When the time for "Best Songs of [Whatever Year It Happens to Be]" lists rolls around, I'm always struck by the presence of so many divergent opinions on music, even among professional critics paid - one supposes, anyway - to look for similar qualities in a song. In fact, I've long had a nagging suspicion that you could probably make a credible list by simply setting the whole year on 'shuffle' and writing down whatever pops up. Which, for the purposes of this exercise, is exactly what I've … [Read more...]

... and especially to Matt Metsker, the winner of our Diffie/Grascals/Corbin/Hellbound Glory album giveaway. Thanks to all who entered by emailing articles to friends in the month of December. We hope you're enjoying good times with family and friends, and taking full advantage of one of the few days of the year when it's socially acceptable to consume your own weight in butter. Here's a shot of Christmas here at Country California headquarters. … [Read more...]

It's the time of year for definitive-sounding rankings of vastly different works. Why do we do this, again? … [Read more...]

... who measures distances traveled by car in terms of number of CDs played during the trip. My grandma lives exactly one full CD, or 80 minutes, away from here. I'm heading over for a visit today, so here's a mix of recent-ish (some from last year) and upcoming music that'll keep me company on the road. I'm posting this because I like to imagine that you care. Please play along. 1. Lover, Lover - Jerrod Niemann (how have I not gotten sick of this yet?) 2. Route 5 Box 109 - Joe Diffie … [Read more...]

I'm headed up to the mountains for an old-time family Christmas - possibly with some Christmas Vacation style escapades along the way - so I just wanted to wish everyone here a great holiday. I hope yours is filled with family, friends, and laughter, and not filled with any experiences more traumatizing than this picture (brought to my attention by commenter Jen from Tenn) of John Rich in full yule regalia. Happy birthday, Jesus. I'll be back with a cider-and-eggnog hangover next … [Read more...]

Posting always slows down a bit in December - family stuff and weather-induced lethargy - but it has slowed down a bit more than usual owing to various off-site blogging activities. Here are a few of the things I've been doing when I haven't been doing things here. Contributing to the ongoing Top 100 Albums of the Decade countdown (now entering the Top 20!) over at The 9513. It's a great read overall, and there are two more blurbs from me in each of the remaining installments, so go get … [Read more...]