#1. MATTHEW RYAN, Matthew Ryan Vs. the Silver State (00:02:59) Whether he’s performing a ballad or a rock song, Ryan’s intelligence and intensity course through this release. (Twangville review, mp3s and video here.) #2. THE HOLD STEADY, Stay Positive (Vagrant) They rock, they roll and then they rock some more. The Hold Steady may very […]
A Kickbacks Holiday Treat
Boston’s Kickbacks are a sentimental favorite. For ten years they’ve been serving up some mighty fine Americana. Singer-songwriter Tad Overbaugh has a knack for catchy melodies made all the more satisfying by the band’s harmonies. The band is celebrating the holidays by offering a free five-song ep for download. The ep features songs from Even […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2008, A Video Companion
We bolt right out of the gate this month with Butch Walker’s smokin’ video for “The Weight of Her” followed by the Right On’s blazing through a live performance of “Do Your Thing, Babe.” After that, you’ll want to catch your breath with live acoustic performances from Ben Nichols and David Garza. From there we’ve […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2008, Part 2
Duets, Rachel Yamagata featuring Ray Lamontagne (from the Warner Brothers release Elephants’ Teeth Sinking Into Heart) As sparse as it is breathtaking, this acoustic ballad finds two weary lovers quietly trying to reclaim a faded relationship. Yamagata and Lamontagne’s breathy vocals are a magical combination. Do Your Thing, Babe, the Right Ons (from the 2Fer […]
Graham Lindsey – We Are All Alone in This Together
The Banjo seems to be making a comeback. Don’t get me wrong, I know that the fine instrument has been living a healthy and vibrant life inside the world of Bluegrass for many years now. The comeback I am referring to is the one that is being made on the backs of young and decidedly […]
Ray LaMontagne at the Schnitzer
In the end, this is going to be a show I’ll remember for a long time. But OI! what a ride to get there, with some of the highest highs and lowest lows of a show I’ve seen in quite some time. First, let me set the stage. Ray LaMontagne at the Arlene Schnitzer theatre […]
Waylon Forever!!
In this day and age where posthumus releases are as plentiful as well, releases of artists that are still alive, we have seen a mixed bag of good and bad, well done and hastily produced. With the recent release of Waylon Forever (Vagrant), we see the late and legendary Waylon Jennings’ (Official Site) teaming up […]
Twangville Cinema: Johnny Cash’s America
As a lover of music and also as a documentary geek, it doesn’t get any better for me than when I get my hands on a well done film that chronicles the artistic life of one of our greatest legends. I have enjoyed films that showcase up and comers, like Dig! for example (featuring Brian […]
Ray Lamontagne – Gossip in the Grain
With the release of his 3rd studio album, Ray Lamontagne has broadened the concept of what we have come to know as a “Ray Lamontagne Album“. Gossip in the Grain (Oct. 14 -RCA) seamlessly blends multiple moods, tempos and even a sense of humor into a complete work that shows dexterity and growth in such […]
Live in Twangville: Grateful Dead Give-Away
In my mind, there is no denying that The Grateful Dead is a classic, iconic American band. In my opinion, the Dead represented a true alternative to mainstream rock of the 60’s and 70’s and were in the forefront of blending rock, country, funk and even jazz into a concoction that few people knew what […]