ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Another Country, by Tift Merritt After 2004’s classic Tamborine, Tift Merritt escaped more than her record contract — she fled the country. Relocating temporarily to Paris, she found an apartment with a piano. The record that emerged is a travelogue of a different kind, a search for identity and assuredness. Merritt […]
She & Him + More, Releases 3/18/08
Its been days now since I’ve returned from the world’s greatest music festival in Austin, TX, SXSW of course. Good times were had, new friends were made, great music was listened to and yet I crave more. Before the music festival had even officially kicked off I had already seen James McMurtry, The Smithereens, Matt […]
Death to Anders/The Hollyfelds
I’ve recently received Submissions from a couple of upstart bands I think are worth a look. They are Death to Anders and The Hollyfelds. Death to Anders has just released a new album Fictitious Business. Their sound has it’s basis in the L.A. Indie Rock scene but it is also heavily influenced early 90’s Sonic […]
Twangville Mailbox
New music is created in studios, bedrooms and studios every day. We at Twangville are fortunate and honored that many emerging artists chose to share their music with us. Join us below and in future installments to see what we find in the Twangville mailbox. Potlatch, The Bean Pickers Union (self-released) If music is at […]
Mando Saenz + More, Releases 2/5/08
MANDO SAENZ, Bucket (Carnival) Official Site | MySpace | Stream His first radio single “Pocket of Red” off of new album, ‘Bucket’, is co-written with Kim Richey and offers a flipside point of view of the lead off song “Wrong Guy” about a person admittedly difficult to be in a relationship with. From Texas to […]
Drive-by Truckers + More, Releases 1/22/08
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (New West) Official Site | MySpace | Spinner Oh glory! The mother truckin’ Alabama hammers are back and they’ve got something to say. About 19 different things to say if you count the number of songs on their latest release ‘Brighter Than Creation’s Dark’. They may be without Jason […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Video Companion
Before we get too far into 2008, here’s a quick trip down (recent) memory lane with some of my favorites from 2007. Among them: Jason Isbell (“Dress Blues”), Josh Ritter (“Right Moves”), Justin Currie (“If I Ever Loved You”), Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (“Falling Slowly” plus a bonus “Into the Mystic”), Brandi Carlile (“The […]
Mayer’s Picks for 2008
As 2007 fades from memory, there’s a wealth of great music on the horizon in 2008. I’ve listed a few of my most eagerly awaited arrivals below, ordered by expected release date. Most of the artists have preview tracks available via MySpace; click on the artist name to link there. Check the Twangville Release Calendar […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Songs
Dress Blues, Jason Isbell Potent in its simplicity, Isbell reflects on the loss of a high school friend in the Iraqi War. Even after hundreds of listens, I still get a chill in my spine when Isbell sings “You never planned on the bombs in the sand, or sleeping in your dress blues.” If I […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: Honorable Mentions
A few more for your consideration… Free Life by Dan Wilson Intelligent lyrics and extraordinary pop sensibilities make Wilson an in-demand songwriter and collaborator. Left to his own devices he delivers an impeccably produced pop gem. Cigarettes and Gasoline by Emerson Hart The former Tonic front-man serves up some of the most mesmerizing melodies this […]