Month: May 2019

Album Review: Ian Noe - ‘Between The Country’

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The short version: Ian Noe’s ‘Between The Country’ is a stunning portrayal of southern living framed by excellent storytelling, passionate performances and equally great production. For a debut, this is exceptional, though, this is exceptional in any capacity. In other words, it’s one of the best albums of 2019 thus far. Favorite tracks: “Letter To… Continue reading Album Review: Ian Noe - ‘Between The Country’

Pop Goes The Country Vol. 20: Stonewall Jackson - “Waterloo” (1959)

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Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing series where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits. Last time on ‘Pop Goes The Country,’ we discussed the advent of “saga songs” in the country music format. In short, they were story songs that stretched the limits of imagination, or, in some instances, put a new spin… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 20: Stonewall Jackson - “Waterloo” (1959)

Pop Goes The Country Vol. 19: Marty Robbins - “El Paso” (1959)

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Pop Goes The Country is an ongoing series where I explore country music’s biggest crossover hits. When we last discussed Marty Robbins on ‘Pop Goes The Country,’ we looked at his foray into teenage love songs with “A White Sport Coat.” But as previously mentioned in that piece, Robbins was one of the most versatile… Continue reading Pop Goes The Country Vol. 19: Marty Robbins - “El Paso” (1959)

Song Review: Jon Pardi - “Heartache Medication”

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The short version: Twenty years ago, “Heartache Medication” wouldn’t have stood out much from the pack. In 2019, it’s exactly what the country music genre needs. Writers: Jon Pardi, Natalie Hemby, Barry Dean Rating: 7/10 The long version: Now this is what I was hoping to hear more of from Jon Pardi. Pardi may have… Continue reading Song Review: Jon Pardi - “Heartache Medication”

Song Review: Tyler Childers - “House Fire”

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The short version: “House Fire” probably does all it needs to do as a lead single, which is to generate interest. Of course, Childers didn’t even really need the song for that. Writer: Tyler Childers Rating: 6/10 The long version: A change in the country music establishment will only come when the artists actually want… Continue reading Song Review: Tyler Childers - “House Fire”