Billy Dukes
Phil Vassar’s ‘American Child’ Turns 10
‘American Child’ was originally released on Aug. 6, 2002, but re-released in early 2003 with two additional tracks, including eventual single ‘This Us God.’ The reissue also included the Huey Lewis and the News cut, ‘Workin’ for a Livin.’
Big Machine Sucked Into Lawsuit With Tim McGraw and Old Label, Curb Records
Lawyers for Tim McGraw‘s first Nashville record label are seeking documents from Big Machine Records, the label the ‘Truck Yeah’ singer signed with in May. The Tennessean reports that Curb Records is looking into when conversations between Big Machine and McGraw began.
Luke Bryan vs. Casey James – The Showdown
Luke Bryan proved that he’s one of the hottest country artists on the planet last Friday. The ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye’ singer’s fans mopped up Kelleigh Bannen‘s contingent to make the fourth single from ‘Tailgates on Tanlines’ the new Showdown champion. He’ll face a repeat challenger today and tonight on Taste of Country Nights radio.
D. Vincent Williams, ‘Down By the River’ – Song Review
D. Vincent Williams has a style country fans are already familiar with through the hits he’s penned over the last decade (James Otto’s ‘Just Got Lovin’ You’ is one of many). Now they’re sure to remember his voice, as his new single ‘Down By the River’ is a tall musical glass of iced tea after a dead-dog hot afternoon on the farm.
The Lost Trailers, ‘American Beauty’ – Song Review
The new single from the Lost Trailers continues down a singer-songwriter path the now-duo began to cut with ‘Underdog’ in 2011. While once a party band, their new sound is more Jason Mraz than Jason Aldean. The change fits.
Gloriana, ‘A Thousand Miles Left Behind’ – Album Review
On their sophomore album, Gloriana lay down 11 tight, polished and harmonious country songs that collectively fall short of providing an identity for a group working through year four together. The trio feels like the shy kid in class who knows all the answers, but doesn’t want to raise his or her hand.
Top 40 Country Songs – August 2012
Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw and Eric Church all make strong debuts on the Top 40 Country Songs list for August, but none of their singles were good enough to take down a song that ranked No. 2 on the July 2012 list. Aldean comes closest, with ‘Take a Little Ride’ making a Top 5 debut this month.
The Lost Trailers vs. Kelleigh Bannen – The Showdown
Lauren Alaina becomes the first artist with two songs in the Taste of Country Showdown Hall of Fame after her new single ‘Eighteen Inches’ topped Toby Keith’s ‘I Like Girls That Drink Beer’ on Tuesday. Her fans once again proved they’re amongst the most passionate in country music. Today, and tonight, on Taste of Country Nights, two new challengers will battle.
Kelleigh Bannen, ‘Sorry on the Rocks’ – Song Review
Kelleigh Bannen‘s scorn is anything but manufactured on her debut single ‘Sorry on the Rocks.’ The country newcomer — who signed to EMI Nashville barely two months ago — introduces herself to country music fans as a strong female artist willing to take no mistreatment.
Favorite Carrie Underwood Video – Readers Poll
Carrie Underwood‘s videos have been much celebrated by fans and the country music industry in the six years since she released her first clip for ‘Jesus Take the Wheel.’ The new video for ‘Blown Away‘ may be her most dramatic yet, but is it the best? What is your favorite Carrie Underwood video?
Lauren Alaina vs. Toby Keith – The Showdown
One more win and she’s in. Lauren Alaina is on the verge of having a second song enter the Taste of Country Showdown Hall of Fame. Her new one, ‘Eighteen Inches,’ mopped up ‘Let There Be Cowgirls’ by Chris Cagle yesterday and last night on Taste of Country Nights radio. If the third single from ‘Wildflower’ can top the new song from Toby Keith, it will join ‘Georgia Peaches’ in the Hall.
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Rachel Holder, ‘In Your Arms’ – Song Review
Rachel Holder’s new single ‘In Your Arms’ is a showcase for a singer who’s skilled vocally, but in need of life experience to carry such a majestic and cathartic love ballad. She’ll draw comparisons to Martina McBride and Shania Twain, but the 19-year-old doesn’t own the fragility of love like a more experienced singer might.