It doesn’t get much better than this – Aretha Franklin and Solomon Burke lead the choir in a rousing version of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”.
The Twangville Early 2021 Release Preview
Happily, 2021 is upon us! Here are just a few forthcoming long-players that we are eagerly anticipating in the coming months. J.T. by STEVE EARLE AND THE DUKES (4 Jan) Steve Earle pays tribute to his late son – and raises funds to support the late artist’s wife and 3-year-old daughter – by recording a […]
Bill’s Blues-Based Best of 2020
Well, it’s over. We got through it, and, while it 2020 was a monster in so many ways, there were some choice blues albums that hit the street. Below is a dozen of my favorite blues (or ‘bluesy’) albums of 2020. Sonny Landreth – Blacktop Run. It’s a great album for when you’re on the […]
Lee Bains III on Tour Sandwiches, Jamming Econo, and Sage Advice from His Grandmother
Lee Bains III talks about repairing the tour van (with a tip for buying tires), working as a handyman, and playing in a band named Mind Detergent.
Monday Morning Video – Steve Earle
We lost a tremendous talent with the tragic passing of Justin Townes Earle last year. To raise funds for the late artist’s wife and 3-year-old daughter, Steve Earle and his band The Dukes recorded a collection of Justin Townes Earle compositions. J.T., the resulting album, was released last Monday on what would have been Justin […]
Dancing in the Streets of Hyannis – A Special Boston Playlist
Light a Candle, The Suitcase Junket (from the Renew Records / BMG release The End Is New) Matt Lorenz – aka The Suitcase Junket – has always had a penchant for great melodies, but he rachets it up a notch with a particular focus on sing-alongs with The End Is New. As notable, he continues […]
Matthew Sweet Talks About Tour Per Diems and Some Favorite Day Jobs
Matthew Sweet enters the vans versus buses debate and recalls his first gig playing bass on “Carry On My Wayward Son” by Kansas in junior high school.
Monday Morning Video – What’s So Funny…
This song seems appropriate as we put 2020 in the rear view and look towards better days in 2021. Here’s Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets performing the Lowe classic “(What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2020, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2020 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. I Remember Everything, John Prine I Don’t Want This (Job Interview), Jackson Emmer (from […]
Rod Abernethy on Being an Asphalt Gypsy and the Benefits of Slowing Down
Rod Abernethy talks about sun room rehearsals (with tequila), avoiding fast food temptations, and a song written about the Civil War.