Country Universe

Single Review: RaeLynn, “God Made Girls”

February 18, 2015 Ben Foster 9

“God Made Girls” RaeLynn Written by RaeLynn, Nicolle Galyon, Liz Rose and Lori McKenna In hearing this song, my mind is constantly asking one simple question: What were they thinking?

Single Review: The Band Perry, “Gentle On My Mind”

February 18, 2015 Ben Foster 5

“Gentle On My Mind The Band Perry Written by John Hartford The Band Perry’s Grammy-winning cover of Glen Campbell’s classic “Gentle On My Mind” (the trio’s contribution to the soundtrack of the recent I’ll Be

Album Review: Rhiannon Giddens, Tomorrow is My Turn

February 17, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 9

Rhiannon Giddens Tomorrow is My Turn Although Rhiannon Giddens has been a fixture on the Americana circuit as the frontwoman for the terrific Carolina Chocolate Drops, it’s on her solo debut, Tomorrow Is My Turn,

Starter Kit: Jason Isbell

February 17, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 9

In early February, Zac Brown Band kicked off a brief cycle of Twitter Outrage when they performed a cover of Jason Isbell’s “Dress Blues,” which they are rumored to have cut for their upcoming album,

Album Review: Punch Brothers, The Phosphorescent Blues

February 16, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 2

Punch Brothers The Phosphorescent Blues In reviewing their 2010 album, Antifogmatic, I noted that Punch Brothers were “rapidly evolving into a string-band version of Radiohead.” That assessment comes to full fruition on The Phosphorescent Blues,

Artist Spotlight: Suzanne Jarvie

February 16, 2015 Sam Gazdziak 2

The songs on Suzanne Jarvie’s debut album sound like they come from an experienced songwriter. They don’t settle for trite sentiment or easy topics; a couple drift into the realm of the metaphysical. As it

Single Review: Brad Paisley, “Crushin’ It”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“Crushin’ It” Brad Paisley Written by Kelly Lovelace, Lee Thomas Miller, and Brad Paisley A half-hearted attempt by Brad Paisley to meld his signature form of humor with the partying lyrics that make up most

Single Review: The Swon Brothers, “Pray For You”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 10

“Pray For You” The Swon Brothers Written by Jessi Alexander, Tommy Lee James, and Eric Paslay If you thought the only thing missing from today’s warmed-over, wannabe rock but we’re calling it country was mixing

Single Review: Tyler Farr, “A Guy Walks into a Bar”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“A Guy Walks into a Bar” Tyler Farr Written by Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton, and Brad Tursi Tyler Farr previews his second studio album with “A Guy Walks into a Bar”, which uses the classic joke

2015 Grammy Awards: Open Thread

February 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 54

Telecast Winners: Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase Best New Artist: Sam Smith Record of the Year: Sam Smith, “Stay With Me (Darkside Version)” Song of the Year: