July 2008 – Page 7 – Country Universe

Monday Open Thread: Ridiculously Awesome Songs

July 7, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 22

You know how some country songs are just ridiculous, but they’re still awesome? The premises are flimsy, the lyrics aren’t believable, but they’re still enjoyable to listen to. My favorite song in this vein is

Emmylou Harris, All I Intended to Be

July 6, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 9

Emmylou Harris All I Intended to Be It’s easy to view this album as a homecoming of sorts for Emmylou Harris. She is reunited with producer Brian Ahern, who helmed her seminal records from the

Sunday Open Thread: Hits Waiting to Happen

July 6, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 21

When I first heard Carrie Underwood’s new album Carnival Ride, I was most impressed by the ballad “Just a Dream”, which is now slated to be her fourth single from the set. Similarly, I was

Saturday Open Thread – Best of 2008, So Far?

July 5, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 28

So according to journalist Chet Flippo, Sugarland’s upcoming album, Love on the Inside, is a keeper: Sugarland’s upcoming CD is a leading candidate for country album of the year…by and large, musically they have not

Friday Open Thread

July 4, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 6

Happy Independence Day! In the spirit of the holiday, Leeann and I have published reviews of two recent patriotic singles. Check out her take on Phil Stacey’s “Old Glory” and mine on Donna Fargo’s “We

Donna Fargo, "We Can Do Better in America"

July 4, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

My favorite song of Donna Fargo’s is “You Can’t Be a Beacon (If Your Light Don’t Shine)”, which is a celebration of Christian values that simultaneously pushes those claiming to have them to live to

Phil Stacey, “Old Glory”

July 4, 2008 Leeann Ward 6

While I’m confident that Phil Stacey is absolutely sincere in his attempt to pay tribute to the American flag, “Old Glory” is actually sung too earnestly. His voice is pleasant, but he needlessly adds syllables

Thursday Open Thread

July 3, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

Entertainment Weekly sure does love its lists. They recently ranked the 100 Essential Albums of the Last 25 Years. The top 25 includes one country album: Shania Twain’s Come On Over at #24. Ranked elsewhere

James Otto, “For You”

July 3, 2008 Leeann Ward 14

James Otto’s third single from Sunset Man is a pretty solid effort. “For You” is sung with the emotion and soul that is reminiscent of Travis Tritt. This, however, doesn’t mean that there aren’t some

Phil Vassar, “I Would”

July 3, 2008 Leeann Ward 3

Phil Vassar’s, “I Would” kicks off with up-tempo piano and fiddles. In fact, the whole song moves at a pretty fast clip. The problem with this is that the supposed regret of the lyrics isn’t