Country Universe

CMA Fest ’08: Notes, Thoughts and Impressions

September 9, 2008 Guest Contributor 15

I just sat down to enjoy experience “Country’s Night to Rock” and take notes for Country Universe fans. I know there will be a discussion topic or two in here somewhere! Honestly, could CMA Fest

Discussion: Favorite Soundtrack

September 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 19

I was going to be conventional and just pick O Brother Where Art Thou, since it is the most significant movie soundtrack in country music history. But it would be a bald-faced lie to call

Taylor Swift, “Love Story”

September 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 58

This is essentially a love theme for a cheesy teenybopper movie, minus the movie. The clunky songwriting isn’t encouraging, given this is the lead single from her upcoming album. It’s a series of been there,

Comment Policy

September 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 3

As of September 8, 2008, we have put an official comment policy into effect. They are as follows: 1. Stick to the topic. Discussion on each post should remain relevant to its content. 2. Speak

Discussion: Favorite “Romantic” Songs

September 7, 2008 Dan Milliken 29

No, no. We’re not talking about your standard “love songs” here. Sure, country music is filled with some of the finest odes to romantic love this side of Solomon 8:6. But once in a good

Rodney Crowell, Sex & Gasoline

September 7, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 3

Rodney Crowell Sex & Gasoline Rodney Crowell has long been one of country music’s most prolific and literate songwriters, but in recent years, he’s developed into the genre’s philosopher-king. His probing and thought-provoking work reached

Whitney Duncan, “When I Said I Would”

September 7, 2008 Guest Contributor 19

After a stint on Nashville Star in 2007, Whitney Duncan entered the country music parade (thanks to Warner Bros. Records) with her first single, “When I Said I Would”. Duncan was raised on rock and roll and contemporary

Discussion: Pick a Candidate Theme Song

September 6, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 19

Brooks & Dunn’s “Only in America” has been used for both the re-election campaign of President Bush and the current campaign of Senator Obama. That’s caused a bit of a stir, given the Republican leanings

Patty Loveless, Sleepless Nights

September 6, 2008 Guest Contributor 19

Patty Loveless Sleepless Nights Thankfully for country music disciples, Patty Loveless blends classic and contemporary country music seamlessly, a practice that is often used, but rarely mastered. On Sleepless Nights, she delivers a record that

Random Thought

September 6, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 18

Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler and Julianne Hough… look a lot like old school Dixie Chicks.