Twangville

A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

Twangville Recommends: Bob Walkenhorst

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Bob Walkenhorst is among the most impressive songwriters that I’ve heard, a vibrant and literate lyricist who packs his songs with social commentary. As the lead singer and songwriter for Missouri’s Rainmakers in the late 1980’s, he matched intelligent lyrics with the force of classic rock and roll. Although I didn’t share his political views […]

Libby Johnson’s “Annabella”, a Video

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Libby Johnson — Annabella Libby Johnson, founding member of the band 22 Brides, performs live her song “Annabella” from the new record of the same name. Libby is the featured artists of the movie Trust the Man. — posted by wrong records [YouTube]

Mayer’s Playlist for August 2006

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I Am a Leaver, The Damnwells (from the album Air Stereo The boys from Brooklyn may have switched labels, but the sound remains constant. Songwriter Alex Dezen knows how to construct energetic rock songs with smart lyrics. “I am a Leaver” packs a punch with its driving rhythm and gleaming power chords. Lookin’ for a […]

John Gorka – Writing in the Margins, Reviewed

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I was reminded of John Gorka while watching a Judy Garland biography on PBS last week; he wrote a character sketch of the actress on his first album, detailing the movie studio mistreatment that contributed to her tragic struggles. It was a fledgling example of his ability to report the human condition with keen insight […]

Ray LaMontagne’s “Empty (Live)”, a Download

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If you’ve already listened to Ray LaMontagne’s new release, Till the Sun Turns Black, you know track 2, better known as “Empty”, is a gem of a song. Thanks to Heather Browne at I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS here’s a previously recorded version of “Empty” (MP3) reportedly off the Bonnaroo 2005 EP. Enjoy! [audio:http://www.ezarchive.com/hbrowne/AlbumSpace/1NZSMUEOXP/04+Empty.mp3] […]

Steve Earle, a Video

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Steve Earle offers up a powerful acoustic performance while confirming his status as one of today’s most poignant songwriters. Taken from a 2005 benefit appearance in Washington D.C. (posted by jackynjimy on YouTube)

I See Hawks in LA’s “Hard Times”, a Download

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From their May ‘06 release California Country, here’s Los Angeles-based I See Hawks in L.A. with an acoustic country-blues number about hopelessness and humble absurdity all the while chock full of mandolin and Dobro. [audio:http://iseehawks.com/mp3/HAWKS_CC_HardTimes.mp3] Download “Hard Times” (MP3) Source: NoDepression.net

Gerry Wall’s “Winter Grass”, Reviewed

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He names the Jayhawks, Wilco, Mark Knopfler, Paul Kelly, J.J. Cale and Blue Rodeo as influences for Winter Grass, the third release from Ottawa’s Gerry Wall. You can almost see, taste and hear the vistas painted in the lyrics of this 10-song release with songs titled “Winter Grass” and “Willow Bluff”. Somehow these southeastern Canadian-born […]

Mid-year in Review, Pt. 1: The Tributes

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Hard to believe the year’s half over. I’m gonna beat the Christmas rush and muse about some notable releases from the first half of ’06. This week: the tribute albums. Sail Away: The Songs of Randy Newman One of the more fascinating releases this year, this tribute pairs Randy Newman’s songs of the South with […]