Hats off to fans of the late Johnny Maestro for their overwhelming response and thanks to everyone who participated in our Rock Hall Nominations discussion. Judging from your responses, there is a strong feeling that progressive and glam rock are overdue for recognition by the Hall. Here are your nominations: Johnny Maestro – Maestro, lead […]
Indie Pop Rocks SXSW 2010 with Stereo Skyline, the Downtown Fiction, and the Ready Set
Some of you may recall the thrillingly eye-opening experience that seeing Totally Michael at South-by was for me last year. Well, if you’re willing to indulge me, I think I’m about to test the patience and credulity of the Twangville audience like never before. (Bear with me though, for as with my South-by blogging of […]
With One Night Only & the Crookes, Yorkshire Gets my Vote as the Hottest Scene at SXSW 2010
Of the 15 bands I saw on Wednesday at SXSW this year, the one that stood head and shoulders above the rest was One Night Only from Yorkshire, England. I’ve had their debut album for a couple of years now, and like it quite a bit, but the band that I saw onstage for the […]
Confederate Fagg
While we here at Twangville mostly focus on the country/alt-country/hillbilly side of things, some of us have a soft spot for metal…gay metal. And there is no better gay metal band than South Carolina’s own Confederate Fagg. This past weekend, the boys got together to play a rally organized by City of Columbia mayoral candidate […]
Who Should The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induct in 2011?
I finally got around to watching the broadcast from last week’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2010 inductions. The ceremony — honoring inductees ABBA, Genesis, Jimmy Cliff, The Hollies and Iggy Pop & Stooges — was, well, rather tame. Even Iggy Pop, in fine Stooges form, struggled to get a reaction from the crowd. […]
Mayer’s Playlist from February 2010
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Wings, by Will Kimbrough Nashville’s Will Kimbrough has long been a musical journeyman, lending his [immense] talents to artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Rodney Crowell. Yet, despite this heavy schedule, he still finds time to create some striking music of his own. Wings, his latest release, has a gentle and […]
The Drive-By Truckers – The Big To-Do
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]