April 24th is a Busy Day for New Country Albums
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Every once in a while, the releases on a given Friday get so hectic, it becomes imperative to offer an addendum to the regular Release Radar. Friday, April 24th is one of those days.
Album Review – Jonathan Parker’s “Broken Hearts & Broken Bones”
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If your trek led you to North Carolina and the moonshining swamps of Johnston County, and you rooted around in the honky tonks or queried the locals where to turn for the best country music from the region, Jonathan Park is probably who would be the leading vote getter.
Kyle Nix of the Turnpike Troubadours Releasing Debut Album
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If you’ve been hankering hard for anything Turnpike Troubadours related, it appears your prayers are about to be answered, and in a huge way. Turnpike fiddle player Kyle Nix is preparing to release a solo record, and we’re not talking about some slapped-together bedroom EP.
Sorry Ladies, Dwight Yoakam Is Off The Market
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Dwight Yoakam’s done got hitched. In an extremely rare glimpse into his personal life, the 63-year-old announced in a statement on Monday (5-4) that he has married his long time fiancee Emily Joyce. The two had been dating since 2010. The private ceremony was held at the St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica, CA.
Album Review – American Aquarium’s “Lamentations”
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Teeming with Shooter Jennings as producer, B.J. and American Aquarium capture ‘Lamentations’ as a postscript to the broken American Dream, sent through the filter of a Southern perspective, and stamped into 10 songs that are sure to compel your consideration.
Carrie Underwood Turned Down Florida Georgia Line Collaboration
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The song Florida Georgia Line played a snippet of appeared to have the title of “Feels Good.” But apparently Carrie Underwood was not feeling good about any of it. Underwood never replied or even addressed the duo’s proposal publicly, which left many speculating if Carrie had snubbed them.
On Gwen Stefani Playing the Grand Ole Opry w/ Blake Shelton
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Quite a few country fans were left angered and agog when they saw that Gwen Stefani would be receiving an Opry berth when many more deserving country artists—including some who could benefit from both performing during this period of hardship—are once again being passed over
Lori McKenna Prepares New Album “The Balladeer”
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Lori McKenna is a hit country songwriter and a heralded Americana performer, and whenever a new song emerges with her name on it, you’re smart to take a pause from whatever trifle you’re busy with, and listen. This will be music for adults, by adults.
Sturgill Simpson / Tyler Childers Tour Cancelled Permanently
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Multiple dates on the tour had sold out, and certain cities had second shows added, proving the pairing could reach arena capacity. But ultimately, only 12 of the original 43 dates were fulfilled, with the final show happening in Charleston, South Carolina on March 10th.
Song Review – The Dixie Chicks – “Julianna Calm Down”
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The fear when we heard that the Dixie Chicks had employed producer Jack Antonoff for their first record in 14 years was that instead of hearing the acoustic instrumentation that made the Dixie Chicks so vital in the late 90’s, we’d get the three women huddled around Antonoff’s laptop staring intently at pixels on a screen.
Album Review – Hot Country Knights – “The ‘K’ Is Silent”
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Stuff a sock down your pants, unearth your razor shades, bust out the acid wash, and get ready to party like it’s 1989 because what started as a cover band stage gag back in 2015 has now become a full-blown major label release with original songs and radio single. It’s called Hot Country Knights.
Sam Hunt – The Favorite “Country” Toy of Pop Writers
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Beyond making a really bad amalgam of derivative and formulaic rap pop by ripping off the styles of Drake and trap beat artists to only then turn around and sell it as country to the gullible masses, Sam Hunt is also superlative at turning hip-hop, pop, and indie rock writers into certified country music experts.
George Strait to Launch Ace in the Hole Radio
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George Strait is getting his own SiriusXM radio channel, at least for a limited time. And for a limited time, you can listen to it for free as the satellite radio provider extends a current promotion allowing anyone to listen free of charge through their app. Called Ace in the Hole Radio after the iconic singer’s touring band.