This year has seen a number of impressive releases from women artists. At the top of the list stand Eilen Jewell and Lydia Loveless. Each, in their own way, recalls the musical spirit and individuality of Loretta Lynn. Jewell is the more traditional of the two, breathing fresh air into a classic country sound, while […]
Q & A – Maps & Atlases
Chicago-based four-piece Maps & Atlases aren’t a math-rock band. O.K., good, we’ve got that out of the way now. Sure, there are some rather math-y elements to the band’s indie-folk informed sound, but not to the extent where those intricacies define their overall sonic contributions in the way that many would have one believe. While […]
Hayes Carll Vinyl Giveaway!
A few months ago, we took an initial look at the latest record from Hayes Carll, KMAG YOYO (And Other American Stories), and decided that yes, it was worth having and was indeed a good record, but wasn’t the greatest record of Carll’s young career. Well, a few months later, those feelings haven’t necessarily changed, […]
Regretfully Overlooked in 2010
It’s just too hard to listen to every album that gets released in a given year. I certainly can’t. What that means is a handful of good recordings escaped me until this year. Fortunately, it’s never too late to discover good music. Here’s a few recommendations in case you missed them too. JAMES MADDOCK, Sunrise […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of Spring 2011
Top 10 JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, Here We Rest [★★★★/4.455] His third album since parting ways with the Drive-by Truckers and second with band The 400 Unit. The album title, Here We Rest, takes it’s name from the original Alabama state motto. Like his former band, Isbell continually pays homage to his home […]
Dan Hubbard and the Humadors – The Love Show
It wasn’t that long ago when someone asked me “Why doesn’t anyone make Rock n’ Roll” anymore?” Like many folks, he quit looking for new music after he graduated college, and was now trying to search the radio for new Rock n’ Roll. If he asked that today, I would give him a copy of […]
Monday Morning Video: Clarence Clemons
Rock and Roll is a little quieter and less soulful today. Rest in peace, Clarence.
The Train Wrecks/Saddle Up
Savannah Georgia’s The Train Wrecks’ recently released sophomore disc entitled Saddle Up is an alt-country effort that hits all the right spots. Opening with the Cash-inspired “Tennessee Mare” and featuring one of the tightest rhythm sections this side of the Mason-Dixon line in Markus Kuhlmann and Eric Dunn, along with singer Jason Bible’s rusty vocals […]
Battle of the Bands: Truth & Salvage Co. vs. The Dustin Bentall Outfit
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY SERIES! As a way of saying thanks for being a part of Twangville we’re reaching into our archives to offer up some free music. To do this we’re going to have an old-school “battle of the bands” promotion where you watch a video from two different bands and pick a winner. Maybe you’ll […]
SXSW 2011: 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. This is how we fucking roll in Austin Texas. Steve Wertheimer, proprietor of the Continental Club introducing Alejandro Escovedo. Amen, Brother Steve. What’s going on? Stewardess on my flight to Austin, […]