Alan Jackson Thirty Miles West Preview
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Luke Bryan At The Amp
Luke Bryan Tailgates And Tanlines Tour Comes To The AMP! Luke Bryan headlined at the Arkansas Music Pavilion this past Friday, June 1. The show was full of energy with well over 5,000 fans in attendance. The day almost had a turn for the worse when rainfall and a slight temperature decrease fell across Fayetteville, leaving me wondering how ticket holders would feel about the outside event. Luckily the rain cleared out and the temp. was very enjoyable, especially considering it was the first day of June. The show went off without a hitch! Bryan performed all of his hits, both present and past. He did Razorback Country proud when he switched all of the “Georgia’s” in song lyrics to “Arkansas’,” but still stayed true to his roots by sporting a Georgia Bulldog jersey at the end of the night. “Drunk On You,” “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” “Do I,” “All My Friends Say,” “We Rode In Trucks,” “Drinkin’ Beer and Wastin’ Bullets” along with others had fans on their feet the whole night. But, a few surprise songs had them going crazy… Bryan’s versions of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend,” Lionel Richie’s “Easy,” Journey’s “Faithfully” and Hank Williams Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive” caused quite a stir throughout the venue. Although he didn’t play any of the covers in full length he proved that he is a very talented man, both vocally and on the piano. Bryan finished the show with his mega-hit “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” He of course showed Northwest Arkansas his moves, but then decided to share the spotlight. He brought up a 16-year-old Adam on stage that he had spotted “shaking it” in the crowd below. It was priceless and I’m sure made the teenager’s summer! I strongly suggest you catch a Luke Bryan show in the near future, the Tailgates and Tanlines Tour won’t disappoint! For those of you who are around the NWA area, get tickets to any show that comes to The AMP! It’s a venue that goes above and beyond to guarantee fans a great experience! Clean bathrooms, short lines and plenty of space for the whole family! Check Out Our Photos From Luke Bryan’s Concert! Need more Country Music photos, news and details? Visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Kip Moore Up All Night Album Review
There’s Somethin’ About Kip Moore’s Up All Night. On the third track of his debut album, Kip Moore tells us all about how “There’s Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck“, and I’m here to tell you there’s somethin’ ’bout Up All Night! I first heard Kip when I stumbled across his video for “Mary Was The Marrying Kind“, and I was instantly hooked. Now, if you want that single, you’ll have to get the deluxe version, but have no fear, there is plenty real, quality country to be had on the eleven tracks that make up this brand new album. From beginning, “Drive Me Crazy“, to end “Faith When I Fall“, country music fans will find in Kip Moore something that is both familiar and something that is unique. It seems frequent these days that we run across artists who just want to market themselves as country (throwing in some fiddle at the last minute or making sure they have a lyric about a creek or bonfire…) But these artists simply don’t have the authenticity to back it up. I don’t necessarily have a problem with that (as long as everyone is willing to recognize that’s what’s goin’ on), but when someone like Moore comes along, it makes those less than true artists pale in comparison. From his gravelly voice to his honest, well-written lyrics, you cannot help but be drawn into the stories he tells in each one of his songs. Besides being a talented singer, and songwriter (he co-wrote all of the tracks on this album!), Kip provides a sincerity in his delivery that gives his music a quality that is easy to relate to. Like when he sings “I guess I’ll always have this longing in my heart” on “Crazy One More Time“, you can almost feel it too. There is just heart felt sincerity in every note and every lyric! The music on this album keeps a pretty even keel, with some faster and some a little slower, but overall, it feels like one solid piece of work. Its the kind of thing you could put on no matter where you are, and it will always be a good idea. In that third track, Moore also lets us know that there’s somethin’ ’bout a kiss that’s gonna lead to more. I just hope the same applies to this album…keep the music comin’, Kip! If you’re curious about Kip be sure to head over to iTunes to check him out!
JB & The Moonshine Band Beer For Breakfast Album Review
A Quick Run Down Of How Much Bang You’re Going To Get For Your Buck When Purchasing Beer For Breakfast! JB & The Moonshine Band recently put out their sophomore album, Beer For Breakfast, with a great response and applaud from fans. The title track is their current single and is sitting pretty in the Top 10 on the Texas Music Chart. The album as a whole has a wide variety for any mood that you could possibly be in on a particular day. At the same time, I have found it just as easy to play it through, with no skips, while sitting on the porch with a cold drink. “Kiss Me That Way” and “The Only Drug,” take care of the slower paced, love songs that we all love. “More Like My Dog” plays the humor card and “Hell To Pay” will get you rowdy and ready to swing (if need be). “Smith County Line” is one of those songs that make you think about somebody you know you shouldn’t. There is so much to say about this song, but at the same time, it’s so hard to do. Everybody just do me a favor and listen to it ASAP and you will know what I mean. “No Better Than This” and “Ride” automatically put a smile on my face when I hear them. They are the kind of songs that get you excited to call up your favorite people and have a fun-filled, simple day…nothing wrong with that! “I Don’t Care” takes me back to a little Keith Whitley tune (“Ten Feet Away“), but also gives a tip of the hat to King George with the line about the chair. Now I’m not sure if the Whitley correlation is what they intended, but I can’t get enough of this song. I dig it! “Edge Of The Road” will get you thinking, “Black And White” might make you cry and “Yes” will make you proud of where you came from (it will also probably make you want a cold beer). I really could not pick a song that is my favorite from this album, but I can tell you that there is NOT one that I dislike. Catch these boys on the road and I promise you will have a good time! For more information on JBMB pop on over to their site and look around! The last two songs on this album, “I’m Down” and “Perfect Girl,” are two that JBMB have already released. The boys were nice enough to share them with you, so be smart and add them to your party playlist! Track Listing: 1. Beer For Breakfast 2. Kiss Me That Way 3. No Better Than This 4. Edge Of The Road 5. More Like My Dog 6. Hell To Pay 7. Smith County Line 8. Ride 9. The Only Drug 10. Black And White 11. I Don’t Care 12. Yes 13. I’m Down (LEX Remix) 14. Perfect Girl (Moonshine Remix)
Alan Jackson New Album – 30 Miles West
Alan Jackson Is Set To Release A New Album June 5. Alan Jackson is set to release his new album, Thirty Miles West, on June 5. This will be his debut album on ACR (Alan’s Country Records)/EMI Records Nashville and is produced by long-time producer and friend, Keith Stegall. Jackson’s current single from the record is “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore.” When asked about the unique title of the album Jackson said, “There’s this highway that has been in existence for forever now – it’s called the Dixie Highway and it runs from north of Michigan all the way down to South Florida, and I wrote a song about it that’s on the album. I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with Thirty Miles West. I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.”
Dierks Bentley Home Album Review
After Listening To Dierks Bentley’s Home, I Want To Go Exactly There! Dierks Bentley’s previous album, Up On The Ridge, was such a breath of fresh air! I really enjoyed the bluegrass compilation and loved the fact that Bentley did what HE wanted to do. But…the first time I heard “Am I The Only One,” I was immediately rushed to years back when I first discovered the curly headed guy on my TV singing “How Am I Doin’?” At that moment I knew we were going to get an awesome album from him very soon. I was right! The second single and title track, “Home,” was released and was on the opposite side of the tracks from “Am I The Only One,” but they were both going in the same direction! The best way I can describe this album as a whole is probably something like this…I see myself with a few of my favorite people, on a cool afternoon, sitting around a fire, with a cup in my hand, not talking, but having the best time ever. It just makes me happy! I don’t know about everyone else, but I don’t have to be jumping up and down raging to a song just because it is fast paced. Don’t get me wrong, I do that too, but it is also nice to sit back, listen, appreciate and smile! It is hard for me to pick a favorite song from this album…number one because they are all pretty great and number two because I like them all for different reasons. “Gonna Die Young” is fun and makes me want to do something crazy, it kind of has the same effect “What Was I Thinkin’” had on me. “Tip It On Back” is very easy going and I can’t help but sing along. “The Woods” has a great beat to it, it is very descriptive and it takes me back. Everyone has that place that is almost sacred to them, it holds a lot of memories and no matter what happens you can always go back there! “When You Gonna Come Around,” featuring Karen Fairchild, is the type of song you wish was written about you (don’t lie, you have all thought it a time or two). “Thinking Of You” is just so sweet! I encourage you to listen to the entire song from start to finish. Yes, it is seven minutes, but I promise the end will have you grinning from ear to ear. So there, I told you what I thought…it’s GOLD! I’d love to know what y’all think, so everyone should listen as soon as you get the chance! Home Track Listing 1. Am I The Only One 2. Gonna Die Young 3. Tip It On Back 4. Home 5. Diamonds Make Babies 6. In My Head 7. Breathe You In 8. The Woods 9. When You Gonna Come Around (featuring Karen Fairchild) 10. 5-1-5-0 11. Heart Of A Lonely Girl 12. Thinking Of You
Craig Morgan This Ole Boy Album Review
Craig Morgan’s Album, This Ole Boy, Gives Us Exactly What We Have Been Waiting For! I think this album as a whole is great! It is true to the Craig Morgan we know, serious when need be, but somebody you want to cut-up with and take on a camping trip! The first single and title track, “This Ole Boy” is such a fun-loving song that puts a smile on my face each time I hear it! “More Trucks Than Cars” is another upbeat track that really puts you in a small town each time it is played! “Whole World Needs A Kitchen” kind of takes me back to his “That’s What I Love About Sunday” days. It’s got a bit of a mellow/easy-going/powerful thing happening. You know what I mean…not something you necessarily karaoke to, but you would definitely belt in your car! There is so much to say about “Country Boys Like Me,” but put quite simply, I LOVE IT! When I said that this album is great, I meant it! Each song tells a story, and it’s a story that is very believable! Morgan co-writing 7 out of the 12 tracks probably has a lot to do with it! “Being Alive and Livin’” is another song that really sticks out to me. It’s all about that cliche, live life to the fullest! Hell, each time I hear it I think I could go skydiving or something. Two minutes later I realize I’m afraid of heights and I hate the feeling of falling, but if a song can give you that kind of courage you know it’s a good one! “Better Stories” is priceless! It makes me laugh and think of some of my own stories and memories I’ve made throughout the years! “I Didn’t Drink” tells a sad story, but putting it on the album was a great move. Country music is known for telling it like it is! This album has everything from love songs (“Love Loves A Long Night,” “Fish Weren’t Bitin’” and “Summer Moon“) to humorous ones you will be singing with your best friends (“Show Me Your Tattoo” and “Corn Star“). When I listen to any track, I know I am getting who Morgan really is and there is definitely something to be appreciated about that. This record was released February 28 from his new label, Black River Entertainment, and is the first music he has released in nearly three years! Well…it was well worth the wait! Here is the video for “This Ole Boy” that features actress Angie Harmon! This Ole Boy Track Listing 1. This Ole Boy 2. More Trucks Than Cars 3. Whole World Needs A Kitchen 4. Country Boys Like Me 5. Show Me Your Tattoo 6. Love Loves A Long Night 7. Being Alive and Livin’ 8. Fish Weren’t Bitin’ 9. Better Stories 10. I Didn’t Drink 11. Corn Star 12. Summer Moon
Tim McGraw Emotional Traffic Review
The Amount Of EMOTION In This Album Is Bountiful! Tim McGraw’s latest album, Emotional Traffic was released earlier this week. It has been awhile since we have heard a new full album from this guy, but it was worth the wait. There are few songs that could probably cross over to maybe a soft rock genre, but for the most part it still has a country vibe. The first track on the album “Halo” is one of my favorites! It is so raw, outspoken and real. There is no holding back in this song and it seems like more and more artists are getting to this point. People complain that country music isn’t what it use to be, well with lyrics like this I’d say it is coming back around to the roots sooner than you might think. First comes the message, next is the sound…I have hope! “Right Back Atcha Babe” is a light and fun song, but every time I hear it I imagine myself driving around town, drinking a slush with the windows down…seriously. I really like this song, plus I love to say “right back atcha” as many times a day as I can. “The One” kind of makes me think of “BBQ Stain,” classic Tim! “Better Than I Used To Be” is a current single of McGraw’s and it is a solid, honest song! It’s one of those songs that I can’t get out of my head here lately and I know that it has a lot of country music fans relating to it. “Felt Good On My Lips” was released to radio in 2011 and had such a descriptive story to it. If a song can make you picture the exact scenario, well I’d say you’ve got a hit on your hands (and he did)! As a twist, the pop/R&B singer, Ne-Yo joins McGraw on “Only Human.” It wasn’t my favorite, but I didn’t hate it either, so I’ll let you decide on that one. However, I did take a liking to “Die By My Own Hand.” To me, it is a classic, country, coulda, shoulda, woulda, but didn’t love song. Of course there can never be another “Just To See You Smile,” “Live Like You Were Dying,” or “Don’t Take The Girl,” but there might be some songs just as “impactful” as those in this album. Take a listen for yourself and see what you think, you might find yourself a new favorite that you will be singing for years to come! Emotional Traffic Track Listing 1. Halo 2. Right Back Atcha Babe 3. One Part, Two Part 4. I Will Not Fall Down 5. The One 6. Better Than I Used To Be 7. Touchdown Jesus 8. The One That Got Away 9. Felt Good On My Lips 10. Hey Now 11. Only Human 12. Die By My Own Hand
Eric Church Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour
In Case Anyone Wanted To Know How The VERY FIRST Show Of The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour Went… I was very fortunate to attend the first show of Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour. It took place in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the Fort Smith Convention Center. I (again so very grateful) had VIP tickets which included lots of goodies! There was a dinner before (with great food), a bag full of merchandise (including a very classy set of shot glasses), an acoustic set and great seats! The acoustic set consisted of two songs between dinner and the actual show. He sang “Like Jesus Does,” a track from Chief and “Before She Does,” a track from his first album Sinners Like Me. After those there was time for some questions from the fans. I managed to get some talk time, where I first told him it was my birthday and then asked where he got the idea to write “Lightning.” He replied with a VERY “Happy Birthday” and said it came to him one day after watching the Green Mile. For those of you who haven’t heard it, go listen now! It will definitely tug at your heartstrings! After questions (and one more drink) me and my friends headed to the main building! Brantley Gilbert was the opening act, but I only caught the first and last songs of his set…that’s because I was waiting in line for a cold beverage for, no joke, at least 30 minutes. This was one thing, that I feel, wasn’t thought out very carefully. Once Church hit the stage all complaints or worries were out the door!!!! He ROCKED that stage, and when I say this I mean it 100 percent! I have seen him perform on several occasions (over 10) and I’m never disappointed, but last Thursday I was attacked with the amount of energy coming off of the stage and exuding in the audience. He packed the place, it was mentioned several times that this was a record breaking amount of people in the building! That’s with it being a Thursday night and previous artists such as Willie Nelson and Miranda Lambert playing the venue! He played his classics “Two Pink Lines,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Guys Like Me,” “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag,” “Smoke A Little Smoke,” “Carolina,” “Hell On the Heart” and many others. Like clock-work, as soon as he started to sing “These Boots,” the majority of the crowd shucked their kickers and raised them high in the air! Church also played songs from his most recent album, Chief! Of course he sang “Drink In My Hand,” but what has become one of my all-time favorite songs, “Springsteen,” stole the show! He played the piano during the memory-lane, reminiscing tune, this is after learning the 88 keyed instrument days prior! Basically it was one of the best shows I have seen in a LONG time! Most definitely the best show I’ve seen in 2012! 😉 I strongly encourage Continue reading Eric Church Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour
Kellie Pickler 100 Proof Album Review
Why You Need To Listen To Kellie Pickler’s New Album Now! Kellie Pickler‘s new album, 100 Proof released today! This is the first album we have seen from Pickler since her self-titled album in 2008, and it was well worth the wait. Since her American Idol debut, Kellie admits she has grown quite a bit, and this album proves that she is an artist in her own right. “When I auditioned for American Idol I was not an artist. So from Idol to the first record to this record, I really tried to find myself because there’s a difference between a singer and an artist.” -Kellie Pickler That evolution is definitely audible on 100 Proof, and I would like to give you the Top 3 Reasons why you should listen to (and possibly purchase!) Pickler’s new album right now. Reason #1 Classic Country Vibe One thing I hear a lot of country music fans say is that country music like they know it, doesn’t really exist anymore. It seems more and more that what hits mainstream country music stations is a fusion of pop, country and well, other things. These country fans who are aching for that classic country sound will be pleased with 100 Proof. While it isn’t truly traditional country, it is very much playing homage to that sound that a lot of country fans grew up on. With heroes like Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Tammy Wynette, it’s hardly shocking that this vibe would be so prevalent on Pickler’s album. From the whining guitar on the title track to the twang in Kellie’s voice and the instrumentals on “Where’s Tammy Wynette” and “Little House On The Highway“, fans will no doubt be pleased with the overall effect. There is also a healthy dose of fiddle and banjo thrown in here and there throughout the whole album which is never a bad thing. Another clue that this album is rooted in old-school country is Kellie’s ode to the honky tonk with her “Unlock That Honky Tonk” track. One lyric literally pleads “Don’t tell me country’s gone…”. That one is definitely going to be a summer concert favorite. Reason #2 Strong Voice One thing I love about Pickler is her sassiness. She always seems to say just what she means, and doesn’t hold back. This same quality is evident in her music, and it is incredibly compelling. Her first single release off the album, “Tough” is a great example of this. She delivers the well-written lyrics with power and vocal talent that kind of makes you wanna throw fist in the air or give this girl a high-five! There’s also “Stop Cheatin’ On Me” which doesn’t quite have the same fast-paced power of “Tough“, but it definitely maintains a similar take-no-bull attitude. Reason #3 Balance Another reason to love this album is that it has a really good balance between fast-paced boot-scootin’ songs and slower-paced tunes. The previously mentioned “Unlock That Honky Tonk“, “Tough“, “Where’s Tammy Wynette” and “Little Continue reading Kellie Pickler 100 Proof Album Review