Buddy Miller I’ve got a simple rule of thumb: don’t miss a solo Buddy Miller show. Miller’s work with artists ranging from Robert Plant to Solomon Burke to Patty Griffin overshadows his own recordings with his wife Julie. It’s a shame, really, as Buddy and Julie are simply brilliant. Whether playing country, blues or a […]
Mayer’s Playlist from February 2010
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Wings, by Will Kimbrough Nashville’s Will Kimbrough has long been a musical journeyman, lending his [immense] talents to artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Rodney Crowell. Yet, despite this heavy schedule, he still finds time to create some striking music of his own. Wings, his latest release, has a gentle and […]
Ten for Oh-Ten
2010 is shaping up quite nicely, thank you. Here are ten upcoming releases whose arrival is eagerly anticipated at the Twangville general store. FREEDY JOHNSTON, Rain on the City (Release date January 12th) Has it really been eight years since Johnston’s last album of originals? Johnston’s instrument of choice is an acoustic guitar, all the […]
Joe Pug, American Troubadour
Chicago musician Joe Pug has spent the better part of the past year with a guitar over his shoulder. Since releasing his debut ep Nation of Heat in spring of 2008, Pug has followed in the figurative footsteps of Woody Guthrie by performing his music whenever and wherever he can. And like the great folk […]
SXSW 2009: The Video Companion
For more Twangville SXSW coverage click here.
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 3)
The Damnwells The Damnwells burst right out of the gate with the rocking “55 Pictures†from their exceptional new release. The set was electric as the band veered from brawny rockers to moody ballads. Almost as entertaining was the young girl – I’m guessing 4 years-old – who jumped on stage to join the band. […]
Best Songs of 2008, Mayer’s Picks
It would be easy to mine my top album list for the best songs of the year. But why take the easy road? Here then are the top songs that aren’t represented on the top album list. The World Should Revolve Around Me, Little Jackie (from the S-Curve release The Stoop) This song is an […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2008, A Video Companion #1
There was so much good stuff this go-around that the video companion will arrive in two parts. Up first is live footage from Chris Mills, James McMurtry, Bob Walkenhorst, Joe Pug and Hifi Handgrenades. Plus we’ve got videos from Paddy Casey and KaiserCartel. Rounding things out is Reckless Kelly with a special live cover of […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May/June 2008, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Living in the Aftermath, by Chris Mills Brooklyn-by-way-of-Chicago musician Chris Mills is a pop classicist. Spend time with Aftermath and you’ll hear a guy well versed in retro-1960’s pop but with a proper contemporary attitude. His latest release takes the production richness of his 2005 orchestra-backed “The Wall to Wall Sessions” […]