Halloween Review – Those Poor Bastards – “Songs Of Desperation” (20th Anniversary)
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It was two decades ago this winter that the overlords of Gothic Country—Madison, Wisconsin’s Those Poor Bastards—released their debut album, Songs of Desperation, and launched the Gothic country subgenre.
Johnny Cash Remembered in New Website & Restaurant
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The Man in Black is gone, but his legacy won’t be forgotten. Johnny Cash’s presence not just as a country music star, but as an American icon has made him a cultural figure that transcends genre and entertainment, and we’ve seen that in the way he’s been embraced in all walks of life. A new website and restaurant have been launched.
Randy Travis Gracious in Losing Long-Time Record to Luke Combs
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For over 30 years, the album ‘Always and Forever’ by Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis held the record for the longest-running #1 country music album released by a solo male in country music history. Originally released in 1987 as Randy’s second proper studio album, it spent an incredible 43 weeks atop the charts.
Quebe Sisters Plan New Direction for Upcoming Self-Titled Record
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After being a conduit for many to see the timeless value in Western Swing over the last 15 years, and performing many of the subgenre’s classics for appreciative fans, The Quebe Sisters are looking to do something a little different with their upcoming self-titled album. “This album represents a new direction for us.”
Promotion Pulled from “The Hunt” Movie Feat. Sturgill Simpson
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Universal Pictures has pulled the marketing behind a new horror film called The Hunt which features Sturgill Simpson as a major cast member. Still set to be released on September 27th, and first announced on July 30th, the film and its promotion have stirred controversy over the last couple days due to both theits political nature.
Vintage Album Review – “Country Love Songs” by Robbie Fulks
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Country music doesn’t deserve Robbie Fulks, and Robbie Fulks doesn’t deserve the perilous and unjust trappings of country music. This guy should be designing jet engines or transplanting hearts or something. Yet here he is spinning hillbilly tales for penny fractions on Spotify, though we’re not complaining.
Two People Killed On Pickathon Festival Grounds During Teardown
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Two workers were killed Wednesday afternoon (8-8) on the site of the Pickathon Festival in Happy Valley, Oregon, just outside of Portland, while helping to disassemble the tents above the main stage. Located on the Pendarvis Farm, the Pickathon Festival occurred last weekend (August 1st-4th).
Judge Halts Demolition of Country Landmark for Margarittaville Location
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The historic building standing at 152 Nassau Street in downtown Atlanta that was days from demolition has received a stay of execution from an Atlanta judge. Considered the true birthplace of country music for the time in 1923 when recording engineer and producer Ralph Peer captured Fiddlin’ John Carson in the space.
Songwriter Kendell Marvel Readies New Album “Solid Gold Sounds”
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After growing frustrated by having to cater his songs to what country radio would play, Kendell Marvel launched a solo career. Now he’s looking to take his solo career a step further by partnering with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys as both producer and label owner to release “Solid Gold Sounds.”
Willie Nelson Cancels Tour Due to Breathing Problems
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Willie Nelson has canceled his current tour due to breathing problems. This was the news coming out of the Willie Nelson camp late Wednesday evening (8-7) after he performed a show Wednesday at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio and experienced breathing issues. “To my fans, I’m sorry to cancel my tour,” Willie said in a statement.
Dwight Yoakam Leads Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees
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California country legend Dwight Yoakam will be one of the newest inductees into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Though Dwight Yoakam may be known to most for his caramel voice that made Johnny Cash once declare him as his favorite modern country singer, he’s also guilty of writing the majority of his songs.
Billy Strings Is On Tour. Go See Billy Strings.
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When bandying around the biggest names coming up in independent country and roots music, you can’t forget about Billy Strings. Billy is the bluegrass representative of this movement that spans from honky tonk to Americana, and just like his counterparts, we’re seeing that same pattern where Billy’s having to double up on show dates.
Big Moments Mark the 2019 Pickathon Festival
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What happens at Pickathon doesn’t stay at Pickathon. It reverberates throughout the music world, from the music and moments that spread word-of-mouth to help launch music careers. This was underscored and bolded in 2019 at the beautiful Pendarvis Farm just outside of Portland.