Kevin John Coyne

Ashton Shepherd, “Takin’ Off This Pain”

August 29, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 43

Ever wondered what Jennifer Nettles would sound like if she performed traditional country? Or Gretchen Wilson with more emotive, expressive vocals? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ashton Shepherd. She’s got a cold beer in her left

Contest: Outguess Country Universe – CMA Nominations

August 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 20

I’m feeling a little generous, my friends, and bankrolling a fun little contest here. Over the past few days, I’ve made predictions for eight categories in the upcoming CMA Awards. Do you think you can

Eagles, “How Long”

August 24, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 11

When they reunited for the Hell Freezes Over tour and record, they put out a few new songs, but none of them sounded like vintage Eagles. This single does. The harmonies, the country-flavored guitar work,

Keith Urban, “Everybody”

August 24, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 11

It goes without saying that Keith Urban is a distinguished vocalist, even though he tends to get a lot more attention for his master guitar work. It’s his vocal talent that powers this inspirational ballad.

Halfway to Hazard, Halfway to Hazard

August 24, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 2

Halfway to Hazard Halfway to Hazard Shrieking diva syndrome. It’s an affliction that has corrupted many a talented female vocalist. They mistake screaming for singing, intensity for interpretation. They errantly believe that the louder

CMA Forecast: Entertainer of the Year

August 23, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 46

In the final edition of CMA Forecast, I’m taking a look at the Entertainer of the Year category. Will this be the year that some new faces are in the running for the first

Kenny Chesney, “Don’t Blink”

August 23, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 15

“A hundred years goes faster than you think. Don’t blink.” This is the sage advice given by a man on the television screen, being interviewed on his 102nd birthday. He’s asked to reveal the secret

Steve Holy, "Men Buy the Drinks (Girls Call the Shots)"

August 23, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

Starting a song about the battle of the sexes with Adam, Eve and the apple is so horribly contrived that this song almost lost me from the opening verse. But Holy’s energy, coupled with the

Say What? – Garth Brooks

August 23, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

Garth Brooks spinning his decision to not release his music digitally: “For people who have all the records, to have them come get this compilation of 33 songs and then 33 videos and know that

Say What? – Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts

August 20, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 11

Rascal Flatts’ lead singer, on not winning Album of the Year for Me and My Gang: “We deserved it last year. To sell more than anybody, I think that qualifies for album of the year.”