Any week that starts with some John Prine feels a little more bearable, doesn’t it? Prine, who would have turned 79 last week, left behind a catalog full of songs that notice what the rest of us miss—the loneliness in a mundane conversation, the dignity in just getting by, the whole emotional landscape hidden in […]
Join the Tribute To Dallas Good
If you’re a fan of the roots rock/alternative country style that’s one of the mainstays here in Twangville, you’ve undoubtedly heard The Sadies. Their sound is unmistakeable, owing in no small part to the twin lead guitars of brothers Dallas and Travis Good. Over the years they’ve put out 20+ records, either on their own […]
Josh Fortenbery – Tidy Memorial
I’ve been writing about music for over 20 years now. I would have said I’ve heard every angle imaginable about how a songwriter approaches their craft. I would have been wrong. Alaskan Josh Fortenbery has a new album out, Tidy Memorial, and the ten songs are all written as a eulogy to something or someone. […]
Video Premiere: Brennen Leigh’s “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”
I caught Brennen Leigh and pedal steel genius Kevin Skrla for a day set at Americanafest a few weeks back and it did not disappoint. Classic Hank-era country with Brennen’s sharp playing and playful croon. What she does best is showcased in “Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love”, the title track from her new […]
Rosie Flores & the Talismen – Impossible Frontiers
I don’t know when I first saw Rosie Flores perform. She’s just always been part of the fabric of the music I favor, from the early days of cowpunk to rockabilly to revival of some of the classic old country styles. She was front and center at last month’s Americana Music Festival, where she celebrated […]
DUG on Rental Cars, Chipotle, and Living Room Rehearsals
Irish-American folk duo Dug talk about the band’s first gig outside a Burger King, powered by a car battery, and the benefit of flat wound guitar strings.
Rhett Miller on Old 97s First Tour Van, Working as a Maître D’, and Teaching Songwriting
Rhett Miller talks about the benefits that come with his role teaching undergraduates songwriting, the first song that he wrote, and Old 97s approach to rehearsals.
Monday Morning Video – Adeem the Artist
A favorite song from a few years back, courtesy of Adeem the Artist: “Books and Records” from White Trash Revelry. It’s humble and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The Far West – Everything We Thought We Wanted
The great Joe Strummer once said, “rock and roll ain’t about playing all the right notes.” It was a comment on the passion and showmanship that made his, and others, success in the 80’s and 90’s. I’d argue that while the passion is still essential, the showmanship that was once necessary has evolved to become […]
Kashena Sampson – Ghost Of Me
As the novelist Thomas Wolfe famously said, “you can’t go home again.” It was in the context of returning to the physical place you grew up. But what if it’s your musical home we’re talking about? That emotional, sonic world that shaped your cultural ties? Nashvillian Kashena Sampson is exploring just that journey on her […]