Another year is winding down, which means that it is time for the ubiquitous best of year lists. Without further ado, here are my picks for the best albums of 2017. #10. BAND OF HEATHENS, Duende The Heathens plugged in their guitars more so than previous albums without losing any of their Texas Americana allure. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Fall 2017, Part 3
(This Ain’t) An Original Sin, Will Hoge (from the EDLO Records release Anchors) Nashville-based singer-songwriter Will Hoge possesses the twin powers of lyric and melody, a talent that is finely displayed on Anchors. From a lyrical perspective, the album overflows with yearning, disappointment and self-reflection. “You can try to fight the truth, but time will […]
Monday Morning Video – Will Hoge
Will Hoge recently celebrated the release of Anchors, his 9th studio album. In the video below, he talks about the burn-out that preceded it and how watching his kids, ages 6 and 9, form a band rekindled his musical spirit. Great news for the rest of us, as it is a fine addition to the […]
Americana 2017: Mayer’s Picks (Part 1)
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. Here are but a few of my favorite performers and performances […]
Americana 2016: The Sounds, Part 2
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the annual Americana Music Awards and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. SHANNON MCNALLY It’s become something of an annual tradition to close […]
Bobby K’s Music Newsletter 2015
Editor’s note: Once a year I receive an email from Robert Klausner, better known to Twangville as Bobby K. The email is an annual newsletter sent to his friends recapping favorite music picks and discoveries from the year. I asked for Bobby’s permission to repost here because it’s just too good not to share. Enjoy! […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2015, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Didn’t He Ramble, by Glen Hansard Hansard’s latest album is a journey. Across the album’s ten tracks, Hansard takes the listener on a quest for happiness and contentment. Not surprisingly the journey is a meandering one, filled with hopes both realized and dashed. The album begins with a rather defiant tone […]
Readers’ Pick: Ruffian’s Misfortune by Ray Wylie Hubbard
RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune beats out WILL HOGE, Small Town Dreams by 17 votes as your favorite for the week of April 7, 2015. Poll Results Readers’ Tops – Spring 2015 RAY WYLIE HUBBARD, Ruffian’s Misfortune (22) WILL HOGE, Small Town Dreams (5) DELTA RAE, After It All (2) JOSH ROUSE, Embers […]
Kiss Off: A Special Twangville Playlist, Part 5
A few years back I put together a series of special playlists featuring my favorite kiss off songs. Despite what my family may think, I’m really not that cynical. Rather, I just appreciate how some songwriters can tackle the topic with humor and bite. Over the past year I’ve come across a few more to […]