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Featured Artist /
Band Of the Week |
Extra Reviews & Interviews |
 Alabama
- The Last Stand
By: Jim Moulton
|
 Savannah
Jack talks to CSO
"The hardest working band... ever!" By Cheryl
Harvey Hill
Savannah Jack is comprised (alphabetically) of Jay Darby,
Don Gatlin, and Mike Ulvila...
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 Josh
Turner
Everything Is Fine
By: Jolene Downs
|
 Paul
Alan Coons
The Ride Of Life
By: George Peden
There’s a bit of mileage on the
clock. There’s some water under the bridge. And, yes, some
hard yards played. But you suspect it’s a life lived fully...
|
 A
Country Music Christmas 2007 - Featuring A New Album by
Tracy Lawrence
(and other personal favorites for the Christmas season)
Special Feature by Cheryl Harvey Hill
|
 Marshall
Tucker Band
Searchin' For A Rainbow
By: Jim Moulton
This album finds the boys with a
more country sound than ever. Toy Caldwell had just learned how
to play pedal steel, and they had the help of Dickey Betts...
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 Richie
McDonald
If Every Day Could Be Christmas
By: Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Carl
Ray
Play That Country Music Black Boy
By: George Peden
Wedged between his opening track, “Play That Country Music
Black Boy” and his closing homage to color, “Was A Black
Man”, Carl Ray delivers a keen blend of modern country...
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 Halfway
To Hazard
By: Jolene Downs
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 Corinne
West
Second Sight
By: Jim Moulton
This is my first listen to this lady's refreshing singing. Second
Sight by Corinne West is produced very well by Mike
Marshall...
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 Carrie
Underwood
Carnival Ride
By: Brianna Nightingale
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 Amy
Dalley at Joe’s Bar in Chicago
By: Brianna Nightingale
"Let’s Try Goodbye,” was the most recent
single released to radio written and recorded by Amy Dalley, a
gifted artist who has a knack for writing incredible songs...
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 Sara
Evans - Greatest Hits
By: Jolene Downs
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 Larry
The Cable Guy
Christmastime In Larryland
By: George Peden
Yo ho ho. Tis the season to be jolly. Almost. With a CD aimed
squarely at the Xmas stocking stuffer crowd, Cable Guy Larry has
released his offering to the masses, Christmastime In
Larryland...
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 Reba
McEntire - Duets
By: Jolene Downs
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 Jeff
Griffith
If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Another
By: George Peden
Lovers of traditional country are gonna perk their ears when
they hear Jeff Griffith. Out with his debut, If It Ain’t
One Thing It’s Another, the album is a welcome listen...
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 Brooks
& Dunn - Cowboy Town
By: Brianna Nightingale
|
 The
CMA Awards - A Closer Look
By: Jim Moulton
This year's 41st Annual CMA Awards show was one of the most
enjoyable I've watched in a long time and I think that it's
because of all of the great performances...
|
 Faith
Hill - The Hits
By: George Peden
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 Robert
Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
By Jim Moulton
Someone's kidding right? Robert Plant and Alison Krauss? Led
Zeppelin meets Union Station? I doubt staunch bluegrass fans
will check this out. That's a shame, this is quite an incredible
collection of cover songs from the Everly Brothers to Sam
Phillips to Mel Tillis.
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 Josh
Turner - Live At The Ryman
By: Jolene Downs
|
 Steve
Azar
Indianola
By: Kevin Snyder
The story says that you can’t go back home. Bon Jovi and
Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles sang a song about trying to go
back home. Steve Azar has found out that the next best
thing is bringing home to where you are...
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 Kenny
Chesney
Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates
By: Brianna Nightingale
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 Walt
Wilkins & The Mystiqueros Diamonds In The Sun
By: George Peden
Diamonds In
The Sun is the new release from Texas troubadour Walt
Wilkins and his hot fired band, The Mystiqueros. Out on maverick
label, Palo Duro Records...
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 Joe
Nichols - Real Things
By: Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Mindy
Smith
My Holiday
By: Jim Moulton
Christmas in July. Yes, that is when
artists record their Christmas albums. How do you get Christmas
inspiration in July? Well, the group had a little luminescent
silver tree in the studio...
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 Travis
Tritt - The Storm
By: Penny Rondinella
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 Deana
Carter
The Chain
By: Jolene Downs
Vanguard Records recording artist Deana Carter has just
released her fifth studio album. The Chain...
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 Little
Texas
Missing Years
By: Penny Rondinella
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 Sherry
Lynn
It's A Woman Thing
By: Jolene Downs
New artist Sherry Lynn is starting to make waves on the
Nashville music scene with her debut album...
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 Gretchen
Wilson
One Of The Boys
By: Jolene Downs
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 The
Derailers
Under The Influence Of Buck
By: George Peden
Before you let out a long-winded groan, one along the lines of
“What, not another tribute album?” Wait up...
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 Country
Thunder 2007
Twin Lakes, Wisconsin
By: Brianna Nightingale
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 The
Mickeys
Walk Along
By: Jim Moulton
Four Years ago, twin sisters Amy and
Julie Mickey with long curly brown hair came on the scene with a
masterpiece CD, Finding Our Way...
|
 The
Charlie Daniels Band - Live From Iraq
Album Review By: Jim Moulton
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 Suzy
Bogguss
Sweet Danger
By: Jim Moulton
Suzy Bogguss' last CD a few years ago titled Swing,
with Ray Bensen of Asleep At The Wheel fame...
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 Toby
Keith - Big Dog Daddy
By: Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Bobby
Pinson Songs For Somebody
By: Kevin Snyder
Bobby Pinson has been a force to be reckoned with in Nashville
for several years as a songwriter with the likes of Toby Keith,
Tracy Lawrence, Van Zant, Blake Shelton...
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 Kelly
Willis
Translated From Love
By: Jim Moulton
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 Donald
Fuller
The Texas Twister
By: George Peden
Here at CSO we get our fair share of music from wannabee
hopefuls. And to be honest some of it is mediocre, some
plain bad, some good and a tad, a small offering, better than
good.
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 Brad
Paisley - 5th Gear
By: Brianna Nightingale
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 Terri
Hendrix
The Spiritual Kind
By: Jim Moulton
Terri Hendrix is a special gal and this, her tenth album, is
a very special work. With Lloyd Maines as producer and band
member...
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 Big
& Rich – Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace
By Pepper Grayson
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 Pickler,
Ingram, Swift and Paisley Entertain A Sunday Night Crowd
By: Brianna
Nightingale
It may just be my strong attraction to lights, but when
Taylor Swift asked a crowd of approximately 20,000 people to
hold up their cell phones...
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 Gary
Allan - Greatest Hits
By: Brianna Nightingale
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 Red
Meat
We Never Close
By: George Peden
They come hailed
as California’s finest honky tonk band. Is it well
generated hype or do the claims have musical merit? Here at CSO,
we’re pleased to say the merit is obvious...
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 John
Anderson - Easy Money
By: George Peden
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 Crystal
Gayle
Greatest Hits
By: Jim Moulton
Sure, there are many song compilations of Gayle's music (even
one by Rhino), I would definitely call this one the definitive
disc. Sixteen number one hits...
|
 Miranda
Lambert - Crazy Ex-Gilrfriend
by Pepper Grayson
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 Shevy
Smith
September Songs
By: Brianna Nightingale
There are only good things to be said about Shevy Smith. Many of
my co-workers, friends, fellow music fans and reviewers have
learned to adore this gifted musician...
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 Blake
Shelton - Pure BS
By: George Peden
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 Lisa
O’Kane
It Don’t Hurt
By: George Peden
That roots rocker
from Fish Camp, California, Lisa O’Kane, is back with her
latest album, It Don’t Hurt. O’Kane has consistently
turned in quality work, this album is no exception...
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 Larry
The Cable Guy - Morning Constitutions
By: George Peden
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 Steep
Canyon Rangers
Lovin' Pretty Women
By: Jim Moulton
This five piece group, known as the Steep Canyon Rangers won
last years IBMA emerging artist award...
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 Bucky
Covington - Self-Titled Debut
Album review by Amy
Ross
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 Sara
Evans and Craig Morgan Perform at the Taste of Chicago
By: Brianna Nightingale
Hips were shaking, hands were waving
and great music was being played on Sunday afternoon (July 1) on
the Petrillo Music Shell stage at the Taste of Chicago in Grant
Park...
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 Kelly
Lang - Jagged Edges
By: Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Lori
McKenna Unglamorous
By: George Peden
What a strong, sensitive and
revealing album. They were my first thoughts on hearing Unglamorous,
the Warner Bros debut from Lori McKenna...
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 Pam
Tillis - Rhinestoned
Review By: George Peden
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 Marshall
Tucker Band - Carolina Dreams
By: Jim Moulton
I want to dedicate this review To George McCorkle (original
MTB rhytmn guitarist). He passed away June 26,2007. George was a
very accessible and humble man...
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 Martina
McBride
Waking Up Lauging
Album Review by Pepper Grayson
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 Cross
Canadian Ragweed and Micky and the Motorcars at Joe’s In
Chicago
By: Brianna
Nightingale
Southern rock and a little bit of
country walked through the door of Joe’s Bar the other night. It
came in the form of two all-male bands who rocked their hearts
out for hours...
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 Jack
Ingram - This Is It
By: Brianna Nightingale
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 Sunny
Sweeney
Heartbreaker’s Hall of Fame
By Amy Ross
You know that feeling you get when you go to a country club and
your standing in line waiting for your turn to show your ID and
get inside...
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 Tim
McGraw - Let It Go
By: Penny
Rondinella
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 The
Road Hammers at Country Thunder
By: Brianna Nightingale
The Road Hammers, who know what it’s like to be on the highway
for long periods of time, create songs for those who live and
understand every aspect of being away from home.
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 Clint
Black - The Love Songs
By: Penny Rondinella
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 Elizabeth
Cook
Balls
By: Penny Rondinella
Balls is Cook's third
album and it sure took some of that and a whole lot of class to
put out an album like this...
|
 Bill
Engvall - 15 Degrees Off Cool
By George Peden
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 Mike
Anderson
Real Country
By: George Peden
Real Country is not only the debut release from
self-proclaimed “Country Drifter” Mike Anderson. Rather,
it’s an honest reflection of a singer and songwriter who’s
finally lived his dream...
|
 Robin
English - Self Titled
By Penny Rondinella
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Elizabeth
Cook
Balls
By: Penny Rondinella
Balls is Cook's third
album and it sure took some of that and a whole lot of class to
put out an album like this...
|
 Barbara
Mandrell’s Cool Country Tribute
By Phyllis Stark
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 Bill
Wence
Songs From The Rocky Fork Tavern
By: George Peden
Bill Wence knows music. He knows how to write it, play it, and
as a large part of his life proves, he knows how to promote
it...
|
 Jason
Michael Carroll
Waitin' In The Country
Album Review by Amy Ross
|
 Jeff
Foxworthy - Big Night Out DVD
By: George Peden
It’s a winning formula. Combine the jocular antics of
redneck comedian Jeff Foxworthy to a host of big name country
acts, sprinkle in loose and funny storylines...
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 Ty
Herndon - Right About Now
Album Review by Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Keith
Anderson Concert Review
By: Brianna Nightingale
If Keith Anderson had not injured his shoulder shortly after he
was approached by the Kansas City Royals, he may still have
played in front of large crowds but it would have been a
completely different kind of playing...
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 Tracy
Lawrence - For the Love
By: Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Marshall
Tucker Band - The Next Adventure
By: Jim Moulton
This album has the feel of a record that the Tucker Boys were
putting out in their heyday of the seventies...
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 Billy
Yates - Favorites
By: George Peden
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 Brad
Paisley Promotes 5th Album in an Airplane Hangar
By: Brianna Nightingale
Jet fuel, one hundred fervent fans and catered Giordano’s were
all Brad Paisley needed to fly into the Dupage Airport in
northern Illinois the Wednesday before his fifth album release, 5th
Gear...
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 Alabama
- Songs Of Inspiration
By: Penny Rondinella
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 Ty
England - Alive and Well
By: Penny Rondinella
Released on his very own independent label called Triple T
Records, Ty England releases his Alive and Well album...
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Looking
Back at Country Music in 2006
A retrospective by Cheryl Harvey Hill
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 Ann
Blair - Wanted You to Know
By Amy Ross
Well my life is finally slowing down from major roller coaster,
to the speed of a kiddie’s coaster, and it’s time to get
back to work...
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 Cowboy
Troy - Black In The Saddle
By: George Peden
At six foot five inches, Muzik Mafia
member Cowboy Troy casts a big shadow. He also has a voice that
grabs attention with its beefy hold on his brand of music. He
calls it “hick hop”...
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 Cherryholmes
II - Black and White
By: Jim Moulton
Produced by Ben Isaacs again, recorded at Ricky Skaggs studio
again, Black and White is an appropriate name for this
disc. The music sort of has a dark aura over it...
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 Emerson
Drive at Joe’s Bar In Chicago
By: Brianna Nightingale
As the lights dimmed and clips of Emerson Drive songs played
through the stereo, country music fans cheered loudly on a
Wednesday night at Joe’s Bar in Chicago...
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 Daniel
Lee Martin - On My Way To You
By: Jolene Downs
As an independent artist, Daniel Lee Martin put his extensive
marketing and advertising know-how to work to get his name out
to the fans...
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Larry
The Cable Guy - Morning Constitutions (DVD)
By: George Peden
Known as America’s hottest comedian, cable guy Larry is
back with another hilarious swipe. Following on from his
successful CD, the irreverent and topically humorous Morning
Constitutions, now we have the DVD...
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 Merle
Haggard - Working Man's Journey
By: Jim Moulton
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store presents Merle Haggard's new
CD titled Working Man's Journey...
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 Crystal
Sands - CMA Fest Encore 2007
By Cheryl Harvey Hill
When country music singer/song writer Crystal Sands
made her way to Nashville to attend the CMA Fest (aka
"Fan Fair") in 2006, things were a little different...
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 Ricky
Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
By: Jim Moulton
This was a very highly anticipated disc for me. I love both of
these guys. They both obviously love what they do and it comes
out in their music...
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 John
Berry - HITS
By: Jolene Downs
John Berry has released an album from Clear Sky Records
called HITS...
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 Jason
Aldean - Relentless
By: Brianna Nightingale
With relatable lyrics, exciting harmonies and a definitive
voice, Jason Aldean is back for round two. After both of
his debut album’s hits ...
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 Marshall
Tucker - Where We All Belong (Remastered)
By: Jim Moulton
Well, another great southern rock band with more country
influences than any other is doing a great thing (ala - Grateful
Dead), they are remastering their great seventies studio discs
and adding bonus material...
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 Honkytonk
Hitman - Shake That Twang
By: Nora Mayor
When it comes to country music there is a wide variety of
artist styles to choose from. You can either stay with your
every day signed artists or you can stray off the beaten path
and listen to some of the wonderful Indie talent is out there...
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 Donna
Hughes - Gaining Wisdom
By: Jim Moulton
Listening to Donna Hughes is like smelling sweet honeysuckle
or listening to the sound of a clear mountain stream. Hughes
vocals are plain refreshing...
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 42nd
Annual Academy Of Country Music Awards Highlights
By Jim Moulton
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 Carrie
Hassler and Hard Rain
By: Jim Moulton
I really am glad that I got this CD because she really
impressed me from song one. There is so much good stuff going on
in Bluegrass today...
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 Shevy
Smith at Monmouth College
By: Brianna
Nightingale
When I learned that Shevy Smith was going to perform at
Monmouth College just half an hour from me, I knew I had to
attend her concert...
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 Serena
Ryder
If Your Memory Serves You Well
By: Jim Moulton
Twenty Four year old Serena Ryder sounds like a much older
and seasoned singer. Her vocals are charged with emotion and
confidence...
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 Joe
Nichols Concert Review
By Cheryl Harvey Hill
No one seems immune to his talent and charisma. His stage
presence is so commanding that he doesn't need to resort to
pyrotechnics or special visual effects to get attention ...
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 Lisa
Montes - Wildfire
By: George Peden
Texas born Lisa Montes is a determined and talented singer and
songwriter. She’s a smart one too! Following the moves of many
aspiring country independents, publicists and labels...
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 Maggie
Austin - Georgia Clay Road
By: Jim Moulton
I reviewed Austin's six song EP a couple of years ago and was
quite impressed at her maturity and vocal prowess...
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 Patty
Griffin Children Running Through
By: Jim Moulton
Patty Griffin is probably known more for songs that she has
written for other artists than her own recordings but she has
definitely been around...
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 Mike
Lounibos - Planet California
By: George Peden
Californian Mike Lounibos has just released his second CD. No
big deal. In Nashville, where Lounibos spends most of his time,
the recording studios are into overtime rates with the number of
hopefuls laying down tomorrow’s music today...
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 WKDF
Birthday Bash
By: Nora Mayor
The annual 103 WKDF Birthday Bash took place at the Gaylord
Entertainment Center in downtown Nashville on Sunday April 1st.
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 John
Prine and Mac Wiseman - Standard Songs For Average People
By: Jim Moulton
Oh Boy Records is releasing this collaboration titled Standard
Songs For Average People at the end of the month...
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 Strait,
Milsap And Swift - Not A Law Firm, An Awesome Concert
By: Jolene Downs
George Strait is a true phenomenon. He holds the record for the
most number one hits and he's still going. His shows sell out
coliseums and stadiums with no problem, and his fans just can't
get enough...
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 Amie
Comeaux - Memories Left Behind
By: George Peden
When 21-year old Amie Comeaux went to God on December 21,
1997, after a wet road accident near her Baton Rouge, Louisiana
home, many mourned the loss as senseless and tragic...
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 Marketing
Your Music 101.2
By Jim Weaver
Recognizing when change is happening in any industry is
essential to staying on top...
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 Tammy
Cochran – Where I Am
By Pepper Grayson
Two words: Girl Power! You
may ask why you haven’t heard much new from Tammy Cochran in a
few years...
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 Rachel
Rivero - California Country: Big Valley
By: George Peden
Californian Rachel Rivero has released, (on her own label,
Gitana Music) an extended play of five self-written tunes. For
this single mom of five, the EP is the reward of years of effort
and ambition...
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 Jerry
Douglas - Americana Master Series:
Best of the Sugar Hill Years
By: Jim Moulton
Dobro and Jerry Douglas are two words that just go together.
You would have trouble finding a better player...
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 Kenny
Chesney: Everyday Superstar
By Holly Gleason
In a knit cap, a pair of baggy khakis and a gray
sweatshirt, the young man looks like any 20-something frat boy
who’s making his way in the world...
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 Con
Hunley -
Shoot From The Heart is Hunley's latest CD. Our
own Penny Rondinella gives you the scoop.
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 Lacy
Younger's debut CD titled Still Wild is on
the shelves in April. Brianna Nightingale gives a preview
right now.
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 Madonna
Tassi - Man of My Dreams, out on IMMI
Records, is a showcase of the new and familiar for this talented
Canadian...
By George Peden
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2006
- WOW, What A Year!
By Jim Weaver
Here we are, two full months into 2007 and I finally finish up
my thoughts on '06. CountryStarsOnline.com has had one
phenomenal year...
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 The
Greencards new CD titled Viridian, will be in
stores soon. Jim Moulton has a first look at the latest
offering from this Newgrass combo.
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 Being
George Strait
By Phyllis Stark
From sophisticated Western swing and clever barroom anthems
to sawdust two-steppers and smoky neon ballads, It Just Comes
Natural...
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 Burrito
Deluxe is set to release their keenly awaited follow-up
to The Whole Enchilada. George Peden has a look
into Disciples of the Truth.
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 Stephen
Temple
Jim Moulton checks out this Alt-Country debut EP titled, You
Are.
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 John
Starling and Carolina Star
Slidin' Home in stores 2/20.
By Jim Moulton
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 Natalie
Stovall debuts with Late Night Conversations.
By Penny Rondinella
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 Crystal
Sands
Amy Ross reviews this as yet untitled debut CD.
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 Miss
Leslie & Her Juke-Jointers: Honky Tonk Happy Hour
Check out this live recording review
by George Peden.
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 Allman
Brothers Band: Eat A Peach Deluxe Edition.
Review By: Jim Moulton
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 Shane
Yellowbird:
Life Is Calling My Name
Review By: Amy Ross
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 903
Music Aims to be Artists’ Missing Link
By Edward Morris
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 Trent
Summar & The New Row Mob - Horseshoes & Hand
Grenades
By: George Peden
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 Cadillac
Sky's new CD, Blind Man Walking, is in
stores this week. Jim Moulton has a preview.
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The
Year In Country Music:
Country Music Remained Steady In 2006
By CMA Communications
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 Two
Tons Of Steel: Live From Gruene Hall DVD/CD combo
is available now. George Peden has more.
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 70s
Rock Influence on Todays Country Music
Jim Moulton tells us
about two great CD's you might want to pick up from the Marshall
Tucker Band and the Grateful Dead.
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 Carolina
Rain - Weather The Storm
Penny Rondinella see sunny skies ahead for Equity Music band.
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 Sound
& Speed: NASCAR And Country Music Come
Together For Charity This Weekend!
By Jolene
Downs
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On
The Verge: The 2007 Indie Artist Watch
By Jim Weaver
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The
Year That Was... Almost
By George Peden
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In
Closing, The Best Of '06
By: Jim Moulton
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