Don't Be a Tape Player Hater

New Music!

2009-09-26T15:01:00.018-04:00

This week, not only are several new songs being released to radio, there are also several new music videos premiering on CMT.

Let's start with the videos premiering in the coming weeks. Carrie Underwood's video for Cowboy Casanova is the one that most are talking about. Based on her previous videos there is a good chance it will be directed by Roman White and lack any creativity and originality.

Other videos premiering are Reba's Consider Me Gone, Sugarland's Keep You, Keith Urban's Hit The Ground Running, Kenny Chesney's I'm Alive, Miranda Lambert's White Liar, Billy Currington's That's How Country Boys Roll and Tim McGraw's Southern Voice. Keep in mind we have not seen the videos and these are our opinions, but since Kenny Chesney announced that he is taking a break from touring we wouldn't be surprised if it's another live video. As long as he sticks with Shaun Silva the video should be excellent regardless.

Make sure to tune into CMT and check out all of these videos. And don't forget to go to CMT.com for the newest video from Lady Antebellum. Need You Now is one of Lady A's best.

Now on to singles being released to radio this week. If you need a reason to change the station listen for Bomshel's 19 and Crazy, Heartland's Mustache and Mica Robert's Days You Live For. However, if your ears aren't, let's say, as sensitive to bad music as ours, then you can just easily drown out the previously mentioned songs.

If you're looking for another emotional song from Rascal Flatts then listen out for their latest Why. While it's not the worst song ever, in fact it's one of the better ones on their latest CD Unstoppable, it's just the type of song that has become Rascal Flatts' staple. They used to have upbeat songs that had more to it than "Summer nights everybody are you with me" but those are now few and far between.

But don't lose hope just yet. There are a few great new cuts being released. Among those are Jason Aldean's The Truth and Jimmy Wayne's remake of the 1976 Hall & Oates' hit Sara Smile. Jimmy's cover also features Hall & Oates on background vocals. We will be very surprised if this isn't a hit forhim. Also, Sara Smile is the first single off of Wayne's upcoming album, which is set to be released on November 24th.

Don't Be A Tape Player Hater

2009-09-01T22:24:00.009-04:00

Recently, there have been a lot of post dealing with Jake Owen, Lee Brice and Jimmy Wayne, but it's time to talk about some other artists.

First up, the Eli Young Band. While EYB is not new to those from Texas, they are just beginning to hit it big nationally. We were lucky enough to catch a show recently and don't know why it's taken this long for them to be noticed. Their music alone is great, but seeing them live is even better.

Next, Jerrod Niemann. Although we haven't been able to see him perform live (yet), his vocals are amazing. It's almost like a cross between Lee Brice and Joe Nichols. Jerrod did have a release a few years ago titled "I Love Women My Momma Can't Stand" and was catchy but did not fair well on the charts. However, One More Drinkin' Song, which is currently playing on our local radio station should be a hit.

Then we have Jonathan Singleton & The Grove. Back in April we told here you they are an act worth seeing but thought we should remind you.

Also, check out Halfway To Hazard. That name may sound familiar because in 2007 they released their first single Daisy which just barely broke the Top 40. After two years on the road with Tim McGraw Halfway to Hazard is back with a new single and a new album to be released later this year. The new single, I Know Where Heaven Is is playing at radio stations across the country now so make sure to go request it.

Again, while not new to most people, we felt it worth mentioning Cross Canadian Ragweed. Brought to the attention of most outside of Texas by the line in Dierks Bentley's song "Free & Easy" which says "Ragweeds rockin' on my radio".

In the coming weeks, we hope to give you a little more about each artist mentioned, as well as introduce you ( or remind you) of great acts.

Brand New!

2009-08-05T19:40:00.004-04:00

Here it is! Jake Owen's brand new video for Eight Second Ride.

Jake Owen

More CMT Music

More CMT Music Videos

Love Like Crazy

2009-08-04T22:36:00.003-04:00

I wanted to pass along that Lee Brice's new single "Love Like Crazy" is scheduled to be released to radio on August 24th. Please make sure you call or email your local radio stations and request it! Curb says they want Lee Brice to have a hit before they release the CD so let's make this song a hit.

It's Official

2009-07-28T16:33:00.004-04:00

We don't have an exact release date for Lee Brice's new single "Love Like Crazy" but if our poll was any indication it's going to be a hit. And it's about time Lee had one!

Don't forget to follow Lee on Twitter.

Too Big For Their Britches

2009-07-28T16:05:00.008-04:00

A couple of months ago we stated that we are against fan clubs, and we meant it. It was announced today that Jake Owen is launching a fan club along with a new website. Now, Jake is an artist who we love and are big fans of, but he has stated in numerous interviews that, basically, he didn't think fans should have to pay to prove that they are fans.

However, this fan club may not and probably is not most of Jake's doing; it's a typical part of being an artist. It's another revenue stream. And it may have to do with Ticketmaster's control and reshaping of Echo Music or Jake may be working with a new company.

Either way we still think that fan clubs exclude fans and considering the state of the economy, it's not the best time to ask fans to spend their hard-earned money on something frivolous and unnecessary. And please don't get us wrong: We have been members of fan clubs before but it has transformed in to something absurd. We just hope that it doesn't change the artist-fan interaction that we are currently able to have with artists such as Jake Owen.

Let us know what you think!

Lee Brice Update

2009-07-15T14:10:00.003-04:00

For all the Lee Brice fans out there new music is finally up on leebrice.com and his MySpace page. Love Like Crazy is the upcoming single from Lee, so go listen to it and be prepared to request the heck out of it when it's released to radio.

Also, don't forget to follow him on Twitter @leebricemusic.

Gotta Love Dierks Bentley

2009-07-11T15:23:00.003-04:00

Last night in Detroit while Dierks Bentley was singing his hit Feel That Fire he took a dive into the crowd. And it wasn't on purpose! We love Dierks and have had the pleasure of meeting him a few times but this video was just too funny not to share. And to our amazement, he kept singing. We are glad he wasn't hurt!

Check out the video

The Next Step

2009-06-28T18:05:00.006-04:00

Now that we know we aren't the only ones ready for Lee Brice, here are some steps we can take next.

1. We can call/email radio stations and request Lee's music. We don't care if it's She Ain't Right, Happy Endings, or Upper Middle Class White Trash. If we knew when his new single was coming out we'd say request it, but we are starting to think that Curb is going to push back the single like they've done with the CD. I mean it was posted in March that new music was coming soon. Soon is here!!

2. Radio play is only one of the factors in deciding if a CD gets released or shelved. However, there are several CDs that get released and the singles don't make the Top 20, so another step is writing to Curb. We aren't sure how much that would help, but it lets them know there are fans anxiously awaiting the release of Picture Of Me. And hey, even one or two letters is better than no letters. And since it couldn't hurt, let's write the management company too! See below.

3. Word of mouth is also a huge part in the success of an artist. So tell all of your friends and family about Lee Brice. And the strange part is if you tell people that he sings "The Pee Song" there is a chance they know who Lee Brice is.

Also, use Eventful.com and "Demand" Lee Brice in your city. If you have a Facebook or Myspace account you can use the iLike application, and use it to let them know you want to see Lee Brice.

We aren't big fans of digital downloads but again, if it helps, we will purchase his EP.

But don't lose hope!! Lee's website recently got a makeover, a few tour dates were added, and he performed at CMA Fest. And if there is one thing that Lee Brice fans know, it's that Lee Brice is great songwriter. With that being said, it's rumored that Kenny Chesney may record one of Lee's songs titled 7 days, 1000 times.

Here's some contact information:

Curb Records –

Doug Johnson – A&R - djohnson@curb.com

John Ozier – A& R - jozier@curb.com

Curb Records
48 Music Sq. E
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
phone: 615-321-5080
fax: 615-327-1964

377 management – info@377mgmt.com

Let us know if you need radio station info. We don't want to post it unnecessarily because it's so long, but we have it available!

Clearly You Agreed

2009-06-06T23:19:00.004-04:00

We asked you what your favorite Jake Owen single is and it isn't Eight Second Ride, even after all of the discussion on it. The readers responded that Don't Think I Can't Love You was their favorite and maybe that's why it made it to number two on Billboard.

As for this week's poll we want to know what's your favorite Lee Brice song. Please read the letter to his fans here and don't forget to let us know that we have your support in helping Lee Brice get his music heard. And if you have already let us know we have your support, don't worry we are still trying to gather some information before we make another post relating to the open letter.

An Open Letter to Lee Brice Fans

2009-05-31T17:50:00.008-04:00

To All Lee Brice Fans:

Over the last couple of years we have anxiously awaited the released of Lee's debut album, Picture of Me. It has been delayed and pushed back (now indefinitely, according to the Curb Records web site) numerous times. Lee has been touring regularly for an album it seems we will never see.

If Jimmy Wayne fans can band together to create a "Jimmy Wayne Day" to promote his music, then why can't we band together and show our support for Lee Brice? Why don't we have a "Lee Brice Day" or week or month or whatever and start getting his music played? Lee Brice is an undeniable talent.

Supposedly, there is going to be a new single, but when? Supposedly, if a single can break the top 20 then we might get the CD.

We're ready for new Lee Brice music, we're ready for the CD, we're ready to hear Lee Brice on the radio. How about you?

Consider this a call to action. Please leave comments letting us know what you think and if you're willing to join the cause. Let's take it one step at a time, so with enough support we will come back and post ways to help.

And The Winner Is...

2009-05-29T19:05:00.004-04:00

We asked you what your favorite new song was and Jimmy Wayne fans showed their support once again. I'll Be That got an astounding 90% of the votes. Hopefully I'll Be That will be another number one for Jimmy.

Eight Second Ride Revisited

2009-05-28T18:30:00.018-04:00

Who knew this would be our controversial post?

First point: We only said it was our least favorite SINGLE. Since he's only had 4 other singles, that's not like saying we hate the song. It's saying, of these 5 songs, it's our least favorite. Doesn't mean we don't like it.

Second point: Depending on where you get your information, 8SR being released as a single wasn't a surprise. We have been hearing since Startin' With Me, that Jake wanted to release 8SR and that fans were backing him up (including us), but we were upset that some of his really great songs didn't make the cut for Easy Does It in order to make room for 8SR. Also, re-releasing a song on a second album is not a unique thing. Case in point: Kellie Pickler's "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You?" was released on both Small Town Girl and Kellie Pickler. It makes it easy to set it up as a single, but it isn't a guarantee.

Third point: How much farther can 8SR go than "Don't Think I Can't Love You?" DTICLY hit #2; 8SR only has to hit #1 to beat it. Whether it will or not remains to be seen.

Point four: If Jake wants to release a "party" song, it's not like he's hurting for choices. Why not re-release "The Bad In Me" if they're going to go that route? From Easy Does It, "Cherry on Top" or "Who Said Whiskey" jump out as possible singles.

We're not hating on 8SR. We get excited as anyone when we hear the first licks at a show. We just feel that Jake has proven himself a talented enough artist and songwriter that he doesn't have to go back 10 years for a single. Who isn't better at something they were already good at after 10 years of practice?

Opry Quest

2009-05-27T22:00:00.012-04:00

With Montgomery Gentry the latest to receive an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, it's led to a lot of discussion about who else should be invited. We've heard names like Jory & Rory and Ashton Sheperd tossed around, so we decided to throw in a few cents of our own.

One complaint is that MG hasn't been around long enough to deserve an invite to the Big Show. If that is a legitimate gripe, then please explain how Carrie Underwood managed an invite as early as she did. She has not proved her staying power, or really even her talent, as far as we're concerned.

This is how Opry members are chosen, according to the official web site:

The decision to increase the Opry’s ranks is, and always has been, made exclusively by the show’s management. The people who’ve been entrusted with the Opry’s tradition and future direction take into account all the standards of success in country music—radio airplay, album and ticket sales, industry recognition—when considering an act for membership. The Opry considers career accomplishment, as well as the potential for continued success.

To us, this sounds like one thing: Money! Who can make the most money, who has the potential to make the most money, who can sell the most tickets to an Opry show, thereby gaining the Opry - all together now! - MONEY!

Maybe that's cynical, and we're not saying there is anything wrong with wanting to make money. The Grand Ole Opry is a business as much as anything else and in order to stay open, it must have revenue.

It used to be that being invited to the Opry was an honor reserved for the most talented artists in country music, not flashes in the pan. Ashton Sheperd can hardly be called a star. Her album reached number 16 on the Billboard Country Music Charts and her singles have not broken the Top 20. She is a mostly a mediocre singer who decided to cash in on her ability to imitate "Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson, not counting on the fact that Wilson's popularity would quickly wane.

Joey & Rory haven't had much commercial success either, going by the charts. However, they definitely seem to have longevity. Rory Feek was already a successful songwriter in Nashville, having penned hits for Clay Walker, Blake Shelton and Jimmy Wayne, among others. Clearly, Feek has a bit of a magic touch when it comes to songwriting. Give them a few more years, another album or two under their belts, and Joey & Rory will be prime Opry material. Just not yet.

MG, on the other hand, released their seventh studio album last year and have had more than 10 Top 10 Billboard singles since being signed in 1999. They are consistent in their performances and in drawing crowds. Carrie Underwood, it seems, has peaked. Yet, she is an Opry member already and MG is not.

Eight Second Ride

2009-05-27T15:51:00.007-04:00

Being the Jake Owen fans that we are, we had to respond to this laugh-worthy review of his newest single, "Eight Second Ride."

Let's get this out of the way: This is by no means Jake's best song. In fact, of all his singles, it's probably his worst. It was a sleeper hit on his debut album, Startin' with Me, that fans requested as a single, but never got. So, it was re-released on Easy Does It, with plans of being a single.

The problem with the Easy Does It version is its restyling. Aside from minor lyrical changes, the version on Easy Does It seems to lose some of its original musical edge. The guitars and drums fade to the background for this version, whereas they pound through the speakers on Startin' With Me. Whoever decided to remix 8SR managed to take a fun, rocking song and make it a weak, mediocre ego-piece.

As for saying the song is supposed to be "realistic:" Anyone who has listened to Jake's music, has seen a Jake show, etc., knows that this song is blazingly tongue-in-cheek. It was written long before he had his big break, when he was barely in his 20s. With a male buddy, he decided to write a song about girls and big trucks. We think even Jake knows the likelihood of getting a woman to bed down with him on a tailgate is unlikely. (Hey, metal is cold and uncomfortable! Stay in the cab at least.)

It seems that some people don't like Jake because he's attractive. Evidently country music is meant to be "ugly," which, frankly, is something lost on us. All the posturing about his looks masks simple jealousy. For someone as talented as Jake, it's a shame that people are going to misjudge him because he happens to be good-looking and has written a song that is not "high art." Look back at singles like "Startin' With Me" and "Don't Think I Can't Love You" if you need a reminder of exactly what this Florida boy can do.

At Radio Today

2009-05-26T21:31:00.010-04:00

There are some great songs releasing to radio today. First, Big Green Tractor by Jason Aldean. At a recent show, Aldean claimed it's "Kind of a love song". He also thinks that “there’s something kinda romantic about a little tractor ride at midnight.” We agree but have a listen here and decide for yourselves.

Another song impacting today is I'll be That, the third single from Jimmy Wayne's sophomore album, "Do You Believe Me Now".

Watch this video to listen to the song and hear what fans are saying. And don't forget that Jimmy Wayne fans have declared the first Friday of every month Jimmy Wayne Day. On Jimmy Wayne Day, fans will request I'll Be That on as many radio stations as possible. The next "Jimmy Wayne Day" is June 5th, the first day of the "American Saturday Night" tour, where Jimmy opens up for Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley.

Also, at radio today is the second single, 15 Minutes from Rodney Atkins CD "It's America" and Indian Summer from Brooks & Dunn.

Why We Heart Jake Owen

2009-05-06T20:12:00.002-04:00

Jake Owen has officially rocketed to the top of the list of our faves! He just spent over an hour chatting LIVE with fans from his bus via his web cam. How many artists do that? How many take the time to work out the kinks and the bugs so that they can connect with US?

That was so awesome, Jake. Can't wait for the next one!

They're Gonna Put Him in the Movies

2009-05-04T18:35:00.007-04:00

Adam Gregory is set to star alongside John Schneider in What Would Jesus Do. The film will be based on Charles Sheldon's In His Steps. It follows four individuals -- a singer, a newspaper editor, a wealthy philanthropist, and a minister who lost his faith -- all vowing to walk in the Jesus' steps, with every decision based on the one question, "What would Jesus do?" Adam Gregory's song "What Would Jesus Do", off his Crazy Days album, will also be featured in the movie.

"My faith and my music are very closely related," says Gregory. "I feel truly blessed for an opportunity where I can incorporate both into a project that serves a bigger purpose and will hopefully reach millions of others."

The movie is set to start filming this month.

Vern Gosdin 1934-2009

2009-05-01T17:27:00.002-04:00

Country music lost one of the greats this week. Take a moment to remember kindly the man known as The Voice.

We'd like Mr. Gosdin to know that, yes, it is raining at our house.

To Club or Not To Club?

2009-04-21T14:49:00.003-04:00

We're against fan clubs. There, we said it and we meant it.

Fan clubs are supposed to be inclusive, bringing fans closer to the artists they support. In actuality, they do the opposite. When you consider that membership in an average fan club costs approximately $25 a year, being a member isn't feasible for most people. After all, we're fans of more than one person - big fans! So even if we pick only our top four artists, that's about $100 per year per person. The majority of us cannot afford to throw away $100 or more like that, particularly in this current economic downturn.

And, what do you get for your $25? Depends on the club. Usually a fan pack which includes some autographed material, a shirt and other knick-knacks. Access to a video or unreleased track. Maybe a chance at VIP tickets or meet-and-greet passes. Sometimes you don't even get any of that, just the "prestige" of being a club member.

The fan pack is generally comprised of items you can pick up individually and get signed by the artist personally, rather than pre-signed. A "special" video or track only stays that way for so long, thanks to the age of YouTube. And, notice, you only get a chance at VIP tickets or passes. You're not even guaranteed to get to meet the artist who you just gave even more money to!

That's what really gets us, the money. Fan clubs are not about the fans, they're about the money. Membership doesn't even give you a discount on ticket prices, although you might get a chance at a presale. So, let's see, if you're paying $25 a year for a fan club membership, then upwards of $75 per ticket for a good seat to see a major artist (not including fees, service charges and other bogus crap), and then factor in merchandise like CDs...we're talking like $200 for one musician. Those four we mentioned earlier, you're looking at easily $800 to $1,000 a year.

For some people, that's not a big deal. For the rest of us, however, it's a serious dent in our pockets. Some of you are saying, "You don't have to have the best seats in the house." You'll pay for a fan club but not to see the artist up close on stage, where they are typically at their best?

Please Take Our Advice!!!

2009-04-19T23:13:00.015-04:00

We are big fans of music and concerts. With summer quickly approaching we will be bringing you plenty of concert reviews of acts like Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and George Strait. But until then we need to let you know about some of the artists we've seen recently that we ABSOLUTELY recommend you go see.

First up, Jason Aldean. Aldean has been opening for major acts like Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw for years, but only recently has he begun to break out on his own with his smash hits such as "Hicktown", "Johnny Cash" and "She's Country" off his newly released album, Wide Open (which we also highly recommend). If you've seen him in an arena, you know he's great, but you can't know the full experience of a Jason Aldean show until you see him in a small venue.

We saw him in a bar. While the sold-out show certainly wasn't the number of people he has performed for as an opening act, you would never have known we weren't in an arena. He had his full-stage setup and he owned that crowd. There literally aren't words to describe how awesome he was. Go see for yourself!

Next up, Eric Church. He appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, even though the late-night market isn't exactly a hot spot for country artists (aside from Garth Brooks or Carrie Underwood). He recently released his sophomore album, Carolina, and his latest single, Love Your Love The Most, is poised to be another hit.

On the night of his show, Church was suffering bronchitis, but the audience would never have known. It was another sell-out, and the crowd knew every word to every song. Given the mellow sound on his albums, you would never expect Church to come out, bass thumping, and rock a stage like he did that night. He rarely stopped moving; even while playing guitar and singing, his body was thrumming with energy.

Opening for Church was another name you need to know: Jonathan Singleton & The Grove. You already know Singleton's work: He is one of the premier songwriters in Nashville, penning hits like "Watching Airplanes" and "Don't." But JS&TG need to be experienced for its own merits. Singleton has kept his most genius writing samples for his own career, including the single "Livin' in Paradise." A release date hasn't been set for the album yet, but we'll be first in line picking up our copies.

While the headliners are important, let's not forget their supporters: The bands! A lot of mainstream acts don't give props to their bands, but country artists always do. Each of these guys has an amazing ensemble behind him that are just as much a joy to watch as the artists themselves. Special shout out to Tully Kennedy!

Brand New Music

2009-04-15T16:37:00.002-04:00

Here is a preview of Luke Bryan's brand new single "Do I". Luke co-wrote the track with the members of Lady Antebellum. "Do I" is set to begin impacting radio stations on May 4. We like the new song but we want to know what you think. Comment below and tell us!!

It Was Only A Matter Of Time

2009-04-07T17:14:00.007-04:00

While, unfortunately, Jessica Simpson still has a record deal, she is no longer "on loan" to Columbia Nashville. In a sense, it does mean she was dropped from Columbia, which hopefully means people's hearing has returned and they have realized that Jessica cannot sing and this whole crossover to country was just a publicity stunt.

According to her team:

Jessica is and always has been an Epic artist. She was on loan to Sony Nashville for her country album. She continues to be on Epic's label.

Now she has a reason to forget her lyrics.

ACM=WTF

2009-04-06T21:04:00.013-04:00

Did you watch? We did! Did you scream at the TV? We did! Here's a recap and our take on the 2009 ACM Awards.

Well, on the plus side 6 out of our 9 predicted winners took home the trophy. Unfortunately, there were several of those predicted winners we didn't want to win. And, inexplicably, Julianne Hough robbed Jake Owen of the Best New Artist award! Never underestimate the voting power of reality TV-watchers.

The show opened with a weird multi-act performance, anchored by Brooks & Dunn singing "Play Something Country" and featuring Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts. We're fans of most of these acts, but the truncated performances just didn't flow. It was also superfluous; except for B&D, all of the acts performed separately later in the show.

Some kudos for Carrie Underwood: Last night's performance of "I Told You So" was the best she has ever done that song. That's not saying a lot, but still, better than nothing. But, seriously, what was with that dress? Was it alive? Pretty sure it was once related to Jabba the Hutt. It moved of its own accord. It was bad.

Song of the Year went to Jamey Johnson, deservedly, but Album of the Year to Taylor Swift? Granted, categories like this are based mostly on number of units sold. But, the ACM changed the criteria in order to include Johnson's That Lonesome Song in the nominations. Seems like a shoe-in for a win, right? Alas, wrong. Song for song, Johnson's album far surpassed the quality of Swift's.

Swift did receive a Crystal Milestone Award for selling the most albums this year (not sure if they meant 2009 or in the year since last year's ACMs). For a 19-year-old girl, that's a hell of an achievement. Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles also grabbed herself a Crystal Milestone. Nettles is the first female songwriter on Song of the Year since 1972 for last year's "Stay." Totally deserved.

One of the lowest moments of the show: John Rich performing "Shuttin' Detroit Down." Of course, we wouldn't have recognized Rich if he hadn't been introduced beforehand. He was missing his massive, blinged-out wedding ring and his Muzik Mafia ring. He was also as dressed down as he's been since he was in Lonestar. A denim jacket? What, his fur coat was at the cleaners? Here's the problem: John Rich is one of those "fat cats" he is singing out against. His pared down appearance last night was his feeble attempt to relate to the "regular folk" that make up the majority of country music's fans. Sadly, there are people out there who believe John Rich is on their side. But, Rich just isn't believeable as a Joe Schmo and he isn't entertaining on his own. Bring back Big Kenny!

Near the end of the show, Trace Adkins and the Westpoint choir performed a moving song, "Til the Last Shot's Fired" in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. While it was a great performance, it wasn't as resosnant as Tim McGraw's live performance of "If You're Reading This." (BTW, McGraw was noticeably absent for last night's show after pulling out at the last minute over "major disagreements" with the producers. What's that about?)

Now, on to the disappointing finale. Carrie Underwood for Entertainer of the Year? WTF? Like we said, never underestimate the power of reality TV-watchers. However, our sources say that the fairly new fan-voted aspect of Entertainer of the Year was used as a ratings ploy. So, is it really a win if the whole thing was just a trick? The only plus side is that voters are relegated to one vote per computer.

On the whole, ACM 2009 was kind of disappointing. But Matthew McConaughey was funny. We want to see the boots, Matthew!

If I were a bettin' (wo)man...

2009-03-31T23:12:00.005-04:00

Are you ready for the ACM Awards LIVE from Vegas this coming Sunday? We are! Do you have your winner picks ready? We do! Check 'em out below, as well as our takes on who SHOULD win, even if they don't. Plus, check back Monday for a recap of the show, performances and to see if anyone made Jake Owen say "Damn."

For a full list of nominees, click here.

By the way, we're just guessing as to who will win. We don't know and we'll probably be wrong.

Top Male Vocalist
Who Will Win: Brad Paisley
Who Should Win: George Strait
Brad Paisley has been racking up serious awards lately. He and Urban have already been named winners of Vocal Event of the Year from the ACMs. Paisley also won Video of the Year. Sounds like a shoe-in to us. George Strait, however, is George Strait. George Strait is the closest thing to a living embodiment of country music out there. There's a reason they call him King George. And we all know, it's good to be king.

Top Female Vocalist
Who Will Win: Carrie Underwood
Who Should Win: Miranda Lambert
Let's face it, in the country music world, Underwood can apparently do no wrong. (That's notwithstanding her shrieky rendition of Randy Travis' I Told You So and the fact that we here don't like her.) She is the current darling of country radio. Since her American Idol win, people have been fawning over her, claiming she is the reason they like country music. Not a good enough reason. Miranda Lambert is the anti-Carrie Underwood. Just as beautiful, with twice the pipes and triple the personality. Underwood may bash your headlights in, but Lambert will shoot you down just as soon as look at you. Which one sounds more country?

Top Vocal Group
Who Will Win: Rascal Flatts
Who Should Win: Rascal Flatts
The groups are great, but no one can deny Rascal Flatts' success. It's a no-brainer. (Watch them not win, now.)

Top Vocal Duo
Who Will Win: WE DON'T KNOW!
Who Should Win: Sugarland
We just couldn't make a pick on this one. After all, Duo has long been "the Brooks & Dunn award," but Sugarland is the one group who was able to topple them. Lately B&D have been making a resurgence with Cowgirls Don't Cry, but Sugarland's star has been steadily burning in the Nashville sky. As far as we're concerned, it's a toss-up.

Top New Artist
Who Will Win: Jake Owen
Who Should Win: Jake Owen
Wanna know why? Go here. There is a slight chance of a Julianne Hough upset given her Dancing With the Stars fan base. We aren't big DWTS watchers, but there's no doubt she's been plugging for votes.

Album of the Year
Who Will Win: Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift
Who Should Win: Jamey Johnson
If Underwood is radio's darling, Swift is its golden child. Her first two albums have had unbelievable success, mostly due to the tween factor. But Jamey Johnson has long been a Nashville fixture. TLS is critically acclaimed and Johnson can sell out bar crowds in a way no other artist of his relative newbie status can. His songwriting ability is unparalleled (just ask George Strait) and his singing style is "somewhere between Jennings and Jones."

Single of the Year
Who Will Win: "In Color" Jamey Johnson
Who Should Win: "In Color" Jamey Johnson
Have you ever heard a sold-out crowd sing a popular song back to its artist? We have and the sound is deafeningly beautiful. "In Color" stretches across generational boundaries, speaking to the veterans of World Wars and to the youngest members of society. Who doesn't know that "Man, you should have been there" feeling? Who has never expressed, "Guess ya had to be there." Some things just can't be conveyed, they can only be experienced. Of course, if hell freezes over and Johnson doesn't take home this trophy, it will likely go to Brad Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman" or Trace Adkins' "You're Gonna Miss This."

Song of the Year
Who Will Win: "I Saw God Today" George Strait
Who Should Win: "In Color" Jamey Johnson
We have no complaints if King George takes this home, but refer to our reasons above for our JJ love.

Entertainer of the Year (Fan Voted!)
Nominees: Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Keith Urban
Who We Voted For: George Strait
There is no real way to call this one. It's all about who gets the most clicks. But, we predict Carrie Underwood again, given her legions of AI fanatics.

Hell yeah, that is the YeeHaw Guy!

2009-03-26T20:31:00.002-04:00

If you haven't seen Jake Owen perform live, you've been missing out. If you haven't had the chance to see Owen perform in an intimate setting, then you are really missing out. Jake Owen is a great performer and songwriter, but he's also supremely comfortable on stage, much more than you would expect of a once-aspiring golf star.

Watching him recently at performance for fewer than 50 local radio listeners was like being invited to a jam session in his living room. He talked about his new puppy, Vern, he did a masterful impression of Ronnie Dunn, and he even managed to squeeze in a few songs. Normally he has a full band backing him, but today it was just him and a guitar. Though his band members are among some of the coolest guys on the planet, they were not missed. Owen is a compelling performer no matter the venue.

Having recently released his sophomore album, Easy Does It, Owen is enjoying the upswing of his career. When you get the CD (and you will) be sure to check out Anything for You and Every Reason I Go Back. He has already opened for legendary performers like Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn, as well as newer major acts Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley. Judging by his stage presence, it won't be too long before Owen has his own opening acts.

Owen is also the ACM New Male Artist of the Year. His winning is testament to Owen's loveability as this year is the first time this award is fan-voted. He's up against Julianne Hough and the Zac Brown Band for Best New Artist at the ACMs. Cast your vote for Jake here.

And the Most Underrated Country Star Is...

2009-03-18T19:16:00.002-04:00

Lee Brice! The good ol' boy from Sumter, South Carolina, has been toiling in Nashville for a while now, with little to show for his efforts since Garth Brooks rocketed to the top with More Than a Memory, which Brice co-wrote (with Kyle Jacobs and Billy Montana). His debut CD on the Curb label has been pushed back at least three times; its original release date was 2007 and Curb's web site now has it set for 2037.

Brice could be in his sixties before we hear track 1. That's a real shame, as anyone familiar with Brice's work knows. He's the voice behind the raucous Upper Middle Class White Trash, the vulnerable Happy Endings and the gotta-love-a-crazy-chick anthem, She Ain't Right. And, let us not forget the beauty and angst of More Than a Memory.

Of course, he hasn't been in Nashville for 10 years, which appears to be the average amount of toiling time spent by some of country's hottest artists. So, we may yet luck out. But with talent like Brice's, why must he suffer the 10 year curse? He's developed his voice. He knows who he is. He knows his audience. So what is Curb waiting for?

The official word is that Curb is waiting for one of Brice's singles to hit the Top 20 (an upcoming single is due in April). Given the way Curb has treated mega-star Tim McGraw of late, why should we believe them? McGraw's troubles inadverently screwed Brice once more, as one of the singles from McGraw's delayed new record was co-written by Brice.

Most importantly: Brice is genuine. He's true to his roots and to his fans.