Kevin John Coyne

Discussion: Worst Singles of 2008

December 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 62

As we launch our list of the best singles of 2008, it’s only fair that we give some time to the…not best singles of 2008. What was the low point this year for country singles?

Discussion: Favorite Singles of 2008

December 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 34

This week, the Country Universe staff will be revealing its Top 40 Singles of 2008. Country music has always been a singles format, a trend still prevalent today, as evidenced by the widespread popularity of

Charlie Louvin, Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs

December 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 6

Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs This has been quite the year for the historically themed country album. Two of the year’s best releases have come from veteran singers exploring their roots, with

Discussion: When Bad Things Happen to Good Songs

December 13, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 28

Every once in a while, bad things happen to good songs. Exhibit A: Taylor Swift, “I’m Sorry”, at the Grammy Nominations Special: httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBWwb-9vB6M What is your most painful example of When Bad Things Happen to

Various Artists, Ultimate Grammy Collection: Classic Country and Contemporary Country

December 13, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

Various Artists Ultimate Grammy Collection: Classic Country Contemporary Country Earlier this year, the Grammys celebrated their fiftieth anniversary with a series of compilations focusing on winners in different fields. Two of the best entries in

Discussion: Recommend a Track

December 12, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 16

I used to think that Dolly Parton’s early country tragedy songs were over the top. Then I heard some of Porter Wagoner’s, and realized that she’d actually toned down some of his excesses. Nothing is

Discussion: My Kind of Country

December 10, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 12

I’m really excited to announce that regular commenters J.R. Journey, Rainbow and Chris D. have launched their own blog: My Kind of Country. All three writers have been invaluable in their contributions on the comment

Discussion: iPod Check

December 9, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 41

This afternoon, it took me seventy minutes to get to my final and fifteen minutes to actually take it. It was the traffic jam to end all traffic jams, requiring navigations of Brooklyn and Queens

Discussion: Sad Christmas Songs

December 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 37

I can’t get this one out of my head this year: Merle Haggard, “If We Make it Through December” httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-IJxTd8dCo I love sad Christmas songs. Give me “Blue Christmas over “White Christmas” any day. What

Grammy Grace and Gratitude

December 8, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

Eschewing the “I never wanted it one anyway” posing of one of his most prominent peers, Kenny Chesney is loudly proclaiming his joy in getting a Grammy nomination: “I’m not gonna say that I gave