May 14, 2013
Randall Bramblett is generally known as much for his associations as he is for his own body of work. That is largely due to the innate talent that made him a coveted session and touring musician, who primarily wrote and created for others. While he released a couple of solo records in the 70’s, it [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
May 2, 2013
It is hard to describe songs that leave you speechless. The breathtaking tracks on “American Kid” mesmerize from beginning to end. This is Patty Griffin’s first album of original material in six years. Since then she has recorded an album of Gospel songs and hymns, “Downtown Church”, and toured with Robert Plant’s Band of Joy. [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Mar 23, 2013
The new Shooter Jennings album ”The Other Life” is a conversation starter. Specifically it is a catalyst for two related reflections. The first is family. The second is the current state of the Country Music industry. With Nashville as a hub, these two conversations create a coherent theme. With respect to family, we see Jennings [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Feb 22, 2013
What is it in the current music industry that allows undeserving bands to become icons? Why is it that so many other bands that deserve to be icons do not get the notoriety they deserve? Why aren’t the Stone Foxes playing in large arenas in front of Lighter flames and screaming fans? They should be! [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Feb 19, 2013
“Ride”, the new release from Wayne Hancock, exhibits a little less of his customary Juke Joint Jive. Hank Williams style lonesome Blues is more prevalent on the album. However, Hancock still knows how to swing. Since we last heard him on 2009′s “Viper of Melody”, Hancock has gone through a divorce and sobered up. In [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Feb 1, 2013
Bill Mallonee’s 50th release (that is not a typo by the way) is one of his most impassioned. I realize that is a bold statement when the referenced artist has such a large body of work. The lyrics on “Amber Waves” are full of pain and loss. However, there is an underlying hope in these [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Jan 27, 2013
To say that Bill Mallonee is prolific in his songwriting is an understatement. Between traditional releases and online releases, he has recorded 50 albums. Based in Athens, he came on the scene in the late 80’s as the front man for the Vigilantes of Love, but has primarily been a solo-act for the better part [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Jan 9, 2013
As it seems to be the case every year, there was way too much good music produced in 2012. I try hard to keep up with new releases, but it is often at the expense of time that would otherwise be spent on my favorites. However, for the purpose of ”cussing and discussing” here is my [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Dec 12, 2012
It is a collaboration that has been a long time coming. In fact, it is so natural that it is hard to believe this is their first album together, especially since they are old friends who have run in the same musical circles for decades. “Buddy and Jim” is a very straightforward album. Lauderdale has [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Nov 23, 2012
The Longwalls are a regional band from the Boston scene. They mix Power Pop riffs and melodies with Americana influences and instrumentation. The bands new EP, “Kowloon” is releasing on December 4th. With eight songs, ”Kowloon” is closer to an album than an EP. This is a band that deserves more than a regional following. [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Oct 5, 2012
Tift Merritt has outdone herself. She just released the best CD of her career. I am not kidding. Bramble Rose was her ground breaking first release. Another Country equaled Bramble Rose, but it didn’t best it. With the release of Travelling Alone, she has set a new standard for herself. The album is truly a [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Sep 21, 2012
Eli, Todd and Chip share their collective insights on the stellar new release from Chris Knight: Eli Peterson Chris Knight is the real deal. Dude is from Slaughters, Kentucky. That’s right. The town is named “Slaughters”. Dude was a mine reclamation inspector for 10 years before he went to Nashville to give songwriting a try. [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Aug 29, 2012
It is a digital world, mp3s are our music, the internet provides our news, and we can read on multiple devices. Oh and by the way we are connected wherever we go. Digital communication is the best …. Or is it? Along comes Whispering Pines. They take us to their world of analog recording. The [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Aug 24, 2012
Sometimes gaining momentum is better than a sprint. Greg Summerlin has passionately pursued his craft for years. As a solo artist his songs have been used in numerous TV shows. He has even owned his own record label. His new band, La Resistance, is an ambitious undertaking evocative of bands like Joy Division and Echo [...] more »
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Chip Frazier
Jul 3, 2012
Mindy Smith’s new self-titled album finds her moving back to her roots. She delivers the music in a way that is truly her own. It is a rare quality to be able to exude this kind of passion so overtly. However it is natural for Smith, the emotions of each song rise up from inside [...] more »
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Chip Frazier