Tom Hanks Helps Launch Classic Country Streaming Station
19 CommentsCountry music has a lot of famous Hanks, but who knew that the legendary actor Tom Hanks was such a fan of them? Hanks may be his last name not first, but Tom’s appreciation for country music apparently runs deep.
Saving Country Music’s 2017 Song of the Year
72 CommentsIsn’t it strange how in the real world, we shy away instinctively from things that cause us pain, but when it comes to music and art, we seek pain out as one of the primary markers of the most potent and exceptional expressions of the artistic realm. Somehow, drawing that pain out through music makes us feel better.
Music From Season 4 of “The Ranch” on Netflix
58 CommentsNetflix released the latest season of its comedy drama ‘The Ranch’ on December 15th, and just like the first three seasons, country music plays a big role in both the dialog and the soundtrack. Apparently the creators want to make discovering the songs part of the fun of the series, because they keep their soundtrack close to the vest.
“Think A Little Less” Singer Michael Ray Arrested for DUI / Drugs at McDonald’s
43 CommentsPop country star Michael Ray—known for songs such as “Think A Little Less” and “Real Men Love Jesus”—was arrested 3 a.m. Wednesday (12-20) morning in Eustis, Florida for DUI and drug possession after he rear ended another vehicle in the drive thru at a local McDonald’s.
In Memoriam – Country Music’s Fallen Greats of 2017
20 CommentsAs the end of the year draws near, it comes time to reflect on all the country music greats big and small, superstars and sidemen, session players and songwriters, who passed away in the past year, and pay our respects to the contributions they made to country music, and to us as fans through the music they shared.
Billboard’s Chart Dates Still Imperfect After New Change, & Don’t Address Need for Daily Metrics
3 CommentsOn Tuesday (12-19), Billboard, the worldwide leader in chart publishing, announced they would be changing the posted dates on their weekly charts from one arbitrary day that doesn’t reflect the true nature of the chart, to another arbitrary day that doesn’t reflect the true nature of the chart, but that is slightly closer to the day the charts are published.
Song Review – Koe Wetzel’s “Austin”
55 CommentsIf you’re one who finds yourself enamored with the Texoma music scene, then you most certainly have an opinion on Koe Wetzel, one way or the other. And that opinion is also probably pretty fiery, no matter how it falls. And if you don’t have an opinion or don’t even know who he is yet, then you soon will, because he’s not going anywhere.
“Boom” By Walker Hayes Is The Worst Album In ‘Country’ Music History. Full Stop.
269 CommentsFriends and neighbors, I know you would rather spend your time reading about something a bit more positive in nature than the rabid attitudinal protestations of some twisted up music critic spouting off about this grotesque specimen of audio diarrhea, and during what is supposed to be a festive season no less….
Newest Additions to Saving Country Music’s Top 25 Current Playlist (#13)
11 CommentsMan do we have a few doozies to add to the Saving Country Music Top 25 Current Playlist, amplifying an already jam packed lineup that’s hard to know what to let go of just to add the best of what’s new. But somehow, someway, space must be made for a few stellar new song releases.
Revered Songwriter and ‘Heartworn Highways’ Performer Richard Dobson Has Died
11 CommentsRichard Dobson never found the fame many of his more recognized songwriting contemporaries did, but he was cherished as an equal by them, and the fans who sought out his music, and followed his journey, inspired and intrigued by his free spirit, his capability with words, and his ability not just to tell great stories, but to live them.
Album Review – Old 97’s “Graveyard Whistling”
17 CommentsWhen the topic of discussion turns to legacy alt-country bands, it’s easy for the Old 97’s to get left out of the mix, and unfairly so. Since their epicenter revolves around Dallas, and not Austin, Nashville, or Los Angeles, it seems like they’re always a little more out-of-sight, out-of-mind than their mammoth output and legacy deserves.
The Assault on Professional Concert Photography Finally Comes Into Focus
51 CommentsFor the majority of 2017, Saving Country Music has been engaged in a private war against the increasingly intrusive restrictions being placed upon music journalists—and photographers especially—who take time out of their evenings and weekends, leave their families at home, to cover live music events.
The Top 100 Airplay Albums on Americana Radio in 2017
21 CommentsThe Americana Music Association has announced their 2017 Top 100 Albums of the Year based on reporting to the Americana Airplay Chart from Americana stations during the period of Dec. 6, 2016 through Dec. 4, 2017. The chart can be a good way to see what you might have missed in the year of Americana.