From the late 60’s to the early 90’s, the center of the rock and roll universe was a short stretch of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. With clubs like the Rainbow Bar & Grill, The Viper Room, and Whisky A Go Go, it was the place to be seen and heard, especially if you were […]
Monday Morning Video – Karl Wallinger and World Party
This week we’ll celebrate the late Karl Wallinger, who would have turned 68 yesterday. As the creative force behind World Party, Wallinger had a gift for writing songs that were simple and sublime yet deeply moving. “She’s the One” is a perfect example: a love song that builds into something transcendent, carried by his distinctive […]
The Grahams – The Bridge
When we last checked into our Americana travelogue protagonists, Alyssa and Doug Graham, they had just finished the third segment in a 3-part journey across the landscape. It was a motorcycle ride down Route 66, and was preceded by a train tour of the country and a Mississippi riverboat cruise. For their newest release, The […]
Rosy Nolan – Main Attraction
Back in the 1930’s and 1940’s country music started building a national following, helped by the growing adoption of radio and popular shows like The Grand Ole Opry. Hollywood added their weight with westerns featuring singing cowboys like Gene Autry and Bob Wills. The latter became even more well known for morphing those appearances into […]
Nicki Bluhm on Tour Bus Life and Caring for Horses
Singer-songwriter Nicki Bluhm talks about renovating her home studio and learning to to live on the constant ebb and flow of a musician’s income.
John Stirratt of The Autumn Defense on Borrowed Tour Vans and Avoiding the “New String” Sound
John Stirratt of The Autumn Defense and Wilco talks about why music has thrived when the music industry has collapsed and compares working in a restaurant kitchen to being in a band.
Monday Morning Video – John Prine “Pretty Good”
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 […]