Album Review – Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion” (with Song Reviews)
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Taken as a whole, F-1 Trillion is much more of a contemporary version of pop country than it is anything else, with committee-written songs, little heart, substance, or soul. But this album is supposed to be fun, and Post Malone succeeds.
Jonny Corndawg Talks Country, Music & Hipsters
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Saving Country Music’s recent review of Jonny Corndawg’s latest album Down On The Bikini Line caused quite the stir, primarily from the accusation that his music was an extension of the ever-widening hipster culture. So instead of letting the confusion fester, I sought out Jonny at SXSW last week to discuss him, his music, and hipsters, and how we could potentially bridge the understanding gap with his music.
Recap – Saving Muddy Hillgrass XSXSW 5 2012
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2012 will go down as the first year that the annual XSXSW event put on by Hillgrass Bluebilly Records went from a regular “showcase” in the traditional South by Southwest form, to a two-day full-blown premier whistle stop on the independent roots railroad’s yearly cycle. With help from Saving Country Music, Muddy Roots, and many other gracious entities…
The XSXSW Charter: Things can be better.
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As Texans, we are tired of every March being misrepresented by the madness South by Southwest creates. As citizens of Austin and surrounding areas, we want our city back. As fans and supporters of music, we want a better solution. As musicians, we want to be treated better. In the coming years we hope to make enough noise to at least make them listen.
The Ugly Valley Boys Have Classic Style Beyond Music
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Some folks chase whatever the hot classic retro style or trend is at the moment, whether in appearance or music, because that is what is cool or hip at the time. And then you have other folks who are classic individuals because that’s the only way they can feel comfortable in their own skin. They’re old souls, trapped in a modern world and young bodies.
Album Review – Shooter Jennings “Family Man”
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In the end I’m just surprised at the sheer lack of direction with this album. I guess there’s a “Family Man” concept here, but it almost seems a burden to the music instead of a compliment. However I would be lying if I said Family Man didn’t have any moments. And yes, Shooter is a nice guy, but that is not a sonic element you can measure in music.
What is a Hipster? (And why you should care)
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When the term “hipster” comes up, which is not an uncommon occurrence with the ongoing expansion of hipster culture and its tendency to interface with underground roots music, there always seems to be some confusion around the term. So to make a reference for everyone, I am going to set out on the difficult task of explaining what a modern hipster is.
Carolina Chocolate Drops: True Diversity in “Leaving Eden”
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The best part about the Carolina Chocolate Drops is they symbolize the greatness, the importance, and the hope of true diversity in music. I’ll say what many others are scared to say: It is cool to have people of color playing country music, and not just playing country, but “getting it,” and not using race as either a bit or a crutch.
Smells Like Pop Country: Perfume, Branding & Music
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One likely reason we’re seeing an explosion of product naming and perfumes is because in the new reality of the music business, the album and single cycle is elongating. Tim McGraw and his label Curb Records have been at the center of this trend, with McGraw insisting they release his music, and Curb attempting to stretch its artists’ albums out.
Kellie Pickler’s 100 Proof Best Mainstream Album in Years?
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If you are truly a fan of country music and have an open heart, you will like 100 Proof. In the Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn mold, 100 Proof revives the lost appreciation for the strong, yet sweet country woman, while staying away from the surface symbolism that erodes the substance from many of the other artists that attempt this difficult feat.
The Taylor Swift Bikini Photo (A rant)
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Can we just be thankful that for once there’s a female pop star that actually respects herself, and return that respect back lest our morbid obsession with her celebrity eventually ruins her? Turn TMZ off and find something better to do. Spend time with your kids, paint a picture, write a song, fix that toilet that’s been leaking for weeks. Christ.
Michael Jackson Montgomery ‘Met Her at the Megachurch’
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After reading a comment I made in an article about how certain American “megachurches” are putting just as much of a strain on local rural communities as megastores like Wal-Mart, how they are vanquishing the small, rural churches and the rich communities surrounding them, Michael Jackson Montgomery decided to send me another demo that directly touches on this issue.
Vinyl Review – Possessed by Paul James “Live at Antone’s”
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Live At Antone’s is an essential for any serious Possessed by Paul James fan, if only for the coolness factor of seeing the man’s face on vinyl. It serves the purpose of what both a live album and a vinyl experience should: capturing those magical musical moments that when you experience them personally, it seems like such a shame that you can’t share them with the rest of the world.