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Jun 26, 2019
Jun 25, 2019
Pony Bradshaw Performs "Bad Teeth"
Labels:
Live performances,
Pony Bradshaw
More Tuesday Memes: Kane Brown, Marshmello, Charlie Daniels Band
Labels:
Charlie Daniels Band,
Florida Georgia Line,
Kane Brown,
Marshmello,
memes,
Satire,
Upchurch
Album Review / Taylor Alexander / Good Old Fashioned Pain
By Megan Bledsoe
Good Old Fashioned Pain. What a fitting name for a traditional country record, indicative of the reality of heartbreak and struggle that has always been a part of our beloved genre. It suggests an album of hurt and heartache accentuated by fiddle and crying steel, and Taylor Alexander delivers here both musically and lyrically.
We can spend weeks discussing what qualifies as country, but we all know it when we hear it, and this is solidly, unashamedly country. As traditional as this record is, though, it still sounds fresh and energetic. The instrumentation is simple but not sparse, and the production works well with each song. It's country thematically and sonically, but without becoming simply an interpretation of the traditional style, country for country's own sake. The songs feel true to Alexander, a genuine reflection of his story rather than a purposeful attempt to perfect a particular sound. The album also avoids the pitfall common to so many Americana projects of becoming too dark or sleepy with upbeat moments like "Passing Lane" and "Break my Heart Tonight."
The pain itself arrives in different forms. There's the heartache and self-reflection expressed in "Real Good at Saying Goodbye," the financial struggle highlighted in such excellent detail by "Hole in the Wall," and the reality that we're responsible for our own happiness, as told in "I Never Ask For Nothin'." But Alexander cautions himself and his listeners in "Wishing my Life Away," reminding us that although hardship is ever-present, we can miss the blessings of this life by constantly looking forward to something "better." This track provides hope and perspective to a dark record, a gentle reminder that joy is as real as pain and often exists alongside it if we're paying attention.
Good Old Fashioned Pain is an excellent album, great for traditionalists but also accessible, a record to play for your friend who hates the genre or who hasn't explored country beyond the radio dial. Strong songwriting, nice vocals, and that undeniably traditional sound. A fine record, and a promising debut by Taylor Alexander.
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Megan Bledsoe is a proud Oklahoman who has been immersed in music most of her life, from writing it to performing it to just appreciating the power of a good song. She is the founder and editor of countryexclusive.com, where she has been writing about great music since 2015.
Labels:
Album Reviews,
Megan Bledsoe,
Taylor Alexander
Tuesday Morning Memes: Brantley Gilbert, FGL, Walker Hayes
Labels:
Brantley Gilbert,
Florida Georgia Line,
memes,
Satire,
Walker Hayes
Jun 23, 2019
Awkward Gary Levox Photo of the Week
Labels:
Gary Levox
Jun 22, 2019
Saturday Night Music / Buddy Guy, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Robert Randolph, etc. / "Texas Flood"
From the Archives: Real Outlaws? (Guest Submission)
Jun 21, 2019
New Video / Baroness / "Tourniquet"
Metal. From their wonderful new album Gold & Grey.
Labels:
Baroness,
New Videos
Inappropriate TV Scene Background Country Songs
Toy Story Country Reaction Gifs
Reporting from the Thomas Rhett concert...
When somebody asks if you wanna hear a country song and plays Blanco Brown
When you meet that guy who's obsessed with Walker Hayes in person
Country radio fans be like...
Luke Bryan be like...
When you find out your friend went to the FGL concert
How Cleto Cordero introduced himself to Kaitlin Butts
♬ She just started liking cheatin' songs ♬
Farce the Music's Top 20 Songs of 2019: 1st Half Report
Here are Trailer’s Top 20 Songs of 2019 so far. No rankings (till the end of the year). No summaries or explanations. Just know they’re good and give ‘em a listen!
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Sturgill Simpson - The Dead Don’t Die
Liz Brasher - Blood of the Lamb
Molly Tuttle - Don’t Let Go
Kylie Rae Harris - Twenty Years From Now
Tyler Ramsey - Evening Country
The Lowdown Drifters - Black Hat
Reba McEntire - No U In Oklahoma
Dee White - Tell the World I Do
Kalyn Fay - Good Company
Jun 20, 2019
New Video / Paul Cauthen / "Cocaine Country Dancing"
Labels:
New Videos,
Paul Cauthen
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