Courtney Patton "So This Is Life" Album Review

     Earlier this year, we were treated to a fantastic release by singer-songwriter Courtney Patton.  So This Is Life is a stellar collection of songs that bring back the simple story-telling that country music purists long for.  Much in the vein of Brandy Clark's 12 Stories, Courtney's new album has stirring commentary from a female perspective presented in a frank and casual manner.  If you are longing for some good old fashioned stories, this is the album for you.

Ashley Monroe "The Blade" Album Review

     If there has ever been an artist just knocking at the door of super-stardom, its Ashley Monroe.  This girl has got talent that blows you away and the looks to match.  She can write a song with wit and heart and own a room with those same skills.  It is an absolute travesty that she isn't on par with the Miranda Lamberts and Carrie Underwoods of the world.  With her latest release, The Blade, Ashley makes a few blatant attempts to crack into that world, but still remains rooted in the sound that we love from her.  The Blade is a mixed bag, but there is more good than bad and certainly a great album to give a listen to.

Jason Isbell "Something More Than Free" Album Review

     Jason Isbell, former member of the Drive-By Truckers, recently released his latest album Something More Than Free.  Jason Isbell has been building up quite a reputation as one of the best songwriters in the business.  Each of Jason's songs tend to feature vivid imagery, exquisite story-telling, and intelligent musings on the world.  Something More Than Free is album for the working man who is also a deep thinker.  It is about making a living, overcoming demons, and living life.  It also comes across as very personal, and that's what males it so great.

Turnpike Troubadours "Down Here" Single Review

     Back in 2012, I decided I wanted to start a country music blog.  I was inspired by some other great websites, but mostly I was inspired because I wanted to tell my friends about the great country music they were missing.  At the forefront of those thoughts were the Turnpike Troubadours.  These guys have been doing absolutely everything right in country music, and this site was a way to tell people about them and so many others.  So if you love (or hate) my ramblings, you can thank (or blame) these guys for a large part of the inspiration behind it.  Well, finally, the guys have released some music and I can review it.  "Down Here" is the lead single from their self-titled album due out in September. As usual, "Down Here" finds the guys making great country music that is fresh and fun.

Alan Jackson "Angels & Alcohol" Album Review

     At this point, Alan Jackson needs no introduction.  The man is a living legend in country music.  He has proved over and over that traditional country can be cool and can be relevant.  After dabbling in bluegrass for his last album, Alan is back in the country format for his latest release, Angels & Alcohol.  A review of this album is hardly necessary.  It is Alan Jackson.  He doesn't know how to make bad music.  But, I will still share some thoughts on this new album, which fits right in the Alan Jackson discography as a solid and entertaining group of tunes.