Country Universe

Songwriter Dennis Linde Passes Away

December 23, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 5

Dennis Linde, one of country music’s most clever and unique songwriters, has died. He was 63. His songwriting credits include “Burning Love” (Elvis Presley), “Goodbye Earl” (Dixie Chicks), “Callin’ Baton Rouge” (Garth Brooks, New Grass

CMT Giants: Reba Proves the Trisha Theory

December 22, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 17

The Trisha Theory: Once Trisha Yearwood sings or records a song, it has been sung definitively. No other vocalist need bother tackling it; they will inevitably pale in comparison to Yearwood’s performance of the song.

Best Reissues and Compilations of 2006

December 18, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 4

As much as we love new music, reissues and compilations are what ultimately record the history of country music. Greatest Hits albums remain in print long after most studio albums have been cut out, while

Best Country Singles of 2006

December 17, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 9

It wasn’t a banner year for the genre like 2005 was, but there were still a lot of good singles sent to radio and retail this year. Some were hits, some weren’t, but these were

Best of ’06 Lists Start Rolling In

December 16, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 4

Country Universe will begin posting best of 2006 lists over the next two weeks, with a look back at the year’s best singles and reissues. Lists from established publications have already begun rolling in, with

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: #15-#11

December 10, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 5

#15 Homeward Looking Angel Pam Tillis 1992 If she hadn’t already released a mediocre pop album in the early 80’s, Pam Tillis would be able to claim one of the best debut albums ever with

2007 Grammy Nominations

December 8, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 2

As readers of this site know, I am a big fan of the Grammy Awards. They have a tendency to acknowledge many of the artists that I enjoy the most with their nominations every year,

Chicks Rule as 2007 Grammy Nominees Announced

December 7, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 9

As I predicted earlier this year, Rick Rubin projects dominate the 2007 Grammy Nominations, with Red Hot Chili Peppers scoring six nominations, and the Dixie Chicks with a total of five nods, more than any

100 Greatest Contemporary Country Albums: #20-#16

December 3, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 2

#20 Wild Angels Martina McBride 1995 She’s been screaming her head off for so long now, it’s easy to forget that Martina McBride once seemed destined to make albums like Emmylou Harris rather than Mariah

Single Reviews: December 2, 2006

December 2, 2006 Kevin John Coyne 0

All apologies for the site going quiet, but blogging couldn’t compete with Wii-ing. Here’s a long overdue rundown of recent singles. AARON TIPPIN, “He Believed” Nice, heartfelt ode to a father that could’ve devolved into