[Click the dot after each quote to visit the original source.]You framed me. ● - - Ronnie Dunn (R) to songwriter Don Cook (D) on Obama's use of “Only in America.”It's not a trend. Other genres of music wax and wane in terms of relevance or lifestyle elements. You see it with pop and hip-hop and R&B: The market changes over time. But Country is unique. It's been around for a long time and it will be around for a long time to come. ● - - ... so we're jumping on the gravy train and … [Read more...]
Texas, Trailers, and Todd Snider (Links)
August 29, 2008 by 8 Comments
There isn't anything new to see around here today, but that doesn't mean you have to go outside or interact with other people. There are still plenty of neat things to see on the internet, including:Bigger in Texas Day at Photocrap, a collection of 25 honest album covers focused on Texas artists of various stripes.A fantastic review of the new Lost Trailers album at The 9513.Kevin J. Coyne at Country Universe reveals his 25 favorite songs by the inestimable Todd Snider. For more Todd Snider … [Read more...]
Merchandising: A Little Something Extra
August 28, 2008 by 2 Comments
You have to hand it to Taylor Swift: she knows her audience. You can bet that young girls and their parents will be snapping up these boxed sets like mad to claim their t-shirts, bracelets, photo albums, stickers, bragging rights (one of Taylor's 10,000 biggest fans!), and chances at meeting the singer herself. If this is the first you're hearing of the Fearless preorder offerings – and honestly, if that's the case, I envy you – click the image to visit the Taylor Nation site for a good … [Read more...]
You’re On My Turf Now, Shelburne
August 27, 2008 by Leave a Comment
As the title of this blog (Country, California) implies, geography is of some importance to me. That's not to say that this blog is about California; it isn't. But it is written from northern California, an area whose peripheral status - to Nashville, to Texas, and even to the hipper Los Angeles scene 6 hours south of here - has something to do with the way I approach country music. I'm writing from an isolation of sorts. At least, that's the way I've always thought of it. Imagine my … [Read more...]
Thinking About Country Renamings
August 26, 2008 by 2 Comments
In the first half of the 20th century, it was common practice for "hillbilly" or country performers to countrify their names. At the beginning, this often meant using family titles (Grandpa Jones) or playing to hayseed stereotypes (The Possum Hunters). With the singing cowboy craze and the rise of Western swing, the tides turned toward western renamings - references to Texas and cowboy life. The list is far from exhaustive, but here are a few notable country renamings:Sarah Ophelia Colley → … [Read more...]
Quotable Country – 8/24/08 Edition
August 24, 2008 by Leave a Comment
[Click the dot after each quote to visit the original source.]I seriously think there is a complete Prince Charming out there for me somewhere, someone who has great hair and a completely immature sense of humor and everything that I want. ● - - Taylor Swift's version of Prince Charming sounds like half the guys in every freshman sex-ed class. Take your pick, Taylor."I want to see people like me, the real deal," the Naked Cowboy said in an interview with the New York Post. "I'm looking for … [Read more...]
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