So, for the last couple of weeks I’ve been riding around with Lissie in the car. And no matter how hard I try, I can’t get past second base. Sorry, I meant the second track. I’m not sure if it’s the pounding bass or the hooky repeating guitar line or the chorus that sticks in […]
Let the Day Begin: A Tribute to Michael Been
We lost one of the good ones last week. Michael Been, former front-man for the Call passed away. The Call were one of those impressive bands that married intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics with fervent rock anthems. It was a potent combination, reflective of Been’s passion as the band’s singer and primary songwriter. Although the Call […]
Newport Folk Festival 2010 (Part Two)
Day two of the Newport Folk Festival dawned with even better weather than the day before. With the giant bridge gleaming at me in the background, I trekked from the parking lot straight to the set of Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons. I had seen Cory’s name around a lot recently, opening up for […]
Ray Lamontagne – God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise
Ray Lamontagne’s latest project might be the most un-Lamontagne album he has done, thus far, even though it’s the first album he has produced for his own self. God Willin’ & The Creek Don’t Rise, his fourth studio LP, was recorded in Lamontagne’s New England cabin with the help of his country, soul-brothers, the Pariah […]
You Pick It: The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait”
Twangville is pleased to launch a new periodic series that we call “You Pick It.” Here’s how it works. We’ll serve up videos of multiple artists covering a single song and ask you to pick the definitive version. We’ll kick things off with one of my all-time favorites, The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait.” Replacements singer-songwriter […]
Kathleen Edwards- Northampton, MA (07.21.10)
Kathleen Edwards is one of my favorite singer-songwriters. Though sometimes dismissively lumped in with Tift Merritt, Allison Moorer, and other female alt. country singers, she has released 3 overwhelmingly consistent and great albums. With a penchant for writing songs that seems to write themselves and a sound that makes the alternative country genre sound like […]
A Video For You, From You Am I
Ever have one of those days when there was no such thing as too much guitar? That, for me, was yesterday. Sharing with you today, courtesy of one of Australia’s finest — You Am I.
Newport Folk Festival 2010 (Part One)
I’m really learning to love the Newport Folk Festival. This was my second year in attendance and I have been consistently impressed not only with the quality of the line-up, but also with the relaxed atmosphere. Music runs from about 11:30am to 7:30pm on 3 stages in Fort Adams State Park, Newport, Rhode Island on […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June & July 2010, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Joe Hill’s Ashes, by Otis Gibbs Gibbs is one of the most distinctive voices in Americana, both for the integrity in his songwriting and the authenticity of his voice. While some may find both a bit gruff, it gives his music a realism that can’t be doubted. Most songs are built […]
Hayshaker
I have to admit bias on this one. When a band can have lyrics like, “Second thoughts have occurred. I feel like a gigantic turd. Walking barefoot like a hooker at 3 in the morning,” I can’t give it a bad review. The truth is these boys from Georgia have unleashed a great album. The […]