Country Universe

Taboo: Alzheimer’s Disease

October 1, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

Alzheimer’s Disease may seem an unlikely topic to deal with in song. It’s certainly difficult to deal with in a way that isn’t too maudlin or melodramatic, and the sensitive nature of a degenerative disease

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: #80-#71

September 29, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

#80 Brand New Man Brooks & Dunn 1991 Their monster debut album is still their most memorable, mostly because the formula sounded so fresh the first time out. There’s a contagious energy to the production

Single Reviews: September 28, 2006

September 28, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 1

CAROLYN DAWN JOHNSON, “Taking Back My Brave” This is much better than her last single. Lyrically strong, with a good vocal performance. The production kinda just lays there, though. Could’ve used more muscle. DARRYL WORLEY,

Digital Country

September 28, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 2

Over the past few years, with the establishment of iTunes and other online music stores, more music fans are getting their fix digitally than ever before. However, much like country consumers held on to the

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: #90-#81

September 26, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

#90 Put Yourself In My Shoes Clint Black 1990 Following up what is arguably the greatest debut country album of all-time was no easy feat, but Black acquitted himself admirably with his second collection. The

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: #100-#91

September 24, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 2

#100 Alibis Tracy Lawrence 1993 Lawrence was one of the top hit makers of the nineties, and he achieved that status by releasing ridiculously catchy up-tempo hits coupled with beautiful, waltzing ballads. His second album,

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: Introduction

September 24, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

Something about these CMT lists just gets my juices flowing. This weekend, the cable network presented a barely publicized entry into their countdown series: 40 Greatest Albums. This one was apparently worth so little fanfare,

Single Reviews: September 7, 2006

September 7, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

MONGTOMERY GENTRY, “Some People Change” The boys turn in a strong cover of a song that originally appeared on the Kenny Chesney album When The Sun Goes Down. The message is more powerful coming from

Surprising Shutouts and Nominations for the 2006 CMA’s

August 30, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 4

This morning, Brad Paisley and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland announced the nominees in the “big five” categories of the 2006 CMA Awards. An hour later, the rest of the nominees were announced Here’s a rundown:

Introducing Paul W. Dennis

August 26, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

Regular readers of Country Universe and Liberal Country Fan will recognize the name Paul W. Dennis, as he is the reader who most frequently comments on posts. I am happy to announce that Mr. Dennis