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!