Saturday, November 13, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Sneak Peek At New Carrie Underwood Music From Upcoming Narnia-The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader Movie
Gregg Allman Readies Low Country Blues For January Release
Low Country Blues is Gregg Allman at his very best -- a self-assured, spirited collection that will stand as a major milestone in what is undeniably an exceptional career.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The 2010 Unofficial CMA Award Show Awards
If you thought the 44th Annual CMA Awards were over after you went to bed at 11p, you were wrong. Yep, you read it correctly. Without any fanfare of any kind, I have been entrusted in handing out the awards that celebrate the best and worst of last night’s Country Music Association Awards ceremony. These are the awards handed out about the award. So without further ado, here are the imaginary awards that came out after you went to bed last night…
The Only He Could Make the Banjo Seem “Rock Star” Cool Award
Goes to Keith Urban who looked like a rock star when he came out in the Carrie Underwood’s opening number.
Mermaid Look of the Night Award
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott’s red dress was a flashback to Darryl Hannah and the movie Splash. With its narrowness below the hips and flair back at around her feet, it looked like she had to go to the bathroom with her knees all locked up together like that.
Bedazzler Product Placement Award
Bling was everywhere last night, but it looks like Bedazzler will be the title sponsor to the Rascal Flatts tour this year. They’ll be taking over for JC Penny’s since Gary LeVox encrusted his entire watch- all the way around- with sparkly sparkles.
Fashion Accessory of the Night Award
And talking about bling, you just weren’t cool unless you were wearing a new wedding ring or engagement ring. Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Miranda Lambert each were sporting some serious new hardware on their left hands.
Wardrobe Mix-Up Award
Backstage, it was obvious that there was a major dressing room mix-up when Blake Shelton and a CMA executive had their dry cleaning placed in opposite rooms. Blake took it all in stride and came out in the corner-office-executive look anyways for his performance of “All About Tonight.”
The Kick in the Groin Award
Goes to ABC for their audio feed out here on the West Coast (at least to the ABC affiliate in Sacramento). With a stream that was broken up and garbled during the first hour of the show, it almost sounded like Carrie Underwood was underwater during her opening number. When you can’t hear a music show, that’s not good.
School Girl Scream of the Year Award
Little Jimmy Dickens wins over all of the twenty-something (and under) ladies in the upper deck for his silly and hilarious school-girl holler in his flood warning scuba gear get-up.
The Finally On-Key Award
Taylor Swift had perhaps her finest live moment at this year’s CMA Awards with her performance of “Back to December.” With a sea full of dry ice surrounding her- and drowning her orchestra- she turned in an on-key and fairly strong live performance that hopefully helps distance herself from last year’s pitchy singing.
The I Was Robbed Award
With only twelve key awards, does the CMA really have to skip handing out some of their awards live there on the show? Mac McAnally, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Miranda Lambert all got hosed by not being able to go up on the stage during the broadcast and have their moment for their wins for Best Musician, Best Vocal Event of the Year and Best Music Video respectively.
The Rapunzel Dress Award
Brad Paisley called up to the tower to the princess and said, “Carrie, Carrie, let down your dress.” And Carrie rolled out the second longest dress ever seen on an awards show during her performance of “Mama’s Song.” Only the scarlet red dress now in the Country Music Hall of Fame had more bolts of fabric in it.
Best Dolly Parton Impression Award
This award is handed out to Kellie Pickler who showed off her va va voom assets to all the world in her gold foil dress while making her award presentation.
Best Charles Schultz Dedication Award
Does Charlie Brown know that Keith Urban stole his shirt?
Wrong Awards Show Award
Country music’s inferiority complex was on display again last night. Is there really not enough good country material where the CMA feels like it needs to reach outside the genre for material to reach new viewers? We had Sugarland’s reggae rap, a Beyonce cover by Reba, Kid Rock’s Bob Seger-ish anthem and a Kelly Clarkson duet cameo all in a span of thirty minutes on this “country show.”
Sign Her Quick to a Country Label Award
Kelly Clarkson already has proven her country cred with chart success with her Reba duet a few years back. Last night, she showed off her amazing pipes with her duet with Jason Aldean. It would be fun to see her record a country specific album.
Best Acapella Performance Award
This award goes to Little Big Town in their Taylor Swift cover during the presentation for Album of the Year. Their harmonies were perfect and it only left this reviewer wanting more.
Best Tribute to Those That Came Before Us Award
Brad Paisley is a proud flag-bearer and proponent of country music’s pioneers and he showed it again last night. On his brand new song “This Is Country Music,” he had images of dozens of country music’s greats on the screen behind him including Charlie Daniels, Randy Owen, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Jr., John Denver, George Jones and Conway Twitty. Paisley's genuine appreciation of those that paved his way goes deep- proven again in his Entertainer of the Year Award speech when he called out the influences of Buck Owens and Johnny Cash.
Forgot To Hand Out The Retirement Watches Award
Missing was any tribute to Brooks and Dunn retiring and then Sugarland stole their last-award-show thunder winning the Best Duo Award out from under them.
Best Use of Elton John’s Stolen Piano Award
Goes to Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood who played “Hello World” on a red and gold leaf piano that was surely stolen somewhere along the way from Sir Elton.
Upset of the Night Award
This award is handed to Blake Shelton for his win for Best Male Vocalist of the Year. Blake was shell-shocked as his name was called. It’s not often that the funny guy is lost for words, but there he was up on stage almost speechless. Showing your dark side and being honest and true to oneself pays off in the end.
Best Standing Ovation Award
Bridgestone stadium got on its feet to celebrate the biggest legend in the building, the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” known as Loretta Lynn. There was something appropriate with Miranda Lambert standing arm and arm with Lynn after winning her Female Vocalist of the Year Award thanking her for paving the way with tear-filled eyes. The tribute to Lynn was the highlight of the night- and richly deserved.
Countriest Song of the Evening Award
Who knew that the most country sounding song would be played by Hollywood starlet Gwyneth Paltrow?
The Only He Could Make the Banjo Seem “Rock Star” Cool Award
Goes to Keith Urban who looked like a rock star when he came out in the Carrie Underwood’s opening number.
Mermaid Look of the Night Award
Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott’s red dress was a flashback to Darryl Hannah and the movie Splash. With its narrowness below the hips and flair back at around her feet, it looked like she had to go to the bathroom with her knees all locked up together like that.
Bedazzler Product Placement Award
Bling was everywhere last night, but it looks like Bedazzler will be the title sponsor to the Rascal Flatts tour this year. They’ll be taking over for JC Penny’s since Gary LeVox encrusted his entire watch- all the way around- with sparkly sparkles.
Fashion Accessory of the Night Award
And talking about bling, you just weren’t cool unless you were wearing a new wedding ring or engagement ring. Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and Miranda Lambert each were sporting some serious new hardware on their left hands.
Wardrobe Mix-Up Award
Backstage, it was obvious that there was a major dressing room mix-up when Blake Shelton and a CMA executive had their dry cleaning placed in opposite rooms. Blake took it all in stride and came out in the corner-office-executive look anyways for his performance of “All About Tonight.”
The Kick in the Groin Award
Goes to ABC for their audio feed out here on the West Coast (at least to the ABC affiliate in Sacramento). With a stream that was broken up and garbled during the first hour of the show, it almost sounded like Carrie Underwood was underwater during her opening number. When you can’t hear a music show, that’s not good.
School Girl Scream of the Year Award
Little Jimmy Dickens wins over all of the twenty-something (and under) ladies in the upper deck for his silly and hilarious school-girl holler in his flood warning scuba gear get-up.
The Finally On-Key Award
Taylor Swift had perhaps her finest live moment at this year’s CMA Awards with her performance of “Back to December.” With a sea full of dry ice surrounding her- and drowning her orchestra- she turned in an on-key and fairly strong live performance that hopefully helps distance herself from last year’s pitchy singing.
The I Was Robbed Award
With only twelve key awards, does the CMA really have to skip handing out some of their awards live there on the show? Mac McAnally, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, and Miranda Lambert all got hosed by not being able to go up on the stage during the broadcast and have their moment for their wins for Best Musician, Best Vocal Event of the Year and Best Music Video respectively.
The Rapunzel Dress Award
Brad Paisley called up to the tower to the princess and said, “Carrie, Carrie, let down your dress.” And Carrie rolled out the second longest dress ever seen on an awards show during her performance of “Mama’s Song.” Only the scarlet red dress now in the Country Music Hall of Fame had more bolts of fabric in it.
Best Dolly Parton Impression Award
This award is handed out to Kellie Pickler who showed off her va va voom assets to all the world in her gold foil dress while making her award presentation.
Best Charles Schultz Dedication Award
Does Charlie Brown know that Keith Urban stole his shirt?
Wrong Awards Show Award
Country music’s inferiority complex was on display again last night. Is there really not enough good country material where the CMA feels like it needs to reach outside the genre for material to reach new viewers? We had Sugarland’s reggae rap, a Beyonce cover by Reba, Kid Rock’s Bob Seger-ish anthem and a Kelly Clarkson duet cameo all in a span of thirty minutes on this “country show.”
Sign Her Quick to a Country Label Award
Kelly Clarkson already has proven her country cred with chart success with her Reba duet a few years back. Last night, she showed off her amazing pipes with her duet with Jason Aldean. It would be fun to see her record a country specific album.
Best Acapella Performance Award
This award goes to Little Big Town in their Taylor Swift cover during the presentation for Album of the Year. Their harmonies were perfect and it only left this reviewer wanting more.
Best Tribute to Those That Came Before Us Award
Brad Paisley is a proud flag-bearer and proponent of country music’s pioneers and he showed it again last night. On his brand new song “This Is Country Music,” he had images of dozens of country music’s greats on the screen behind him including Charlie Daniels, Randy Owen, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Jr., John Denver, George Jones and Conway Twitty. Paisley's genuine appreciation of those that paved his way goes deep- proven again in his Entertainer of the Year Award speech when he called out the influences of Buck Owens and Johnny Cash.
Forgot To Hand Out The Retirement Watches Award
Missing was any tribute to Brooks and Dunn retiring and then Sugarland stole their last-award-show thunder winning the Best Duo Award out from under them.
Best Use of Elton John’s Stolen Piano Award
Goes to Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood who played “Hello World” on a red and gold leaf piano that was surely stolen somewhere along the way from Sir Elton.
Upset of the Night Award
This award is handed to Blake Shelton for his win for Best Male Vocalist of the Year. Blake was shell-shocked as his name was called. It’s not often that the funny guy is lost for words, but there he was up on stage almost speechless. Showing your dark side and being honest and true to oneself pays off in the end.
Best Standing Ovation Award
Bridgestone stadium got on its feet to celebrate the biggest legend in the building, the “Coal Miner’s Daughter” known as Loretta Lynn. There was something appropriate with Miranda Lambert standing arm and arm with Lynn after winning her Female Vocalist of the Year Award thanking her for paving the way with tear-filled eyes. The tribute to Lynn was the highlight of the night- and richly deserved.
Countriest Song of the Evening Award
Who knew that the most country sounding song would be played by Hollywood starlet Gwyneth Paltrow?
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
That Nashville Sound's Fearless 2010 CMA Awards Show Predictions
And since I only correctly predicted a measely four out of twelve winners this past year, I'm back for more punishment. TNS is fearlessly throwing out its predictions for the big awards show to the world- confident in its pyschic ability to give you an early glimpse to all of the winners. (Heck, I can't do worse, can I?)
So here they are, our predictions for this year's winners. As you'll see, it has a decidedly Miranda Lambert kind of feel...
Entertainer of the YearLady Antebellum
Miranda Lambert
Brad Paisley
Keith Urban
Zac Brown Band
Prediction: Brad Paisley
Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Keith Urban
Prediction: Brad Paisley
Female Vocalist of the Year
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Reba McEntire
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Prediction: Miranda Lambert
Vocal Group of the Year
The Band Perry
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts
Zac Brown Band
Prediction: Lady Antebellum
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Joey & Rory
Montgomery Gentry
Steel Magnolia
Sugarland
Prediction: Brooks & Dunn
New Artist of the Year
Luke Bryan
Easton Corbin
Jerrod Niemann
Chris Young
Zac Brown Band
Prediction: Zac Brown Band
Musician of the Year
Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Brent Mason – Guitar
Mac McAnally – Guitar
Randy Scruggs – Guitar
Prediction: Dann Huff
Album of the Year
Need You Now, Lady Antebellum
Play On, Carrie Underwood
Revolution, Miranda Lambert
Twang, George Strait
Up on the Ridge, Dierks Bentley
Prediction: Revolution
Single of the Year
“A Little More Country Than That” – Easton Corbin
“Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum
“The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
“White Liar” – Miranda Lambert
Prediction: “The House That Built Me”
Song of the Year
“A Little More Country Than That” – Rory Lee Feek, Don Poythress and Wynn Varble
“Need You Now” – Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Josh Kear
“The House That Built Me” – Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin
“Toes” – Zac Brown, Wyatt Durrette, John Driskell Hopkins and Shawn Mullins
“White Liar” – Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby
Prediction: “The House That Built Me”
Musical Event of the Year
“Bad Angel” – Dierks Bentley featuring Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson
“Can’t You See” – Zac Brown Band featuring Kid Rock
“Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
“I’m Alive” – Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews
“Till the End” – Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack
Prediction: “Hillbilly Bone.”
Music Video of the Year
“Hillbilly Bone” – Blake Shelton featuring Trace Adkins
“Need You Now” – Lady Antebellum
“The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
“Water” – Brad Paisley
“White Liar” – Miranda Lambert
Prediction: “White Liar”
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
New Music Videos From Some Of Canada’s Best New Artists- Doc Walker, Deric Ruttan, David Blaine & High Valley
Doc Walker- “From Here”
Deric Ruttan- “That’s How I Wanna Go Out”
High Valley- “On The Combine”
David Blaine- “Hillbilly Girl”
Deric Ruttan- “That’s How I Wanna Go Out”
High Valley- “On The Combine”
David Blaine- “Hillbilly Girl”
Pack The Bags: Martina McBride Moves To Big Machine/Republic Nashville Label
“The passion and excitement Scott, Jimmy and the entire Big Machine Label Group/Republic Nashville team have for my career and music is so inspiring to me. I have been blessed with an amazing career but in so many ways I really feel like the best is yet to come. I am as over-the-top excited about making music today as I was when I first moved to Nashville,” said Martina.
The superstar’s phenomenal talents, coupled with an innovative and passionate record label, provide a solid foundation for a shifting era in the music industry. “When you think about big voices, the name at the top of the list is always Martina McBride. Her body of work, the important songs, the amazing and moving awards-show performances and all the incredible accolades place her as one of the most important music artists of this generation. When we found out she might be looking for a new home, we didn’t walk, we ran to be first in line. She’s completely energized and has a stack of great new songs and ideas. We can’t wait to plug in as we look forward to continuing and building on this career of excellence,” said Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO.
According to Republic Nashville President Jimmy Harnen, “Along with being a gigantic Martina McBride fan it is an honor to have the opportunity to work with one of the greatest female vocalists of our time. Martina and her artistry are timeless.”
Martina will begin recording her new BMLG/Republic Nashville album in December with producer Byron Gallimore.
The upstart label has quietly put together an extremely well-known roster including Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire and now McBride among others.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Jean Sheppard Inducted Into Oklahoma Music Hall Of Fame- Induction Video Included
Jean Sheppard was induced with three others this last Thursday when their lives and careers were celebrated during the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Concert and Induction Ceremony.
That Nashville Sound has her ceremony induction video below:
Shepard joined singer, actor and Broadway star Sam Harris, Oklahoma balladeer Les Gilliam and legendary drummer Jamie Oldaker at 7:30 p.m. last night at Muskogee Civic Center. Following the ceremony, there was a concert with performances by the inductees.
Shepard was one of the first women to break the country music barrier in the 1950s. Upon the recommendation of Hank Thompson, Shepard signed with Capitol Records in 1952. One year later, she scored with a No. 1 country hit, a Korean War song entitled “A Dear John Letter” with narration from Ferlin Husky, who was appointed as her guardian for tours outside the state since Shepard wasn’t 21. It topped the country charts for 23 weeks and crossed over to the Top 5 pop charts, selling some 10 million records in 1953.
This success made her California’s first major female recording artist since Patsy Montana. She was one of the first women to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and is the first woman to hold membership in the “mode lode of country music” for more than 47 years.
Shepard was the first country music female vocalist to overdub her voice on records and the first female in country music to sell a million records. Finally, she was the first woman in country music to record a concept album. Her 1956 “Songs of a Love Affair” featured 12 songs, all written by her, from a single woman’s point of view on one side, while the other side portrayed the wife’s perspective.
That Nashville Sound has her ceremony induction video below:
Shepard joined singer, actor and Broadway star Sam Harris, Oklahoma balladeer Les Gilliam and legendary drummer Jamie Oldaker at 7:30 p.m. last night at Muskogee Civic Center. Following the ceremony, there was a concert with performances by the inductees.
Shepard was one of the first women to break the country music barrier in the 1950s. Upon the recommendation of Hank Thompson, Shepard signed with Capitol Records in 1952. One year later, she scored with a No. 1 country hit, a Korean War song entitled “A Dear John Letter” with narration from Ferlin Husky, who was appointed as her guardian for tours outside the state since Shepard wasn’t 21. It topped the country charts for 23 weeks and crossed over to the Top 5 pop charts, selling some 10 million records in 1953.
This success made her California’s first major female recording artist since Patsy Montana. She was one of the first women to join the Grand Ole Opry in 1955, and is the first woman to hold membership in the “mode lode of country music” for more than 47 years.
Shepard was the first country music female vocalist to overdub her voice on records and the first female in country music to sell a million records. Finally, she was the first woman in country music to record a concept album. Her 1956 “Songs of a Love Affair” featured 12 songs, all written by her, from a single woman’s point of view on one side, while the other side portrayed the wife’s perspective.
New Music Video From No Justice- "Just Get Going"
"Just Get Going" is the latest single from country/rock crossover band No Justice, an upcoming player of the Texas music scene. "No Justice is a diverse band that's been inspired by a lot of different artists, and because of that we appeal to just about anybody...from cowboys to punk rock chicks," says singer Steve Rice.
"Just Get Going" is quickly climbing the Texas Music Charts, where the band's previous single "Love Song" stayed for over five months and peaked at #2. Both Songs are featured on No Justice's Carved Records debut album 2nd Avenue.
"Just Get Going" is quickly climbing the Texas Music Charts, where the band's previous single "Love Song" stayed for over five months and peaked at #2. Both Songs are featured on No Justice's Carved Records debut album 2nd Avenue.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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