Good Song or Just Overplayed

Monday, July 25, 2005

Country radio, among other sources of music such as cable
networks these days play songs over and over. We know
that. Is it because the song is really that good or is it
just overplayed so much it becomes so familiar that we
think it is a good song?

I'm thinking the 2nd option.

Of those songs we here hour after hour, do you really miss
hearing it after it is done with its time in the
spotlight? Very rarely do.. think about it. Don't you
think it was truly a good song, that you would miss it at
least some?

Sure, rarely, a song that is truly 1-country and 2-good
gets plenty of radio time, don't get me wrong in thinking
that every song that is overplayed is bad. It's not
totally so, but certainly close.

If the stations would take just a little time to cut down
on the overplaying and make room for other songs, just
maybe you can find something decent on country radio. I
won't hold my breath, that's for sure. Thank God for my
own CD collection and XM Radio.

Website Has a New Logo

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Pretty nice huh? This is the new official logo of Country Music Alive. I am quiet proud of this one. If you haven't ever checked out the site, go take a look. There is a lot more over there, including my free e-mail newsletter. Previous e-mails and the current edition are always available there as well.

I thank the guys at surelogos.com for the design of the logo. They were awsome to work with.

Cooter Spoke Out On Movie

Monday, July 18, 2005

Dukes of Hazzard | Cooter's Place | DukesFest | General Store | Cooter's Museum

The Dukes of Hazzard movie is about ready to be released, August 12th to be exact. It finally recieved a rating of PG-13. I have seen the trailer and read some about it. I agree that is not going to be like the show we all love, however, what is these days? Any remake of any show, movie, song, or anything else isn't the same. Yes, it is a shame at times that the world has become full of sexual innuendo, fast pace lifestyle, and laxed moral responsibility. That is how the world is, we can't really change that and this new movie is just one of so very many examples of this.

Now, Ben "Cooter" Jones' is entitled to his thoughts, I love that very much. And yes, I do agree with him quiet a bit on what he had to say about the movie. At the same time though, IF the Dukes were a new concept today and started to air this week. It would have a major following and it would be just like what I expect the movie will be like. It is plain and simple; a sign of the times. Nothing more, nothing less.

I agree with Jones as well on that it isn't for children. However, I don't agree that fans of the Dukes shouldn't see it. Sure it is not the same, but it is just another enjoyable extenstion of being a fan. Yes, most probably will be disappointed in the movie, but let's not rush to full judgement until it is out and seen.

The "If you don't clean it up, we're not going to see it." thought sounds great on paper. However, the "big industry" isn't scared nor will it have a major effect on the sales. In fact, all it is doing is gaining more exposure for the movie, which equals even more sales. That's all it does. For the person that tells someone they aren't going to see it, there is one more person that knows about the movie. A potential "replacement" for the person not seeing it. Then, you will probably tell more than one person. So, you end up supporting sales.

I will go see the movie, most likely in the theater and not wait for DVD, and fairly soon after its release. Why? Because I am interested in seeing it, a fan of the Dukes, and the simplest reason-entertainment.

Comparison of what's good writing and not.

Friday, July 15, 2005

Let's compare 2 articles that were written for basically the same reason. A promotion of an upcoming show with Dierks Bentley. These articles were published 1 day apart. The shows were also one day apart. So, it is a very fair comparison.

Read this:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/debeachcomber/stories/20050708/2178105.html

I read this article and I found myself looking for a second page or something that said it was just a part of the article. That was it though. That was the whole thing. All it told me basically was that Bentley lives on his bus and in a hotel. Great, thanks. Most of all, there is a transcript! I can't stand reading an article with a transcript. To me, that shows just pure laziness and lack of being able to create thoughts.

Now, this one:
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD/MGArticle/RTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031783687605

This is how it should be. This is an example of a good article. It talks about the music, yes, a little bit about living on the road, it talks some about what to expect at the show, and full of great information. No transcript in this article, no way. Quotes, most definitely. A quote does so much for an article. It gives creditability to the article and enhances the impact of the thoughts that are shared in the writing.

Just like anything, there good ones and bad ones.

Summer Storm = Country Music Dedication

Summer outside concerts are so enjoyable. Then again, I think fall is the very best when its cooler and oh yes, the less chance of a awful thunderstorm creating great inconvenience for concert goers.

Last Wednesday night, Dierks Bentley came to the Innsbrook pavilion, a few miles from my house here in Richmond, VA. I have been ready to see him in concert since the last time Bentley was here with George Strait. The work day was over, and now it was time to change my focus to what I love most about life... an great evening of good music. One problem: 4:30pm it sounded like the end of the world was beginning. One of the worst thunderstorms of the season hit. It was one of those where you actually see the lighting strike and it wasn't just raining, but it was more like a raging river flowing out of the sky. It lasted till about 7:45, on and off. The show finally got started around 9:00pm. Great show of course. Dierks is one of the best artists out there right now.

That though is not the story here. During the storm, lines of fans waited outside in all of it. As much as I would like to say it was pure stupidity, I must also realize that it is dedication. A line of hundreds waited in all of the chaos of the storm, putting their lives at risk to see a country music performer. Of course, some other performers, fans may do this, but certainly not many. This type of thing happens for just about every country music artist that is successful.

Country music fans will do just about anything, within morals that country music fans have and legality, to see and support country music's artists and events.

Detroit's display of pride

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Tonight while I was enjoying the Major League Baseball All-Star game, I noticed something totally outside of the the baseball flair, the stats, the players, and everything going on with the game. I noticed the pride of the host city, Detroit, Michigan, of their music (specifically the Motown Sound, but also their visitors bureau takes credit for techo music as well.)

I noticed that taking that great pride in their music and being certain it was promoted in the coverage of the game really brought my attention to the music. In relation to country music, I think this is one of the numerous reasons of the success of the country music genre. Any chance Nashville, TN has to be in the spotlight for special events with national exposure, they take every moment they can to promote their pride of being the home of country.

Detroit got my attention tonight, though briefly of course. It allowed me to remember the Motown Sound and how good the music is. If it did this for me, it probably did it for many others as well. It had an impact, even though it was brief with a small piece with Smokey Robinson and Brain McKnight singing the National Anthem.

Detroit should be applauded for being sure that their pride in the music was a part of the presentation of the ballgame tonight. Even if they didn't think about it much or didn't play a part in the decision, they should be. I just don't know what kind of influence they have on the production.

It is also a great reminder to other cities, especially country of course, to be sure that their pride is on display when the time arises for their city to be in the spotlight.

By the way, Detroit also is the home of the 2006 Super Bowl, so I am sure we will see more of this pride on display this winter.

CMT.com : Hootie and the Blowfish ?what??

Friday, July 08, 2005

CMT.com : Hootie and the Blowfish : Message Board

Ok can someone please explain this to me. Why in the heck is Hootie and the Blowfish on cmt.com?

allmusic.com, lists them as Rock, Adult Alternative Pop/ Rock, American Trad Rock, Jam Bands. Which is accurate. It lists their influences as R.E.M., The Allman Brothers, and Pearl Jam. Pretty good influences. Don't get me wrong, I like the group, especially the earlier stuff they did. However, they are not country. Not close, not sorta.

CMT needs to wake up. Come on. This is out of hand. CMT should be promoting country music and respect its heritage, demographic, and the listners of country music. If you would do this, and properly, CMT may be surprised at what kind of ratings they would get. Adding groups like Hootie and the Blowfish to their website is not going to do it.

I already don't watch the channel and this is exactly why. They even have a listening party for their new album. This is out of control. I don't understand, nor care to.

CMT, sorry, but I can't handle it anymore. I will not be watching anything on that channel; Thank God for GAC.

How much longer for Strait?

Friday, July 01, 2005

33 albums down, how many more to go? Strait just keeps
going and going. Album after album.

The 32nd album sounded like the last one for him, just by
the tone of the album and some of the songs on it. Plus,
the release of the 50 #1 Hits album. Sounded like a nice
close to a long career. Now, #33 is out and is full of
more Strait perfection.

I certainly hope he continues to produce records, but I
have a feeling, that the near future he will retire from
the recording business. I do know when he does, it will
be simple. Maybe a fan appreciation tour to say goodbye,
but not bif fanfare around the event. A Simple thank you,
like at the end of his concerts.

I thought the same after the 32nd album, and now the 33rd,
and I'm sure before we know it, #34 will be in the works.

I sure hope so.

"Miss America" to CMT

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Miss America :: Press Releases

Ok, you have got to be kidding me. And, yes, I even checked to see if it was a joke.

The Miss America pageant is coming to CMT.

CMT is owned by Viacom, which also owns CBS and UPN networks, all the MTV channels, VH1 channels, Nickeloden, Comedy Central, Spike TV, TV Land, BET, Showtime, and a ton of other entertainment outlets in radio, and movies through Paramount pictures.

ABC had the rights to the show, but dropped it due to low ratings. So CBS was not the choice for the show. But, why in the heck out of all the different cable outlets they own did they pick CMT. Come on.

This is exactly what happens when big business and individuals that have no respect for country music run a channel. Not that I have respected CMT for a long time in the first place. I think for the most part, they do a dis-service to the country music community and this is just one more thing that allows me to give one more reason at the problems over there.

I don't understand it nor care to. I do know one thing though. When January 2006 comes along, I will not be watching the pageant, not that I watch CMT as it is. GAC is my choice and will continue to be when I am in the mood for country music videos, which personally I don't watch that many anyway, and that's a whole other topic.

Looking For Country Music on Radio

Monday, June 27, 2005

For the avid traditional country music fan, it is really becoming harder and harder to find what I would refer to as "real country music." It's out there, you just sometimes have to search around for it. You have to dig even further to find new "real country music." I will blog about that one day soon. But, let's focus on looking for real country music, old or new.

FM radio now is out of the question for this search totally. FM country stations are pretty much identical. I don't care what the disc jockeys say or the commericals for the station say. Pull up the playlists and you will see exactly what I am saying. A lot of what they are calling country isn't country, and what little bit does show up is overplayed to exhaustion. In fact, I even heard new "country" music on the local adult contemporay station... and what is more scary, it fit in just fine. That should be a huge clue that something isn't true country... if the song you are listening to can fit into the adult contemporary format and not see it as out of place.

Next step in the search, AM radio. Um...does that even come on a radio anymore? The AM dial, which usually was a good place to find a decent "real country music" station, doesn't seem to be anymore. If you are looking for sports or talk, yes, if you can get the signal to come in, but country music, not so much. There is one exception to this, WSM-AM 650 in Nashville. Still to this day may be the best place to find country music, other than in your own CD collection (we will get to that in a moment.) In fact, I am listening to it now online. wsmonline.com offers a free Internet stream of the station. (Sirius satelite radio offers it on their service)

I have found the best provider of country music, "real country music," to be on XM Satelite radio. If you have read any of my newsletters, you may notice I pay a lot of attention to what is going on over there, because I am a proud subscriber. There you will find "Hank's Place." A great country music channel that focuses on the older, classic sound. Then there is "Nashville" that focuses on the late 70's, 80's and mid to late 90's. Then, to get caught up on the stuff the FM stations are playing over and over, there is "Highway 16." Then "X Country" is the alternative country, a lot of newer sounds that have some edge to it. Then they also have a bluegrass channel, folk channel, and a Americana channel. So, looks like satelite radio is the choice for convienent country music selections. (Sirius Radio also has comperable stations, but XM is by far the leader in the industry.)

Of course, you can always depend on your own CD collection to hear exactly what you want.

MSN - Music: Home

Sunday, June 19, 2005

MSN - Music: Home

MSN has gotten into the music sharing business. $0.99 downloads, however right now, through July 10th, you buy 1 song and get 5 free! It was a great deal for me for sure. Check it out. Really easy to use searching and all, just like the rest of the sites out there, and right now $0.20 isnt bad a song to try it out.

Shupe Group

Shupe Group

Right now, my favorite song, "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband.

Tomorrow

Saturday, June 11, 2005

Tomorrow, I will be heading down to Virginia Beach for a concert. My first at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater; Vriginia Beach. Of course, a full review will be done after the show, but now I am just thinking of what I should expect. I don't think this show will be like any other show I've seen lately. Look at the lineup: Toby Keith, Lee Ann Womack, and Shooter Jennings.

This has potential to be a real country concert. Real country music, done like it should be. I guess we will find out tomorrow.

I am so tired of going to so called country shows and just being country-influenced pop show. Full of crazy effects and bunch of loud musicians showing off. If I want to see that, I'll head to a pop show. I want my country music straight up and fun.

Stay tuned to the website for a review and let's see if these 3 can give me what I'm looking for.

XM Radio - America to air Fan Fair

Sunday, June 05, 2005

XM Radio - America

Fan Fair, CMA Music Fest, week is upon us. As an XM subscriber, I am so happy that they are covering some of the events including a couple fan club parties and performances from the Country Music Hall of Fame.

XM satellite radio is most definitely dedicated to country music. They understand country fans and do a real good job at bringing the listeners a nice balance over the 5 channels that are country music related. This balance is also shown in the CMA Music Fest choices to air. Of course most of the performances are new country artists, since that is a focus of the event, but they also have performances from some of the older/ more traditional artists.

This upcoming week will be a real treat for the fans of country that isn't going to the CMA Music Fest this year to get just a little taste of what all goes on.

Favorite Song Right Now

Wednesday, June 01, 2005

You know, every once in a while a song comes along that you can't get out of your head, and don't want it too... it manke you laugh each time you hear it and can't get enough of it.

"Alcohol" by Brad Paisley is one of those songs. It may just entered the charts around #24 right now, but look for it to skyrocket real quick even higher. There is a clip of the song on his website, http://www.bradpaisley.com

Paisley has a talent for being able to write this kind of song. Paisley in fact is one of the most talented artists out there right now. He honors the tradition of country music, he knows how to make music fun atthe same time give the listeners some great ballads/serious type songs, but never forgets to be sure to make the listeners have a good time as well. He has talent in writing and performing. Plus his personality, which is directly the reason for his amazing talent, is country music perfection. The country music needs more and more of this type of person around. Not just like him, no, but artists who can take influence and his lead.

He didn't become a member of the Grand Ole Opry for no reason, there so many reasons he was given that high honor. I also believe this is still just the beginning of a long, enjoyable career for the artist. I can not wait to hear his next album, which is not ready as far as I know. The first single from it sure makes the album a good one to look for in the near future though.

My hat off to Brad Paisley.

Something Behind Brooks n Yearwood

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Well, look at this. It's official. Rumors for years
about "them." The questions in my e-mail now and then can
stop and the message boards now can focus on something
else. Garth and Trisha are engaged. Sure, its kinda a
big deal but not really, they have spent a lot of time
together and everyone pretty much knew it was going to
happen.

However, their is a backside story to this. Timing of the
whole proposal; I believe there is more to this than we
even know yet. Not about the actual marriage, but the
future plans for Garth Brooks.

Take a look at the last few months. A benefit
performance, followed by an appearance on the ACM Awards,
and also an appearance at the induction ceremony at the
Hall of Fame. Then last night's appearance with the
marriage proposal during the unveliing of the "Legends in
Bronze" event at the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in
Bakersfield, CA .

All were made very public and I believe all for a
reason.
Remember the ACM award appearance? Did you notice his
reaction... the emotions could be seen in his eyes; he's
got the performance bug, bad.

Trisha Yearwood has a new single, so a new album in the
works, so the timing of this announcement is not just by
chance I don't think.

I believe that this boost is publicity is a preface, a
foreshadowing if you will, of what is to come in the very
near future. Don't be surprised one bit, and you can mark
my words, we will be seeing Garth Brooks on tour very soon
in some capacity. It may not be a world tour or some
large scale-every night of the week tour, but something is
bound to be in the works both from a tour and an album
prospective.

No, no inside sources or anything like that, but just the
feeling I have. We will see in the next coming weeks and
months if this feeling is correct.

Rascal Flatts To Perform "Bless The Broken Road" on American Idol

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Rascal Flatts Bless The Broken Road Lyrics, Tickets, Fan Club Street Team and Official Website - News & Information

Well, Well, Well, what interesting news. A "country" band on American Idol. Well, wait a minute. That's where we are wrong. Rascal Flatts is in the country category, but not a country band. Don't believe me, listen to any of their albums. I don't hear country myself. Many others agree.

Sure, they may be talented and have some great songs. However, I would not refer to any of their music as country. They are a perfect fit for the American Idol audience and goes right to their target audience. The younger female.

Want more proof their not country? No problem at all... You don't see American Idol calling any of the real country music artists in the top 10 this week do you?

Think about it, it is great to love all music, in which I do, but give credit where credit is due to true country music artists and groups, even if it is contemporary country or the most traditional country. Rascal Flatts doesn't fit in those categories. They know it, but certainly won't admit it anytime soon.

What you think? You can always e-mail me or post a comment below this post.

I'm Back

Ok, its been awhile since I have posted, but I actually forgot about writing here and then today I felt like I was missing something. The blog was it. So, keep looking here for thoughts and information from me.

If you haven't checked out the website lately, there is a feature article on Larry the Cable Guy posted which I am quiet proud of writing. So, take the time to go the website and check it out. Also, today a few new reviews have been posted. There even more in the works, but I wanted to get a few up so there was something there.

Anyway, check out the website http://www.countrymusicalive.com and I also have something else on my mind that I will post in another segment.

Nashville Star 3 Prediction

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

well, I am torn between Erika Jo and Jason Meadows, I love them both so much

my prediction though.... write it down, lol, Erika Jo will win tonight

well, the reason I believe she will is because she is really the first female on the show this a positive role model and has the appeal of "want to be like her"

See, there is a lot of females watching the show and voting. So, they are more attracted to the males, so, thats why the guys get the vote, however the impact of good role model and the strong will of Erika Jo has even more of an impact on the female voter,

I love Jason though, he is extremely talented, and probably will get a record deal with no problem, but what hurts him is he has basically one style, though he has perfected the style and is extremely talented. Erika is a bit more diverse in what she can sing and do.

So, watch tonight and see if my prediction of Nashville Star 3 Winner Erika Jo is correct.

CMT.com: News

Thursday, March 17, 2005

CMT.com: News: "Volunteers Wanted for 2005 CMT Music Awards Mosh Pit
Wed. March 16.2005 6:44 PM EST

Seats for the 2005 CMT Music Awards are almost sold out, but the show's producers are looking for volunteers who can help provide an enthusiastic audience on the main floor of Nashville's Gaylord Entertainment Center. Many of the locations in the free admission area will be in key camera shots for the April 11 awards show. Those on the floor will be required to stand throughout the entire evening without any breaks."


What??? Come on. This is amazing.

1st, mosh pit and country music do NOT go in the same sentence. 2ndly, if you want great shots of fans having fun, you create an exciting show to have fun at, not coach the crowd into having a good time and faking it. See, this is exactly the problem with the big media. They don't understand what country music is about. CMT, owned by Viacom, which also owns MTV and among many other media outlets, is trying to create a MTV persona to CMT. The only thing that a channel like MTV is like CMT... is the "T."

I haven't missed a CMT Award show in an extremely long time, even back when it was the Music City News Awards. Of course, it isn't the same show. I just may pass up watching this one. They are trying to create country music into something that it isn't supposed to be. Come on, bring country music and honor the makers of the music with awards in the tradition and respect that is deserves.