Zach Top Scores His First #1 Country Song
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Like Zach Top’s meteoric success, it symbolizes the resurgence of neotraditional country in the mainstream, and is opening up doors for other traditional country artists.
Tyler Childers Drops Surprise Album, “Long Violent History”
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Completely unexpectedly and totally unannounced, the current king of independent country music dropped a surprise record early Friday morning (9-18) called ‘Long Violent History.’ No, you won’t find a cache of new original songs. This is a record of old traditional fiddle tunes
We Need a Carrie Underwood Classic Country Album. And Now.
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Look, lobbying for Carrie Underwood among the classic country crowd has always been an uphill battle. But the career of Carrie Underwood is a perfect example of why you can’t paint all pop country with the same broad brush.
Austin Legend and Songwriter Doak Snead Passes Away
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A pioneer of Austin’s progressive country scene, as well as respected songwriter and country music personality Doak Snead has passed on. A member of the duo Tom and Billy, and later the leader of the Doak Snead Band, he was a staple and regular opener at Austin’s legendary Armadillo World Headquarters.
ACMs Spoil Great Night By Splitting Entertainer of the Year
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Just remember, “It’s only the ACM Awards.” It’s just disappointing that one of their best presentations in perhaps a decade or more—and under difficult circumstances—had to be sullied at the very end by a silly and avoidable decision.
The 2020 ACM Awards LIVE Blog
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For the three hours of the presentation, we’ll be leaving quips, observations, and kudos where warranted in real time in an effort to make the awards at least somewhat palatable for those of distinguishing tastes, and who know what actual country music is supposed to sound like.
Steve Earle to Release Justin Townes Earle Tribute Album
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Steve Earle and his backing band The Dukes will be releasing a record of songs written by Steve Earle’s late son Justin Townes Earle who passed away in late August at the age of 38. Though details are still coming together, Steve Earle announced the album on Wednesday, September 16th.
What To Expect from the 2020 ACM Awards
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Remember, it’s just the ACM Awards. Less prestigious than the CMAs, and more susceptible to bloc voting and other dubious practices than most any other awards apparatus in country music and beyond, think of it more as a performative infomercial for the mainstream of country music.
Album Review – Casper McWade’s “Unraveled”
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He is one of these artists that’s too rough-and-tumble for the Nashville scene, and not polished enough for Texas/Red Dirt. But McWade has garnered a following all his own between the margins, just like fellow songwriter Cody Jinks, who recorded one of McWade’s songs on his recent album ‘The Wanting.’
Cody Jinks Hits Massive Milestone with TWO (2) Gold Singles
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In yet another sign that the country music revolution is taking hold, Texas-based and completely independent country music singer and songwriter Cody Jinks has officially minted not one, but two Certified Gold singles according to the RIAA. And it doesn’t stop there.
Album Review – Tim McGraw’s “Here On Earth”
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Through the Bro-Country era, Tim McGraw became one of the surprising saving graces in mainstream country music by entering his late career stage doubling back to his roots and releasing quality songs that were surprisingly more country than even some of his earlier stuff, and even finding success with them on the radio.
Hank Williams Jr. Is Out on Monday Night Football, Again
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Just a few weeks after it was announced that Hank Williams Jr. would finally be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame a good decade or more after he should have already been, it was announced this week Bocephus has been booted once again out of his high-profile Monday Night Football theme song spot.
Album Review – Juliet McConkey’s “Disappearing Girl”
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Juliet McConkey’s debut album Disappearing Girl leaves one touched in a way that is lasting, and reminds you why music holds such a dedicated and reverent place in your life in the first place. You’re left spent, and eternally grateful. Hurt never sounded so sweet.