Country Universe

Taboo: Prostitution and Country Music

August 11, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 4

Today a new feature debuts that will support the oft-repeated contention that country music deals with real life more deeply than nearly every other genre, with only hip-hop rivaling it in that regard. Taboo will

Single Reviews: August 10, 2006

August 10, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 2

BIG & RICH, “8th of November” They continue to expand their music sonically and thematically. This is the best war-themed song since “Travelin’ Soldier.” BLUE COUNTY, “Firecrackers and Ferris Wheels” This lead vocalist is an

Essential 80’s: #25-#1

August 5, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 9

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 8: #25-#1 #25 “A Little Good News” Anne Murray 1984 Peak: #1 Murray took home CMA Single of the Year with her surprisingly topical record wishing for better, more uplifting

Single Reviews: August 3, 2006

August 3, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 1

Here’s the first batch of single reviews in a long time. Starting today, single reviews will be posted every Thursday. Dierks Bentley, “Every Mile A Memory” An encouraging preview of his forthcoming third album. He

Concert Review: Dixie Chicks, Madison Square Garden, 8/1/06

August 2, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

Dixie Chicks Madison Square Garden New York, NY August 1, 2006 Ever since the 2003 “incident”, it’s been nearly impossible to find discussion of the Dixie Chicks that doesn’t reference, if not completely revolve around,

CMA Voters: For Your Consideration

July 31, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 6

There are a lot of givens on that final CMA ballot. Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban will be nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Alan Jackson will be among the Male Vocalists, Rascal Flatts will

Essential 80’s: #50-#26

July 29, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 7: #50-#26 #50 “She and I” Alabama 1986 Peak: #1 Upon its release, this was one of the freshest-sounding singles on the radio. Alabama sound absolutely rejuvenated, as if finding

Say What? – Mary Chapin Carpenter

July 26, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 1

Mary Chapin Carpenter has written a song about the Dixie Chicks called “On With The Song”, which will be released on her forthcoming album this spring. From her mailing list: I especially look forward to

Essential 80’s: #75-#51

July 9, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 3

#75 “I Did” Patty Loveless 1987 Peak: #56 The first album by Patty Loveless was a scattered affair, as she searched for a style she could call her own. Interestingly, it was this single she

Essential 80’s: #100-#76

June 27, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

200 Essential 80’s Singles Part 5: #100-#76 #100 “Tennessee Homesick Blues” Dolly Parton 1984 Peak: #1 Parton sings in the voice of a homesick Tennessean turned off by the coldness of New York City. In