Let’s kick off this year with a song that kicked off last year. Boston Americana outfit Other Brother Darryl was founded by singer-songwriters Dan Nicklin, Nate Leavitt, and the late Dave Mirabella—veterans of Boston’s club scene who bonded over a shared love of the Laurel Canyon sound of CSNY and modern Americana torchbearers like Wilco […]
Chip’s Best of 2025
As seems to be the case every year, selecting a top 25 was difficult task for 2025. There are so many good albums not on the list, that I liked almost as much as what was included. However, selecting the top album was not hard this year. Wednesday – Bleeds was an obvious choice to […]
Now & Then: Jason Isbell’s Foxes in the Snow and the shadow of Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska
Jason Isbell has made a career out of writing songs that feel like they come with fingerprints still on them. Even when the 400 Unit is roaring behind him, you can usually hear the quiet draft underneath.
Twangville’s 2025 Favorites are…
The Twangville pick for Album of the Year is Foxes in the Snow by Jason Isbell. Recorded as a stark, all-solo acoustic statement, it hit our critics and readers the same way his best work does: sharp writing, lived-in emotion, and melodies that don’t need anything extra to land.
Jeff’s Picks – Best Album of 2025
“I want to go out and play these songs by myself and it sound as close to this as possible,” Jason Isbell explains to Gena Johnson, co-producer, in Well Welch’s documentary about the recording of “Foxes in the Snow.” Documenting the Isbell’s process making of the album, the above-mentioned film is called “Feel Real Good” […]
Shawn’s Album Favorites: 25 From 25
1) Silverada – Texas 42. A love letter to the Lone Star State, from the title track to the drinking song to the closer with the armadillo. With some slight changes of lyrics it’s also a requiem for living just about anywhere in southern and/or western rural America. 2) I’m With Her – Wild And […]
Mayer’s Picks, More 2025 Favorites
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2025.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2025, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2025 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2025. Permission, Alex Wong featuring MILCK (from the Shamus Records release Permission) “Permission” is a defiant sing-along anthem that […]
Dave Landreth of The Bros. Landreth On Tour Priorities and Funky Bass Strings
Dave Landreth of Canadian roots-rock duo The Bros. Landreth talks about crossing the 500k miles threshold in their tour van “Chevy Chase” and the value of having a friend who helps musician buddies when they’re “between gigs”.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2025, Boston/Dallas Edition
I live in NYC these days but am fortunate to be connected to the music scenes of two cities in which I previously lived – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY […]