A new location brought a special surprise – no rain. Rain, often torrential, is a Shaky Knees tradition. From year one’s mudfest to last year’s lightning storm, the weather has never been kind to Shaky Knees. Until this year, that is. The sun shone bright (perhaps too much at times, but I’m not complaining), making […]
Monday Morning Video: Social Distortion
Here’s a vintage full-length concert from Social Distortion, captured live at CBGB’s in 1992. ‘Cause sometimes you need to start your week with a snarl.
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2011, So Far (The Albums)
Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites from 2011. Here’s to more great music in the back half! HERE WE REST, JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT Isbell continues to mature as a songwriter, exploring the more soulful and acoustic side of his Alabama music heritage. Which isn’t to say that he […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of Winter 2011
My favorite albums from the Winter of 2011. Links will lead you to Twangville reviews. Also, be sure and check out the video companion below. Enjoy! Top 10 THE DECEMBERISTS, The King is Dead [★★★★★/4.700]Album number 6 for the Portland, OR based group. A slight departure from previous concept albums featuring cameos by Peter Buck […]
Mayer’s Playlist from January 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Heart of a Dog, by Kasey Anderson and the Honkies If last year’s Nowhere Nights stood out for the down-tempo songs, this time it’s all about the rockers. “Kasey Anderson’s Dream” and “Revisionist History Blues” are driven by heavy classic blues rock guitar riffs while “My Baby’s a Wrecking Ball” and […]
Coming Soon: 2011 Release Preview, Part 1
Even though we’ve just barely wrapped 2010, the 2011 release calendar is about to burst from the gate. Here are a few releases we’re eagerly awaiting at the Twangville General Store. And don’t forget our special give-away — tell us your most highly anticipated 2011 release and be eligible for signed cds from Chris Knight […]
A Fix of Social Distortion
Whether I’m in a great mood or downright angry, Social Distortion always hits the mark. Mike Ness and crew thrive on music that is mean enough to mess with the punks and melodic enough to please the twangers with a single song – the band’s cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.†Call it twang […]