Country Universe

Wynonna, Sing – Chapter 1

February 3, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 3

Wynonna Sing – Chapter 1 Wynonna’s music has incorporated so many elements of soul and blues over the years that it’s easy to forget that she got her start singing pure country harmonies with her

Six Pack: Hall of Fame Candidates

February 3, 2009 Guest Contributor 12

On Wednesday, February 4, the Country Music Hall of Fame will announce its newest members. The genre’s highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame is bestowed upon the absolute best of country music. In 1996

Dierks Bentley, Feel That Fire

February 2, 2009 Guest Contributor 24

Dierks Bentley Feel That Fire In his iconic 1985 hit, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” George Jones echoed the concerns of many when he wondered (or more honestly, worried) how the next generation of country

Three Singers With “No Time To Cry”

February 1, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 4

I’ve written before about my fondness for Iris Dement, and was planning to discuss her song, “No Time To Cry.” But rather than discuss my personal connection again, I thought it would be more interesting

Randy Houser, “Boots On”

January 31, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 0

After a pretty much perfect debut single, Randy Houser returns with the opening song from his debut album. If he channeled Ronnie Dunn on “Anything Goes”, he sounds a lot closer to Trace Adkins on

Alex Woodard with Sara Watkins, “Reno”

January 31, 2009 Guest Contributor 3

Alex Woodard and Sara Watkins continue the recent trend of rock/pop leaning artists dueting with country artists. For those who don’t know, Watkins was a member of the stellar Southern California-bred progressive bluegrass/acoustic trio, Nickel

Chris Young, “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)”

January 31, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 11

I remain a fan. Chris Young has one of the finest traditional country voices to come along this decade, easily on par with Josh Turner’s. He’s able to turn in performances that sound steeped in

Discussion: Unplumbed Depths

January 30, 2009 Guest Contributor 71

Blake’s recent review of Carrie Underwood’s single, “I Told You So” touched on a simmering issue for me. Underwood clearly has a stellar voice, an appreciation for country music and has acquitted herself very well

Country Music Awards of Australia

January 30, 2009 Guest Contributor 2

Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson cleaned up at the 37th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia this past week. The couple acquired five Golden Guitar trophies, winning Album of the Year (Rattlin’ Bones), APRA Song

Jamey Johnson, “High Cost of Living”

January 29, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 11

The second single from Jamey Johnson’s That Lonesome Song is also the lead-off track for the acclaimed album, and it establishes both the theme and tone of the project. It speaks to Johnson’s confidence as