- The Oregonian’s Peter Ames discusses the mostly abandoned music-discovery function of terrestrial radio and wonders how someone might go about discovering an artist as cool as Hayes Carll these days. A choice excerpt:
“He’s great, obviously, but he just doesn’t sound like he wants to be played on country radio,” KWJJ (99.5) morning host Amy Faust says, noting how his rough-hewn twang contrasts with the slicker sounds of country dynamos Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift.
- Muskegon, Michigan’s Summer Celebration will feature more country acts this year, thanks in part to the persuasive paper-writing skills of Muskegon Community College student Mark Dixon. Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, James Otto, Julianne Hough, Montgomery Gentry, and Bucky Covington are all scheduled to appear.
- The Dupage County Fair is terribly sorry about booking Little Big Town: “I know it isn’t the most expensive names that we have, but they’re very good acts… We tried to stay within a lower budget this year.” How flattering. Josh Turner was one of the fair’s biggest draws last year, attracting some 2,000 fans.
- I’m not sure if Daryle Singletary talks in circles or the author just didn’t organize her material very well, but this article makes for an exhausting read.
- Speaking of talking in circles, Nashville Star host Billy Ray Cyrus seems like a nice guy, but he doesn’t give a great interview:
Will the contestants again this year be required to perform original material?
Billy Ray Cyrus: Oh, you know what, not only required there will be instances where it’s preferred. - Mark Chesnutt discusses his detour into pop country and his excitement over coming back home with his new label/album. He also thanks Toby Keith (of “She’s a Hottie” fame) for singing ‘Southern songs.’ Hmm, okay.
- Paste reviews Jamey Johnson’s upcoming album, That Lonesome Song, which differs somewhat from that other That Lonesome Song (the digital-only release). According to Amazon
, the hard-copy release will add three tracks – “Mowin’ Down the Roses,” “When the Last Cowboy’s Gone,” and “Between Jennings and Jones” – and subtract two others – “Leave You Alone” and “Next Ex Thing.” Confused yet?
- Recent write-ups on two of my old-timey favorites:
J.B. Beverley and the Wayward Drifters in the Redwood Times.
The Devil Makes Three in the Chico News & Review.
Country music. Seriously.
Country California on Facebook
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