Every year the first weekend of February B. J. Barham hosts American Aquarium’s Road Trip to Raleigh. In fact, this year was the Tenth anniversary of Road Trip. As usual it was held at Lincoln Theater in downtown Raleigh. It was the second time I attended, with last year being my first. One thing for […]
Chip’s Top Albums of 2024
2024 was a difficult year to rank albums. There were so many exceptional releases this year that if I tried to re-rank the list it might look a lot different depending on my mood. My top 5 were the albums that really stuck with me, as for the rest it was very difficult to rank […]
Readers’ Pick: American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still
You picked American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still as your favorite new release for the week of July 26, 2024. Poll Results New Releases Readers’ Tops Summer 2024 Melissa Carper – Borned in Ya (17 votes) American Aquarium – The Fear of Standing Still (16) Johnny Blue Skies (Sturgill Simpson) – Passage du Desir […]
American Aquarium – Fear of Standing Still
By the time most bands have released a dozen or so albums, they are past their prime. They may still be releasing solid material, but the zenith is clearly in the rear view. Thankfully American Aquarium isn’t most bands. BJ Barham’s band is scarred, and road worn for sure. Lineups have changed and morphed over […]
American Aquarium’s Road Trip to Raleigh.
Upon leaving the third and last night of American Aquarium’s Road Trip to Raleigh, one conclusion was obvious. B.J. Barham really knows how to throw a party. In fact, more than a party, it is a festival. Other bands do special weekend events to be sure, but Barham to his credit goes deep into his […]
Kiss Off – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 7
A few times over the years I put together a series of special playlists featuring my favorite kiss off songs. Despite what some may think, I’m really not that cynical. Rather, I just appreciate how some songwriters can tackle the topic with humor and bite. It’s kind of like a genre unto itself. There have […]
Readers’ Pick: American Aquarium – Chicamacomico
You picked American Aquarium – Chicamacomico as your favorite new release for the week of June 10, 2022. Poll Results New Releases Readers’ Tops Winter & Spring 2022 Pete Mancini – Killing the Old Ways (101 votes) David Gideon – Lonesome Desert Strum (75) Tody Castillo – Old Rodriguez (49) Sarah Borges – Together Alone […]
Chip’s Best Americana Albums of 2020
There were so many good albums this year I am breaking my list into two posts. I will start with the best Americana albums. In the next couple of weeks I will post my Best Indie/Rock albums list. Though the latter will be less comprehensive than this one. While picking the best albums was an […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2020
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2020.
BJ Barham on 99 Cent Menus, Turtleneck Sweaters, and Minor Brushes with Catastrophe
American Aquarium’s BJ Barham shares a touring tip to avoid cops and break-ins, reveals the one thing that he has refused to give up, and talks about why it is important to surround yourself with the right people.