 1) R.E.M. – Collapse Into Now: OK, I’m willing to admit maybe this was a little bit of a sentimental choice for me since it may be their last album.  But darn it, I still think this is their best effort since the 80’s and 91’s Out Of Time.  The jangly guitars, the inexplicable Stipe […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2011
I posted a best songs list for the first half of 2011 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this the addendum — the best songs from the second half of the year. When My Time Comes, Barnstar! (from the self-released C’Mon!) I somehow missed this song […]
Murray McLauchlan – Human Writes
The invisible line separating the United States from Canada appears to be an impenetrable wall for Murray McLachlan. One of the most respected singer-songwriters in Canada, McLauchlan doesn’t seem to have much of a following south of the border. Perhaps he doesn’t care. Over the years, McLauchlan has won 11 Juno awards (Canadian Grammys) and […]
Monday Morning Video: George Harrison
A Twangville reader rightfully called me out for last week’s Monday Morning Video. A great song, for sure, but certainly more fitting for the political season than the holiday season. So here’s a gem that is perfect for all seasons!
Mayer’s Picks: Best EPs of 2011
Many of my favorite releases from this year were 5-6 song eps rather than 8-10+ song full-length releases. It is, perhaps, a statement on modern music industry that, with one exception, all of these were self-released. As John Lennon said, “Power to the people.” Here, in no particular order, are a few favorite EPs from […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2011
#1. JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, Here We Rest (Lightning Rod) I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping for a full-on rock assault from Isbell and crew. What I got was something better — a nuanced musical tour of his home state of Alabama. From the back porch acoustic sway of […]
Monday Morning Video: Steve Earle “Christmas in Washington”
It’s Christmastime in Washington The Democrats rehearsed Gettin’ into gear for four more years Things not gettin’ worse The Republicans drink whiskey neat And thanked their lucky stars They said, ‘He cannot seek another term They’ll be no more FDRs’ I sat home in Tennessee Staring at the screen With an uneasy feeling in my […]
Mayer’s Playlist for December 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Too Drunk to Truck, by Roy Sludge This album was tailor-made for Twangville. Old school in all the best ways, it might as well be a collection of lost classics from the Sun Studios archive. The title track kicks off the album with a strong indication of what will follow. Yup, […]
Sinful Savage Tigers – The Last Night Of The Revels
The book and movie publishing moguls tend to view releases in terms of two seasons. Â There’s the “beach read” that’s an easy vehicle for light entertainment. Â The winter is when serious contenders for an Academy Award are released. Â The depth of cold & dark apparently being when people are contemplative instead of just wanting instant […]
Win Big: Johnny Cash
Few legends shine brighter than Johnny Cash. Over the course of a nearly 50 year career, he defined and re-defined American music in his own iconic style. And as anyone who has seen footage of his appearances at San Quentin or Folsom Prisons can attest, his live performances are the stuff of legend. Over the […]