Release Radar & Most Anticipated Albums for 2nd Half of 2025
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No rest for independent country music fans in the second half of 2025. Some excellent country music projects will be coming at you, and this is your updating guide too get you through it all.
Ricky Skaggs, Toby Keith Medals Not a “Reaction” to Impeachment
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The news spread quickly, and put country music right in the middle of the political imbroglio. However, reports by Rolling Stone and other outlets that the awarding of the medal was a quote “reaction” to the impeachment are false. Instead, it was a preplanned ceremony orchestrated in advance.
Oh Thank Goodness: Willie Nelson Receives COVID-19 Vaccine
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Oh thank goodness. And all you wing nuts who believe the vaccine includes Bill Gates microchips or jellyfish plasma or whatever, hush up. We don’t want to hear any of it. We just want to hear that Willie Nelson is one step closer to not being the latest victim of COVID-19.
The Embrace of Randy Travis by the Texas Music Scene
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Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis was born and raised in North Carolina, and made his name in Nashville. But lately here it’s been Texas where Randy Travis has not only made his home, but been embraced as part of the community.
Album Review – Silas J. Dirge’s “The Poor Devil”
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In the bleak midwinter, at a time when death and despair are hanging thick in the air, madness seems to be all around, and the Yuletide mood has all but worn off, perhaps it’s as good of a time as any aside from All Hallow’s Eve to delve into the dark, unsettled side of country music.
Tony Rice Wasn’t Happy About the State of Modern Country. At All.
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Like so many modern day true country fans, Tony Rice held a pretty outspoken distaste for what country music had become, and wasn’t afraid to speak about it publicly. “There’s still a lot of good music out there that John and Jane Doe will never hear.”
Florida Georgia Line’s “New Truck” is The Worst Song Ever
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You can palpably feel the IQ points fleeing your gray matter while in audience with this audio monstrosity. It is not scientifically possible to engineer a conflagration of audio signals that is more indolent, and damaging to the psyche and intellect than this abomination.
Album Review – Aaron Watson’s “American Soul”
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Aaron Watson is enigmatic in the way that you won’t find someone more fiercely dedicated to the independent approach to country music in all of its facets, but who will also still release songs that feel like they’re prattling for commercial acceptance …
Michael Apted Brought Loretta Lynn’s ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ Story to Life
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British film director Michael Apted died on Thursday, January 7th, and though this may not be a name you recognize or see as noteworthy in the country music realm on the surface, the Cambridge-educated film icon played a major part in telling one of the most compelling stories in country music history.
Album Review – The Divorcees – “Drop of Blood”
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Turning the stereotype that country music can only come from the Southern United States squarely on its head, The Divorcees have been eastern Canada’s favorite honky tonk band for going on 15 years now, and promise to continue to hold that distinction with the drop of their latest record ‘Drop of Blood.’
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies…” Writer Ed Bruce Has Died
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There are many legendary country songs, and many legendary country songwriters. But few songs are as synonymous with country music to the point where they’re so well-recognized and can be recited by those well outside the country fold like “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.”
Cody Jinks Hints at 2021 Plans, and They are BIG
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So much for 2021 being better than 2020, at least so far. But true country fans do have something to look forward to as Cody Jinks has dropped a couple of succulent hints about what he might have in store for 2020. “Demos are done on 20 new songs. Now we just need to schedule some studio time.”
Country Songwriter & O’Kanes Member Jamie O’Hara Has Died
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From the Grammy-winning song “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” that became the signature song from The Judds, to Gary Allan’s first #1 hit “Man To Man,” to Ronnie McDowell’s #1 “Older Woman,” songwriter Jamie O’Hara made major contributions to the songbook of country music.