Glen Campbell waited 10 years to record a new album. And he records a group of cover songs by bands many of his most devoted fans have probably never heard of — like Green Day, Foo Fighters and the Velvet Underground. Maybe he’s going after a new audience. Or maybe, at 72, he’s decided to fight aging with alternative music. Whatever his reasons, my curiosity is piqued enough for me to download Meet Glen Campbell. You can hear it in its entirety for free at CMT.com.
Rehab is a fitting name for this group. They were first formed by two guys that met in a rehab program. Then they broke up and the band had to start all over with new members. Now they team up with Hank Williams Jr. for “Bartender Song,” a reworked version of their hit, “Sittin’ at a Bar.” I like the story of this song a lot, although I hope I never have to actually live it out. Then again, I can definitely see myself and some friends slurring the words to this chorus at about 2 a.m. Then, the bartender persuading us to leave with a broom handle at 3 a.m. (still singing).
All summer long, I’ve been reaching for my advance copy of Donavon Frankenreiter’s album, Pass It Around. Somehow, it just sounds right in the summer, because it’s an easygoing album. Yet, it’s not boring - cool melodies all the way around. I keep gravitating toward “Too Much Water,” because the lyrics remind me of a charity bike ride I did earlier this summer for the Blood:Water Mission, which strives to bring clean water to Africa. Some of the cyclists rode all the way from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. (Not me, though. I was satisfied with a 25-mile loop in Nashville.) Even though summer is almost over, my guess is that I’ll still be listening to this one in the months to come.
This is none of my business, but I’m glad Tim McGraw is taking a bit of his own advice and starting to take better care of himself. In his big cover story for People magazine’s most recent country issue, he said he quit drinking. So even though he’s well past 30, he’s taking the lyrics of “My Next Thirty Years” pretty seriously now. At least, that’s how I’m reading into this. As if all country stars stop and think about what they’re singing as much as I do.
You may look good in Keith Urban’s shirt. But you might look even better in Dwight Yoakam’s cowboy boots. Handmade in Texas, gently used, and embellished with Yoakam’s autograph five times on the right and five times on the left. They are, as of right now, fetching the highest bids at the Keith Urban Auction to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (But there are still plenty of old shirts from other country artists if you’re not a boot fan.)
Melissa Lawson is the winner of the 2008 Nashville Star Series.
Hi everyone! I am HOME! After 3 months on Nashville Star and 2 AMAZING whirlwind weeks after winning, I am finally HOME! =) I get to spend a couple of weeks with my family, no cameras, no interviews, just us Lawsons hanging out and lovin’ on each other. I am really looking forward to this time to recharge my batteries and get ready for the Nashville Star tour kicking off Sept. 12 in St. Louis and to begin working on the album, which will be released around the first of the year. Now let me tell you about what you really want to know about … CHINA! WOW! I thought Nashville Star was great, but it can’t even compare to the last 2 weeks of my life.
It’s good to know I’m not alone. There is love for Miranda Lambert’s new single everywhere. The folks at The 9513 gave “More Like Her” a thumbs up for its artistic quality, emotional complexity and for exposing Lambert’s vulnerable side. All valid reasons to dig the song, as long as you add to that list the softening of Lambert’s vocals in this ballad of regret that she wrote herself.
First he broke out in a big way with “Just Got Started Loving You.” Now James Otto offers up his second single from Sunset Man. “For You” is the soft spoken counterpoint to “Just Got Started” and really lets Otto show off his vocal range. It also gives an interesting look into the daily life of a budding star. Wake up to the sound of your own voice on the radio, sign some autographs, do an interview, more autographs, hair/makeup/wardrobe (has got to be tough for a man to get used to), publicity photos and the concert — all the while longing for simpler times with your girl. He does an awesome job of fixing that situation though. One well-timed and creatively worded note and all is well again. I knew I should have learned to sing.
Why is Kevin Jonas selling Taylor Swift a hot dog on the streets of New York City? Because she’s making an appearance in their upcoming 3-D Disney movie, and it was all just part of one of the scenes. And even though the movie is all about the brotherly trio and their much-revered Burnin’ Up tour, I can’t help but think they may end up on the cutting room floor because Swift is such a scene stealer.
I’ve seen John Rich in concert about a dozen times. His shows are always very robust, and the crowd always seems to love him. And plenty of fans come bearing signs, like “Save a Horse, Ride Me,” “Freak Parade Starts Here” or “Marry Me, John.” But those signs were nowhere to be found in this video for his song “Raisin’ McCain.” These folks are only carrying McCain signs, making it feel more like a political rally than a concert.
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