THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: It was another great month for new albums. I’m calling it a draw in the album of the month category. Sirens of the Ditch, by Jason Isbell At long last, Isbell unleashes his solo debut and shows the breadth of his talents. Sure, there are rock songs like the opening […]
The 2007 Musical Eclipse
About once a year the earth, sun and moon align and a plethora of great new music arrives on a single day. In 2007 that day is July 10th. Jason Isbell, Sirens of the Ditch (New West Records) The former Drive-By Trucker rolls on to great success. Isbell’s tunes were among my favorites on the […]
Adrienne Young & Little Sadie at SXSW
I was lucky enough to attend the University of Florida at same time as Adrienne Young. Back then she was the lead singer of one of the best bands on campus known as the Big White Undies. She’s got her own thing going on now backed up by band Little Sadie and doing unbelievably well. […]
The Greencards at SXSW
I’ve already mentioned my Blues pick for the upcoming SXSW festival. Moving on to Bluegrass, I recommend checking out Nashville-based trio, The Greencards, at Momo’s on Thursday, March 16 at 11pm. Loyal Twangvillers might remember them from my Best Songs of 2005 playlist. In fact, they’ve posted that very song on their profile. Check out […]
New Releases from Robinella & more
My pick of the week: Robinella Solace for the Lonely (Dualtone) americana, folk, bluegrass, jazz A great week for new releases. I have to admit, I’m only moderately familiar with most of these. Up until today, my pick of the week would have been Ray Davies having listened to his Thanksgiving Day EP late last […]
Album Review: Railroad Earth – “Elko”
Elko Railroad Earth Folk / Bluegrass / Americana / Jamgrass Live albums just suit some artists. Anyone who’s compared Peter Frampton’s studio recordings to Frampton Comes Alive knows this well. Some artists go to great lengths to preserve the live vibe; Joe Jackson recorded his Big World album in a New York club and asked […]
Notable Releases: February 7, 2006
I second Tom’s recommendation on the Peter Case Tribute disc. The following releases are also hitting your local and online record stores are worth considering: Will Hoge, The Man Who Killed Love At long last, Will Hoge releases a new studio album. Hoge has been previewing a track a week on his mySpace and PureVolume […]
Notable Releases: January 24, 2006
Patty Hurst Shifter, Too Crowded on the Losind End (Evo Recordings) The first of several anticipated releases this quarter, North Carolina’s Patty Hurst Shifter deliver solid rock and roll with a touch of the South. The band delivers some tear-stained ballads but is at its best with in-your-face rockers. (See my earlier preview here.) Cat […]
New Releases from Robert Pollard & more
The beginning of the year, new release yawnfest tapers down this week with a few new releases. — T.O. My hopeful pick of the week for January 24, 2005: Robert Pollard From a Compound Eye (Merge) indie, rock Other notable releases include: Patty Hurst Shifter, Too Crowded on the Losing End (Evo) alt-country The Gourds, […]
Best Songs of 2005 (Tom’s Picks)
Here they are, my twenty favorite twang induced songs of the year. They are in no particular order of greatness, simply numbered in the order I burned them to disc. Enjoy! Playlist also available on iTunes. Wicked Twisted Road, Reckless Kelly (from the album Wicked Twisted Road) Texas country at its best from the Austin […]