Twangville

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

Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2025 (So Far), the Songs

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Wrong End & Black Snake, Mojave Blues, Balto (from the self-released No Hard Feeling) These two songs represent the scope of Balto’s musical power – the unbridled rock and roll fury of “Black Snake, Mojave Blues” and the powerful emotion of “Wrong End”, the band’s seeming farewell to music: I don’t believe in songs no moreIn the long dead horse […]

Monday Morning Video – Joshua Ray Walker

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Joshua Ray Walker has rapidly established himself as one of country music’s shining lights. He burst onto the scene with the stunning “Canyon” back in 2019 and has released music at a furious pace. Two studio albums of originals, an acoustic album, a covers album, and a live album, all tremendous showcases of his talent. […]

Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2023

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Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2023.

Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2023, Part 2

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I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2023 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Whatever Helps You Sleep, Abby Hamilton (from the Blue Gown Records release #1 Zookeeper (of the San […]

SXSW 2022 – The Sounds, Part 2

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ALLISON RUSSELL Seeing Allison Russell was a transcendental experience.  Her songs and performance were glorious in their intensity and emotion.  While she brought out the clarinet and banjo for a few songs, she mostly relied on the talented trio of musicians to support her on acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and cello.  Simply magical. BER One […]

Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2021, Part 2

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I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2021 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. What’s The Matter/Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release […]

Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2021, Boston/Dallas Edition

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I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Sunset Diner by Brandon Callies Callies chronicles a painful break-up […]