For a guy from Dallas, I will admit to feeling pretty lucky about the great music I have available to me throughout the Dallas, Ft. Worth and Denton area, no doubt. I will also admit that I sometimes get twinges of jealousy of the music lovers in my state’s capitol. Austin is obviously home to […]
Stonehoney Live @ Q Division Studios
So the boys from Stonehoney stopped by Q Division Studios in Somerville Massachusetts for an in-studio performance. Of course, the boys made one mistake. They neglected to invite me to what looks like a heck of a party, fueled by beer from the Naragansett Brewing Company and bbq from legendary local joint Redbones. Next time, […]
Top 9 Live Sets of ’09
If you’re a frequent Twangville reader you know by now I’m an unabashed live music aficionado. Â I usually manage to see 30 or more live acts a year, so in addition to the top records of the year I have to add my view to the best live sets I saw. #9 Michelle Shocked. Â Many […]
Quiet Life – California Vacation
I came across a few tracks from Quiet Life (Myspace) a while back. I really enjoyed them and looked forward to hearing more sometime. Well, that time has come with the release of their newest EP, California Vacation. As with the last batch of songs I listened to, the tracks here are a fun and […]
Freedy Johnston – Rain on the City / Live Review
Freedy Johnston – Rain on the City/Live Review With a title like “Rain on the City,†Freedy Johnston has chosen a problematic yet perfect title. It nods to his recent albums (“Blue Days Black Nightsâ€) in such an obvious way as to perhaps shove off the tired motif. Freedy, with a few exceptions, is back […]
Ten for Oh-Ten
2010 is shaping up quite nicely, thank you. Here are ten upcoming releases whose arrival is eagerly anticipated at the Twangville general store. FREEDY JOHNSTON, Rain on the City (Release date January 12th) Has it really been eight years since Johnston’s last album of originals? Johnston’s instrument of choice is an acoustic guitar, all the […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 2
Arms & Legs and Flowers, Ian Hunter (from the New West Records release Man Overboard) It’s no accident that Ian Hunter gets two mentions on this list. The legendary singer-songwriter is a true rock and roll poet, writing magnificent songs that combine simplicity with depth. “Arms & Legs” is an inspirational tribute to love built […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 1
Give Me Tomorrow, Willie Nile (from the River House Records release House of a Thousand Guitars) Nile’s eternal optimism reigns supreme, most notably on this spirited testament to change and opportunity. “I’ve seen poison in the waters, heard the crying of the sea, I have heard your sons and daughters say what’s to become of […]
Readers’ Pick: Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009
Your picks are in! There were some surprises and several picks that you’ll see repeated among the Twangville Editors’ Picks of 2009. The votes started diminishing after the Top 10 so we’ve capped it at that. Well, technically 11 due to a tie at number 10. The initial list of candidates was chosen from our […]
Best Albums of 2009, Tom’s Picks
Well, here they are. My Top 25 albums of 2009. Last year I chose The Hold Steady’s ‘Stay Positive’ as album of the year. That album tied the Drive-by Truckers for numero uno according to the Twangville Posse. This year, I’m thrilled to say that the Posse agrees with me once again. The Album of […]