way rock is meant to be enjoyed. What sets these guys apart, however, is the strength […]