Country Universe

2007 CMA Nominations: The Good, The Bad and The…Really?

September 2, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 4

Ya gotta love the CMAs. It’s the most politically-motivated award show the genre offers up, but at the same time, factions in its membership can tilt the balance and deliver some surprise nominations and dark

Johnny Cash on The Simpsons

August 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 1

I’m just in an unshakably good mood lately! Gotta go run some errands, but I’ll be doing a lot of posting this weekend. For now, enjoy the best country guest appearance in the history of

Eric Church, “Sinners Like Me”

August 31, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 7

Yes, we’ve heard it all before. There’s no getting around that. But if you’re going to judge a song not so much on what it is about, but how it is about it, it’s hard

2007 CMA Nominations

August 30, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 32

Entertainer Kenny Chesney Brad Paisley Rascal Flatts George Strait Keith Urban Who’s In: George Strait Who’s Out: Brooks & Dunn George Strait replaced Brooks & Dunn instead of Carrie Underwood, which was my prediction. This

A Conversation With Suzy Bogguss

August 29, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 5

Earlier today, I had the opportunity to talk with award-winning singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss, who has a new album being released on September 4. Sweet Danger is a jazz-flavored project that showcases her trademark vocals in

Garth Brooks, “More Than a Memory”

August 29, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 20

The big guy returns with a solid single. He sounds great on the verses, and I love the way the chorus builds. I’m pretty sure I hear Trisha helping him get to those high

Bucky Covington, “It’s Good to Be Us”

August 29, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 12

He’s much stronger when tackling upbeat material, and it’s hard not to find his enthusiasm on this song contagious, even if the lyrics themselves are as conventional as country music gets. It’ll sound good loud

Ashton Shepherd, “Takin’ Off This Pain”

August 29, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 43

Ever wondered what Jennifer Nettles would sound like if she performed traditional country? Or Gretchen Wilson with more emotive, expressive vocals? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ashton Shepherd. She’s got a cold beer in her left

Contest: Outguess Country Universe – CMA Nominations

August 25, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 20

I’m feeling a little generous, my friends, and bankrolling a fun little contest here. Over the past few days, I’ve made predictions for eight categories in the upcoming CMA Awards. Do you think you can

Eagles, “How Long”

August 24, 2007 Kevin John Coyne 11

When they reunited for the Hell Freezes Over tour and record, they put out a few new songs, but none of them sounded like vintage Eagles. This single does. The harmonies, the country-flavored guitar work,