When asked about his plans for Father’s Day, Jim Avett simply said, “Not a thing. There’s nothing special about Father’s Day as far as I’m concerned. I get the gift of being a daddy every day.” If you’re ever lucky enough to spend an hour talking with this man, you’ll realize that every day really […]
A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the longest living member of the Grand Old Opry, Charlie Louvin is a true legend of country music. His work has influenced The Beatles, Gram Parsons, Emmylou Harris, The Byrds and Lucinda Williams among many others.
Dublin-born rockabilly sensation Imelda May is further proof that the Irish are the European torchbearers of soul. Backed by a band that includes her husband Darrel Higham on guitar, she alternately growls, shouts, purrs and croons on Love Tattoo, her first major-label release. (Her debut, No Turning Back, was released under her maiden name, Imelda […]
“This is my definition of real country music.” That’s what Willie Nelson says about his new album, and, with that in mind, it’s interesting that he chooses to close the album with “Nobody’s Fault but Mine” – which comes from the blues tradition, rather than country. It was the only song that Willie added to […]
What would you have if the past 25 years of country music history had never occurred? You would Merle Haggard’s new album, I Am What I Am. Released on his Hag Records label, this is old-school country gold from the era of AM radio and 8-track tapes played on long 55-mph road trips. It is […]
What does it mean when an unsigned artist releases an album whose songwriting utterly outshines those of the established and elite, arena-filling Nashville mega-stars? It means big labels need to open their eyes because there’s a plethora of real talent out there — you just have to know where to look. Like Brooklyn, NY. When […]
Darker Circles, possibly alluding to an even increased lack of sleep, is what seems to be afoot in the methodically constructed new album by The Sadies. The obvious hard work rings noticeably down to the bone, and at first listen you can tell that these Alt Country Rockers worked long and hard on this short […]
When the cool kids aren’t busy ignoring their Census requests, they’re kicking it oldschool and buying vinyl in a surprising resurgence. Even in the age of iTunes, the local record store is a vital institution in any and all musical genres, and on April 17, the Rob Gordons of the world will unite for Record […]
One of the hottest names in country music has teamed up with a folk legend, and the result is nothing short of, well, beautiful: Dierks Bentley and Patty Griffin seem right at home and natural in the video for “A Beautiful World.” The video, simply shot and authentic, matches the organic and easy lyrics, melody, […]
(Note: This review has been altered. For various reasons, the album was originally reviewed without the bonus DVD. When McMurtry’s people caught wind, they got a copy of the DVD to me because they felt it was important. They were right.) It’s only been five years since the release of the well received “Live in […]
