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 […]
Best Albums of 2009, Tom’s Picks
Well, here they are. My Top 25 albums of 2009. Last year I chose The Hold Steady’s ‘Stay Positive’ as album of the year. That album tied the Drive-by Truckers for numero uno according to the Twangville Posse. This year, I’m thrilled to say that the Posse agrees with me once again. The Album of […]
Shawn’s Top 20 For 2009
As you’ve no doubt figured out, in addition to the collective top 20 albums of ’09, each of us is sharing our own spin. Â So here’s my perspective on the best of the year. 1. Dave Alvin & the Guilty Women – eponymous: Perhaps my opinion is colored by having seen a couple of stellar […]
Kelly’s Top 25 for 2009
In year’s past, I haven’t done much a personal “Best-Of” list at year’s end. I have left that up to others, mainly due to the stress level inherent with such a task. This year, I contributed a list to multiple outlets, so I figure I would share my ballot with you here. What you see […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009
#1. LUCERO, 1372 Overton Park (Republic/Universal) The former residents of 1372 Overton Park in Memphis let loose a potent blend of classic rock anthems and horn-infused Southern soul. Fueled by singer-songwriter Ben Nichol’s gritty vocals and filled with lyrics about whiskey-filled nights and the mornings after, this one is a barnburner. (Twangville review here and […]
Chip’s Best of 2009
The Winner is… Tis the season… The best of lists are coming out in force. The Twangville eitors list just came out and now it is time for us in “The Posse” to reveal our individual lists. I am going first because I am the best looking. In my mid-year list, Buddy and Julie were […]
Best Albums of 2009, Official Twangville Editors’ Picks
Another great year in music comes to a close! Over the next several days the editors of Twangville will be releasing their top picks from the year. To kick that off, here’s the aggregated Top 25 Twangville Editors’ Picks of 2009. It was a close match for number one between Lucero and Justin Townes Earle […]
Twangville Best So Far ’09: The Songs
Sometimes it is the song that really matters, as illustrated by these Twangville pick songs so far in 2009. Mayer’s Pick: “Good” by Jason Isbell (from the Lightning Rod Records release Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit) It’s hard to escape the onslaught of guitars in this furious rocker. They are the musical equivalent of […]