Country Universe

George Strait, <em>Classic Christmas</em>

October 16, 2008 Leeann Ward 2

Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”

October 16, 2008 Dan Milliken 10

In my earlier review of the single “Chicken Fried,” I criticized co-writers Zac Brown and Wyatt Durrette for penning what struck me as an uncreative, thoughtless appeal to Southern pride. It frankly wasn’t my favorite

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #19: Reba McEntire, Female Vocalist of the Year acceptance speech (1984)

October 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

#19: Reba McEntire Female Vocalist of the Year victory 1984 Reba McEntire established her credentials so well that the Female Vocalist of the Year trophy would eventually be hers for four years running, but at

Brooks & Dunn, “Cowgirls Don’t Cry”

October 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 19

Choose Your Own Adventure Page 1: A little girl and her father are outside on a sunny day, and he assists her as she rides her (bike, Page 2; horse, Page 3). Page 2: He

Darius Rucker, “It Won’t Be Like This For Long”

October 16, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 6

Darius Rucker has an everyman’s voice that is tailor made for singalong choruses, which is one of the reasons those early Hootie singles were so infectious. It’s also one of the reasons his transition to

Discussion: Quantity or Quality?

October 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 31

Country Universe has featured two country acts in the past couple of days who have taken vastly different approaches to their careers – Kenny Chesney and the Dixie Chicks. Kenny Chesney, it can be argued,

Kenny Chesney, Lucky Old Sun

October 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 10

Kenny Chesney Lucky Old Sun With Lucky Old Sun, Chesney returns with his 13th studio album just 13 months after the release of his platinum album, Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. As the reigning entertainer of the

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #20: Johnny Cash Comes Around (1969-2003)

October 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

#20: Johnny Cash Comes Around 1969-2003 The incomparable career of Johnny Cash includes flashes of genius at the CMA awards. Cash’s legacy features nine CMA awards, but most of his victories were part of two spectacular

Discussion: Record Label Politics

October 14, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

An article published by CMT, People and a number of news sources this afternoon: Tim McGraw Apologizes to Fans for Label’s Decision To Release Greatest Hits 3 NASHVILLE – (October 14, 2008)- Curb Records released

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #21: Dixie Chicks, Sinnin’ and Winnin’ (2000)

October 14, 2008 Guest Contributor 13

#21: Dixie Chicks Sinnin’ and Winnin’ 2000 In 2000, the Dixie Chicks demonstrated their artistic integrity and their clear stranglehold on country music, buoyed by musical know-how and lyrical honesty and eloquence. Their near-sweep remains