Alive Again

Hi there,

Yes... it certainly has been awhile since I have posted. There many reasons that I'm sure in the coming days and weeks I will discuss. The biggest though has been my schedule. It has really been hectic these past few months, and still is in a lot of ways. However, I am feeling a routine coming, finally.

A second reason, probably a result of the hectic schedule and all, the passion to write wasn't there. Pretty simple. Last week though, I noticed that I really do miss it and have made my inner pledge to get back into something I really enjoy... writing this blog and running my website that go hand and hand with one another. In fact the creative juices in my mind started to flow again last night. The gerbil is back on the wheel, if you will.. ha!

With that said, I am first and foremost interested in a total overhaul of the website first and foremost. I have thought about it and did some research into my stats, which everyday still amazes me how many people visit and from where they come from. I've decided that the website itself needs help.. a lot. So, in the coming days and weeks, that will have what I hope to be a new fresh look. Less features, but more impact on the features you all want to see and use.

There so many websites out there these days on country music that the material, is well, basically the same. You can go to those sites for the details and such. I want to be your starting block. That goes back to the core feel of Country Music Alive, to promote country music in a positive way and bring more fans into a music that I dearly love. What will be on the new website? What will it look like? Your guess is good as mine... I am thinking through writing right now. I have ideas, I have a few visions.. but no visual plan yet.

I do know the blog isn't going anywhere, nor is the Twitter feed, nor the website, and I am to the point now I can't wait to get started and stop typing here... so I will stop.

I will keep you updated on its progress and can't wait to see the finished product.

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Country Music New Release Update

Country Music Alive's New Album Release Calendar has been released. It is probably the most comprehensive list of new releases available that are official and available as of this posting.

To visit the list, follow this link:
http://www.countrymusicalive.com/albums/releases.php

Amazon's 50 for $5

50 Albums for $5

These days, any kind of deal certainly comes in handy. For the music lover, Amazon.com makes available 50 albums available for download for $5. Pretty cool. It seems to change each month.

3 of the 50 are indeed country albums, and each of them are worth buying at this price hands down.

• Dolly Parton "Backwoods Barbie"
• Jamey Johnson "That Lonseome Song"
• Kenny Rogers "The Gambler"

Wow, what a list to be able to get at this price... it is really amazing, because ech and everyone is worth so very much than that in quality. These are just any albums.

Check them out!

Taylor Hicks Tries Country Crossover? - The Boot

Taylor Hicks Tries Country Crossover? - The Boot

Alright. This news is exactly what I find wrong with country music these days.

Taylor Hicks couldn't make it in pop scene after his American Idol success, and currently is playing a role in a theater play of "Grease" out on the West Coast. His first album sold double platinum, which is great. But, honestly, we haven't heard much about him in a good while. He does have a new album out and a single from it has made it to #22 on the AC/Pop chart. His 15 minutes of fame should be be out of snooze button pushes. But, not so fast.

Taylor Hicks is now ready for country radio. Yes, you read that right, and you probably know good and well where I am going with this. I have a problem with this. Big time. Yes, I think he is talented, and enjoyed watching that season of American Idol because of him. That was the last season I actually paid attention to, in fact. Thinking back on his performances and his influences, I don't really think he mentioned country music that much. Influences on his music include Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, and Steve Winwood for example. Um, not really country to me. Yes, great artists, no doubt, but not country. He is from Alabama, but that doesn't mean a thing either.

So, why in the world did he think a country single was the way to go? I have no idea. His website even calls it a re-mix version going to country radio. Now, that's an oxymoron if I've ever heard it. "remix" and "country" doesn't ever make me want to listen to it. 99.9% of the time, its not going to be traditional or even pop country, nor any good to listen to for that matter.

Here is yet another example of someone that made a decision to head to country music if you can't make it in pop. Just maybe one day those decision makers will understand the true difficulty and the natural passion that the skill to be a country music artist takes. Country music is not a dumping ground, its a style of music that takes a certain level of love, skill in delivery of a story in song of real-life. Not a style that just anyone can produce well just as a genre to come into to try to make a buck. Plus, if you have made it in the top 25 on the Adult Contemporary/Pop chart, why would you want to try another genre? I think that's pretty good myself.

Under the article on "The Boot" I see comments about this being a country song to them, well, I've listened to it, and I certainly don't hear it.

I just hope that country radio wakes up and decides not to add the song to the play list, and take notice, for once, that someone that isn't country, doesn't belong on country radio. However, I have a feeling we will be hearing it in no time.

The Oak Ridge Boys on QVC

Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban, and Duane Allen, better known as The Oak Ridge Boys make up one of the finest American vocal groups ever. No, you don't hear about them as much as we should, but they are still touring and better yet, still producing country music.

In fact tomorrow night, The Oak Ridge Boys are scheduled to make their QVC debut Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 PM (ET) during a special QVC Presents The Oak Ridge Boys Qsessions Live show. The group will perform a selection of songs from their from their newest release ‘The Boys Are Back’ from Spring Hill Music Group.

The album is set to go on sale May 19, 2009 everywhere. QVC will be offering a package that includes an additional 5-track bonus and will be available April 29 for order.

Win A Copy of "Naked Willie"

Win A Copy of "Naked Willie"

How To Enter:
Send an email to contest@countrymusicalive.com no later than 12:00pm EST on May 1, 2009. The email subject should be "naked willie" and include your name and city/state. Only one entry per-person. No exceptions and multiple entries will void all entries.

How To Win:
A winner will be picked at random after 12:00pm EST May 1,2009 and will be notified by email to provide full mailing address. You will have 2 days to respond before another entry will be selected.

"Naked Willie" is available in stores and online now from RCA Nashville/Legacy Records.

Willie Nelson "Naked"

Willie Nelson has released countless albums, almost literally. He is a master of the pen, the vocal delivery of a country song, and music in general. Anything he touches his distinct vocals to turn into history immediately and adored by the country music community. His newest release, “Naked Willie,” is no exception to this thought. This album is something special, indeed. You see, when Nelson began his career in 1964 with RCA, he didn’t have total control over how his music was recorded. He had to rely on the decisions of his upper management. So what was produced was great music, however, not exactly how Nelson would have wanted it… it was called “The Nashville Sound” back then. It was pioneered by the legendary Chet Atkins, among others at RCA that had a slick sound to it… with background vocals and lots of string musicians. Now, its 2009… Nelson is an icon of music in general and let’s face it; he can record what he wants, when he wants, and exactly how he wants.

On “Naked Willie,” Nelson takes a collection of seventeen songs from 1966-1970 and were re-mixed to the way Nelson would have wanted to record them… well, naked. No overpowering strings or backup singers…just Nelson, the lyrics, and the music shining through.


Below this posting, you will find 2 Amazon MP3 players. One is just a few original recordings of the songs that appear on “Naked Willie.” The second player is of this new album. Just listen to the amazing difference… both good, “Naked Willie” just more special, no doubt.


This album is a relaxing, enjoyable listen right from the start. The very first track, “Bring Me Sunshine,” had me snapping along as Nelson’s voice clearly fills the air. Each track reminds you sharply how distinctive Nelson’s vocals are. Take a listen to “I’m A Memory” in your own Nelson collection or a clip on Amazon, I-tunes, etc. and then play this version. The new re-mastered version has a whole new feel to it. This album is really an education on music. It teaches us how even slight changes to a song, keeping the same vocal talent and lyrics can change the feel of the song totally. Toning down the instrumentation and letting a vocal shine just is so enjoyable, especially vocal of Nelson.


Among the great music that is served “naked” on this album, the booklet in itself is worth picking up the CD, as long as you can get over the mild shock of a Willie Nelson in a bathtub. Let’s just thank God for bubble baths. However, the writing in the booklet is a wonderful read about Nelson’s career and how this album came along. It is worth reading, most definitely.


From the die-hard fan of Nelson to the just general music lover, you will enjoy every moment of Willie... “naked.”

Enter To Win The Bocephus Bailout Package

Every now and then, I find a contest to enter that actually seems like something worth taking the time to enter. Boy, have I found it this time.

First and foremost, take a listen to te single from Hank Williams Jr. "Red White & Pink-Slip Blues." Amazing song, wow. I'm sure I'll be writing more about this one soon.... just maybe another classic Hank Jr. song in the making right before your eyes (well, ears.)

Once you are blown away by the song, take a minute and enter the contest...

The Bocephus Bailout Package includes:

• $1,000 Spending money
• Plus an additional $1,500 toward airfare & hotel
• Winner plus one guest:
  - Premium seats to the concert
  - Meet & greet with Hank Jr backstage
• One Limited Edition Collector’s Tin featuring three
  classic CDs
  - Family Tradition
  - Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound
  - The Pressure Is On
• One Limited Edition Monday Night Football Guitar
• One autographed copy of the brand new single, “RED WHITE & PINK-SLIP BLUES"

One entry per signup via the Bocephus Bailout website between the sweepstakes dates as indicated above. No purchase necessary to enter. To enter via mail, send in a 3x5 postcard complete with name, address, phone number, and email to:

Curb Records, Inc.
ATTN: BOCEPHUS BAILOUT
48 Music Square E.
Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Visit: http://www.bocephusbailout.com/ for complete rules and much more information...

Dan Seals 1948-2009

As I was looking through my emails and such from the past weeks, as I got toward the end I found a news piece that stopped me. Dan Seals died on March 25, 2009 at the age of 61 years old from lymphoma.

Shortly after high school years, I found his album "In A Quiet Room" that to this day is still one of my favorite albums. I can remember singing all the songs on that CD over and over. The album is an acoustic styled album from Seals. It includes a lot of his hits such as "Bop," "Big Wheels in the Moonlight," "Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)" and "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" (which was a pop hit for him as a member of a pop duo.

I will miss him for sure, but never will forget his music, that is for sure. I'm sure some of you have not heard his name before, but I imagine at some point you have heard his music, especially "Bop" that he won a CMA for in 1986, as well as his other number one hits. If you still don't remember him, I certainly suggest you seek his music out and enjoy what you hear.

Feel free to leave your thoughts on Dan Seals on the blog and take a moment to listen to his great talents in memory of this wonderful artist. Below, you will find an Amazon player to listen to clips.

Dan Seals, dead at age 61.