Country Universe

Self-Indulgent Discussion: Second Edition

September 28, 2008 Dan Milliken 45

Back in early August, Kevin posed the following question to readers: What features would you like to see more of at Country Universe? Are there things we could be doing better? How can we make

Alan Jackson, Drive

September 28, 2008 Guest Contributor 5

Alan Jackson Drive 2002 With country music in a constant state of flux, Alan Jackson stands as the format’s standard bearer for no-frills, no-fuss country music, devoid of all the trappings of both dated production

Discussion: Ten Country Albums to Hear Before You Die

September 27, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 43

Every once in a while, I stumble upon a list that I instantly know should be adapted for country music. Earlier today, I followed a link to Ten Albums to Hear Before You Die. It’s

Mark Wills, “The Things We Forget”

September 27, 2008 Guest Contributor 6

Mark Wills’ album, Familiar Stranger, his first on the newly-formed Tenacity Records, is scheduled for release on October 28. His first single, “The Things We Forget,” finds him reminiscing about the rural life and its

Discussion: Recommend a Track

September 26, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 21

Gary Allan, “She’s So California”

September 26, 2008 Guest Contributor 8

One of the most criminally overlooked staples of country music in the last decade, Gary Allan continues the course of his album Living Hard with the release of its third single, “She’s So California.” No one

Discussion: Revising History

September 25, 2008 Leeann Ward 33

The song that helped me warm up to Carrie Underwood was “Before He Cheats.” While I believe the song is simply a good song no matter who sings it, Underwood’s performance is perfect. She delivers

Keith Whitley or Alison Krauss & Union Station, “When You Say Nothing At All”

September 25, 2008 Guest Contributor 19

When You Say Nothing At All Keith Whitley or Alison Krauss & Union Station 1988/1995 Written by Paul Overstreet & Don Schlitz Sometimes, silence says it best. With “When You Say Nothing at All,” written

Discussion: This One Time, at a ______ Concert…

September 24, 2008 Dan Milliken 12

I couldn’t help but smile when I saw this entry by CMT Blogger Alison Bonaguro. Apparently, an unlucky Washington Post reporter attended Sunday in the Country at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, only to

Eli Young Band, Jet Black & Jealous

September 24, 2008 Dan Milliken 5

Eli Young Band Jet Black & Jealous Be warned, purists: Eli Young Band’s major-label debut is a textbook example of just how loosely country music has been defined by its modern commercial market. In true