Country Universe

News: Equity Music Group Calls It Quits

December 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 11

From CMT: Equity Music, the label co-founded by Clint Black, suspended operations on Tuesday (Dec. 16). In addition to Black, the label’s roster also includes Laura Bryna, Carolina Rain, Kevin Fowler and new artist Blake

Best Country Singles of 2008, Part 1: #40-#31

December 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

Starting today, the Country Universe staff will be revealing our Top 40 Singles of 2008. This list has been compiled through a combination of four individual Top 20 lists by Leeann, Blake, Dan and myself,

Discussion: Worst Singles of 2008

December 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 62

As we launch our list of the best singles of 2008, it’s only fair that we give some time to the…not best singles of 2008. What was the low point this year for country singles?

Dierks Bentley, Greatest Hits: Every Mile a Memory, 2003-2008

December 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 1

Dierks Bentley Greatest Hits: Every Mile a Memory, 2003-2008 Bentley’s resume’ reads likes a wish list for rising country stars. Schooled in the classic sounds of Jones and Jennings, Bentley first burst onto radio airwaves

Discussion: Favorite Singles of 2008

December 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 34

This week, the Country Universe staff will be revealing its Top 40 Singles of 2008. Country music has always been a singles format, a trend still prevalent today, as evidenced by the widespread popularity of

Charlie Louvin, Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs

December 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 6

Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs This has been quite the year for the historically themed country album. Two of the year’s best releases have come from veteran singers exploring their roots, with

Discussion: When Bad Things Happen to Good Songs

December 13, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 28

Every once in a while, bad things happen to good songs. Exhibit A: Taylor Swift, “I’m Sorry”, at the Grammy Nominations Special: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBWwb-9vB6M What is your most painful example of When Bad Things Happen to

Various Artists, Ultimate Grammy Collection: Classic Country and Contemporary Country

December 13, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

Various Artists Ultimate Grammy Collection: Classic Country Contemporary Country Earlier this year, the Grammys celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a series of compilations focusing on winners in different fields. Two of the best entries in

Discussion: Recommend a Track

December 12, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 16

I used to think that Dolly Parton’s early country tragedy songs were over the top. Then I heard some of Porter Wagoner’s, and realized that she’d actually toned down some of his excesses. Nothing is

Concert Review: Hayes Carll @ Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, TN

December 11, 2008 Guest Contributor 5

Hayes Carll Belcourt Theatre/Nashville, TN December 10, 2008 With his rich baritone, Hayes Carll is perfectly suited to deliver the barroom and bedroom tales of a troubadour who’s a hard-luck, heartbroken case. But to balance