Low Anthem The Central Presbyterian Church, one of the more interesting SXSW venues, was the perfect room for the majestic songs of the Low Anthem. The talented trio moved swiftly through a range of instruments during the course of their set. It was completely captivating, albeit a bit ironic to hear songs about Charles Darwin […]
Play Ball!
Old Californio – Westering Again
There are only a few regions around the great 48 that seem to have their own sound or musical vibe that serves as an identifiable tag of sorts to the rest of the country. I can’t help but think of Texas when I listen to Willie’s Red Headed Stranger or anything from Joe Ely, for […]
Kiss Off! A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 4
I could go on for weeks picking tracks for this playlist. Alas, this will be my final installment. Now I turn it over to you, residents of Twangville. What songs have I missed? Daylight, Mike Errico If my life were a movie you’d be buried in the credits, you’d be woman #2 with her head […]
Isaac Hoskins – Half Empty
After my recent outing to the NX35 Conference in Denton Texas, I was able to more fully understand why so many people feel that Denton has become quite the scene. So many quality bands that call Denton home playing in the clubs that truly are their homes made for a great weekend of discovery for […]
Kiss Off! A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 3
In the words of the guy in the Verizon ad, “Can you hear me now?” If not, try these gems from the classics edition of our special Twangville playlist: Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright), Bob Dylan So long, honey, babe Where I’m bound, I can’t tell Goodbye’s too good a word, babe So I’ll just […]
Riverboat Gamblers – Underneath the Owl
Austin, TX by way of Denton, TX rockers Riverboat Gamblers have built a reputation for being raucous performers who don’t mind bleeding a little during their frenetic live-set. The spirit of their live-performance ways are captured brilliantly in their new record, Underneath the Owl (Volcom). The band will be spending a great deal of time […]
Kiss Off! A Special Playlist, Part 1
At one point or another we’ve all been on the wrong side of a break-up. So why not celebrate it? Every Tuesday for the next few weeks I’ll be highlighting some of my favorite break-up songs in a special Twangville playlist. And its all dedicated to you, ___________ (INSERT NAME HERE). See You Around, Javier […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2009, a Video Companion
We book-end this month’s video playlist with Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys), opening with a rocking take on “My Last Mistake” and closing with a special acoustic performance of “Trouble Weighs a Ton.” In between we’ve got live performances from Alex Dezen (The Damnwells), Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Justin Townes Earle, Sam […]
Mayer’s Playlist for February 2009, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, by Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit There’s something satisfying about watching a performer mature before your eyes. Though Jason Isbell has long been a Twangville favorite, his latest showcases his tremendous growth as a songwriter and performer. Exhibit A is “Soldiers Get Strange,” the […]