George Strait Deserves the Kennedy Center Honors, Not Political Rancor
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George Strait is more than deserving of the honor, and it feels like it’s coming at the perfect time in his career. But as to be expected, in this politically acrimonious time we live in, it’s been polarized by some.
Grandson “Struggle” Turns Waylon Songs Into Rap
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The rapping grandson of Waylon Jennings, one Will “Young Struggle” Harness, or “Struggle” as he prefers to go by now has a new album out called I Am Struggle, that doesn’t just borrow heavily from Waylon’s catalog, it is downright built from it. 7 of the 9 tracks on the country rap record directly incorporate samples and structures of Waylon tunes in an unprecedented intrusion of rap into the country music format.
Eric Strickland Does It Again On “I’m Bad For You”
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Eric Strickland is Country with a capital ‘C’ and couldn’t make a bad album if he tried. He may be more locally-oriented than the other big names in honky tonk music, but gives up nothing to his more well-known comrades when it comes to cutting songs and records. Eric Strickland and The ‘B’ Sides are doing their part to save country music. Now it’s time to do your part by giving them your ear and attention.
The Mavericks “In Time” One of the Best of 2013
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Take the West Coast country coolness of Dwight Yoakam, the haunting tremolo of Roy Orbison, the sweaty rhythms of Los Lobos, and what you get is Miami’s indescribable and enigmatic throwback old-school all-things-to-all-people house band for America known as The Mavericks. “In Time” might be the best album in their nearly 25-year history, and its one of the best put out so far in 2013.
No Distinction In Natalie Maines’ Anti-Country Comments
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Former Dixie Chick Natalie Maines has a knack for allowing her words to precede her. She left country after her quote about George W. Bush torpedoed the trio’s career, and ever since she’s been lobbing grenades back in country’s direction, including yet another in a new Rolling Stone article that represents her as “declaring war on Nashville.”
Sheryl Crow’s Country Move a Trojan Horse for Toilet Paper Stance
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Sources close to the Sheryl Crow camp have confided in Saving Country Music that part of Sheryl’s country move is politically motivated. Sheryl is a staunch environmentalist, and has championed specific issues over the years, most notably in 2007 when she advocated the use of only one square of toilet paper during restroom visits to conserve trees and increase global oxygen levels.
Singing Sisters Help to Save Country Music with Harmony
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Whenever I find myself thirsting for inspiration, I tend to search out the blessed gift that is the harmonies of sister pairings. Any two great singers can harmonize, but few can match the instinct and tone of two blood relatives, making the artform seem as effortless as breath. Following is a list of singing sisters who never cease to inspire.
Win A Copy of “The Last Ride,” A Story of Hank Williams
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The Last Ride, a movie depicting the final days of Hank Williams, will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on June 6th through Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, but you can win a copy right here on Saving Country Music by leaving the name of your favorite Hank Williams song in the comments section below. Saving Country Music will give away two exclusive copies of the movie to randomly selected readers.
Country Legend Ray Price Released From Hospital (UPDATED)
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Country music legend Ray Price is finally being released from the hospital after being admitted on May 9th for severe dehydration. Ray was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November of 2012 and began receiving radiation treatment. By February of 2013, the cancer was in remission and Ray was back performing, but a medication Ray was taking for Post Radiation Syndrome resulted in the loss of too many fluids.
We’ve Got A Bigger Problem Now. It’s Called Florida Georgia Line.
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These dudes are on the mother of all tears. Their song “Cruise” threatens to be the biggest country song in 2013, and has already set multiple records, including spending 12 weeks at the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart—the first time this has happened by a duo in the 69-year history of the chart. “Cruise” has already been certified triple-platinum.
Country Music Heroes Who Served The Country
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Country music loves to pride itself in supporting the troops and the cause of the military more than any other genre. Though some of it may be bravado meant more for marketing, there are many legends in the country music ranks that served their country as young men. Here’s a list of country heroes who served the county.
Album Review – Carolina Still’s “The Color of Rust”
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Carolina Still puts out a great-sounding, patient, and professional album through Rusty Knuckles Records called The Color of Rust, spiking old music with a new energy. Self proclaimed “old-time moonshier stomp,” they bring the primal enjoyment a jug-like band can evoke, without any of the grab ass garbage that can come from half efforts.
Avett Brothers Helped Spark Roots Revival with “Emotionalism”
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If you would’ve told The Avett Brothers back in 2007 when they released their album Emotionalism that in five years, the best-selling album in all of music would be from a roots band playing acoustic instruments and featuring emotional, singer/songwriter material, they’d probably call you crazy. But that is the power one album can have to launch a formidable music career…