Live Nation’s “On The Road Again” Initiative Deserves Scrutiny
25 CommentsWhile much of the media reported on Live Nation’s initiative verbatim and without scrutinizing it or digging too deep into the details, others are speaking out, saying its a lot of smoke an mirrors to take heat off the massive company.
Album Review – Jeff Hyde’s “Norman Rockwell World”
43 CommentsJeff Hyde is one of Eric Church’s primary songwriting collaborators, and a member of his touring band playing mostly mandolin, banjo, and acoustic guitar. Or at least that’s how he’s being presented to you since that it gives you some context of why you should pay attention to his new album.
DevilDriver Recruits Hank3, John Carter Cash for “Outlaws ‘Til The End” Tribute
48 CommentsAs first reported by Saving Country Music, the heavy metal band DevilDriver has been working on an Outlaw country tribute record that will include special guests and a heavy metal influence. Now we have the details on the project called ‘Outlaws ‘Til The End.’ From the country world, Hank Williams III and John Carter Cash will participate.
Dottie West’s Legacy Is Not Forgotten by the Country Hall of Fame
24 CommentsDottie West was both a pioneering woman in country music, as well as a superstar in her era. She broke ground for women in the genre, and was the woman most responsible for making the men sound better as one of the genre’s most recognized duet partners for decades. Her legacy had long been overlooked, but not anymore.
Ricky Skaggs Announced As Newest Inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame
72 CommentsRicky Skaggs is the new “Modern Era” inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The 63-year-old Cordell, Kentucky native has experienced as diverse of a country music career as anyone, and certainly earns this distinction both from his commercial success, and his commitment to country music throughout his life.
Johnny Gimble Named Country Music Hall of Fame Musician Inductee
12 CommentsFiddle legend Johnny Gimble is the newest inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. This was the news coming out of the press conference Tuesday morning (3-27) from the Country Music Hall of Fame rotunda, hosted by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Gimble was inducted in the rotating musician category.
Newest Additions to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#18)
23 CommentsWell damn, it’s less than a week since the last Saving Country Music Top 25 Playlist update, but the badass songs have been rolling out so hard and heavily lately, it’s worth calling a audible and adding them to the playlist post haste. Leading the pack are a couple of new songs from new artists who were already on the playlist.
What Dumbasses Thought Bringing Back ‘American Idol’ Was a Good Idea?
61 CommentsJust like the malaise we’re seeing in music and movies, attempting to reboot ‘American Idol’ is the sign of a lack of new ideas or originality. America has moved on from American Idol, and unless it’s willing to dramatically adapt to the times, it will be like an anchor on ABC and its cast.
Album Review – Trixie Mattel’s “One Stone”
95 CommentsThis is not music that is meant for fans of cross-dressing drag queens. There’s no political messaging here. This music is strikingly universal, and not just respectful to the traditional country audience, it is meant for them, and meant to grow the appreciation for true country music in whomever listens.
Album Review – Grace Basement’s “Mississippi Nights”
18 CommentsMississippi Nights is a fun record, really easy to get into, hard to let go of, and giving of musical enjoyment regardless of your roots music preferences. Sometimes an album, artist, or song speaks to you, and you’re not exactly sure why. There’s just something about it that makes it “cool.”
Uncle Lucius Bids a Final Farewell
17 CommentsFor over 12 years, Uncle Lucius was Texas music’s resident jam band, adding that necessary bit of groove, soul, and looseness to make the scene that much more diverse and infectious. They embodied the spirit of Austin, TX where they were based, and they did so better than most. And now like so many of Austin’s institutions, Uncle Lucius is gone.
Album Review – Courtney Marie Andrews’ “May Your Kindness Remain”
24 CommentsFor some songwriters, it’s not just the songs they write, it’s how they make the labor of putting emotions and sentiments to words and music seem so effortless that leaves the listener spellbound. The imagery of the average Courtney Marie Andrews song is so vibrant, it sucks you straight into the story.
Tami Neilson Looks to Knock Socks Off with “SASSAFRASS!”
48 CommentsTami Neilson is a full tilt badass monster of music, and I will puff my chest out and challenge any man, woman, or beast who dares questions the full-throated pronouncement that she is the one of the best living singers in all of roots music and beyond. Now she is back with a new selection of songs compiled under the name “SASSAFRASS!”