Spend enough time in the South in the summer and your definition of “clean” changes.  Whether it’s the humidity coming off the big, muddy rivers, or the dust devils spawning out of the cotton fields and cattle ranches, a shower is just temptation for the grit to cling harder.  After a while, that dirt permeates your […]
Michelle Malone’s Just Getting Started – A Twangville Premiere
It seems apropos that Michelle Malone begins her new album with a song entitled “Just Getting Started,†wailing “Well you can’t stop me now, I’m just getting started.†Over the course of her 30 year career, Malone has remained true to her fiery and feisty self. Her music burns with the unbridled passion of her […]
Monday Morning Video – Leeroy Stagger Wants It All
We’re gonna keep with our air of positivity this week with Leeroy Stagger’s “I Want It All.” As the man says, “out into the world of love and strife, I’ll smile and be happy.”
The Twangville 2018 Release Preview
If the albums scheduled for release over the next few months are any indication, there’s a great year of music ahead of us. Here are just a few forthcoming long-players that we are eagerly anticipating in 2018. BETWEEN TWO SHORES by GLEN HANSARD (19 January on Anti- Records) Hansard has the unique ability to combine […]
Matt Hectorne – “Only Way Into Your Heart” Video Premiere
Although he was born in Memphis and raised in Mississippi, Matt Hectorne found his musical muse when he literally and figuratively moved away from his rural roots and embraced an indie vibe with a dash of 80’s rock and roll.  On his upcoming third album, Work, he takes that foundation and adds a little country […]
Bill’s Blues-Based Best of 2017
For me, and perhaps for all of us, 2017 was a year of challenges and changes. But through the challenges we’re facing, it’s reassuring to fall back on great music that expresses our frustrations and hopes. The following are my inexpert highlights of the best of blues-based (not strictly blues) music of 2017.  North Mississippi Allstars – Prayer […]
Monday Morning Video – The Accidentals Look “Across the Universe”
In a turbulent world it’s sometimes nice to get lost in music. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more uplifting moment of escape than this version of the Beatles “Across the Universe.” Talented folk trio the Accidentals are joined by members of the Decemberists for this mesmerizing performance.
Monday Morning Video – One Good Year
Happy New Year to all. Let’s start with a holiday classic from Slaid Cleaves and a gem from Josh Ritter. Ritter has a way of making even melancholy sound uplifting, all the better via a regal arrangement courtesy of the Boston Pops.
Benyaro – “Pimp Wife” Video Premiere
Back in September, Benyaro released their latest album, One Step Ahead Of Your Past. Â As the musical vehicle for Jackson Hole’s Ben Musser and Leif Routman, Benyaro excels in the rougher, funkier edges of Americana. Â One Step Ahead Of Your Past exemplifies that with some cowpunk, some post-Seattle grunge, and even what I’d call “front […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2017, Part 3
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2017 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. Stone Age, David Ramirez (from the Thirty Tigers release We’re Not Going Anywhere) “Well […]