"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.

Shooter Jennings "Nashville From Afar" Single Review

     “Shooter Jennings isn’t a fan of the Nashville system” would be a strong contender for most obvious headline of the year. Shooter has made no secret of his disdain for the mainstream country scene that his legendary father once called home. He’s recorded anti-establishment songs like “Solid Country Gold “and “Outlaw You” , and has been a constant reminder of the crooked and devious ways of the suits in Music City. Shooter is at it again with his new single “Nashville From Afar”. I’m sure the song won’t get much attention outside of the underground world; this is a song the rest of country music needs to hear. Shooter tells it like it is and makes a strong case against the powers that be.

10 Best Songs Of 2013

     Country music is all about three chords and the truth.  While the genre has grown and changed over the years, the whole thing still revolves around a song.  Fame is great, awards are awesome, music videos and tours are cool.. but none of that matters without the song.  Words and chords strung together to help you relate and feel something.  we had some great ones, and here are the ones that 2013 will be remembered for.

10 Best Albums of 2013

     Writing a great song is a work of art, but creating an entire album of great songs is a much tougher task.  2013 saw its fair share of great albums from many of country's biggest stars and hottest up and comers.  As a new website, I only included 5 albums last year.  This year, the list has been extended to 10.  In all honesty, it could have been many more.  Without further ado, here are the Keep It Country Kids Top 10 Albums of the Year.

5 Artists You Need To Be Listening To Part 2

     Earlier this year, I posted 5 artists you need to be listening to, even if they are outside of the mainstream and public eye.  There are tons of artists that you may not have heard of that are producing great music and keeping country strong.  For this list, I'm touching on some artists with a little bit bigger of a following.  You very well may have heard of these artists already, but this is an opportunity to dig deeper and see what they have to offer. If you are burned out by the same old same old on the radio, check some of these artists out!

Shooter Jennings "The Other Life" Album Review

     After releasing Family Man in 2012, Shooter is right back at in 2013 with The Other Life.  Shooter dabbled in progressive rock and roll, and made big return to country with two albums in back to back years.  Family Man was strong, placing in my Top 5 Albums of the Year for 2012.  Is The Other Life just as strong?

The 5 Best Albums of 2012

     As we continue to look back at all that was 2012, we move on to the albums list.  Writing a great song is a great feat.  Writing a full album of great songs is a whole nother story.  A great album front to back is a rare accomplishment in country music today, but this year featured some great ones.  Who comes away with the Keep It Country Kids Album of the Year?

The 10 Best Songs of 2012

2012 has come and almost gone.  Now, it's time to look back on the best and worst of the year.  First, we will look at the 10 best songs, followed by the Top 5 albums and the Worst 5 songs of the year.  The songs chosen for this list were either tracks on albums released in 2012, or a single released in 2012.  Who walks away with the best song of the year????