Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Bret Michaels In Critical Condition After Brain Hemorrhage
Bret Michaels is in critical condition suffering from a brain hemorrhage, his publicist said Friday. Joann Mignano confirmed a report on People magazine's website Friday that said the former Poison frontman was rushed to intensive care late Thursday after a severe headache. The report said doctors discovered bleeding at the base of his brain stem.Mignano said tests are being conducted and that no further information was available.
The 47-year-old reality TV star had an emergency appendectomy last week after complaining of stomach pains. He had said on his website that though the surgery "has taken its toll," doctors expected him to make a full recovery.
The former Poison frontman recently released a new country music single called "Nothing to Lose" from his upcoming new studio album titled "Custom Built". The song featured the guest vocals of Miley Cyrus.
Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband Finishing New Album
Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand announced yesterday that they're getting close to releasing a brand new album- scheduled this summer. According to Ryan, "The album is done and we are getting ready to send it to get mastered. We love it, it sounds awesome and the vibe is superb. We know that you will love the album as well and are excited to get these new songs to you."On his website, Ryan will be doing a little blog on each of the song- the first one up is "He Knows Karate." According to Shupe:
How can you go wrong when a song has the words and phrases... Jujitsu, Tai Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Local Dojo, and he can catch flies with Chop Sticks and break cinder blocks with his head? It also mentions Yoda, Darth Vader, Mr. Miyagi, and Walker Tesas Ranger. Sounds like an epic song already.
The song came from 3 different sources in my life. The original idea started a long time ago when my dad told me a story about how a kid moved into his junior high school. "He knows Karate" is what everyone kept saying. The rumor spread through the school and my dad, being the resident tough guy, knew that a run-in with the karate expert was inevitable.
As I got older, I remembered the story when I went to high school. There was a small group of guys who knew karate... Tai Kwon Do, to be exact. Basically, the smartest thing to do was to avoid them altogether. I remember that one of my buddies made one of the karate clan mad and they threatened to fight him in the hall at school.
The last influence to the song came from the movie Karate Kid. When the movie came out when I was young, everyone knew Mr. Miyagi... It was an instant 80's classic.
These 3 sources provided the backdrop for the song about a guy who thought Julie was cute so he said hi to her. Then her massive karate wielding boyfriend decided to take out his jealous revenge on the unwitting innocent song singer. The poor guy later dreams that he is the best karate master around and eventually wins over Julie with his awesomeness. What happens after that is left up to the listener... maybe his demise is eminent or maybe his dream does, in fact, come true.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
New Music From Rachel Proctor
Rachel Proctor, whose "Me and Emily" was a Top 20 hit back in 2004 and whose What Didn't Kill Me was received well critically, has released four new songs posted on her MySpace page They include tracks written with co-writers Tommy Lee James, Phillip Larue, Blair Daly, Victoria Banks, Kate and Kacey Coppola. New tracks include:A Different Kind Of Gone
A Sign
Broken Mirror
Don't You Wanna
A Sign
Broken Mirror
Don't You Wanna
Free Music Download From Sons Of Sylvia
Music fans may remember brothers Ashley, Austin and Adam Clark from Fox's 2007 reality show The Next Great American Band. The Clark Brothers, as they were called at the time, swept America off their feet, beating 10,000 other contenders for the title and scoring a recording contract with 19 Recordings/Interscope Records in the process.Now, three years later, the band is ready for a fresh start. The band changed their name to Sons of Sylvia (in honor of their mother) and wrote over 300 songs, combining the best parts of pop, country, and rock music to create their genre-defying debut album, Revelation.
Go to their website to receive your FREE download of "John Wayne" from the group by giving them your email address.
American Idol Alum Michael Sarver Releases New Single- Plans New June Album
American Idol Season 8 top ten finalist and Dream Records artist Michael Sarver has announced that his debut album will be released on June 29th and a ASCAP Country Song Of The Year writer Rachel Thibodeau penned single "Ferris Wheel" will be immediately released to radio.TNS brings you your first look at the track list for Michael Sarver and the cover art for his next single.
1. Watch Me
2. Baby I Want You
3. Ferris Wheel
4. Gonna Be A Good Night
5. Safe
6. Give It To Me
7. I'm In The Mood
8. Let Me Love You
9. Cinderella Girl ( Remix)
10. The Way She Loves Me
11. Always Surviving
12. Tell Me
13. You Are (Remix)
The official iTunes release date for the single is this week with the music video being released on May 25th.
"We decided to go with 'Ferris Wheel' for a single, number one because it makes me feel good when I hear it and that's what I want to make my fans feel like when they hear my music. Also spring is here and summer is coming and it fits the personality of the season. I would hope that 'Ferris Wheel' can become a soundtrack to a lot of great 2010 summer memories,” Michael said.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
CD Reviews- Lonestar- Party Heard Around The World
The Background:Lonestar made a name for themselves in the late ‘90’s and early 00’s as a solid country music act. Correction, they were on their way to solidifying themselves as one of the standout acts of the industry, slating the top singles “What About Now,” “Front Porch Looking In,” and “I’m Already There,” as well as arguably the biggest love ballad of the past 20 years, “Amazed.” Over the years, the band’s trademark had become feel-good melodies, inspirational and emotional lyrics, and lead singer Richie McDonald’s overpowering signature vocals. Then McDonald announced that he would be leaving the group in 2007 to pursue personal endeavors, Lonestar was left with a decision to make: call it quits or keep the group alive and begin the search for a new lead vocalist. Luckily for the music industry and for country fans, Lonestar remained together, and after extensive auditions, they return in 2010 with new vocalist, Cody Collins, and a brand new album, appropriately titled ‘Party Heard Around The World.’
The Review:
Lonestar returns with their first album in 4 years and their debut disc with lead singer Cody Collins. “Party Heard Around The World” is an accurate representation of who this band is what they stand for in an era in country music that is severely lacking these qualities. Collins’ debut with the group displays his incredible vocal range, and the melodies and beats accompany his voice perfectly, particularly on the tracks “Live Laugh and Love” and “She Wants What She Wants.” Produced by the band members’ themselves, it is evident that this collection of tunes is a true reflection of their statement with this album. There are only a few blips in the set, including “Y.O.U.,” as well as the title track, in which the over-the-top, corny lyrics are a little too immature for the group, and are too tough to swallow from an otherwise musically advanced record. While most discs lose their ingenuity and credibility as they progress through the track list, ‘Party Heard Around The World” remains strong, with several of the tracks, including “Making Memories,” “Let Me Love You” and “The Future,” prove to be the most dynamic and impressive on the entire album. While it may be difficult for some casual country music fans to accept Lonestar with their new vocalist, Cody Collins has proven that he is the real deal. With a slew of potential and deserving radio hits alongside genuine sophisticated melodies and musical collaborations, ‘Party Heard Around The World’ brings good news to the country music world: Lonestar is back.
Track Highlights:
Live Laugh And Love
She Wants What She Wants
Making Memories
The Future
Sounds Like:
Lady Antebellum, Sugarland
The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five
Review by Chad Carlson. Chad is the Editor of SteelTownRock.com, Pittsburgh’s New Music Authority. To contact Chad, reach out to him at chad.carlson(at)steeltownrock.com
FREE The Band Perry Download at iTunes This Week
The Band Perry - a country band made up of 3 siblings from Mobile, Alabama – Kimberly, Neil, Reid – are the newest stars signed to Universal Republic Nashville and are paving their own way in country music with their single “Hip To My Heart” which has cracked Top 20 at country radio. The Band Perry have worked with notable producer Nathan Chapman (Jewel, Taylor Swift… ) and songwriter turned American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi (“Postcards to Paris”) on their debut EP The Band Perry available at iTunes now.The Band Perry’s second single “If I Die Young” has been selected for the iTunes coveted promotional slot – SINGLE OF THE WEEK!
Download “If I Die Young” FREE iTunes Single of the Week HERE.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
New Live Music Video Of Willie Nelson- “Man with the Blues”
Willie Nelson’s new album Country Music is out today on Rounder Records.
Fans can listen to the album in its entirety on AOL Music this week only HERE.
Fans can listen to the album in its entirety on AOL Music this week only HERE.
An Interview With The Band Perry Over At The 9513
The Band Perry is an American country music band composed of siblings Kimberly Perry (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), Reid Perry (bass guitar, background vocals) and Neil Perry (mandolin, drums, accordion, background vocals). The group signed to Republic Nashville in August 2009 and released its debut single "Hip to My Heart" that month.The Band Perry has worked with record producer Paul Worley for its upcoming debut album and had their EP released this month. "Hip to My Heart" is currently knocking at the door of the Top 20 on the country charts.
I had an opportunity to talk to the young trio and do a little interview over at The 9513. Read a snippet below and then read the balance HERE.
"We have two adjectives to describe our sound and they work hand in hand. We’re definitely a modern throwback. It’s interesting that “Hip To My Heart” is the lightest and most poppy–and in our opinion, the only poppy thing–on the album. But we thought it had just so much energy. We’re 19, 21 and 26 years old and it had a lot of youth about it. It’s a great way to introduce us to the country music family. I am excited as we move forward for listeners to dig into some of the deeper cuts. We’ve actually decided on our second single, a song called, “If I Die Young.” We’re not close to hitting on it yet because we still have a lot more room on “Hip To My Heart.”
TNS History- Dolly Parton Released Her Very First Single- 51 Years Ago Today
On April 20th, 1959, the first single by 13-year-old Dolly Parton was released on Gold Band Records. It was called "Puppy Love." You can listen to her first single and see some fun photos of her at that age (and even before) here…
Monday, April 19, 2010
That Nashville Soundbites- Becky Schlegel- Dandelion
That Nashville Sound receives many different CD releases throughout the year from indie, bluegrass and artists just off the mainstream radar that we’re doing short mini CD reviews on. We call them That Nashville Soundbites- it’s a feature that will allow us to give some props to some albums and artists that deserve a spotlight on their work.
Release Date: April 2010
Music Label: IGO/Lilly Ray Records
The Skinny: Click HERE to read the review over at The 9513.
Sounds Like: Jewel Singing Bluegrass
Standout Tracks: "Anna”, “I Never Loved You Cowboy”, “So Embarrassing”, “When It Rains”, “Reunion”
The Verdict: Four & Half Stars Out Of Five
Release Date: April 2010
Music Label: IGO/Lilly Ray Records
The Skinny: Click HERE to read the review over at The 9513.
Sounds Like: Jewel Singing Bluegrass
Standout Tracks: "Anna”, “I Never Loved You Cowboy”, “So Embarrassing”, “When It Rains”, “Reunion”
The Verdict: Four & Half Stars Out Of Five
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The Unofficial Academy Of Country Music Awards Awards
You turned off the television a little too soon last night. That Nashville Sound has been entrusted in handing out the impromptou awards that celebrate the best and worst of last night’s Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony. So without further ado, here are the imaginary awards that came out after you went to bed last night…The Best Flunkee Back-Up Band Award-
Sure, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood are big stars and all, but it's not often that you have musical stalwarts like John Fogerty, Brad Paisley and Charlie Daniels playing instruments for you. The opening number was exactly as it was supposed to be, energetic and fun. And most importantly, about the music.
Most Welcome Sight Award-
Speaking of Charlie Daniels, it was great to see him out on stage performing with such energy and vigor. He had a stroke earlier in the year and it doesn't look to have made him any slower while performing. We're as blessed as he is.
Best Reason For Not Being In Las Vegas Award-
Goes to the Zac Brown Band who were on a USO trip for the troops. Pretty amazing that they were up for the biggest ACM award as Entertainer Of The Year and gave up a chance to perform live for the world for a chance to perform live for a few.
Tallest Duet In ACM History Award-
At about 13 feet in combined height, Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins are lucky they didn't hit their head on any of the lighting trusses.
The Biggest Over-Use Of Abs-
Goes to Laura Bell Bundy and her band of merry bare midriffed dancers who obviously skipped the all-you-can-eat buffet at MGM Grand.
The What Would Have Happened If Award-
What would have happened if we would have all texted #9 for Entertainer Of The Year? Would Lee Ann Womack or Jamey Johnson have won? How do you write in a candidate in cell phone text voting?
Best Use Of A Saxophone At A Country Concert Award
Goes to Toby Keith who gave a moving tribute to his pal Waymon Tisdale with Dave Koz. The cutaways to Brotehr Tis's family in the audience were very touching if a bit too personal during this low-key dedication.
Best Neer Beer Reference Award-
It had been a decade or so since I last heard this reference, but during Zac Brown Band's taped USO performance of "Chicken Fried" he asked the troops in attendance to "raise your Neer Beer for a toast" and got a big cheer from the crowd.
Next Best Crossover Country Artist Award?
Could go to LL Cool J who mysteriously was picked as the host to introduce Taylor Swift's live performance- as if having a African-American rapper made up for the Kanye West incident at the MTV Awards.
Best Redemption Performance Award-
After her last couple of live award performances came off pitchy, Taylor Swift gave a great on-key performance that hit some tough-to-hit live notes that should quiet the critics for at least a couple days.
The Holy Moly They Got It Right Award-
Goes to the ACM Voters who didn't pick the Album Of The Year that sold the most, was the most publicized or spawned the most amount of music videos. They picked the one that was the best critically. The only one more surprised than me was the winner, Miranda Lambert.
The Awkward High Five Of The Night Award-
Goes to Blake Shelton who strangely gave his girlfriend Miranda Lambert a high five after it was announced she had won Album Of The Year. Perhaps his "Hillbilly Bone" doesn't allow congratulatory hugs and kisses.
The Most Touching Speech Of The Night Award-
Goes to Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry who could hardly keep it together as he gave his acceptance speech for the TJ Martell Humanitarian Award. His shaking voice made this viewer wonder if he would have been nearly as touched if he had won for any music nomination. The power of good deeds moved a lot of viewers last night.
The Biggest Waterworks During An Acceptance Speech-
Goes to Brad Paisley who hadn't even had a chance to dry off after taking his hot tub/pool plunge after singing "Water." He dripped all over the stage in the process.
Best Sentimental Win Award-
Goes to Brooks & Dunn, who in their last eligible year as a duo won their 16th consecutive ACM Top Duo Award. You can argue that Sugarland may have deserved it more, but it was a great send-off for a couple of old road dogs.
Best Blair Witch Project Impression Award-
Goes to the show's producer for Keith Urban's "I'm In" performance filmed entirely in hand-held cameras. Sales of motion sickness pills went up at Walgreens last night I'm sure right before the two hour mark of the ACM's.
Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood Are Big ACM Winners
The 45th annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards aired from Los Vegas tonight (Sunday, April 18, 2010). Hosted by singer and actress Reba McEntire, the show featured performances by Carrie Underwood, retiring duo Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, Billy Currington, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton with Trace Adkins and more. By night's end, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert walked away as the big winners, while Taylor Swift achieved an uncharacteristic shutout.Song of the Year - "Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum
Single Record of the Year - "Need You Now" - Lady Antebellum
New Artist - Luke Bryan
Album of the Year - Revolution - Miranda Lambert
Humanitarian Award - Montgomery Gentry
Triple Crown Award - Carrie Underwood
Vocal Group of the Year - Lady Antebellum
Top Male Vocalist - Brad Paisely
Top Vocal Duo - Brooks & Dunn
Top Female Vocalist - Miranda Lambert
Vocal Event Of The Year- "Hillbilly Bone" Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins
Video Of The Year- "White Liar"- Miranda Lambert
Entertainer of the Year - Carrie Underwood
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