Joe Henry, ‘Civilians’ (Full CD) Joe Henry has produced records for Ani DiFranco, Aimee Mann, Bettye LaVette, Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint and the forthcoming Mary Gauthier album. His production credits also include a Grammy for producing Solomon Burke’s “Don’t Give Up On Meâ€. Civilians marks his tenth album and second with Anti Records. File […]
Mark Knopfler: A Twangville Contest!
The legendary Mark Knopfler, one of rock and roll’s most distinctive guitarists, is releasing a new album on September 18th. Titled Kill to Get Crimson, it hearkens back to classic songwriting of the early Dire Straits releases. I’ve been particularly taken with “Punish the Monkey,” and its catchy chorus “punish the monkey, let the organ […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2007
THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter, by Josh Ritter Josh Ritter bounces back from his label’s bankruptcy in fine fashion. Quickly (and smartly) picked up by Victor/Sony, Ritter releases his second masterpiece in as many years. Historical Conquests may not have the lyrical gravity of last year’s breathtaking Animal Years, […]
Patti Scialfa + More, Album Previews
Patti Scialfa, ‘Play It As It Lays’ (Full CD) The truth is that I don’t know much about Patti Scialfa other than the fact that she’s Bruce Springsteens better half as if there can be such a thing. My ignorance aside, Play It As It Lays appears to be worth some attention. Chalk another one […]
Live Shots: Josh Ritter @ The Box
Josh Ritter has always come across as a polished live performer, but his enthusiasm couldn’t be contained within the theater walls at a low profile cd release performance on August 22nd in New York. “It is amazing to be here, awesome, awesome,” he exclaimed a few songs into the show. Much of the set focused […]
Readers’ Pick: Jason Isbell, “Sirens of the Ditch”
Splitting 58% of the votes with Spoon’s “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga”, you chose the Jason Isbell‘s Sirends of the Ditch as your favorite new album in a recent Twangville poll. Help us celebrate by enjoying these Jason Isbell videos. Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
Readers’ Pick: Josh Ritter, “The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter”
With 58% of the votes, you chose the Josh Ritter‘s The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter as your favorite new album in a recent Twangville poll. Help us celebrate by enjoying these Josh Ritter videos. Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2007, A Video Companion
“My name is Jason Isbell. This is my fabulous rock and roll band The 400 Unit. And we need more whiskey as soon as anybody can get it up to the stage.” Quite the fitting kick-off to the July video companion… This month’s video companion bears a certain similarity to a full bottle of Jack […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2007
THE ALBUM OF THE MONTH: It was another great month for new albums. I’m calling it a draw in the album of the month category. Sirens of the Ditch, by Jason Isbell At long last, Isbell unleashes his solo debut and shows the breadth of his talents. Sure, there are rock songs like the opening […]
Ben Harper + More, Album Previews
Ben Harper, ‘Lifeline’ (Full CD) Part of me wants to call this a return to form. But I know better. Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals are always on fire. Lifeline, their latest, appears to highlight what I love best about this band, a brilliant blend of folk rock, twang and soul. Upon my first […]