Halloween Review – Bridge City Sinners – “In The Age of Doubt”
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The Bridge City Sinners and front woman Libby Lux use dark stories and even darker sounds to exorcise internal demons and personal doubts, and to refract the darkness that comes barreling toward the human soul.
Report: Country Music’s Scott Borchetta Coming to American Idol
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That’s right, the The Country Music Antichrist, aka President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group Scott Borchetta is in talks to become the newest mentor on the singing reality show competition American Idol. He would be replacing Randy “Dog” Jackson—the only member of the show’s original cast aside from host Ryan Seacrest.
Sam Hunt Goes On Media Charm Offensive, & Succeeds
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Move over Jamey Johnson and Kacey Musgraves. There’s a new critical darling in country music, and he’s neither country nor worthy of critical acclaim. Yes, I’m talking about the suave-haired cocaine club EDM-fueled country music marketing colossus and Svengali of the country music public named Sam Hunt. Sam Hunt and his music have nothing to do with country…
2014 Saving Country Music Album of the Year Nominees
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2014 has revealed itself as the “Year of the Dark Horse” when it comes to compiling the greatest albums released in the last 12-month span. Tami Neilson, Karen Jonas, Charlie Parr, Matt Woods? Who’s heard of these people outside of their respective fan bases? And meanwhile the realm of mainstream music can’t field one candidate, unless you want to count First Aid Kit.
Roger Alan Wade to Release New Album “Bad News Knockin'”
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Songwriter, Sirius XM DJ, and country music elder Roger Alan Wade will release his sixth studio album Bad News Knockin’ via Johnny Knoxville Records. Produced by Knoxville and recorded by Dan Creech at Revolving Blackbird Sound in Santa Monica, CA, like most of Wade’s music the new album will feature just Roger, his guitar, and his original songs.
“The Ballad of Shovels & Rope” Chronicles the Band’s Unlikely Rise
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Shovels & Rope and the filmmakers put the cart before the horse, but in this instance it paid off in a brilliant and inspiring film. The Moving Picture Boys didn’t have the daunting task that most documentary makers face in attempting to tell a compelling story about an unknown or mundane subject. The story was telling itself in a way no script could ever facilitate.
Take a Tour of Willie Nelson’s Vintage Tour Bus
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You may remember from early May when the sale of an old Willie Nelson tour bus on Craigslist erupted into its own viral event. Now the bus has been restored and tastefully upgraded, and it’s ready to serve as a fully immersive vintage country music experience for perspective renters. It was recently featured on an episode on “Celebrity Motor Homes.”
The Heartbroken Rejoice Over Arlo McKinley’s Lonesome Sound
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I don’t expect you to recognize the name Arlo McKinley. Unless you’re clued into the right sectors of the Cincinnati music scene, his name is likely one of a stranger. But just as music worth hearing tends to do, it has slowly been bubbling up from word of mouth until some of those mouths have begun to speak about this record as one of the best music offerings all year.
Review – Turnpike Troubadours Play 3-Night Run at Historic Gruene Hall
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Time was when the Turnpike Troubadours were just hoping to garner enough of a following so they could play historic venues like Cain’s Ballroom or Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, TX. Now they’re facing the reality that they may just be too big to play these historic spaces anymore except as a nostalgic anomaly. They required a three-night residency at the “Oldest Dance Hall in Texas” to accommodate all the comers.
Song Review – “Mom” by Garth Brooks
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The problem with “Mom” is it has that mawkish, signature-Garth over-sentimentality that just makes you want to vomit. Are the words themselves terrible? No. But the lyrical payoff’s potency is good for about one pass of the song, if you can’t see the “Mom” hook coming from a mile away, which most listeners will. Today we’re too gripped with irony and sarcasm to let something so sappy and direct resonate widely.
NBC’s “The Voice” & Craig Wayne Boyd Tribute Wayne Mills
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On Monday night’s episode, before Craig Wayne Boyd’s performance of Johnny Cash’s “I Walk The Line,” a tribute to Wayne Mills aired, detailing his life and tragic death, and his relationship with Boyd. Craig Wayne then took the now famous “WM” necklace that Wayne Mills wore at all times from Wayne’s widow Carol, and presented it to Wayne’s former pupil, Blake Shelton.
Jamey Johnson Launches “Big Gassed Records” Label
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Jamey Johnson will be releasing “The Christmas Song,” But that’s not where the goodies stop from the songwriter. Announced today, November 24th, Jamey Johnson is starting his own record label called Big Gassed Records. The first release will be the Christmas EP, but there will be much more music on the way. “From now on, as soon as I can get it written and recorded, we will make it available,” says Johnson.
Curb to Release Hank III Album “Take As Needed For Pain”
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That’s right, the Curb Records madness continues, and continues to reach for comical, if not maniacal heights. Apparently Curb Records is readying the release of a new Hank III album called “Take As Needed For Pain.” Meanwhile Curb has prepped the 10th compilation/Greatest Hits album from Tim McGraw, and has more greatest hits albums ahead for LeAnn Rimes and Rodney Atkins.