The Man, The Life, and the Mystery of Dolly Parton’s Husband Carl Dean (RIP)
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In truth, it’s what we don’t know about Dolly Parton’s husband Carl Dean that makes him so intriguing, important, and exceptional; not the scant details we do have.
What Dumbasses Thought Bringing Back ‘American Idol’ Was a Good Idea?
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Just like the malaise we’re seeing in music and movies, attempting to reboot ‘American Idol’ is the sign of a lack of new ideas or originality. America has moved on from American Idol, and unless it’s willing to dramatically adapt to the times, it will be like an anchor on ABC and its cast.
Album Review – Trixie Mattel’s “One Stone”
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This is not music that is meant for fans of cross-dressing drag queens. There’s no political messaging here. This music is strikingly universal, and not just respectful to the traditional country audience, it is meant for them, and meant to grow the appreciation for true country music in whomever listens.
Album Review – Grace Basement’s “Mississippi Nights”
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Mississippi Nights is a fun record, really easy to get into, hard to let go of, and giving of musical enjoyment regardless of your roots music preferences. Sometimes an album, artist, or song speaks to you, and you’re not exactly sure why. There’s just something about it that makes it “cool.”
Uncle Lucius Bids a Final Farewell
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For over 12 years, Uncle Lucius was Texas music’s resident jam band, adding that necessary bit of groove, soul, and looseness to make the scene that much more diverse and infectious. They embodied the spirit of Austin, TX where they were based, and they did so better than most. And now like so many of Austin’s institutions, Uncle Lucius is gone.
Album Review – Courtney Marie Andrews’ “May Your Kindness Remain”
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For some songwriters, it’s not just the songs they write, it’s how they make the labor of putting emotions and sentiments to words and music seem so effortless that leaves the listener spellbound. The imagery of the average Courtney Marie Andrews song is so vibrant, it sucks you straight into the story.
Tami Neilson Looks to Knock Socks Off with “SASSAFRASS!”
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Tami Neilson is a full tilt badass monster of music, and I will puff my chest out and challenge any man, woman, or beast who dares questions the full-throated pronouncement that she is the one of the best living singers in all of roots music and beyond. Now she is back with a new selection of songs compiled under the name “SASSAFRASS!”
Song Review – Kacey Musgraves’ Disco-Infused “High Horse”
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“High Horse” is what all the talk about Musgraves challenging the borders of the genre, and being inspired by the Bee Gees was leading to. It’s disco country if you will, and Kacey and her proponents in the media want you to know this is Musgraves asserting her creative freedom, and being unwilling to be hemmed in.
Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle Team Up for “LSD Tour”
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For those fans of classic Bakersfield-style country, excellent songwriting from alt-country Gods, and unnatural illicit psychedelic substances, Dwight Yoakam, Lucinda Williams, and Steve Earle have banded together in a slightly-unintuitive, but nonetheless seductive lineup, and branded it the “LSD Tour.”
Miranda Lambert Readies New Single “Keeper of the Flame”
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Miranda Lambert will release her latest single, and the 4th from her current album The Weight of These Wings when “Keeper of the Flame” gets shipped to radio April 11th. Likely targeted for a single from the album originally, it first appeared a few weeks ahead of The Weight of These Wings as a teaser track.
Cody Jinks Planning “Loud and Heavy” Festival in August
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Country revivalist Cody Jinks and his management are planning to launch a new festival this August that will be curated by Jinks himself. The news comes out of the announcement earlier this week that the management and booking apparatus behind Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, Ward Davis, and Sunny Sweeney is being revamped.
Keith Urban Defaces Iconic Merle Haggard Riff In “Coming Home” (A Rant)
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WARNING: LANGUAGE – Somehow, inexplicably, Keith Urban has figured out how to take the most iconic guitar riff in the entire 70+ year history of country music, and make it sound like the last dying gasps of a faulty smoke detector smacked repeatedly with a sledge hammer, and slowly drowning it in a bucket of 7-year-old used motor oil.
Newport Folk Festival’s 2018 Lineup Will Be One for the Ages
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Want to see Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, Colter Wall, and Jason Isbell all on the same bill? Perhaps add Charlie Parr, Courtney Barnett, and JD McPherson on top of that? Well you’ll get your chance this summer at one of America’s longest-running live institutions, The Newport Folk Festival this summer.