If I limited selections from my favorite albums of the year to as many as I could fit on a CD it would look something like this. The journey starts with the always energetic Eli “Paperboy” Reed. Somewhere in the middle you hear the genius songwriting by Caleb Stine and Justin Townes Earle. All to […]
You Pick It: Springsteen’s “Atlantic City”
What is it about Bruce Springsteen songs? Judging from these performances, they are as much fun for the artists to perform as they are for the audience to enjoy. Here’s a collection of artists taking on the stark “Atlantic City.” I’m partial to Levon Helm — who makes the song his own. I also like […]
Twangville Town Hall: Justin Townes Earle’s “Harlem River Blues”
MAYER’S TAKE: SHADES OF WOODY GUTHRIE It’s interesting how artists get influenced by their surroundings, particularly when they uproot from familiar territories and move to new locales. It usually sends their music into different directions, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. When Justin Townes Earle moved from Nashville to New York City, I’m sure […]
You Pick It: The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait”
Twangville is pleased to launch a new periodic series that we call “You Pick It.” Here’s how it works. We’ll serve up videos of multiple artists covering a single song and ask you to pick the definitive version. We’ll kick things off with one of my all-time favorites, The Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait.” Replacements singer-songwriter […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2010, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE SEASON: Street Songs of Love, by Alejandro Escovedo Alejandro Escovedo is living proof that some things just get better with age. Street Songs of Love rocks with abandon and rolls with purpose. “Anchor†is a fitting opener, electric guitars kicks off a rocker that, although mid-tempo, still packs a forceful punch. “If […]
Singin’ Happy Tunes with the Truckers, Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes
Need some extra juice to get you through the week? Two Twangville faves recently released mp3s for your listening pleasure. Drive-By Truckers, “This Fucking Job” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/5/28/2459127/Drive-By%20Truckers%20-%20This%20Fucking%20Job.mp3] Justin Townes Earle and Dawn Landes, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” [audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/5/28/2459127/Justin%20Townes%20Earle%20and%20Dawn%20Landes%20-%20Do%20I%20Ever%20Cross%20Your%20Mind.mp3]
Mayer’s Best of 2009 (the songs), Part 2
Arms & Legs and Flowers, Ian Hunter (from the New West Records release Man Overboard) It’s no accident that Ian Hunter gets two mentions on this list. The legendary singer-songwriter is a true rock and roll poet, writing magnificent songs that combine simplicity with depth. “Arms & Legs” is an inspirational tribute to love built […]
Readers’ Pick: Top 10 Favorite Albums of 2009
Your picks are in! There were some surprises and several picks that you’ll see repeated among the Twangville Editors’ Picks of 2009. The votes started diminishing after the Top 10 so we’ve capped it at that. Well, technically 11 due to a tie at number 10. The initial list of candidates was chosen from our […]
Mayer’s Best of 2009
#1. LUCERO, 1372 Overton Park (Republic/Universal) The former residents of 1372 Overton Park in Memphis let loose a potent blend of classic rock anthems and horn-infused Southern soul. Fueled by singer-songwriter Ben Nichol’s gritty vocals and filled with lyrics about whiskey-filled nights and the mornings after, this one is a barnburner. (Twangville review here and […]
Best Albums of 2009, Official Twangville Editors’ Picks
Another great year in music comes to a close! Over the next several days the editors of Twangville will be releasing their top picks from the year. To kick that off, here’s the aggregated Top 25 Twangville Editors’ Picks of 2009. It was a close match for number one between Lucero and Justin Townes Earle […]