2012 – Page 12 – Country Universe

Single Review: Tyler Farr, "Hello Goodbye"

July 17, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 5

There’s an endearing story about Faith Hill early in her career. When she was recording “Piece of My Heart”, she expressed that she had never heard the Janis Joplin original. Listening to her cover, that’s quite clear.

Single Review: Her & Kings County, "Family Tree"

July 17, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 11

I don’t even know where to begin.

Banjos. Hand claps. Dogs with fleas. Fergie with a country accent.

In Memoriam: Kitty Wells, 1919-2012

July 16, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

Just a few weeks shy of her 93rd birthday, the Queen of Country Music has passed away.

Kitty Wells was the first female country superstar, and for many years, the only consistent female hit-maker.

Single Review: Brantley Gilbert, "Kick It In the Sticks"

July 15, 2012 Ben Foster 21

Brantley Gilbert originally released “Kick It In the Sticks” in 2010, and it failed to chart. But that was before the one-two punch of number-one hits “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” reversed his fortunes at radio. In light of Gilbert’s newly heightened commercial profile, the single is being re-released for another go-round at radio.

Much has not changed. It was a terrible song in 2010, and it’s still a terrible song now.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, "Gone Country"

July 14, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

“I hear down there, it’s changed, you see. They’re not as backward as they used to be.”

100 Greatest Men: #46. Dwight Yoakam

July 13, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 14

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

One of the strongest voices of the New Traditionalist movement, Dwight Yoakam revitalized the Bakersfield sound as he shot to stardom in 1986.

Single Review: Rascal Flatts, "Come Wake Me Up"

July 12, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 5

“Come Wake Me Up” is the best composition that Rascal Flatts has tackled in a very long time, and the opening verse is a beautiful throwback to the sound of their best song to date, “I’m Movin’ On.”

Album Review: Zac Brown Band, <i>Uncaged</i>

July 10, 2012 Ben Foster 3

Zac Brown Band
Uncaged

Uncaged may be the product of studio recording sessions, but it pulses with the energy of a live set.

Single Review: Pistol Annies, "Takin’ Pills"

July 9, 2012 Jonathan Keefe 11

A standout cut from the Pistol Annies’ terrific Hell on Heels album, “Takin’ Pills” served as a thesis statement for the project, introducing each individual member of the group by her reputation and her preferred vice and giving the group’s exploits a broad narrative arc.

Single Review: Big & Rich, "That's Why I Pray"

July 9, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

Scattershot social commentary, too wide in scope and too narrow in perspective.

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