2008 – Page 6 – Country Universe

Discussion: Kennedy Center Honors

December 7, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 28

Since 1978, the Kennedy Center Honors have recognized outstanding contributions to the cultural arts. Presented by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, each year’s honorees attend a ceremony at the White House,

Classic Country Singles: Dolly Parton, “Coat of Many Colors”

December 7, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 16

Coat of Many Colors Dolly Parton 1971 Written by Dolly Parton When asked her favorite song among all those she has written, Dolly Parton always answers, “Coat of Many Colors.” It’s a true story from

Review: The Raconteurs featuring Ricky Skaggs and Ashley Monroe, “Old Enough”

December 6, 2008 Dan Milliken 16

Country crossovers have been getting a really bad rep recently. The tension is nothing new, of course – only the late John Denver could claim to have his name set aflame on a CMA telecast

Discussion: An Elvis Kind of Christmas

December 6, 2008 Guest Contributor 6

Through the wonders of digital technology, duets with the deceased are not only possible, but convincing collaborations can be constructed from the transcendent art they’ve left behind. To honor Elvis Presley, a new collection of

Discussion: Recommend a Track

December 5, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 12

Tonight’s Recommend a Track, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?”, has been recorded three times by its songwriter Dolly Parton. First, as a solo tune, it was the B-side to the 1982 version of “I

Shelby Lynne, Just a Little Lovin’

December 5, 2008 Guest Contributor 5

Shelby Lynne Just a Little Lovin’ Dusty Springfield portrayed sexual longing and soulful intensity in a thrilling manner. Her nakedly honest songs seemed to be a survival mechanism. If she couldn’t speak her candid truths,

Discussion: Grammy Double Whammy

December 4, 2008 Guest Contributor 48

The Grammy nominations last night ignited a large number of responses, so tonight, we are opening up the floor for even more discussion. During CMA time, the mood was negative. However, last night’s events, for

Review: Dean Brody, “Brothers”

December 4, 2008 Leeann Ward 6

I tend to consistently viscerally cringe at songs that are written with the intention of pulling on its listeners’ heartstrings. I think it’s a dirty trick to which I’m usually immune. However, there are always

Allison Moorer, Mockingbird

December 4, 2008 Guest Contributor 6

Allison Moorer Mockingbird Allison Moorer’s latest album is an exercise in splendid restraint. Excepting the title track, a Moorer original, Mockingbird is a collection of songs written and performed by the women who serve as her musical idols. Moorer shows an overt dedication to

2009 Grammy Nominees

December 3, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 76

This year’s Grammy nominees are about as good as it gets. Multiple nominations for Alison Krauss (5), George Strait (4), Trisha Yearwood (3), Jamey Johnson, (3), Sugarland (2.5), Patty Loveless (2), Lady Antebellum (2), James