This is the last of a series of video shorts leading up to the release of Ben Kweller’s new self-titled album. The song is called “Run” and the video is witness to the brilliance of young Kweller. Enjoy! One Minute Pop Song With Ben Kweller EPISODE 9 For a deeper dig, check out all of […]
Ben Kweller
I come bearing gifts! While, like Tom, I wasn’t able to track down a full-album stream of Ben Kweller’s new self-titled CD, I did manage to dig up a few tracks, and trust me when I say that they are outstanding. I’m not even going to try to tell you how enchanted I am, just […]
R.E.M. & More, Album Previews
THIS WEEK’S ELITE: R.E.M., And I Feel Fine: The Best Of R.E.M. Disc 1 | Disc 2 (Capitol/IRS) This album could easily be a soundtrack for my teen years. These songs were an escape from reality during that awkward time. John Mayer, Continuum (Sony, Aware) Another impressive effort. Soulful “Waiting on the World to Change” […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2006
I Am a Leaver, The Damnwells (from the album Air Stereo The boys from Brooklyn may have switched labels, but the sound remains constant. Songwriter Alex Dezen knows how to construct energetic rock songs with smart lyrics. “I am a Leaver” packs a punch with its driving rhythm and gleaming power chords. Lookin’ for a […]
What Made Milwaukee Famous “Sweet Lady”, a Download
By now, it should be no surprise that my favorite song download of the week is from Austin-based What Made Milwaukee Famous’s re-issue, Trying Never to Catch Up. The album is simply outstanding. Check out pop-infused track number 11, “Sweet Lady” [Barsuk Records] [audio:http://barsukmusic.blaireau.net/WhatMadeMilwaukeeFamous_SweetLady.mp3] Hey, sweet lady, where you running so fast / maybe if […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2006
Love It When You Call, The Feeling (from the album Twelve Steps and Home) For fans of the late, great Jellyfish, this may be the best thing since, well, Jellyfish. The Feeling blend 1970’s pop classicism in the vein of ELO with the polish of 1980’s alterna-pop. The icing on the cake is the closing […]
The Genius of Allen Toussaint
Live shows don’t get much better than the pairing of Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, currently wrapping up a tour in support of their collaborative release The River in Reverse. While Costello has become known for his eclectic musical collaborations over the past decade, he’s reached a new peak with Toussaint. Whether creating musical arrangements […]
The Musical Heat: The Best July Releases
June was a great month for new music with great new offerings from Roman Candle, the Bottle Rockets, the Yayhoos, and a remarkable collaboration between Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint. July is shaping up to be just as good with a host of solid releases. Americanitis, Will Kimbrough (7/25) Known primarily as a side-man and […]
Mayer’s Playlist for May and June
A heavy travel schedule for my day job has kept me from my Twangville musings, not to mention keeping me out of the clubs and record stores. Nonetheless, here’s the long overdue playlist from May and June. Hammer + Nail, Paul Thorn (from the live cd/dvd So Far, So Good: The Best of the Paul […]
Notable Releases: 6 June 2006
The River in Reverse, Elvis Costello & Alan Touissaint A potent combination inspired by one of America’s disgraceful disasters. Zoysia, The Bottle Rockets The pride of Festus, Missouri rediscover the rock-and-roll side of country. For more on the Bottle Rockets, see the Twangville preview. Oppenheimer, Oppenheimer The English duo were a pleasant surprise at this year’s SXSW. […]