Remembering Guy Clark

      In what continues to be a rough year for the music industry, another legend has passed away. Country music singer and masterful songwriter Guy Clark has passed away at the age of 74. While many of the deaths in 2016 have been high profile artists whose names are up in lights at the main marque, Guy Clark was one that wasn’t as common of a household name. However, his impact was no less on country music and he will be just as sorely missed.

Florida-Georgia Line "H.O.L.Y." Single Review

     There are a few things in life you can be sure of. The sun will come up in the morning, a politician will lie, and Florida-Georgia Line will put out a terrible song. Once again, the two biggest jokes of the genre have paired up to release another subpar, paint-by-numbers monstrosity that offends the ears of any sound-minded individual. The ambitiously titled “H.O.L.Y.” wants you to think it is a Contemporary Christian power ballad, but it is once again a farce. If there is one thing these meatheads are good at, it is pandering to the lowest common denominators of a genre in order to milk it for maximum profit. “H.O.L.Y.” is religious all right, but it is more aligned with hellfire and plagues rather than goodness and glory.

Tim McGraw "Humble And Kind" Single Review

     Tim McGraw has taken an unlikely role as the go-to guy for real country on the radio. During the mid 2000’s, he was one of the ones to draw the ire of most traditional fans. When he released “Truck Yeah”, he was squarely in the crossfires. However, after a string of strong singles, Tim has been quite the torch bearer for music of substance. His latest single, “Humble And Kind”, is no different. Once again Tim has released a great single to radio and had it perform well.

"Southern Family" Album Review

     When the Dave Cobb produced compilation Southern Family was first announced, I was expecting an album of Southern songs by a family of artists. This album title was chosen well, however, as both aspects of the title are front and center. The music is distinctly southern. The theme is distinctly family-oriented. This album takes different points of view and explores various aspects of the family dynamic. From the first note to the closing, this album takes you back to your youth and creates an introspective glance at what makes a family. This is what a concept album is supposed to look like.

Eric Church "Record Year" Single Review

     Eric Church is at it again, releasing another great single to radio. His latest hit is “Record Year”, a well written sad song about the healing power of music. When Eric Church surprised everyone with an unannounced album drop last fall, many great songs were included. Right off the bat, this was the one I wanted to see released as a single. It has the “it factor”. “Record Year” continues Eric Church’s string of great songs and builds on his already impressive resume.

Sturgill Simpson "A Sailor's Guide To Earth" Album Review

     Well, this is something. Ever since Sturgill Simpson signed his first major label contract with Atlantic Records, the country music world has been itching to hear the fruits of the pairing. Today we finally have our answer with his third solo album, A Sailor’s Guide To Earth. As can now be expected with Sturgill, this album takes significant risks and shows a cosmic shift in sound from his previous release. This album may overstep the bounds of country, but it still is great music nonetheless.

Margo Price "Midwest Farmer's Daughter" Album Review

     The “Chris Stapleton effect” is being felt in Nashville. After the longtime songwriter swept award season and conquered the sales charts, labels seem to be looking for the next big traditional country star. Fortunately, there is a healthy crop of great artists to pick from. Case-in-point is Margo Price. Margo has been around Nashville for over a decade, and even counted Kenny Vaughn and Sturgill Simpson as past members of her band. Now, thanks partially to the timing of current trends, and partially to fantastic writing and singing, Margo finds herself in the catbird’s seat on her way to stardom. Her debut solo album, Midwest Farmer’s Daughter, is full of classic country and a real treat to listen to.

Remembering Merle Haggard

     Country music has suffered a devastating loss today, as country music icon Merle Haggard has passed away.  Merle was 79 years old.  Merle was a giant of the industry, piling up 38 number one hits and countless awards.  His music influenced many of the brightest stars in country music, and his resilient attitude inspired many others.  No doubt, he will be remembered as one of the greatest singers, songwriters, and performers to ever call country music home.

The 51st Annual ACM Awards: Who SHOULD Win And Who WILL Win

     Tonight is the 51st showing of the Academy of Country Music Awards.  The Academy was originally started to give recognition to non-Nashville artists like Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, but has since evolved into to the same boot-licking parade that the CMA Awards seem to be.  There is already an overcrowded amount of award shows in country music, so the weight of these accomplishments is significantly diminished.  The CMA Awards will always be the most prestigious and most meaningful, and the ACM Awards have settled into their number two spot.  This year, Luke Bryan returns to co-host. However, his former co-host Blake Shelton has been replaced with Dierks Bentley.  In all honesty, Luke was the one who needed replaced.  He lacks the charisma for a live event that came natural for Blake.  It will be interesting to see how Dierks handles the challenge.  There are a slew of performances this year, even more than usual.  The usual suspects such as Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Florida-Georgia Line will perform.  New artists such as Chris Stapelton, Kelsea Ballerini, and Cam will also perform.  Nick Jonas, Katy Perry, and Billy Gibbons of ZZTop will perform as well, because screw country music, that's why.  Although Katy Perry will be with Dolly Parton, so there is some hope there.  And ZZTop is awesome... but this is a country music award show.  Let's get to the picks for the night!

Remembering Joey Feek

     This is without a doubt the hardest post I have ever had to write.  After a long battle with cancer, Joey Feek has gone home to be with the Lord.  Joey has inspired so many people through her relentless faith through such trying times.  She was a beacon of hope for others in similar situations.  Furthermore, her husband Rory was a shining example of exactly what the vow "for better or worse" means.  We all learned a lot from these two.

5 Worst Songs of 2015

     My favorite part of the end of the year is getting to tell all of you about the best music of the year.  My least favorite part is having to point out the worst.  Alas, it is my duty as a self-appointed gatekeeper of country music to formally call out the biggest transgressions to our beloved genre.  This year saw the rise of the "metro-bro", Bruno Mars wannabe music.  At this point, pop-country radio will accept anything but authentic country music.  While there were plenty of turds to pick from, these five floated to the top of this miserable list.

The 10 Best Songs of 2015

     Country music as a genre has reached new heights, touched millions of lives, and made millions of dollars.  However, it is nothing without the song.  Without a song, Hank Williams would be just another country boy from Alabama, Johnny Cash would be another Air Force recruit, and Loretta Lynn would be another girl from the holler in Kentucky.  In 2015, we had some great additions to the already illustrious list of music in country history.  While breaking down the best of the bunch was a tough task, it had to be done.  Keep It Country, Kids proudly presents the 10 Best Songs Of 2015.

The 10 Best Albums of 2015

      As the sun sets on 2015, the inevitable "Best Of 2015" lists begin to appear.  2015 saw some great albums from big names in both the mainstream and independent country worlds.  Making a full album of great songs is still a major accomplishment.  While much of the music industry is seeming to move away from the album format, these artists still make a full collection of songs that matter.  These are your ten best albums of 2015.

Tim McGraw "Damn Country Music" Album Review

     In mainstream country music, few names hold as much clout as Tim McGraw. Tim has been a superstar since the mid 90’s, and while many of his fellow 90’s country acts are fading from the radio play and big tours, Tim’s star shines as bright as ever. I’ve made no secret in the past as to why this is. Tim McGraw is the best trend chaser in country music.  Tim has a song for the sound that is popular in the mainstream for each mini-era of his career. Line dancing? “Indian Outlaw”. Late 90’s slick, but traditional-leaning country? “Where The Green Grass Grows”. Over-produced 2000’s pop-country? “Live Like You Were Dying”. Bro-country? “Truck Yeah”. This push towards adult contemporary country? “Highway Don’t Care”. Tim is a master at keeping an ear to what’s popular and finding his own version of it to stay relevant. Whether that earns him your respect or disdain is your call. Now, with country at a crossroads, Tim has to make a stand. We are at a point where you either make your money standing your ground for traditional country or sell out 100% to make noise.  Not much in-between.  While Tim still tries to play both sides of the fence, I’m happy to say that Damn Country Music is much closer to the right side of things rather than the wrong.

Carrie Underwood "Storyteller" Album Review

     Carrie Underwood is the definition of a superstar. She is recognized worldwide, her concerts are worldwide sellouts, and her music is wide spread. When she releases an album, people pay attention. Carrie’s latest record, Storyteller, hit the market earlier this year. While country radio has been mostly a boys club the past few years, Carrie, along with her friend Miranda Lambert, has been able to break through the testosterone wall. Furthermore, she’s been able to do it with songs that have actual stories and meaningful lyrics. “Smoke Break” was a great first single to get the ball rolling, so does the rest of Storyteller keep up with the high expectations that we have for Carrie?

Chris Young "I'm Comin' Over" Album Review

     There once was time, not so long ago, that traditional country fans had a guy in the mainstream world that had a bright future. A deep voiced young man that sang actual country music that mattered. His name was Chris Young. He stacked up some huge hits that country fans resonated with. “The Man I Wanna Be”, “Neon”, “Voices”, “Drinking Me Lonely”, and “Tomorrow” were all big hits that made traditional country lovers’ spidey sense tingle. Somewhere along the way, that guy disappeared. The cowboy hat stopped showing up. The fiddle and steel were muffled. The lyrics became generic. The Chris Young of yesteryear is a distant memory now. With his latest release, Chris completes his journey from standout traditionalist to corporate shill. I’m Comin’ Over is bland, repetitive, and pointless.

Don Henley "Cass County" Album Review

     One of the biggest issues plaguing country music lately has been the ever growing amount of influences from other genres. This often comes in the form of musical stylings, but it also comes from outside artists as well. Sheryl Crow, Steven Tyler, Bon Jovi, Jessica Simpson, Brett Michaels, Uncle Kracker, and Kid Rock have all made attempts at country music in the past, with varying results. The latest to join the crossover brigade is Don Henley. You may recognize him as one of the founding members of The Eagles. You won’t find a more polarizing band in country music, or any genre for that example. Some people think The Eagles are honorary members of the country music world, as their sound always walked that line between country and rock. Others want to place most of the blame for the rock infused sound of today on bands like The Eagles. The truth probably lies somewhere between those two points. With all that being said, a lot of eyes were on Don when he announced his country album, Cass County. The good news is that Don took this seriously and created a labor of love for the genre. Cass County is as about as solid of a traditional country album you will hear in 2015 from the most unlikely of sources.

Jason Boland & The Stragglers "Squelch" Album Review

      Jason Boland and the Stragglers have been making real country music from the heart of Texas for quite some time now. Rather than waste time with pop fluff, these guys have doubled down on honky-tonkers and songs with weight and substance. The result is a sound that is instantly identifiable. With Jason’s latest album, Squelch, he and the Stragglers take a stand and make protest music that matters. Squelch is certainly a left turn from most of country music, but it is a welcome experience.

Eric Church "Mr. Misunderstood" Album Review

     The night of the CMA Awards, Eric Church dropped a surprise album titled Mr. Misunderstood.  After making an interesting-to-a-fault album in The Outsiders, the release of Mr. Misunderstood finds Eric back in his wheelhouse.  While most artists spend countless months prepping and analyzing every line on an album, Eric wrote, recorded, and shipped this album in a little under 3 months.  Members of his "Church Choir" fan club received free surprise copies the day of the release. Clearly, the roll-out of this album bucks any and all Nashville trends.  Thankfully, the music does as well. Mr. Misunderstood feels fresh, gritty, and unique.  This is Eric Church at his best.

George Strait "Cold Beer Conversation" Album Review

     There are a few things in earth that are constant: life, death, taxes, and George Strait.  No matter what the current trends and fads on the radio may be, you can always count on George Strait releasing great country music that is easy to listen to and staunchly traditional.  Cold Beer Conversation is no different.  This surprise album from George topped the charts among some solid competition.  It once again proves that being consistent and reliable is still marketable in country music.