Month: September 2008
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Eric Durrance, “Turn It Off”
As obsessive bloggers and blog readers, this is a song to which many of us can surely relate. After running through the list of modern technologies of the day that we, as a society, generally use as a lifeline of sorts, Eric Durrance appeals to his lover to “turn it off.” He warns, ”You better…
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Matt Stillwell, “Shine”
No, this is not a cover of the Collective Soul (or even the Dolly Parton) version of “Shine”. Unfortunately. In this case, “Shine” is short for moonshine, as in, home-distilled alcohol. If you never grow tired of hearing country music about singing along with Hank Jr., dancing in the fields until dawn and drinking a toast to…
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Adam Gregory, “Crazy Days”
The introduction to newcomer Adam Gregory is an energetic one. It’s a yearning for the simpler days, as told by a ready-made-for-radio voice. Gregory’s voice has just enough hint of desperation to make this tale, one of true love losing its spark, seem believable. The song is a bit unoriginal, but the quality of the…
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Jeff Bates, “Riverbank”
At the funeral of his father, the character in Jeff Bates’ new single “Riverbank” feels the rush of old memories when the pair would enjoy days together at the fishing hole. The death has made him reflective, but grateful for the time they shared, and Bates is convincing with an honest, heartfelt performance. Bates has always exhibited…
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Jessica Simpson, Do You Know
Jessica Simpson Do You Know Jessica Simpson is all country. At least by her own account. She has fully embraced the sound of Nashville pop-country, along with all the elements of its image. The conversations flavored with “Y’all” and “Bless your heart” and all those sweet, southern sayings. The wardrobes of jeans, t-shirt and a…
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Discussion: Recommend a Track(list)
Since all of you love to play with your iPods (or maybe that’s just me and I’m projecting it), let’s do Recommend a Track a little differently this week. Put your iPod on shuffle, and keep playing until you’ve found 10 tracks you’d proudly recommend to others, then put how many tracks it took to…
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Discussion: Classic Songs, Contemporary Artists
In the 1950s and 60s, it was common practice for country artists to make their own versions of previously-recorded classics. Although these instances are few and far between in mainstream country music, a number of artists such as Martina McBride and Patty Loveless have recently revisited these old sounds and songs. Imagine a feisty Miranda Lambert recording Loretta…
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Keith Anderson, “Somebody Needs A Hug”
Listen, country songwriters of the world: not every semi-popular catchphrase requires its own song. Some things just don’t really need to have music written about them, and hugging out someone else’s case of “the Mondays” is one of them. I kept waiting for the twist in this number, sure that the narrative couldn’t possibly begin…
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Patty Loveless, Mountain Soul
Patty Loveless Mountain Soul 2001 With Mountain Soul, Patty Loveless returned to her roots and re-energized a career that positioned her as an ambassador for both the historical lessons and the promising future that country music can provide when approached correctly. Born out of a desire to reconnect with the music of her childhood, this album…
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Rascal Flatts, “Here”
Writing a review of this just seems like an exercise in futility. No fans will be won or lost by this performance. If you enjoy listening to “I Melt” “Winner at a Losing Game ” and “Fast Cars and Freedom” “Take Me There”, then you’ll enjoy this. If a part of you died inside when…