Album Review – Morgan Wade’s “Obsessed”
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On her new album ‘Obsessed,’ it feels like Morgan Wade just trying to be Morgan Wade. It’s fair to warn country fans that this is not a country album as much as a singer/songwriter Americana album. It’s also the most Morgan Wade album yet.
How Billboard’s New Chart Rules Affect YOU
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When Billboard announced new rules on how the songs on their “Hot 100” country chart would be tabulated, it caused a tizzy amongst folks who pay attention to these sorts of things. But the average Joe fans out there may have a little trouble understanding why the issue is something they should care about, and how it could negatively effect the music they enjoy.
Sturgill Simpson’s “Life Ain’t Fair & The World Is Mean”
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The magic of “Life Ain’t Fair” is the way it trivializes all the issues it raises by simply pointing out the obvious: that life’s unfairness is inherent, and complaining about it or using it as an excuse to not pursue your dreams is foolish. It’s cynical and inspirational all at the same time, and that feat of acrobatics can’t be performed without some acute dexterity and prowess with the pen.
Billboard Changes Country Chart Rules, Boosts “Crossover” Songs
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This morning the country music world was turned on its head when Billboard, the longest-running and most respected publisher of music charts, decided it was making sweeping changes to the way singles are judged in country. If Billboard’s rules stay in place,the effects could be somewhere between dramatic and historic.
Sarah Gayle Meech & “One Good Thing” Revitalize Honky Tonk
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Lower Broadway in Nashville has a new songstress haunting the streets, and she’s a good one. If you want to know how to put out one badass independent/underground country album in Nashville, you could use One Good Thing as a template. With impeccable country taste and instincts, Sarah assembles 12 original and authentic honky-tonk hard country songs for your listening enjoyment.
ABC’s “Nashville” Makes Good Money Off Of Bad Music Drama
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Is it compelling? Sure. Is it right? Of course not. Will it result in either the increased exposure of good music, or the greater awareness of the issues plaguing mainstream country? Well have to see. But I remain skeptical. I would rather see Nashville attempt to fix their problems as opposed to try and make money off the drama they create. But of course, that doesn’t make for compelling television.
Producer T Bone Burnett Has Scathing Words for Nashville
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Big shot producer T Bone Burnett whose in charge of the music for the new ABC drama Nashville premiering tonight (10-10) had some pretty scathing words about the state of music in Music City when talking to The New Orleans Times-Picayune about the upcoming television series. “These days, (country) radio is essentially a guy in his room with a computer,” T Bone told the paper.
Song Review – Kacey Musgraves “Merry Go Round”
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The most powerful gift of music might not be its ability to console you in pain, but to pierce your reality bubble and let the wisdom of enhanced perspective guide you to your true self. As immature and judgmental as “Merry Go Round” might seem in places, this altruistic aim is its objective, and its outcome.
EXCLUSIVE: Rosie Flores “Working Girl’s Guitar” Full Album Stream
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Rosie Flores is rockabilly royalty. You can draw a direct line from Rose Maddox, to Wanda Jackson, to Rosie Flores, and she takes her role as the “Rockabilly Filly” seriously. Here she is releasing her 11th full length album “Working Girl’s Guitar” through Bloodshot Records on October 16th, a raucous and rebellious collection of songs.
Musician & Songwriter Hall Of Fames Swapped at Music City Center
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As important as the Songwriters Hall of Fame is, it may not be the most deserving of a spot in Music City Center. If all things were equal, that opportunity would go to the Musicians Hall of Fame that was imminent domained by Nashville and given a week to remove its artifacts before being bulldozed to make way for the new building. And more importantly, the Musicians Hall of Fame was promised the space.
Review – Nick Curran & The Lowlifes “Reform School Girl” (RIP)
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If you want proof that in 2012 genuine old-fashioned rock n’ roll is indeed roots music, look no further than Nick Curran & The Lowlifes and the album Reform School Girl. Unfortunately Nick Curran passed away on Saturday (10-6-12) after a long fight with oral cancer. But what Nick left behind was a revitalization of the true soul of rock & roll.
The Story Behind Tom VandenAvond’s Wreck of a Fine Man
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Songs become timeless by having the uncanny knack of feeling relevant no matter when they are performed. The title track from Tom’s latest album Wreck Of A Fine Man falls into that lot. Last week when it was announced Darius Rucker would be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, “Wreck Of A Fine Man” seemed to be the best salve for the old soul struggling with the short-sightedness of today’s society.
Album Review – Dwight Yoakam’s “3 Pears”
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It would have been impossible to screw up 3 Pears. With Dwight’s molasses voice, all you have to do is cut open a live mic in a studio and magic will happen. What’s the old saying about singing the phone book? When Johnny Cash has cited you as his favorite country singer, you know the talent is natural. All it needs is an outlet.