Country Universe

Single Review: Kenny Chesney with Mac McAnally, “Down the Road”

November 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 7

It stands to reason that a single that combines the talents of the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and Musician of the Year would be entertaining to listen to and musically interesting. But country

Single Review: Kellie Pickler, “Best Days of Your Life”

November 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 10

Swedish pop duo Roxette used to throw out picks to the audience during their concerts. Upon the picks, these words were emblazoned: “Don’t Bore Us! Get to the Chorus!” I couldn’t help but think of

Ten Ways to Fix the CMA Awards

November 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 15

The CMA Awards should be the evening every year where country music is shown in the best possible light. However, it’s been many years now since the CMA fully took advantage of the opportunities that prime-time

Single Review: BlackHawk, “Love Like This”

November 15, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 1

For as long as it has been written, “Love Like This” has been a hit waiting to happen. It was composed by the same trio of writers behind “Safe in the Arms of Love”, and

Discussion: Recommend a Track

November 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 17

The title track from Iris Dement’s album The Way I Should promotes a philosophy that I can get behind. Responding to nameless critics, she justifies the choices she’s been making with clear-eyed confidence: A ghost

Say What? – Whitney Pastorek (Entertainment Weekly)

November 14, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 44

Between the live blog and Blake’s excellent post-mortem, there isn’t much left to be said about Wednesday’s CMA Awards. But Whitney Pastorek from Entertainment Weekly made some points in her CMA Wrap-up that are worthy

CMA Awards Review

November 13, 2008 Guest Contributor 58

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

Discussion: Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers

November 13, 2008 Guest Contributor 8

In the most recent edition of Rolling Stone, an esteemed panel of journalists, executives and artists were assembled to name the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. The list is based on a singer’s vocal

2008 CMA Awards Live Blog

November 12, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 254

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

Country Universe Staff: 2008 CMA Predictions

November 12, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 19

This afternoon, the Country Universe staff is following up last night’s personal picks with our actual predictions about who will win tonight. Check back tonight at show time to join the live blog and mock