You'd think he could afford a beard trimmer by now.
Showing posts with label Jamey Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jamey Johnson. Show all posts
Feb 28, 2011
Jan 1, 2011
10 Most Popular Posts of 2010
I'm copying Country California with this feature but so what? These are the 10 FTM posts that got the most traffic in 2010. What stands out the most to me is that there are ZERO of the monthly "Country Album Cover Days" in the Top 10... in fact, there were only a couple in the Top 30. I've actually known they weren't as big of a draw for a while now, but plan to continue to have monthly country days in the coming year. Farce the Music began exclusively as an album cover parodying blog, but had to evolve to grow. Apparently that growth has been successful, as 2010 was FTM's best year so far (in its short history) and Nov-Dec were its best months yet. Thanks for sticking with us as we evolve!
Top 10 FTM Posts of 2010:
Dec 29, 2010
Best Albums of 2010
I know there were other albums that came out this year that I missed that could have made it to this list, but this is the best I heard in 2010 as of December 29th. An honorable mention goes out to Glossary for their album Feral Fire, which I was way late to the party for. If I'd grabbed this gem earlier, it certainly would have made a dent on the chart.
Top 10 Albums of 2010
There's just no way around it. Jamey's The Guitar Song is a monster. While it's not an album most can sit down and digest in one sitting due to the dark side of the yin yang decidedly outweighing the light side…(even some of the happy songs carry an air of sorrow) this is truly the best mainstream country album of the year and, quite likely, the last 20 years. Aside from a couple of slightly shoddier songs, the writing is top of the heap - Johnson is without peer in the Nashville mainstream. The bearded one is no savior though; Nashvegas won't change overnight. However, the fact that this record has already moved 500,000 copies bodes well for the future. Jamey may not even have a top 10 hit off this release, but it won't matter. The Guitar Song is a monumental success.
Must listens: Cover Your Eyes, Can't Cash My Checks, How I Don't Love You
Blending his eccentricities with warm vocals, a love of classic soul and a forward-thinking approach, Cee-Lo gave us an album anyone with an appreciation of R&B can love. Even your grandmother would dig it, if it weren't for "F*ck You," the viral smash that begat the sanitized Glee cover hit. The Lady Killer is strange, but comfortable… fresh, but throwback… immediately catchy, but layered. It gets no better in modern R&B.
Must listens: F**k You, Satisfied, Love Gun
In any other year, this would have easily topped my list, especially since it's Two Cow Garage's best album to date. Some say they've abandoned alt-country/rock for power pop, but there's still plenty of twang to go around. The songs are catchier this time around, and yes, poppier, but that doesn't diminish the effect. TCG's songwriting has never been better, and they never lack in the emotion category, making this a true winner.
Must listens: Lydia, Jackson Don't You Worry
FTM interviewee and pal Austin Collins' Wrong Control was my favorite release of early 2010 and has held up to many, many further listens. Austin falls somewhere in the realm of Ryan Adams and the Replacements with some of the Texas soul of the country troubadours. Despite his joking, affable personality, the songs are mostly downers, but in the best ways possible. They're moody but catchy and entirely cathartic. AC deserves a higher standing in the alt-country genre, and with albums like this, it's only a matter of time, not chance.
Must listens: Conventional Lust, Centerpiece
Despite being snubbed by the Grammys (wtf??), this awkwardly titled hip-hop opus is better than that of the anointed King of Hip-Hop, Kanye's, admitted strong new release. It's more accessible, though far from standard rap in this day and age. Big Boi's personality really gets to shine apart from his pairing with Andre 3000 in the legendary OutKast, showing him to be much more than the more street-friendly half of that duo. The beats are unique, the lyrics are top-notch (often hilarious) and BB's delivery has never been better. Here's to showing the youngsters how it's done.
Must listens: Tangerine, General Patton, You Ain't No DJ
This guy is only 23?? Probably the strongest songwriter in my Top 10, Pug is the true modern-day heir to Dylan if anyone is. His songs speak the poetry of an old soul but crackle with the vitality of youth. If he's doing this at this age, think of what's to come.
Must listens: Messenger, Not So Sure, Bury Me Far (From My Uniform)
Bluegrass on meth, Four Loko folk, Americana… I don't know what you want to call this, but I call it good music. Ripping up their instruments like Old Crow Medicine Show with a little less twang and a few less nefarious leanings, Trampled by Turtles sings loud and proud on the up-tempos and low and soulful on the slower numbers. It's all good.
Must listens: New Orleans, Wait So Long
I actually hate this album, but I felt obliged to help out a pal. Seriously, this one's full of catchy alternative pop rock Americana goodness and with songs this good, Kasey's bound for years of being on this list. He's already got a new album slated for early '11 and I can't wait!
Must listens: I Was a Photograph (Blake's Song), All Lit Up
Rodney takes his Texas charm on the road with this set of internationally flavored country tunes about love, loss and unease. Drew Kennedy produces and provides a standout track. What else do you need?
Must listens: Take Me Back Wife, Waiting on the Pain
While Cee-Lo's release tread new ground with an old R&B sound, this one's a complete blast from the past. Fans of Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding will feel right at home listening to these 70's flavored soul songs. Strong writing and even stronger performances propel this album to memorable heights.
Must listens: The Game Gets Old, Window Shopping
The Next 30
11. Paul Thorn - Pimps and Preachers
12. Truth & Salvage Co. - s/t
13. Dirty Sweet - American Spiritual
14. The Black Crowes - Croweology
15. Band of Horses - Infinite Arms
16. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis
17. Randy Houser - They Call Me Cadillac
18. Hellbound Glory - Old Highs and New Lows
19. The Black Keys - Brothers
20. Drive-by Truckers - The Big To-Do
21. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
22. Sean McConnell - Saints, Thieves & Liars
23. Reckless Kelly - Somewhere in Time
24. Lissie - Catching a Tiger
25. The Dirty Guv'nahs - Youth is in Our Blood
26. The Fox Hunt - Long Way to Go
27. Zac Brown Band - You Get What You Give
28. Emory Quinn - See You at the Next Light
29. Whitey Morgan & the 78s - s/t
30. Randy Rogers Band - Burning the Day
31. The Roots - How I Got Over
32. High on Fire - Snakes for the Divine
33. Elizabeth Cook - Welder
34. John Moreland and the Black Gold Band - Things I Can't Control
35. Great American Taxi - Reckless Habits
36. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast
37. Justin Townes Earle - Harlem River Blues
38. Marty Stuart - Ghost Train: The Studio B Sessions
39. Bleu Edmondson - The Future Ain't What It Used to Be
40. Old 97's - The Grand Theatre Volume 1
Dec 15, 2010
Oct 28, 2010
Country Trick or Treating
What can your little ghoul or goblin expect to receive in their plastic jack-o-lantern if you drop by the homes of country stars this upcoming Halloween? Well, FTM has the scoop!
Oct 23, 2010
YouTube Gems: Jamey Johnson
Here's Jamey's new video for "Playing the Part." (which is quite honestly kinda stupid, but it's good for a laugh or two)
Sep 26, 2010
Sep 19, 2010
Top 10 Changes the Success of Jamey Johnson's "The Guitar Song" Will Bring Upon Nashville
10. Jason Aldean will attempt to grow a beard, unsuccessfully
09. Demo of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" sung by JJ will be leaked in hopes of damaging his cred
08. Curb Records to sign homeless man named James E. Johnson
07. Country as a whole embraces honesty, eschews pop influences, stops valuing image over substance, returns to roots. (Also, bacon rains from sky and Los Angeles Lakers win Super Bowl)
06. Taylor Swift asked by management to consider a temporary drug habit
05. Title-track duet partner Bill Anderson refuses Brad Paisley's next round of silly between-song skits because he's now a "serious" artist
04. Rascal Flatts' next release will be a double album. Side 1: The "CR" Album; Side 2: The "AP" Album
03. Fame-weary Jamey will disappear into the Appalachians, smoking a pipe, never to be heard from again except in mountain lore
02. Martina McBride will attempt to grow a beard, successfully
01. Eh, pretty much business as usual, cute blondes, fake cowboys, committee written songs, mindless filler between ads
Sep 17, 2010
YouTube Gems: Jamey Johnson
From The Guitar Song, here's Jamey Johnson with my current favorite from that 25-song collection of awesomeness, "Can't Cash My Checks."
Sep 14, 2010
Cover of new Jamey Johnson album
For those of you who didn't purchase it today (shame on you!), here's the cover of the new Jamey Johnson album. Now go buy it!
Sep 13, 2010
Jamey Johnson - The Guitar Song: A Warning List
Jamey Johnson's massive 25-song double-album The Guitar Song comes out today/Tuesday and there are some important things you should know about it before you hit that "download" button or slide the CD across the Walmart self checkout.
1. Adult Language!
1. Adult Language!
By adult language, I don't mean there's cursing (though there is some). I mean this is country for grown-@ss men and women. There's no diary page stream of consciousness. No cutesy turns of phrase just for the sake of cleverness. No Hallmark card lyric love songs. What you will hear in these words is unadulterated pain, unfiltered loneliness, pure heartache and true love along with a genuine reverence for real country music.
2. Some Assembly Required
Most of these songs don't spoon feed the listener. They don't follow the expected delivery format of Nashville country songs. Everything isn't spelled out for you. For instance, "Poor Man's Blues" never says any felony was committed, you just know. The Guitar Song's lyrics are reminiscent of the best rock and most outlaw country in that they aren't entirely linear. You gotta put some stuff together for yourself. There are a lot more shades of gray than black &/or white (despite the thematically split albums "Black" and "White").
3. Exposed Influences
Some artists might shy away from covering so many well-known country classics, but Johnson says to hell with it and gives us a Kristofferson cover, a Mel Tillis/Waylon cover, a Vern Gosdin cover and a song the late Keith Whitley wrote, the wonderful opener, "Lonely at the Top." There's an appearance from Whispering Bill Anderson on the title track. You'll also hear a lot of Willie, Bocephus, Merle and more throughout this sprawling epic.
4. Radio-Unfriendly/Non-PC Themes
The Guitar Song covers cheating, drinking, drugging, killing, growing marijuana (in the breathtaking "Can't Cash My Checks"), debt, spanking children, co-dependency, lust, depression, divorce and more. If your normal listening habits include several hours a day of Clearchannel radio, this album may come as a shock to your system.
5. "Imperfections" Abound
Johnson's voice has been the subject of many a negative review of his work. Personally, I love his semi-nasal Waylon meets Merle voice, but I guess I understand how someone could not... no, actually I don't, but still. The recording of the songs, like on That Lonesome Song, make you feel like you're in the studio. There are pops, clicks, voices, hisses and buzzes in the background between and sometimes during songs. All this adds to the warm, organic feel of the album, but if you prefer sterile perfection, avoid this album.
6. Commitment Required
Obviously, with 25 songs on the record, this thing takes some time to digest. If you're not ready to invest several hours a week, you need not apply. It takes time to let the growers grow. It takes repeated listens to hear every nuance. And heck, some of the songs are 6 and 7 minutes long. If 3 minutes is all you wanna give a country song, skip The Guitar Song.
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Well, I think that about covers it. I hope you'll heed these cautionary guides so that you can either enjoy this album responsibly or bypass it altogether. Take care.
(Mini review: The Guitar Song is a near-masterpiece, containing only a couple of weak(er) songs, that barely diminish the overall presentation. Jamey Johnson is on another level from the rest of Nashville. Standout tracks include "How I Don't Love You," "Can't Cash My Checks" and "I Remember You." Absolutely fantastic album. I'll give it 4.75 beards out of 5)
Jun 1, 2010
Little Known Facts II
Cledus T. Judd is the name the parody singer was born with. The "T" stands for Tee.
The Pez company has announced plans to release dispensers in the likenesses of popular country singers. Justin Moore's will be to scale.
Willie Nelson has released more albums than Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Ozzy Osbourne, George Strait, Metallica and the Beatles combined. He just recorded one in the time it took you to read this.
Chuck Wicks once looked out over a sold out arena and remarked to his bassist "Thank God we're opening for Brad Paisley!"
In middle school, Jody of Fast Ryde placed 2nd in his age category at his county spelling bee.
Most walls in Wynonna's house were constructed sloping outwards to accommodate her face.
Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland once pummeled a critic unmercifully for referring to her vocal style as nasal. The critic dropped charges for front row seats on the side of the stage Kristian Bush would be playing on the least.
Taylor Swift's all time favorite song is "Eatin' Goober Peas"
John Rich's business cards are diamond cut prismatic card stock with a metallic gold J.R. in the center.
May 10, 2010
In the Year 2030 #4
•Curb Records puts out Tim McGraw's Greatest Hits 14.5
•Forty-something Britney Spears finally given back control of her finances; promptly blows remaining fortune on pink lemonade vodka sours and quarter slots
•Brett Favre retires from football, plans country album
•Pop newcomer just plays Madonna & Lady Gaga songs while she changes clothes and dances provocatively; wins best new artist at American Music Awards
•Lil Jon elected mayor of Atlanta, okaaay
•Beyonce gives birth to 7lb 3oz baby girl, Jayonce Knowles Carter, who is immediately signed to a recording contract
•Classic country stations spin Gloriana, Shania Twain and Jason Aldean
•Terror alert raised to red during Source Awards
•Death metal given Grammy category; 2030's best album winner, Disemboweled Fungus Rape, eats presenter Lars Ulrich onstage during live broadcast
•Brooks & Dunn reunite for the Walker Scoot Boogie tour
•Jamey Johnson breaks hip after nasty spill over his own beard
Mar 21, 2010
Feb 9, 2010
Suggested new logos for country artists
FTM is always there for country stars. Here are some suggested new logos for come country singers and bands that we feel better represent them than their current artwork. Free of charge...you're welcome guys/girls! Click for a closer view.
Aug 4, 2009
Aug 16, 2008
Based on what you've seen here, you probably think I hate all music, but that's not true. I live, breathe and love music. I even dig many of the artists I make fun of (not you, R Kelly). Anyway, as another non-humor aside, here are my top 30 albums of '08 to this point. Feel free to chime in with your faves.
1. Drive-by Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
2. Kathleen Edwards - Asking For Flowers
3. The Hold Steady - Stay Positive
4. Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
5. Jamey Johnson - That Lonesome Song
6. Sun Kil Moon - April
7. Reckless Kelly - Bulletproof
8. Fleet Foxes
9. Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
10. The SteelDrivers
11. Mudcrutch
12. Drag The River - You Can't Live This Way
13. Vampire Weekend
14. Aaron Watson - Angels and Outlaws
15. Damien Jurado - Caught In The Trees
16. The Black Crowes - Warpaint
17. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter III
18. Paul Thorn - A Long Way From Tupelo
19. Candlebox - Into the Sun
20. Old 97s - Blame It On Gravity
21. Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers - Turbo Ocho
22. Langhorne Slim - s/t
23. The Black Keys - Attack and Release
24. Nada Surf - Lucky
25. Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin'
26. Chris Mills - Living In The Aftermath
27. Trent Willmon - Broken In
28. R.E.M. - Accelerate
29. George Strait - Troubadour
30. Alan Jackson - Good Time
And I just got Chris Knight's "Heart of Stone" in the mail so it'll certainly be on this list soon.
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