Billy Dukes
Zac Brown Band, ‘Uncaged’ – Album Review
On paper, ‘Uncaged’ should not work as an album, let alone a country music album. The new release from Zac Brown Band redefines “something for everybody.” Country, reggae, bedroom R&B… Brown and his ever-growing motley crew stretch the Nashville sound further than any other artist. If they weren’t so talented, this project would fall apart long before the title-track.
Love and Theft Go Squirrel Hunting in New ‘Love and Theft TV’ Episode
Do Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Grunderson really hunt squirrel in their spare time? Have they really killed 40 or 50 in a single day? Does Gunderson really use a Medieval sword to clear brush? The duo begin to answer some of these pressing questions in a new episode of ‘Love and Theft TV,’ premiering exclusively on Taste of Country.
Top 40 Country Songs – July 2012
Only two songs from the Top 5 of last month’s Top 40 Country Songs list made the July 2012 version. That goes to show how quickly a new song can gain and lose favor with country music fans. The monthly list is compiled using chart and sales data, as well as reader feedback and staff opinions.
Lonestar, ‘The Countdown’ – Song Review
Lonestar celebrate 20 years of music in 2012. Of course, Richie McDonald stepped aside to pursue a solo career for four of those years, but the accomplishment is still noteworthy. Their new song ‘The Countdown’ reminds fans how how sharp the group is musically and how tight they are vocally.
Carrie Underwood vs. Hunter Hayes – The Showdown
Friday night’s Showdown between Carrie Underwood and Little Big Town was the most voted on yet, with ‘Blown Away’ edging ‘Pontoon’ by 13 percentage points. That’s two wins in a row for the title-track on Underwood’s new album. The dark and stormy cut is clearing a path to the Showdown Hall of Fame, but future tourmate Hunter Hayes‘ ‘Wanted’ is threatening to contain her fury today and tonight on T
Favorite Toby Keith Song – Readers Poll
Toby Keith is celebrating his 51st birthday today. The singer shows no signs of slowing down, however, having just released his best album in years and embarked on another summer tour that promises to be amongst the most successful of 2012. It was one of his early hits that made the Top 100 Country Songs list, but which is your personal favorite?
Moonshine Bandits, ‘Super Goggles’ – Song Premiere
California hip-hop/country group Moonshine Bandits have released a new single called ‘Super Goggles’ that might describe your weekend. The edgy new song pushes the boundaries of country music, but delivers a lyric that will sound great at the club this weekend.
Don Williams, ‘I Just Come Here for the Music’ (Feat. Alison Krauss) – Song Review
It’s really quite unfair to put Don Williams and Alison Krauss together on the same song. That’s like having all velvet furniture, or living in a house with plush walls. On ‘I Just Come Here for the Music,’ two of the most comforting voices ever to be played on country radio come together to sing a remarkably simple love song.
Carrie Underwood vs. Little Big Town – The Showdown
There is a new Showdown champion! The voting went down to the final minutes last night on Taste of Country Nights radio, with Carrie Underwood‘s ‘Blown Away’ topping ‘Over’ by Blake Shelton. Early online voting proved to be critical to Underwood’s success, as she was able to hold off rallying Shelton fans. The dark and stormy title-track from the normally sweet and innocent singer’s new album will
Maggie Rose, ‘I Ain’t Your Mama’ – Song Review
Maggie Rose’s ‘I Ain’t Your Mama’ doesn’t break the country music dress code, but it comes close enough to be sure that everyone — from buttoned-up stuffies to drooling hound dogs — takes notice. It’s a song that leaves one wanting to see what this singer does next.
Delta Rae Reveal Four Genre-Bending Songs in New Medley Video
Delta Rae fits between genres. The six-piece band from Durham, N.C. is sometimes pop, sometimes country or Americana, and often folk. Usually there’s some soul, but as you’ll see in this four-song video medley, the group is never predictable. If country radio becomes their home, it’s going to be a wild ride.
Favorite Lady Antebellum Song – Readers Poll
It’s Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum‘s birthday! The singer, songwriter and talented guitarist turns 30 years old today (July 5), and looks to have a clean calendar to celebrate until the band begins a European tour in Ireland. Haywood has co-written many of the band’s biggest hits since they debuted in 2007. What is your favorite Lady Antebellum song?