Click to enter the At Home With Joey + Rory Sweepstakes.

"The Venus Embrace Your Voice Contest" with Taylor Swift

Friday, August 29, 2008


Taylor Swift and Venus Embrace razors have teamed up for a contest that the ladies may be interested in.
Visit the below link and then enter to win by calling a toll free phone number that is provided with a pass code to test out your karaoke skills for your entry. There are links if you perfer not to sing provided as well.
The grand prize is to see Taylor Swift perform in Nashville on October 17, backstage passes, and air/hotel included. 60 other prize winners will get A Taylor Swift Prize Pack consisting of an autographed Taylor Swift headshot, a Taylor Swift CD, a Venus Embrace Razor and SatinCare shave gel.
To enter visit:
Taylor Swift's sophmore album "Fearless" will be released November 11, 2008.

2008 42nd Annual CMA Awards Ticket Information

Thursday, August 28, 2008



Once again this year, The CMA Awards will allow the public to purchase tickets to attend.

Tickets for the 2008 CMA Awards will be on sale to the public beginning Friday, Sept. 19, at 10:00 AM/CT. The awards will be held Wednesday November 12, 2008 at 8pmEST on ABC.

It is only August, I know, but the CMA Awards preview sub-website of Country Music Alive will be available pretty soon. If you have followed my blog or website for over the yeard, you know much more coverage to come on this annual event.


The Chicago Country Music Festival

Country music festivals can be found all over this great country of ours. Yes, even outside of the South and of course Nashville. For example, Chicago, IL.


The Chicago Country Music Festival moves to the Soldier Field Parkland and will kick off a weekend full of music and activities beginning Saturday, October 11 through Sunday, October 12, 2008.

"This year the Chicago Country Music Festival has its own weekend and a new location at Soldier Field. As a fan of country, I feel that Chicago has one of the best country music gatherings outside of Nashville," said Mayor Richard M. Daley.

The Chicago Country Music Festival, once a part of the Taste of Chicago, celebrates its 18th year with concerts and this year becomes its own festival. There are three performance stages, a Kids’ Corral tent and a dance tent.

The list of performers include Gretchen Wilson and Taylor Swift this year, and best of all , admission is free.

If you live or can easily travel to Chicago area, this certainly sounds like an event to check out.
For More information visit: http://www.chicagocountrymusicfestival.us/

Main Stage
Saturday, October 11, 2008
1pm - The Randy Kohrs Band
3pm - Rissi Palmer
5pm - Luke Bryan
7pm - Gretchen Wilson
Sunday, October 12, 2008
1pm - TBA
3pm - TBA
5pm - Lady Antebellum
7pm - Taylor Swift

Americana Stage
Saturday, October 11, 2008
12pm - Devin & The Straights
2pm - The Freeway Rangers
4pm - Justin Townes Earle
6pm - Tift Merritt
8:30pm - Son Volt
Sunday, October 12, 2008
12pm - Sunnyside Up
2pm - Wade Bowen
4pm - Eli Young Band
6pm - Cross Canadian Ragweed

Best Buy Honky Tonk Stage
Saturday, October 11, 2008
12pm - Robbins & Wheeler
2pm - The Lawrence Peters Outfit
4pm - Yard Fulla Cars
6pm - Danny Everhart Band
8:30pm - TBA
Sunday, October 12, 2008
12pm - Megan Nicole
2pm - Jason Brown
4pm - Janesville
6pm - TBA

New Homepage on Country Music Alive

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

It has been a few days since I have posted, because I have been hard at work on a new homepage to the Country Music Alive website.

Take a moment and take a look!

http://www.countrymusicalive.com

Buddy Harman 1928-2008

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Buddy Harman died Thursday evening from congestive heart failure. He was 79 years old. Now, you may be saying.. who? Well, you may not know him by name, but you most certainly have heard his work.

Eddie Stubbs was quoted saying ""If anybody could be called the father of modern country drumming, it would be Buddy. He defined the role of the drums in country music. No matter the song, he knew what to play. More importantly, he knew what not to play. Always."

It is said that his drum playing has been recorded on more than 18,000 recordings. Among those songs were some of country music's greatest hits ever. Patsy Cline's "Crazy," Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire," Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man," Roger Miller's "King of the Road" and Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" are just a few examples of his drum work. Not including his work on some pop music such as "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Ray Orbinson and Elvis Presley's "Little Sister."

Oh yes, in 1959, he became The Grand Ole Opry's first staff drummer.

What an amazing musician, to say the least. I hope you will take the time to learn about his life in a little more detail today. Here are a few direct links:

Tennessean.com
Allmusic.com
Drummerworld.com
New York Times
Wikipedia.com

Quote from Eddie Stubbs from the Tennessean.com link above

The Opry Trust Fund

Friday, August 22, 2008

On occasion, I get asked if there is a charity that I support or that someone could support in direct relation to country music. The most known country music related charity is probably the Country Cares For St. Jude Kids. Eventhough it is an excellent choice, and I support, it doesn't impact the actual artists. The question I had was looking to impact the artists themselves.

There is most definitely one that supports the artists directly that are in need. The Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund mission is to help those in the country music industry when they need it the most, by offering financial assistance during their time of need. The Fund assists in many ways such as assistance with medical bills, rent or mortgage, utilities, food, and other related expenses. To be eligible for assistance, you must have been employed full time in the country music industry in some way.

This is the best way to impact country music directly in form of a charity. The Fund helps 25-35 individuals each and every year that are in need of assistance and has dispersed over $2 million since its inception in 1965.

If you would like to contribute to this important fund send your check or money order to:
The Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
(615) 316-6174

John Rich Supports McCain with a Free Download

Monday, August 18, 2008


John Rich these days is one of country music's most respected artists, songwriters, producers, and leaders in the industry. It feels like he is just about everywhere when it comes to country music.

He has has views on country music, and certainly doesn't mind sharing them. He also has his political view as well. He is supporting John McCain for President. He is supporting him so much that he has taken his talents and put them to work. Rich has written and recorded a song titled
"Raisin' McCain." He has also shot a video. That can be seen above or on his website.

You can download the song "Raisin' McCain" fore free, watch the video, and more from Rich's website: http://www.johnrich.com/

The website also has a place to signup for e-mail updates on John Rich, including his upcoming solo album.

Whoever you support, or don't, in the upcoming election, you can at least enjoy another song from Rich. I must say that publicly, I do not support neither candidate. I am here to share country music news, commentary, and things, not expression of politics. There plenty of other blogs and such for that, and comments related to political views will be rejected on this post.

The Biggest and Baddest Tour; Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Carter's Chord, Trailer Choir, and Mica Roberts

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Visit the website for much more information, including some video clips, links, future concert dates, a downloadable PDF, and much more information.

It’s summertime. Summertime in the Virginia Beach, Virginia area means hot, humidity, and yes, those signature thunderstorms. For The Biggest and Baddest Tour, this was no exception. Fortunately, with a show time of 7:30pm, the severe thunderstorm that barely surfaced around The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater made the trip into the venue a wet one. However, by the time the first song began, the storm had subsided to a gentle rain for the lawn seating. The rain may have subsided just before the show, but the excitement and the enjoyment of good country music became immense.


A few moments early, Becky, Emma, and Joanna Robertson, known as Carter’s Chord took center stage. With a very professional and eye catching stage presence, the audience instantly fell in love with their energetic conveyance of “When We Get There.” This song showed off that special harmony that only three sisters can deliver. It’s not often that a lesser-known opening act gets the full attention of the audience from their first note… Carter’s Chord did just that. With their second song, the audience was even singing along to their lead single “Different Breed.” Sadly, that second song was the last from Carter’s Chord, the audience was left wanting more. Immediately following Carter’s Chord performance, Mica Roberts took stage with a bit more of a rockin’ country sound that also delivered a two song set that included “Get You Some of That” and “My Boyfriend is Out of Town.” Though performed very well, the audience was not as interested, yet enjoyed her performance. Though, most will not remember her in the coming days. The final Show Dog Nashville Showcase of new artists, the comically entertaining, yet, highly talented Trailer Choir took stage. Immediately the crowd reacted to Big Vinny dancing on stage with Butter and Crystal. The humorous song “Beer Gut” had all of us laughing out loud, applauding and most importantly, wanting more.


Let’s put it this way… have you ever seen a 350lb. country boy do the splits or do the snake… well, check out this talented group. The humor of the group was entertaining and was on the same par as their actual music. Their final song and current single, “Off the Hillbilly Hook” brought the crowd in even more, and wanting more. Ending on their feet in applause and “hell yeah’s” could be heard all around. This was an excellent way to promote the great talent of Show Dog Nashville. This crowd may have been here for the two big name acts, but left the show as fans of the full Show Dog Nashville label…just with a twenty-five minute showcase.


After a short ten-minute wait, a slimmed down microphone-toting Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry came to stage behind a white sheet of flashing lights and crowd preparing sounds for a high-energy rocking show. Beginning with “The Big Revival” from their newest album, it was quickly followed by Montgomery screaming “are you ready to party..” flowing into the more recognized “Ever Stopped Loving Me.”


With his signature black frock coat, white shirt, and black hat pulled down, Montgomery mentioned that we live in the greatest country in the world where we can dream as big and we want to dream as the crowd rose to the anthem “Something to be Proud of” exhilarated the audience with something just a bit special. That special feeling continued with the powerhouse low vocal delivery of Montgomery on “Lucky Man” ending the song commenting “I wanna thank you God... Troy and I are very luck men.”


With the crowd very attentive the power of the show stepped up another notch with “Hell Yeah” with the crowd jumping up and down in tune to the lyrics and music loving every moment of the song. Troy had a chance to feature his great vocal work on the newest single “Roll with Me” followed by a couple verses of “Thank God I’m Country Boy” that got the crowd on its feet for “Hillbilly Shoes” and a chance to sing along on “My Town” which had Montgomery Gentry hyped up and loving every minute of their performance. Even though still full of energy, the forty-five minute set came to a conclusion with the appropriately selected song “Gone” that had Montgomery jumping around and fired up as they exited the stage from a very pleased crowd.


With just under a thirty-minute wait, the crowd was ready for what they had been waiting for; Toby Keith. The lights went down, and a five minute video featuring Keith and co-star Rodney Carrington was shown that was a cross between a commercial for Ford Trucks and Keith’s new movie “Beer for My Horses.” A very entertaining and comical watch for sure, as you can imagine.


Now, it was time to get to business. The white curtain fell, the swirling fireworks exploded, the confetti fell on the crowd and a very confident Keith took stage with the Easy Money Band in place on a Ford Truck front grill shaped stage began to perform “She’s a Hottie” with a large video screen above the stage. Most shows, the confetti and pyrotechnics wait for the end of the show, but a Toby Keith show is like most shows.


As Keith began to go through his repertoire, it began apparent that the forty-seven year old Keith was very relaxed, well in shape, and his vocal delivery was nothing but perfection.


“Whiskey Girl” Keith was sure to get in “Virginia Beach” into the song and commented “My job is to get you so drunk you call in sick Monday.” Being a Friday night, that’s a task… however, I have a feeling that Keith can be proud that his job was accomplished by at least a few concert goers that evening.


“I Wanna Talk About Me” brought the crowd up another level as they screamed back the lyrics as Keith delivered them in a more of a conversational vocal style delivery. Keith took to the sidelines of the stage and allowed the Easy Money Band have a moment in the spotlight that featured the backup singer and their incredible horn section. Keith quickly took back over the show featuring a few slower paced songs including “Love Me If You Can” and “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me like This” and a new song, “Never Cried in Front of Me” that featured Keith’s powerhouse ballad vocal delivery from the to-be-titled new album that will be released later this year.


Keith doesn’t like to keep things too slow paced for long, neither does his audience. Keith took care of that with a guitar solo and performing “Who’s Your Daddy.” For the very few resting concert goers, they were back on their feet again.


His fans from the very beginning could easily be picked out of the crowd when his first number- one single “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” was elegantly performed, as the veteran fans sang out loudly and proud the lyrics right along with the smiling Keith. Well over an hour into Keith’s performance, his voice remained strong, crisp, and vocally attached to his high energy crowd.


Keith proposed a heart-filled toast to the firefighters, police, and armed forces. It certainly wasn’t difficult for the Keith fans to find a beer, since it was nicely already in hand. The toast continued into “Beer For My Horses” which Willie Nelson’s contribution to the song was available via video. No mention of controversy, nor mention of the movie, rather stepped up the pace with “How Do You like Me Now” sing-a-long.


Keith then gave his rock-music fans a treat by covering Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold.” It wasn’t my highlight of the show; however select members of the audience certainly found it to be just that. I believe the song was in the show as a reference to the appearance of the song on the “Beer for My Horses” movie soundtrack. Never the less, the crowd still was at high attention.


Just over ninety minutes, Keith comes back for a very patriotic encore. A stage full of red, white, and blue lights filled the stage as a bone-chilling video played behind Keith’s intense vocal delivery of “An American Soldier.” There is nothing like a patriotic song in a strong military area. The American flags could be spotted around the amphitheater and continued to be held high through a portion of the National Anthem guitar solo and Keith’s signature American flag decorated guitar played “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” to end the night just a few ticks of the clock before eleven o’clock.


Keith has always been a master of a live performance. However, tonight there was something different about him. I felt like a re-dedication to the music had taken place in him fairly recently in his career. His conceded attitude, that some describe about him at times, seemed to be absent. He felt strong, comfortable, and creative. I hope the rest of the audience left with the same feeling.


I have attended countless concerts and performances. This night ranked up as top shelf. The Biggest and Baddest Tour is just that…big in the number of performers (5) and in Montgomery Gentry and Keith, some of the baddest performers. This is a show not to miss… that is for sure.

Country Music Alive on Twitter for Biggest and Baddest Tour

Friday, August 15, 2008

I am going to try something new this evening. Join me on Twitter as I head to Virginia Beach, Va. for the Biggest and Baddest Concert Tour featuring Toby Keith, Montgomery Gentry, Carter's Chord, Trailer Choir, and Mica Roberts.

I will start shortly posting to Twitter. Follow me. My username is cntryalive

If you aren't familiar with Twitter, head to twitter.com and join. Its totally free and I will send updates to the question "What are you doing..." by text message. You can also reply and send your own "tweets." You can read them on the website as well as receive them by text message.

It will be an experiment so I hope you will follow me and give me some feedback on it...

Hee Haw Returns to RFD-TV

Thursday, August 14, 2008

For veteran fans of country music, we understand the intense history that Hee Haw has in country music. The countless performances, the great comedy skits, and all the genuine fun that show had to offer. Country music's greatest personalities and artists were featured on the longest running syndicated show. Hee Haw aired on CBS from 1969-1971 and then was syndicated for more than 20 years.

After its departure from television in 1992, there wasn't any way really to see Hee Haw anymore. Hee Haw was released to DVD by Time Life and an exclusive set for Wal-Mart.

You may be wondering why I am I talking about Hee Haw today. Well, beginning Sunday, September 7 Hee Haw episodes will anchor RFD-TV’s new Sunday night line-up at 8pm EST. The episodes are set to air in the order in which they aired. RFD-TV states that Hee Haw is their #1 requested show. Apparently RFD-TV listens and are giving their viewers what they want to see. I have a feeling it was pretty hard to make it happen, but they have. Now, its the viewers turn to give back to RFD-TV and tune in each time it airs.

If you haven't heard of RFD-TV, it is a television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America. Programming includes a wide-variety of shows focused on agriculture, equine, rural lifestyle, and traditional music offerings. Currently, RFD-TV is distributed in over 35 million homes on DIRECTV, DISH Network, and several cable outlets in all 50 states. I had heard about the channel here and there, but never got to see until I became a subscriber to Directv. RFD-TV is on channel 379 on Directv. Dish Network channel 231.

The channel offers country music fans a real paradise. For instance, you can find new episodes of Crook & Chase airs Thursday evening 9pm EST, Friday morning 11am EST and Saturday evening 7pm EST since January of this year. Ralph Emery "Live" is also featured on the channel on Mondays at 7pm EST. There are many other shows that are for real country music fans. You can click here to see if RFD-TV is available in your area.

I am excited to see Hee Haw back on the air. If you have never watched an episode, and you call yourself country music fan, I hope that you will watch. If you are a fan of Hee Haw already, you just may want to checkout the DVD set from Time Life. It is priceless.


TimeLife.com

Contacting Country Music Alive

I was just adding a banner to the sidebar of the blog and noticed my e-mail address was incorrect... no wonder why I haven't been hearing from you all. I left Comcast in the last month or so. I have updated the link on the right to be a clip art link with the email address for you.

Due to spam and other security reasons, I do not type my email address out. It is encrypted over on the right. Just drag your mouse over the graphic and read it in the status bar section of your web browser, or click on it to email me.

So, now you can email me with no problems. Sorry for that inconvenience. I love hearing from my readers, even if you just want to say hello.

Feel free to comment right on the blog about anything I post. I do screen comments, so there will be a delay in the comments being posted, but no less than a few hours at most, normally.

Taylor Swift New Album on Nov. 11

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

CMT is reporting that Taylor Swift will release her next album, Fearless, on Nov. 11 on Big Machine Records. Swift wrote or co-wrote all 13 songs. Listen for the new single in September.

Swift will launch a new Web site, http://www.thetaylornation.com/, on Aug. 22, where the album will be available for pre-sale.

A limited-edition box set edition, featuring a CD, leather bracelet, T-shirt, picture book and decal, will also be available. The first 10,000 fans to purchase the boxed set and upload their photos will have their pictures included in a mosaic image in the album artwork and on the CD.

Well, well, well. Finally, I must say. This will be the true test to Taylor Swift's music... a sophmore album. I will be waiting to take a listen. Keep in touch, as the album comes out, I will certainly let you know what I think.

Brad Paisley New Album "Run And Play" Out Nov. 4

Back on February 5, 2008 I mentioned a new release coming from Brad Paisley that will be an instrumental album. At that time we didn't know much, other than it would be released this year, most likely... well, now we have details and its something to get really excited about.

First, the release date will be November 4, 2008. (Your to do list: 1- Vote. 2-Get Paisley album. 3-listen to Paisley. 4-Watch election results.)

The new CD will be titled "Run and Play" and will be 15 tracks, 11 written/co-written by Paisley

Now, the exciting news....

  • It has been described as an "all out guitar celebration"
  • 4 vocal tracks featuring B.B. King, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner, and Buck Owens
  • Little Jimmy Dickens is featured on the album
  • Track titled "Cluster Pluck" which will feature James Burton, Vince Gill, John Jorgensen, Albert Lee, Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert, and Steve Wariner
  • The late Buck Owens is featured on a track penned and recorded by Owens called "Come On In" that had remained unfinished.

Will keep you updated on pre-order status and such as we get closer. This is turning out to be one of those must pick up on release day albums. It is sounding more than special.

"Beer For My Horses" Soundtrack Listening Party

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I mentioned earlier the new movie "Beer For My Horses" featuring Toby Keith and Rodney Carrington and the soundtrack that is excellent. Well... now you can listen for yourself. Not just clips, but the full album.


Thatscountry.com is hosting a listening party that you can listen to the entire album on the website. Now, you can really hear how good this album is.

Click here to take a listen


After the listen, come on back to Country Music Alive to order the album or download:
I-Tunes Album Download

Amazon Album Download
Amazon Buy CD

Sugarland Lawsuit

There is a lot of writings and things of the recently filed lawsuit by Kristen Hall against Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland.

The best discussion on this I have seen is over on The 9513. You can read that here It has a lot of good links to the history of Hall's leaving and such.

If you wish to read the actual lawsuit, TMZ.com has it posted, click here

I'm not going to actually voice my opinion in the actual lawsuit here, I believe that is left up to the lawyers and the court to do.

However, it does bring up a point that a lot of people really don't think about that much when they listen to music, buy downloads/albums, and merchandise related to music. The point is that even though it is a form of entertainment and an art, it is still a business. There is always going to be that intricate portion of the music business. Yes, most of the artists that perform are recording and touring because they dearly love creating and sharing music. However, they would not be able to do it if there wasn't a way to make the money it takes to support their families, lives. That goes for not just the artist themselves, but every single person that goes into the production, promotion, distribution of the music. It is a business, and its one that everyone involved in the business is proud to be apart of.

Now, arguments happen. It is nothing wrong with that, its apart of life. In the business side of the industry, when arguments can't be worked out, that's when the courts step in. There is nothing wrong with that. 2 sides see things differently. No more than that, no less. The courts will decide the outcome of the situation.

There arguments all the time in all the other aspects of music, however, those arguments (for the most part) are behind the scenes and are worked out between managers and people that are entrusted to be in the best interest of the artist. But, when a lawsuit comes about it makes news. Why? Because the argument is public. Its written down in black and white and the argument is heard in the public.

The Sugarland case was just filed, you can read the entire 12 pages at the above link to get a full understanding of the issue at hand, and when more information is available, I will let you know.

Biggest And Baddest Concert Tour

Monday, August 11, 2008

On occasion, you will see some pretty big acts get together for a great concert tour. Going on right now is one that I will be seeing this upcoming weekend. There several dates left on it, and if you can, you should see it yourself.

The Biggest and Baddest Tour features:
Toby Keith
Montgomery Gentry
Carter's Chord
Trailer Choir
Mica Roberts

Pretty good lineup I must say. 2 headlining quality acts. Then 3 new artists to give you a well balanced show. High powered show as well I expect, I mean come on, Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry in the same night... now thats some attitude and high energy if I've ever heard of it.

I will have much more details about the show from Virginia Beach both here on the blog and on the website. So check back for a special featured review of the show... If you are in the Virginia Beach, VA area, this concert stop is at the Verizon Amphitheater August 15. Here are the rest of the upcoming tour dates: (As always, check with the local venue for confirmation of acts performing, ticket availability before going to the show)

Virginia Beach, VA
August 15, 2008
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Philadelphia, PA
August 16, 2008
Susquehanna Bank Center


Boston, MA
August 17, 2008
Tweeter Center for the Performing Arts

Meadville, PA
August 21, 2008
Crawford County Fair


Holmdel, NJ
August 22, 2008
PNC Bank Arts Center

Darien Lakes, NY
August 23, 2008
Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

Syracuse, NY
August 28, 2008
NY State Fair


Allentown, PA
August 29, 2008
The Great Allentown Fair

Essex Junction, VT
August 30, 2008
Champlain Valley Exposition

St. Paul, MN
September 01, 2008
Minnesota State Fair Grandstand

Dallas, TX
September 05, 2008
Superpages.com Center

Houston, Texas
September 06, 2008
Cynthia Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands

San Antonio, TX
September 07, 2008
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

Atlanta, GA
September 11, 2008
Lakewood Amphitheatre

Cincinnati, OH
September 12, 2008
Riverbend Amphitheatre

Cleveland, OH
September 13, 2008
Blossom Music Center

Detroit, MI
September 14, 2008
DTE Energy Music Theatre

Albuquerque, NM
September 18, 2008
Journal Pavillion

Denver, CO
September 19, 2008
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre

Salt Lake City, UT
September 20, 2008
USANA Amphitheatre

Jamey Johnson "In Color" Free On I-Tunes

Friday, August 08, 2008

I'm not sure how long it will stay, so download it today, Jamey Johnson's single "In Color" is the free single of the week on I-Tunes. Enjoy this great song free... I believe it will be available through Monday on I-Tunes.

I'll have more information on the album that this single is from very soon.


Apple iTunes

"Beer For My Horses"

Thursday, August 07, 2008






Alright Toby Keith Fans, and Rodney Carrington fans too, tomorrow "Beer For My Horses" the movie hits theaters. A comedy-adventure movie that tells a story of 2 best friends that are small- town deputies (Toby Keith and Rodney Carrington) that well, have to save a girlfriend after being kidnapped and held for ransom. The cast not only includes Toby Keith and Rodney Carrington, but also Ted Nugent, Willie Nelson, and David Allan Coe to name a few.

I can't imagine how great a movie this will be. Unfortunately, it is only in limited release. Check it out if you live in St. Louis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Little Rock, Indianapolis, Nashville, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Buffalo, or Tulsa then you can check it out starting tomorrow.

For the rest of us, well, we will just have to wait until it is released wider or until it comes out on DVD. However, in the meantime.... the soundtrack to the movie will be available everywhere Tuesday.

This soundtrack has some great music on it. Of course, "Beer For My Horses" is on there, but also music from Carters Chord, Trailer Choir, Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever," Mel Tillis, David Allan Coe, and of course the very comical Rodney Carrington's "Show Them To Me." You can probably think a minute or two and figure out where that song is going. I gotta say, this one cool album.

If the movie is coming to your city, check it out and let me know how it is! If not, pickup the CD at least and love some good music.

Sugarland "Love on the Inside"

Tuesday, August 05, 2008



Sugarland - Love On the Inside (Deluxe Fan Edition) Download from I-Tunes.

Sugarland's newest release "Love on the Inside" compliments their previous two releases very nicely. They have proved to me that they are well established and stick to their style and sound nicely. You can download it and listen to clips using either Amazon or I-Tunes links above. The Amazon widget will play clips for you as well, while you are reading right here.


"All I Want To Do" is the lead single from the album and boy what a great song. There more from where that one came from as well. Digging into the album, you will find some other singles that are just a as good and better waiting for you... "It Happens" has a great catchy sound that will get you further hooked on the album, I hear a radio hit waiting for this track. Each and every track on this album is a real gem. It has a great contemporary country sound remembering tradition in the same breath.


As you look through the lyrics and begin to really listen closely to the songs on this album, you really start to understand its depth. This is one of the best albums to come out in a long time I think. This one is for all country fans to hear. "Love" is an example of this thought. Listening quickly, I hear a good song, then reading and taking in the lyrics you begin to understand the power in it.


I really could go through each track for paragraphs, but I will refrain, and just be sure you understand you needto hear this album and make it apart of your collection. However, I will comment on two more. "Steve Earle" is a great song, well, a plea for him to write a song for Sugarland. Its a great one to hear and maybe even more importantly, it just may get a few Sugarland fans to dig into an artist like Earle. The last track on the standard edition, "Very Last Country Song" is worth picking up the album alone. The lyrics are chilling to a country fan:
But if life stayed the way it was
And lovers never fell out of love
If memories didn't last to longIf nobody did nobody wrong
If we knew what we had before it was gone
If every road led back homeThis would beThe country song
Now that's a powerful lyric. All the tracks on this CD lead co-writing credits to Sugarland which again, says a lot about this album.

This album is country. This album really impressed me and I hope you will go pick up a copy of it as well. You are in for a treat.

The 2008 Nashville Star is Melissa Lawson

Monday, August 04, 2008

Well, the show opened with Billy Ray Cyrus and the Nashville Star contestants performing "Achy Breaky Heart." (I know, who could've guessed that was going to happen.) Then the final 3 had the chance to perform. Gabe Garcia performing "Celebrity," Melissa Lawson performed "My Wish" and Sean Mayer performed "Gunpowder and Lead." Safe choices, since basically its all over now and just having fun.

After that final chance to perform,. Shawn Mayer was eliminated from the show. I know, not a surprise at this point, but I was really proud of how far she came through the competition and how much she improved from show to show.

And then there was two.

"The Time of My Life," the theme song from "Dirty Dancing" performed by Melissa and Gabe.

Melissa Lawson performed "Something More" after a small profile segment. Then is was Gabe's chance to get his chance to sing a final time on the show with "Gone Country." Each of the two really had a good time and appeared to enjoy their time on stage.

Then, it was decision time.... (after a short banter from the judges about who should win, some commercials, and a video piece on the recording of the first single)

The Warner Brothers recording contract, Toyota Tundra pickup truck, a performance at The Olympics, and a concert tour goes to....

Melissa Lawson.

More to come later. Melissa Lawson is the 2008 Nashville Star.

Country Music Alive Update!

Hi There!


Just a quick note to let you know two of the most popular features on the website have been updated... the new album release date schedule and the artist mini-feature. There 30 albums listed as ahead as November! The Trailer Choir is featured on the very front page with their new video for their single "Off the Hillbilly Hook." You gotta check this group out!


I try to update the list once a month, and then within a few days of the big update go back through and see what else I can find. I strive to offer you the most complete list of release dates that can be possibly be put together and verified to be true.


On the web page, the list includes a direct link to Amazon.com to pre-order the albums you want! You don't have to wait till the release date to order, you can pre-order right from the website and it will arrive on your doorstep on or very close to the release date. Take advantage of this great option from Amazon and support Country Music Alive. Also, keep in mind if there is any price adjustment between the time you order and the release date, you will get that lower price... so shop with confidence and take advantage of free shipping with orders over $25.


Check out http://www.countrymusicalive.com for the video and link to The Trailer Choir, and on the front page is a link to the new release dates as well.


As Always, Keeping Country Music Alive!


Kirk Fitzgerald

An Introduction to Carter's Chord

Friday, August 01, 2008


I have been taking some time on the front of my website to support Carter's Chord's single "Different Breed." I hope you got a chance to check them out up there. Another band, The Trailer Choir will be available in that top spot very soon. Anyway, I have been just dying to get a chance to get to the computer and tell you a little bit about this group...

Carter's Chord first and foremost are special to country music in that they are family. Three sisters... Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson get to share with the country music world that awesome family harmony that no other than family members can deliver. You may have heard their debut single "Different Breed," but I sure hope you will listen to what else is out there from them on their debut album from Show Dog Records that is currently available via download. Another great example of their vocal greatness can be heard on each of the 10 tracks. Songs like "Young Love" highlight that family harmony. Other tracks such as "Boys Like You" are just plain a fun display of great talent, however, each and every track you get a good feeling from, that is no doubt.

I hope that you have already played the video at the very top that will give you a great look into the group... a really must see.

Carter's Chord has somewhat of a unique style. Contemporary, crisp, yet the core of the sound is most definitely country... no doubt. Show Dog Records is the most perfect place for this talented trio.

If you haven't taken the time to check out Carter's Chord for yourself, I highly suggest you do and be sure to download the entire album, if you just hear "Different Breed"... well, you are just missing out on a great new group. Something new with a high level of talent is always great.

Catch them out on tour with Toby Keith throughout August and September, download the new album, and visit their website now for much more information on them, as well as below you will find other links and videos to enjoy.

I have no doubt you will be a fan, like I became, from the first listen.

http://www.carterschord.com/

Tour Schedule (With Toby Keith, the Trailer Choir, and Mica Roberts):
8.01.2008 Tinley Park, IL
8.02.2008 Noblesville, IN
8.03.2008 Burgettstown, PA
8.09.2008 Bristow, VA
8.10.2008 Hartford, CT
8.15.2008 Virginia Beach, VA
8.21.2008 Meadville, PA
8.22.2008 Holmdel, NJ
8.23.2008 Darien Center, NY
8.28.2008 Syracuse, NY
9.11.2008 Atlanta, GA
9.13.2008 Cuyahoga Falls, OH
9.18.2008 Albuquerque, NM

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