Bahamas Former Feist guitarist Afie Jurvanen, who performs as Bahamas, caught my ear with his second release earlier this year. Live he takes it to another level, creating an ambiance that makes his already strong songs even stronger. Part of the reason is the distinctive make-up of his band: electric guitar, drums and two back-up […]
SXSW 2012: Springsteen
Now did you really think that I could talk about SXSW and not mention Bruce Springsteen? Springsteen delivered the conference keynote and then joined the E Street Band and guests that evening for an unforgettable performance. The keynote speech was clearly geared towards the musicians in attendance. Springsteen delivered a rollicking history of rock and […]
Monday Morning Video: SXSW 2012
There are literally thousands of performances that take place across Austin during SXSW. Here is a small sampling for your listening and viewing enjoyment. See below for a detailed list of the performances in this video playlist. Tom Morello, “World Wide Rebel Song” from the New West day party Bahamas, “Caught Me Thinking” The Lumineers, […]
SXSW 2012: 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 2,200 bands and 19,000 attendees, SXSW is the world’s premiere music conference. Even better, it is one heck of […]
Twangville Showcase This Saturday!
Don’t forget our special Twangville showcase this Saturday. If you live in — or can get to — Columbia, SC, come join us for an incredible night of music. Performing that night are Lydia Loveless, Kasey Anderson, Mooncussers and Columbia outfit American Gun. All top notch, all Twangville-endorsed. You can find the full details, plus […]
Davy Jones, 1945-2012
It was another tough week for rock and roll with the passing of Davy Jones of the legendary Monkees. Whether one caught the tv series on its initial run in the 1960’s or the re-runs that followed for decades, it was hard not to smile at the group’s antics and enthusiasm. That was especially true […]
You’re Invited to a Badass Twangville Showcase!
Win (Really) Big: Paul Kelly Box Set
If ever there was a Twangville give-away that I would want to win, this would be it. Several years ago Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly began playing multi-night shows during which he performed songs from his catalog in alphabetical order. The shows begat plans for a box set; the planned box set begat a book. Although […]
Editors’ Picks: Best Album of 2011: Jason Isbell’s “Here We Rest”
Last year, our Twangville authors combined forces to dub Justin Townes Earle‘s Harlem River Blues as Best Album of 2010. This year official Twangille Best Album of 2011 honors go to Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit‘s Here We Rest. Let me tell you this is no small feat as we’re a picky bunch. Our […]
Best Under the Radar 2011
Instead of focusing on a best of list, I wanted to highlight 10 albums released in 2011, by artists that aren’t household names. There are so many hard working and passionate artists who deserve to be noticed. The current landscape of the music industry makes it difficult for artist from local and regional scenes to […]