ALBUMS OF THE MONTHS English Oceans, by Drive-By Truckers I suppose that this review could be titled “Cooley Steps Out.” The band co-founder, who has historically contributed only a couple of songs per release, is credited with six songs on English Oceans. Ever better, they are some of his strongest songs in years. The opening […]
Nick Moss Band – Time Ain’t Free
Nick Moss paid his dues, working as a side man for veteran Chicago bluesmen, including Buddy Scott, Jimmy Dawkins, Jimmy Rogers and former Muddy Waters drummer Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. Those blues chops, hard earned, provided the backbone for Moss to lead his own formidable blues outfit for more than a decade. A student of […]
Readers’ Pick: LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues
You picked LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues as your favorite for the week of March 18, 2014. Readers’ Top 10 (last 4 weeks) DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, English Oceans (23) BECK, Morning Phase (13) LUTHER DICKINSON, Rock ‘n Roll Blues (11) JOE LOUIS WALKER, Hornet’s Nest (8) JOHN GORKA, Bright Side of Down (7) BOB MOULD, […]
Monday Morning Video: Steve Earle and John Prine cover Townes Van Zandt
Plenty to love here. Steve Earle and John Prine teaming up to cover Townes Van Zandt’s “Loretta.” Recorded live at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
The Grass is Always Bluer – The Seldom Scene
At twangville, we love our rootsy music but thus far we haven’t given one of the most distinct strains of country its due. And that will change today. I’ve had my own personal bluegrass renaissance and at the hands of the skilled pickers of the  Seldom Scene. The band has made a habit of bringing […]
Lost & Nameless, Cody Jasper
Empty Spaces, the latest EP from Lost & Nameless opens with a title track that is perhaps best described as an Americana tango. Â So right from the get-go you know this is going to be an interesting listen. Â The remainder of the record does not disappoint. Â Lost & Nameless is an Austin-based group composed of […]
Josh Ritter’s Acoustic Magic
Josh Ritter Acoustic Trio @ The Somerville Theatre Somerville, MA: March 6, 2014 Joy. It’s just the first word that comes to mind when I think of this show, Josh Ritter’s face, the songs played, the energy between the 3 men on stage. Ritter has been touring for nearly 1 year straight since the release […]
Readers’ Pick: STEVE MARTIN AND THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS, featuring Edie Brickell (live)
You picked STEVE MARTIN AND THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS, featuring Edie Brickell (live) as your favorite for the week of March 11, 2014. Readers’ Top 10 (last 4 weeks) JIMBO MATHUS & THE TRI-STATE COALITION, Dark Night of the Soul (44) DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, English Oceans (23) LYDIA LOVELESS, Somewhere Else (19) BECK, Morning Phase (13) […]
Monday Morning Video – Mike Farris
What better way to start your week than listening to the soulful voice of Mike Farris. As the man says, “glory glory.” Here’s a bonus video from Farris, his take on the Bob Dylan classic “Knocking on Heaven’s Door.”
Water Liars
Water Liars/Water Liars When listening to new bands these days I usually don’t do much “research†on the artist in fear that I’ll find something about them that pisses me off. Like they used to cover John Mayer or something… No seriously, sometimes I just like to be introduced to an artist through their music. […]