Guest Contributor

CMA Fest ’08: Notes, Thoughts and Impressions

September 9, 2008 Guest Contributor 15

I just sat down to enjoy experience “Country’s Night to Rock” and take notes for Country Universe fans. I know there will be a discussion topic or two in here somewhere! Honestly, could CMA Fest

Whitney Duncan, “When I Said I Would”

September 7, 2008 Guest Contributor 19

After a stint on Nashville Star in 2007, Whitney Duncan entered the country music parade (thanks to Warner Bros. Records) with her first single, “When I Said I Would”. Duncan was raised on rock and roll and contemporary

Patty Loveless, Sleepless Nights

September 6, 2008 Guest Contributor 19

Patty Loveless Sleepless Nights Thankfully for country music disciples, Patty Loveless blends classic and contemporary country music seamlessly, a practice that is often used, but rarely mastered. On Sleepless Nights, she delivers a record that

Matt Stillwell, “Shine”

September 5, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

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

Adam Gregory, “Crazy Days”

September 5, 2008 Guest Contributor 7

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,

Jeff Bates, “Riverbank”

September 5, 2008 Guest Contributor 7

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

Jessica Simpson, Do You Know

September 4, 2008 Guest Contributor 35

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

Discussion: Classic Songs, Contemporary Artists

September 3, 2008 Guest Contributor 34

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

Patty Loveless, Mountain Soul

September 3, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

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

Merle Haggard, “Okie from Muskogee”

September 1, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

Okie from Muskogee Merle Haggard 1969 Written by Roy Edward Burris and Merle Haggard “Okie from Muskogee” is an ode to simple American living, a joke at the expense of the common man or a political protest geared