Country Universe

Album Review: Rhiannon Giddens, Tomorrow is My Turn

February 17, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 9

Rhiannon Giddens Tomorrow is My Turn Although Rhiannon Giddens has been a fixture on the Americana circuit as the frontwoman for the terrific Carolina Chocolate Drops, it’s on her solo debut, Tomorrow Is My Turn,

Starter Kit: Jason Isbell

February 17, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 9

In early February, Zac Brown Band kicked off a brief cycle of Twitter Outrage when they performed a cover of Jason Isbell’s “Dress Blues,” which they are rumored to have cut for their upcoming album,

Album Review: Punch Brothers, The Phosphorescent Blues

February 16, 2015 Jonathan Keefe 2

Punch Brothers The Phosphorescent Blues In reviewing their 2010 album, Antifogmatic, I noted that Punch Brothers were “rapidly evolving into a string-band version of Radiohead.” That assessment comes to full fruition on The Phosphorescent Blues,

Artist Spotlight: Suzanne Jarvie

February 16, 2015 Sam Gazdziak 2

The songs on Suzanne Jarvie’s debut album sound like they come from an experienced songwriter. They don’t settle for trite sentiment or easy topics; a couple drift into the realm of the metaphysical. As it

Single Review: Brad Paisley, “Crushin’ It”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“Crushin’ It” Brad Paisley Written by Kelly Lovelace, Lee Thomas Miller, and Brad Paisley A half-hearted attempt by Brad Paisley to meld his signature form of humor with the partying lyrics that make up most

Single Review: The Swon Brothers, “Pray For You”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 10

“Pray For You” The Swon Brothers Written by Jessi Alexander, Tommy Lee James, and Eric Paslay If you thought the only thing missing from today’s warmed-over, wannabe rock but we’re calling it country was mixing

Single Review: Tyler Farr, “A Guy Walks into a Bar”

February 15, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 3

“A Guy Walks into a Bar” Tyler Farr Written by Melissa Peirce, Jonathan Singleton, and Brad Tursi Tyler Farr previews his second studio album with “A Guy Walks into a Bar”, which uses the classic joke

2015 Grammy Awards: Open Thread

February 8, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 54

Telecast Winners: Best Country Album: Miranda Lambert, Platinum Album of the Year: Beck, Morning Phase Best New Artist: Sam Smith Record of the Year: Sam Smith, “Stay With Me (Darkside Version)” Song of the Year:

2015 Grammy Awards: Predictions & Personal Picks

February 6, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 16

This year’s Grammy Awards air on Sunday, February 8, and country music will be represented with performances Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and the tantalizing pairing of Brandy Clark and Dwight Yoakam. Most of the awards

2015 ACM Awards: Nominations & Analysis

January 31, 2015 Kevin John Coyne 14

The third most prestigious country music industry award nominations – but the most important ones handed out in the spring – have been announced. Here’s a rundown of all the major categories, along with some