Archive for February, 2008
Saturday, February 16th, 2008
Coming off the heels of their single “What Do You Think About That”, Montgomery Gentry supplies their listeners with another up-tempo song that is bound to be successful on country music radio. This song, with its Mellencamp feel, sounds good until the lyrics kick in.
The duo swaps lines to create a rollicking portrait of people who acknowledge that they just may not have known everything when they were young. They reminisce about their youthful indiscretions and defiant disregard of their parents with what seems to be fond amusement. While there doesn’t seem to be much regret of the past, the duo concedes that they have gained wisdom with age. They have learned “so much more than back when {they} knew it all.” They, no doubt, have softened over time, but one can’t help but wonder if they may still have some more growing up to do.
To put it succinctly, Eddie and Troy deliver another fun sounding single that attempts to include substance. Unfortunately, their effort falls short of sincerity and, instead, exudes the macho bravado that threatens to define their career.
Written by Trent Willmon, Phil O’Donnell and Gary Hannan
Grade: B-
Listen: Back When I Knew it All
Thursday, February 14th, 2008
This week’s issue of Country Weekly, dated February 25, has a brief mention of Country Universe on page 60. The clipping mentions last month’s feature, The Fifty Best Debut Singles of All-Time, which you can begin reading here. Personally, I’m most excited to have given them a reason to put Jeannie C. Riley’s picture in the magazine!
Huge thanks to reader Judy, who first e-mailed me about the mention, and then was kind enough to scan it.
Monday, February 11th, 2008
I am excited to introduce a new feature to Country Universe. From time to time, we will be choosing an artist and counting down our favorite songs by that particular artist. The rules are very simple. Any song sung by the chosen singer is eligible for this countdown, including songs recorded for projects other than his/her solo studio albums.
Since I make no secret of the fact that he is my favorite artist, I have decided to begin this feature by counting down my favorite songs by Vince Gill. Vince Gill has more than proven his musical prowess with his triple threat talent—respected songwriting, high quality musicianship and, of course, his distinctive tenor voice. Picking 25 of my favorite songs has proven to be an almost impossible task, because there are so many songs from which I can choose. In fact, if you don’t see your favorite Vince song on this list, you’re probably correct in assuming that it should be, as far as I’m concerned.
#25
“Oklahoma Swing” (duet with Reba McEntire)
When I Call Your Name (1989)
An infectiously fun song done in the western swing style. Reba sings the heck out of this one and it was nice of her to help out a struggling friend.
#24
“The Reason Why”
These Days (2006)
The rolling piano in this song is enough to get my attention. This is a simple, melancholy melody that accompanies the sentiment of a man who can’t understand why his relationship has gone sour.
#23
“It’s Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chews Your Ass Out All Day Long”
The Notorious Cherry Bombs (2004)
Perhaps this song, with its ridiculous and less than flattering lyrics, should offend me, but it doesn’t. Instead, I find it deliciously funny. Its pure country intro only adds to the hilarity.
#22
“Old Time Fiddle”
Next Big Thing (2003)
I’m a sucker for fast songs and fiddles, which are both contained here. This one is catchy. Once it’s in my head, it stays there for awhile.
#21
“High Lonesome Sound” (bluegrass version)
High Lonesome Sound (1996)
This is a perfect modern bluegrass song. The Alison Krauss harmony is what makes it so perfect.
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Sunday, February 10th, 2008
Okay, y’all. Thanks for a fun night, especially in the comments. Let’s do this again when the ACM’s roll around!
11:30 Let me just say that Grammy voters never cease to amaze me. I’m tremendously impressed.
11:28 Album of the Year: Herbie Hancock, River: The Joni Letters
SHOCKER!!!!!!
11:27 Quincy’s won 27 Grammy awards. Alison Krauss is thinking, “Give me six years, and I will own you.”
11:26 Usher & Quincy Jones presenting Album?
11:24 Will.i.am. Seems to be singing Record of the Year winners.
11:20 So, will there be another surprise performance? Or are we just waiting on Album? I don’t think there’s time for much else.
11:17 This is history, and important history at that. I’m blown away.
11:12 Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis and John Fogerty. Pretty damn formidable combo.
11:11 Nineteen minutes and only one award left. What’s the big performance that’s still waiting in the wings?
11:07 This has felt like a very “adult” Grammy show, just like the old days. Don’t ya think?
11:03 I counted two: Porter Wagoner and Hank Thompson. And I agree with ending with Luciano Pavarotti.
11:01 Count the country acts in the memoriam clip.
10:57 Grammy Promo Clip Reel. Snack break!
10:51 Good Lord, this is good TV.
10:50 Record of the Year: Amy Winehouse, “Rehab.”
10:48 Very strange to segue from Amy Winehouse to Doris Day. Just sayin’.
10:47 I’m guessing Tony’s giving Record again, like he did last year.
10:44 She knows she’s good, but she’s not cocky about it. I like it. I predict her sales will explode tonight.
10:43 Is it just me, or is the easily the coolest performance of the night?
10:41 Here comes Amy Winehouse. Good luck!
10:35 Jay-Z is slaying tonight. Vince Gill’s got competition.
10:34 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, “Umbrella.” ella. ella. ella.
10:33 Taylor Swift needs to stop wearing prom dresses everywhere she goes.
10:33 And they get a standing O. Good for them.
10:28 This is why we need the Grammys. This kind of music wouldn’t get a primetime showcase without them. Not all the good music is on the radio, folks.
10:26 I’m curious to hear Herbie Hancock.
10:20 God, I love him. Graceful as ever.
10:19 Best Country Album: Vince Gill, These Days. Scream your heart out, Leeann!
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Sunday, February 10th, 2008
I’ll be live-blogging the show when it starts at eight. I’m hoping it’s heavy on nostalgia, given it’s the fiftieth anniversary. I’m already 1 for 9 from My Wish List, but last year was super sweet so I’m not going to complain.
Here are some thoughts on the pre-show winners.
Amy Winehouse: She picked up both Best Pop Album and Best Pop Female Vocal Performance, and her Producer won Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. She’s looking very strong going into tonight, with her four remaining nods all in major categories.
Bruce Springsteen: Many feel that Springsteen was snubbed this year in the general categories. Voters have already given him three wins in the Rock field tonight, making him a more likely winner for Best Rock Album than the Foo Fighters, I suspect. This is the third time that Bruce has won three Grammys in a night: it also happened in 2003 and 1995. He’s one win away from his best Grammy run ever. Not bad for a year in which you were snubbed!
Kanye West: Again, West won three awards in his genre categories, just like he did in 2005 and 2006. Given that they are saving Best Rap Album for the telecast, he might also have his best Grammy night ever, even if he doesn’t win the big prize at the end of the night. (It’s looking like a race between him and Winehouse at this point.)
Alison Krauss & Brad Paisley: Paisley took home his first Grammy, for Best Country Instrumental Peformance, while Alison Krauss won her twenty-first, meaning that even if Vince Gill wins twice tonight, he still won’t catch her record.
Carrie Underwood: Just call her “Last Idol Standing.” Fellow veterans from the talent competition all lost: Fantasia, Mandisa, and the multi-nominated Daughtry. Underwood, however, won her third Grammy, proving those two wins last year weren’t a fluke. She did also lose a Grammy for the first time, but it was to Willie Nelson & Ray Price, so who can complain about that?
Willie Nelson & Ray Price: Speaking of Nelson & Price, they blew away some superstar pairings with their collaboration on the Hank Williams classic “Lost Highway.” Nelson has now won seven Grammys, his most recent before this being in the same category back in 2002 for his pairing with Lee Ann Womack. This is Ray Price’s second win; he won for “For the Good Times” way back in 1971.
Ricky Skaggs: He won his twelfth Grammy tonight, and I reckon it’s the one he’ll cherish the most, as it was for the first album he did with his wife, a member of The Whites. It was only the second Grammy win for The Whites, but their first was a biggie: Album of the Year for O Brother Where Art Thou, the landmark soundtrack to which they contributed.
Levon Helm: The legendary artist finally won his first Grammy, taking home Best Traditional Folk Album. In a night where many deceased artists won their first trophies posthumously, it’s good to see Helm get acknowledged while he’s still here to enjoy it.
Sunday, February 10th, 2008
Country Winners
Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals:
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)”
Best Bluegrass Album:
Jim Lauderdale, The Bluegrass Diaries
Best Country Song:
Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins, “Before He Cheats”
Best Female Country Vocal Performance:
Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats”
Best Country Instrumental Performance:
Brad Paisley, “Throttleneck”
Best Country Collaboration with Vocals:
Willie Nelson & Ray Price, “Lost Highway”
Best Country Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals:
Eagles, “How Long”
Best Male Country Vocal Performance:
Keith Urban, “Stupid Boy”
Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album:
Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Salt of the Earth
Best Traditional Folk Album:
Levon Helm, Dirt Farmer
Best Contemporary Folk Album:
Steve Earle, Washington Square Serenade
Best Short Form Music Video:
Johnny Cash, “God’s Gonna Cut You Down”
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Pre-Show Winners, as announced:
6:43 Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: Mark Ronson
6:42 Best Alternative Music Album: The White Stripes, Icky Thump
6:42 Best Rock Song: Bruce Springsteen, “Radio Nowhere”
6:41 Best Rock Instrumental Performance: Bruce Springsteen, “Once Upon a Time in the West”
6:39 Best Metal Performance: Final Six, “Slayer”
6:37 Best Hard Rock Performance: Foo Fighters, “The Pretender”
6:37 Best Rock Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals: The White Stripes, “Icky Thump”
6:36 Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance: Bruce Springsteen, “Radio Nowhere”
6:36 Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: Michael Buble, Call Me Irresponsible
6:35 Best Electronic/Dance Album: The Chemical Brothers, We are the Night
6:34 Best Dance Recording: Justin Timberlake, “LoveStoned/I Think She Knows”
6:34 Best Comedy Album: Flight of the Concords, The Distant Future
6:32 Best Pop Vocal Album: Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
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Saturday, February 9th, 2008
When I wrote my list last year of what Grammy winners I’d like to see in a variety of categories, I would end up getting my way in 15 out of 22 categories, including all of the all-genre awards and all but two country trophies. In baseball terms, that’s a .681 batting average, and there’s no way that I’ll come close to matching it this year.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to try! Here’s my preferences in 14 categories. Not as much interesting me this year as last, but I’ll be live-blogging anyway. Check back tomorrow at 4 p.m. EST for pre-telecast winners.
General Categories
Record of the Year
- Beyoncé, “Irreplaceable”
- Foo Fighters, “The Pretender”
- Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, “Umbrella”
- Justin Timberlake, “What Goes Around…Comes Around”
- Amy Winehouse, “Rehab”
Many are predicting that “Umbrella” will win here, unless there’s a Winehouse sweep. All of these nominees have merit, but I think that “Irreplaceable” is a pop hit for the ages. The hook never gets old, and the record is superbly constructed. I think it’s the most worthy of the award.
Album of the Year
- Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
- Vince Gill, These Days
- Herbie Hancock, River: The Joni Letters
- Kanye West, Graduation
- Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
One year after my favorite album of 2006 won the Grammy, another favorite of mine from the same year is in the running. I don’t think Vince Gill has much of a shot here. Kanye West is long overdue, Amy Winehouse is the hot new female type that Grammy voters love, and Herbie Hancock is the type of legend that Grammy gives a late-career shout-out to. It’s hard to make the case for an 18-time winner getting #19, especially when he’s likely to win his genre album award. Still, These Days is my favorite album of the five.
Song of the Year
- “Before He Cheats” – Josh Kear & Chris Tompkins
- “Hey There Delilah” – Tom Higgenson
- “Like a Star” – Corinne Bailey Rae
- “Rehab” – Amy Winehouse
- “Umbrella” – Shawn Carter, Kuk Harrell, Terius “Dream Nash” & Christopher Stewart
I think that “Rehab” will win this, but “Before He Cheats” is my favorite song nominated, edging out my guilty pleasure “Hey There Delilah” by a nose. The only thing that annoys me is that this is the second year in a row that a Carrie Underwood hit has been nominated for Song of the Year, but Underwood herself was overlooked in the Record of the Year race. It sends the message that these songs were hits in spite of Carrie Underwood, rather than because of her, and I think the opposite is true. Both “Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel” were solid songs, but they became mega-hits because of Underwood’s masterful performances of them.
Best New Artist
- Feist
- Ledisi
- Paramore
- Taylor Swift
- Amy Winehouse
It’s rare for me to not back the country nominee in a general race, but I think that Amy Winehouse actually is the best new artist of the five. No offense to Taylor Swift, but she’s simply not in the same league. She may be someday, but this award’s about now, so my pick is Winehouse.
Country Categories
Best Female Country Vocal Performance
- Alison Krauss, “Simple Love”
- Miranda Lambert, “Famous in a Small Town”
- LeAnn Rimes, “Nothin’ Better to Do”
- Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats”
- Trisha Yearwood, “Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love”
My preference here is ever so slight. I love all five of these records, four of which made the top ten of my singles lists the year they were released; “Small Town” didn’t, but Lambert was in there with a different song anyway. “Simple Love” is, in the end, my favorite performance, but I’d be happy with any winner here.
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Friday, February 8th, 2008
The most prestigious Grammy award is Album of the Year. To be deemed the best album of any genre is the highest honor in popular music, outside of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In recent years, country albums have become more common in this category, thanks to a Texas trio, a Canadian superstar, a retro soundtrack, and an Oklahoman virtuoso.
2008
- Foo Fighters, Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace
- Vince Gill, These Days
- Herbie Hancock, River: The Joni Letters
- Kanye West, Dropout
- Amy Winehouse, Back to Black
While it’s highly unlikely that Vince Gill will triumph here, it’s important to note the history that has been made with his nomination. Besides being the first male country act nominated for this award since Kenny Rogers in 1980, he is also the first country act to be nominated for an album that wasn’t a big seller with crossover appeal. If Kanye West is this year’s version of the Dixie Chicks, and finally wins in his third nomination in this category, he’ll be getting what he deserves. But much credit to Vince anyway, who managed to make a fantastic four-CD set that also challenged the conventional ways of releasing new music to the public.
2007
- Dixie Chicks, Taking the Long Way
- Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere
- John Mayer, Continuum
- Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stadium Arcadium
- Justin Timberlake, Future Sex/Love Sounds
When the Dixie Chicks won Album of the Year, it capped off a night when they won five awards, including the big three: Record, Song and Album. They were the first act to pull this rare feat off since Eric Clapton in 1993. They were certainly due, having been nominated for a third time in this category; no other country artist has had more than one album nominated in this category, though Emmylou Harris did contribute to two nominated projects.
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Thursday, February 7th, 2008
King George does it once again. He’s bound to have another hit song on his hands with “I Saw God Today”, which will be included on his upcoming CD set for an April release.
While the melody is somewhat lackluster, a problem that Strait encounters from time to time, the lyrics to this song are intriguing. At the beginning of the song, we learn that the singer is catching some much needed fresh air after spending 18 hours in the hospital by a loved one’s bedside for an unknown reason. During his time outside, he is struck by some common occurrences that make him realize that God’s “fingerprints are everywhere”—a flower growing in the sidewalk, a pregnant woman, a beautiful sunset. All of these things make him feel as though he has seen God.
Without giving away the “twist” of the song, the third verse finally reveals the singer’s reason for being at the hospital, which ultimately explains the cause of his cathartic experience.
Although this song runs the risk of crossing the line of heavy-handed sentimentalism, I suspect that it’s more likely to appeal to the hearts of many people, especially to those who can relate to the story it tells.
Written by Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Wade Kirby
Grade: B
Listen: I Saw God Today
Buy: I Saw God Today
Wednesday, February 6th, 2008
Country artists who make the cut in the Best New Artist slot at the Grammys have had a much better track record of long-term success than their fellow pop, rock and R&B nominees, which they usually lose to. So far, only two country artists – LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood – have actually won the Best New Artist Grammy.
This is the only general category that has seen a greater number of its country nominees in the more recent years. Here’s a look back at the country nominees for Best New Artist.
2008
- Feist
- Ledisi
- Paramore
- Taylor Swift
- Amy Winehouse
By all laws of logic and reason, this award will go to Amy Winehouse, who scored six nods overall and is represented in all four major categories, the first artist to pull that off since Paula Cole in 1998. However, Winehouse’s public struggles have left open the possibility of an upset, and Taylor Swift is now seen as a major contender for this award. Grammy certainly has gone the teen route before, as evidenced by the wins of vocal phenoms LeAnn Rimes and Christina Aguilera. My guess is Winehouse has the edge, given Swift didn’t sco
2007
- James Blunt
- Chris Brown
- Imogen Heap
- Corinne Bailey Rae
- Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood, as widely expected, won Best New Artist after selling five million copies of her debut album. Sure, she hasn’t had a crossover hit, but “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” have made her a superstar and given her two signature tunes; ten years earlier, LeAnn Rimes won with only one. She also one-upped Rimes by scoring two nominations the next year, compared to Rimes’ sole nod the year after she won Best New Artist.
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