Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing feature where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits Last week on ‘Pop Goes The Country,’ we explored the beginning of the rockabilly movement and its effects on country music. The next few volumes of this series will be split between talking about big rockabilly numbers and big… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 10: Marty Robbins - “A White Sport Coat” (1957)
Month: March 2019
The Best Hit Country Songs Of 1959
Since John Anderson had my favorite hit song of 1981 with “1959,” I figured we should rewind the clock to see what his soundtrack was for that particular year. 1959 is an example of country music being caught in the midst of it all - honky tonk, western, rockabilly and the Nashville Sound. In some… Continue reading The Best Hit Country Songs Of 1959
By The Way, Brandi Carlile Is Dominating 2019
I’m sure no one wants to hear the “real country” debate get brought up again. To some, this issue is about the sound of the country music genre and little more. From a broad perspective, it also looks at representation. Therefore, whether artists identify as “country,” “Americana,” “roots,” or whatever else, it doesn’t exclude them… Continue reading By The Way, Brandi Carlile Is Dominating 2019
Song Review: LANCO - “Rival”
The short version: “Rival” is nothing short of an unfortunate disaster. Writers: Brandon Lancaster, Tripp Howell Rating: 3/10 The long version: When you try to please everyone, you usually end up pleasing no one. LANCO is a band that’s hard to pin down as far as sonic cohesion is concerned. While their debut single, “Long… Continue reading Song Review: LANCO - “Rival”
Pop Goes The Country Vol. 9: Sonny James - “Young Love” (1956)
Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing feature where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits. After weeks of discussing cowboys, boogie tunes, war and government conspiracies, it’s time to move on to something else with this feature. Considering this feature is meant to explore country music’s biggest crossover hits, it should come as no… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 9: Sonny James - “Young Love” (1956)
Song Review: Brad Paisley - “My Miracle”
The short version: Brad Paisley’s new single is fairly predictable all around, but you could certainly do worse I guess. Writers: Brad Paisley, Gary Nicholson Rating: 6/10 The long version: As a fan, it’s sad watching Brad Paisley’s recent radio struggles. As a critic, it’s understandable and happens to everyone, but it doesn’t make it… Continue reading Song Review: Brad Paisley - “My Miracle”
Album Review: Lauren Jenkins - ‘No Saint’
The short version: While there’s still the mystery of who Lauren Jenkins is, ‘No Saint’ is a compelling listen in all regards. More than that though, I’d say this album’s importance to the genre equally matches my enjoyment of it. Favorite tracks: “No Saint,” “Give Up The Ghost,” “Blood,” “Maker’s Mark And You,” “Running Out… Continue reading Album Review: Lauren Jenkins - ‘No Saint’
Country Music Hall Of Fame Picks And Prognostications
Julian Spivey of The Word kindly asked me to contribute to a piece where we, along with Nathan Kanuch of Shore2Shore Country and Megan Bledsoe of Country Exclusive, gave our opinions on who should be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame this year. You can find the piece here, and make sure to check… Continue reading Country Music Hall Of Fame Picks And Prognostications
Pop Goes The Country Vol. 8: Tennessee Ernie Ford - “Sixteen Tons” (1955)
Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing feature where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits. It’s no secret that country music’s reliance on authenticity and story-telling is one of its richest qualities. Even if one can’t directly relate to drinking their life away or whatever other sad topic country music touches, there’s still value… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 8: Tennessee Ernie Ford - “Sixteen Tons” (1955)
The Best Hit Country Songs Of 1981
The ’80s were a strange time period for country music. In some ways, I’d argue it mirrors country music today, namely in how it’s all over the place. The outlaw movement was over, and with country music’s Hollywood exposure through movies such as Urban Cowboy, Honeysuckle Rose, 9 to 5 and Coal Miner’s Daughter, country… Continue reading The Best Hit Country Songs Of 1981
The Musical Divide 