Even after leaving the Drive-by Truckers, Jason Isbell has continued to wow and amaze. Â His literary songs and rockin” guitar licks accentuate catchy and heartbreaking melodies. I saw Isbell and Shires a year ago in Hartford in an acoustic setting. It fit so perfectly in the at the Wadsworth Atheneum Art Gallery that I wasn”t […]
Dr. John – Locked Down
Dr. John is an institution. With his characteristic mystical groovy-gumbo-voodoo schtick and funky keyboard playing, he has been a force in American music since his groundbreaking Gris-Gris in 1968. His early 1970s work, including Dr. John’s Gumbo and In the Right Place were instant classics.   A gifted piano (and occasional guitar) player, Mac Rebennack, or Dr. John, […]
The Honeydogs – What Comes After
The Twin Cities based Honeydogs, who were tantalizingly close to stardom in the late 1990s, have kept their day jobs, survived and now have released a new album that should please their enthusiastic followers. What Comes After follows the recipe of the band’s superb 1997 and 2001 releases, Seen a Ghost and Here’s Luck, with simple, straight forward lyrics and exceptional musicianship. The […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2007
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: What Is Love For, by Justin Currie Justin Currie sets the tone for his long-awaited solo debut with his opening line, “What is love for?” Over twelve intense tracks, Currie explores broken relationships with a studied but captivating eye. Lyrics filled with tinges of regret and resignation abound, often with an […]
Deadstring Brothers – Live @ Zydeco Birmingham, AL
I always thought how inspiring it must be for a musician to walk on stage in fromt of 12,000 screaming fans. But what about when it is 12 fans? How inspiring is that? Pretty damn inspiring if the Deadstring Brothers are any example. In reality there were more than 12 people at Zydeco two nights […]
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss + More, Album Previews
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, ‘Raising Sand’ (Full CD) Ever since Robert Plant formed the Honeydrippers and sang the cover “Sea of Love”, I’ve forgiven him for ever being anything but Led Zeppelin. Now with the help of T-Bone Burnett, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss have teamed up to produce the best collaboration since last […]
Reader’s Pick: Garrison Starr, “The Girl That Killed September”
With 72% of the votes, you chose the Garrison Starr‘s The Girl That Killed September as your favorite new album in a recent Twangville poll. Help us celebrate by enjoying these Garrison Starr videos. Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!
Neil Young + More, Album Previews
Neil Young, ‘Chrome Dreams II’ (Partial CD) [MySpace.com] One listen to ‘Spirit Road’ a track off of Neil Young‘s new album Chrome Dreams II and you will be reminded why he’s one of the greatest rockers of all time. Its rockin’. Its soulful. It reminds us that we’re all human and a part of our […]
Mayer’s Playlist for September 2007, A Video Companion
Lots of great videos this month including a bunch of two-fers that showcase artists in traditional videos as well as performing live. We’ve got pairs from Jeremy Fisher, Mike Viola (Candy Butchers), Rilo Kiley and Watershed, plus single shots from Emerson Hart, the Office, Mark Knopfler, The Go! Team, Admiral Freebee, and Gomez. And be […]
Reader’s Pick: Will Hoge, “Draw the Curtains”
With 44% of the votes, you chose the Will Hoge‘s Draw the Curtains as your favorite new album in a recent Twangville poll. Help us celebrate by enjoying these Will Hoge videos. Don’t forget to vote in this week’s poll!