Album Review – Reckless Kelly’s “The Last Frontier”
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‘The Last Frontier’ is quietly genius in its simplicity and efficiency. It feels like the best album that Reckless Kelly could squeeze out of themselves in this season of their career. And it feels like that deserves a slow clap.
Brantley Gilbert’s “Bottoms Up” (A Rant)
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Such a gift from heaven it has been to not have Brantley terrorizing us with new music for a good long while. But apparently Brantley was just resting up, refining his putrid exploration into the very innermost reaches of human vanity and self-ingratiation to then unleash his new diarrhetic single “Bottoms Up,” and it’s accompanying video.
Bobby Bones – The Face of Country Radio Consolidation
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The Bobby Bones Show started on the WSIX flagship station being syndicated to 15 other stations across the country, and in less than a year is already up to a total of 50 stations. With his current position at WSIX and Clear Channel’s big nationally-focused plan for country radio, Bobby Bones isn’t just poised to become the Gerry House of the next generation, he’s poised to become the biggest DJ in the history of country music.
Alan Jackson’s Forgotten 1994 ACM Awards Protest
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At the 1994 ACM Awards, Alan Jackson pulled at stunt that has gone unfairly under-recognized in that annals of country’s finest moments of rebellion and protest. It wasn’t just Alan’s Jackson’s shirt that caught people’s eye and no doubt drew the worst ire of the ACM producers. Before the show, producers had told Alan that he had to play to a pre-recorded track
The Sadies Delve Into “Internal Sounds”
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The Sadies from Toronto, Canada should be modern day music gods. All they do is stand on their head every time they put on a live show or release an album, throwing a proverbial musician’s clinic with their cutting-edge instrumentation and jawbreaking prowess. Their music appeals to a broad panoramic of the music listening public.
Justin Timberlake Not Just “Blowing Smoke” About Country Move
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Last month Justin Timberlake got the country music universe titillated when he said he may take a stab at country music in the future. Well now Timberlake is doubling down, and delving even deeper into the country music conversation, and what he’s saying is hinting that his move would be a more “adult” approach to country, even more akin to the classic modes of country he grew up with
Justin Townes Earle Is Battling With Record Label
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Songwriter and performer Justin Townes Earle has been on the warpath as of late through his always-entertaining Twitter account, taking to task a record label for standing in the way of a new release. On October 19th, Justin seemed to allude through Twitter that he was done writing the material for a new album…
Cash’s “Out Among The Stars” Not Just Another Re-release
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Out Among The Stars is a complete album that was recorded between 1981 and 1984 by Cash, with songs that were meant to be together, but never saw the light of day. A true “lost album” if there ever was one. Columbia dropped Cash in 1986, shelving Out Among The Stars, even though they released some other recordings and albums that were made after the album.
Saving Country Music’s Best Music Videos of 2013
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The modern-day music video is a really strange enterprise. Lots of money is spent by artists, and sometimes labels to produce something special; something that really represents the spirit of a song well. But when you look at what people watch, especially when it comes to independent musicians, many times it’s the fan video captured on a consumer-grade piece of technology that draws the most interest.
Dwight Yoakam Plane Fire Forces Emergency Landing
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Dwight Yoakam and everyone else is safe after a a scare at 50,000 feet Sunday afternoon. Dwight and 9 other passengers were aboard a twin-engine Hawker 800 jet after playing a private show in a small town in Canada’s Northwest Territories roughly 1,300 miles due North of Great Falls, MT, when the pilot radioed in an engine fire while en route back to the United States.
Punk Rocker Henry Rollins Writes Letter to Toby Keith
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A video of punk rock frontman turned public speaker, comedian, and actor Henry Rollins penning a letter to Toby Keith has been making the rounds lately. The video features Henry undressing Toby Keith’s oafish approach to entertainment, and the damaging effects the message of his music could have on the psyche and behavior of his consumers.
The Ray Price Cherokee Cowboys Proving Ground
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Before there were reality show contests and overnight sensations in country music, artists were expected to pay dues. Much can be written about the influence and impact Ray Price had on country music. But there may be no better evidence then the list of performers who felt honored to play behind Ray during their rise. Here’s some of the most notable Cherokee Cowboys that went on to bigger fame.
Chris Ferrell Released From Jail, New Details In Wayne Mills Murder
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Chris Ferrell, the owner of the Pit & Barrel Bar in Nashville, and the man accused of 2nd degree murder in the shooting death of Outlaw country musician Wayne Mills, was in court for the first time today. The judge eventually reduced the bond to $150,000, and later Chris Ferrell was released with tight restrictions on his movements. More details also emerged about the case.