At Twangville, the Drive-By Truckers carry a lot of weight. In fact, in the post-modern, post-alt-country (whatever) era of Indie rock, they are like superstars to some. Not like in the “Oh my god, what is Britney wearing†kind of way but rather in the anticipation that comes for some in a new record. It […]
Alex Hargreaves – Prelude
I found myself a little torn about whether to post a review of the new Alex Hargreaves album, Prelude, to Twangville. Â It does have fiddle and banjo and mandolin, but rarely does it even come close to twangy. Â It’s much more a jazz album. Â But this is a path that’s been blazed already by Bela […]
Sharif – Kisses & Lies
Traveling a path that has led him from his native Virginia, to NYC and Los Angeles, singer/songwriter Sharif (Myspace / Official) has honed his skills as an emotive performer that sheds all inhibitions with the vulnerable and excellent slice of pop, Kisses & Lies. The artist known as Sharif, tip-toes a fine line between saccharine […]
Win Big: Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Friends
Last week we profiled the recent tribute to New Orleans’ Preservation Hall. Recorded over the past year in New Orleans historic landmark, the album features the legendary jazz band performing with artists ranging from Tom Waits to Jason Isbell to Brandi Carlile. Did I say win big? I meant really big. Thanks to our friends […]
Great American Taxi – Reckless Habits
If you’re a fan of 70’s country rock, you’ll feel right at home with the latest release from Great American Taxi, Reckless Habits. Â Vince Herman, the leader of Taxi, was also a founder of Leftover Salmon, and the jam band roots are noticeably. Â But what really comes through is a homage to the early pioneers […]
Ain’t Nobody Better Than The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Few cities have as rich a musical heritage as New Orleans, Louisiana. Even fewer have a modest building the mere mention of which conjures up vivid images, both visual and aural. Such is the legacy of Preservation Hall. The building itself is strikingly humble. No running water. No air conditioning. Six spare benches and a […]
Rich McCulley – Starting All Over Again
Rich McCulley’s (Official / Myspace) 4th album, Starting All Over Again wastes no time in establishing its identity as a catchy pop-rock record that twangs in just the right spots and even reflects without moping. “Tell Me, I’m Listening”, “Dreams Tonight” and “The Last Song” open the album with a steady tempo that rocks along […]
Mayer’s Playlist from January 2010
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: The Day After Everything Changed, by Ellis Paul New England folk musician Ellis Paul headed south to Nashville to record his latest album and returned with a more polished sound. Despite the change of locale, however, the vividness of his songwriting remains the same. Paul’s songs are filled with rich imagery […]
Austin Collins – Wrong Control
Austin Collins is an artist on the rise. His previous release Roses are Black received a lot of critical praise. With the release of Wrong Control on March 2nd, music fans will no doubt take notice. Along with his band the Rainbirds, Collins is delivering a more rocking twist to accompany his excellent songwriting. The […]
Kara Suzanne – Parlor Walls
I like a record that grows throughout its playlist. Â Like a fine wine that starts with a mouthful of fruit, but then spices and oak and earthiness build across the palate for a wonderfully complex flavor. Â The latest album from Kara Suzanne and her band, the Gojo Hearts, is kind of like that. Â It starts […]