The title of one of my favorite songs captures it best: “So Much Good Right Here.” There’s no other way to (and certainly no reason not to) put it as honestly, for The Lonely Pines—the new album from Jesse Brewster (released by Crooked Prairie Records)—is such a pure experience that it deserves nothing but a … Continue reading
Latest Entries
Brave New Music: Mason Summit’s “Snowblind”
To write a song is to share internal, sometimes unfinished business in such a way that it conveys an emotional truth and allows the listener (who is, perhaps, hearing the story or ideas for the first time) not only to participate in the storytelling as a receiver, but also to endow the song with their … Continue reading
New Music: Red Idle Rejects—’Ink and Nicotine’
Label: Oak Honest Records (Release Date: March 27, 2021) Things aren’t always what they sound like. Take, for example, the collection of new songs that comprise Ink and Nicotine, the new album from consistently energetic alt-country/Americana band Red Idle Rejects. What at first might seem a carefree, rollicking experience turns into a much more thoughtful … Continue reading
Talking with Country Music’s BRIT TAYLOR about her new album, REAL ME
If the past year has been good for anything, it’s been good for clarifying things. For instance, country music lovers now know just how much they truly miss it all—the clubs, the concerts, the sharing of music with friends. They also know that the time has come to demand bonafide country music from Nashville. Meet … Continue reading
The Best New Country Album In A Long Time: Morgan Wallen — “Dangerous”
Forget 2021… or even 2020 for that matter. The best new country album released in a long time is Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous. The longer you listen to Dangerous: The Double Album, the more you realize that the former Voice contestant is more than just another hit-seeking Nashville shot-in-the-dark. Track after track prove that Wallen is an … Continue reading
New Country: Kaleb Garrett’s “Only One”
Small towns in Georgia have a reputation for breaking out country music’s biggest stars and chart-topping writers. The scenic mountain highways of Hiawassee are no exception, serving as the hometown of aspiring artist Kaleb Garrett. With an introspective soul, Kaleb has always seen music as a constant companion that continuously evolves through the many eras … Continue reading
Tim McGraw’s New Obvious Pandering Single (“Undivided”)
Oh, please. A peppy, pop “call for unity” that was “inspired by national unrest.” Yet more highly selective cultural memory being sold as giving a hoot. Funny how this overly radio-friendly musical plea would never have been so proudly released last summer, when riots lasted seven months instead of a few hours, when more than … Continue reading
Missing Tony Rice Already
Tony Rice was one of the leading lights of bluegrass music. He died suddenly on Christmas Day at the age of 69. The 2013 inductee into the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame has been making beautiful music since the 1970s. We already miss his skill and we will miss his influence for years … Continue reading
A New Listen for Old Friends: Neil Diamond’s ‘Classic Diamonds’
Neil Diamond with the London Symphony Orchestra — Classic Diamonds What a pairing: a classic pop songwriter with a classical symphony. If this doesn’t put you into a good mood, then nothing will. Pick any track on Neil Diamond’s new album, Classic Diamonds, and you’re sure to spend at least the next few minutes with … Continue reading
New Country: Margie Singleton — ‘Never Mind’
Margie Singleton — Never Mind In a world starved for authenticity, along comes Margie Singleton — one of the great performers of country music — to show how a great country song really works. How it all fits together. When she delivers a song, she offers an interpretation that generously acknowledges the equal importance of … Continue reading
