Christmas Review – JD McPherson’s “Socks”
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Christmas is officially cool again after years of American popular culture being too cool for Christmas. But there was never a time when Christmas and music was cooler in America than in the 1950’s. JD McPherson proves himself uniquely qualified to tackle the difficult task of recording a Christmas record.
Best Country & Roots Holiday Releases of 2018
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Usually Christmas music gets shoved to the back burner around these parts, but this year there is such a surprising amount of quality selections of Holiday music being released, it’s worth a dedicated roundup. So if Christmas music is your thing—especially with a country or roots kick—give a gander to what 2018’s got in store.
Album Review – Comanche Moon’s “Country Music Deathstar”
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West Texas ain’t the cosmos, but it’s vastness and history have inspired many songs and artists over the years no different than gazes skyward at the celestial heavens. That’s why the region has consistently churned out some of the best songwriters and performers from the Lone Star State and beyond.
MerleFest 2019 Announces Initial Lineup
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Being held April 25-28 in 2019 on the campus of Wilkes Community College in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Tyler Childers, Wynonna and the Big Noise, American Aquarium, Lindi Ortega, and The Gibson Brothers are just some of the 75 names the festival has announced in their initial lineup.
.357 String Band’s Derek Dunn Still Thankful & Giving After Losing Home in California Fire
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Though they never hit the big time or won any major awards, those who are familiar with the legacy of the .357 String Band know they were one of the most important bands in underground roots music history, combining break neck speed, world-class instrumentation, compelling songwriting, and a punk attitude.
30A Songwriters Festival Assembles Incredible Lineup for an Important Cause
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The 10th annual 30A Songwriters Festival set for January 18-21, 2019 in Walton County, Florida will take on extra significance this year, and not just because it’s the event’s 10th Anniversary. Located in the Florida Panhandle, and just west of where the devastating Hurricane Michael made landfall in October.
Dale Watson Marks (Partial) Memphis Move with Upcoming “Call Me Lucky” Album
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What has Dale been up to? He’s been setting up a second home in Memphis, Tennessee, and that comes through on this newest record, ‘Call Me Lucky’ on Red House Records, which among other Memphis-based tie-in’s was recorded at the Sam Phillips Recording Studio.
Taylor Swift Leaves Behind Big Machine, and a Legacy of How Women Can Succeed in Country
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There is no way to sugar coat it for Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Records, and the two one-way streets just west of downtown Nashville known as Music Row where the heart of the country music industry resides. Taylor Swift leaving is huge. But she also leaves behind a legacy of how women can still succeed in country.
Corb Lund Announces New Tour Dates, Says New Album(s) On The Way
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Like a brisk Canadian cold front, Canadian cattle rancher and country artist Corb Lund will be blowing through the Western United States this winter on a 34-date tour, and ahead of what could be a couple of new studio releases coming in 2019.
“Texas Cotton” Movie Soundtrack Is Worth A Listen
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As albums for cover-to-cover listening, most movie soundtracks can be quite tedious, even if the music is good, and even if the movie holds a favorable grade. But some soundtracks are so good, you can enjoy them without having even seen the movie.
Kane Brown Is Not Diversity for Country, He’s The Death Of Diversity
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It should be the insistence of everyone, everywhere, in every sector of the economy, in every segment of culture, that everyone receives equal treatment and opportunity, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religious, or political affiliation when it comes to their worldly pursuits. Of course this is more of an ideal than a reality, […]
Whiskey Myers Announce Extensive 2019 Tour
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Something is going on with Whiskey Myers. Most bands 10 years in the game don’t get a massive boost in name recognition, but that’s what is happening with the Texas-based Southern rock band. Their big appearance in the Paramount series ‘Yellowstone’ has really put a jolt behind the band.
Kacey Musgraves, Radio, “Golden Hour,” & the 2018 CMA Awards
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Kacey Musgraves didn’t fail because country radio ignored her. She succeeded because she ignored country radio. This is the lesson of Kacey Musgraves, ‘Golden Hour,’ and the 2018 CMA Awards. Of course country radio sucks, and is inequitable when it comes to women. But what are you going to do about it?