In the final section of this miniseries (and series in general), we discuss technological evolutions within country music, who is and isn’t underrated as well as what makes country music “country,” and also share some final thoughts on these last 30 years.… Read More The Opinions Section (Part Three – Final): A Modern Country Music History
A good week strengthened by the return of both James McMurtry and Brad Paisley.… Read More The Boom-or-Bust Jukebox – Week 24 (2021): (Zoe Cummins, James McMurtry, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band)
In this section, we debate bro-country, champion some independent talent, discuss Taylor Swift and predict which acts will have huge careers in the 2020s.… Read More The Opinions Section (Part Two): A Modern Country Music History
New music announcements mostly fill up this edition of the Sunday Morning Paper-turned-Column.… Read More The Sunday Morning Column: (June 13, 2021)
Revisiting parts one through three of ‘A Modern Country Music History’ … albeit in a much more heated manner! … Read More The Opinions Section (Part One): A Modern Country Music History
Trying to untangle my mind, I guess.… Read More The Process: A Modern Country Music History
I recently came in possession of a country music magazine … from 1976. Actually, the magazine is simply called Country Music, so trying to find background information on this specific publication proved difficult, but, according to the Wikipedia article, it started in 1972 as a monthly publication “known for taking an approach to music journalism… Read More The Melting Pot: The Country Music Bicentennial
A great week for the series, thanks to hits from Michael Monroe Goodman and Chris Stapleton and ESPECIALLY Brit Taylor and Dee White.… Read More The Boom-or-Bust Jukebox – Week 23 (2021): (Michael Monroe Goodman, Brit Taylor and Dee White, Matt Stell, and Chris Stapleton)
In the grand finale to this series, we check back in with Miranda Lambert, discuss some new names and faces, Black artists in country music, Kentucky and Red Dirt, Boyfriend country, the rise of Luke Combs and Ashley McBryde, Old Town Road, and the Highwomen.… Read More Part Six – A Modern Country Music History: A Change Upon This Golden Hour (2016-2019)
Everything I used to make this project come alive, because there’s always room for more country music knowledge!… Read More The Bibliography: A Modern Country Music History
New music is reportedly coming from Cody Jinks and Shania Twain, but we’re definitely getting three new Randy Travis singles!… Read More The Sunday Morning Column: (June 6, 2021)
‘You Hear Georgia’ is solid, but likely the band’s weakest post-‘The Whippoorwill’ album.… Read More Album Review: Blackberry Smoke – ‘You Hear Georgia’
The shortest part of this series explores more independent names that had banner commercial and critical years, a Kentucky native’s breakout moment, Lori McKenna’s ode to kindness, and the important friendship shared by Sturgill Simpson and Merle Haggard.… Read More Part Five – A Modern Country Music History: Returning Home (2014-2016)
Sierra Ferrell and Clint Black save this light week from being a bust.… Read More The Boom-or-Bust Jukebox – Week 22 (2021): (Sierra Ferrell, Callista Clark, Dustin Lynch and MacKenzie Porter)
As bro-country invaded mainstream airwaves, a new class of independent talent rose to find a little light at the end of a long white line.… Read More Part Four – A Modern Country Music History: Bros and Broncos (2012-2014)
We say goodbye to famed songwriter Dewayne Blackwell, unveil some Americana Music nominees and learn about a slew of John Prine concerts coming in this edition of the temporary Sunday Morning Paper.… Read More The Sunday Morning Column: (May 30, 2021)
Country music’s story in the latter half of the 2000s is less about the events that shape it and more about the artists – new and old – who rose to prominence during the time period. And as Gretchen Wilson proved unable to maintain consistent success and longevity within the genre, two women emerged from newly growing mediums to foster a way forward.… Read More Part Three – A Modern Country Music History: We Were Both Young When I First Saw You (2005-2012)
This week features selections from Suzy Bogguss, Jesse Daniel, Old Dominion, and a throwback review for Mindy McCready.… Read More The Boom-or-Bust Jukebox – Week 21 (2021): (Suzy Bogguss, Jesse Daniel, Old Dominion)
‘Mercy’ proves to be a damn good debut.… Read More Album Review: Cole Chaney – ‘Mercy’
Celebrating six years of writing – a quarter of my life dedicated to the profession! … Read More I’ve Got A Quarter in My Pocket: Six Years of Writing
