There are plenty of journalists out there that have opposing viewpoints to my own, many even making good arguments. Chet Flippo at CMT.com is not one of them however, as evidenced in his most recent edition of Nashvill Skyline. Flippo, whose writing is usually respectable, makes the point that no one knows what […]
It’s clear that music executives today value entertainers over musicians when an American Idol castoff hits the Billboard charts as the best selling male country debut in twelve years.
Josh Gracin, active duty Marine and American Idol contestant, debuted at the second spot on Billboard’s country chart. He’s good looking and can sing, […]
To me a record that has balance is a keeper. Some albums I get are filled with lush vocals on sultry ballads and nothing else. Others are mere barroom banter that while fun is hardly an album I’ll listen to even when I’m not in the mood for such fare. Above all […]
Wilco, born of the great Uncle Tupelo, made its mark with its last album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, a sublimely strange album that invoked the ire of its label as well as confused the millions of fans that bought it. Once again, Jeff Tweedy’s strange ensemble has created what some will hail as a masterpiece […]
Billy Joe Shaver lost his son and collaborator Eddy to a heroin overdose on December 31, 2000. Their musical relationship yielded some of the best music of Billy’s storied career, sparking a revitalization among fans everywhere. The tragic event left Billy with both an empty heart as well as an unfinished album.
Billy […]
Growing up I sometimes found my father’s leanings toward Roger Miller, Red Sovine, and Don Williams a bit dowdy but he would simply smile at my protests and sing along with the windows down. At home he would put on an old Charlie Pride record or perhaps a Conway Twitty classic. I would […]
So I’ve recently had some harsh things to say about Toby Keith and his ultra-pandering patriotic stance. I’ve only received one message that contradicts my point of view in any manner that even remotely could be considered cerebral. That message wasn’t defending Toby Keith or his politcal leanings but instead calls a spade […]
Today has been a bit of a celebration of music for me. I’ve been listening to these ten songs repeatedly today:
Tales from the Sad Hotel - Jim Lauderdale
Headed for The Hills
This song is the perfect pairing of whistful lyrics and understated arrangements. The whole record really shines, but this song sticks with me.
Sunshine […]
Americana pioneer and one of my favorite artists, Hal Ketchum has a new release:
Award-winning singer/songwriter and platinum country recording artist Hal Ketchum and his wife, children’s book author Gina, announce the birth of their daughter, Sophia Grace, born June 17. Sophia is 8 pounds 6 ounces and joins big sisters Fani Rose, 7, and Ruby […]
Eric Clapton arrived in town last night with the carnival that comes when a megastar is set to play. Clapton, whose legacy is one of epic porportions, has been panned recently by a critic who thinks that his concerts focus too much on the music and not enough on the personality that he has […]
