Willie Nelson Plots Special Project with His Youngest Son
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The through-line in the album is “facing death with grace”—something the 91-year-old Willie Nelson can relate to. Micah says he took a “sculptor’s approach” to the album, stating, “It’s an approach that I really love…”
Curb to Release ‘Long Gone Daddy’ from Hank Williams III
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As first reported here on Saving Country Music, Curb Records is releasing a new album from Hank Williams III that includes outtakes from his first two solo albums, Risin’ Outlaw from 1999, and Lovesick, Broke & Driftin’ from 2002. The album has now been made available for pre-order through Amazon and is entitled Long Gone Daddy. It will be released on April 17th, 2012.
Hipster Irony Goes Country with Jonny Corndawg
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When I first saw Jonny Corndawg’s Down on the Bikini Line album come across the wires this summer, with this dude’s ironic name, the ironic album cover and title, and a track list of ironic songs, I didn’t even give it a sniff. But when The Nashville Scene anointed this guy an “Outlaw”, compared him to David Allan Coe, I knew I couldn’t avoid taking a deeper look and listen.
Music, and the Reshaping of The American Dream
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instead of looking at politics or ideological movements as realistic agents of change, we should look towards art and music, and let the lessons of artistic expressions enter our hearts. That, in my opinion, is the path to true happiness, and where we will find the true meaning of The American Dream.
McDougall to Release New Album “A Few Towns More”
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Few artists can articulate the important and poignant message of resetting priorities in life, and do it in such an enthralling manner as Scott McDougall. The Oregon-based One Man Band is set to release his sixth album A Few Towns More on April 10th, and promises to continue to carry his fans vicariously with him as he journeys across the country.
Lessons Learned from the 2012 Grammy Awards
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If you want to find some snark and sarcasm from the 2012 Grammy Awards, you should check out the official Saving Country Live Blog from last night. Yes, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj supplied some gag reflex moments, but there was also a lot of substance and lessons to be taken from the night’s festivities. Here are the top three things I learned.
Album Review – Farmer Jason & Buddies “Nature Jams”
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Possibly better known to you as the cowpunk pioneer and legendary frontman of Jason & The Scorchers, Ringenberg’s alter ego “Farmer Jason” brings some serious passion to his new release Farmer Jason and Buddies: Nature Jams. Hank Williams III, Todd Snider, Brandi Carlisle, Tommy Ramone, Iris Dement, and Mike Mills from REM are just some of the names that stop by to help.
Muddy Roots Festival 2012 Complete Lineup
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The first year of the Muddy Roots Festival was about breaking ground. The second was about breaking even. The third year will be about breaking the mold of everything a music festival can be. Muddy Roots isn’t just a festival my friends. No. It’s an act of solidarity. It is a force of the collective Will of real roots fans united from disparate backgrounds, coming together to say “We are here, and things can work differently.”
The Importance and Soul of the Local Musician
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The local musician has gone international. This has contributed to music parody, but possibly more damning it has contributed to the death of the local music scene. Back in the day to become a serious music artist, you first had to tackle your local scene, then become big regionally and go from there. That fed a music farm system.
Review – Royal Fingerbowl “Happy Birthday, Sabo!”
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When you consider yourself some type of high fallutin’ music critic, you get asked many times what your favorites albums of all time are. I would honestly say that Happy Birthday, Sabo! by the long since defunct band Royal Fingerbowl sits in my top 3 albums of all time, and can reside in the very top spot depending on the current mood. Happy Birthday, Sabo! is an album of sheer madness.
Song Review – Shooter Jennings’ “The Deed & The Dollar”
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I had a dream last night that I woke up from a long sleep and was the only writer left in the country music blogsphere that hadn’t succumbed to the cult of personality of Shooter Jennings and could actually write an objective review. Then I realized that I was wide ass awake. I feel the need to offer some perspective. And my perspective on “The Deed & The Dollar” is that it’s “just okay.”
I Don’t Care That T-Bone Burnett Produced Your Album
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Yeah, that’s right. I said it. I don’t care if T-Bone Burnett, or anybody else with a famous name produced your album. What I am concerned with is if it is good. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying T Bone Burnett is a bad producer. It’s just at some point hype far exceeds substance, and I think we have passed that point with the “T-Bone Burnett” name.
SCM’s Predictions & Picks for 2012 Hall of Fame Inductions
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One of the reasons the the Country Music Hall of Fame is one of the most revered and respected Halls in all the land and specifically in music is because it is so hard to get into. It is always better that you look at a list of Hall inductees and wonder why certain names are not in, instead of looking and wondering why certain names are.