It was two years ago at the unofficial Sunday night South-by closing ceremonies at the Continental Club that Alejandro Escovedo world premiered his then-forthcoming album, Real Animal live and in sequence from the first track to the last. It was a remarkable show, and it proved to be an album that raised Alejandro’s profile considerably, […]
Remembering Alex Chilton, Whose Spirit was Entwined with SXSW 2010
I don’t think it would be overstating the case too much to say that when the news of Alex Chilton’s death broke on the first day of SXSW, so too did the collective heart of a sizable percentage of SXSW attendees break. I got the news via text message during the second showcase of the […]
Introducing Foxy Shazam, the Most Indescribably Awesome New Band of SXSW 2010
I first heard (and heard of) Foxy Shazam this past January when their song, “Bye Bye Symphony” was included in the free SPIN magazine compilation, SPIN Presents 2010: A Look Ahead. I liked that song very much, and certainly enough to earn them a “see them at South-by” designation. That decision took on added urgency […]
The Rock Hall in 2011: Your Recommendations
Hats off to fans of the late Johnny Maestro for their overwhelming response and thanks to everyone who participated in our Rock Hall Nominations discussion. Judging from your responses, there is a strong feeling that progressive and glam rock are overdue for recognition by the Hall. Here are your nominations: Johnny Maestro – Maestro, lead […]
Indie Pop Rocks SXSW 2010 with Stereo Skyline, the Downtown Fiction, and the Ready Set
Some of you may recall the thrillingly eye-opening experience that seeing Totally Michael at South-by was for me last year. Well, if you’re willing to indulge me, I think I’m about to test the patience and credulity of the Twangville audience like never before. (Bear with me though, for as with my South-by blogging of […]
With One Night Only & the Crookes, Yorkshire Gets my Vote as the Hottest Scene at SXSW 2010
Of the 15 bands I saw on Wednesday at SXSW this year, the one that stood head and shoulders above the rest was One Night Only from Yorkshire, England. I’ve had their debut album for a couple of years now, and like it quite a bit, but the band that I saw onstage for the […]
The Longwalls – Dark Academy
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there’s a recent trend in the land of Twang to add some of the production values and philosophical, lyrical meanderings of the indie music scene into the roots and country values that have defined Americana. Â I’m not saying this is bad, or even new; in fact I’d […]
Jason & the Scorchers – Halcyon Days
For all of you youngsters out there who love the history of alt-country, the first fact to know is that Uncle Tupelo started it all. Wrong Answer!!!! Before there was something called alt-country, there were many in the field. Rank & File (an early Alejandro Escovedo project), X was heavily roots influenced, The Blasters just […]
Red Molly- James
There are a lot of female folk trios out there and most of them are worth their salt (or at least a good long listen). Red Molly was/is one of those bands. I liked their self-titled EP, the live CD Never Been to Vegas, and especially their 2008 effort Love and Other Tragedies. The trio […]
Confederate Fagg
While we here at Twangville mostly focus on the country/alt-country/hillbilly side of things, some of us have a soft spot for metal…gay metal. And there is no better gay metal band than South Carolina’s own Confederate Fagg. This past weekend, the boys got together to play a rally organized by City of Columbia mayoral candidate […]