I’ve mentioned previously that one of the reasons I’ve been going to SXSW for 10 straight years (which is to say, 11 South-bys) now is in search of those only-at-South-by moments of pure magic. Of the magical South-by moments that I’ve been privileged to witness over the years, more than a few have involved the […]
The Legacy of Townes and Sir Douglas
Spring brings us two phenomenal releases honoring the legacy of Texas music pioneers Doug Sahm and Townes Van Zandt. The recently released Keep Your Soul: A Tribute to Doug Sahm (Vanguard Records) pays tribute to San Antonio native Doug Sahm. Sahm established himself in 1965 as leader of the Sir Douglas Quintet, a band whose […]
Best Albums of 2008, Mayer’s Picks
#1. MATTHEW RYAN, Matthew Ryan Vs. the Silver State (00:02:59) Whether he’s performing a ballad or a rock song, Ryan’s intelligence and intensity course through this release. (Twangville review, mp3s and video here.) #2. THE HOLD STEADY, Stay Positive (Vagrant) They rock, they roll and then they rock some more. The Hold Steady may very […]
Reckless Kelly,’s “Bulletproof”, Readers’ Choice Album of the Year
Its that time of year again where we start to see “the lists” start appearing regarding everyone’s favorite this and that from the course of the year. We here at the Twangville will have some lists of our own starting to appear over the coming days and weeks. We thought we’d kick it off with […]
Alejandro Escovedo at the “O”
Alejandro Escovedo keeps on rolling this week with the release of Live Animal. The live ep features songs from Real As An Animal, his late spring 2008 release. Those in the DC area can experience the real thing this Sunday. Escovedo is doing a special private concert that will be filmed for potential future release. […]
Exclusive: Alejandro Escovedo Still Talking
Exclusive! Alejandro Escovedo Speaks
Your Favorites in 2008… So Far
The residents of Twangville have spoken! Here are some of your favorites from the first half of the year. The Band of Heathens, The Band of Heathens Hayes Carll, Trouble In Mind Drive-By Truckers, Brighter Than Creation’s Dark Justin Townes Earle, The Good Life Kathleen Edwards, Asking for Flowers Elbow, Seldom Seen Kid Eleven Hundred […]
Alejandro Escovedo – Real Animal
Alejandro Escovedo may finally be getting his due on his new album Real Animal. He is touring this Summer with Dave Matthews, he recently shared the stage in Houston with “The Boss” (see video below) and he has a Letterman appearance scheduled for early August. Considering he has been one of the most respected musicians […]
Reckless Kelly + More, Releases 6/24
Reckless Kelly performing Alejandro Escovedo’s “Castanets”. RECKLESS KELLY, Bulletproof (Yep Roc) Official Site | MySpace | Samples (Amazon) Believe me, passing over Alejandro Escovedo to feature Reckless Kelly this week was not easy. But that’s just how much I dig this Texas band. They took some time to get ‘Bulletproof’ out but early signs show […]