June 2011 – Country Universe

Single Review: Ashton Shepherd, “Where Country Grows”

June 30, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 9

Y’all Y’all Country Pride Y’all.

Yee-Haw.

Grade: C

Listen: Where Country Grows

Single Review: Toby Keith, “Made in America”

June 30, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 16

Rah Rah USA USA Rah Rah America America Rah Rah Rah.

Grade: C

Listen: Made in America

Retro Single Review: Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, “The Last Thing on My Mind”

June 28, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 5

When the chemistry is there, it’s there from day one. The pairing of Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton was electric, and all of the elements that made it work were clearly evident on their first single.

Retro Single Review: Shania Twain, “Dance With the One That Brought You”

June 28, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 15

Her entire debut album has a retro feel, but “Dance With the One That Brought You” is the one track that sounds vintage without sounding dated.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow”

June 27, 2011 Leeann Ward 2

1990 | Peak: #2

Alan Jackson’s fourth single picks up the tempo in all the best ways. The tune is very memorable, thanks to an exuberant melody and decidedly country production, but the lyrics are anything but lightweight.

Retro Single Review: George Strait, “Unwound”

June 26, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

George Strait has had access to top drawer material for almost three decades now. But like any new artist, he needed a dose of luck to get a great song right off the bat.

Retro Single Review: Tim McGraw, “Welcome to the Club”

June 26, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 4

1992 | Peak: #47

Tim McGraw’s debut single showcases his ear for a good song, even if his skills as an interpreter haven’t quite caught up with him yet.

100 Greatest Men: #87. Billy Walker

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 4

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

Known affectionately as the Tall Texan, Billy Walker was a B-list hitmaker at radio, but an A-lister on the Grand Ole Opry stage and on syndicated television.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “Wanted”

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 2

1990 | Peak: #3

A really great country singer can take a mediocre song and make it sound great. That’s what Alan Jackson does here.

Retro Single Review: Dolly Parton, “Something Fishy”

June 25, 2011 Kevin John Coyne 3

1967 | Peak: #17

If Parton hadn’t recorded this herself first, she could’ve pitched it to Loretta Lynn, who might’ve elevated this to something a bit above purely ridiculous.