“It’s the music of what I do and how I live” – Michael Martin Murphey
- Roger Holland posted his in-depth “The Best Country Music of 2007″ list at PopMatters. These top ten lists are like finger prints, no two are exactly alike, but I learned a few interesting tidbits from Mr. Holland’s comments.
- As of December 4th, thirty-four of Anne Murray’s original recordings have been available digitally.
- Doug Freeman gives a brief rundown of Townes Van Zandt’s first four album reissues and 1978’s Flyin’ Shoes. I had the disadvantage of creating my Christmas list weeks ago, and unfortunately for me the lowest rated Townes album on Freeman’s gift guide was on my list.
- Good, short Q&A with Michael Martin Murphey about cowboy music and his symphonic show, Cowboy Christmas.
Is that realism what appeals to you most about cowboy music?
Honestly, it’s the music of my people and my culture — I grew up with it in Texas and I grew up around ranchers and veterinarians and I’ve lived the cowboy lifestyle all my life. … It’s the music of what I do and how I live. I think the reason it appeals to people outside of that is the connection to nature; it’s kind of a refreshing respite from the usual subject matter of country music, which is dysfunctional relationships, depression, drinking, divorce. (laughs) It’s a lot more fun to sing about a horse than it is to sing about that stuff.
- The five finalists for the Colgate Country Showdown will have a shot at $100,000 in January. LeAnn Rimes will host the 26th annual show at the Ryman Auditorium.
- Are you still searching for a gift for one of your country music loving friends or family members? Cindy Watts has you covered with more than a few suggestions.
- Nashville Skyline columnist Chet Flippo created a list of his Top 10 albums from 2007, too.
- According to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum 2007 calendar, on this day in 1961 Jimmy Dean’s “Big Bad John” became the first country single to be officially certified gold. (There’s no video, but you can hear the song on YouTube)
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December 14, 2007 at 3:41 pm Permalink
Mr. Holland’s Top 10 list at Pop matters includes my picks from Sunny Sweeney and Elizabeth Cook, the only list I’ve seen thus far to contain anything I really like! Well its comforting to know at least one other person out there has good taste in real country music….(lol)…(just kidding)
December 14, 2007 at 4:18 pm Permalink
Despite picking those albums (I thought they were good, just not Top 10 material), Mr. Holland’s list seems to be a bit off, with Gretchen Wilson, Toby Keith, and Carrie Underwood making appearances. Despite liking Joe Nichols, his last album wasn’t Top 10 material, either.
December 14, 2007 at 4:55 pm Permalink
Yes Brady, I thought that his list was good except for those picks. Another curious list on the same site is another author’s top 5 “pop-country” albums, which includes… Lucinda Williams and Kelly Willis?
December 14, 2007 at 5:12 pm Permalink
The Joe Nichols record was totally Top 10 material. Way underrated.
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