ALBUMS OF THE MONTHS Parker Millsap, by Parker Millsap What is it about Oklahoma? As if the state’s musical credibility weren’t long ago established, there’s been a surge of great young artists emerging from the state. Count Parker Millsap among ‘em. Millsap blends gospel, bluegrass and folk to perfection all the while filling his songs […]
SXSW 2014 — The Sounds, Part 1
THE HOLD STEADY While I may not be as crazy as my friend who chased the band around Austin for the band’s 7 planned shows, I wasn’t going to pass up a chance to see the Brooklyn rockers celebrate their first album in 4 years. I accompanied said friend to the front of the stage […]
Monday Morning Video: Ryan Adams Covers Bob Mould
I hope that everyone has been keeping up with Suzanne’s survey of Ryan Adams musical catalog (parts 1 and 2; stay tuned for part 3!). Adams recently appeared at a tribute to legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist Bob Mould. Mould has provided us with legions of music from his tenures with Husker Du and Sugar […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Songs of 2010, Pt. 1
Not So Sure and How Good You Are, Joe Pug (from the Lightning Rod Records release Messenger) Quite simply, I couldn’t decide which of these songs I liked better so called it a draw. Both are shining examples of Pug’s songwriting prowess: thoughtful lyrics, engaging melodies and a captivating performance. Audio Download: Joe Pug, “Not […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2010 Video Companion
I gotta say, I’m really impressed with the videos that I found to accompany my Best of 2010 playlist. Things kick off with a Peter Wolf and Shelby Lynne rehearsing their duet on “Tragedy” from Wolf’s incredible release. The performance is so powerful it defies description. Next up is Joe Pug demonstrating his captivating showmanship […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Songs of 2010, a Playlist and Video Companion
If I limited selections from my favorite albums of the year to as many as I could fit on a CD it would look something like this. The journey starts with the always energetic Eli “Paperboy” Reed. Somewhere in the middle you hear the genius songwriting by Caleb Stine and Justin Townes Earle. All to […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2010
#1. JOE PUG, Messenger (Lightning Rod) Pug may only be in his mid 20’s, but his songs reflect a timeless musical wisdom. A folk troubadour in the truest sense, he is equally skilled tackling social and political topics as he is at exploring the politics of romance. A powerful new musical voice has emerged. (Twangville […]
You Pick It: Springsteen’s “Atlantic City”
What is it about Bruce Springsteen songs? Judging from these performances, they are as much fun for the artists to perform as they are for the audience to enjoy. Here’s a collection of artists taking on the stark “Atlantic City.” I’m partial to Levon Helm — who makes the song his own. I also like […]
Twangville Town Hall: Heaven is Whenever – The Hold Steady
For the posse here at Twangville, it’s always fun to sit around and shoot the breeze as we discuss our favorite new releases. Some of them, like the recent album from the Drive By Truckers, deserve a bit more attention, sometimes. The Hold Steady (Official / Myspace) is one of our favorite acts ’round these […]
SXSW 2009: The Sounds (part 2)
The Right Ons The quintet from Madrid, Spain is like a party in a box. They’re well-studied students of the classic Detroit garage rock sound, with bits of Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone thrown in as well. They paid tribute to Stone with their intense cover of Sly’s “I Want to Take […]