Duets are relationship counseling with better suits. Two people, one microphone, and a shared agreement to tell the truth in public as long as it rhymes. Melissa Carper and Theo Lawrence understand the assignment. Their debut duo album Havin’ A Talk leans into the oldest trick in country music: make the song a conversation, then let the conversation become the plot.
Readers’ Pick: Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence – Havin’ A Talk
You picked Melissa Carper & Theo Lawrence – Havin’ A Talk as your favorite new release for the week of February 6, 2026.
The Twangville Early 2026 Preview
The Dreamin’ Kind by Langhorne Slim (16 Jan) Langhorne Slim cranks up the electric guitars on his newest release. Yet while the sound may be different, the songs remain the same – brilliant sing-along anthems that don’t shy away from the darker side of humanity. From start to finish, he wears his heart on his […]
Readers’ Pick: Melissa Carper – Borned in Ya
You picked Melissa Carper – Borned in Ya as your favorite new release for the week of July 19, 2024.
Melissa Carper – Borned In Ya
A couple of years ago, at AmericanaFest, one of my highlights was seeing a trio that later called themselves Wonder Women Of Country; Kelly Willis, Brennan Leigh, and Melissa Carper. I was familiar with the beautiful voices of Willis and Leigh, but Carper was new to me. She added an authenticity and balance to the […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2024
Lay By Your Side, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the self-released Forgotten but Not Gone and Few and Far Between) I’ve never been through a divorce but, listening to Christopher Paul Stelling’s new Forgotten but Not Gone and Few and Far Between, I have greater insight into the explosion of emotions that occur. Stelling has long […]
Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul
One of the best sets I saw at this year’s AmericanaFest was the trio of Brennan Leigh, Kelly Willis, and Melissa Carper. As they told stories of their travels together in between the songs it was clear they were having as much fun off stage as on. That newfound, or perhaps refound, appreciation for touring […]
Readers’ Pick: Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul
You picked Melissa Carper – Ramblin’ Soul as your favorite new release for the week of November 18, 2022. Poll Results New Releases Readers’ Tops Summer & Fall 2022 The Claudettes – The Claudettes Go Out! (32 votes) Tami Neilson – Kingmaker (28) The Sadies – Colder Streams (26) Parker Twomey – All This Life […]
Melissa Carper on Farm Work, Solar Power, and Living in a Music Hub
Country and folk artist Melissa Carper talks about the value of having a great mechanic friend, living in a music hub, and an early song partially inspired by Sesame Street.
AmericanaFest 2022 – Shawn’s Favorites
I was once again fortunate enough to attend the fall celebration of all things roots music, AmericanaFest. Taking place across most of a week, the traditional kick-off is the Americana Music Awards on Wednesday night. The official showcases also started Wednesday, and ended Saturday night. And this year the unofficial events started on Tuesday and […]