Country Universe

Jeff Bates, “Riverbank”

September 5, 2008 Guest Contributor 7

At the funeral of his father, the character in Jeff Bates’ new single “Riverbank” feels the rush of old memories when the pair would enjoy days together at the fishing hole. The death has made him

Jessica Simpson Do You Know Jessica Simpson is all country. At least by her own account. She has fully embraced the sound of Nashville pop-country, along with all the elements of its image. The conversations

Discussion: Recommend a Track(list)

September 4, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 32

Since all of you love to play with your iPods (or maybe that’s just me and I’m projecting it), let’s do Recommend a Track a little differently this week. Put your iPod on shuffle, and

Discussion: Classic Songs, Contemporary Artists

September 3, 2008 Guest Contributor 34

In the 1950s and 60s, it was common practice for country artists to make their own versions of previously-recorded classics. Although these instances are few and far between in mainstream country music, a number of artists

Keith Anderson, “Somebody Needs A Hug”

September 3, 2008 Dan Milliken 10

Listen, country songwriters of the world: not every semi-popular catchphrase requires its own song. Some things just don’t really need to have music written about them, and hugging out someone else’s case of “the Mondays”

Patty Loveless, Mountain Soul

September 3, 2008 Guest Contributor 0

Patty Loveless Mountain Soul 2001 With Mountain Soul, Patty Loveless returned to her roots and re-energized a career that positioned her as an ambassador for both the historical lessons and the promising future that country music

Rascal Flatts, “Here”

September 2, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 27

Writing a review of this just seems like an exercise in futility. No fans will be won or lost by this performance. If you enjoy listening to “I Melt” “Winner at a Losing Game ”

Discussion: Songs About Time

September 2, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 18

I don’t think I ever felt older than I did today. I had a graduate class a bit earlier in the day, and also had to visit financial aid and such. I was surrounded by

In Memoriam: Jerry Reed (1937-2008)

September 2, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

Country music suffered the loss of a legend yesterday. Jerry “The Guitar Man” Reed was a tremendously talented performer best known for his stunning instrumental prowess and bitingly funny hits like “Lord Mr. Ford”, “When

Discussion: Same Title, Different Song

September 1, 2008 Kevin John Coyne 0

A Billboard Chart Beat reader noted a current trend on the pop charts: Hi Fred, Thanks for an always informative and entertaining Chart Beat column! On the entertaining side, I made an observation this week