Kevin John Coyne

Best Country Singles of 2008, Part 4: #10-#1

December 19, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 37

Our top ten singles of the year represent the very best of what country music is and what country music can be. With a combination of rising stars and veteran artists, it’s clear that the

Discussion: Best Music Videos of 2008

December 18, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 16

Music videos feel like a dying art form in country music, if only because so few videos are played on CMT and the life cycle of a single often stretches past six months. But there

Best Country Singles of 2008, Part 3: #20-#11

December 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 24

The consensus builds with the next set of ten singles. While there is still some lesser known singles and artists in the mix, more than half of these entries come from top-selling albums. Of course,

Discussion: SoundScan Sound Off

December 17, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 30

In this era of rampant piracy and economic recession, things aren’t looking good for the music industry. We don’t post too often about the business side of the music business here, as we tend to

Best Country Singles of 2008, Part 2: #30-#21

December 16, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 23

The list continues today with the next ten entries, a collection of hits, could’ve been hits and should’ve been hits. Adventurous radio programmers, take note. #30 Little Big Town, “Fine Line” There’s a fine line

Best Country Singles of 2008, Part 1: #40-#31

December 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 8

Starting today, the Country Universe staff will be revealing our Top 40 Singles of 2008. This list has been compiled through a combination of four individual Top 20 lists by Leeann, Blake, Dan and myself,

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