LeAnn Rimes Relaunches Fan Website

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LeAnn Rimes Official Fan Website Is Back Up and Running! Calling all LeAnn Rimes fans!! Your all access portal to one of your favorite country music superstars is now back and open for business! As of Thursday, August 23rd, LeAnnRimesWorld.com is once again in operation, and fans can sign up for the “Spitfire Social Club” (just a $12.99 yearly fee) to receive all kinds of exclusive info straight from the horses mouth…LeAnn Rimes herself, that is! So what will Spitfire Social Club members be getting exactly? With access to never before seen pics and blog posts from Rimes, it sounds like its just a couple notches above what we currently get from her personal Twitter account. LeAnn for her part is pretty pumped about the reconstructed site! “I am so thrilled to finally be launching a brand new, interactive, site for my fans. We’ll be digging into the old times and breaking into an exciting new phase of my life and career.” -LeAnn Rimes I went ahead and took a gander at the new site, and I gotta say its pretty sleak (and there are some pretty cool photos of Rimes!). Naturally, the country music singin’ veteran isn’t about to do this whole brand new website unveiling in a small way…there’s more. Those eager fans who sign up for the “Spitfire Social Club” between Thursday, August 23rd and Tuesday, August 28th (that’s just a couple days!) get the chance to join in on a live chat with Rimes on August 28th from 9am-9:40am PDT, which just happens to be her 30th birthday! Sounds like a pretty cool experience, right? On top of though, one of those lucky fans will win…get this…the corset that she is wearing on the cover of her new album, Spitfire. And yes, it will be signed. The upcoming album will be released later this year with the title single dropping in December. So, get ready!

Taylor Swift Sets Record with New Single

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Taylor Swift’s Recently Debuted Single Sets A New Record! Last week Taylor Swift announced LIVE from Nashville via a special Livestream all the details about her new album, Red, set to drop in October (Read the complete recap!). At the conclusion of the live YouTube webchat, Swift debuted the first single off of her album, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together“, and moments later it was available to purchase through the usual digital channels. No surprise here, but that single has officially set the record in for highest digital sales in a week for a song by a woman! As of August 19th, Taylor had sold 623,000 copies, and as a result debuted in the number one spot on Billboard‘s Digital Songs Chart. If you’ve heard the song, then you know it’s not exactly (or at all) a country tune. But, she’s still a country singer, and I’m sure there will be more than a couple country music singles on the Red. I guess, we will see!

Miranda Lambert On Say Yes To The Dress

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WAATCH Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley on Say Yes To The Dress! Miranda Lambert and her Pistol Annies cohorts are featured on an upcoming episode of Say Yes To The Dress! Angaleena Presley is on the hunt for the perfect weddin’ gown and along with the ladies in her family, Miranda and Ashley are front and center to help her pick the perfect dress! The episode airs TONIGHT at 9pm ET on TLC. Below you can catch a special sneak peak of the show, and Lambert is hilarious in it! Check it out now. Say Yes To The Dress, Miranda Lambert/Pistol Annies Episode Sneak Peak:

Blackberry Smoke The Whippoorwill Review

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Blackberry Smoke’s New Album The Whippoorwill Is A Rocking Good Time. If there is one thing you can expect from a Southern Ground Artist’s album, you can expect for it be good…real good. With The Whippoorwill (their first release on the label), Blackberry Smoke is definitely living up to that expectation. This quintet has an intoxicating southern rock/outlaw country vibe that reminds me of hot summers growing up in Memphis, TN, and there are two things that stand out on this particular album. First, they are fantastic writers and story tellers, and second, they are very talented musicians. With lines like “I may not change the world, but I’m gonna leave a scar“, “So kiss me one more time and cross every T and dot every I of that pretty little lie“, and “He was named after the hurricane/Blew through in ’79 and he did just about the same” pouring out of each track, it is impossible to deny that these guys have a way with words. More than that though, each track on this album tells its own story, and each is as engaging as the next. You’re listening not only to the music, but also to hear how the story turns out. From “One Horse Town” to “Sleeping Dogs“, Blackberry Smoke really does have their finger on the pulse of dixie living, and listening to their songs is almost like pulling back a curtain and watching the characters’ lives unfold in the lyrics. I think what I appreciate most about these songs and the stories they tell, though, is that they are raw and realistic. There are no rose covered glasses here, just honesty. Yet, and maybe this is because I grew up in the South and this kind of music reaches right in and touches my soul, but even in the honesty and unwillingness to sugarcoat the details, there is still an edge of nostalgia, a warmth that only those with an affinity for southern culture with both its good and bad qualities, can appreciate. In addition to the quality of the writing, these fellows also have some serious chops as far as their music is concerned. From the slower rhythm in the albums title track to the quick pace of the opening track “Six Ways to Sunday“, there is a subtlety and depth to the music on this record, and I have a feeling that the digital prints aren’t doing Blackberry Smoke the justice they deserve. I can hear the influences of the bands I grew up on, like Led Zeplin, as they are mixing bluesy riffs, country sounds, and rock into one original and foot stomping package. Based on what I’m hearing on Whippoorwill, I would really love the hear these guys live because I’m willing to wager they would put on one hell of a show! The Whippoorwill is the first run-in that I’ve had with Blackberry Smoke, and I am very glad that these guys just smashed into my radar. I suggest you Continue reading Blackberry Smoke The Whippoorwill Review→

Dustin Lynch Debut Album Review

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Dustin Lynch Showcases His Talent with Debut Album Release! Back in June, we were supposed to catch Dustin Lynch‘s live performance at BamaJam 2012, but a big ole storm came through and messed up that plan! At the time, I was pretty bummed. Now, after giving his debut album a good listen, I am especially disappointed on missing out because I really want to know if he is as good live as is he on this record. What we’ve got on this album is solid talent combined with a 90’s country sound and modern, well-written lyrics, and Lynch really knows how to rock it. While it’s rare to see an artist create a concept album, we do often get records that are centered around a general theme, and if I had to pick a central idea for these twelve tacks (plus one bonus track), I would go with “pining“. A majority of the songs from “She Cranks My Tractor” to “Wild In Your Smile” to “Rock You Sweet” to “Hurricane” are about a guy that is longing after some pretty young thing in one way or another, and Dustin delivers each line with a sincerity that suggests he’s singing from experience. There’s just something about what he’s singin’ and how he’s singin’ that’s…well…kinda sweet. What I really like is that even though a lot of the tracks deal with the same kind of idea, they each tell a different story. Each is engaging, catchy and fun…not an easy feat to achieve, especially for your first release. There are non-love related songs as well, and these are just as good! “Unwind It” and “Name On It” offer up great options for something to listen to when hanging out on Friday night. Then there’s the touching bonus track, “Your Plan“, that was written by Dustin himself, and clearly comes straight from the heart. Whatever the song though, all together this really is a quality album, and a great start for Lynch! So far, there has been quite a bit of buzz about Lynch’s single “Cowboys and Angels“…especially from the female portion of the country music fan base, and I can definitely see why the ladies are loving all over this country music newbie. Between his rugged good looks, his talented vocal chords and all the sweet things he has to say on this album, I have a feeling that he’s going to be strummin’ on heart strings all over the U.S. as his popularity increases. If you haven’t yet, check out the video for “Cowboys and Angels” below, and don’t forget to grab a copy of Lynch’s new album! Dustin Lynch, “Cowboys and Angels“. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F1GrYeIMco] Dustin Lynch Complete Track Listing. 1. She Cranks My Tractor 2. Waiting 3. Cowboys and Angels 4. Wild In Your Smile 5. Last Lap 6. Sittin’ Pretty 7. Yeah Yeah Yeah 8. Rock You Sweet 9. Unwind It 10. Hurricane 11. Dancing In The Headlights 12. Name On It Bonus Track: Your Plan

Easton Corbin All Over The Road Details

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Check Out Behind The Scenes Video Of Easton Corbin Discussing New Album All Over The Road! Easton Corbin is all set to release his sophomore album, All Over The Road, and in the run-up to its debut he took a little time to give fans a sneak peak behind the scenes! Corbin gives details on the recording process, working with producer Carson Chamberlain, and his current single, “Lovin’ You Is Fun.” Besides all that, you also get to catch an in studio performance of title track! The album drops September 18th, you’ll be able to go ahead and pre-order it next Tuesday, August 28th. So, take a couple minutes and see what Easton has to say! Watch Easton Corbin’s Video Now! [youtube:www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-MEm6XCDLA] If you haven’t yet…be sure to check out Corbin’s music video for “Lovin’ You Is Fun“!

Country Artists Join The Pontoon Party

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Look Who Joined The Pontoon Party! As Little Big Town‘s “Pontoon” is being called the song of the summer by many, we can’t help but think this little video confirms that notion! Some of LBT’s fellow musicians/friends have done their part in expressing their love of the song by filming their versions of the hit. Below are clips of this molded together. Wynonna Judd, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Pistol Annies, Hunter Hayes and TV personalities Nan Kelley and Suzanne Alexander, plus many more have made this such a fun and entertaining video! Congrats to Little Big Town for all their success with this single!

WIN A Signed Copy Of JT Hodges Album

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JT Hodges Debuts His First Album Tomorrow and You Can WIN a Signed Copy! JT Hodges‘ debut self-titled album released TODAY (Tuesday, August 21st) and YOU could win a free signed copy! I’ve already had the opportunity to take a good long listen to Hodges new record, and you can check out my complete review now. If you’re not in the mood for reading though, I’ll go ahead and tell you that I think you’ll love this album. Its original, honest, and relatable. So, without further ado…get details on how you can win a singed copy all of your own below! JT Hodges Giveaway Details Comment below sharing why you’re a JT Hodges fan! Share this post via Facebook/or Twitter with your friends! Important Guidelines Winners will be randomly selected and notified individually. Prizes were provided by Show Dog Universal Music. Entries must be received by Tuesday, August 28th. Winners will not be eligible for another prize drawing until 90days after this one.

Mary Chapin Carpenter Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

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Mary Chapin Carpenter & More To Be Inducted Into The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Foundation. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation (NaSHOF) announced today the 2012 inductees into the Hall of Fame: Tony Arata, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry Henley and Kim Williams. Arata and Williams were named in the Songwriter category; Carpenter was elected in the Songwriter/Artist category; and Henley will be inducted in a new Veteran Songwriter category. The four new inductees will be welcomed into the elite songwriter’s community by their peers and leaders in the Nashville music community at the 42nd Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony, presented by AT&T, on Sunday, October 7, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. “Among all the great songwriters who have put the music in Music City, only a select few are elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. We are delighted to accord this honor to Tony, Kim and Mary Chapin, and pleased as well to recognize Larry as the first inductee in the Veteran Songwriter category.” -John Van Mol, chairman of the foundation’s board of directors. This past year, the Foundation created a Veteran Songwriter selection process to run parallel to regular Hall of Fame balloting. Instead of being voted on by professional songwriters and Hall of Fame members on the regular ballot, those in the Veteran category (whose first significant songs appeared 30 or more years ago) are considered by a special committee of Hall of Famers and other contemporaries most familiar with their work. Tony Arata’s songwriter credits include hits such as “The Dance” (Garth Brooks) and “Here I Am” (Patty Loveless). Kim Williams’ resume is known for hits such as “Three Wooden Crosses” (Randy Travis) and “Ain’t Goin’ Down Till The Sun Comes Up” (Garth Brooks). Larry Henley is the tunesmith behind the smash “The Wind Beneath My Wings” (Gary Morris, Bette Midler) and “’Til I Get It Right” (Tammy Wynette). Mary Chapin Carpenter popularized many of her own compositions such as “Down At The Twist And Shout” and “I Feel Lucky.” The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony is one of the music industry’s foremost events of the year. The evening features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. NaSHOF’s sister organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), also presents its annual awards for the year’s best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written,” as determined by the professional songwriters division. Tickets for the event are $225 each. A limited number of seats are available to the public this year and may be purchased (as available) by contacting event director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwriters.com or 615-256-3354.

Colt Ford Celebrity Golf Classic

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The Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic Will Be Held September 24! Country artist and former PGA golfer Colt Ford has announced his First Annual Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic to be held on September 24, 2012 at the beautiful Chateau Elan located just outside of Atlanta, GA. Proceeds will help St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children battling cancer and other deadly diseases. “I could not think of a better way to raise money than playing golf with a group of my good buddies. I really wanted to help contribute to the efforts of the amazing doctors, researches and staff at St. Jude. I am thankful for the opportunity to give back to such an outstanding organization.” -Ford Artists joining Ford in his effort to raise much needed funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital include Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Jamey Johnson, John Anderson, John Michael Montgomery, Jason Michael Carol, Edwin McCain, Laura Bell Bundy, Wanya Morris and Nate Morris from Boyz II Men, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels, plus professional golfers Tommy Gainy, Brian Gay, Heath Slocum, Harris English, Brendan Todd, Hudson Swofford, Brian Harmon, Kyle Thomson, William McGirt, Tommy Biershenk, Ken Duke, Scott Brown, Boo Weekley, Matt Bettincourt, Josh Broadaway, Kris Blanks, Sean Cain and celebrities Corey Miller and Jeff Foxworthy. Colt Ford & Friends Celebrity Golf Classic is sponsored in part by Akins Ford, AO Smith, Roswell Food Group, Country Girl Cocktails, Foxworthy Outdoors, Adams Golf and Mr. Goodtime Moonshine. Sounds like a great way to raise money for a GREAT cause to me! I’m sure it will turn into one great party with plenty of laughs!