I Actually Listened to the New Bad Bunny Album. This is What I Heard
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It struck me that the vast majority of people were discussing an album and an artist they had heard little to no music from. The first and foremost rule of music criticism is that you have to listen to the material.
Morgan Wallen Backlash Not Just Ineffective, It’s Counter-Productive
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As the criticism of the country music industry at large continues to pour in following the aftermath of Morgan Wallen’s N-word video, his Dangerous: The Double Album spends its now fifth week firmly atop the Billboard 200 for being far and away the best selling and streaming album in all of music.
Charley Crockett Tributes James Hand with “Lesson in Depression”
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Charley Crockett is one of the most formidable country artists for keeping the flame of authentic country music burning at the moment. With purpose and a servant’s heart, he leans into this charge once again with this unexpected cover of the James Hand song “Lesson in Depression.”
Zach Bryan Releases Dave Cobb-Produced Recordings from Studio ‘A’
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Ever since November of 2019 when we got fair warning that viral songwriting star Zach Bryan was working with Dave Cobb in historic Studio ‘A’ in Nashville, we’ve been waiting to hear the results. Well now at least two tracks from those sessions have arrived.
Big Win for Ku Klux Klan as Dolly Parton Statue is Dead
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Congratulations, woke Twitter. You have officially blocked the effort to erect a statue of Dolly Parton in the Tennessee State House in Nashville, certifying that the current statue of Ku Klux Klan leader and Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest remains ensconced.
Bella White & John R. Miller Sign to Rounder Records
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A couple of the most promising up-and-coming performers and songwriters in independent country music have recently signed to Rounder Records, and its cause for celebration for these two artists who will now hopefully receive a higher level of interest in their craft moving forward.
Album Review – The Barlow’s “Horseshoe Lounge”
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Drawing influences from both their native environs, as well as bordering states like Texas for a more open sound, and Wyoming for some Western flavor—and then hopscotching a few states to draw on Southern rock as well—The Barlow is one of those bands you immediately warm up to.
Tyler Childers Puts Hickman Holler Relief Funds to Good Use
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If you’re wondering where your money is going if you’ve donated to the Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund established by Tyler Childers and Senora May—either directly, or indirectly by purchasing and/or streaming his recent album Long Violent History—it has been announced…
George Strait Isn’t a Grand Ole Opry Member. Has He Even Played?
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If you want to get a shocked reaction from a country music fan, tell them that George Strait is not a member of the Grand Ole Opry. But a question that arose recently was, has George Strait ever even played the Grand Ole Opry? It took some digging to answer.
Kaitlin Butts’ Love for Cleto Cordero Inspires “How Lucky Am I”
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Featuring a bold and confident vocal performance from Kaitlin and superb steel guitar, “How Lucky Am I” is enough to get even the heartbroken and socially distanced to crack a smile and tap their toe. It was inspired by her love of Flatland Cavalry frontman Cleto Cordero.
‘Rolling Stone’ Blurs More Lines Between Ads & Editorial Content
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A name once tied closely to progressive values, an independent approach to journalism and music, and transparency in media is continually graying the line between what is an ad, and what is an article. It does not bode well for one of the recognizable brand’s in music journalism.
Miranda Lambert, Hank Jr., Dwight Yoakam All To Hit Billy Bobs
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While many clubs are still shuttered, and arena shows are still likely months away even as restrictions ease, the “Biggest Honky Tonk in the World” makes for about the perfect intermediary where they can offer safe and socially distanced shows, yet still accommodate big names.
Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 95 Years: What To Expect
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The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its 95th Anniversary with a big primetime special on Sunday, February 14th on NBC. Called ‘Grand Ole Opry: 95 Years of Country Music,’ it comes as the Opry is enjoying arguably one of its biggest resurgences in interest in the institution’s history.