Country Universe

Independent Suggestions

February 4, 2009 Leeann Ward 14

In one of last summer’s discussion threads, Matt B., from Roughstock, mentioned a great place to buy music. As a compulsive music buyer, I was easily compelled to check it out. For those who aren’t

Academy of Country Music Nominations Due February 11

February 4, 2009 Guest Contributor 15

The nominations for this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards will be announced on Wednesday, February 11, and Country Universe will have a preview next week. As announced yesterday, the blond brigade of Julianne Hough,

Country Music Hall of Fame Names Three New Members

February 4, 2009 Guest Contributor 9

Roy Clark, Barbara Mandrell and legendary session musician Charlie McCoy are the newest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame, as announced this morning in a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Bargain Hunter: Dierks Bentley, Dixie Chicks, Creedence Clearwater Revival

February 3, 2009 Dan Milliken 1

In an effort to help Country Universe readers build solid music libraries without denting their wallets too badly, we’ll periodically post run-downs of country-related bargains we spot at Amazon’s MP3 store. As with our single

Wynonna, Sing – Chapter 1

February 3, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 3

Wynonna Sing – Chapter 1 Wynonna’s music has incorporated so many elements of soul and blues over the years that it’s easy to forget that she got her start singing pure country harmonies with her

Six Pack: Hall of Fame Candidates

February 3, 2009 Guest Contributor 12

On Wednesday, February 4, the Country Music Hall of Fame will announce its newest members. The genre’s highest honor, induction into the Hall of Fame is bestowed upon the absolute best of country music. In 1996

Dierks Bentley, Feel That Fire

February 2, 2009 Guest Contributor 24

Dierks Bentley Feel That Fire In his iconic 1985 hit, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” George Jones echoed the concerns of many when he wondered (or more honestly, worried) how the next generation of country

Three Singers With “No Time To Cry”

February 1, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 4

I’ve written before about my fondness for Iris Dement, and was planning to discuss her song, “No Time To Cry.” But rather than discuss my personal connection again, I thought it would be more interesting

Randy Houser, “Boots On”

January 31, 2009 Kevin John Coyne 0

After a pretty much perfect debut single, Randy Houser returns with the opening song from his debut album. If he channeled Ronnie Dunn on “Anything Goes”, he sounds a lot closer to Trace Adkins on

Alex Woodard with Sara Watkins, “Reno”

January 31, 2009 Guest Contributor 3

Alex Woodard and Sara Watkins continue the recent trend of rock/pop leaning artists dueting with country artists. For those who don’t know, Watkins was a member of the stellar Southern California-bred progressive bluegrass/acoustic trio, Nickel