There’s a new Josh Ritter in town. No more “Bright smiles and dark eyes” and “I’ll be the one to drive you back home, Kathleen.” Now there are lyrics like these: “Nightmares have their dreams as well, / when they sleep they go to hell / and they drink their fill on lakes of blood… […]
Wayne Hancock – Ride
“Ride”, the new release from Wayne Hancock, exhibits a little less of his customary Juke Joint Jive. Hank Williams style lonesome Blues is more prevalent on the album. However, Hancock still knows how to swing. Since we last heard him on 2009’s “Viper of Melody”, Hancock has gone through a divorce and sobered up. In […]
Wood & Wire – Wood & Wire
Here it is Friday afternoon before a long weekend for most, and spring break for many (or Ski Week, as it’s called here on the left coast). Â For lots of people that means a road trip of some kind, and I can’t think of anything better for a long drive than some bluegrass. Â Fortunately the […]
Reed Turner – Ghosts In the Attic
I do love me a good murder ballad sometimes. Â Cocaine Blues, popularized by Johnny Cash and later George Thorogood, is maybe my favorite. Â I’m pretty enamored now, though, with a cut off the new Reed Turner release, Ghosts In the Attic. Â The song, Killed That Girl (‘Cause She Was Killing Me) has just the right […]
Bill Mallonee – Amber Waves
Bill Mallonee’s 50th release (that is not a typo by the way) is one of his most impassioned. I realize that is a bold statement when the referenced artist has such a large body of work. The lyrics on “Amber Waves” are full of pain and loss. However, there is an underlying hope in these […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2013
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Battles, by Kingsley Flood Battles is the sound of a band hitting stride. Kingsley Flood have always delivered rock solid songs and performances. Their latest release, however, packages their most potent songwriting to date with some equally powerful arrangements. There’s a real edge to the songs across this release. The title […]
Holly Williams – The Highway
“Why are you drinkin’ like the night is young?” Â From the opening words of the opening song on Holly Williams’ latest album, The Highway, she provides ammunition to anyone arguing that good songwriting can draw from one’s genes. Â Less like her father and half-brother, who seem to reflect the hard living and partying aspect of […]
Who Will Win the Americana Grammy (plus a Paul Kelly give-away!)
With the Grammy Awards scheduled to take place on Sunday 10 February, this seems a good time to see who the Twangville community would like to see win the Americana Award. To sweeten the pot, everyone who comments will be eligible to win a special prize package. So who do you think should win? Post […]
Monday Morning Video: The Gourds with Rhett Miller
Did everyone hear that David Bowie has a new album coming out this year? Well, this ain’t him. It’s Austin’s favorite sons the Gourds (joined by Rhett Miller) performing the Bowie-penned “All the Young Dudes.”
Bill Mallonee – Live House Concert
To say that Bill Mallonee is prolific in his songwriting is an understatement. Between traditional releases and online releases, he has recorded 50 albums. Based in Athens, he came on the scene in the late 80’s as the front man for the Vigilantes of Love, but has primarily been a solo-act for the better part […]