Shane Smith & The Saints Announce 2025 Tour Dates
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Shane Smith and the Saints evoke an epicness and weight through their songs that is virtually unparalleled in the modern era of music. It’s almost akin to Bach and Beethoven how they stir the emotions of man.
Party Down South Rap Sheet – The Cast’s List of Legal Offenses
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In just the two short seasons of Party Down South, the cast has accrued a laundry list of unlawful offenses. And no, we’re not just talking about a few trumped up pot charges and other crimes of questionable concern. We’re talking burglary, rape accusations, and one cast member is even in trouble for not using his hefty CMT salary on proper child support.
Why the Country Radio Format Split Should Be the Focus of CRS
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Where is talk of the format split on the agenda at CRS? You would think it would be dominating the proceedings. I mean, we’re talking about what would be the largest overhaul of country radio in its existence. But is it even being discussed, or are people more focused on the big Garth Brooks party as he tries to retool after his retirement and make up for now two failed radio singles.
Robert Belfour’s Undying Commitment to the Blues (RIP)
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It was the summer of 2012, and I was stationed behind a double axle flatbed trailer dubbing as a festival stage in the capacity of a volunteer stage manager at the Muddy Roots Festival in Cookeville, TN. Dealing with the remnants of a tropical storm that had made its way into the middle Tennessee region, it had been a wet afternoon and early evening.
Aaron Watson Talks Hitting #1 with “The Underdog”
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“My name is Aaron Watson. I’m not played on country radio. And I have the #1 record in country music this week. I do exist.” This was Aaron Watson’s reaction to the comments of Sony Records Nashville CEO Gary Overton, who said earlier this week, “If you’re not on country radio, you don’t exist.” But overall the Texas country star took a much more humble, appreciative, and inclusive tone.
$1 Million Payment to Garth Brooks Stirs Controversy in Chicago
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Garth Brooks is causing a stir in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont and beyond after it was revealed the town shuttled $1 million dollars to the country superstar to secure the right to host his very first comeback concerts in September of 2014 at the city-owned Allstate Arena. Brooks also received discounted rental rates for the venue as part of his Rosemont deal.
Album Review – James McMurtry’s “Complicated Game”
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As a quality, not quantity kind of songwriter, James McMurtry, waiting six years to release this newest album Complicated Game, made it well worth the aching wait. McMurtry has been quoted as saying he hates writing new material, but listeners are no wiser once they behold these 12 finely-tuned works of songwriting eloquence.
Songwriter and Musician Bobby Emmons Has Passed Away
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Musician, songwriter, and member of The Memphis Boys Bobby Emmons has passed away. Known for writing such iconic songs as the #1 hits by Waylon Jennings “Luckenbach, Texas” and “Wurlitzer Prize (I Don’t Want To Get Over You),” Tanya Tucker’s hit “Love Me Like You Used Too,” “So Much Like My Dad” by George Strait, and many more, he was also a well-respected musician…
Whitey Morgan’s New Studio Album “Sonic Ranch” Coming
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Fans of Flint, Michigan’s rambunctious throwback wild-eyed honky tonker Whitey Morgan and his backing band The 78’s have been waiting half a decade for a new studio album, and their country music prayers are about to be answered, or at least they will be in May when Whitey Morgan releases his latest record ‘Sonic Ranch.’
Really? Steel Magnolia’s Meghan Linsey to Try Out for ‘The Voice’?
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We had confirmation that NBC’s The Voice was looking to stack the deck this year when it was revealed Americana music star Jason Isbell was approached to participate. Now we’ve received word that another established star Meghan Linsey, the female half of the once Big Machine-signed duo Steel Magnolia, and a solo artist in her own right, will be participating on the newest season of the singing competition.
‘Boyhood’ Still Marks The Grand Creative Achievement of Austin
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With a win for Best Picture and Best Director at the 2015 Golden Globes, and considered by many movie pundits as the favorite for Best Picture at the 2015 Oscars, it was a shock to many that Boyhood did not walk away with Sunday night’s top prize. Nonetheless, the independent and low-budget Boyhood arguably defines the grandest achievement of the great Austin, TX creative experiment.
Blues Review – Steve Earle’s “Terraplane”
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So the elder Earle wanted to make himself a traditional blues record, huh? Well, not that I don’t defend his right to do whatever he wants as a music artist, but it doesn’t make it smart or sensible or gainful or right. It’s a little self-indulgent, frankly, don’t you think? At least on the surface that is. What do we need Steve Earle making blues records for? Are there not enough of them?
Song Review – Ashley Monroe’s “On To Something Good”
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Ashley Monroe has all the assets that it takes to be a top tier female country music star, and in an environment where the industry seems to be desperately looking to anoint them. A beautiful, astounding singer, excellent songwriter, yet three years into her major label deal and she still feels like the consummate critical darling/commercial outsider.