Mempho Music Fest 2025 Features Top Names in Insurgent Country
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To be able to see Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett, and Tyler Childers all on the same bill—and not at some 50,000-person megafest—is incentive enough. Add John R. Miller, and Memphis legends Amy Lavere and Lucero…
So Eric Church, You Think That Genres Are Dead? (A Rant)
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You’re right Eric, genres are dead, and it’s because assholes like you have killed them by making murky, soulless, rootless pap to appeal to the wide masses while the roots of music wither, and there’s no better evidence of that than your latest rock opera being rammed down the throats of what are supposed to be country consumers, throwing the homogenization of the American culture into hyper drive.
Willy “Tea” Taylor & The Smell of Old Baseball Gloves
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If you asked me point blank who I thought was the best songwriter of our generation regardless of genre, scene, commercial or critical success, I would tell you without hesitation that it is Willy “Tea” Taylor from the interior valley cattle town of Oakdale, CA. Willy “Tea” Taylor is an enigma, while at the same time being the most down-to-earth person you would ever meet.
Billy Joe Shaver to Release First Studio Album in 7 Years
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Billy Joe Shaver is getting ready to record and release his first studio album in 7 years, according to the 74-year-old Outlaw country songwriter and performer. “Hopefully getting it out in a couple of months. It’s all new too and different…There are some political things. The songs are so different then what’s on the radio now. It’s either going to change things around or get kicked out. One or the other. ”
Darius Rucker Wants ‘Wagon Wheel’ Grammy or “Country’s Screwed”
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Former Hootie & The Blowfish frontman and country music carpetbagger/interloper Darius Rucker says he deserves a Grammy nod for his #1 hit “Wagon Wheel,” or quote, “country music’s screwed.” Darius Rucker made the comments during an interview with sports personality Dan Patrick. Why exactly country music is “screwed” if the song is not nominated was not elaborated upon by Rucker.
Lydia Loveless Goes “Boy Crazy” On New EP
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Ahead of a new full-length album promised from Lydia in 2014 is a quick little EP called “Boy Crazy.” It is a straight ahead power pop album with punkish and country undertones that draws you right in with it’s juicy hooks and melodies, witty lyrics, fun themes, and general good-timedness. It really wets your appetite for what Lydia might have coming with her new full-length project.
George Jones’ First Album Reissued on Vinyl (Giveaway)
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It has been just over six months since we lost one of country music’s most singular and influential voices in George Jones, and though nothing will ever fill the void left in the heart of country music by the George Jones passing, our memories of his music just got a little easier to recall and share. Reserve Records has just reissued George Jones’ very first LP from Starday Records.
The Real Issue Behind Taylor Swift’s Victoria’s Secret Performance
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Tonight in New York City at the Lexington Avenue Armory, Taylor Swift will be the musical headliner for the Victoria’s Secret annual fashion show, set to air on CBS December 10th. It’s not necessarily how much skin will be on display at the show that is so alarming as much as the appearance seems like such a calculated assessment of Swift’s public perception and an attempt to recalculate it.
Album Review – Kellie Pickler’s “The Woman I Am”
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Kellie Pickler’s 2012 album 100 Proof was like its own little country music revolution. This set the table for Kellie Pickler’s 2013 offering The Woman I Am to be one of the most anticipated releases this year. Kellie, willing to focus less on the commercial flop of 100 Proof and more on its critical success, kept much of the same personnel and approach in place for The Woman I Am, including the same producer Frank Liddell.
Willie, Kris, & Lyle Star in “When Angels Sing” Christmas Movie
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The annual dirge of Christmas movie releases is enough to turn your stomach like a glass of expired eggnog. But there is one movie out this year that may be worth your time, if for no other reason than the cast is built around country music royalty, including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Lyle Lovett, and appearances by Dale Watson, The Trishas, Ray Benson, & more.
Look, This is the Deal with David Allan Coe (An Editorial)
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David Allan Coe’s accident, the subsequent fallout, and Tyler Coe’s letter have stimulated a discussion about David Allan Coe, his ethics and character, his contributions to the music world, and have many fans finally speaking out about a lackluster live show that they we’re unwilling to speak about previously out of respect for the performer.
Mamie White of “Wild & Wonderful Whites” Arrested
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Mamie Warner, aka Mamie White, sister of Dancing Outlaw Jesco White, and one of the main characters in the 2009 Johnny Knoxville-produced film The Wild & Wonderful Whites of West Virginia has been arrested in Boone County on numerous charges. Mamie was taken into custody on November 8th and taken to the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden, WV and placed on $25,000 bond.
Garth Brooks to Release 6 CD “Blame It All On My Roots” Box Set
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Garth Brooks, who’s been making overtures recently about a country music comeback and new releases, will reportedly be releasing a box set called Blame It All On My Roots: Five Decades of Influences through Wal-Mart on November 17th. The initial announcement about the release was made briefly during Garth’s television special also entitled Blame It All On My Roots that aired Saturday night (11-9) on GAC.