The Horses and the Hounds by James McMurtry The Twangville pick for Best New Album of 2021 is The Horses and the Hounds by Austin-based singer-songwriter, James McMurtry. This list combines best of year picks from our Twangville critics plus the Readers’ Picks which you helped us create from our polls throughout the year. Congrats […]
Shawn’s Picks – 2021 Favorite Albums
For the second time in a row we’ve finished a year like no other. On the plus side, all that time at home seems to have upped everyone’s songwriting skills. I can’t remember the last time my first pass at the annual favorites list was so long. The first couple of picks were relatively easy. […]
Tom’s Faves: 2021
Best Album of 2021: Maggie Rose – Have a Seat I’m a sucker for soulful country music. Last year, that’s what made Chris Stapleton’s album rise to the top for me. This year in a similar vein, Maggie Rose‘s Have a Seat was the one that rose (pun not intended) to the top. And let […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2021
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2021.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2021, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2021 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. What’s The Matter/Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2021, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Sunset Diner by Brandon Callies Callies chronicles a painful break-up […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2021, the Albums
10. Obviously by Lake Street Dive Glorious smooth and silken pop, a mix of songs earnest and spirited – Obviously is another gem from Lake Street Dive. Key Tracks: Hypotheticals, Hush Money, Same Old News, Nobody’s Stopping You Now, Anymore 9. Vessel by The Accidentals Sav Buist and Katie Larson shift away from their folk […]
Monday Morning Video – Joy Oladokun
With all the talk about the Beatles (I still haven’t watched the documentary… yet), I thought I’d share this wonderful cover of “Blackbird” by Joy Oladokun.
Mayer’s Playlist for Winter 2021
One Step Ahead of the Law, Stash (from the self-released Walk the Walk) Stash – the trio of Ted Russell Kamp, Joey Peters, and Rich McCulley – announce themselves with one hell of a rock album. Well, country rock in all its glory. While I lean towards the rockers like the fiery “Catch Me If You […]
CJ Garton Video Premier – I Went Crazy
CJ Garton was raised a 6th generation Oklahoma red dirt cowboy. Although he makes his living as a singer-songwriter these days, his roots run deep. On a little bit of a whim, he and his son rode their horses from Nashville back to the Oklahoma homestead in 2019. That trip became the inspiration for a […]



