In a word: Yawn. Here are some quick thoughts on this year’s Grammy awards. The Police: It was great to see the Police but I really wish that they wore their outfits from the Synchronicity II video. Dixie Chicks: A great song and a passionate live performance. And Twangville sends a hearty shout out to […]
Backyard Tire Fire & More, Album Previews
Backyard Tire Fire, Vagabonds and Hooligans (O.L.E. Records) Good stuff from Athens and Asheville rooted Backyard Tire Fire. Now putting it down in Bloomington, IL the trio delivers a promising new record titled Vagabonds and Hooligans. You gotta love an album whose first verse reads: Instruments and cable ties and bottles on the floor / […]
Hem, “Funnel Cloud” Reviewed
On their third studio full-length, New York City’s Hem offer up a thoughtful selection of secular hymns to the lost and broken-hearted. There is a fragile beauty in the delicate arrangements of Hem’s songs, and an often comfortably familiar tone, by turns evoking the melodies and moods of Bruce Springsteen (“Old Adam”), Tom Waits (“The […]
Randy Newman in Defense of our Country
When he’s not composing movie soundtracks and collecting Oscar nominations, Randy Newman writes pop songs filled with biting social and political commentary. So it should come as no surprise to see Newman offer his perspectives on today’s highly charged global political environment. “A Few Words In Defense of Our Country”, by Randy Newman A president […]
Josh Rouse, EP Available
A personal favorite artist of mine ever since my cousin Ken mentioned him to me back in 2003, Josh Rouse released a new EP this week. This time as a duo. He’s partnered up with Spanish native, Paz Suay, who’s smooth vocals you might recognize from his last album, Subtitulo. The new EP is aptly […]
Twangville Recommends: You Am I
Long known in their native Australia, You Am I have found limited success in the United States. With a little luck that is about to change. Months after releasing their latest album, Convicts, in their native country, the band just joined the powerhouse Yep Roc line-up.* Although I don’t find Convicts, their Yep Roc debut, […]
Funky Nashville “Hitch A Ride” The Video
Now check out the video Hitch A Ride” with the band Funky Nashville at www.myspace.com/funkynashvilleband or at www.myspace.com/vidkjaer Jesper Vidkjaer Mazanti FIlm
Paolo Nutini & More, Album Previews
HOT STUFF: Paolo Nutini, These Streets (WEA) I haven’t given many of this week’s new releases a listen yet, but a preliminary dig into Scottish cat, Paolo Nutini, has me interested. I’m getting some of the same good vibes I’ve had from Amos Lee and K.T. Tunstall in the past. It has me looking forward […]
New Orleans Jazz Fest 2007 Lineup
Emails were set out on friday announcing the majority of the talent that will be appearing at 2007’s New Orleans Jazz Fest. The festival will take place on the weekends of April 27th and May 4th, and tickets are already available online. The talent list includes but is certainly not limited to: Norah Jones, John […]
The Offramps, a Giveaway
The fellas over at The Offramps are offering up to 5 autographed copies of their debut CD, Hate It When You’re Right. I’m tellin’ ya, if you like amped up rock n’ roll, you’re missing a big opportunity by not participating in this. All you have to do is be one of the first five […]