50 Years Ago: George Jones Records Overlooked Country Classic
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As the eventual title track to George’s February 1976 album, “The Battle” came out in the aftermath of George’s divorce from Tammy Wynette, and at a time when his career was in a commercial slide.
Grand Ole Opry Purchase of Austin City Limits Complex Dissolved
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Well, this is one crisis of cross-continent venue ownership that could have meant further homogenization of American country music that has now been averted. Ryman Hospitality Properties was supposed to but the complex that houses ‘Austin City Limits.’ But the deal fell through.
Review – Mike & The Moonpies Cover Lost Gary Stewart Songs
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Mike Harmeier, Caitlin Rutherford, Kyle Ponder, Zach Moulton, and the incomparable Omar Oyoque. Mike and the Moonpies as they’re know collectively. Also known as the greatest country music band in the world at the moment — Gary Stewart. The King of the Honky Tonks.
Charley Crockett Announces New Album “Welcome To Hard Times”
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As if the most potent strains of American roots music all rose up from the ground and intertwined into a living, breathing entity, Charley Crockett contains an unfair amount of country and blues talent, only rendered forgivable from his incredible ability to share it. On July 31st, the Texas native will release his latest record.
Jason Isbell Hits Multiple #1’s with New Album “Reunions”
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Jason Isbell has once again landed at #1 in both country and rock, as well as folk/Americana with his latest record ‘Reunions.’ This is the third time in a row the Alabama native has landed at the top of all three metrics with an album debut, and all from an artist who rarely makes it onto commercial radio.
Vintage Album Review – Sarah Shook & The Devil’s “Seven”
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Recently reissued by Bloodshot Records on vinyl for the first time, ‘Seven’ is Sarah’s slightly nascent, but surprisingly powerful and well-performed prototype for what would blossom into one of the most compelling underground talents of our time. For thirsty ears looking for more of her unique approach, ‘Seven’ is very welcome.
Most Anticipated Country & Roots Albums for 2nd Half of 2020
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Keeping up with all the releases in the country and roots realm is hard enough. COVID-19 has made it even more difficult with numerous delays and postponements on big titles, along with many artists waiting to announce their new records with all the uncertainty in the marketplace. But there are still many important records coming up in 2020.
Review – Reckless Kelly’s “American Jackpot / American Girls”
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The United States is a popular and polarizing subject in music right now to say the least. But Reckless Kelley isn’t really looking to dive directly into that whole fracas with their new double record “American Jackpot/American Girls,” despite what you may glean from the title and cover art.
Morgan Wallen Arrested in Nashville at Kid Rock’s Bar
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They always say to watch out for a hillbilly with a hit record, and the week that the mustachioed and mulleted Morgan Wallen minted a #1 at country radio with the R&B-infused and derivative “Chasin’ You,” he was arrested by Nashville’s finest outside of Kid Rock’s “Big Ass Honky Tonk” bar.
Mike & The Moonpies Releasing Album of Unheard Gary Stewart
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We though Mike and the Moonpies caught us completely off guard last August when they released a surprise album on us recorded in London. Now they have a brand new record of completely unheard songs written by country legend Gary Stewart on the way.
Newest Adds to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#63)
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The Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist is built to keep you informed on all the best songs and albums coming out right here, right now in country and roots music. It’s available on most all streaming formats, or you can just use the song, artist, and album recommendations to find something new. New songs just added.
Craig Morgan, Kellie Pickler Observe Memorial Day on Grand Ole Opry
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After two weeks of less than favorable lineups for the Grand Ole Opry’s Saturday night quarantine performances, the Opry returns Saturday, May 23rd with a great lineup to honor the fallen men and women of the military for Memorial Day weekend, as well as the frontline workers battling COVID-19.
George Strait? Yeah, a HUGE Tom Petty Fan
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It’s not that it’s especially strange for someone to be a fan of Tom Petty. It’s just that when you think of George Strait, you think of the quintessential straight-laced and starched Wranglers good ol’ country guy, not singing along to “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”