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Is Country Music Festival Causing Spike In Number of Pregnancies?
- A Grand Junction, Colo. health official says the number of pregnant women her agency sees per month usually jumps from about 30 to 80 around five weeks after the Country Jam music festival rolls through.
- ACountry has a sweet track-by-track explanation of That Lonesome Song from Jamey Johnson. It’s fascinating to find out where inspiration from various songs was born and what the meaning behind certain lyrics is. For instance, Johnson describes one of the new songs, “The Last Cowboy:”
I think the message of this is in the last line of the song, “Does everything good have to change until the last cowboy is gone?” It kind of says, “Hey, pay attention to what’s going on around you, because a style of music is slowly dying away.” The world is full of young people today who never experienced the outlaw era, don’t know anything about The Dukes of Hazard or never heard Waylon Jennings. And that’s what fed a lot of people like me. It was soul-seeking music. Those songs were poetry – Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton – you could crawl up inside those songs and examine yourself in one. Those people lived and breathed songs, and we need to reach people today the way they did.
- In a Q&A with The Hays Daily News Joe Nichols says that even with the success he’s had, he doesn’t feel like he’s “made it big” in country music. For him, an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry would signify making it. (via GAC)
- According to Nicole Kidman’s father, the inspiration for the name “Sunday” was derived from prominent Australian arts patron Sunday Reed. She was involved in a love triangle between her husband and one of Australia’s best-known artists, Sidney Nolan, during the 1930’s. Nolan himself is known for his stylized paintings of the famous outlaw, Ned Kelly, which, in an odd sort of way, ties us to our next item of news.
- Doug Freeman pieces together a few vignettes of the band Reckless Kelly (named after Ned Kelly and feature a picture of his armor on the cover of their latest album, Bulletproof; I told you it all ties together), starting with their opening performance of “Star Spangled Banner” at an Astros game, followed by a bar scene, the controversy over “American Blood” and their concert at a packed Antone’s.
- Listen to Kix Brooks describe his running with the bulls experience in Pamplona, Spain.
- The Houston Chronicle’s Andre Dansby has a brief Q&A with Willie Nelson.
Q: If you could only keep one songwriter around, who would it be?
A: Oh it’d have to be Kris. Kris or Billy Joe (Shaver). It depends on who’s going to be more fun that day. Who’s going to get the drunkest. (Laughs.)
- Lyle Lovett is talking about recording later this year, or early next year for his next album, and with only two albums left on his contract he’s excited about the opportunities he’ll have. Gary Graff mentions that Lovett has also financed an album recorded at some of the singer/songwriter shows he has done with John Hiatt, Guy Clark and Joe Ely, but is having trouble getting his label interested in putting it out.
- Gretchen Peters is giving away a free download of a different live track each month for anyone who signs up on her site. This month’s download is a performance of “My Baby Loves Me” from Fort Worth, Texas on December 2, 2007. In addition to that, she’s posted the original lyric sheet complete with edits, throwaway lines and verses out of order.
- Are album covers always honest? Apparently not.
Popular Stuff
Sponsor
Miranda Lambert - “More Like Her” This kind of material, as opposed to her tough-chick-done-wrong romps like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” and “Gunpowder and Lead,” is where her real promise lies
Joey Rory - “Cheater, Cheater” It’s actually downright frivolous, but that just makes it all the more fun. And really, are you allowed to say “ho” on country radio?
Josh Gracin - “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” Despite initial marketing that touted the album as deep and personal, “Unbelievable (Ann Marie)” is anything but deep or personal.
Josh Turner - "Everything Is Fine" Turner is the rare example of an artist who records material that’s both quality and trademark.
Darryl Worley - "Tequila On Ice" A groovy mid-tempo that sways, a refreshing reprieve from the exhausting pace of a format that clamors for loud music and swelling choruses.
Blake Shelton - "She Wouldn't Be Gone" It’s all about nailing the melody rather than providing a legitimate interpretation that accentuates the lyrical content, although Shelton does do a pretty good job of injecting what limited emotion he can.
In Memory of Don Helms (1927 - 2008) Helms dated back to a time when an excellent four or five piece band and a good singer were all that were needed to make great country music. No drums, no light shows, no production tricks in the recording studio–just good music.
Don’t look now, but Darius Rucker, lead singer of 90s rock group Hootie & The Blowfish, has a country hit on his hands. What you probably haven’t heard is that Rucker is the first black artist to chart a single in the country top 20 since Charley Pride last did it in 1988.
News that former Sugarland member and co-founder Kristen Hall is suing her ex-mates, to the tune of $1.5 million, goes a long way towards providing a bit of context regarding the Atlanta singer/songwriter’s sudden departure from the group.
Forgotten Artist: Wynn Stewart Both Buck Owens and Merle Haggard have cited Wynn Stewart as a major influence on their careers, yet somehow, he was never able to translate his enormous talent into extended and consistent success for himself.
Forgotten Artist: David Rogers David Rogers (1936-1993) is proof of the adage that it’s great to be on a major label, but only if the label is truly behind you.
In this exclusive interview with The 9513, the Show Dog Records trio talks about growing up around Waylon and Jessi Colter, and about how those experiences have helped shaped their music as they set off on their own country music journey.
One of an emerging wave of artists empowered by decreasing production costs and a rapidly changing distribution landscape, Kelleigh Bannen has taken a do-it-yourself approach to her debut album, Radio Skies.Tagged In This Article
Grand Ole Opry // Gretchen Peters // Guy Clark // Jamey Johnson // Joe Ely // Joe Nichols // John Hiatt // Kix Brooks // Kris Kristofferson // Lyle Lovett // Nicole Kidman // Reckless Kelly // Waylon Jennings // Willie Nelson
Current Discussion
- leeann: Sorry, I missed that you were specifically talking about the 2007 recording befo...
- Hollerin' Ben: I don't think that headshot is designed to keep everyone calm...
- Chris N.: Seriously, it's just a head shot. Everybody stay calm....
- Katie: How is the Kellie cover desperate? It's a headshot. I know I'm in the minority ...
- Jamie: TONIGHT! From www.galleywinter.com ... Join us for a listening party chat ...
- Peter Kohan: I think Stephen H.'s reading of Toby's statement is correct... but I also think ...
- Hollerin' Ben: Stormy, when are you going to learn that women's place in popular music is t...
- Chris N.: I'll take it....
- Stormy: My problem with the Kellie Pickler cover is that it so desperate screams: "This...
- Chris D.: I like the Kellie Pickler cover better than her last one, but her expression is ...
20 Comments
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July 9, 2008 at 10:40 am Permalink
Country Music Festivals can’t get you pregnant. I saw a movie about that once.
July 9, 2008 at 10:46 am Permalink
What if an artist pulled out of the festival? Zing!
July 9, 2008 at 10:53 am Permalink
I’d love to give “Acountry” credit for the track by track but it’s the one he did for his publicist (who sent it to me). Still, it is great to hear his thoughts on the songs. I just met with the man yesterday and he’s a pretty quiet guy.
July 9, 2008 at 2:33 pm Permalink
Jamey Johnson keeps impressing me. First at the CMA Awards when he thanked his ex- wife. Seeing him sing, on CMT Unplugged, “The Dollar” and his direct and honest video “In Color”. I can almost forgive him for writing that man- child Trace Adkins song ” Honk Tonk Badonkadonk”. Johnson is real, honest, and I like his singing more than his music, but his music is great.
July 9, 2008 at 3:24 pm Permalink
Lyle Lovett says he “hasn’t made a dime” on selling records throughout the life of his deal. Well, I’ve bought every record he’s ever released. And if the money isn’t going to his pocket, I am going to start feeling a whole lot less guilty about “stealing” music in the future. Especially if the one and same record label doesn’t want to release a live recording of Lovett, Clark, Hiatt and Ely. What marketing “genius” is behind that decision? Those four could easily be on the Mount Rushmore of singer-songwriters. Yet another reason to trust the man in the hat, not the man in the suit.
I’ve also bought a ticket for every concert he’s played in H-town the past 20 years or so. And as this is his hometown, that’s quite a few. I am happy to hear that he has at least been able to cash a check from those shows. The road is the only place those artists can make a dime these days, but with oil prices rising, I fear the days of barn-storming tours criss-crossing the country are numbered.
July 9, 2008 at 4:20 pm Permalink
How about a tie in of Ned Kelly with Mick Jagger and Waylon Jennings! Back in 1970 Mick Jagger starred as Ned Kelly in a film by that name and the narrator who also sings a lot of songs about Ned was none other than Waylon Jennings with lyrics written by Kris Kristofferson and Shel Silverstein. All of this in a film about Australia’s most famous 1800’s folk hero outlaw which was also filmed down under. Its not a great film by any means, but it is a surrealistic thing to watch these days……
Jamey Johnson really cares deeply about the music he composes and his drive to preserve the outlaw sound is laudable. Thanks for the link to that fine press release.
Joe Nichols should have been invited to join the Opry long ago. He always does a great job when he’s there and will often cover country classics that honor the Opry’s history. A true traditionalist like Joe should have been invited to join long before a pop country diva like Carrie Underwood……
July 9, 2008 at 5:10 pm Permalink
The though of even half the people at a typical festival actually having children scares me. Deeply.
Jamey Johnson continues to run over every other male artist in Country music these days.
Reckless Kelly should not be getting any flack for “American Blood”. That song, even if you may not agree with it’s politics, actually doesnt insult it’s audiences intelligence. It’s a smartly written song, and the people complaining about it dont get the REAL message of the song. It isnt about “should we be in Iraq or not” it’s, the story of the people who come back.
July 9, 2008 at 5:21 pm Permalink
I have yet to jump on the Jamey Johnson train. I think it’s his voice that I don’t like…same as Ray Scott.
July 9, 2008 at 6:11 pm Permalink
“The thought of even half the people at a typical festival actually having children scares me. Deeply.”
- Ha. Good call, Mike. I’m with you.
Some of those album covers are pretty good.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe Nichols get an Opry invite in the next year or two. I think Rick’s right that it’s already long overdue.
July 9, 2008 at 6:30 pm Permalink
Immediately thought the same thing Rick said above…
The fact that Carrie Underwood is in the opry, and Joe is not sickens me to no end…
July 9, 2008 at 6:36 pm Permalink
Joe has a great voice but very underwhelming songs.
July 9, 2008 at 7:02 pm Permalink
“I have yet to jump on the Jamey Johnson train. I think it’s his voice that I don’t like…same as Ray Scott.”
Leeann, I just realized that subconsciously I have been thinking that Ray Scott and Jamey Johnson are the same person.
July 9, 2008 at 7:20 pm Permalink
Their voices kind of remind me of each other and they both lean toward the traditional. I feel that I should like them, since I’m a sucker for traditional stuff, but it just hasn’t happened yet.
July 9, 2008 at 7:32 pm Permalink
I really like both Jamey’s and Ray’s singing voices. Male artists who’s voices make me cringe and run include Dierks Bentley (excluding his excellent “Don’t Leave Me In Love” debut) and especially Gary Allan. Both growl far more than they need to and it irritates me no end. Joe Nichols has a great traditional voice badly in need of great songs. When Joe performs the Gene Watson classic “Farewell Party” on the Opry its goosebump time.
How can anyone not like Jamey’s voice on “The Dollar”? Hmmmm……
July 9, 2008 at 8:47 pm Permalink
Not only did I not like his voice on “The Dollar”, I didn’t like the song at all. It came off as cheesy to me. “In Color” is better written, but the melody is dull.
While I disagree with you on Dierks and Gary, I agree with you regarding Joe.
July 9, 2008 at 9:58 pm Permalink
Thanks for posting about my stupid album covers/Photoshop blog! Country music is a favorite of mine, so there will likely be many more Nashville albums targeted.
July 9, 2008 at 10:09 pm Permalink
Country music is mah baby daddy.
July 9, 2008 at 10:53 pm Permalink
Hey, how about a quick gossip break! Well actually Brad at Music City TV considers this a known fact:
“But I do know that Jennifer Nettles is dating Kenny Chesney’s main guitarist, Clayton Mitchell. And this little love connection has been going on for more than 9 months. How’s about that? I asked, but no comment from either camp…..”
I thought I’d mention that just in case anyone cares…..
July 10, 2008 at 5:44 am Permalink
I never cared for Jamey Johnson’s The dollar, anytime I heard it, I changed it. My brother put him on my ipod and one of his songs came on while it was on shuffle and I loved it, so I went and listened to all his other songs and I’ve been hooked since. He leaves me speechless.
July 11, 2008 at 6:13 pm Permalink
Joe Nichols is a great artist. It makes me happy to know that it hasn’t all went to his head that he’s famous
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