\ To listen to Hem, the label “countrypolitan” or “classical country” makes a lot of sense. The band consists of folk country elements and classical strings in the studio. But in person, Dan Messe’s piano and Sally Ellison’s vocals make this band stand out. They sound classical in every sense of the word. The keystrokes, […]
Monday Morning Video: Jason Isbell’s “Elephant”
In last week’s Twangville team review of Jason Isbell’s Southeastern, several of us wrote about “Elephant.” The emotional song describes a man watching a friend die from cancer. Here’s Isbell, with his new wife Amanda Shires, performing the song a few weeks ago in New York City. The song will undoubtedly leave you slack-jawed and […]
Marshall Chapman – Blaze Of Glory
Love In the Wind, the opening cut from Marshall Chapman’s latest release, Blaze Of Glory, might be one of the best rock and roll songs ever written. Â I know, that’s pretty extreme hyperbole. Â Maybe I’m just under the influence of a sunny, summer afternoon. Â But damn, it’s got great garage surf rock guitar licks. Â It’s […]
Stephen Kellogg – Blunderstone Rookery
Stephen Kellogg’s new album “Blunderstone Rookery†is being released at turning point in his career and life. Within the last year he has lost his Grandmother and Mother-in-law. In addition, his band (Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers) has decided to take a break. It is fitting that the album takes its name from a character […]
Jason Isbell’s “Southeastern” — the Twangville Team Take
Every once in awhile, there is an artist whose album is so anticipated by everyone in the Twangville Posse that we all pile on for a team review. Put Jason Isbell’s Southeastern in that category. SUZANNE’S TAKE Sobriety looks good on Jason Isbell. Sounds good, too. I remember watching him in May of 2011, chugging […]
Monday Morning Video: Whitehorse cover “I’m On Fire”
Whitehorse, the duo of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet, lay claim to the Springsteen tune with this stark performance.
Twangville Festival Artist – Joe Fletcher
As announced yesterday, Twangville’s posse is gathering in Boston on the 28th and 29th of June to celebrate the fact we all still get along, and to listen to some awesome live music. Â Think of it sort of like a family reunion, except there’s more fun than dysfunction. Â We’re taking over the Lizard Lounge for […]
Twangville Comes to Boston: A Special Live Music Festival
The Twangville Posse – we’ve got writers across the United States – like to get together from time to time to, well, talk music. This year we’re gathering near Boston and you’re invited to the party! Twangville will be taking over the Lizard Lounge on June 28th and 29th for an incredible weekend of music. […]
Monday Morning Video: Jason Isbell “Dress Blues”
Our Monday Morning Video, Memorial Day edition, arrives courtesy of Jason Isbell. Here’s the emotional story behind the song, written for a high school friend of Isbell’s.
Josh Ritter is Boston Strong
Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band House of Blues Boston, May 18 2013 It’s clear that Josh Ritter has a special place in his heart for Boston. This was a hometown show for band members Zack Hickman, Austin Nevins, and Sam Kassirer. Ritter brought his A-game and gave the Boston fans a lot to […]