Comments on: Who Should We Discover in 2009?

By: Matt B.

Matt B. — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 03:13:40 +0000

How about Townes Van Zant. The man was one of the greatest songwriters to ever ‘be’ and his “anthology” is a good starting point.

I will second the Mark McGuinn comment. I was such a fan that I made a fanwebsite back in the day (it was better than his at the time, even he said that). Sadly, his record label closed just as he was gaining traction at radio. Had he been on a Big Machine type of label he’d have been much more popular. Despite having offbeat lyrics, his music was always rooted in country/folk traditions. Here’s hoping he releases a new project sooner or later.

By: Erik North

Erik North — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:21:51 +0000

I would say that people really need to rediscover Linda Ronstadt’s classic 1970s country-rock albums. In lieu of that, however, I would say a newer artist deserving of attention is Tift Merritt, who has quietly built a career around writing great songs, having made three albums thus far, and cultivated an Americana sound redolent of what both Linda and Emmylou have done. Tift really would be my personal pick.

By: Chad

Chad — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:22:27 +0000

So I’m a little late on this posting, but after doing the mp3 player shuffle, I have someone people should re-discover: Radney Foster. His solo stuff over the last 7-8 years has been consistently fantastic.

If anyone is interested, I can provide some suggestion, but generally, I would start with “See What I See” and move forward.

By: bobby

bobby — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 06:24:34 +0000

I vaguely remember hearing the “International heartache” song, but I’ll have to listen to it again. I remember liking it, I had forgotten about it though. And I’ll be sure to check out the Patty Loveless duet, she my favorite! Thanks!

By: Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:58:01 +0000

Bobby, in addition to JR’s great suggestions, I would also recommend Dwight’s “Intentional Heartache” from his Blame the Vain album…EXCELLENT song, and great video as well!

Also, Dwight’s “IF There Was a Way” is a solid album and features an awesome duet he did with Patty Loveless, called “Send a Message to My Heart”.

And just a piece of trivia, Dwight and Patty were born in the same hospital in Pikeville, KY…Miss Loveless born 52 years ago today, Jan 4th. Happy Birthday Patty!

By: bobby

bobby — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:10:05 +0000

thanks for the suggestions J.R. Journey!
I’m checking them out right now!

By: lanibug

lanibug — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:06:12 +0000

I have to agree that anyone who has not listened to Ashley Monroe, should discover her!! She is one of my favorites –

By: CF

CF — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:05:48 +0000

Ashley Monroe & Trent Dabbs (together).

By: Carson

Carson — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:39:10 +0000

I agree with Sunny Sweeney!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 00:22:17 +0000

Mark McGuinn. Remember the guy who sang ‘Mrs. Steven Rudy’? His second album isn’t on iTunes and you’ll be hard pressed to find a physical copy anywhere other than Amazon, but he has some of the most original music you’ll find in country.