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 […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Sycamore Meadows, by Butch Walker Are you familiar with the old adage of giving an artist the hook? It usually signifies the need to drag a talentless performer from the stage. For Butch Walker, however, it carries a whole different meaning. Walker has established a reputation for sharing his hooks with […]
I Want My MTV!
Remember when MTV and VH1 used to play actual music videos? Well apparently the big-wigs at the music video channel discovered YouTube and thought, “hey, we should do this ourselves.” Here, here. Having spent countless hours over the past week staring at my computer screen watching videos, I’m happy to a few choice blasts from […]
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 […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, A Video Companion
October’s video companion kicks off with live performances from Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts and Matt Mays & El Torpedo, two of our featured artists. Then we settle into a nice groove with live performances from Dar Williams, Sometymes Why, Gretel, Dan Baird, Backyard Tire Fire, Brandi Carlile, Jesse Malin, Paul Weller and the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Waylon Forever, by Waylon Jennings “You can take my life of luxury,” sings Waylon Jennings on the opening track of this posthumous release, “but you cannot take my soul today.” Backed by his son Shooter’s band the .357s, Jennings tackles heartfelt ballads and raucous rockers with equal aplomb. “Outlaw Sh*t” is […]
Attention US Citizens: Vote Today!
Yo La Tengo and Chris Stamey remind you to vote today. Audio Download: “V.O.T.E.” [audio:http://twangville.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/14-vote-psa.mp3] [Source: Yep Roc Records]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Temporary People, by Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts Apparently Joseph Arthur still has a few things left to say this year. After releasing four EPs this spring and summer, Arthur serves up a proper full-length release just in time for fall. The album has a loose an energetic feel to […]
Cloud Cult – Feel Good Ghosts (Tea-Partying Through Tornadoes)
First off, I’d like to start by saying that many of my recent reviews have been lacking in what many would call twang. Having said that, this specific review will follow suit. For any sort of twangy, countrified needs you may have, please check-out these relatively–recent–releases…now, moving on. It has been said over and over […]