Country Universe

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: Introduction

September 24, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

Something about these CMT lists just gets my juices flowing. This weekend, the cable network presented a barely publicized entry into their countdown series: 40 Greatest Albums. This one was apparently worth so little fanfare,

Single Reviews: September 7, 2006

September 7, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

MONGTOMERY GENTRY, “Some People Change” The boys turn in a strong cover of a song that originally appeared on the Kenny Chesney album When The Sun Goes Down. The message is more powerful coming from

Surprising Shutouts and Nominations for the 2006 CMA’s

August 30, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 4

This morning, Brad Paisley and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland announced the nominees in the “big five” categories of the 2006 CMA Awards. An hour later, the rest of the nominees were announced Here’s a rundown:

Introducing Paul W. Dennis

August 26, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

Regular readers of Country Universe and Liberal Country Fan will recognize the name Paul W. Dennis, as he is the reader who most frequently comments on posts. I am happy to announce that Mr. Dennis

Single Reviews: August 24, 2006

August 24, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

BRAD PAISLEY, “She’s Everything” Every time I think he can’t make a more conscending love song, he surprises me. Is there any woman who’d really be touched by being compared to a pair of running

Single Reviews: August 17, 2006

August 17, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 8

BOB SEGER, “Wait For Me” Why is this being released to country radio? It’s not even good rock, let alone good country. CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON, “Love & Negotiation” Why does she sound so shrill? She’s

Taboo: Prostitution and Country Music

August 11, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 4

Today a new feature debuts that will support the oft-repeated contention that country music deals with real life more deeply than nearly every other genre, with only hip-hop rivaling it in that regard. Taboo will

Single Reviews: August 10, 2006

August 10, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 2

BIG & RICH, “8th of November” They continue to expand their music sonically and thematically. This is the best war-themed song since “Travelin’ Soldier.” BLUE COUNTY, “Firecrackers and Ferris Wheels” This lead vocalist is an

Essential 80’s: #25-#1

August 5, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 9

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 8: #25-#1 #25 “A Little Good News” Anne Murray 1984 Peak: #1 Murray took home CMA Single of the Year with her surprisingly topical record wishing for better, more uplifting

Single Reviews: August 3, 2006

August 3, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 1

Here’s the first batch of single reviews in a long time. Starting today, single reviews will be posted every Thursday. Dierks Bentley, “Every Mile A Memory” An encouraging preview of his forthcoming third album. He