The Turnpike Troubadours Album Review

     If I had to perfectly define country music evolution, I wouldn’t have to look much further than The Turnpike Troubadours. While stars in Nashville use the term to justify the fact that their music is anything but country, The Turnpike Troubadours quietly provide an excellent example of it. Their latest, self-titled album falls right in line with their previous efforts. The group shows growth and maturity while sticking firmly to their roots. Making this album self-titled was an excellent decision, because with it we get a perfect musical picture of who The Turnpike Troubadours are and what they are all about.

Cam "Burning House" Single Review



      Country radio has a female problem. This isn’t breaking news or a shocking development. Most country radio fans have realized for a while that if your name isn’t Miranda or Carrie, your chance at having a career at country radio is slim to none. Sure, Jana Kramer, Kacey Musgraves, and Mickey Guyton have had hits here and there, but nothing substantial. Kacey couldn’t even turn multiple CMA wins into a radio career. This is where Cam enters. Cam is a west coast singer who started out as a songwriter. Her single “Burning House” is setting the charts on fire right now. Can Cam spin this into a string of hits and make a name for herself? That remains to be seen, but for now, we can enjoy one of the best songs at country radio right now: “Burning House”.

Lindi Ortega "Faded Gloryville" Album Review

     Imagine a smoky lounge in a rough end of town. Seedy characters file in and out while bluesy country music echoes down the alley from a dark haired singer. Her raspy voice cuts through the crowd noise and captivates the downtrodden souls searching for something. If you can imagine that scenario, you’ve pictured the perfect visual representation of Faded Gloryville, the new album from Lindi Ortega. This Canadian-born beauty has been wowing Nashville honkytonks and collecting endless praise from critics since her career began, and this album falls right into that line. Faded Gloryville is a mix of country and blues that is a sonic treat for the broken-hearted.

The Band Perry "Live Forever" Single Review

     The Band Perry has been a pretty decent bright spot in the country music world the past few years.  Songs like "Better Dig Two" and "All My Life" were unique and fresh.  "Gentle On My Mind" was a great cover of a classic and a gutsy single release.  Of course, "If I Die Young" is a modern classic, one of the last truly great songs to be released to radio before the onslaught of crap took over.  Throw that out the window.  The Band Perry took any shred of credibility they had and chucked it out the window in favor of a generic pop train wreck.  "Live Forever" is pathetic, worthless, soul crushing garbage that qualifies as audio torture.