Showing posts with label Country Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Country Music. Show all posts

Monday, May 11, 2015

Currently Listening to...

When I first started blogging I wrote a lot about what I was listening to.  I was working at a country radio station in Philadelphia and had first access to new releases, which was awesome!  I no longer have that privilege, but still download new music all the time.  Here's some of the things I've downloaded recently and think you should too:

Jekyll & Hyde [ALBUM], Zac Brown Band
This album is all kinds of awesome.  If you listen to nothing else from this list, listen to this!!!!

Traveller [ALBUM], Chris Stapleton

Small Town Dreams [ALBUM], Will Hoge

Girl Crush, Little Big Town
This song has been getting some backlash from fans and has been pulled from some radio stations because it "promotes a gay agenda".  If people actually listened to the lyrics and the story they're telling, they'd hear that it's about jealousy.    

Love You Like That, Canaan Smith

She Don't Love You, Eric Paslay

Break Up With Him, Old Dominion
This is a song that will definitely get stuck in your head and make you want to dance!

Fall Apart, Casey James

Crash & Burn, Thomas Rhett
It's no secret Thomas Rhett is one of my favorite new artists.  You should definitely check him out.  


What are you listening to?


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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Country Music Favorites of the Year


This was a great year for country music.  A lot of great artists released albums or singles.  There were a ton of tours to catch as they rolled from city to city and there were a bunch of great new-comers to the genre.  In my opinion, these are the best albums, songs, and shows of Country Music in 2013!  



1.  GOLDEN, Lady Antebellum (Hands Down favorite/best album of the year!)
2.  Caught In The Act: Live, Eric Church  (One of the best live albums, ever!)
3.  Pioneer, The Band Perry (Still can't believe I didn't write about this one!  It's awesome!)
4.  Fuse, Keith Urban (We Were Us may be my favorite song of the year!!!)



1.  I Drive Your Truck, Lee Brice
2.  All Kinds of Kinds, Miranda Lambert
3.  Running Outta Moonlight, Randy Houser
4.  Southern Girl, Tim McGraw
5.  Sure Be Cool If You Did, Blake Shelton
6. Hey Pretty Girl, Kip Moore
7.  Crash My Party, Luke Bryan
 8.  Redneck Crazy, Tyler Farr
9.  Whatever She's Got, David Nail
10. When She Says Baby, Jason Aldean (obsessed with this entire album, released in 2012)


(I purposely left songs off of this list that are found on my favorite albums of the year.  It should be a given that those are my favorite songs of the year!)


Kenny Chesney, No Shoes Nation Tour
 This year I didn't go to as many concerts as I usually go to.  I'm not really sure why that is, but I guess it just didn't work out.  I thought long and hard about this because although The Day I Was On Stage With Brad Paisley was by far one of the best experiences of my life, I have to say that the Kenny Chesney Concert was the best show I saw this year! Eric Church definitely added a little something extra to the show!  Kenny and Eric are very different but worked great together on this tour to make it one hell of a night for their fans!  I can't wait until I can see each of them again!


What are your favorites in Country Music this year, or just music in general?

Kay Bee Elle


I'm linking up with Helene for The Best Songs of 2013! :)
Helene in Between

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Music Review :: Lady Antebellum, Golden (Deluxe Edition)


Has Lady Antebellum released anything that is short of amazing?!  Yeah I can't think of anything either and their Deluxe Edition of their latest album, Golden, is well, amazing.

Golden was released back in May, but last week the group released the Deluxe Edition with 6 additional songs- 3 never heard before, including their newest single Compass and 3 renditions of previous hits.  

Lady Antebellum is the type of group that pleases all sorts of audiences with songs ranging from tragic to sassy and innocent to frisky.  The melodies on this album are so ear-catching that you automatically find yourself humming and dancing along.  Different ballads on the record highlight Charles and Hilary's vocal capabilities, both together and individually, all variations being, simply put, beautiful!

Not only are the songs musically awesome, the lyrics are brilliant.  You don't have to listen/ pay attention to the lyrics in order to enjoy the songs, but when you do, it makes the songs 100x better than they already are.  There is not a song that on this album that I want to skip.  It lives up to its title and is truly, Golden.  I'm swooning over this entire album, no joke!

I tried to narrow down my favorites:


Compass- Let your heart, sweetheart, be your compass when you're lost and you should follow it wherever it may go

I love And The Radio Played because it references so many awesome country songs.  Everytime I hear it I pick up another song that it references.  It's one of those song that you stop and tune everything else out so you can just listen.  I really love it.  See if you can pick up on all of the other song references in it, it's fun, I'm also a dork.

I really hope you guys enjoy this album as much as I do.  Call me crazy, but it has the power to put me in a great mood!!! :)


What do you think of Lady Antebellum?  Do you love this album?


Kay Bee Elle


Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Music Review :: Toby Keith, Drinks After Work

Toby Keith is the first country artist that I started listening to.  He was also my first country concert on his Shock 'n Y'all tour, which I went to with my mom, dad, sisters and best friend, Nina, at the Delaware State Fair in the summer of 2003.  Fun Fact:  Blake Shelton opened for Toby on that Tour, how wild is that!!  I credit his Unleashed (2002) and Shock 'n Y'all (2003) albums for getting me into country music and they are still my favorites of his to this day!  Should've Been A Cowboy is one of my favorite songs off all time, the live version, of course!

Toby Keith recently released his Drinks After Work album, which I think is his best album in years.  Don't get me wrong, he's had some great singles, but as a whole, I really like this album.  With the genre of country music somewhat changing and ranging from country-rock to country-pop, Toby Keith remains country.  His songs are real, and American, and down-home country.  He stays true to what brought me into this genre and out of my boy-band phase.

This summer I had that pleasure of meeting Toby Keith for first time with Nina.  It was so much fun being able to meet him together 10 years after we went to his concert for the first time.  We've seen him a number of times since then too.
 It was also fun being able to upgrade my sisters' seats and watch the concert just a few rows back with them!  I just really love country music and the experiences I've had with my family and friends surrounding it.  It warms my heart!


Now back to talking about the album, Drinks After Work was somewhat delayed due to the devastating Tornadoes tearing through Toby's hometown of Moore, Oklahoma back in May. 

As usual the album ranges from heart-felt and sentimental tracks to lighthearted laughs and crowd pleasers.  In this album he also experiments with a few new styles including blues and a hint of R&B in one of my favorite tracks, Little Miss Tear Stain (Could we ever get back together or is never still a good time to call... loveeee that line!).  Toby gives his fans what they want and look forward to in tracks that tell a story and show off his wit, like I'll Probably Be Out Fishing.

In his Deluxe Edition, which I highly recommend, Toby showcases his patriotism once again in Call A Marine and sings a beautiful and deeply powerful tribute to his band member in Chuckie's Gone.
Live in Overdrive Tour, Summer 2012

You won't be disappointed in this album, I suggest downloading the Deluxe Edition!  Here are some of my favorite tracks!
Kay Bee Elle

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Music Review :: Thomas Rhett, It Goes Like This

 I don't think I'll ever forget the first time I heard Thomas Rhett.  It was the beginning of my internship at Philadelphia's Country Radio Station (92.5 WXTU).  He had come into the studio on his radio tour to play for our Program Director and our Music Director (the people who decide what gets played on the radio).  All staff is invited to watch these acoustic performances and it quickly became one of my favorite perks of the internship and working for the radio station.

Thomas Rhett played Something To Do With My Hands, Beer With Jesus, and Whatcha Got In That Cup.  I was immediately hooked.  I loved his voice, his guitar playing and his image.  He was so nice, genuine, and seemed to really appreciate the people who gathered to hear him perform.  That experience made me appreciate the new-comers so much more.  They realize it's because of radio that their fans hear their music and help them succeed.

Since that day in early February 2012, I've seen him perform 4 times and "met" him twice more.  His EP was released sometime last year and I, of course, instantly downloaded and couldn't get enough of it.  I don't know if it's because of the "relationship" I've formed with him (and by relationship I mean we follow each other on twitter and have hung out back stage) or because of his music, but I really loved it.
Thomas Rhett recently released his first full album, It Goes Like This, which features his first three singles, Something To Do With My Hands, Beer With Jesus, and his first #1 hit, It Goes Like This.  The album does a great job of showcasing Thomas' strong voice, while having that country-rock feel and being musically diverse over all.  Honestly though, I'm a much bigger fan of his EP than the completed album.  The EP is where his better songs are.  Well, I'm not sure if I should say better or really just the ones I like better.

Though I'm not in love with all of the songs, Thomas Rhett is very talented.  He's been on the writing side on a number of hits that you've heard from Jason Aldean and others, not to mention, he's the song of award-winning song-writer, Rhett Akins.  It's going to be cool to see his career grow because his talent is amazing and he's going to be big time!  I'm sure he's going to capture a wonderful audience from this debut record.  It also doesn't hurt that he's so damn cute and has the best southern twang!  

My favorites from the album include: Make Me Wanna, Whatcha Got in That Cup, Something To Do With My Hands, Beer with Jesus (though it's sparked some controversy, I like it), and In A Minute!!

Definitely check out the album and let me know what you think. 
 

Kay Bee Elle

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Music Review :: Chris Young, A.M.

I fell in love with Chris Young after I purchased his last album, Neon.  I couldn't stop listening to it.  I have an obsessive nature with things that I love, as if you didn't already know that.  I have a habit of listening to songs non stop for days.  And right now it's Chris Young's newest album, A.M., that's on repeat!!  It's not like anything he's ever done before.

This album is full of energy and sure to get you moving to the music. Some of the lyrics are wonderfully sad, but somehow they make my heart happy!!  I just feel the songs.  I know I'm crazy but Chris Young just has a way of speaking to me.  I felt the same way after Neon.  I only know him through his songs and what he sings about.  I mean if a guy was like the way Chris Young portrays himself in his songs, I would probably fall in love. I loveee his deep, twangy voice- it literally makes me weak in the knees!  I often wonder how he's single.  I met him once and he was just the nicest.  He hung out with us back stage and didn't act like a celebrity though most of the country artists I've met haven't acted like that either. 

Seriously, though.  Check out this album.  You won't be disappointed.  



Here are my favorite songs from the album and trust me, it was hard to limit it.  Definitely listen to the entire thing.  Do you love Chris Young as much as I do?  What do you think of A.M.?  And wouldn't you know it, that as soon as I figure out this whole grooveshark thing, they don't have the songs I need to make this playlist.  I didn't feel like uploading them and doing all that jazz, so here's links to YouTube versions...  


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Music Review :: Keith Urban, Fuse

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I've always been a huge Keith Urban fan!  To this day, he is one of the best concerts I've ever been to!  I remember being on cloud nine for like a week after the first time I saw him.  He's seriously that good.  Some of my all time favorite songs are by Keith too (& yes, we're on a first name basis!). 
circa 2009
Keith Urban recently (I know I'm a little behind) released his new album, Fuse.  And of course, the album does not disappoint, in fact, it may be his best yet!!!  Keith combines heart-felt, fun, mid tempo, sequences with his crazy good musical/instrumental abilities.  I love how Keith Urban experiments and takes chances without losing his sound.  No matter what, it's recognizable and I like that about him as an artist.  He stays true.  And with this album, more than ever, his vocals are a prominent component to the songs.  I'm head over heals for this album.
We Were Us, with Miranda Lambert, is by far my favorite song, with these others falling not far behind.  The whole album is worth every penny and was definitely worth the three year wait!


Have you listened to the album yet?  Do you love it?


Today I start sponsoring my very first blog friend, Erin!  I'm so excited to be a part of her blog for a little while and I'm so grateful for the way she's welcomed me into blog world!  Make sure to check her out! 
Love, fun and football

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Brett Eldredge Went Skydiving

Brett Eldredge is a country artist that just released his first full-length album, Bring it back, earlier this month!  You may have heard his single, Don't Ya, being played on the radio. A few weeks ago, Brett made a deal with his record label that he would go skydiving if his single went to #1.  What you may not know is that Brett is afraid of heights and yesterday he WENT SKYDIVING!!!!  Don't Ya officially became his first #1 hit on the Country Billboard charts last week!
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I LOVE when new artists find success and are so grateful and appreciative to everyone involved.  It really is refreshing!  Not that "older" artists don't feel the same way, but there's something special about the reaction of a first #1 hit. 
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Brett's album, Bring You Back, brings a soulful and acoustic feeling, both are styles that I enjoy.  Numerous times when listening to album I found myself rocking or tapping to the beat.  The songs are emotional, vulnerable, and heartfelt, and the fact that Brett co-wrote most of the ballads assures me that he's only getting started with exploring his talents.

Brett reminds me of Jerrod Neimann in his style and approach.  Bring You Back is definitely worth downloading.  Brett is someone who's just getting started and here to stay!

My favorite songs off the album:

Don't Ya 

Beat of the Music

On and On

Raymond (his first single)



What are your favorite Brett Eldredge songs?

Friday, August 16, 2013

Music Review :: Luke Bryan, Crash My Party


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To be honest, I've never really been a huge Luke Bryan fan.  I obviously think he's smoking hot and love when he shakes it on stage, who doesn't? But a fan of his music, not entirely. 

I was shocked (!!!!!!) when Luke won ACM Entertainer of the Year, but then when I thought about it, it's true. He's an entertainer. He puts on good shows more than playing good music. He gives the crowd what they want... his tight jeans, v-neck t-shirts, dark baseball hats, and probably the most essential aspect- his big pearly whites oh and, shaking-that-ass, duhh!  For what it's worth, my sister said that Luke Bryan was her favorite and best concert of the summer.  She had the "Mega Ticket" so she also went to Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert/ Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton, and Jason Aldean.  I've never seen Luke perform live, but would like to!  So, okay, Entertainer of the Year it is! -I still think that was a little premature considering he only started headlining at the beginning of the year, but I'll let it go.  Maybe.
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Don't get me wrong, from what I can see, Luke Bryan is a great guy.  He loves his fans, appreciates them and wants to put on a good show for them.  He wants a relationship with his fans and wants to give them what they want.  I respect that.  He has LBTV which highlights what he's up to and his life on tour, which I do catch up on every now and then.  He's respected in the industry.  I just don't care for his music.  (Have his fans listened to his "Spring Break" Album?  Those songs may be fun and appropriate in the moment, but com'onnnnn.  His Sorority Girls song literally makes me cringe.. But I do have to admit, I enjoyed BuzzKill, I'm not sure why, but I think that song's funny).

Anyway, with all of that being said, I had high hopes for Luke's newest album, Crash My Party, which hit stores on Tuesday.   I've been hoping that he'll be able to do more of what he wants to do instead of label personnel chirping in his ear.  I want to see him come into his own.  I want to see if there's something that I'm missing.

I was hooked on Luke's first single & title track off this new album, Crash My Party, after he performed it in April at the ACM Awards, and was excited for the release of the album.
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Why did I like it so much?  Was it because the first time I heard it was while I watched him perform it?  Would I have felt the same way if I heard it for the first time on the radio?  Did he hook me in with his sexy presence on stage? Maybe, but I still like it, even if it is a little cheesy!

With Crash My Party being Luke's fastest rising #1, ever, I knew hoped this album was going to be awesome!  And now, after listening to it repeatedly for the past few days, I'm disappointed.

I don't really know what I wanted or what I expected, but I'm not that impressed.  Most of the songs sound the same to me.  Am I crazy?  There's a good chance.  I really really really wanted to love the album.  I did.  But I just can't see myself getting all giddy and over playing this album like I've done in the past with Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry. (Still can't believe I didn't post about that one!  My bad.  And if you haven't listened to it in its entirety, you're missing out!)

I digress..

But I guess "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", comes to play here.  Luke's had great success in the past few years and is still rising.  He keeps giving people what they want.  I just thought Luke was going to take more risks with this new album.  That we were going to hear him do something he's never done before.  Something different.  But I don't hear that.  Maybe next time.  In the mean time, I'll continue to watch him perform and catch up on LBTV so I can watch him SHAKEDATASS and listen to his oh-so-cute southern drawl.  See, you can't really dislike him!:)
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Oh and according to Billboard, this album has the potential to sell almost half a million copies in it's first week.  The third best debut-week of the year, behind JT and Jay-Z.  So there's that.  Impressive.

The songs worth listening to off this album?

Crash My Party, my favorite track!

Play It Again, best story-telling track, which I got stuck in my head and caught myself singing!


Dirt Road Diaries
couldn't find a great version, but this'll do!



On another note,  I'm so excited for Nashville to be back on!
Have you seen the Season 2 Promo?
IS IT SEPTEMBER 25TH YET?

Have a great weekend! :)

Monday, July 29, 2013

Currently Listening to :: New Country Music Releases

There has been a few new country music singles that need to be added to your playlists, like yesterday!

Randy Houser :: Runnin' Outta Moonlight
I honestly can't believe I haven't told you how much I love this song yet.  It's been on repeat for the past few weeks!  Randy is someone who sometimes flies under the radar, but every once in while has a song that you're like, "WOW! That's awesome!"- hence the reason it's on repeat.  I'm obsessed. 



Miranda Lambert :: All Kinds of Kinds.
This is the newest single off of Miranda's Four the Record album.  I love how Miranda can go from crazy, down-home, redneck, country songs to songs that are so heart-felt and meaningful!  This song sounds like the later, but when you listen to the lyrics, emphasizes that people aren't always what you think they are and that having so many different people is what keeps things going!


Tyler Farr :: Redneck Crazy
After getting to meet and hang out with Tyler Farr, I've been a fan!  This is a wonderful country break-up song His team is also doing a great job marketing the song with their Redneck Crazy Video Contest, asking fans to submit videos of them going "Redneck Crazy" and also providing tips on how to be "Redneck Crazy".  The phrase has officially taken on a new meaning!  Also, this song has officially gone GOLD!!



Toby Keith :: Drinks After Work
 Because who doesn't like/need drinks after work, especially in the summer.  This is a no-brainer!



Tim McGraw :: Southern Girl
I love how this song starts out, mentioning different cities/regions!  Also, I'm a wanna-be southern girl who's been "in love with New York City a time or two", so this immediately caught my attention!  :)  Ain't nothing in the whole wide world like a southern girl!  So put on a country song, we'll dance all night long.   (If I could do the emoji with hearts for eyes, I would!)


Florida Georgia Line :: Round Here
Florida Georgia Line is a group that came from nowhere and is topping the charts! During an award show I remember them saying something like, "we were watching it at home last year and this year we're winning an award", but of course when I went to look for clarification on what was said and at which award show, I couldn't find it.
 When Florida Georgia Line did their radio tour, they were already on the radio!  Usually new artists go on radio tours to visit the station, build relationships with the people in charge and play their music for them, hoping they'll play it on the radio.  FGL's first single, Cruise, was already on the radio and topping the charts during their radio tour and was out touring shortly after that.  Talk about some fast success.


I hope you guys enjoy this list!  What are some new-er country songs that you're loving right now?


Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Country Music Summer Anthems

As promised, I bring to you, my favorite Country Music Summer Anthems!!!

Perfect for a day on the boat, at the beach, tailgating a concert or driving around with the windows down! :)


I know there are tons of other songs that qualify to be on this playlist (like pretty much every Kenny Chesney song), this is just my list of favorites!

What are your favorite summer anthems?

Happy 4th of July!!!

Monday, July 1, 2013

29th XTU Anniversary Show

 I am still on cloud 9!!!! Yesterday was such an incredible day!

As most of you know, I've been working for Philadelphia's Country Radio Station for a year and a half.  Every year the station throws a listener appreciation concert which is called the Anniversary Show and is well known to most people in the tri-state area.  The concert is FREE to everyone.  Yup, Free!  You can't buy tickets to this concert, you have to win them!  We hold events, called tickets run and x-stops, for months prior to the show with tons of opportunities for our listeners to win tickets.  

Yesterday was the 29th XTU Anniversary Show!  The show has been going on for 29 years.  That's incredible in itself!  Every year the show has a new headliner, no repeats!  This year Brad Paisley was the headliner with Chris Young, Lee Brice, The Henningsens, Tyler Farr, and Chris Stapleton.  

We run the show.  All station employees work the event to make sure listeners, clients, artists, etc. are taken care of and having a wonderful time.  We work all day.  We set up, we break down, we do it all but we have so much fun doing it!  Even a little rain couldn't stop us!  One of my duties was to take pictures all day!  I got to take pictures of our listeners' meet and greets with the artists and got my photo taken with Lee Brice and Chris Young too! :)
My favorite part of the show is when the entire staff goes out on stage and gets introduced to the crowd by one of the artists and then the whole arena sings "Happy Birthday" to us!!  This year Lee Brice was on stage with us and it was so awesome!!  It's unlike anything I've ever been a part of.


After our duties for the day are done we get to hang back stage and eat a catered dinner together- relax and hang out.  This is great because artists will literally come back and hang with us too!  Chris Young and Lee Brice were back there for a little bit as well as Tyler Farr and Chris Stapleton.  


How could the day get any better, right?  Well Brad Paisley invited the entire staff to come up on stage with him during his encore of Alcohol!  You read that correctly!!! We all brought our drinks, and one for Brad, of course, on stage and sang with him!!! I was literally less than 2 feet away from him as he was performing.  It. was. unreal.  I could see my sister, who I had given Pit Passes to, from stage.  Unreal isn't even the best word to describe it!  We all had so much fun.  I wish I could post some of the videos my co-workers took while on stage!  I'll honestly never forget it!
NO ZOOM ON THESE PICS, FOLKS!! NO ZOOM!
 Lee Brice and Tyler Farr hung out with us as we were all waiting to go on stage together for the encore!!! They're both awesome guys.

I got home at 2 a.m. and got up this morning at 7 to get ready for work.  I'm exhausted today, but it was beyond worth it!!!!!  People ask why I work 2 jobs, 6 or 7 days a week and this is why!!!! This night and all of the other perks that come along with working so closely with something you're passionate about makes all of the long hours, occasional slow gigs, sometimes needy listeners, crappy pay, minimal social life and every other mishap worth it (-trust me, it's not all luxurious)!!!!  It was truly an amazing show and experience.  I am so blessed to have been a part of it and love my XTU Family!!  I can't wait for next year! :)



Friday, June 28, 2013

Country Music Lately...

Happy Friday, everyone!!  
I know I'm a very inconsistent blogger... I just never know what to write about, what I am willing to share, and what others will want to read!  While I'm still figuring that out, I figured I'd share some things I'm loving in the Country Music World!

The Band Perry :: DONE
I wish I dedicated time to write a whole post about this.  This album is my favorite release of the year, by far.  It have been on repeat for the past 2.5 months!  If you haven't listened to the whole thing yet, you're missing out!  For real, it's amazeballs!  I love Kimberly's sassy voice as well as the lyrics, stories, tempo, and everything else of the album!  Album of the Year?  I think so!

My favorite songs from the album:  (So hard to pick just three)

DONE

Pioneer
"Be careful of the careful souls who doubt you along the way"- my favorite line!

I'm a Keeper


 Blake Shelton
I love Blake Shelton!  And honestly, it may be for reasons other than his music.  I usually like his singles, but not always his entire albums.  Anyway, I love him on The Voice.  He is hysterical and so entertaining.  I also think he did a great job with Danielle Bradbery- that girl's gonna be a star!!!  And I'm totally a fan! :)

So though I don't have many favorites off of his new album, Based on a True Story, I have some of Danielle Bradbery's songs on repeat, which counts, right?  #TeamBlake

Sure Be Cool If You Did


 Danielle Bradbery- Maybe It Was Memphis

 Danielle Bradbery- Born To Fly
(this is one of my favorite songs, which Sara Evans sings.  Danielle did an amazing job!)


Kenny Chesney
There are few things better than country concerts in summer!!  I went to see Kenny Chesney when he came to Philadelphia at the beginning of the month and the man's still got it!!  I got to watch the show from the "Sand Bar", which was amazing!!!  Kenny still plays a lot of his old stuff, which I LOVE and runs around on that stage like a 5 year old boy that can't sit still.  He also hits his cowboy hat down constantly (if you saw him, you'd know what I mean).  He honestly looks like he's having the time of his life up there and truly enjoys it, which is always nice to see.  I was so close that I could literally see the sweat dripping down his sexy, tanned body!  I wasn't mad.

Kenny also released a new album recently called, Life on a Rock.  I haven't listened to the whole thing, but I do like his current single:  Pirate Flag




Stay tuned for more country music posts- including some great summer anthems!! :)

Also, in my attempt to become a better blogger and find my nitch (?), I have a few posts in the works regarding football season, aka my favorite time of the year.  I know summer just started, but I can't help but be so excited for fall.  Football means tailgating, so everyone wins!  :)

Have a great weekend!!



Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Currently Listening To....

There have been so many country artists releasing new albums and singles these past couple of weeks.  While I regret to say that I have not listened to the albums all the way through yet, I hope to soon and will let you know what I think.  For now, here are a few new releases that I am loving:


The Band Perry :: Done



Lady Antebellum :: Downtown


*This album hasn't been released yet, but it's coming and I just heard another song off the album, Goodbye Town and can totally tell this album is definitely not going to disappoint! :) 


 Luke Bryan :: Crash My Party


He messed up a little in the beginning of his performance at the ACMs, but that's okay!  Was anyone else a little surprised that he won Entertainer of the Year?  His speech was wonderful though, so heart felt.  Gotta love him!


Blake Shelton :: Sure Be Cool If You Did




Have you listened to the new albums in country music yet?  What do you think?


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Music Review :: Little Big Town

I'm sure you've heard Little Big Town's Pontoon, which was the summer anthem of 2012.  It's the song that was on the verge of being over played by country radio stations, TV Channels and everyone who downloaded it, but no one could get mad because it's that good!

Every time we were on our boat this past summer that was the only song my dad would let us play.. truly a Summer Anthem!

And now I'm sure you've heard their next single Tornado and current single Your Side of the Bed, thinking that Little Big Town is on a roll.  

What you may not know is that Little Big Town is not new to the country music industry.  After 13 years of working together, 5 albums and 3 different record labels, Little Big Town has finally topped the charts for the first time and they couldn't be more deserving.  

Pontoon became Little Big Town's first #1 hit as the summer of 2012 came to a close.  Their newest album Tornato (released on September 11th) was debuted at #1 and held that spot for 4+ weeks.

Have you heard it yet?  If not, you should.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Little Big Town when they made a stop in the Philadelphia area late last summer on Rascal Flatts' Changed Tour.  They were so nice and friendly!  I told them how we listened to the song all the time and especially on the water, they loved it!  While my co-worker and I were waiting in line to meet them, Philip Sweet kept coming around the back-drop to take a sip of his drink.  He kept joking around with us that we put something in his drink.  Later when we saw him again backstage as he was getting ready to perform, he joked that he was still awake and that we didn't do a job of roofie-ing him! That day as a whole was my top 3 favorite days of working at the radio station.  More details of the day can be found on this post.  


Now, let's talk music... Pontoon is a great song, but what about the rest of the album?  Is it worthy of that #1 spot and recent nominations/awards?  
The answer: Absolutely!

Little Big Town has shown us something we haven't seen before.  Four unique artists whose sounds compliment each other wonderfully.  I love how each song produces a different feel due to the variety of strengths in each of them.

 Little Big Town took home 2 ACMs this past weekend:  Vocal Group of the Year and Video of the Year, "Tornato".  And like I said before, they are so deserving.  They have shown that it's not always easy, but the wait is so worth it.  I know they are enjoying & appreciative of every bit of their success.

The album is for sure worth a listen, but here are a few of my favorite songs off the Tornado album that you haven't heard on the radio:
 
Sober

Pavement Ends


Front Porch Thing



What do you think of Little Big Town?  What's your favorite one of their songs past or present?



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