Country Universe

Retro Single Review: Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton, "If Teardrops Were Pennies"

June 9, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 2

1973 | Peak: #3

Released just before Dolly Parton’s star would rise considerably, “If Teardrops Were Pennies” was a surprisingly big hit, becoming Porter & Dolly’s highest charting single to date.

Retro Single Review: Shania Twain, "I'm Gonna Getcha Good!"

June 8, 2012 Ben Foster 3

2002 | #7

A pop-country gold nugget that defies explanation.

Honestly, who’s even trying to pretend that this song is supposed to mean anything? Who’s trying to pretend that it needs to mean anything?

100 Greatest Men: #54. Hank Thompson

June 3, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

A legendary star who performed for more than sixty years, Hank Thompson stayed relevant as country music slowly moved from a regional music to a national one.

100 Greatest Men: #55. Roy Clark

June 3, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 4

100 Greatest Men: The Complete List

Thanks to a long-running syndicated television show, well-rounded entertainer Roy Clark was one of the most familiar country music personalities for more than two decades.

Favorite Songs By Favorite Artists: Shania Twain

May 29, 2012 Ben Foster 7

Ben counts down his favorite songs by Shania Twain.

Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, "Summertime Blues"

May 29, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 7

1994 | Peak: #1

A blatant attempt to recreate the “Chattahoochee” phenomenon.

Retro Single Review: Shania Twain, "I'm Holdin' on to Love (To Save My Life)"

May 29, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

2000 | Peak: #17

The twelfth and final single from Come On Over wasn’t planned, but persistent unsolicited airplay earned it release.

Retro Single Review: George Strait, “All My Ex’s Live in Texas”

May 28, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 3

1987 | Peak: #1

George Strait’s not a cad, but he plays one on the radio.

Retro Single Review: Dolly Parton, &quot;Traveling Man&quot;

May 28, 2012 Kevin John Coyne 1

1973 | Peak: #20

This could only be a country song.

Single Review: Rodney Atkins, "Just Wanna Rock N Roll"

May 24, 2012 Ben Foster 6

What ever happened to the Rodney Atkins that put out a string of interesting and memorable singles in 2006-2007? Is he now content to remain a continually middlebrow purveyor of radio filler?