Author Archives: HaleighT

About HaleighT

HaleighT grew up in rural Sallisaw, Oklahoma, completely immersed in the country music lifestyle. She works with CMNB as our field assignment journalist, gathering concert reviews and exclusive interviews from every artist she can. When she's not out on the road, she's in our web studio filming "Takin' a Break With HaleighT" a short weekly opinion and news segment that launched in 2011.

Pistol Annies Album Review

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Pistol Annies Come Out Guns Blazing! The Pistol Annies album Hell On Heels went on sale last week and has been sitting at the top of the iTunes charts ever since. The first time we got a glimpse of these girls performing together was on “ACM’s Girls Night Out” back in April. Luckily there wasn’t a very long wait between then and their album release. These girls have got some things on their minds and they want to make sure we hear them! I feel like this album is a good look at their attitudes towards life, basically they don’t take crap from anyone! The trio’s name alone tells you that, they are a bunch of pistols! “We ain’t ashamed of who we are, we like fast men and cheap guitars. Ain’t tryin’ to get rich, just tryin’ to get by…” “Hell On Heels” was a great first single and I love it as I’ve previously posted about, sugar daddies beware! “Bad Example” and “Takin’ Pills” are both awesome, upbeat and to me, funny stories. “Boys From The South” was perfectly written! It’s easy to sing along to and is one of those songs that take you down memory lane. By the way, who doesn’t love a southern drawl?! I can’t get enough of “Trailer For Rent“. There is no holding back in any of these 10 tracks and this song is a perfect example of that. Things happen, its life, and at least the girl in this tune is doing what she’s got to do to move on. “Lemon Drop“, “Beige“, “Housewife’s Prayer“, “The Hunter’s Wife“, and “Family Feud” follow the same pattern as the rest. These songs are most definitely not mainstream, but that is the beauty in what the Pistol Annies have created. No matter if you agree or disagree with the words they are singing, you can’t deny that these girls have some talent! To purchase the album head on over to iTunes or PistolAnnies.com. Track Listing 1. Hell On Heels 2. Lemon Drop 3. Beige 4. Bad Example 5. Housewife’s Prayer 6. Takin’ Pills 7. Boys From The South 8. The Hunter’s Wife 9. Trailer For Rent 10. Family Feud

Sunny Sweeney Album Review

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Sunny Sweeney Releases First Full Album: Concrete. East Texas nativeSunny Sweeney released her first full album, Concrete, Tuesday, August 23rd! Honestly, I find it very hard to tell my opinions about this album without being redundant. All that comes to mind is honesty and raw emotion. I saw where someone said if you are going through a divorce don’t spend the money on a therapist, just buy the Sunny Sweeney album…I’d have to say I agree! The first time I heard Sunny Sweeney on the radio was about a year ago. Her first single, “From A Table Away“, was very honest and spoke of a girl caught up in a liars game. It took quite a bit of time for her album, Concrete, to come out. To me that just says she was determined to make sure what she put out for the world to hear was something she firmly stands behind. She co-wrote 7 of the 10 tracks on this album, possibly showing us a little of the road she has traveled in her days. I’d say all but one song on this album are about a broken heart. “The Old Me” is about a bad girl gone good…for now. This track is the one that isn’t about a bad relationship (but I’m sure somewhere in there was cheating or mistreating). “Helluva Heart” is one of those songs you want to listen to with a few friends and belt! “Your talk is cheap in this town”. I LOVE IT! “Amy“, well I don’t want to ruin that surprise for anyone. But trust me, you have to hear it! Like I said before, each song has this honesty that we don’t see much of these days (it’s out there, just not in abundance). If I had one complaint to share, it would be to add a few happy songs. I love this album, but I think if I listened to it a few more times in a row I’d be sitting in my kitchen with more than a few empties and a pan of nothing in front of me. The pan of nothing would have previously been full of macaroni and cheese… But seriously, Sunny Sweeney has solidified herself as singer and songwriter in my book! I encourage you to check out this album! Concrete Track Listing 1. Drink Myself Single – Monty Holmes, Sunny Sweeney 2. From A Table Away – Bob DiPiero, Karyn Rochelle, Sunny Sweeney 3. Staying’s Worse Than Leaving – Jay Clementi, Rodney Foster, Sunny Sweeney 4. The Old Me – Lori McKenna, Mark D. Sanders 5. Amy – Brennen Leigh, Sunny Sweeney 6. Worn Out Heart – Brett Beavers, Sunny Sweeney 7. Mean As You – Brett James, Kelly Lovelace, Tim Nichols 8. It Wrecks Me – Jay Clementi, Sunny Sweeney 9. Helluva Heart – Deanna Bryant, Heather Little, Sunny Sweeney 10. Fall For Me – Lisa Carver, Jaida Dreyer, Carolyn Dawn Johnson

HaleighT’s Weekend Plans

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What Better Way Start To A New School Year Than 3 Nights Of Live Music? School has begun and for me summer is over. With that come great things…football season and hopefully some cooler weather. Those are the only two I can think of at the moment, but they are good ones! One thing that won’t change season to season is my presence at as many concerts and shows as possible! George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville has started the semester off right for all college kids and the first weekend on Dickson! The Turnpike Troubadours will be there tonight, August 25, with guests Shane Smith & the Six Gun Saints and Montgomery Trucking. Tomorrow, August 26, Reckless Kelly will headline and Saturday, August 27, the Josh Abbott Band will round up the fun filled weekend! It is sure to be an eventful three days and I’m ready to get it started! The only things standing in my way are a few classes, some reading, a quiz, and a couple album reviews…I better get started!

Lady Antebellum: Love Don’t Live Here Video

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Lady A’s Very First Single and Video! The year is 2008 and you have just heard “Love Don’t Live Here” for the first time on the radio by a girl and a couple guys…Who would have thought that this trio would soon been the award winning, record breaking, album selling, household name, Lady Antebellum, that they are today?! Their new album Own The Night will be available for purchase September 13 and will include their latest single “Just A Kiss“. Let’s take a ride down memory lane and see where it all started! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_42IUpKPss] I must say, although I have liked everything they have put out over the last years, my favorite song by these folks is and always will be “Love Don’t Live Here”!

Pistol Annies New Album

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Pistol Annies First-Ever Album Is On Sale. The day is finally here! The long awaited Pistol Annies album Hell On Heels is now available for their explosion of fans to listen! Ashley Monroe, Angaleena Presley, and Miranda Lambert have come together to give us the most hippie, country, gypsy, rockin’, ass-kickin’, good-timin’, lyric beltin’ album they possibly could! The 10 tracks are listed below and you can purchase them now through iTunes or their website. No word on when the album will be in stores, but as soon as we hear we will let y’all know! Be looking for a review of the album in the next couple days. 1. Hell On Heels 2. Lemon Drop 3. Beige 4. Bad Example 5. Housewife’s Prayer 6. Takin’ Pills 7. Boys From The South 8. The Hunter’s Wife 9. Trailer For Rent 10. Family Feud

Martina McBride Video I’m Gonna Love You Through It

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Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” Video Opens The Flood Gates! I woke up this morning and turned on the TV so I could hear some music while I got ready, normal routine. As I walked through the kitchen I saw a video coming on that I didn’t recognize, so I stopped… Martina McBride recently released “I’m Gonna Love You Through It“, the follow up to “Teenage Daughters“. The words to this song are powerful ones that speak of someone with cancer and the important role that their loved ones take on during the journey. There are many strong and courageous people who have to battle through the terrible disease every day, but if it weren’t for the husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, and friends to keep the faith it would be very difficult for many to go on with the fight. The video is such an emotional one, having actual survivors sharing their stories with the world. I think that it was important to feature women who are in the spot light, Robin Roberts and Sheryl Crow, as well as everyday women… “Cancer don’t discriminate or care if you’re just 38…“ “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” and “Teenage Daughters” will be on Martina’s upcoming album, 11. As the title states, this her 11th studio album and is set to be released October 11 (sounds like a lucky number). Until then you can find both singles on iTunes. Here is the video that brought me to tears at 8 this morning… [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxIt70j_SPk]

Luke Bryan Interview During REACH Campaign

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Luke Bryan Teams Up With REACH In Recent “Different By Design” Campaign. I was recently contacted about a possible interview opportunity with Luke Bryan. The extremely busy man has many projects going on with his recent touring schedule, upcoming tours, and his new album release. The deal that landed us this interview was a project he has going with REACH. The people at REACH are very passionate about what they do and we are glad to hear it! With many different designs, both style and performance, you are sure to find the exact match for you! We all know the man has one of the best smiles in country music, so to be recognized in a national campaign…well way to go Luke! Below are a few of the questions that were asked, along with his responses. How did you get hooked up with this REACH deal you have going? “REACH PRESENTED AN IDEA ABOUT THE SIMILARITIES IN HOW THE RIGHT TOOTHBRUSH IS LIKE THE RIGHT GUITAR. I RELATED TO THAT.” How is the tour with Tim McGraw going? “WE WRAPPED THE TOUR LAST WEEK AND IT WAS SUCH A BLAST.” Where do you get all your energy that you have on stage? “SCHEDULE DEMANDS ON MY CAREER ARE JUST CRAZY, BUT CRAZY IN A GOOD WAY. BUT EVERYTHING WE DO LEADS TO THAT TIME WE GET ON STAGE. IT’S WHAT I WAIT FOR, LIVE FOR. NOTHING MAKES ME HAPPIER THAN PERFORMING LIVE FOR THE FANS.” Do you have any special things or rituals you do before a show? “THE BAND AND I JUST GET TOGETHER FOR A LITTLE QUALITY TIME AND A PRE SHOW CHANT BEFORE WALKING ON STAGE.” Do you prefer big arenas or smaller venues? “IT REALLY DOESN’T MATTER – IT’S ALL ABOUT THE REACTION FROM THE CROWD, LARGE OR SMALL.” How excited are you with the success of “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”? “I AM SO THRILLED WITH THE SUCCESS OF THIS SONG. IT IS SO MUCH FUN TO PERFORM LIVE.” What are you most ready for your fans to hear on your new album? “THE ALBUM MADE SUCH A HUGE DEBUT, I AM SO HAPPY. THE DAY THE ALBUM WAS IN STORES FANS TWEETED ABOUT THE SONGS THEY LOVED, AND WHY. IT WAS INSTANT FEEDBACK AND I LOVED KNOWING HOW THEY ARE ENJOYING IT AS MUCH AS I HAD HOPED.” Who is someone that you look up to in the industry today? “I WOULD HAVE TO SAY TIM MCGRAW. HE KNOWS HOW TO HANDLE HIS CAREER, IS AN AMAZING ENTERTAINER BUT ALSO FOCUSES ON HIS FAMILY LIFE. HE KNOWS HOW TO DO IT ALL WELL. I ADMIRE THAT.” Did you ever think you would have such success doing what you love? “WHEN I GOT MY RECORD DEAL, I WAS HOPEFUL THAT THE FIRST ALBUM WOULD SELL WELL ENOUGH THAT I’D BE ABLE TO MAKE A SECOND RECORD. WE ARE INTO OUR THIRD ALBUM NOW AND I’M SO THANKFUL THAT I’VE HAD A NICE STEADY CLIMB Continue reading Luke Bryan Interview During REACH Campaign→

Josh Kelley Joins Lady Antebellum

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Josh Kelley Joins Lady Antebellum For The Fall ‘Own The Night 2011 Tour’. Josh Kelley will be joining Lady Antebellum this fall for their Own The Night 2011 Tour! The Grammy Award winning trio and the singer/songwriter will kick things off in Knoxville, TN on November 11. I’m sure this tour will be full of excitement and fun, with a few pranks thrown in there between the brothers! “I can’t wait to get on the road with Lady Antebellum. They put on a high-energy show and I’ve gotten to see them perform a few times this summer when we’ve played at the same fairs and festivals. I know their fans like to have a good time and I’m ready to get them fired up! I’m also excited to tour with Lady A because I know my brother, Charles, and I will play a lot of golf!” -Kelley Josh has recently been on Miranda Lamberts Revolution Tour and will join Taylor Swift’s Speak Now tour next week, through September. Kelley’s latest single “Gone Like That” was released in March and is the follow up to the top 15 hit “Georgia Clay“. Below is the video for your enjoyment! =) [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-Z-mpyRx4A&ob=av2e]

Rodney Atkins’ New Album

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Rodney Atkins’ Fourth Studio Album Hits The Market October 4th. Rodney Atkins’ newest album, Take A Back Road, will hit stores Tuesday, October 4th. The Curb Records’ platinum selling artist has been going strong all summer, touring non-stop since the beginning of June. The second single/title track of the album, “Take A Back Road“, is the fastest rising single of his career. “I have put a lot of time into the recording of this album and am excited to say I think it is progressive and representative of who and where I am today. We are thrilled with the reaction of ‘Take A Back Road’.” -Atkins With this being his 4th studio album and having numerous hits under his belt (“Watching You“, “Cleaning This Gun“, “Farmer’s Daughter“, “These Are My People“, “If You’re Going Through Hell“, “It’s America“), I find myself wondering why he gets so little recognition. Rodney Atkins hosted and organized “Music City Gives Back” this June, is currently working with Pillsbury’s Biscuitfest, will soon be touring in the fall, and no doubt will make an appearance at the annual CMA Awards. Atkins is also getting ready for the shooting of GAC‘s original series “Origin” and will be shooting in several locations for the video of “Take A Back Road“. Sounds like a busy man! Make sure to snatch up Take A Back Road as soon as it hits the shelves, I’m sure Atkins will give us a few more hits this go around! The track listing is below and I have to say numbers 6,8, and 10 have got me curious… Track Listing 1. Take A Back Road 2. He’s Mine 3. Family 4. The Corner 5. She’s A Girl 6. She’d Rather Fight 7. Feet 8. Cabin In The Woods 9. Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll 10. Growing Up Like That 11. Tips 12. Lifetime 13. Farmer’s Daughter

Luke Bryan Announces Farm Tour

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Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour Returns For The Third Year In A Row! If you think the CMNB staff is on a bit of a Luke Bryan kick, well you’re right, we can’t get enough! We are happy to announce the Georgia native is hosting his third consecutive Farm Tour. This mini-tour will not take away from his other projects he has going on, the 6 shows will fit right between Tim McGraw’s Emotional Traffic Tour and his headline CMT On Tour: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines. “We have such a blast at these shows. We look forward to bringing music into some of these areas where concert tours can’t get to. There’s nothing like building a tour set in the middle of a crop field!” -Bryan Bryan came up with the idea for the Farm Tour as his way of giving back to local farming communities. What better way to celebrate the American Farmer than an outdoor, rocking concert?! All the proceeds made at each show will go to a local student from a farming family. It will be in scholarship form for a local college of that area. Tickets are on sale now and below are the dates and locations of the tour! September 29 – Clemson, SC (Clemson University) September 30 – Athens, GA (Tucker Plantation) October 1 – Macon, GA (Luther Williams Field) October 5 – Statesboro, GA (Longneedle Farm) October 6 – Valdosta, GA (Coffee Weed Plantation) October 7 – Carrollton, GA (VFW Fairgrounds)