Album Review – Luke Combs – “The Way I Am”
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You can most definitely do worse in mainstream country than Luke Combs. In 2026, you can also do much better. But when you’re Luke Combs, you’re not just an artist, or a singer. You’re a franchise.
Ricky Skaggs Deserves the National Medal of Arts, Not Cancellation
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It’s just unfortunate to even see the talk of cancelling Ricky Skaggs, discounting his music, disinviting him from future events, simply because he decided to accept an award he wholeheartedly deserved, and was likely to get from whomever was President at this moment.
Randall King’s “Leanna” Is Not Just Another EP
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It’s one of those rare occasions where an EP goes from from less than ideal, to just about perfect from the way it encapsulates a moment or a mood that may be diluted in a longer work. It’s a little gem of traditional country music, and a proper tribute to a dear loved one.
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.”