Billy Dukes
Eli Young Band, ‘Say Goodnight’ – Song Review
Eli Young Band have notched back-to-back No. 1 hits, although it’s not clear how they’re doing it. Nothing about the band is conventional country music. Their new single ‘Say Goodnight’ is similarly moody and understated — almost emo-country, if such a genre exists. That could be the secret to their magic.
New Songs on the Radio – August 2012
Country newcomers dominate the early new songs on the radio for August 2012. Among them are debut singles from Rachel Holder and Kelleigh Bannen. Alan Jackson and Taylor Swift are two superstars with hits in the making that were released to radio by mid-month. Swift has revealed ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,’ the first single from her upcoming ‘Red’ album.
Randy Travis Naked During DWI Arrest
More details are now available regarding Randy Travis‘ arrest in North Texas on Tuesday night. As previously reported, the singer was nabbed for suspicion of DWI, as well as retaliation and obstruction, after he allegedly crashed his car and “verbally threatened” a police officer. Reports are now surfacing that Travis was naked at the time of his arrest, which came just before midnight.
Luke Bryan vs. Colt Ford – The Showdown
Today’s Showdown is a battle between friends. Luke Bryan and Colt Ford will have to put their personal relationship aside to win the song battle that culminates each night on Taste of Country Nights radio. ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye’ topped ‘One More Sad Song’ from Randy Rogers Band on Tuesday, making Bryan’s newest single a three-time champion.
Randy Travis Arrested for DWI
Randy Travis was arrested late Tuesday night (Aug. 7) on suspicion of DWI following a car accident in Texas. The country singer suffered minor cuts and bruises after crashing his car, according to TMZ. His vehicle was the only one involved in the accident. He is still in custody as of Wednesday morning.
Colt Ford, ‘Declaration of Independence’ – Album Review
On previous albums, Colt Ford backed himself into a tight corner, insisting he’s not rap while spitting rap-like messages of country life, love and fun. The singer admits that by aiming to please everyone, he left most feeling a few bites short of a full meal. This isn’t a problem on ‘Declaration of Independence.’
Dierks Bentley, ‘Tip It on Back’ – Song Review
Dierks Bentley has done something interesting with his new single ‘Tip It on Back’ from the ‘Home’ album. The singer marries the spirit of songs like ‘Free and Easy’ — and more recently, ‘Am I the Only One’ — with the sexy pace of his most famous ballads (think ‘Come a Little Closer’ and ‘Feel That Fire’).
Marshall Tucker Band Guitarist Stuart Swanlund Dead at 54
The longest standing member of the Marshall Tucker Band died on Saturday. Stuart Swanlund, guitarist for the group since 1985, passed away in his sleep. He had been taking a hiatus from the band to deal with health issues.
Should Jake Owen Cut His Hair? – Readers Poll
Jake Owen toyed with his followers on Twitter recently, pretending to have cut off his extra shaggy famous locks. Later, many let out a sigh of relief when he revealed: “Ha…… Got y’all. I didn’t cut it. Then there’d be nothing to pull. Well… Maybe my ears.” Some liked the ‘new look,’ however, leading to today’s poll question — should Jake Owen really cut his hair?
Luke Bryan vs. Randy Rogers Band – The Showdown
Luke Bryan fans are up for a challenge. For the second straight day, they made ‘Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye’ the Showdown champion. Yesterday and last night on Taste of Country Nights, the fourth single from ‘Tailgates and Tanlines’ topped Casey James‘ new single ‘Cryin’ on a Suitcase.’ The competition only gets stiffer as the new hit moves toward Showdown immortality.
JB and the Moonshine Band, ‘No Better Than This’ – Song Review
Not all summer songs come across as fun and breezy. Too often they’re saturated with sugar or references to the juniper in Georgia or how hot the sun in Oklahoma shines on the scorched earth. JB and the Moonshine Band don’t overthink things with their new single ‘No Better Than This.’ It’s an easy emotion tied up in under three minutes.
Phil Vassar’s ‘American Child’ Turns 10
‘American Child’ was originally released on Aug. 6, 2002, but re-released in early 2003 with two additional tracks, including eventual single ‘This Us God.’ The reissue also included the Huey Lewis and the News cut, ‘Workin’ for a Livin.’