Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing feature where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits. When I said in volume four of this feature that I wouldn’t have a lot to say about every single crossover hit, little did I know what awaited me in volume six. After weeks of researching this particular volume… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 6: Pee Wee King - “Slow Poke” (1951)
Month: February 2019
Album Review: Vandoliers - ‘Forever’
The short version: Vandoliers’ ‘Forever’ is the kind of tight, fun album that’s easy to enjoy, has more depth to it than one would expect, and features a unique sonic palette. Favorite tracks: “Tumbleweed,” “Cigarettes In The Rain,” “Shoshone Rose,” “Sixteen Years,” “Troublemaker” Least favorite track: “Nowhere Fast” Rating: 8/10 Author’s preface: I hate having… Continue reading Album Review: Vandoliers - ‘Forever’
Album Review: Emily Scott Robinson - ‘Traveling Mercies’
The short version: The production can leave a little to be desired, and there’s some slight inconsistencies with this album, but ‘Traveling Mercies’ showcases a bright young talent in Emily Scott Robinson. Favorite tracks: “Shoshone Rose,” “Delta Line,” “Borrowed Rooms and Old Wood Floors,” “Run,” “Westward Bound” Least favorite track: “White Hot Country Mess” Rating:… Continue reading Album Review: Emily Scott Robinson - ‘Traveling Mercies’
Album Review: Dale Watson - ‘Call Me Lucky’
The short version: ‘Call Me Lucky’ isn’t the most essential listen in Dale Watson’s catalog, but it’s still a nice enough listen all the same. Favorite tracks: “David Buxkemper,” “Run Away,” “The Dumb Song,” “Tupelo Mississippi & A 57 Fairlane,” “Restless” Least favorite track: “Johnny & June” Rating: 6/10 The long version: It’s fun to… Continue reading Album Review: Dale Watson - ‘Call Me Lucky’
Song Review: Reba McEntire - “Stronger Than The Truth”
The short version: “Stronger Than The Truth” just may be Reba McEntire’s strongest single in years. Writers: Autumn McEntire, Hannah Blaylock Rating: 8/10 The long version: With the return of legends like George Strait, Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire to the country music format this year, these artists are blatantly telling us fans they… Continue reading Song Review: Reba McEntire - “Stronger Than The Truth”
Album Review: Saor - ‘Forgotten Paths’
The short version: For something different, I take a look at the newest album from Saor, a Scottish black metal band that won me over by adding elements of Celtic folk into the mix. Their newest album, ‘Forgotten Paths’ is an album that hits my musical sweet spot, and while it’s a little out of… Continue reading Album Review: Saor - ‘Forgotten Paths’
Album Review: Yola - ‘Walk Through Fire’
The short version: Through compelling performances and stellar songs, Yola’s ‘Walk Through Fire’ is incredibly easy to like. Favorite tracks: “Lonely The Night,” “Ride Out In The Country,” “Faraway Look,” “Rock Me Gently,” “Still Gone” Least favorite track: “Walk Through Fire” Rating: 8/10 The long version: While it’s not uncommon to hear artists adopt retro… Continue reading Album Review: Yola - ‘Walk Through Fire’
Collaborative Album Review: Ryan Bingham - ‘American Love Song’ w/ Nathan Kanuch
The short version: For something different, I collaborated with Nathan Kanuch of Shore2Shore Country for a review of Ryan Bingham’s latest album! Zack: So I think to start this, we should give our personal history with Ryan Bingham’s music up to this point. Nathan: Sounds good. So I first noticed Bingham’s music, like most people,… Continue reading Collaborative Album Review: Ryan Bingham - ‘American Love Song’ w/ Nathan Kanuch
Album Review: Robert Ellis - ‘Texas Piano Man’
The short version: Robert Ellis pivots into piano-pop for one of his lightest, most accessible albums to date. Favorite tracks: “Father,” “Lullaby,” “Let Me In,” “Passive Aggressive” Least favorite track: “Fucking Crazy” Rating: 7/10 The long version: Being predictable isn’t always necessarily a bad thing. For as bold of a move Robert Ellis’ Texas Piano… Continue reading Album Review: Robert Ellis - ‘Texas Piano Man’
Album Review: Florida Georgia Line - ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’
The short version: If Florida Georgia Line had left the marketing, pandering, and machismo out of their music, ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’ might have actually been decent. Favorite tracks: “Speed Of Love,” “Simple,” “Colorado” Least favorite track: “Swerve” and all of the skits Rating: 4/10 The long version: Florida Georgia Line aren’t going away… Continue reading Album Review: Florida Georgia Line - ‘Can’t Say I Ain’t Country’
The Musical Divide 