Country songwriter Charlie Craig passed away on July 1. He wrote Janie Fricke's "She's Single Again," Keith Whitley's "Between An Old Memory and Me," and Alan Jackson's "Wanted," among many others. After nearly a decade of indie albums and limited radio support, Dwight Yoakam is back on Warner Bros. Records with a new album due next year. He's co-producing with Joe Chiccarelli (My Morning Jacket, The Shins, The Strokes) and has recently been in the studio with Beck. Lady Antebellum's Hillary … [Read more...]

Even though it's Farce the Music's third birthday, Trailer gave us a present: An extra-long July Country Day, featuring 25 parody album covers of everyone from Sugarland and Chris Young to Jeff Bridges and Robin Meade. Head over there and wish him a happy birthday, won't you? Ben Foster of The 1-to-10 Country Music Review on The Dirt Drifters' "Always a Reason." Is [it] as good as the all-time classic country drinking songs? Debatable. Will it stand the test of time? We'll see. Is it a … [Read more...]

Connie Smith has been named the 2011 Artist-in-Residence at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. She will serve as host and curator for three intimate performances on the Ford Theater stage on August 22, August 29, and September 12. From the press release: "Connie Smith possesses one of the most powerful and recognizable voices in country music," said Museum Director Kyle Young. "Her body of work includes more than 50 albums, and her signature song, 'Once a Day,' remains one of country … [Read more...]

Claim and use your free $2 credit at Amazon MP3 before the end of tomorrow. (Hint: The new Pistol Annies single is $1.29 and Amazon has a selection of other songs for 69 cents apiece.) Farce the Music: Songs Illustrated #53 Country Weekly has your exclusive first listen to the title track of Blake Shelton's upcoming album. "Red River Blue" features Miranda Lambert on harmonies. American Songwriter has an interview and live performances ("Racing the Angels," "Oh Cumberland," "You and … [Read more...]

Abrams Brothers – Northern Redemption Billy Ray Cyrus – I’m American Dolly Parton – Better Day Eilen Jewell – Queen of the Minor Key Gillian Welch – The Harrow and the Harvest Jeremy Steding – I Keep on Livin’, But I Don’t Learn Mark Wills – Looking for America Michael Martin Murphey - Tall Grass and Cool Water Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels (single) Various Artists – Rave On, Buddy Holly (currently $3.99) … [Read more...]

Cowboy Jack Clement's famed home and studio, which he had dubbed The Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa, caught fire this past Saturday. All the people and pets thankfully escaped unharmed, but plenty of priceless memorabilia and unreleased reel-to-reel masters (of Johnny Cash, John Prine, Louis Armstrong, etc.) went up in flames. Very sad to hear, but I'm glad Cowboy's okay. One item Clement did manage to save: a Gibson J200 guitar he bought in 1951. Coincidentally, Music Fog has just posted … [Read more...]

Vince Gill will get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012. Also getting stars: Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Matt Groening, Adam West, Barry White, Heart. The Oklahoman has details and a full track/performer listing for the huge Guy Clark tribute album This One's for Him, due November 1. I think we're looking at album of the year material here. "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" will air August 7 on ABC. It'll feature pretty much all the people you'd expect it to … [Read more...]