As long-time readers know, I do like me a good kiss-off song. A literal read of the lyrics to Dan Bern’s “Baby Bye Bye” finds it more closure than kiss-off adjacent but I’d like to think there’s a hint of sarcasm in there. And you’re gone, it was time to flyAnd all that’s left is […]
Monday Morning Video – John Prine
The legendary John Prine pays tribute to fellow Chicago songwriter Steve Goodman in this 1997 performance at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” has a unique history, from Prine’s original insistence that his name not be listed on the credits to the final verse that Goodman […]
Dinty Child on Wine, Wifi, and The Flying Circus
Boston singer-songwriter Dinty Child recalls starting a house renovation business, names some of the many bands in which he’s played (The Aluminum Egg Corporation, anyone?), and explains why he feels pretty good and music and life.
The Twangville Early 2024 Preview
Halfsies by Lizzie No (19 Jan) Brooklyn’s Lizzie No showcases the breadth of her talent on her forthcoming album. From folk to rock to pop – there’s a little bit of everything, all with an engaging indie vibe. Letting the Lions In by Dinty Child (19 Jan) Dinty Child is a mainstay of the Boston […]
“Over the Radio Waves” – A Premiere from Paisley Fields
Songs are about the music, yes, but they are also about the storytelling. Great songs capture characters, both real and imagined, as they navigate life’s trials and tribulations. They paint a picture with an eye for detail, emotion, and meaning. The best ones uncover the core significance of the story to make them broadly relatable. […]
Monday Morning Video – Michael McDermott “New Year’s Day”
I love that this song from Michael McDermott isn’t specifically about New Year’s Day, but rather that any day can be the start of something new. Listening to it on New Year’s Day, however, makes it all the more inspiring. Happy New Year everyone! Let’s make a list and we’ll write it all downEverything we […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2023
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2023.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2023, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2023 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Whatever Helps You Sleep, Abby Hamilton (from the Blue Gown Records release #1 Zookeeper (of the San […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2023, the Albums
11. Somebody’s Child by Somebody’s Child Not the typical Twangville fare but I can’t get enough of the infectious and electrifying rock anthems from the debut album by Somebody’s Child, the Ireland/UK group founded and led by Cian Godfrey. (More coverage) 10. End of the World by Wild Child End of the World is an […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall/Winter 2023, Part 2
Stranger’s Voice, William Matheny (from the Hickman Holler/Thirty Tigers release That Grand, Old Feeling) If you’ve ever read any of our artist interviews, you’ve read many of them talk about touring life being 23 hours spent traveling, dealing with the business side of music, or just sitting around venues for the hour or two of […]