Justin Townes Earle’s Tragic Life Story Told in New Book
32 Comments
Don’t let the word “authorized” spook you into believing this account in any way sugar coats or omits the truth of things. On the contrary, the biography is a stark, harrowing, and sometimes difficult story to tell and read.
The Best Mainstream Country Albums of the Decade (2010-2019)
58 Comments
We’ve already run down the Greatest Country Albums of the Decade, and in there, albums in the mainstream were given fair competition to be included, and some made the cut. But in the spirit of inclusiveness and impartiality, let’s make sure the great records from the mainstream get their due as well.
Willie Nelson’s New Album and Song “First Rose of Spring”
13 Comments
Willie Nelson will release his triumphant 70th studio album called First Rose of Spring come April 24th via Sony’s Legacy imprint. Seceding much of the songwriting to others on this effort aside from a couple of tunes, the title track comes from the pen of Randy Houser, Allen Shamblin, Mark Beeson, and has been released ahead of the record.
Jon Pardi Selects “Ain’t Always The Cowboy” As Next Single
35 Comments
Jon Pardi continues to show leadership in helping to return an element of twang and substance to country radio. After the debut single and title track from his latest record Heartache Medication went #1, making it the first mainstream country radio song in nearly eight years. Now he’s going to release “Ain’t Always The Cowboy.”
Tanya Tucker Makes Surprise Appearance At Ameripolitan Party
9 Comments
Set to perform at the sold-out Ameripolitan pre-party show was Dale Watson and His Lonestars, along with throwback legend Chuck Mead, and James Intveld from California. But the assembled crowd got a lot more than they paid for when country legend and recent Grammy winner Tanya Tucker walked in the door.
Sturgill Simpson Isn’t Being Outlaw. He’s Just Being an Asshole
329 Comments
This “shitting out of his mouth” to use Sturgill’s own words is not something to be condoned, neither is taking a ho hum attitude towards a tour that fans who don’t have the luxury of telling their bosses off will be spending their hard earned money to attend. This is all disappointing, and very injurious to the grassroots side of the music industry.
Album Review – Nora Jane Struthers “Bright Lights, Long Drives…”
10 Comments
Somewhere the idea of penning really good songs, and then heading into the studio to record them with your road band in a way that does the inspiration behind the compositions justice got sifted down the ladder of priorities. But this is exactly what you’ll find with the latest record from Nora Jane Struthers.
Conservatives & Independents Can Be Great Songwriters Too
282 Comments
There is no doubt that by any objective assessment, when it comes to the world of creative types in the realm of music or otherwise, their ranks tend to veer more towards liberal ideals when it comes to politics. But that in no way excludes the gift of creativity from people who happen to be more conservative or independent of mindset.
Tyler Childers & Luke Combs Earn Austin City Limits Appearances
7 Comments
It may not exactly be the Grand Ole Opry, but earning an opportunity to debut on the Austin City Limits stage for an appearance on the longest-running TV music program in American history is still a distinct honor, and one now Tyler Childers and Luke Combs will be enjoying during the upcoming season.
Western Centuries Announce New Album “Call The Captain”
12 Comments
If you think a bunch of boys from the Pacific Northwest can’t bring serious heartbreaking twang to country music, then your ears have never rested upon the musical contributions of the much beloved songwriting collective known as Western Centuries. As supergroup (of sorts) assembled from parts and pieces of other projects…
Maddie & Tae’s “Die From a Broken Heart” Goes Gold Despite Radio
40 Comments
The snarky, anti Bro-Country anthem “Girl in a Country Song” is what put the country music duo Maddie & Tae on the map, but “Die From A Broken Heart” might end up being what makes their career. Despite the lack of radio support, “Die From a Broken Heart” was recently certified Gold by the RIAA. Now it’s finding life on radio as well.
Jason Isbell Says There Aren’t Great Conservative Songwriters
461 Comments
“If it ever gets to be too much for you, there are a lot of great songwriters out there who agree with you politically. Oh wait, no there aren’t,” Jason Isbell responded to a Twitter user. But this assessment severely discounts to work of conservative songwriters who’ve contributed to the American songwriting canon.
The Rise and Fall of Country Star & Pedophile Daniel Lee Martin
47 Comments
Daniel Lee Martin always knew he wanted to be famous. He launched a country music career where he would write songs with Keith Urban, open for Willie Nelson, and have MLB pitching ace Bronson Arroyo invest in him. He would star in reality TV shows. But now, Daniel Lee Martin is famous for all of the wrong reasons.