OK, here’s the deal. 2010 was an interesting year for music, and in turn, my Top 20 list reflects that, I think. There are some of the albums that aren’t from your typical “Twangy” acts mixed in with bands that are absolute Twangville favorites. Some albums are higher up than you may see on other […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2010, Pt. 2
As Long As You Don’t Come Back, Justin Currie (from the Rykodisc Records release The Great War) Set aside a lyric that we all wish we had, or perhaps actually did, say at one point or another. What I most appreciate about this song is the unassuming, even playful, melody that accompanies the lyrical punch. […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2010, Pt. 1
Not So Sure and How Good You Are, Joe Pug (from the Lightning Rod Records release Messenger) Quite simply, I couldn’t decide which of these songs I liked better so called it a draw. Both are shining examples of Pug’s songwriting prowess: thoughtful lyrics, engaging melodies and a captivating performance. Down in the Bowery, Alejandro […]
Shawn’s Picks: Best Music Of 2010
It’s been a good year of music. At this point I’m just piling on, but here’s what I heard this year that was the best of the best. Top Ten Albums of 2010 Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues. Â Somehow managing to combine the spirit of Woody Guthrie with the soul of Memphis, it […]
Sarah Jarosz – The New 45
In the world of bluegrass and roots music, few, if any, have been buzzed about louder than Sarah Jarosz has been in the last couple of years. Unlike so many other hyped-up youngsters, however, the current musical student (it’s likely she could take many of her fellow pupils to school, if you know what I […]
The White Buffalo – Prepare for Black & Blue
Wow. Upon seeing the name, The White Buffalo, visions of indie-hipsters attempting achieve some sort of irony for irony’s sake, were dancing through my head. Thankfully, an irony-seeking hipster The White Buffalo isn’t. It was too good to be true that The White Buffalo would be this artist’s given name. According to our friends at […]
Turnpike Troubadours – Diamonds & Gasoline
Busting out of Oklahoma, The Turnpike Troubadours are here to breathe new life into what is too often a stale environment in the world of Red Dirt music. Sure, this quintet does their fair share of rocking out, why wouldn’t they? It’s the added country (shocking!) dimensions of their tunes that lend the album, and […]
Michael Quinn & the Bourbon Kings – Whiskey Rebellion
Irreverence can have many forms. There’s the quiet humor in the face of strict authority. The passive-aggressiveness of simply ignoring a direct order from a superior. And then there’s the kind Michael Quinn & the Bourbon Kings sing about in their latest release, Whiskey Rebellion. Having had one more toke for the road, they tell […]
6 Day Bender – E’ville Fuzz
If you’ve been reading Twangville for more than a couple of weeks, chances are you have your favorite roots/southern/alt-country rock band. It might be Drive By Truckers, The Hold Steady, Gaslight Anthem, whatever. Regardless of who your favorite is, you’re going to hear some of them in the latest release from 6 Day Bender, E’ville […]
Pat Anderson – Magnolia Road
To re-arrange a Bruce Springsteen hit for inclusion on your first record requires either courage and talent, or stupidity and narcissism. Fortunately, Pat Anderson exhibits the former on his debut album, Magnolia Road. He turns an anthemic tale of defiance into a story of resignation and anguish. Accompanied by a sparse banjo from virtuoso Will […]