Eric Church "Caught In The Act" Album Review

     Eric Church has completely blown up the past two years.  Eric went from low-level opener to headlining superstar virtually overnight.  To celebrate that huge jump, Eric has released Caught In The Act, a full length live album, recorded in Chattanooga, Tennessee during his Blood, Sweat, and Beers tour.  Eric’s live shows pack serious punch, but could that raw energy transfer to an album?

Waylon Wednesday "This Time"

     It's been awhile since my first "Waylon Wednesday", work will do that to ya... But finally it's back!  This week is a live performance of "This Time", featuring some sweet guitar picking and the rough and powerful vocals we come to expect from ol' hoss.  I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did!

Brad Paisley "Wheelhouse" Album Review

     Brad Paisley has just released his new album Wheelhouse.  Brad certainly goes outside his wheelhouse on this one, sitting in the producers chair for the first time and hitting some touchy subjects like racism, spousal abuse, and religion.  At the same time, Brad's wheelhouse is combining traditional country sounds with hot guitar licks, witty lyrics, and southern charm. On the surface, Wheelhouse is typical Brad.  Dig deeper, and it's so much more.

2013 ACM Awards: Who SHOULD Win and Who WILL Win

     This Sunday, the Academy of Country Music will hand out their awards for 2013.  Eric Church leads the way with 7 nominees, followed by Hunter Hayes with 6, and Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift with 5 a piece.  Blake Shelton returns to host, with Luke Bryan taking over the female co-host role for Reba.  How fitting.  All kidding aside, it does say something about the current state of country music that two males are co-hosting.  Despite recent pushes from the ladies like Miranda, Carrie, and Taylor, and huge albums this year from Holly Williams, Kacey Musgraves, and Ashley Monroe, it's still a male dominated world.  Anyway, I always have considered the ACMs important, but not as legit as the CMAs.  An award is an award, but this show is always second fiddle in my book.  On with the nominees!!!

Blake Shelton "Based On A True Story..." Album Review

     Reining CMA Entertainer of the Year Blake Shelton has released his new album, Based On A True Story... this week.  Blake has faced heavy scrutiny of late with his comments on classic country fans, and has seen unprecedented levels of success with his role as a judge on The Voice.  Blake has had an up and down year, and this album has been much anticipated by people on both sides of the country fence, for very different reasons.

Ashley Monroe "Like A Rose" Album Review

     

     Ashley Monroe might be better known for her work in the all girl super-group the Pistol Annies, but she sets out to prove she can hold her own on her latest album Like A Rose.  Stepping out and making a solo record is risky but rewarding move.  How did it work out for Ashley?

Holly Williams "The Highway" Album Review

     Holly Williams is a singer/songwriter who comes from some very solid stock.  As the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr., the half-sister of Hank Williams III, and the granddaughter of the late great Hank Williams, she has some pretty big shoes to fill.  But lineage means nothing if you can't back it up on your own.  Holly Williams has put out a record that does the Williams family proud and stands on its own two feet as a solid piece of country artwork.

Throwback Thursdays: Lefty Frizzell

     This week's Throwback Thursday features Lefty Frizzell doing a few of his biggest hits, "If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)" and "Saginaw, Michigan".  Enjoy the sounds of one of the greatest voices in country music history!!

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?

Random Radio 5-Spot

     A new feature here on Keep It Country Kids is the Random Radio 5-Spot.  In this feature, I will select a local country station and listen to the first 5 songs that come on.  Regardless of relevance or impact, I will do a quick review of those 5 songs.  It could be the 5 newest hits, could be during the classic hour, could be anything in between! Enjoy!