Album Review – Carter Faith’s “Cherry Valley”
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Not since Caitlyn Smith have we heard this combination of top-caliber songwriting with a superior voice brought to music that can appeal to country and pop fans without losing credibility with either.
The Best Country Albums of 2016 So Far
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With no disrespect meant to the albums highlighted here, which represent the exception and not the rule, 2016 has begun where the second half of 2015 left off, where it feels like country and roots music across the board is out of ideas, and the search for music that truly enlivens the spirit is becoming harder. Nonetheless, there are still some excellent albums out there worth highlighting.
Dixie Chicks Unnecessarily Enter The Political Fray Again with Donald Trump Image
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The Dixie Chicks have personally and purposefully decided to dip their toes once again into the political fray, as opposed to sticking to what people come to their concerts for and what they do best: music. The question for the Dixie Chicks is, why?
Maren Morris Is No “HERO” in Her Debut Album
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I guess I got the wrong album, because all I’m hearing is derivative, rehashed pop diva hip-hop crap from a honky chick hailing from white flight suburbia trying to exude too much attitude in songs that mix rap cadences with cultural misappropriations in an attempt to pander to a new demographic of music listeners since mainstream country has abandoned its core audience.
Beloved Outlaw Roadie and Music Elder “Mr. Bandana” Cloninger Has Died
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There was nobody else like Mr. Bandana. And now that he’s gone, there will never be anyone like him again. He was a true last of the breed, and one of the few remaining authentic Outlaws who lived his own way, spoke his mind no matter the outcome or insult taken, and you will never find a more dedicated and loyal supporter of the music.
Comedian Bo Burnham Hits The Bulls-Eye In Modern Country Critique
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Musician, comedian, actor and writer Bo Burnham is known for mixing comedy with music in his stage shows and popular YouTube channel to deliver a cutting and hilarious perspective on modern life. And in a new special just released to Netflix called Make Happy, Burnham puts the modern state of country music directly in his crosshairs.
Album Review – Michaela Anne’s “Bright Light and the Fame”
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The Southern mud may not be eternally embedded under her fingernails, or the Western sands ensconced behind her ears, but perhaps she has that lonesome heart that can only come from having no home to speak of, and constantly having to leave behind the people and places you know that eventually led to her love for country music.
“Truth” – The Story Behind The Johnny Cash Song Inspired by Muhammad Ali
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Muhammad Ali, who passed away on June 3rd, is known for many things, though music is not the first worldly pursuit you would associate with the World Champion boxer and humanitarian. But he was close friends with people all over the music world, including in country music, and especially with the four men that some consider the Mount Rushmore of country music.
Assault on Police Officer at Bayou Country Superfest Caught on Tape
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38-year-old Veronique Bourgault of Quebec, Canada has been charged with battery of a police officer and public intoxication after an incident at Bayou Country Superfest on May 27th in Baton Rouge. The incident started after Bourgault was apparently giving her boyfriend a lap dance in the bleachers while children and families watched on.
Song Review – Kevin Fowler’s “Sellout Song”
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Fowler has a new album on the way, and “Sellout Song” has been released ahead of it as a single. Not to say that many of the points made in the song don’t ring true, or that it doesn’t make you chuckle no matter how hypocritical it might be coming from Fowler, but “Sellout Song” would have been a lot more cool and cutting coming from someone else.
Country Artists Who Are Due to Release a New Record
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There’s not much worse than having a hankering for some new music from one of your favorite artists, but feeling like you’ve been waiting forever for it to happen. There are many reasons an artist or band may have a delay in output. But dammit, sometimes you feel like you just can’t wait. Here’s a few folks that it feels like are past due for new projects.
Beloved Time Jumpers Drummer Rick Vanaugh Passes Away
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Rich Vanaugh played drums for Kitty Wells and Charlie Louvin, Jeannie Seely and Jack Greene, and Mel Tillis and Dottie West over his long career, but he will forever be known as one of the backbones of one of the most beloved bands in Nashville, the Western swing-inspired supergroup The Time Jumpers, and one of the friendliest musicians you would ever meet.
Album Review – Blake Shelton’s “If I’m Honest”
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So full-time coach for NBC’s reality show singing competition The Voice, and part-time country music artist Blake Shelton has a new record out, and has successfully parleyed interest in his drama-laden personal life into elevated interest and sales of his music. Well let’s take a good long sniff and see what we smell.