Farce the Music

Mar 16, 2018

New Video / Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats / "You Worry Me"

From their new album Tearing at the Seams.

Reactions to Walker Hayes

Bobby Bones: A Visual Interview

Alrighty, Mr. Bones:

How exactly did you get a job as a country dj/host?

If you could have a beer with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

How many actual country songs can you name off the top of your head?

How do your tolerate your own bullshit?

On a scale of 1 to 10, how valuable are you to the country music industry?

Who do you most look up to in the industry?

What do you do to people who say you shouldn't play pop and hip-hop on a country morning show?

How do you live with yourself?

And finally...

What would you say your demographic is?

Country Stars Finally Speak Out on Important Issues

Lately, there has been a lot of consternation toward the unwillingness of country music's biggest stars to speak out on the important issues facing Americans these days. Topics like guns, immigration, and President Trump seem completely off limits to the upper echelon of Music Row's top acts. Somehow, we got them to go on record with us about the hot-button topics of the day.

Mar 15, 2018

New Video / Ross Cooper / "I Rode the Wild Horses"

From his new album of the same name.

Honest Radio Promo Ad: Jake Owen "I Was Jack (You Were Dianne)"

3 Up 3 Down: March 2018

3 Up

Luke Bryan - Most People Are Good

What's this? Luke Bryan spoken of in a positive manner? Have you finally lost it, Trailer? Nope - a good song's a good song. This tune is simple, quaint even. It has timely and timeless lyrics. Luke does a fine job with it. On top of that, it's a country song. I know he's still got to pump out the mindless bangers to keep the arenas full, but let's at least hope he's beginning a transition to more mature fare like this winner.

A-

Cole Swindell - Break Up in the End

What's this? Cole Swindell spoken of in a positive manner? etc.

This one is actually more of a surprise to me, since (and I'm not blustering here) this is the very first Swindell song I have liked even a little. Cole's still no crooner, but his plain-spoken voice lends this heartbreaker some gravity. Some will read the lyrics and say this is a wimpy song, but ultra vulnerable ballads like this are scattered through the careers of greats like George Strait, Vern Gosdin, and Willie Nelson. Not saying Cole should ever be mentioned in the same breath as those folks, but "Break Up in the End" is a step in the right direction.

B+

Ashley McBryde - A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega

A song like this makes you think there's still a chance to turn country radio around. It takes a look back at the missteps that end up making us stronger. Fresh, hopeful, and upbeat with a hint of sadness. And it's country. Ashley's voice is strong and memorable, and with material like this, I can't wait to hear her upcoming debut album. (Side note: my honeymoon was in Dahlonega - beautiful town and surrounding area.)

3 Down

Jordan Davis - Singles You Up

More of this trend of melting pot folk/R&B/pop schlock - think Sam Hunt, but not so much talking. Who says "singles you up" anyway? Lame, boring, trend-chasing, and it's a hit, of course. Nice beard, broseph.

David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney - Everything's Gonna Be Alright

What a disappointment. David Lee Murphy had a nice, albeit brief, run of good tunes in the 90s and he's a solid songwriter. Kenny, while still Kenny, can surprise you every now and then with a great tune. This one's not. It may as well be sung by Devin Davis Jordan Walker Hunt.

D+

Bebe Rexha ft. Florida-Georgia Line - Meant to Be

Yeah well. What'd you expect? This is shit. Some claim it to be a good pop song, but it's grating as hell to me. And who cares anyway? If I come home to a pig in the back yard with my dogs, I wouldn't think "What an impressive pig - I bet it could win some state fairs." No, I think "Why the hell is there a swine in my yard?" It doesn't belong.