Don't Be A Tape Player Hater

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.

Please Take Our Advice!!!

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!