City of Refuge is a surprising album from Abigail Washburn. It’s not surprising because it’s a crazy fusion of Appalachian music and Chinese folk songs—she’s done that already. It’s not surprising because it features the talents of banjo-god Bela Fleck—she’s done that too, with the ground breaking Sparrow Quartet. It’s surprising for a whole passel […]
The Acoustic Burgoo – Soul Bucket
Sometimes it’s amazing how changing just one instrument changes the whole sound of a band. Â You can hear that happen a few times in the latest release from The Acoustic Burgoo, Soul Bucket. Â From the folky, acoustic, harmonies of Appalachia, band member Rudy Bzdyk (sic) chimes in with his trumpet and suddenly you’re down in […]
Todd’s 2010 Mixtape
So folks, I made this easy for you. 20 songs, a little over an hour, it all fits on one CD, and it is promised to delight. Some of my favorite tunes from the past year. Cheers. This Fucking Job / Drive By Truckers Swollen But Not the Same / Bobby Bare Jr. Hurricane J […]
Coming Soon: 2011 Release Preview, Part 1
Even though we’ve just barely wrapped 2010, the 2011 release calendar is about to burst from the gate. Here are a few releases we’re eagerly awaiting at the Twangville General Store. And don’t forget our special give-away — tell us your most highly anticipated 2011 release and be eligible for signed cds from Chris Knight […]
Best Albums of 2010, Tom’s Picks
Here are my favorite albums of 2010 of everything I listened to. As usual, my tastes are all over the map as you can clearly see. You’ll see some long time favorites like Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Justin Townes Earle, Hold Steady, and Ray Lamontagne in my top 10 but also pay close attention to some […]
John Moreland & the Black Gold Band- Things I Can’t Control
Things I Can’t Control features the same rock and roll that made Endless Oklahoma Sky an unheralded masterpiece two years ago. It is, unfortunately, the swan song for the rollicking Black Gold Band. Though all signs point to Moreland having just as much rock in his solo work, it’s sad that this band never got […]
Readers’ Picks: Best Albums of 2010 (Plus a Giveaway)
Twangville readers rallied to give Paul Thorn‘s ‘Pimps and Preachers’ an overwhelming victory for album of the year. An interesting fact about the album is that Thorn himself painted the album cover. He painted the preacher to be his father and the pimp to be his uncle. You don’t have to look much further to […]
Matthew Ryan on New Year’s Day
What better way to start the year then some new music from Matthew Ryan. Here is Like New Year’s Day, his just-released collaboration with Nashville duo Hammock. Lyrics and additional info here. Happy New Year everyone!
Eli’s Favorites of 2010
1. Justin Townes Earle- Harlem River Blues Best Record of the Year. From the quick stepped opener to the gospel reprise closer, this record was perfect. Jason Isbell’s soulful guitar licks on “Slippin’ and Slidin’†still haunt me. 2. The Hold Steady- Heaven Is Whenever One of America’s best rock and roll bands refuses to […]
Justin Townes Earle – Back in the 930
A trip to rehab is a funny thing. It can have so many different effects on artists. Some clean up and become repentant, some go on their merry way only to repeat, and some struggle with it for years. I’m not sure where this path will lead JT Earle but I am sure that he’ll […]