On Oliver Anthony & His Viral “Rich Men North of Richmond”
235 CommentsEnter Oliver Anthony, and the super-viral recording of his song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” Undoubtedly, it is quite a remarkable song and performance. He’s a songwriter from Farmville, VA…
Leave It to Cody Jinks to Give a Proper Country Tribute to Chris Cornell
19 CommentsIf Sturgill Simpson is today’s country music equivalent to Kurt Cobain, then perhaps a similar parallel can be drawn between Cody Jinks and Soundgarden/Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell. It’s no longer a matter of if, but when Cody’s name is included as a default in the conversation with guys like Sturgill, Isbell, and Stapleton.
Chris Stapleton’s “Either Way” Slides & Wheeler Walker Jr. Prepares for Country Radio Push
47 CommentsSometimes the effort to save country music feels like one step forward, two steps back. Last week at this time we were all gaga over the fact that Chris Stapleton’s stripped-down new single “Either Way” was the most added single at country radio and debuted at a surprisingly #26 on the charts, but “Either Way” took a proverbial dive during its second week.
Angst, Anger, 90’s Music, And The Legacy of Chris Cornell
76 CommentsIn the 90’s, aggressive, angry, angst-filled music was the pop music of the day—Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, Eddie Vedder and Pearl Jam, and Chris Cornell and Soundgarden. And it wasn’t just limited to what was referred to at the time as “grunge music.” In the 90’s, Marilyn Manson was a pop star.
Song Review- Jason Isbell’s “If We Were Vampires”
56 CommentsA love song with avid participation from his wife and singing partner Amanda Shires, the song delves into the sad perspective that forever in a marriage or a relationship is ultimately a relative term. But Isbell doesn’t point these things out just as a lament or a sharp lesson of reality.
Song Review – Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing”
8 CommentsYou may have never heard of Carly Pearce or her debut single “Every Little Thing,” but you soon will. As the latest benefactor of iHeartMedia’s “On The Verge” radio program that puts a shot of adrenaline behind the single from an emerging star, it’s virtually guaranteed to rocket to the top of the charts.
George Strait Named Texas Musician of the Year
17 CommentsOn Thursday, May 18th, George Strait will be officially recognized by the Texas State Legislature as the 2017 State Musician of the Year for Texas. George, along with other candidates, were nominated for the distinction by the general public, and then sent to the Texas Commission on the Arts, which decides the final recipient.
The Line Between Music & Commerce Blurred More Than Ever in Country Music
12 CommentsIn April, WME, who represents country music superstar Luke Bryan, received a letter from the FTC, or Federal Trade Commission. The letter makes reference to an Instagram picture where Luke Bryan is touting his clothing line that is called “HFE,” which is short for the title of his hit single, “Huntin’ Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day.”
PWR BTTM Coverage Brings Out Worst & Best in Trump-Era Music Journalism
101 CommentsOver the last few weeks, an obsession grew for the self-proclaimed “queer punk” duo known as PWR BTTM. The band became part of an agenda in music journalism to make the music secondary to a political narrative. The problem in the case of PWR BTTM is that the band had not been properly vetted.
Holly Williams Has a Good Excuse for the Delay in New Music
12 CommentsFor the better part of two years now, country music fans with any sort of taste have been waiting not-so-patiently for the long-awaited arrival of the Dave Cobb-produced fourth album from 3rd generation performer Holly Williams. You can’t blame fans for their impatience after the performance she turned in on her 3rd record, ‘The Highway.’
Album Review – Liz Rose’s “Swimming Alone”
9 CommentsDon’t think of Swimming Alone as a commercial release. Think of it as something Liz Rose made for herself and maybe a few close friends and family that you somehow got a copy of. It’s sweet, quirky, funny at times, delightfully dated, refreshingly honest, and just a simple joy to listen to.
Chris Stapleton’s “From A Room: Vol.1” Goes #1 All Genre in Pure Album Sales
34 CommentsChris Stapleton’s sophomore album ‘From A Room: Vol. 1’ is the #1 selling record this week in pure album sales across all genres, beating out rapper Logic’s new album ‘Everybody.’ However due to new chart rules that consider streaming data, Stapleton will come in #2 in the major charts.
Call Her Dr. Lucinda Williams After Berklee Bestows Honorary Degree
9 CommentsLucinda Williams already has a host of accolades to her name, including hit songwriter for her penning of “Passionate Kisses,” multiple Grammy Award winner, a founding partner in the alt-country and Americana movements in the 80’s and 90’s, and now you can add an honorary doctorate to her resume.