Country Universe

Concert Review: Patty Griffin, Belly Up Tavern – August 28, 2008

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

Patty Griffin Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach, California August 28, 2008 At some point, every dedicated fan should have the opportunity to watch their favorite artist(s)—no matter how big or famous—perform from five feet away.

Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 14

Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison 1968 A large part of Johnny Cash’s musical identity was established, of all places, in prison. Although the singer himself stayed on the right side of the law (for the

Classic Country Singles: Kathy Mattea, “Where’ve You Been”

August 31, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 26

“Where’ve You Been” Kathy Mattea 1990 Written by Don Henry and Jon Vezner Everybody loved the song, but nobody wanted to cut it. A slow and simple tale of an aging couple that ends with

Reba McEntire, For My Broken Heart

August 31, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

Reba McEntire For My Broken Heart 1991 Recorded in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash that killed her tour manager and most of her band, For My Broken Heart is Reba McEntire’s masterpiece, a

Mary Chapin Carpenter, Stones in the Road

August 31, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 12

Mary Chapin Carpenter Stones in the Road I believe the essence of God is reflected in the very best art. By that standard, Stones in the Road has been my gospel, the defining record that

Zona Jones, “You Should’ve Seen Her This Morning”

August 31, 2008 Guest Contributor 2

Raised on a ranch and the son of a rodeo cowboy, Zona Jones is hardcore country. And after his first album, Harleys & Horses, spawned the single “Two Hearts” which gained fame (of all places)

Zac Brown Band, “Chicken Fried”

August 31, 2008 Dan Milliken 66

When that mellow guitar intro first chimes in, you might swear you’re listening to a late-night NPR special. Or watching an iPhoto slide show. Or maybe hanging out in a coffee shop somewhere in Georgia.

Labor Day Discussion: Songs About Workers

August 30, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

While they’re not as common as they used to be in country music, sometimes good songs about workers still surface. Tim McGraw’s “I’m Workin’” on his most recent album was a highlight, and Trace Adkins’

Kris Kristofferson

August 30, 2008 Guest Contributor 3

On his tombstone, Kris Kristofferson has requested the first three lines of Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on the Wire” to be engraved: Like a bird on a wire/Like a drunk in a midnight choir/I have tried in

Introducing Lynn Douglas

August 30, 2008 Guest Contributor 15

The introduction of our new writers concludes today with the first post of Lynn Douglas. She has been a regular commenter for a long time, and now she will be contributing her perspectives on country