Orphans by Michael McDermott It speaks volumes about Michael McDermott’s songwriting prowess that the songs that make up Orphans were originally written for his last few albums but were left sitting on the shelf. In some ways this is fairly relaxed record by McDermott standards, but it still packs a powerful emotional punch. Key Tracks: […]
Monday Morning Video – Dr. John
It’s been a rough spring in the music world. This past week brought the news that Mac Rebennack – Dr. John – had passed. The New Orleans native captured all of the energy, flamboyance and mystery of his hometown and instilling it in his music. Here’s a trifecta from the good Doctor. The righteous funk […]
Monday Morning Video – Roky Erickson
It’s been a tough week in the music world with the passing of three notable artists. Shawn wrote about the loss of idiosyncratic old-timey artist Leon Redbone. We also lost harmonica player and rock historian Tony Glover, an influence for Bob Dylan and countless others. Friday brought news of Roky Erickson’s death at the age […]
In Memoriam – Leon Redbone
Since you’re a Twangville reader, you probably heard Leon Redbone passed away this week. Chances are good you heard that from a friend or a post in your group; mainstream media never really discovered Leon. He was a performer rooted in 100-year-old entertainer traditions and his music pushed boundaries even as it sounded sort of […]
SXSW 2019 – Say What?!
One of my favorite things about SXSW (well, after the music) are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from SXSW 2019. This is my spring training. Fenway Park organist Josh Kantor on his SXSW experience playing with multiple bands around town This is the first day […]
SXSW 2019 – The Sounds, Part 2
BEN KWELLER After a multi-year hiatus from music and, at least on this night, was in a feisty mood. In power trio format, he unleashed a boisterous pop fury. Welcome back, Ben. DEATH BY UNGA BUNGA This was the band that I saw that I saw the most at SXSW, catching three of their six […]
SXSW 2019 – The Sounds, Part 1
BALTO I was sold on Balto as soon as I heard the blistering slide on “Black Snake, Mojave Blues”, the sample track that they shared on their SXSW profile page. Seeing them live provided an exclamation point – I caught two exceptional raucous and greasy outdoor sets in the afternoon sun. The LA-based quartet were […]
SXSW 2019 – The Scene
For me, the true harbinger of spring is the arrival of the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, Texas. Or rather, spring begins for me when I arrive in Austin for SXSW. With upwards of 2,000 bands and more than 20,000 attendees from around the world, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even […]
Monday Morning Video – Dick Dale
Another legend gone. Influential guitarist Dick Dale, an originator of the surf guitar sound, reportedly passed away over the weekend.
Twangville’s Official Best Album of 2018: Brandi Carlile – By The Way, I Forgive You
Official Twangville Best New Album of 2018: Brandi Carlile, By The Way, I Forgive You The Twangville pick for Best New Album of 2018 is By The Way, I Forgive You by Washington-based singer-songwriter, Brandi Carlile. This list combines best of year picks from our Twangville authors plus the Readers’ Tops which you helped us create. […]