Battle Born, Matthew Ryan (from the self-released Hustle Up Starling) I tend to judge the quality of a year in part based on the caliber of new music unleashed within them. In that light, any year that we get a new album from Matthew Ryan is well on its way to being a good one. […]
Monday Morning Video – Jason Isbell “Something More Than Free”
Here’s one of my favorites – and the title track – from Jason Isbell’s most recent release. This solo acoustic version was recorded in Austin, Texas last June. You see a hammer finds a nail And a freight train needs the rails And I’m doin’ what I’m on this earth to do
AmericanaFest 2016 – The AMA Awards
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music.  Traditionally, the opening of the annual Americana Music Festival was always […]
Monday Morning Video – Jason Isbell and the Hard Working Americans
Ah, the dog days of summer. What better time to kick back and enjoy a Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ classic as performed by The Hard Working Americans and special guest Jason Isbell.
Luther Dickinson – Blues & Ballads (A Folksinger’s Songbook Volumes I & II)
When I caught Luther Dickinson’s show last month in Philadelphia, it was in the smaller of the two halls at World Cafe Live. There were maybe 100 or so patrons there, and the tickets were reasonably priced under $20. He and his “Cooperators” couldn’t have walked away with more than $2,000 from the evening. After […]
Authors’ Pick: Best Album of 2015: Jason Isbell, “Something More Than Free”… Plus More
Official Twangville Best New Album of 2015: JASON ISBELL, Something More Than Free Here it is. Our official pick for Best New Album of 2015 is Something More Than Free by Jason Isbell. Isbell beats out Josh Ritter’s Sermon on the Rocks which is eerily reminiscent of 2013 when Isbell and Ritter also came in #1 and #2.This list […]
Shawn's Picks – Best Albums of 2015
The Mavericks – Mono  More than their previous albums I felt like Mono showcased the band more than the individuals in it.  They”re not breaking any new ground here, but that”s like dinging someone for being the best in the world at something.  This stayed in the disc changer in my car for about 6 […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Readers’ Pick: Something More Than Free by Jason Isbell
JASON ISBELL, Something More Than Free beats out JOHN GINTY, No Filter by 27 votes as your favorite for the week of July 17, 2015. Poll Results Readers’ Tops – Summer 2015 JASON ISBELL, Something More Than Free (34) JOHN GINTY, No Filter (7) WILCO, Star Wars (2) New Releases New […]
Jason Isbell’s “Something More Than Free”
Every once in awhile, there is an artist whose album is so anticipated by the Twangville Posse that a number of us pile on for a team review. Put Jason Isbell’s “Something More Than Free” in that category. SHAWN’S TAKE Jason Isbell’s last album, Southeastern, was my favorite album on the year. It was a […]