Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2025.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2025, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2025 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 2025. Permission, Alex Wong featuring MILCK (from the Shamus Records release Permission) “Permission” is a defiant sing-along anthem that […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall/Winter 2025, Part 1
Speechwriter, Joelton Mayfield (from the Bloodshot Records release Crowd Pleaser) Joelton Mayfield’s Crowd Pleaser announces itself with purpose: vivid storytelling wrapped in guitars that know when to whisper and when to scream. The dynamics shift constantly—bobbing, weaving, building tension that reverberates from somewhere in the distance before crashing into the present moment. “Pretty Linda” offers […]
Kiss Off – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 8
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 […]
Monday Morning Video – Julianna Riolino
I stumbled across Julianna Riolino at SXSW a few years ago. I went to see Daniel Romano and was greeted with a welcome surprise: Riolino performing a set backed by Romano and company. Great songs, high energy, and a kick you in the ass attitude. Here’s a taste from the release party for Riolino’s 2022 […]
Monday Morning Video – Carson McHone and Julianna Riolino
Last week I shared a video from Daniel Romano’s Outfit. This week let’s enjoy a pair of solo gems from Outfit members Carson McHone and Julianna Riolino. First up is McHone’s “Hawks Don’t Share” from her 2022 release Still Life. Then it’s Riolino, backed by the Outfit, covering Fairpoint Convention’s “Come All Ye” segueing into […]
Monday Morning Video – Daniel Romano’s Outfit
I watched Daniel Romano’s Outfit lay waste to New York City’s Bowery Ballroom this past weekend. All rock, no banter (except when the drummer broke the bass drum – when was the last time you saw THAT happen). The set not only featured songs from Romano’s extensive catalog, but also a few from bandmates Carson […]
SXSW 2023 – The Sounds, Part 3
ROANOKE Another on my short list of new to me artists for me this year was Roanoke. They bore more than a passing resemblance to the fictional Daisy Jones and the Six in both song and spirit. A good thing in my book. JAKE BLOUNT Jake Blount is a true student of American music. So […]