2011 November | Country California

Tim McGraw Re-Ups with Curb Records

November 30, 2011 by C.M. Wilcox 2 Comments

Moments after apparently winning a long struggle for freedom from Curb Records, Tim McGraw re-signed with the label on Wednesday afternoon, citing a "really good feeling" that the historically contentious relationship would "turn a corner" in the months and years ahead. "As I got to thinking about the situation, I realized that Curb wasn't really a bad label. I had a lot of success with them over the years," said McGraw. "Maybe if I had tried harder in the studio or spent more days on the … [Read more...]

Quotable Country – 11/28/11 Edition

November 28, 2011 by C.M. Wilcox 6 Comments

Click the bullet after each quote to visit the source. For his first arena tour as a headliner, Eric Church will launch the Blood, Sweat & Beers tour with special guest Brantley Gilbert on Jan. 19 in Fort Smith, Ark. The tour will stop in nearly 50 cities across the U.S. ● - - Oh gosh. "Blood, Sweat & Beers" starring Eric Church and Brantley Gilbert? I'm sorry, world. I don't think today's country music is country. It is more like rock 'n' roll to me. I really enjoy songs that have a … [Read more...]

Of Bastard Children and Long Weekends

November 20, 2011 by C.M. Wilcox 1 Comment

This week's Quotable Country will be delayed, as I am traveling through Monday. In the meantime, enjoy this video of Hellbound Glory performing "Bastard Child" from their excellent new album, Damaged Goods. … [Read more...]

Ride With Country California: A Playlist

November 17, 2011 by C.M. Wilcox 5 Comments

It's one thing to recommend a song, but quite another to listen to it day in and day out while dodging pedestrians and getting cut off in rush hour traffic. Only the most hardy, aurally pleasing compositions can stand up to that kind of abuse and frustration. Not sure where you'd find songs like that? Fear not, friend: we've got you covered. Here's the soul-soothing mix that's been spinning in the Country California hot rod (slash mid-90s sedan) over the past several weeks. It hasn't failed … [Read more...]

Country Haiku #396

November 17, 2011 by Country Haiku 1 Comment

Listen, crazy girl What makes you question my love? You stupid woman … [Read more...]

Country Haiku #395

November 16, 2011 by Country Haiku Leave a Comment

You'll find your luggage And echoes of Sasha Fierce At the baggage claim … [Read more...]

Ronnie Fauss Honors Songwriting Heroes

November 15, 2011 by C.M. Wilcox 1 Comment

For anyone paying attention, the clues were there. Shades of Kristofferson showed up in "The Saddest Love That's Ever Been Made" on 2009's New Songs for the Old Frontier. On Mulligan one year later, "It's a Long, Long Way" recalled Todd Snider's "My Generation, Part II." Sadly humorous character sketch "Tia Maria" (also on Mulligan) seemed torn from the shared notebook of John Prine and Blaze Foley. I'll bet you didn't even know they shared a notebook. You'll find all of the above … [Read more...]