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 […]
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 […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Oct/Nov 2011, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Long Live All of Us, by Glossary Glossary have always had a reputation as a scrappy rock band from Murfreesboro, TN. While their latest doesn’t abandon the past, the band has injected a healthy dose of southern soul into the mix. And, man, does it sound good. Opener “Trouble Won’t Always […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Oct/Nov 2011, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Beauty, Wit & Speed, by Nathan Hamilton “Give me the mad ones, the sad ones, the ones who’ve got nothing to lose,” sings Hamilton in “Through Ether and Time” from his latest release. It is a telling comment and a great introduction to an album that deftly explores the search for […]
Win Big: The Beach Boys “SMiLE Sessions”
SMiLE may be the most famous album never heard. After unleashing Pet Sounds, arguably one of the greatest albums ever recorded, Brian Wilson wanted to further explore the complex and innovative recording techniques of that release. Painstakingly recording an array of instruments and meticulously layering vocal harmonies, Wilson was on a quest for perfection. Forty-five […]
The Jayhawks – Mockingbird Time
It is time for another collaborative review here at Twangville. So here are a few perspectives on the Jayhawks new release Mockingbird Time: Eli – I am surprised by how much I like Mockingbird Time. Now you may be asking yourself “surprised? really? what’s wrong with this sap—it’s the Jayhawks—the original line-up with Louris and […]
Stockbridge to Boston: A Special Playlist
Here’s the latest installment of my playlist series highlighting the latest and greatest in New England music. FEATURED ALBUM C’Mon by Barnstar! There’s a lot to be said for just getting in the studio for a few days and just having fun. Now while I can’t confirm that this was the case with Barnstar, it […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Old Mad Joy, by The Gourds The Gourds latest is a bit deceiving. The band has built a reputation as a bluegrass and backporch country band, but things aren’t always what they seem. The album open as one would expect. “I Want You So Bad” is built around an accordion and […]
Win Big: Paul Kelly
What is it about Australia and New Zealand? Per capita, they’ve got some of the most talented and enjoyable musicians in the world. Neil Finn and Tim Finn (from Splitz Enz to Crowded House and the solo stuff in between) to Kasey Chambers to You Am I. And then there’s Paul Kelly. Kelly himself best […]