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 […]
Win Big: The Old 97’s Visit The Grand Theatre
So the Old 97s are back with another alt country gem (see Kelly’s take here). To celebrate the new release, we are giving away a copy of The Grand Theatre, Volume One. Here’s how to win: Earlier this year, the band released a 4-song ep of cover tunes called Mimeograph (see the Twangville review here). […]
Solomon Burke, 1940-2010
The music world lost one of the great ones today with the passing of Solomon Burke. Here are two classic Burke performances to celebrate the life of the man referred to as the King of Rock and Soul. The first, a duet with Patty Griffin on her moving — and fitting — song “Up On […]
Let the Day Begin: A Tribute to Michael Been
We lost one of the good ones last week. Michael Been, former front-man for the Call passed away. The Call were one of those impressive bands that married intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics with fervent rock anthems. It was a potent combination, reflective of Been’s passion as the band’s singer and primary songwriter. Although the Call […]
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 […]
The Constellations – Southern Gothic
Down in the dirty, dirty south there’s a new band hitting the scene that’s about to change everything. Atlanta is probably one of the unlikeliest places you’ll hear this particular brand of freakadelia. The South has always had a sordid tale to tell and it’s been told many times over. This time around the storyteller […]
Listen Up & Win Big: Matthew Ryan
As good as last year’s electric Dear Lover was, this year’s acoustic companion is even better. The sparse arrangements showcase the tenderness and vulnerability of Ryan’s lyrics without losing any of the intensity. The hushed whisper of “The World Is†illuminates the songs frailty, making Ryan’s quiet optimism that much more evocative. “The world is […]
Editors’ Pick: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
They’re last album finished in the top ten of 2007. Will the latest Grace Potter and the Nocturnals album make the cut in 2010? Here’s what the Twangville editors think of their new self-titled album: Tom says: The album begins with the melodic scream “Ah yeah!” a fitting way to begin their third release on […]
Kiss This! Kissaway Trail GIVEAWAY!
The Kissaway Interview – NYC from Ryan & Rob on Vimeo. Hailing from Denmark, the guys of The Kissaway Trail , have put together an insanely rocking record that is catchy without sacrificing substance. Recently released here in the U.S., Sleep Mountain, contains gems that burst with an energy that will likely bring to mind […]
SXSW 2010: Say What?!
One of my favorite parts of SXSW is the crazy things you see and hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. My son is 17. He had his heart broken for the first time. Her name was Ivy. He’s now dating a blond-hair, blue-eyed girl from UC Berkeley. Fuck you Ivy. ~ Proud […]