One of the most criminally overlooked, even by the clichéd standards, the band Big Star truly defined the tragic indie band’s aura. After three albums (the first two of which Bell was a driving force behind), Bell disappears and winds up passing away tragically in a car accident after grappling with depression. Bell’s influence can […]
Old Crow Medicine Show – Live at the Orange Peel & Tennessee Theater
When I think of a live show, bluegrass can really take it to another level: the tenacious rhythm, the fiddle, high harmony and that relentless bass. Although I’ve never seen bluegrass back in the day, I imagine the hootenanny to feel something like an Old Crow concert. Songs about drug addiction, infidelity and them good […]
Elliot Randall & The Deadmen – Caffeine & Gasoline
Elliot Randall, along with his band The Deadmen, has released his sophomore album Caffeine and Gasoline. It is a decidedly more Country affair than his previous effort. What hasn’t changed is the depth of the songwriting. A full band, The Deadmen, have a lot to do with the diversity of styles. However, the main influence […]
The Honey Dewdrops – If the Sun Will Shine
When did Gillian last do an album, 2003? Â Sure, David Rawlings had a great release last year, but it was a Dave Rawlings album that Gillian sang on, not a Gillian album. Â Well, if you have a hankering for something new in that vein, I suggest you check out the latest release from The Honey […]
Kasey Anderson- Nowhere Nights
Nowhere Nights is one of those records for me. It came out of the blue, out of that nether world of independent music (aka the life blood of rock and roll). I was searching for information on the new Chip Robinson record and learned that he had been signed to Red River Records, a label […]
The .357 String Band – Lightning From The North
Musical fads are a double-edged sword…or are they a blessing and a curse? Either way, with each new “movement”, whether it be Texas/Red Dirt or Freak-Folk or whatever, we see an influx of artists that, thanks to the artists who initially drew the attention of the masses to a certain trendy style, get to bask […]
This Ain’t No Place for the Weary Kind- A Review of Crazy Heart
I don’t think I’ve ever reviewed a movie before and this certainly isn’t a ‘movie’ site, but Crazy Heart warrants exception. For those who haven’t heard about Crazy Heart, it stars Jeff Bridges as an aging Texas songwriter plagued by alcohol problems and a flagging career (plenty of inspiration there). I’ll do my best not […]
Beautiful Loser Society – The Long Slow Decline
Following up their brilliant effort Aim Low, The Beautiful Loser Society delivers a somewhat lighter effort. Don’t get me wrong the album is haunted by a similar cast of characters as the previous release. They even take you on a highway ride with Lucifer. That’s right ol’ scratch himself is on “Highway 666 South.” Also […]
Singin’ Happy Tunes with the Truckers, Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes
Need some extra juice to get you through the week? Two Twangville faves recently released mp3s for your listening pleasure. Drive-By Truckers, “This Fucking Job” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/5/28/2459127/Drive-By%20Truckers%20-%20This%20Fucking%20Job.mp3] Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/5/28/2459127/Justin%20Townes%20Earle%20and%20Dawn%20Landes%20-%20Do%20I%20Ever%20Cross%20Your%20Mind.mp3]
Little Country Giants – Fists of Foam & Fury
If you listen hard enough, you may hear some “en vogue†or trendy nature in bringing back Hank Williams’ country style. I mean hell JT Earle’s is in GQ’s next issue with top as one of the top 25 most stylish in the world! While the giants begin with a straight out of the opry […]