Country Universe

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

Discussion: Losing My Religion?

December 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 31

I’m a little verklempt! Talk amongst yourselves..I’ll give you a topic: A recent article circulating the interwebs, most notably on CMT and the weekly Quotable Country entry at Country California, ponders the prevalance of Christianity

News: Equity Music Group Calls It Quits

December 16, 2008 Guest Contributor 11

From CMT: Equity Music, the label co-founded by Clint Black, suspended operations on Tuesday (Dec. 16). In addition to Black, the label’s roster also includes Laura Bryna, Carolina Rain, Kevin Fowler and new artist Blake

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?

Dierks Bentley, Greatest Hits: Every Mile a Memory, 2003-2008

December 15, 2008 Guest Contributor 1

Dierks Bentley Greatest Hits: Every Mile a Memory, 2003-2008 Bentley’s resume’ reads likes a wish list for rising country stars. Schooled in the classic sounds of Jones and Jennings, Bentley first burst onto radio airwaves

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