Singer-songwriter Jeremy Fisher once spent six months touring Canada by bicycle to promote his debut release, Back Porch Spirituals. You’ve got it much easier. To win our Jeremy Fisher prize pack, add a comment below. Dig out your old record player because this prize pack starts with a signed vinyl copy of the aforementioned Back […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2008, A Video Companion
I had a tough time finding new clips from several of the artists in this month’s playlist. So I did the next best thing and dug into the archives. Highlights include a long-time fan favorite and a new political statement from the Drive-By Truckers, Jon Dee Graham performing an acoustic “Faithless” on the back steps […]
Mayer’s Playlist for January 2008
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Lurch, by Mike Viola Whether recording under his own name or his Candy Butchers moniker, Viola is a master musical alchemist, building each song around varied instruments pulled from his bag of musical sounds. From the Fisher Price piano that kicks off “Maybe, Maybe Not” to the fuzzy bass of “It […]
A Few Words With Justin Currie
The basement of the Brattle Book Shop may seem an odd place to conduct an interview but in this case it was entirely appropriate. Sitting on a small step ladder surrounded by a stacks of books, Justin Currie reflected on the character study captured on his debut solo album, “I wanted to explore love from […]
The Wreckers ‘Way Back Home: Live From New York’, a Giveaway
**NOTE: Contest is now closed. You can still participate but will no longer be eligible for the giveaway.** Back in 2006 I listed The Wreckers as my guilty pleasure of the year. That feeling hasn’t subsided. For some reason, I still dig these chicks. Most of my reasoning is quite shallow as my wife reminds […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Video Companion
Before we get too far into 2008, here’s a quick trip down (recent) memory lane with some of my favorites from 2007. Among them: Jason Isbell (“Dress Blues”), Josh Ritter (“Right Moves”), Justin Currie (“If I Ever Loved You”), Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova (“Falling Slowly” plus a bonus “Into the Mystic”), Brandi Carlile (“The […]
Mayer’s Picks for 2008
As 2007 fades from memory, there’s a wealth of great music on the horizon in 2008. I’ve listed a few of my most eagerly awaited arrivals below, ordered by expected release date. Most of the artists have preview tracks available via MySpace; click on the artist name to link there. Check the Twangville Release Calendar […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Songs
Dress Blues, Jason Isbell Potent in its simplicity, Isbell reflects on the loss of a high school friend in the Iraqi War. Even after hundreds of listens, I still get a chill in my spine when Isbell sings “You never planned on the bombs in the sand, or sleeping in your dress blues.” If I […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: Honorable Mentions
A few more for your consideration… Free Life by Dan Wilson Intelligent lyrics and extraordinary pop sensibilities make Wilson an in-demand songwriter and collaborator. Left to his own devices he delivers an impeccably produced pop gem. Cigarettes and Gasoline by Emerson Hart The former Tonic front-man serves up some of the most mesmerizing melodies this […]
Mayer’s Picks from 2007: The Albums
With the passing of one year and the start of another, we at Twangville relish the opportunity to reflect on our favorite music of the past year. Over the next week I’ll be highlighting my favorite albums and songs from 2007, culminating with a preview of some highly anticipated 2008 releases. We start with the […]