Country Universe

Jeremy McComb, “Cold”

October 30, 2008 Dan Milliken 7

Ah, developing niches. Newbie McComb had an solid debut playing the passively frustrated lonely guy in “This Town Needs a Bar,” and now he reprises the role in this buzzed-about follow-up. Fair enough. The song

Discussion: Artist of the Decade?

October 30, 2008 Guest Contributor 34

Earlier today, the Academy of Country Music announced that George Strait would be its Artist of the Decade. Only four other acts have been honored as artist of the decade: Marty Robbins in 1969, Loretta

Concert Review: Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton

October 30, 2008 Guest Contributor 5

Miranda Lambert & Blake Shelton Star of the Desert Arena Primm, NV October 14, 2008 In the better late than never category, on October 14, in between two of the craziest weeks ever, I made

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #9 Dolly & Randy, Male Vocalist presentation (1988)

October 30, 2008 Guest Contributor 2

#9: Dolly Parton & Randy Travis Male Vocalist of the Year presentation 1988 Dolly Parton had a little fun with her presentation of the Male Vocalist of the Year award in 1988. First, she flirted

Discussion: YouTube Classics

October 29, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

There are few things more entertaining than browsing through old country music clips on YouTube. While preparing my review for the new Reba McEntire collection, I found this chestnut from 1987: I’ve always been a

Reba McEntire, <em>50 Greatest Hits</em>

October 29, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 12

Heidi Newfield, “Cry Cry (‘Til the Sun Shines)”

October 29, 2008 Dan Milliken 5

Sad day: Heidi Newfield wastes her great voice on a super uncreative self-help song that recycles contemporary country’s favorite standby characters – women whose men mistreat them, and men who drink away their troubles –

James Otto, “These Are the Good Ole Days”

October 29, 2008 Dan Milliken 8

Attempt #2 to follow up “Just Got Started Lovin’ You” finds Otto eschewing nostalgia to a groovy beat that sounds like something John Mayer might do at his sunniest and most simplified. There’s nothing really

Classic CMA Awards Moments, #10: Kathy Mattea Makes a Difference (1992)

October 29, 2008 Guest Contributor 4

#10: Kathy Mattea AIDS Ribbon Presentation 1992 In a courageous move, Kathy Mattea drew attention to the AIDS epidemic at the 1992 ceremony. The entertainment industry was making special note of the disease by wearing

Crystal Shawanda, “My Roots Are Showing”

October 28, 2008 Dan Milliken 21

It’s been a while since I’ve heard a mainstream country single that really surprised me. This one does. The song combines the basic theme of Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” with the bluesy rollick