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.

Attention Real Country Music Fans: We Are Winning

      Anyone who knows anything about country music knows that there is a longstanding and intense war being waged for the soul of country music. Tradition and fortune are at odds seemingly every day now. Traditionalists are fighting to keep country music rooted in the history that made the genre great, while moving forward to new heights. Mainstream country wants to make as much money as possible, while turning country music into a rock/rap/pop hybrid, citing claims of “evolution” and “progress”. While the fight has looked bleak for the true fans like me, the tides have turned. Not only are we making headway, I would go as far to say that right now we are winning the fight for country music.

The 10 Best Albums of 2014

     Writing a great song is no minor feat.  It takes skill, determination, and talent to write a country song that moves people.  It is an even greater feat to write an entire album worth of great songs.  That's what these 10 artists did.  These 10 albums represent the best of country music in 2014.  From throwback records to "metamodern sounds", all facets of country music are covered here. Keep It Country Kids proudly presents the 10 Best Albums of 2014.

Haters, Evolution, and Chinese Food

This is what Hank thinks of your silly arguments

      With the latest albums by Jason Aldean, Chase Rice, and Florida-Georgia Line drawing heavy amounts of criticism despite topping the charts, the bro-country supporters have been out in full blast, defending their music ad nauseam. They make claims of “evolution” and “if you don’t like it, don’t listen to it” and of course, the “country music doesn’t have to just be about lost dogs, lost wives, and broken-down trucks” argument. If you dare to share your opinion on the music, you get called a bully, an old man, or “close-minded”. There are so many accusations and proclamations with absolutely no truth and value in them that it can be very frustrating to even talk to these people. So, I’ve decided to deconstruct all of the tired, old arguments that the bro-country defenders drag in one all-encompassing post: Haters, Evolution, and Chinese Food.

Sturgill Simpson "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music" Album Review

      Sturgill Simpson has gone from relative unknown to the hottest thing in underground country in just two short years.  The rise of Sturgill can be primarily attributed to two things: his flawless voice and stellar songwriting.  It's funny that in a world so obsessed with find the next big thing and the next hot sound, they forget that writing excellent songs and singing them really well is still the universal language that all music fans can understand.  That's what Sturgill does.  While his stellar debut High Top Mountain was a throwback to his musical upbringing, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music is all about the future.  With Sturgill Simpson at the mic, the future of country music is in good hands.

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.

Sturgill Simpson "High Top Mountain" Album Review

     Once in a while, a country album comes out that makes you stop in your tracks and just listen.  Sturgill Simpson has come through with his new release, High Top Mountain.  The old school driving honky tonk sound is alive and well with this collection of tunes.  If you really love country music, and I mean real, hardcore, punch you in the belly and rip out your heart country music, you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t own this album.