ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Blood/Candy, by The Posies “Who’s got into that 80s radio?” ask the Posies at the start of “Licenses to Hide.” It is an appropriate question for a band whose first album dates back to that era. In a triumph of talent and perseverance over the music business vagaries, the Posies are […]
You Pick It: The Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes”
Another Friday (finally), another installment of “You Pick It.” This week we focus on Lou Reed’s classic “Pale Blue Eyes.” Alejandro Escovedo kicks us off with a spectacular live version recorded in Paris. REM picks up the gauntlet and passes it on to Patti Smith and the Kills. We get a sneak peek of Joseph […]
You Pick It: Springsteen’s “Born to Run”
Continuing our series of classic songs covered, today we survey a collection of fuel-injected takes on Bruce Springsteen’s legendary “Born to Run.” “This Is American Music” – a music collective featuring Grand Champeen, Two Cow Garage, The Drams, and Glossary – kick us off, followed by Butch Walker, the Smoking Popes, Cowboy Mouth, Melissa Etheridge, […]
Monday Mornin’ Rock with David Garza
Two guitarists plus two drummers equals double the rock. Not a bad way to start the week. Learn more about Austin Texas musician David Garza here.
Peter Himmelman – The Mystery and the Hum
“Everybody loves you when you don’t give a damn.” That line, from Don’t Give A Damn off Peter Himmelman’s latest release, The Mystery and the Hum, seems to summarize the philosophy of many of the songs in the collection. Not literally that he doesn’t care about anything, but more about the exploration of what motivates […]
Mayer’s Playlist from August 2010, a Video Companion
The video companion returns with a short but potent set from August’s playlist. We kick things off with Rich Pagano and SugarCane Cups ripping it up on “Change Your Mind.” Luke Doucet takes the baton with a solo performance of “Dirty Dirty Blonde” that rivals the recorded version. Paul Thorn slows us down a bit […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2010, Part 2
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Pimps and Preachers, by Paul Thorn Paul Thorn is the Mark Twain of Americana. Possessing an endearing folksy charm, he fills his songs with a potent and intelligent wit. Thorn’s lyrics are typically self-depreciating yet hopeful. A fine example is “I Hope I’m Doing This Right.” After several verses of reflection […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2010, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: You Go Your Way, by Amy Correia It’s hard not to get lost in Amy Correia’s latest release, You Go Your Way. The story-telling quality of her songwriting, matched with some diverse and engaging instrumentation, conjures up images of a musical from the classic age of Broadway. “Love Changes Everything” is […]
Let the Day Begin: A Tribute to Michael Been
We lost one of the good ones last week. Michael Been, former front-man for the Call passed away. The Call were one of those impressive bands that married intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics with fervent rock anthems. It was a potent combination, reflective of Been’s passion as the band’s singer and primary songwriter. Although the Call […]
You Pick It: The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait”
Twangville is pleased to launch a new periodic series that we call “You Pick It.” Here’s how it works. We’ll serve up videos of multiple artists covering a single song and ask you to pick the definitive version. We’ll kick things off with one of my all-time favorites, The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait.” Replacements singer-songwriter […]