How Tyler Childers Made the Most Polarizing Country Album of the Year
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When the history books regard this era when the independent became the mainstream in country music, Tyler Childers will play perhaps the most important, and most pivotal role in that story.
In Memoriam – Country Music’s Fallen Greats of 2017
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As the end of the year draws near, it comes time to reflect on all the country music greats big and small, superstars and sidemen, session players and songwriters, who passed away in the past year, and pay our respects to the contributions they made to country music, and to us as fans through the music they shared.
Billboard’s Chart Dates Still Imperfect After New Change, & Don’t Address Need for Daily Metrics
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On Tuesday (12-19), Billboard, the worldwide leader in chart publishing, announced they would be changing the posted dates on their weekly charts from one arbitrary day that doesn’t reflect the true nature of the chart, to another arbitrary day that doesn’t reflect the true nature of the chart, but that is slightly closer to the day the charts are published.
Song Review – Koe Wetzel’s “Austin”
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If you’re one who finds yourself enamored with the Texoma music scene, then you most certainly have an opinion on Koe Wetzel, one way or the other. And that opinion is also probably pretty fiery, no matter how it falls. And if you don’t have an opinion or don’t even know who he is yet, then you soon will, because he’s not going anywhere.
“Boom” By Walker Hayes Is The Worst Album In ‘Country’ Music History. Full Stop.
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Friends and neighbors, I know you would rather spend your time reading about something a bit more positive in nature than the rabid attitudinal protestations of some twisted up music critic spouting off about this grotesque specimen of audio diarrhea, and during what is supposed to be a festive season no less….
Newest Additions to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#13)
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Man do we have a few doozies to add to the Saving Country Music Top 25 Current Playlist, amplifying an already jam packed lineup that’s hard to know what to let go of just to add the best of what’s new. But somehow, someway, space must be made for a few stellar new song releases.
Revered Songwriter and ‘Heartworn Highways’ Performer Richard Dobson Has Died
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Richard Dobson never found the fame many of his more recognized songwriting contemporaries did, but he was cherished as an equal by them, and the fans who sought out his music, and followed his journey, inspired and intrigued by his free spirit, his capability with words, and his ability not just to tell great stories, but to live them.
Album Review – Old 97’s “Graveyard Whistling”
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When the topic of discussion turns to legacy alt-country bands, it’s easy for the Old 97’s to get left out of the mix, and unfairly so. Since their epicenter revolves around Dallas, and not Austin, Nashville, or Los Angeles, it seems like they’re always a little more out-of-sight, out-of-mind than their mammoth output and legacy deserves.
The Assault on Professional Concert Photography Finally Comes Into Focus
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For the majority of 2017, Saving Country Music has been engaged in a private war against the increasingly intrusive restrictions being placed upon music journalists—and photographers especially—who take time out of their evenings and weekends, leave their families at home, to cover live music events.
The Top 100 Airplay Albums on Americana Radio in 2017
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The Americana Music Association has announced their 2017 Top 100 Albums of the Year based on reporting to the Americana Airplay Chart from Americana stations during the period of Dec. 6, 2016 through Dec. 4, 2017. The chart can be a good way to see what you might have missed in the year of Americana.
USA Network’s “Damnation” Show Features New & Forgotten Country Roots Music
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Since many of your favorite independent country and roots artists get little to no love from mainstream radio, other outlets have opened up to help feature their music to wider audiences. ‘Damnation’ has been sliding in cool songs from some of the finest artists from the roots world, while mixing in many of roots music’s forgotten greats.
Listening to Luke Bryan is NOT “What Makes You Country”
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Luke Bryan is the Ronald McDonald of country music. Millions and millions served, even if the fare is nothing more than palatable. So many paychecks and livelihoods beyond Bryan’s own inner circle depend on him taking center stage and shaking his ass for the amusement of millions each year.
Colter Wall Releases New 2018 Tour Dates
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Colter Wall is one of those artists you better damn well see while you have the opportunity to catch him in intimate settings. At only 22-years-old, you may have plenty of time to see him in the future, but with this level of talent and interest, it may not be in the mid-sized club, small theater level for much longer.