There’s no country as agreeable as roadhouse country. And if you agree, you should listen to Almost Time, the latest release from John Surge and the Haymakers. Almost Time distills the barroom experience. Guiding the way, on his second album as frontman of John Surge and the Haymakers, Surge rocks and soothes, banters and reveals. … Continue reading
Tag Archives: country music
New Country: John Surge and the Haymakers — ‘Almost Time’
Twang is back. And it’s a good thing. Better yet, it’s brought to us by a group of musicians who clearly know the purpose of their music—to reveal the multiple perspectives on life as lived by just about everyone who ever turned to a country song for affirmation. John Surge and the Haymakers are a … Continue reading
New Country: Jason Aldean — ‘Highway Desperado’
Label: Broken Bow Records Great news: country music superstar Jason Aldean has released his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado. Produced by longtime collaborator Michael Knox, the album features the reigning ACM Artist of the Decade’s chart-topping Hot 100 #1 single, “Try That In A Small Town,” and follows the success of his recent double album. … Continue reading
New Country: Alex Miller — ‘Country’ EP
For those os us who gave up watching ‘American Idol’ years ago—hey, what can I say, I was a big Katharine McPhee fan—finding out that an up-and-coming talent as gifted as Alex Miller almost makes me want to set my DVR to the show again. Although Alex Miller had an appearance on the program, he … Continue reading
New Country: Reba McEntire — ‘Not That Fancy’
McEntire has released an album to accompany her latest book, also titled Not That Fancy. The 14-track collection features stripped-down versions of some of McEntire’s most iconic songs in addition to a brand new single, “Seven Minutes In Heaven,” are revisited versions of some real classics. If, like me, your favorite Reba is the quintessential Reba, this … Continue reading
New Country: Charlotte Morris — ‘Wild Child’
Lucky is the singer who writes her own songs. As Charlotte Morris proves on her new album Wild Child, the best music is made when the singer and the songwriter are one. One voice, one heart, one story at a time resulting in one stunning album. While is seems that Charlotte Morris must deserve credit … Continue reading
New Country: Tim McGraw — ‘Standing Room Only’
Well, if it takes attending a live concert to really feel Tim McGraw’s profound artistry, then so be it. If only Tim McGraw’s recorded sound were as thrilling as the material he sings. For some reason, the quality of his performances on his new album, Standing Room Only, simply do not match the sublime songs. … Continue reading
New Country: William Beckmann — ‘Here’s To You. Here’s To Me.’
It’s turning out to be “that year” for William Beckmann. Grand Ol’ Opry debut? Check. The release of an incredibly impressive EP? Check. Now all he needs is to read this review and believe every word in it. If you’re reading, Mr. Beckmann, take this posting to heart and use it to fortify the confidence … Continue reading
New Classic Country: Vince Gill & Paul Franklin — ‘Sweet Memories’
My recommendation is to purchase the LP version of Sweet Memories, the new album from Vince Gill & Paul Franklin. Not only will the incredible wave of nostalgia for tried and true country music pail nicely with the act of placing a needle on vinyl, but it’s guaranteed that once the album is spinning on … Continue reading
Jason Aldean’s “Try That In A Small Town”
After CMT pulled his number one music video “Try That in a Small Town” from rotation, country superstar Jason Aldean defended himself. But his best defense might just be to recommend that anyone who is questioning whether Aldean is a pro-lynching racist simply listen to the lyrics and watch the video. In the song, Aldean … Continue reading