Fine, I’ll say something about it. Sounds like a song Bob Seger would have written on strong cold medication. First time I can remember not even slightly enjoying a chorus with handclaps. Kracker’s lame performance isn’t even enjoyable in that creepy, stoner-lite “Follow Me” way. The whole thing sounds laxadasically recorded. It features Kid Rock.

And Mediabase shows it climbing steadily. We livin’ in a farce, country fans.

…And what does it say about me that I even bothered writing this review? I need to reflect.

Written by J T Harding, Brett James, Robert James Ritchie, and Matt Shafer

Grade: D

Listen: Good to Be Me

When the nominees were announced in August for the 44th annual CMA Awards, they sparked a firestorm of headlines –and thoughtful commentary by critics and fans alike– thanks to the CMA voters’ surprisingly bold moves. It’s all about change this year, as the voters revamped the ballot with a slew of fresh faces in almost all of the big categories.

How will it all play out? We’ll know for sure on Wednesday at 8pm Eastern, but before Gwenyth Paltrow throws on her cowboy boots, check out our staff picks and predictions and join the discussion in the comments below. And be sure to drop by Wednesday night for all of the CU live blog madness!

Entertainer of the Year

Should Win:

• Lady Antebellum
• Miranda Lambert – Kevin
• Brad Paisley
• Keith Urban
• Zac Brown Band – Leeann, Dan, Tara

Kevin:  Among the five nominees, Miranda Lambert has best represented the genre this year.

Leeann: I’m torn between Lambert and the Zac Brown Band as most deserving this year. I recently saw Lambert’s show and wasn’t incredibly impressed, however. While I have not yet attended a ZBB show, theirs is one of the few spots that I look forward to at awards shows these days. Moreover, I’m impressed by how much of a following they had even before they made any mainstream records.

Dan: Of these five, Zac Brown Band had the second-most success this year (after Lady A) and made the second-best music (after Lambert), so that’s pretty good standing. And I feel like giving this award to a grassroots act would be a good way for the industry to greet the future.

Tara: I’m consistently impressed by Zac Brown Band’s live performances, and it would be really refreshing to see them win – so I’ll go with them. (But I’m still disappointed that the first year my head and heart align on Carrie Underwood deserving an EOTY award, I can’t support her. I’m holding out for 2012…)

Will Win:

• Lady Antebellum
• Miranda Lambert – Tara
• Brad Paisley – Kevin, Leeann, Dan
  
• Keith Urban
• Zac Brown Band

Kevin: I’ve probably learned nothing from last year’s Swift sweep by going with Paisley again, but he’s the only nominee of veteran stature who hasn’t won yet.

Leeann: I can’t imagine that Paisley won’t finally win this one.

Dan: I was going to guess Lady A, since they’re sort of 2010′s “flavor of the year” the way Taylor Swift was 2009′s. But when I think about it, Swift’s ascent was greater and more gradual, and she stood in contrast to the rest of her nominee pool (four male veterans) in a way Lady A don’t with theirs (in which they’re one of three new competitors). So, Paisley.

Tara: I have no rationale. My gut says Lambert.

Male Vocalist of the Year

Should Win:

• Dierks Bentley – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• Brad Paisley
• Blake Shelton
• George Strait
• Keith Urban

Kevin: Bentley made the best music this year.

Leeann: Bentley may not have the best technical voice out of these nominees, but he has the most interesting and distinctive of them, which is always something that I gravitate toward. Also, I agree with Kevin that he’s made the best music this year.

Dan: Shelton and Bentley are the only ones in this pool who made significant career strides this year – Shelton at radio, and Bentley creatively. Since I’m backing someone else in the Album category, this is where I’d like to see Bentley recognized for following his muse.

Tara: I guess Up on the Ridge is as good a reason as any to fall off the Brad-for-MVOTY bandwagon. He’s a close second for me, though.

Will Win:

• Dierks Bentley – Kevin, Dan
• Brad Paisley – Leeann, Tara
• Blake Shelton
• George Strait
• Keith Urban

Kevin: I can see the roots album giving Bentley an edge. Then again, Paisley could just repeat again, or Shelton may suddenly have deep support among voters. I say, Bentley by a nose.

Leeann: I think that voters will reflexively give this one to Paisley again.

Dan: I’ll ditto Kevin.

Tara: I can’t really see Paisley losing this one, but I think if he does lose to Bentley, it’ll be a telling moment.

Female Vocalist of the Year

Should Win:

• Miranda Lambert – Kevin, Leeann, Dan
• Martina McBride
• Reba McEntire
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood – Tara

Kevin: Underwood and McEntire are the women who made my favorite singles from the eligibility period, but Lambert’s the only one who hasn’t won this award.  She’s not overdue, but she’s due.

Leeann: Kevin’s right that Lambert is due to win this award now, not to mention that she’s my favorite female singer out of the bunch.

Dan: Lambert still isn’t at Underwood’s sales level, much less Swift’s, and I don’t see her catching up before traditional music sales die out altogether. Doesn’t matter, though: her habit of making creative music will sustain her regardless of industry conditions, and will elevate the genre in the long run. It’s time to look ahead.

Tara: I’m 50/50 on Lambert and Underwood. I’m not sure how to balance Lambert’s long overdue mega-year against Underwood’s continuous stream of solid success, ambassadorship and artistic growth. I’ll be happy either way, but personal investment’s got me in Underwood’s camp.

Will Win:

• Miranda Lambert - Kevin, Dan, Tara
• Martina McBride
• Reba McEntire
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood- Leeann

Kevin: I’d be shocked if Lambert lost, and can’t even make a guess as to who she’d lose to, should she somehow lose.

Leeann: It’s between Lambert and Underwood, but I give Underwood the edge, especially since it’s somewhat surprising that she didn’t get an Entertainer nomination. Although Lambert has gained popularity in the past year, Underwood is still one of the two biggest females in the business and I refuse to predict that Swift will win the award.

Dan: Lambert’s had enough mainstream success this year to give tasteful voters an excuse to give her some props.

Tara: The voters love them some Lambert this year, and I think of all her nominations, this is the one she’s got in the bag.

Vocal Duo of the Year

Should Win:

• Brooks & Dunn
• Joey + Rory – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland

Kevin: I’m assuming “Stuck Like Glue” was after the eligibility period, so I think actually making some music over the year is important. Joey + Rory are the only duo I like who have yet to win.

Leeann: I simply like them the most, but I know they don’t have a chance.

Dan: I mean, why not? Nobody on this ballot has done much but tour.

Tara: I’m not very excited about any of these acts right now, to be honest. It would just be heartwarming to see Joey + Rory pick this one up.

Will Win:

• Brooks & Dunn – Kevin, Dan
• Joey + Rory
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland – Leeann, Tara

Kevin: Sugarland’s year off helped guarantee a B&D victory lap, which would probably have happened anyway.

Leeann: It’s between Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland. I should just pick B&D because of their retirement, but I’m still going with Sugarland because of their popularity.

Dan: Brooks & Dunn, unless voters ignore the eligibility period and stick with Sugarland.

Tara: Isn’t the Brooks & Dunn retirement thing kind of old news by now, or am I just out of touch?

Vocal Group of the Year

Should Win:

• Lady Antebellum – Tara
• Little Big Town
• Rascal Flatts
• The Band Perry
• Zac Brown Band – Kevin, Leeann, Dan

Kevin: Let’s start getting some variety in this category, instead of having Lady A own it for five years.

Leeann: They’re the only group that I like right now.

Dan: I’ll probably be rooting for Little Big Town come ACM season, but for now…

Tara: I don’t want Lady A to own this for five years, either, but I do think they deserve to win this year. At least in my opinion, their huge success on the charts and with album sales can be attributed much to their ability to (I know, I know – I’m a broken record) hone in on specific emotion and deliver it in a way that people can really connect with. There’s some meat (and a heck of a lot of potential) behind their success that tends to go unnoticed.

Will Win:

• Lady Antebellum – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• Little Big Town
• Rascal Flatts
• The Band Perry
• Zac Brown Band

Kevin: Lady A and Zac BB are both very popular with voters, but I’m thinking that this is the only race where voters can reward Lady A for dominating at retail this year.

Leeann: Ditto to Kevin.

Dan: New Artist will be ZBB’s consolation prize.

Tara: …And I think the voters will agree with my pick, if not for the same reasons.

New Artist of the Year

Should Win:

• Luke Bryan
• Easton Corbin
• Jerrod Niemann
• Chris Young – Leeann
• Zac Brown Band - Kevin, Dan, Tara

Kevin: ZBB is in another league, which makes me wish they still called this the Horizon Award.

Leeann: It’s weird to see ZBB here considering their nominations elsewhere, so I think that Chris Young has the most potential of the remaining nominees.

Dan: I’d love to see Young take this, but ZBB can’t be denied.

Tara: This is a great line-up, but there’s no question that ZBB deserves this win.

Will Win:

• Luke Bryan
• Easton Corbin
• Jerrod Niemann
• Chris Young
• Zac Brown Band – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara

Kevin: ZBB is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, much like Ricky Skaggs was when he won Horizon in 1982. (Skaggs also won Male Vocalist, which means I may have to rethink my pick for Vocal Group, too.)

Leeann: Kevin’s argument is too compelling not to follow. Also, they are the most popular of the nominees, therefore, probably the most deserving.

Dan: Everyone here but Niemann has had a significant breakthrough. With ZBB in the mix, though, it’s no contest.

Tara: It’s a funky set-up to have ZBB nominated for both the top and bottom (figuratively) prizes, and I think this one will play out exactly the way Kevin explained it.

Album of the Year

Should Win:

• Dierks Bentley, Up on the Ridge – Leeann
• Lady Antebellum, Need You Now
• Miranda Lambert, Revolution – Dan, Tara
• George Strait, Twang
• Carrie Underwood, Play On – Kevin

Kevin: I have all five of these albums, and Underwood’s is the one that I listen to the most, with Strait a not-too-close second. In 2010, of course, “listening to an album” really means “how many songs do I pull off the album and put on a play list,” which has Underwood ahead by three tracks.

Leeann: If I follow Kevin’s test, Bently wins with Lambert as a close second. Bentley’s is, hands down, my favorite album of these choices. I’d love to see something this different from the mainstream win.

Dan: Also employing Kevin’s test, I flip-flop Leeann’s first and second choices. Only about two thirds of Revolution click for me a year later, but those two thirds have helped redefined what I thought modern country could be (still flipping about “Me and Your Cigarettes”), and the stray third at least tried.

Tara: I’m not going to follow Kevin’s test: I don’t play Revolution quite as much as three of the other albums on here, but I feel it’s the most deserving. It’s sharp, smart and an excellent example of an artist taking her potential by the horns.

Will Win:

• Dierks Bentley, Up on the Ridge
• Lady Antebellum, Need You Now
• Miranda Lambert, Revolution – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• George Strait, Twang
• Carrie Underwood, Play On

Kevin: I really do think Lambert will sweep. I think she should’ve won for her last album, which wasn’t even nominated, but I’m not going to complain about an ambitious album getting the prize.

Leeann: I’m guessing either Lambert or Underwood. Although Lambert has the better album, Underwood has the slight edge because it sold better. I wouldn’t be especially surprised if Lady A takes it though.

Dan: Seems to me like a toss-up between Lady A’s commercial favorite and Lambert’s critical one. Lambert?

Tara: This is Lambert’s to lose, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if Lady A (or maybe Bentley?) snatched it.

Single of the Year

Should Win:

• Easton Corbin, “A Little More Country Than That”
• Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
• Miranda Lambert, “The House That Built Me” – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• Miranda Lambert, “White Liar”
• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins, “Hillbilly Bone”

Kevin: It’s the big chunk of meat in a category of mashed potatoes and candied apples.

Leeann: Kevin just made me really hungry, therefore, kind of distracted. It’s a good thing that my choice doesn’t need justification then.

Dan: “Need You Now” had the biggest impact, of course, but “The House That Built Me” was no slouch either – four weeks at #1 – and was arguably the riskiest, most rewarding release. Also of note: she sang it real pretty.

Tara: “Need You Now” and “The House That Built Me” are performed equally well, but “House” is the better-written song. I’ll go with “House” on the basis of that, but I do think country music will be represented justly either way. Both songs resonate with pure, compelling sentiment.

Will Win:

• Easton Corbin, “A Little More Country Than That”
• Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now” - Dan, Tara
• Miranda Lambert, “The House That Built Me” - Kevin, Leeann
• Miranda Lambert, “White Liar”
• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins, “Hillbilly Bone”

Kevin: I think Lady A would have a better shot if they hadn’t won last year for “I Run to You.”

Leeann: It’s simply the clear winner.

Dan: Again, somewhat for diversity’s sake, I’ll guess that many voters have already forgotten about “I Run to You” – I certainly have – and will use this category to recognize the biggest hit, while they use Song to recognize the best one.

Tara: I’m jumping on Dan’s train…

Song of the Year

Should Win:

• “A Little More Country Than That” – Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress & Wynn Varble
• “Need You Now” – Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott
• “The House That Built Me” – Tom Douglas & Allen Shamblin – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• “Toes” – Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Hopkins & Shawn Mullins
• “White Liar” – Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert

Kevin: Overall, I think that “Need You Now” is a better Single than Song, and that “The House That Built Me” is a better Song than Single, but “House” is better than “Need” on both counts.

Leeann: I’m just being repetative now. It’s the best single and song of the year.

Dan: It’s the deepest-cutting of the five and the most unique.

Tara: “The House That Built Me” is, quite simply, beautifully written.

Will Win:

• “A Little More Country Than That” – Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress & Wynn Varble
• “Need You Now” – Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott – Kevin
• “The House That Built Me” – Tom Douglas & Allen Shamblin – Leeann, Dan, Tara
• “Toes” – Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Hopkins & Shawn Mullins
• “White Liar” – Natalie Hemby & Miranda Lambert

Kevin: Here’s where they can honor “Need You Now” without shortchanging Lambert.

Leeann: I just see “House” sweeping in all possible categories.

Dan: They often manage to pick the actual best song of the five, especially when that song is also the most “serious.”

Tara: This just seems way to obvious; I don’t see how the voters could bypass the most clearly deserving song.

Musical Event of the Year

Should Win:

• Dierks Bentley featuring Jamey Johnson & Miranda Lambert, “Bad Angel” – Tara
• Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews, “I’m Alive”
• Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack, “‘Til the End” – Leeann, Dan
  
• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins, “Hillbilly Bone” – Kevin
• Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock, “Can’t You See”

Kevin: I don’t find any of these five songs particularly compelling, so I’ll go with the two artists who are longest overdue for some CMA love.

Leeann: I’m not big on any of these either, but the Jackson/Womack collaboration is the one I like the most if I have to choose.

Dan: I’d be fine with either “Til the End” or “Bad Angel”. Whatevs.

Tara: The Jackson/Womack song falls squarely within my typical taste, but “Bad Angel” gets under my skin – in a good way. It’s just a really cool record.

Will Win:

• Dierks Bentley featuring Jamey Johnson & Miranda Lambert, “Bad Angel”
• Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews, “I’m Alive”
• Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack, “‘Til the End”
• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins, “Hillbilly Bone”- Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock, “Can’t You See”

Kevin: Its presence in the Single category makes “Hillbilly Bone” the most likely winner.

Leeann: It’s the most mainstream of all the choices.

Dan: “Bad Angel” could play a welcome spoiler, since all three of the artists behind it command a lot of respect right now. I still see this going to the hit, though.

Tara: I’m predicting the big boys will win this one. It’s a decent song, but it makes me laugh that it gets as much love as it does – I mean, this is the song that has Adkins admitting that he’s “always wanted to sing a bone song”…!

Music Video of the Year

Should Win:

• Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
• Miranda Lambert, “The House That Built Me”
• Miranda Lambert, “White Liar” – Kevin, Dan, Tara
• Brad Paisley, “Water”
• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins, “Hillbilly Bone”

Kevin: Lambert made the two best clips, with the humor of “Liar” outpacing the literalism of “House.”

Dan: The “House” video is beautifully conceived and directed, but somehow the “White Liar” one just sticks out more. Maybe it’s because “White Liar” is a thinner song, so the video has more of a chance to establish its own identity.

Tara: The “White Liar” video is the brightest and most creative of the bunch.

Will Win:

• Lady Antebellum, “Need You Now”
• Miranda Lambert, “The House That Built Me”
• Miranda Lambert, “White Liar” – Kevin, Dan, Tara
• Brad Paisley, “Water”
• Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins, “Hillbilly Bone”

Kevin: I think “White Liar” has won all the video awards this year, so I guess it will win again.

Dan: This is the logical place to reward the other Lambert single the CMA liked this year.

Tara: One of Lambert’s videos will win for sure. My best guess is “White Liar” since it’s won before, like Kevin said.

Musician of the Year

Should Win:

• Paul Franklin (steel guitar) – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
  
• Dann Huff (guitar)
• Brent Mason (guitar)
• Mac McAnally (guitar)
• Randy Scruggs (guitar)

Kevin: Paul Franklin is the nominee I’m rooting for the most this year. Give the man, and the steel guitar, some long overdue recognition!

Leeann: It’s the steel guitar for heaven’s sake! It should be a no-brainer, even though it’s clearly not.

Dan: I won’t pretend I know what’s going on. I’m just going to root for the guy who hasn’t won yet until he finally does.

Tara: How can you pass up the steel guitar?

Will Win:

• Paul Franklin (steel guitar)
• Dann Huff (guitar)
• Brent Mason (guitar)
• Mac McAnally (guitar) – Kevin, Leeann, Dan, Tara
• Randy Scruggs (guitar)

Kevin: Mac McAnally won the last two years, so I guess he’s the favorite. Did I mention that Franklin is 0-for-17 going into this year’s ceremony?

Leeann: I suppose its a habit to give it to McAnally at this point. So, why should I be so bold as to predict anyone else?

Dan: No justice!

Tara: Just going off of pattern here.

#140
“Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
Bon Jovi featuring Jennifer Nettles
2005
Peak: #1

Packed as country music has been lately with rocked-up little singalongs, perhaps it was only natural that one of the leading bands in rocked-up little singalongs should cross over for a bit to show everybody how it’s done. It was newcomer Nettles, though, who stole this show, driving Bon Jovi’s ditty home with an infectiously joyful performance. – Dan Milliken

#139
“God’s Gonna Cut You Down”
Johnny Cash
2006
Peak: Did not chart

The arrangement is cool enough, but it’s Cash’s stoic, slicing vocal performance that makes his version of this song so memorable. – Tara Seetharam

#138
“Young Man’s Town”
Vince Gill
2003
Peak: #44

Vince Gill, one of the most gracious and graceful artists in country music, is surely qualified to sing this gentle warning to his fellow artists who are being replaced by younger faces. He humbly advises, “Just teach ‘em what you know an’ pass it on down.” There’s no doubt that this song was just as much for him as it was for others. – Leeann Ward

#137
“Believe”
Brooks & Dunn
2005
Peak: #8

This song is no doubt a bit much for some, but that’s kind of what makes it work. It’s a shameless, deep profession of faith, brought to life by a simple yet profound story. – TS

#136
“When I Think About Cheatin’”
Gretchen Wilson
2005
Peak: #4

I love me some “Redneck Woman” bravado, but Wilson is most effective at traditional ballads like this one, on which she aptly blends tenderness and tenacity. – TS

#135
“Coalmine”
Sara Evans
2006
Peak: #37

Released at an unfortunate time, “Coalmine” likely never reached its potential as a radio hit. An unshakably fun song, it did not focus on the trials of coalmines, but rather the steamy relationship of a hardworking coalmine worker: “Gonna keep him busy ‘til it’s time/That he goes back to that coalmine.” – LW

#134
“Drugs or Jesus”
Tim McGraw
2005
Peak: #14

McGraw rejects society’s tendency to judge and divide people solely by the face of their conduct, making the provocative observation that we use drugs and religion to address the same core needs. – DM

#133
“Hello God”
Dolly Parton
2002
Peak: #60

A pleading, conflicted, beautifully honest prayer of a song. – TS

#132
“Landslide”
Dixie Chicks
2002
Peak: #2

Amazing how a Fleetwood Mac cover provides one of the purest country moments on a pretty pure country album to start with. As a vocal group, I don’t think they ever sounded better than they do on this track. – Kevin Coyne

#131
“Walking in Memphis”
Lonestar
2003
Peak: #8

Speaking of surprisingly great covers of pop songs, Richie McDonald’s performance of this Marc Cohn hit is so commanding and soulful that it makes the original – which was already solid – sound like a demo. Arguably Lonestar’s finest moment. – DM

#130
“Backseat of a Greyhound Bus”
Sara Evans
2003
Peak: #16

Redemption comes not from the forgiveness of the judgmental town that has banished this single mom-to-be, but from the pure and selfless love that she has for her newborn child. – KC

#129
“If My Heart Had Wings”
Faith Hill
2001
Peak: #3

One of those rare country songs that demands you turn the radio up and roll the windows down. Unless it’s winter. Then just rock out with the windows closed. – KC

#128
“Give It Away”
George Strait
2006
Peak: #1

Jamey Johnson wrote it, but George Strait sings the fire out of it. Instead of quibbling over who gets what, the woman just says, “give it away.” She’s so done with their relationship that she has no use for anything connected with it. Now, that’s a bitter ending if there ever was one. – LW

#127
“Red Dirt Road”
Brooks & Dunn
2003
Peak: #1

Want to make your nostalgic country-rock song stick out from the pack? Two tips: 1) Fill it with memorable details that tell an actual story – bonus points if you can rhyme a main character’s name with “blackberries.” 2) Have Ronnie Dunn sing it. – DM

#126
“Tough”
Craig Morgan
2007
Peak: #11

I come from a family of matriarchs who are far stronger than the men who put up the appearances of being tough. I’ve seen this exact scenario play out more than once, and it’s spot-on. – KC

#125
“I Go Back”
Kenny Chesney
2004
Peak: #2

A Chesney-style reminder that one of music’s best and most powerful qualities is its reminiscent, transcendental nature. – TS

#124
“Picture”
Kid Rock with Sheryl Crow
2002
Peak: #21

Kid Rock does such a good job of writing a pure country song that it sounds like a cover of a classic than a Kid Rock original. – LW

#123
“Dancin’ Circles ‘Round the Sun (Epictetus Speaks)”
Rodney Crowell
2005
Peak: Did not chart

Who needs self-help books when you can just listen to Rodney Crowell? The bouncy “Dancin’ Circles ‘Round the Sun” is surely a more fun way to get your positive fix. – LW

#122
“Down the Road”
Kenny Chesney with Mac McAnally
2008
Peak: #1

I don’t know if it’s the layered textures of Chesney’s and McAnally’s voices, or the way each artist is a poignant storyteller in his own right, or the simplistic, bittersweet story of giving a child away – but something about this song touches me deep inside. - TS

#121
“A Woman Knows”
John Anderson
2007
Peak: Did not chart

“A Woman Knows” is a first-rate cheating song. While everything seems perfect on the surface, Anderson suggests that a woman knows when it’s not quite right. He sings this song as a man who knows it just as well as the woman.

- – -

• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 1: #201-#181
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 2: #180-#161
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 3: #160-#141
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 4: #140-#121
  
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 5: #121-#101
  
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 6: #100-#81
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 7: #80-#61
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 8: #60-#41
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Part 9: #40-#21
• The 201 Greatest Singles of the Decade, Conclusion: #20-#1

Like the Beatles, AC/DC, and Garth Brooks, Rock eschews today’s most popular digital-music portal, though he happily admits to owning major stock in Apple itself. ”I just don’t like being told what to do,” he explains. ”I don’t have a beef with Apple, or iTunes, or any of them. I do have a beef with that it seems kind of socialist of them to charge the same price for every song. What if every car cost $4,000, you know what I mean? A song from my neighbor’s garage band is not the same value as Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run.’ I just want to decide how my product gets sold with the people who sell it.”’

What do you think about music pricing?  Is the 99 cent song/$9.99 album model of iTunes too inflexible?  Would you pay more for your favorite artists, or buy more music if it was priced less?  Discuss.

Last night, the CMA stamped its approval on the leading contemporary country stars of today.  Congratulations to Kevin for commandeering the most popular live blog in Country Universe history.  Here is a series of highlights (according to me) from an otherwise staid ceremony:

Best performance: “More Like Her,” Miranda Lambert; “Just a Dream,” Carrie Underwood.  With understated brilliance, Lambert shifted gears by offering her Texas twang on the stripped-down ballad, while Underwood hit all the glory notes on her dramatic tearjerker with style and grace. Often pitted as rivals and polar opposites, the two proved that country music holds plenty of room for these two prodigious talents. Although Underwood ended Lambert’s faint hopes of claiming the Female Vocalist prize, bet on Lambert winning her fair share of CMAs in the near future.

Sound off: Repeatedly an issue, the Sommet Center’s sound system had problems again this year.  Also, Nashville is a town of songwriters, but L.A. is a town of scriptwriters, and some intelligent, humorous ones would be welcome at next year’s ceremony.

Nashville’s full of musicians, too: Let’s tip our hats to first-time CMA award winner, Musician of the Year, Mac McAnally.

Something shiny in the goody bag: Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood won their respective vocalist trophies, and with a little more training and better comedic timing, would make suitable hosts for many awards shows to come.  Underwood, of course, sang the living daylights out of “Just a Dream,” and Paisley honorably noted the passing of Jerry Reed with a sweet guitar solo.  He later followed with a wonderful rendition of “Waitin’ on a Woman.”

Stars & stripes: The three-hour show featured God (George Strait’s “I Saw God Today” was named Single of the Year, patriotism (Rodney Atkins’  performance of “It’s America”) and football (Billy Ray Cyrus boasted Tennessee Titans pride, while Kid Rock wore a Titans jersey).  No election talk, though.

Britain really is that great: Led Zeppelin has never won in a competitive Grammy category, but frontman Robert Plant (who was absent last night) now owns a CMA award for his collaboration with Alison Krauss on the rockabilly number “Gone, Gone, Gone.”  Sugarland’s performance provided a dramatic reading of the Bono-esque “Love.”  Now, if only Def Leppard had joined Taylor Swift in a sequel of their Crossroads special.  On that note…

Frozen, not fearless: For all her boundless youthful enthusiasm, Swift seemed stiff and wooden during the renaissance reenactment of her #1 smash, “Love Story.”

Oh, brother, where are thou? Where was Toby Keith? Oh, never mind. Speaking of conspicuous “absences,” the two most popular polarizing figures in the current pop-country market, Swift and Rascal Flatts, were simply guest stars in this show. The Flatts did take the Vocal Group trophy for a record-setting sixth time.

Oh, sister, where art thou?: Like Plant, Alison Krauss was not on hand to accept the Musical Event award.  Expect the pair to make an appearance at the Grammys in February.  No Trisha Yearwood, either, but the CMA’s senseless omission of her in the Female Vocalist category likely doesn’t inspire attendance.

Best appearance by a mother: Brad Paisley, who had been standing backstage, descended the stairs to kiss wife Kimberly and her pregnant tummy when he was announced as Male Vocalist of the Year.

Worst appearance by a father: Every time Billy Ray Cyrus presents an award, he shares his happiness at returning to the great state of Tennessee.  In between filming the upcoming Hannah Montana movie, residing in his Music City home or shouting out lame proclamations at country awards shows, when is he ever not in Nashville?

Who messed with the guest list?: Presenters included Lee Ann Womack, Josh Turner and Vince Gill.  Performers included Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler and the Wailers.  Darius Rucker deserved his place at the party, though.

Winner at a discount game: The outlandish jacket worn by Rascal Flatt Jay Demarcus appeared to be made of a half-price curtain purchased at JcPenney.  Thankfully, his outfit wasn’t procured at Harley Davidson (See: “P” for Pickler).

Love is a battlefield, but no worries: The country version of Pat Benatar, four-time Female Vocalist winner Martina McBride, arrived right on time.  She ensured us that faith will overcome all obstacles, life is a roller coaster ride and we should hold on tight to what we feel inside.  It was hard not getting a little queasy after her cliche-ridden anthem.

Least effective proverb: In introducing legendary rockers Eagles, Brad Paisley trumpeted their importance by saying, “When you drink from a well, try to remember who dug the well.”  Yet, the CMA failed to follow this phrase when approaching the Hall of Fame inductions again this year.  Instead, Vince Gill was sent on stage to give brief, very brief, remarks about these pioneers.  Before he announced the honored class (Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, Ernest “Pop” Stoneman and the Statler Brothers), he made the offhand comment, “I don’t know if any of them are here this evening.”  Not likely, Vince, not likely.

When you drink from a well…: Reese Witherspoon appeared to be very happy to present the Male Vocalist of the Year honor.

Put a girl in it: Reba McEntire joined Brooks & Dunn on their performance of “Cowgirls Don’t Cry,” but her bit part seemed to be a poor use for the redhead’s immense talents.

Groundhog Day: Chesney (Entertainer), Paisley (Male), Underwood (Female), Flatts (Group), Sugarland (Duo) and Strait (Album) all repeated in their respective categories.

Worst rumored surprise: Internet message boards and Nashville gossip mills reported that the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen, would be making a guest appearance on the show.  Given that Kenny Chesney, Trisha Yearwood and Faith Hill have all recorded his material, I’d bet that he could make a killing as a “real” country songwriter.  More appropriate would’ve been for Jimmy Buffett to climb off the boat and join in the fun. With all the Caribbean themes and musical schemes of late, Nashville’s turning into Margaritaville.  That may explain Reese Witherspoon’s joy and jubilation.

Bruce and Buffett would’ve provided a nice boost in musical expertise, but ‘Lil Wayne was a worthy replacement.

Best “surprise”: Although rumors had swirled for days regarding the return of Shania Twain, her presence on stage when presenting the Entertainer of the Year award was still a welcome sight.  The crowd even honored her with a standing ovation, a warmer reception than she ever received during her salad days as a country-pop supergoddess.  Here’s to hearing more music from a great beauty, a classy ambassador and a musical powerhouse.

2008 CMA Winners

Entertainer: Kenny Chesney

Male Vocalist: Brad Paisley

Female Vocalist: Carrie Underwood

Album: George Strait, Troubadour

Vocal Duo: Sugarland

New Artist: Lady Antebellum

Vocal Group: Rascal Flatts

Song: Jennifer Nettles, “Stay”

Single: George Strait, “I Saw God Today”

Music Video: Brad Paisley feat. Andy Griffith, “Waiting on a Woman”

Musical Event: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, “Gone Gone Gone”

Musician: Mac McAnally

_______

Predict the Winners:

Kevin – 8

Leeann – 7

Blake – 7

Dan – 7

______

Live Blog:

11:03 Thanks again for another great night.  See ya at the Grammys!

11:02ish To Blake and Dan:  A Song For You.

11:02 Blake: Down with our dictator!

11:02 Dan: Kevin sucks.

10:57 If I was a petty man, I’d be gloating about out-predicting all of my co-writers at Country Universe.  Wait a minute.   I am a petty man.   I won! Yes! I won!  This country universe is mine.   Y’all just live in it.  Suckers.  (Except for you Leeann.  You didn’t get all up in my grill, talking smack before the throwdown.  You’re cool.)

10:56 ENTERTAINER – Kenny Chesney

10:54 Standing O for Shania.  Good God, she’s beautiful.   Welcome home.

10:50 So the only artist I see live who charges Eagles prices is Madonna, and I have to say that if she just stood there and growled, I’d feel ripped off.  Come on, guys.  Slap on some heels.  Throw in some synchronized dancing.  Jump some rope.  Rub up against something.   You’re supposed to be legends.

10:49 Dan: Once again, a washed up rock act gives us one of the better performances of the night. I like the Eagles, but that’s sad.

10:48 You know it’s bad when you’re hoping that Shania’s the surprise guest because you want to see some real country stars.

10:46 Paisley’s right about that.  The Eagles have a lot more to do with country music today than most seventies country stars.

10:40 MALE VOCALIST – Brad Paisley

10:39 Dan: Reese is the smart one. She’s been drinking.

10:38 Cheaper applause line at the CMA’s: Appealing to patriotism, or name-dropping Johnny Cash?

10:37 Oh, Carrie.  Country music stars don’t have to worry about movie stars that can sing.   Just rockers who are too old for rock radio.

10:36 Dan: Trace is giving a sweet performance. Wish I liked the song a little more.

10:35 If Chesney is no Strait, then Adkins is no Toby Keith.

10:31 I agree with Dan. It’s generally a bad idea to record something if George Strait or Trisha Yearwood has put it to tape.

10:30 Dan: Anyone else think that cleavage shot of Kenny in the greenish gray tank top was a bit much? Also, he sounds like he’s aping Strait’s version.

10:28 Here comes Kenny Chesney.  Could he win Entertainer for a fourth time and make me a winner, too?

10:24 Blake: The guitar is not plugged in and I don’t hear it AT ALL. I’m just saying!

10:23 Dan: Now that’s a well-groomed beard!

10:22 James Otto looks scared to death, but still sounds better than most of the cocky performers tonight.

10:20 Brad Paisley is not funny.  Just sayin’.

10:19 Okay, Sugarland got a little glittery and high-tech in the end.  But they didn’t need it.

10:18 Notice how the best performances tonight – Lambert, Underwood, Urban, Sugarland – all skipped the production elements? The really great talents don’t need them.

10:16 This is my second or third favorite song on the new album.  This is how arena country/rock should be done.  Thanks, Sugarland.

10:11 I just want to say this.  Carrie Underwood always goes out of her way to say that she didn’t get here the conventional way, but country music embraced her anyway.   She may have taken a different path, but once she got here, she did it the old-fashioned way: working her butt off, studying the greats, and respecting the history of what came before her, all while moving forward in her own way.   She’s the real deal, and more than worthy to stand among the Loretta, Tammy, Reba, and Martina as a three-time Female Vocalist champ.

10:10 FEMALE VOCALIST – Carrie Underwood

10:08 Okay, maybe there’s one and a half Vince Gills.  Somebody’s been hitting Rotier’s.

10:07 Brad’s wise enough to know there’s only one Vince Gill.  Nice homage.

10:06 Not gonna front.  Tearing up a bit.

10:05 Dan: Most gratuitous use of wind machines ever.   But she’s singing the hell out of it.

10:04 Martina looked confused when she didn’t get her standard ovations for her power notes.  The reason why is singing right now.  Carrie’s raised the bar.

10:02 Carrie’s getting a hell of an introduction for a hell of a song.  I’m a true believer on this one.   Sing it, Carrie.

10:01 Rodney Atkins is maniacally taking notes to add a new verse to his “America” song.

10:00 He’s better than all of ‘em.

9:59 Dan: Thank God Keith Urban showed up to show us what pop music is supposed to sound on the CMAs.

9:57 Interesting that Urban’s commanding the stage better than any of the other rockers tonight, and he’s doing it without any bells and whistles behind him.  Like Lambert, the talent is all he needs.

9:56 No offense to Brad Paisley, but if he was a duo with Keith Urban, he’d be Kix and Keith would be Ronnie.

9:53 In the race for Country Universe prognosticator of the year, Leeann and Blake have fallen out of contention, while Kevin and Dan vie for the top slot.  It all comes down to Entertainer. Stay tuned.

9:49 ALBUM: George Strait, Troubadour - Kevin’s tied again with Dan. Yes!

9:48 Right about now, we should’ve been hearing Emmylou Harris and Tom T. Hall and The Statlers.  Sigh.

9:45 The video sold me on this song, though I’ve come to enjoy the audio.  One of Brad’s best to date.

9:42 Dan: And Hootie gives us one of the more traditional performances of the night. Country music hates itself.

9:40 So we know where the 90′s rockers go to keep their careers going.  Where can we find the 90′s country stars?

9:36 Dan & Blake: Yay Sugarland!

9:35 VOCAL DUO – Sugarland

9:34 The future of country music.  Sigh.

9:33 She can outsing the whole lot of ‘em, can’t she?

9:31 I can’t hear Reba.  Did they give her Kix’s mic by mistake?

9:30 It’s a little silly to bill this Brooks & Dunn/Reba McEntire performance as one night only, given the fact that they’ve toured together many times and just sang on the ACM’s together this past spring.

9:28 Acknowledging Jerry Reed? Awesome.  How about acknowledging the Hall of Fame inductees, too?

9:25 Dan’s the only one with an above .500 batting average tonight.

9:22 Other groups who have won this award: Sawyer Brown, Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts.

9:21 HORIZON AWARD NEW ARTIST Lady Antebellum

9:17 Jason Aldean can actually pull of the country-rock thing better than Kid Rock.  The material does nothing for me, but it’s nice to hear a singer who can overpower the band.

9:15 Maybe if Kenny could sing like Strait, the island vibe wouldn’t sound so tired.

9:14 Push him again.  Please.

9:13 Carrie saw it in the window and she had to have it.  (h/t Carol Burnett.)

9:09 “The return of a true country superstar.”  Gotta be Shania, right? Rumor has it she’s in town.  She’s got more star power than the whole first hour and ten minutes.

9:08 This song’s been going on all night long.  Crikey.

9:06 What does this have to do with country music?

9:05 I’d rather hear the Warren Zevon song.

9:04 Wouldn’t it be funny if the song we’ve been singing “All Summer Long” ended up being “All I Want to Do”?

9:03 One on-stage award show costume change is a gimmick.  Two is an unhealthy fetish.

9:02 Joining Alison Krauss and Martie Maguire in the pantheon of great female fiddlers on the CMA stage is…an extra from the Renaissance Fair.

9:01 She’s coming down the stairs! She’s gonna do something!

8:59 Here comes Taylor Swift.   You can hear her fans screaming off-key.  Oh, wait.  That’s her.

8:57 If I wasn’t duty-bound, I dare say I’d be switching over to new South Park in an hour.

8:54 That’s the ugliest jacket I’ve ever seen.  Ever.

8:53 And Dan takes the lead, as I curse myself for betting against the hair gel boys.

8:52 VOCAL GROUP: Rascal Flatts

8:51 Atkins praises being American, then the camera cuts to two Aussies.  Good work, producers.

8:50 Only in America can you have 4 #1 hits without changing your hat.

8:49 Am I the only one who expected Atkins to curse at the lemonade stand kids?

8:48 A patriotic country singer.  How novel.

8:46 Oh look.  An over-sized dryer sheet.

8:44 Yes! Pat Benatar!

8:43 So the AMA’s get Carrie Underwood and Pink?  Lucky AMA’s.

8:40 Interesting factoid: this is the first time two artists have co-hosted since 1992, when Reba and Vince shared the honors.  Realizing how long ago that was makes me feel old, even though I was in eighth grade at the time.

8:39 I was fully expecting roller skates for some reason.

8:37 Okay, gotta say I’m digging the female guitarist with the Pippi Longstocking ‘do.

8:36 Nothing against Lady Antebellum.  I’m just wondering why so many of the new acts want to be eighties rock stars.  I blame VH1′s whitewashing of that era.

8:34 Good performance, but it’s going to take a Female Vocalist win for Lambert to get a boost for the song at radio.

8:33 Miranda’s sounding great.   We should push for an unplugged CMA Awards.

8:29 Pre-Telecast Winners:

• Music Video: Brad Paisley feat. Andy Griffith, “Waiting on a Woman”
• Musical Event: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, “Gone Gone Gone”
• Musician: Mac McAnally
  

8:25 SONG – “Stay” – Jennifer Nettles

8:24 Cyrus Virus!

8:23 So Alan Jackson won’t be adding a new entry to Classic CMA Moments.

8:22 Oh dear God line dancers.

8:21 Alan Jackson is nominated for Song of the Year for this?

8:18 Maybe the sound system is the reason that the stripped-down performances are always the best.  It’s all Pickler can do to be heard, and she has a good set of pipes.

8:17 Definitely a Taylor Swift song.   She’s wearing Shania’s 1999 Grammy outfit.

8:16 Kellie Pickler’s new song.  I haven’t heard it yet.

8:15 Just heard that Lil Wayne is performing with Kid Rock tonight?

8:11 SINGLE OF THE YEAR – George Strait, “I Saw God Today”

8:09 I don’t like dirty jokes on the CMA’s.  Not even kinda dirty ones.

8:08 Age jokes at George Strait’s expense.  Jesus wept.

8:07 Underwood’s poised.  Paisley’s not as funny as he thinks.   Seriously, I’ll just keep copying and pasting that all night.

8:06 Underwood’s poised.  Paisley’s not as funny as he thinks.   Pretty much what I’d expect so far.

8:05 Billy Ray Cyrus looks like Severus Snape.

8:03 Dueling guitars!  Not as cool as dueling banjos, but good enough.

8:01 What’s the point of all the expensive video monitors and stage decorations when the camera spends all the time focused on the artists anyway?  Maybe that money could go to, I don’t know, the sound system?

8:00 Brad’s starting the show with Keith.  If Brad’s vocal’s any indication, the sound isn’t too hot this year.

7:57 Taylor Swift’s planning some shenanigans on stage tonight.  Yay?

7:54 Kid Rock is saying I’d never guess, in a million guesses, who’ll be playing guitar with him on stage tonight as he sings “All Summer Long.”  If it’s Warren Zevon, he gets mad props.

7:49 Speaking of Swift, her album’s on track to sell in the 500-600k range, on par with the latest studio albums from Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Dixie Chicks, but not quite reaching the levels of the previous Flatts and Chicks albums.   Interestingly enough, 500k-ish is what the Shania hits compilation sold its first week.  It should be interesting to see if she can school the competition again when she returns.

7:46 So what are you looking forward to more, readers?  CMT Giants: Alan Jackson, or CMT Crossroads: Def Leppard & Taylor Swift?

7:29 Jason Aldean’s new single is being debuted tonight – “She’s Country.”  It’s in his words, “More rockin’ than ‘Hicktown’.”   Yay?

7:28 Anyone hoping that Keith Urban would do his own instrumental album can keep dreaming.   He doesn’t like instrumentals!

7:19 Very excited to learn that Sugarland’s performing “Love.”

7:14 Kellie Pickler’s singing “The Best Days of Your Life” and Keith Urban’s doing “Sweet Thing.”  Also of note: Lance Smith has no social skills.

7:10 Little tidbits about the songs being performed tonight.  Miranda’s doing “More Like Her”, James Otto’s doing “Just Got Started Lovin’ You”, and Lady Antebellum is performing “Love Don’t Live Here.”

7:06: It’s all about the red carpet on CMT right now.  The real fun starts in 54 minutes.   Post a comment and let us know you’re here!