Check out San Franscisco Bay Area twangers, Careless Hearts. The foursome lead by the songwriting and vocals of Paul Kimball consists of guitars (Paul Kimball and Derek See), bass (Rob Miller) and drums (Craig Heitkam). Their self-titled debut is full of sad songs influenced by traditional country songbooks juxtaposed with rockin’ twang channeling the likes […]
The Offramps, On the Radar
If you are ever looking for relatively unknown bands of high caliber, Miles of Music has a qualification where they stamp albums with an “It’s a Cracker” label. This is a guarantee that if you don’t like the music you can send it back no questions asked. I’ve found that in the space of indie […]
Loomer – Songs of the Wild West Island
When asked about remaking his favorite songs, Scott Loomer remarked, “You don’t cover ‘Crazy’ unless you’re Patsy Cline, which we’re not.” That’s a taste of the wit and wisdom that makes Loomer (the band) so appealing. No flash, no pretense, Songs from the Wild West Island is just a solid batch of songs that pierce […]
Music City Florida
Indulge me, I beg of you. Music City Florida is a local Tampa radio show that bills itself as “the largest chunk of radio airtime dedicated to Florida music in the whole world.” Florida’s music scene has got plenty of bragging to do, and these guys are on top of it. All genres, signed and […]
San Saba County’s “Its Not the Fall that Hurts”, At a Glance
SXSW darlings, San Saba County, take us on an around-the-world bar hop from the saloon to the cantina then back to the saloon with their latest album, Its Not the Fall That Hurts. The beechwood-aged twangers’ second full-length album is thematically heavy on heartbreak and audibly represents a diversity of Texicano influences giving it a […]
Check Out Sam Mellon and the Skylarks
Check out LA-based Alt-Country/ Americana/ Roots-Rock outfit Sam Mellon and the Skylarks. They recently put out a self-produced 3-song EP in preparation for a full-length record already in production. The band is fronted by Sam Mellon (vocals, acoustic guitar) and joined by Julie Wolf (accordian, piano, vocals), David Serby (electric bass guitar), Carl Urbinati (electric […]
Twangville Recommends: Bob Walkenhorst
Bob Walkenhorst is among the most impressive songwriters that I’ve heard, a vibrant and literate lyricist who packs his songs with social commentary. As the lead singer and songwriter for Missouri’s Rainmakers in the late 1980’s, he matched intelligent lyrics with the force of classic rock and roll. Although I didn’t share his political views […]
Check out Funky Nashville’s “Hitch a Rideâ€
[audio:http://www.funkynashville.dk/uploads/media/Hitch_A_Ride.mp3] Close your eyes, hop into a 60’s era convertible of your choice with your favorite shades on. You are driving down Route 66 with the sun shining overhead, a bead of sweat making its way from your forehead to your ear and carcasses of snakes baking below your radial tires. This is the aura […]
Gerry Wall’s “Winter Grassâ€, Reviewed
He names the Jayhawks, Wilco, Mark Knopfler, Paul Kelly, J.J. Cale and Blue Rodeo as influences for Winter Grass, the third release from Ottawa’s Gerry Wall. You can almost see, taste and hear the vistas painted in the lyrics of this 10-song release with songs titled “Winter Grass” and “Willow Bluff”. Somehow these southeastern Canadian-born […]
Twangville Recommends: Eli “Paperboy†Reed
Boston’s “Paperboy” Reed is possessed with the spirit of rhythm and blues. His 2005 release made the Twangville Best of 2005 list and now he’s back with some great new tracks being previewed on his web site. “Am I Wasting My Time†swings with a soul so real you’ll swear it’s a discovery from the […]