With a voice that resembles Elvis Costello and an energy that recalls early Bruce Springsteen, Will Hoge is the artist to watch in 2006. His long-awaited new album, The Man Who Killed Love, is scheduled for release on February 7th. Hoge wears his influences proudly, but always with originality rather than imitation. The title track […]
Notable Releases: January 24, 2006
Patty Hurst Shifter, Too Crowded on the Losind End (Evo Recordings) The first of several anticipated releases this quarter, North Carolina’s Patty Hurst Shifter deliver solid rock and roll with a touch of the South. The band delivers some tear-stained ballads but is at its best with in-your-face rockers. (See my earlier preview here.) Cat […]
Notable Releases: January 17, 2006
As the record industry continues its extended holiday for new releases, attention turns to greatest hits collections and re-releases of classic albums. Here are a few notable releases for this week. Daryl Hall & John Oates, Rock ‘N Soul Part 1 (RCA/Legacy) You can love ‘em or you can hate ‘em, but Hall and Oates […]
New Releases from Robert Pollard & more
The beginning of the year, new release yawnfest tapers down this week with a few new releases. — T.O. My hopeful pick of the week for January 24, 2005: Robert Pollard From a Compound Eye (Merge) indie, rock Other notable releases include: Patty Hurst Shifter, Too Crowded on the Losing End (Evo) alt-country The Gourds, […]
Best Albums of 2005 (Tom’s Picks)
My Top 10 Albums of 2005 listed in order. 1. Back to Me, Kathleen Edwards An impressive follow-up to 2003’s Failer, for me Back to Me was the album to beat all year. I’ve listened to songs from this album all year long. Her tales of absence and heartache delivered by smokey yet smooth vocals […]
Mayer’s Picks for ’06
Streets of New York, Willie Nile It’s hard to believe that it has been over six years since Willie last released an album. He is an American original, crafting some of the most refreshing rock anthems around. Don’t believe me? Check out the impressive list of others endorsing him on his web site. (Expected release: […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Songs
Here, in no particular order, are my favorite songs from 2005. Washed by the Water, Will Hoge (available for download at Hoge’s web site) In a song as inspiring as it is inspired, Will Hoge leads a gospel revival for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. “Down here we are washed by the water, the […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Albums (pt. 2)
The countdown to the #1 album of 2005 continues… 7. Mr. Hollywood, Jr., 1947, Michael Penn It’s hard to decide which is more impressive, Michael Penn’s intelligent lyrics or his pop music sensibilities. On his first album in five years, Penn leaves little doubt that both are in peak form and that the combination is […]
Mayer’s 2005 Picks: The Albums (pt. 1)
With another year behind us, we at Twangville poured through our cd players and iPods to pick our favorites of 2005. Over the next week I’ll be highlighting my favorite albums and songs from 2005, culminating with a preview of some highly anticipated 2006 releases. 14. Den of Thieves , The Trews This was a […]
“Fresh” Picks for ’06
“They call me the seeker…” because I search low and high for great music. If your New Year’s resolution is to find that elusive gem — the undiscovered album that you won’t know how you lived without — the Discman’s Top 100 Albums can help. It has plenty of Twang, a little bang, and k.d. […]