Archive for the ‘Site News’ Category
Thursday, January 23rd, 2014
Much like they dominated the Country Universe lists, Nashville Scene’s 14th Annual Country Music Critics’ Poll finds Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, and Ashley Monroe on top.
This year, six of our seven Country Universe writers voted in the poll, with Sam Gazdziak featuring heavily in the comments section!
Congratulations to Sam, and to all of the artists who did so well this year!
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
Way back in July 2004, Country Universe went live on its original Blogspot home. This month marks its eighth anniversary. Today, our writers are sharing their thoughts about the site and some of their favorite posts from the past eight years.
As the founder of Country Universe, it is amazing to me that what started as a quite self-indulgent little blog has become a showcase for so many talented writers. I remember being a lone voice in the wilderness. Now, there is such a sprawling and diverse community of country music blogs and websites that I believe Country Universe would have lost any relevance years ago, had it not been expanded by the new perspectives of a rotating writing staff.
I’ve written so many things over the years that I’m proud of, along with a few posts (and several comments) that I’d like to see disappear down the memory hole. But the piece that I’m most proud of these days wasn’t well-received upon publication: Single Review: Brad Paisley, “Online.”
In retrospect, it feels prescient. At the time I wrote it, bullying hadn’t yet emerged as part of the national dialogue, at least not outside of educational circles. Hearing “Online”, I immediately related it to the realities that I saw regularly, but I think that the connection was difficult for readers to make if they weren’t directly involved with education. Today, I think that there would be a greater understanding of my concerns with the record. At least I hope so. Either way, it remains my favorite personal piece of writing from the past eight years.
Among my colleagues’ best work, I must single out Dan Milliken’s “The Jealous Heart”, which showcases his ability to interweave his vast knowledge of music with originality and wit. Ben Foster’s “Pop Goes Country – A Cover Song Report Card”, which critiques many successful and not-so-successful attempts to make a pop song country. From Tara Seetharam, I particularly loved her conversation starter, “Discussion: Music and Lyrics”, which managed to make The Breakfast Club relevant to a discussion about country music. Total win!
Last, but never least, my first and longest partner at Country Universe. I’ve said many times that we didn’t really become Country Universe until Leeann Ward joined the staff. Before then, it was just Kevin’s blog. But her unique perspective, and more important, her ability to be magnanimous with even our harshest critics, set the climate of mutual respect that would ultimately distinguish our site for the better. She brought the same dignity to a discussion regarding a quite undignified personality in her piece, “The Trouble with John Rich.” Most other country commentators eventually voiced the same concerns she outlined way back when.
There have been many great moments from both our former writers and current contributors as well, as you’ll soon discover from our other anniversary posts. Follow the links below to read the rest of our anniversary coverage, and share your favorites in the comments!
Country Universe Turns Eight:
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
I distinctly remember the google search that first led me to Country Universe back in early 2006. I was listening to Joy Lynn White’s “comeback” album, One More Time, and I was curious about the songwriter behind her mid-90s single “Wild Love,” the cassingle for which I had somehow misplaced.
All Music Guide didn’t have the information I wanted– typical of the gaps in their catalogue at that time when it came to somewhat obscure country acts– so I turned to google, which led me promptly to entry #395 on Country Universe’s “400 Best Contemporary Country Singles” countdown. A few hours later, having read through the rest of that feature and a host of single and album reviews, the site had officially made it onto the list of music review and news sources I check daily. And, give or take a day or two, I’ve kept up with Country Universe ever since.
The way people write about country music has changed dramatically – for the better, I’d argue – in the past
few years. And, though the exact roster of contributors to Country Universe has remained in flux during its eight years online, it has consistently offered writing that is passionate, authoritative, and distinctive: A testament to everything that the much ballyhooed “democratization” of internet criticism gets right. I find it humbling that this crew keeps me in their company.
The piece that best captures what I think makes Country Universe such a unique and essential source for writing about contemporary country music is the spectacularly-titled editorial Kevin posted after Taylor Swift’s much maligned performance of “You Belong With Me” at the Grammy awards. Not only is the article itself thoughtfully composed and smart, but note how the comments section plays out: The lengthy discussion that followed the post is every bit as revelatory as the original piece, with an exchange of actual ideas that’s as well-reasoned, civil, and rare as anything you’ll find online.
Country Universe Turns Eight:
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
The eight-year mark is definitely a noteworthy milestone in the transitory world of the internet. Country Universe’s longevity is both a substantial accomplishment –particularly on Kevin’s part – as well as a testament to the site’s enduring appeal.
There are few country music web sites that have been as near and dear to my heart as Country Universe, and it’s hard to sum up why. The high caliber of writing is definitely a major factor, but perhaps what drew me to this site above all else is the way that it absolutely radiates a sincere passion for music on the part of all of the writers, while creating a warm and inviting environment conducive to free and open discussion.
Each writer brings a unique set of gifts to the table – Kevin’s substantial genre knowledge and deep sincerity; Leeann’s simple straightforwardness and attention to detail; Dan’s knack for keeping things fun whenever possible, yet serious when necessary; Tara’s ability to discuss good and bad music alike with eloquence and class; Jonathan’s ability to analyze different qualities of music on a deep, insightful level; Noah’s uniquely colorful writing style; and Sam’s signature sense of humor.
Country Universe is a site that I’ve always just plain loved and been excited about, regardless of whether I had any part in writing for it. Though I still feel like a newbie in some ways, having been with the site for only one year so far, words scarcely express how genuinely privileged I feel to be a part of the Country Universe family, as well as a part of its history.
Favorite post I’ve written: Single Review: Scotty McCreery, “Water Tower Town”
I am a very repetitive writer, and I know it. I am constantly fighting the tendency to keep using the same descriptions over and over again, but at the same time I find it difficult not to do so when each new release often sounds very much like the one before it. I was determined to find a way to shake things up with my review of Scotty McCreery’s “Water Tower Town.” I found an approach through which I felt I was able to highlight the weaknesses of McCreery’s single while simultaneously poking fun at my own repetitive tendencies, and bucking that trend by doing so. At any rate, I had a lot of fun writing the review, and it’s one piece that I always look back on with fondness.
Favorite post by another writer: Single Review: Taylor Swift, “Mean” (Kevin John Coyne)
I had always enjoyed Swift’s “Mean,” mostly because of the cool arrangement. But when Kevin posted a review of the song, I fully expected it to be a single sentence takedown, particularly since Kevin was not known for being a Taylor Swift enthusiast. My jaw dropped as I read. I found myself agreeing with Kevin’s praise of the song, and the purpose the lyric served. I found “Mean” quickly becoming my favorite Taylor Swift song, as well my favorite single of 2011 (I was even privileged to write the caption for it on our Best of 2011 countdown). Though there have been many excellent writers who have extended influence over my own view of music, this was by
far the most outstanding instance in which a review caused me to gain a whole new appreciation for a song – a testament to the power of a carefully thought out, well-written review.
Country Universe Turns Eight:
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
How to define Country Universe? Thoughtful, authentic, accessible, open-minded – all qualities established long before I came on board. Eight
years in, it’s still home to a rare breed of music criticism that knows no boundaries when it comes to what moves people. I treasure that.
But because of Kevin’s leadership, this blog is more than just a critical eye on country music. Its defining characteristic is that it’s truly a place – a universe — where readers and writers alike are held to the highest standards of respect, honesty and decency. In a genre built on the simplest stories of humanity, this couldn’t be more appropriate.
Country Universe is a blessing in my life for which I am continuously grateful. In the last three years, this blog has not only deepened my relationship with the genre, but challenged me to be a more insightful writer, thinker and person. It’s taught me that being a fan doesn’t have to mean compromising your credibility, that passion and sincerity are as important as intelligence and wit. And, above all, it’s introduced me to a family of writers I never thought I’d be lucky enough to find.
In honor of Country Universe’s 8th anniversary, here are ten of my favorite pieces:
1. The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Conclusion: #20-#1
2. Discussion: Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain and Gender in Country Music
3: Single Review/Shameless Rant: Miranda Lambert, “The House That Built Me”
4. Single Review: Taylor Swift, “Sparks Fly”
5. Sincerity
6. Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Sara Evans
9. Single Review: Jerrod Niemann, “Lover, Lover”
7. Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists: Dixie Chicks
8. Favorite Albums: Christmas
10. The Coping Power of Music
Country Universe Turns Eight:
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
Like Jonathan, I first discovered Country Universe via random Google search. It was during my first semester at Belmont University in Nashville, and Carrie Underwood had just released Carnival Ride.
I was scouring the web for critical reviews of the album, and when I happened upon Kevin’s unusually smart one, I was immediately filled with admiration – as well as bitter, bitter envy. Who was this random dude who thought he could write so incisively about my genre? Someone who needed to be taken down a peg, that was who!
So I decided I’d show him and left a blustering comment defending “The More Boys I Meet” (that is, ”the more boys I meet,–” wince, “–the more
I love my dog
“), complete with an pretentious mini-thesis on the psychological value of novelty songs and how “The More Boys I Meet” was totally like Roger Miller – an artist from whom I knew, oh, maybe three songs at the time.
It’s funny, and strange, and ever so humbling to think how much has changed in five years. I’m seven months graduated from college now. I know, like, at least four Roger Miller songs. I get to work and interact with a warm, hilarious, inspiring community of country music fans who like to think and be thought at. And Kevin Coyne, random dude, has become a personal mentor and one of my all-around favorite people.
I don’t know. I’ve felt a little weird writing this piece, mostly because I don’t write nearly as much other stuff for Country Universe as I’d like to anymore, so I don’t know what my authority necessarily counts for. I just know it’s been a joy to talk about music with you guys on here…and I just hope my internet comments have, you know, declined in obnoxiousness.
Finally, three all-time favorites, two quite recent:
Retro Single Review: Alan Jackson, “Gone Country”
Single Review: Chris Young, “Neon”
Favorite Albums: Christmas
Country Universe Turns Eight:
Tuesday, July 31st, 2012
In 2007, a little over five years ago, I discovered Country Universe. At that point in my relationship with mainstream country music, I had been a diehard fan for over ten years, but was realizing that I was starting to feel less content with Top 40 country radio.
In my effort to expand beyond the radio, but still stay connected to country music, I eagerly discovered the world of music blogs. As it happened, the very first country music blog that captured my attention beyond a cursory look was Country Universe. At the time, Kevin was the sole writer and he had been running the blog for three years prior to my discovery of it.
As I remember it, the first article that I happened upon was Kevin’s A Conversation with Pam Tillis. I was inordinately impressed by their easy exchange and Kevin’s obvious respect for and knowledge of his interviewee. As the title suggests, however, it was much more than just an interview, but rather, a warm, in-depth conversation.
To make a sort of long story short, my respect for Kevin’s blog only increased as I combed through the Country Universe archives while also keeping up with the updated content. As I followed along, what struck me the most was that while it was clear that Kevin had no interest in sensationalizing, he felt a responsibility to sometimes tackle difficult and even controversial topics regarding the landscape of country music.
One such article, Say What? — John Rich, specifically caught my attention, as it discussed a weighty topic with a perspective that was not especially popular among the predominantly conservative country music fans at the time. For me, it was intriguing and refreshing to read such an intelligent, unexpected perspective.
So, imagine my fright and delight when Kevin invited me to join him here in early 2008. My first big article was the very first installment of the Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists feature that kicked off with my favorite artist, Vince Gill. The article of mine that I think of with the most fondness, however, is my interview with Joey+Rory, which was only thanks to their warmth and openness.
Since my time with Country Universe, we’ve had some writers come and go, but I am very proud of the writers that we have now. The absolute best part of being a part of Country Universe is that I am a fan. I am fortunate to genuinely enjoy the writing of Kevin, Dan, Tara, Ben, Jonathan and Sam. Even more importantly, I am a fan of their voices, both as writers and behind the scenes of Country Universe. What’s more, even if my name wasn’t on the list of writers, I would be a devoted reader of the site.
And, finally, it cannot be stressed enough that the richest part of Country Universe as a whole is the thoughtful and passionate comments of you, our readers. Without all of you, this experience would surely be much less fun and engaging. So, thank you for being a part of
it all. Long live Country Universe.
Country Universe Turns Eight:
Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Country Universe is proud to introduce our newest staff writer, Ben Foster. Ben began his blogging career at his own 1-to-10 Country Music Review, which is essential daily reading for country music afici0nados. We are thrilled to have him on board! – KJC.
Hey, y’all! My name is Ben Foster. I was born a Yankee up in Michigan, near Detroit, and now I currently live in Russellville - a small town located right smack in Middle of Nowhere, Kentucky. Some of the regular readers may already have an idea of who I am, since I’ve been an active comment thread participant for well over a year now.
How did I discover country music, you may wonder? The simple truth is that I didn’t. Country music found me. I know that sounds hokey, but it’s true. In general, my parents were not country music fans. Their music collection was largely dominated by the pop and rock of the seventies and eighties. Still, a few country albums would sneak into the stack here and there. As a child of the nineties, my earliest exposure to country music came through artists like Garth Brooks and Lorrie Morgan. At that time, I still didn’t really know what country music was, nor did I realize that artists like Garth and Lorrie fit into one unique genre. At such a young age, I couldn’t fully appreciate the deep emotional resonance of the music. But what attracted me was, quite simply, the sweet sounds of the fiddle and steel guitar. I just thought it was the coolest-sounding music I had ever heard. I still think that today. Having been attracted to the genre by the sound of traditional country instrumentation, it saddens me to hear such sounds evaporating from country radio. Granted, I’m no purist. I can appreciate a good pop-country song (I’m a huge Shania Twain fan, I jam out to “Stuck Like Glue” in the car, and I even kind of like Taylor Swift if that doesn’t tell you something), but it’s safe to say that I will always have a special fondness for traditional country music.
Over time, I began to develop a great appreciation for the lyrical content of country, as well as the palpable sincerity that the most talented country artists seem to exude so effortlessly. One of the most lauded qualities of country music is that it’s relatable to everyday life. But I’m still a young guy, so there are relatively few country songs that describe situations I’ve personally experienced. I’ve never been married, let alone divorced, and I’m not even old enough to drink. As a certain one-hit-wonder country singer did not hesitate to remind me, I haven’t lived enough. But when I hear a great country lyric paired with an achingly sincere vocal performance, I can instantly see myself at the heart of whatever story the song is telling. Sometimes I see where I could be in my life ten or twenty years from now. Even when I can’t relate to the specific situations portrayed, I can still relate to the emotions being expressed. For example, the Dixie Chicks sang about falling in love with a soldier who is later killed in the Vietnam War. Could there possibly be another story further removed from my own? And yet, when I hear Natalie tell the story, I feel her pain. I ache along with her. No other genre has been able to have that effect on me so consistently.
Sadly, I found myself gradually losing interest in FM Country Radio as it increasingly took on the stench of pandering focus-group music as opposed to the authentic, sincere brand of music that I orginally fell in love with. I can’t be moved by a song if I get the notion that the song is trying to get me to like it – that the songwriters were primarily focused on creating a product that is inoffensive and universally appealing. On the positive side, I’ve also learned that there’s so much more great country music to be heard than what comes over the radio.
Discovering the world of country music blogs was undoubtedly one of the best things that’s ever happened to me as a country fan. As I became increasingly disillusioned with the music that was taking over country radio airwaves, I found a community in which lesser-known independent artists whom I had never heard of before were being treated with just as much importance as the top Nashville hitmakers. The classic country music of the past was continually recognized for its enduring relevance. Thus, I discovered a genre with more breadth and variety than I had ever known before. The country blogosphere was a place in which I could freely exchange thoughts with other individuals who loved the music as much as I did – a place to share great music with others who would come to have similar appreciation for it. I’ve always immensely enjoyed the experience of being able to bond with others, so to speak, over our common love for the greatest music ever.
Before long, I was inspired to try my own hand at the art of being a country music critic. Thus, my own blog The 1-to-10 Country Music Review was born. My past work on The 1-to-10 is a chronicle of my journey in finding my own voice as a writer. I write for many different reasons. I write to express. I write to learn. I write to spark discussion. I write to sort out my own thoughts and feelings. As I continued exploring my newfound passion for writing, I came to realize that it’s something I’m going to keep on doing forever. I couldn’t stop if I wanted to. Many of my early posts were quite amateurish, but as my writing style gradually evolved, my little blog grew into something that I could be genuinely proud of, as well as a launch pad for me to be a part of other projects in addition to it.
Country Universe is a site that has long been near and dear to my heart. Joining the site’s writing staff could hardly be more of a dream writing job for me. I regard Kevin, Dan, Leeann, and Tara as four of the greatest writers on the planet – honest, straightforward, insightful writers whose opinions I hold in the highest regard. I’m very humbled that they’ve been so kind as to take me into their company. Country Universe is a site that I’ve genuinely loved since long before being invited to write for it, so this is a team that I’m truly proud to be a part of.
Of course, there are many people who have been listening to country music longer than I have, and who have a much more expansive knowledge of the genre and it’s rich history. I don’t know everything there is to know about country music. I’m learning, and I will continue learning indefinitely. I know more today than I did last year, and in another year I’ll know even more. I will never stop digging into the genre’s history, making new and exciting discoveries.
In summary, I am not an expert. I am, first and foremost, a fan.
I will do my best to provide honest, well-thought out commentary for the readers of Country Universe. People won’t always agree, but I think it would be boring if they always did. I hope to be able to introduce others to great new musical discoveries, as I know my blogging buddies will continue to do for me. And when I hear a new song or album that speaks to me on the same level as all my favorite country songs, and that makes me feel proud to be a fan of great country music, you can be sure that I’ll be quick to tell you all about it. Is this going to be fun or what?
Thursday, December 30th, 2010
2010 brought two big steps for Country Universe writers Dan Milliken and Tara Seetharam!
Dan’s musings on country music have recently been published at CMT.com. Check out his awesome rundown of this year’s reissues: The Greatest Greatest Hits of 2010. He also contributed to features on Toby Keith and Tim McGraw, selecting “Who’s That Man” as a prime Keith cut, and “Just to See You Smile” as prime McGraw.
Meanwhile, Tara has launched her own blog – TaraSeetharam.com – which features her musings on pop culture and has me secretly wishing to do guest posts on the non-country artists who populate my iPod.
Both writers are so amazing that expanded horizons are inevitable. We’re proud to have recognized their talent early on!
Saturday, November 6th, 2010
Daylight Savings Time means one more hour to kill surfing the internet. It’s as good a time as any to catch up on the CMA Awards, your favorite artists, and reviews you might have missed!
Just follow the links below to our archival pages, all of which have just been completely updated:
CMA Awards
Read about every nominee and winner in all major categories since the awards began in 1967, starting with a rundown of this year’s nominees in each category.
Artist Pages
Read all features and reviews from every artist that has ever been written about on Country Universe, along with a listing of all of their industry awards and RIAA-certified albums and singles.
Reviews
Our archives include every single, album, concert, music video, and DVD review we’ve ever published, listed alphabetically by artist.
Just want to see what we’ve written lately? Look back in reverse chronological order:
More new posts are on the way, including our annual rundown of Picks & Predictions for the CMA Awards and the return of Starter Kits, Favorite Songs by Favorite Artists, and Yesterday’s Songs. Stay tuned!
Much like they dominated the Country Universe lists, Nashville Scene’s 14th Annual Country Music Critics’ Poll finds Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, and Ashley Monroe on top.
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