The Unbroken Circle: Loretta Lynn – “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1970)
How a signature hit inspires a discussion on artistic identity and country music overall… Read More The Unbroken Circle: Loretta Lynn – “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1970)
Album Review: The Panhandlers – ‘The Panhandlers’
John Baumann, Cleto Cordero, William Clark Green and Josh Abbott team up as the Panhandlers to deliver a rough-edged homage to the Panhandle of West Texas, and while it won’t compete with the best of their individual albums, it’s a neat side-project nonetheless… Read More Album Review: The Panhandlers – ‘The Panhandlers’
Quick Draw Single Reviews Vol. 11
This edition features thoughts on new singles from the Dixie Chicks, Jimmie Allen (with Noah Cyrus), and Keith Urban… Read More Quick Draw Single Reviews Vol. 11
Album Review: Brandy Clark – ‘Your Life Is A Record’
Brandy Clark looks inward on Your Life Is A Record, and the change in focus and sonic direction lacks the same punch as her previous material… Read More Album Review: Brandy Clark – ‘Your Life Is A Record’
The Unbroken Circle: Tom T. Hall – “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” (1971)
The result of a rekindled passion, and a tribute to a musical icon of a different variety… Read More The Unbroken Circle: Tom T. Hall – “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died” (1971)
Album Review: Hailey Whitters – ‘The Dream’
While Hailey Whitters’ bright-eyed optimism is infectious on The Dream, the album’s various inconsistencies hold it back from being a better listen… Read More Album Review: Hailey Whitters – ‘The Dream’
Album Review: The Secret Sisters – ‘Saturn Return’
Saturn Return may have been born out of loss and subsequent confusion, but the Secret Sisters manage to overcome that darkness in favor of a fresh new step forward… Read More Album Review: The Secret Sisters – ‘Saturn Return’
The Unbroken Circle: Randy Travis – “On The Other Hand” (1986)
So nice, they released it twice!… Read More The Unbroken Circle: Randy Travis – “On The Other Hand” (1986)
Album Review: Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line – ‘Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words’
Nora Jane Struthers may not reinvent the wheel with Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words, but her wry perspective means that what she does, she does damn well… Read More Album Review: Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line – ‘Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words’
Quick Draw Album Reviews: Lo-Fi Instrumental High
Quick reviews for new albums from Hawktail, Tré Burt, the Lil’ Smokies and the Cadillac Three… Read More Quick Draw Album Reviews: Lo-Fi Instrumental High
Quick Draw Single Reviews Vol. 10
Thoughts on new singles from Caylee Hammack, Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Cam and Sam Hunt… Read More Quick Draw Single Reviews Vol. 10
Favorite Albums Of The Decade: Lydia Loveless – ‘Indestructible Machine’ (2011)
A fierce introduction from one of alternative country’s best… Read More Favorite Albums Of The Decade: Lydia Loveless – ‘Indestructible Machine’ (2011)
The Unbroken Circle: Kitty Wells – “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” (1952)
Examining America and country music post World War II… Read More The Unbroken Circle: Kitty Wells – “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” (1952)
Album Review: Carly Pearce – ‘Carly Pearce’
Carly Pearce’s self-titled album has its highlights, but it’s an overall bloated, safe release… Read More Album Review: Carly Pearce – ‘Carly Pearce’
Album Review: Tami Neilson – ‘Chickaboom!’
Chickaboom! features all of Tami Neilson’s expansive energy, yet feels lacking in other regards… Read More Album Review: Tami Neilson – ‘Chickaboom!’
Favorite Albums Of The Decade: Turnpike Troubadours – ‘Goodbye Normal Street’ (2012)
The best Turnpike Troubadours album? I can neither confirm nor deny it.… Read More Favorite Albums Of The Decade: Turnpike Troubadours – ‘Goodbye Normal Street’ (2012)
The Unbroken Circle: Bobby Helms – “Fraulein” (1957)
A song that became a hit at a time when it shouldn’t have been one… Read More The Unbroken Circle: Bobby Helms – “Fraulein” (1957)
Album Review: The SteelDrivers – ‘Bad For You’
While it’s hard to ignore the obvious elephant in the room, the SteelDrivers manage to bounce back with a solid album in Bad For You… Read More Album Review: The SteelDrivers – ‘Bad For You’
Album Review: Aubrie Sellers – ‘Far From Home’
For multiple reasons, Far From Home is a disappointing sophomore effort from Aubrie Sellers… Read More Album Review: Aubrie Sellers – ‘Far From Home’
Album Review: John Moreland – ‘LP5’
LP5 may once again find John Moreland stretching his artistic boundaries, but the nucleus of what makes him excellent remains intact… Read More Album Review: John Moreland – ‘LP5’
