Country Universe

Concert Review: Dixie Chicks, Madison Square Garden, 8/1/06

August 2, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

Dixie Chicks Madison Square Garden New York, NY August 1, 2006 Ever since the 2003 “incident”, it’s been nearly impossible to find discussion of the Dixie Chicks that doesn’t reference, if not completely revolve around,

CMA Voters: For Your Consideration

July 31, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 6

There are a lot of givens on that final CMA ballot. Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban will be nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Alan Jackson will be among the Male Vocalists, Rascal Flatts will

Essential 80’s: #50-#26

July 29, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 7: #50-#26 #50 “She and I” Alabama 1986 Peak: #1 Upon its release, this was one of the freshest-sounding singles on the radio. Alabama sound absolutely rejuvenated, as if finding

Say What? – Mary Chapin Carpenter

July 26, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 1

Mary Chapin Carpenter has written a song about the Dixie Chicks called “On With The Song”, which will be released on her forthcoming album this spring. From her mailing list: I especially look forward to

Essential 80’s: #75-#51

July 9, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

#75 “I Did” Patty Loveless 1987 Peak: #56 The first album by Patty Loveless was a scattered affair, as she searched for a style she could call her own. Interestingly, it was this single she

Essential 80’s: #100-#76

June 27, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 5: #100-#76 #100 “Tennessee Homesick Blues” Dolly Parton 1984 Peak: #1 Parton sings in the voice of a homesick Tennessean turned off by the coldness of New York City. In

Hall Worthy

June 24, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 8

Last year, I posted the top twelve worthy inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Sadly, the CMA only took one of my three suggestions: Glen Campbell, with the other two slots going to

Numbers Don’t Lie

June 23, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

Perusing the SoundScan totals for country albums makes all of those mergers and layoffs seem a lot more understandable. Wow, the market is weak. Even Entertainer of the Year nominees are having a hard time

Essential 80’s: #125-#101

June 22, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 4: #125-#101 #125 “All My Ex’s Live In Texas” George Strait 1987 Peak: #1 Classic Texas swing from the modern master. Strait almost sounds relieved to be hiding out in

New Dixie Chicks CD

June 20, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

It was noted to me that I had spent a lot of time talking up the new Dixie Chicks album but haven’t mentioned it since it’s been released. I’ve been reading about the Chicks almost