It must be John Prine‘s year. I recently claimed ‘John Prine: On Stage & In Person’ to be the best live album of the year and now I’m telling you that ‘Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine’ is the best compilation album of the year. Just look at the artists who contributed […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Live Album of 2010
There’s no question about it. ‘John Prine: In Person & On Stage’ is my pick for live album of the year. Featuring special performances by Emmylou Harris, Josh Ritter, and Iris Dement among others. Personal favorites include “Long Monday”, “She Is My Everything”, and “Mexican Home (featuring Josh Ritter)”. The stories that Prine tells leading […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Reissues of 2010
Twenty-five years ago, John Fogerty tapped into America’s favorite pastime and hit a home run with ‘Centerfield’. This year, Geffen Records released a digitally remastered version of the record with two bonus covers “My Toot Toot” and “I Confess.” Between the two reissues I listened to this year, the timeless classic “Centerfield” was the clear […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2010’s “Greatest Hits” Albums
I’m bending the rules a little by claiming that The Black Crowes, ‘Croweology’ double album is the best “greatest hits” record of the year. In fact, there was only one true “greatest hits” album that I listened to this whole year so nearly all of the four in my list stay true to adhere to […]
Regrettably Overlooked: Albums I Missed in 2009
I listened to a lot of music last year. Inevitably, a few fell through the cracks. Here’s a few of those “better late than nevers”. Enjoy. DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King [★★★★/4.230] I didn’t expect to like this album as much as I did. For me, DMB had mostly run their […]
Klausner Music Newsletter 2009, Year-End Musings by Bobby K
EDITOR’S NOTE: I couldn’t let this newsletter sit in my inbox any longer. Twangville guest author Bobby K offers yet another fine selection of annual picks from the previous year. Enjoy! -Tom Hey Everybody, As always, the following is a link to iTunes to download a playlist containing songs from many of the records I […]
Top 9 Live Sets of ’09
If you’re a frequent Twangville reader you know by now I’m an unabashed live music aficionado. Â I usually manage to see 30 or more live acts a year, so in addition to the top records of the year I have to add my view to the best live sets I saw. #9 Michelle Shocked. Â Many […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 2
Arms & Legs and Flowers, Ian Hunter (from the New West Records release Man Overboard) It’s no accident that Ian Hunter gets two mentions on this list. The legendary singer-songwriter is a true rock and roll poet, writing magnificent songs that combine simplicity with depth. “Arms & Legs” is an inspirational tribute to love built […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 1
Give Me Tomorrow, Willie Nile (from the River House Records release House of a Thousand Guitars) Nile’s eternal optimism reigns supreme, most notably on this spirited testament to change and opportunity. “I’ve seen poison in the waters, heard the crying of the sea, I have heard your sons and daughters say what’s to become of […]
Readers’ Pick: Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009
Your picks are in! There were some surprises and several picks that you’ll see repeated among the Twangville Editors’ Picks of 2009. The votes started diminishing after the Top 10 so we’ve capped it at that. Well, technically 11 due to a tie at number 10. The initial list of candidates was chosen from our […]