Country Universe

Discussion: Back to the Roots

December 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 14

Dolly Parton’s award mantle was greatly expanded when she started recording roots albums in the late nineties and through much of this decade, including three Grammys since the release of The Grass is Blue. Reconnecting

Dolly Parton, Backwoods Barbie

December 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 4

Dolly Parton Backwoods Barbie Parton’s return to mainstream country wasn’t as long a wait as press materials suggested. While she has championed this as her first regular country album in seventeen years, nearly all of

The Steeldrivers, The Steeldrivers

December 1, 2008 Guest Contributor 3

The SteelDrivers The SteelDrivers With their eponymous debut, The Steeldrivers have delivered a stirring symphony of haunting rhythms and clever stories that are classified as bluegrass. But the five-piece band, a collection of veteran musicians based

Discussion: 21st Century Trio

November 30, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 24

One of the landmarks of Dolly Parton’s career was the Trio album, her platinum-selling collaboration with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. It was one of the few country albums in history to receive a Grammy

Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Dolly Parton

November 30, 2008 Leeann Ward 16

Dolly Parton Week kicks off today with the first of two Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists entries. Mine will follow later in the week, along with Classic Country Singles, Retro Album Reviews, Six Packs, and

Discussion: Another Saturday Night

November 29, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 11

It’s Saturday night, a good night for going out and having a good time. Don’t let the naysayers shame you into thinking such partying’s beneath you. Just heed the words and wisdom of Cal Smith:

Discussion: Recommend a Track

November 28, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 9

This Sunday we’ll be kicking off Dolly Parton Week at Country Universe, the first in what will be many weekly artist spotlights. But tonight’s Recommend a Track has Parton in a supporting role, as she

Billy Ray Cyrus, Love Songs; Trisha Yearwood, Love Songs

November 28, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

Billy Ray Cyrus Love Songs Trisha Yearwood Love Songs If labels were as creative and resourceful in marketing the music of their artists before they left the roster as they are once they’re gone, maybe

Neal McCoy, The Very Best of Neal McCoy

November 28, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

Neal McCoy The Very Best of Neal McCoy Country music’s modern golden age was the nineties. The artistry was compelling, while the sales numbers were staggering. There was so much great music from so many

SHeDaisy, The Best of SHeDaisy

November 28, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 14

SHeDaisy The Best of SHeDaisy Few acts in modern country music have been as unfairly maligned as SHeDaisy. This trio of sisters are are often villified for their pop-drenched country, but what’s overlooked is just