March 27, 2015--Eli Young Band, Recover

Artist:  Eli Young Band
Song:  Recover
Album:  Life At Best

You know, no matter what crap life throws your way...you'll discover that you'll recover.  You may not be the same as before...but you'll recover.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 26--Tracy Lawrence, Lessons Learned

Artist:  Tracy Lawrence
Song:  Lessons Learned
Album:  Lessons Learned

Boy, this song is true, isn't it? 

Enjoy!

--kk

March 25, 2015--Josh Abbott Band, If You're Leaving (I'm Coming Too)

Artist:  Josh Abbott Band
Song:  If You're Leaving (I'm Coming Too)
Album:  She's Like Texas

I love the Josh Abbott Band.  I love their music, their lyrics, their attitude.  This song can hit close to home for anyone who has ever had relationship problems.  You know, you can look around and I can guarantee that you know someone who's going through a break-up or divorce.  It sucks.  And no matter how hard one party tries to work it out, you can't make the other person in the equation want to work for it.

That doesn't mean that marriage is pointless.  That doesn't mean that you shouldn't fall in love again.  Yeah, I know...marriages don't seem to last as long as they used to.  But, you know what?  If you know that you did your best, you can't blame yourself for the actions of someone else.  That's like trying to go somewhere with a flat tire or drinking exlax and hoping the idiot is the one who gets the shits.  Doesn't work that way.

This song makes me think of those really rough times in a relationship where you're not sure if you're going to make it.  Now, I'm not saying every relationship is worth saving.  If it's an abusive relationship, IN ANY WAY, be it phyical, mental, or emotional then GET OUT!  Those are not worth saving.  And I'd love for you to Google narcissistic relationships.  Those seem to be the most common.  They are doomed from the start unless you are totally okay with being a doormat, and even then, they're still doomed.  There's better out there.  It will find you and you do deserve it and more.  It's too easy to become cynical.  If you do that, then you're letting the assholes of the world win.  Don't.

Anyway, to quote Forest Gump, "That's all I've got to say about that."

Enjoy!

--kk

March 24--Fleetwood Mac, Rhiannon

Artist:  Fleetwood Mac
Song:  Rhiannon
Album:  Fleetwood Mac

Not going to go into much detail on Fleetwood Mac.  This British-American rock band has sold over 100 million records, making them one of the best-selling musical groups of all time.  They got their start in the 70s and they're still playing music.

Stevie Nicks is one of the most known names from the band, and the woman has earned it.  She's the one to thank for a large amount of the band's songs.  

Enjoy!

--kk

March 23, 2015--Wade Bowen, Songs About Trucks

Artist:  Wade Bowen
Song:  Songs About Trucks
Album:  Wade Bowen

Wade Bowen is just awesome.  I love his lyrics.  This song is obviously ironic and it also shows some of Wade's humor.  He's recently been working on some stuff with good friend and fellow artist Randy Rogers.  I follow the both of them on Instagram and they are two funny guys.  Randy recently pulled a prank on Wade while Wade was performing a show.  I love seeing that from artists I like.  They're just like us...they love to cut up and give each other hell and just enjoy some good music.

This song cracks me up because it reminds me of country music in 2013 and why it was awful.  If you don't know what I'm talking about then you should watch this video posted to YouTube by Grady Smith.  It's hilarious and you won't regret watching it.  

If you didn't laugh at that then you need to get your sense of humor checked.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the Wade Bowen song.

--kk

March 22, 2015--Sawyer Brown, The Race Is On

Artist:  Sawyer Brown
Song:  The Race Is On
Album:  The Boys Are Back

Okay, so I'm not going to delve deep into Sawyer Brown.  I will tell you that the quintet got their name from a road close to where they lived.  Their first choice was Savanna, but they ended up settling on Sawyer Brown.  

They got their start in the 80s and they were are powerhouse in the 90s.  I love me some Sawyer Brown.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 21, 2015--Bart Crow, Little Bit of Luck

Artist:  Bart Crow
Song:  Little Bit of Luck
Album:  Dandelion

I can't tell you enough about how much I just love Bart Crow.  He's great.  He's a hell of a performer and an all-around great guy.  He's a great dad that stays involved with his three boys even though he tours a lot for work.  He's got 1/2 of his body covered in ink, and it's gorgeous.  

I really can't wait to go see him perform again.  He was at Billy Bob's on the 20th, but I didn't have the opportunity.  I'll be keeping an eye out for when he comes back around!

Enjoy!

--kk

March 20, 2015--Bryan Adams, Summer of 69

Artist:  Bryan Adams
Song:  Summer of 69
Album:  Reckless

This song reminds me of when I was 9 years old. I know, when you listen to it, that isn't what you'd think.  But, my cousin and I used to jam out to this song when we were that age.  She had a crush on her older brother's best friend, Joey.  I remember, when we were in our teens listening to this song.  We were just blaring it and singing along in my dad's living room and when, "Joey got married" she gave me this look as she sang along.  I still remember her expression.  

This song makes me happy.  I love me some Bryan Adams.  Did you know that he's the best selling musical artist in the world?!  I was impressed.  He's sold over 100 million albums world-wide.  

Anyway, that's your tidbit for today.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 19, 2015--R Kelly, I Believe I Can Fly

Artist:  R. Kelly
Song:  I Believe I Can Fly
Album:  R

I know, you're probably thinking "R. Kelly? Really?!"  I don't know why, just felt like listening to R. Kelly.  Honestly, I love "Remix to Ignition" but I'm not going to create a lyrics graphic with that song.  Only R. Kelly can write a song with no swear words that is that graphic. 

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

--kk

March 18, 2015--Reckless Kelly, Irish Goodbyes

Artist:  Reckless Kelly
Song:  Irish Goodbyes
Album:  Long Night Moon

It's just a slow rainy day here.  And this song feels like it was meant to be played in the rain.  Plus, it's perfect since St. Paddy's was yesterday, I thought "Irish Goodbye" would be appropriate for today.

It's a sad, lonely song and I believe if you can relate to the lyrics then you know what it feels like to be lonely while you're with someone.  The good thing is that the feeling doesn't have to last. 

Enjoy!

--kk

March 17, 2015--Granger Smith, I'm Wearing Black

Artist:  Granger Smith
Song:  I'm Wearing Black
Album:  Poets & Prisoners

I love me some Granger Smith!  This is one of my absolute favorite songs of his.  And it's appropriate for St. Patrick's Day.  

I hope you enjoy!

--kk

March 16, 2015--Uncle Lucius, Keep The Wolves Away

Artist:  Unlce Lucius
Song:  Keep The Woves Away
Album:  And You Are Me

Alright, so I love these guys are their sound.  But I love the way their bio was written on facebook so I'm going to share that directly.  It will be in a different font that what I normally use as to distinguish it from my writing.

"South Austin, Texas' Uncle Lucius is a dream, conjured in the minds of five sonic mercenaries, a clarion call to arms for true believers. It is the voice that shakes you from complacency, grabs you with both hands and implores: Get in the van!!!

Like the city that brought them together, UL is a gumbo, with hints of Americana and folk juxtaposed with a slow-cooked roux that is steeped in classic rock 'n' roll and the blues. The resulting flavor is familiar and unique, roots at its most refined, albeit with a gutbucket foundation.

A certain spirit inhabits the tunes and tunesmiths alike, a seeking and a questioning that leads one far from the prescribed path. It was that spirit that brought Kevin Galloway, then a banker and music minister, from his East Texas upbringing to the streets of South Austin, in search of a life more imbued with meaning than financial well-being. Around his voice and songwriting the other pieces fell into place. Mike Carpenter left his job on a Houston assembly line to vie for greatness in one of America's foremost guitar scenes. San Antonio's Josh Greco fortified the emerging group with his considerable classical and jazz training. The road brought them to Lexington, KY, where restless Jonny "Keys" Grossman was ready to eschew his comfortable life for a van's eye view of the country. Last to join was Nigel Frye, the pride of Tulsa, Oklahoma's outcast jazz scene, and low-end accomplice for some of Austin's finest musicians.

The creature is a five-headed beast, each member's diverse taste finding a place. Deeply indebted to the country/jazz/rock fusion native to Austin, as well as the ever-evolving gumbo that is New Orleans music, the band serves as a vehicle for its lyrical vision, one that imagines a life where profits and losses no longer rule man's motives. Though its focus falls on the darker edges at times, at heart the band’s vision is a hopeful one. What could we possibly lose, after all, when “right now is all we’ve ever had”?

After 8 years of touring across Texas and to both coasts and back, the band was named 2014’s Best New Band by the Texas Regional Radio Report. Their most recent release, Live @ Grady’s 66 Pub, is available for free download at noisetrade.com/unclelucius. They are currently in preproduction for their next studio recording with George Reiff (Ray Wylie Hubbard, Shinyribs, Band of Heathens), with the album to be released in early 2015"

Enjoy!

--kk

March 15, 2015--Dolly Shine, You Should've Known

Artist: Dolly Shine
Song:  You Should've Known

Alright, so I'm new to these guys.  They've been touring the Red Dirt circuit in Oklahoma and Texas for the past few years.  They've got some good stuff.  The lyrics to the song just grabbed at me today.  I loved it.  So, therefore I am sharing it with you.  I hope you like the song and the band.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 14, 2015--Mike Ryan, Bad Reptation

Artist:  Mike Ryan
Song:  Bad Reputation
Album:  Bad Reputation

Alright, this man started in 2010.  He comes from a long line of musical talent.  His father and grandfather were both band directors.  He's been exposed to music his whole life.  He stated in an interview once that his grandpa taught him the connection between love and music.  That's why he strives to play each song of his passionately.

His writing is very soulful and paired with that gravelly voice, it's easy to see how he's becoming wider known.  His song "Dancing All Around It" made it to number one on the Texas music charts last year.  

I really like Mike Ryan.  I loved his cover of Conway's "Slow Hands".  I can't wait to hear more from him. 

Enjoy!

--kk

March 13, 2015--Conway Twitty, Slow Hand

Artist:  Conway Twitty
Song:  Slow Hand
Album:  Southern Comfort

Like I said previously, I'm not going into full biographies anymore.  Not that you don't already know who Conway Twitty is.  I mean, the man is a legend.  He held the record for most number one hits in country music until George Strait broke that record in 2006.  Conway passed away in 1993.  That means it took 13 years after his death for his record to be broken.  Imagine if her were still with us?  George may not have passed him by.

He was born as Harold Jenkins but his producer didn't think that he could market that name.  His stage name actually came after they were looking at a map and spotted the towns of Conway, Arkansas and Twitty, Texas.  Conway wasn't too happy with the stage name at first, but I think it's safe to say that he came around to it.

I love his music and I really love this song.  I was going back and forth on whether to post Conway's or the cover that Mike Ryan did recently.  I decided to feature Conway, but I'm still going to share the Mike Ryan video because I love how he took the sound and didn't take away from what Conway made famous, he expanded on it with his own twist.  I'm featuring Mike Ryan for tomorrow's artist.

Anyway, let me know what you think of both Conway and Mike.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 12, 2015--Eli Young Band, Mystery In The Making

Artist:  The Eli Young Band
Song:  Mystery In The Making
Album:  Jet Black & Jealous

Yes, I'm behind.  Yes, I've been slacking.  I know, I know.  I'm sorry.  Okay...not really.  I have decided that I'm not going to continue doing biographies.  I may when it's a new artist that I feature.  And I'm sure I'll share a tidbit of information here and there, but for the most part I will be sharing the band, song featured, lyrics graphic, and video.  

This is my third Eli Young Band post.  I love them.  They're great.  This song is from their Jet Black & Jealous album.  It was their third album released.  Personally, "Level" is my favorite album, but this one is really good too.  They have released a new single recently, which I hope will soon be followed up by a full-length album.  I love the song featured today.  Last year I had a rough patch and this song gave me hope.  

See, I thought that I had my life's path figured out.  I thought I knew where I was going and what I was going to do for my life.  That all changed.  I felt lost...but like the books I love to read, this song reminded me that my life is a mystery in the making, and that can be a beautiful thing.

So, if you're ever unsure or confused or even afraid..I want you to listen to this song and remember that life is a beautiful mystery in the making.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 11, 2015--Whiskey Myers, Anna Marie

Artist:  Whiskey Myers
Song:  Anna Marie
Album:  Firewater

This song has been stuck in my head all day.  So, I took that as a sign to share it with you.  I love the video, too.  These guys are so awesome.  I love them.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 10, 2015--Jason Boland & The Stragglers,

Artist:  Jason Boland & The Stragglers
Song:  Proud Souls
Album:  Pearl Snaps

I don't think there's anything I can say about these guys that hasn't already been said.  They're pioneers of Red Dirt music.  They have a traditional sound that they spice up with colorful lyrics.

I love so many of their songs and I promise to do a much more in-depth bio at another time, because I will be featuring them again.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 9, 2015--The Dirt Drifters, Hurt Somebody

Artist:  The Dirt Drifters
Song:  Hurt Somebody
Album:  This Is My Blood

Okay, so I don't know a whole lot about these guys.  I know that the Fleener brothers (Lead guitar/vocals) are Oklahoma boys.  The others met in Nashville.  They've hit the ground running, building up a loyal fan-base that is drawn to their grit and sincere lyrics.

I love this entire album.  I think I'm hooked!  I know that this isn't long, but it's a beautiful day and I've been couped up for days!

I hope you like!

Enjoy!

--kk

March 8, 2015--Bleu Edmondson, The Future Ain't What It Used To Be

Artist:  Bleu Edmondson
Song:  The Future Ain't What It Used To Be
Album:  The Future Ain't What It Used To Be

Alright, so I really don't know a whole lot about Bleu Edmondson.  I do know that I love his raspy voice and raw lyrics.  He doesn't beat around the bush.  His lyrics go straight to the heart of the matter and they are completely apologetic.  

March 7, 2015--Mark McKinney, Crazy

Artist:  Mark McKinney
Song:  Crazy
Album:  Back In The Day

Alright, so I've already spotlighted Mark  McKinney once already, but I'm really diggin' this song.  It's my favorite of his.  He released this song back in 1998.  It's one of those feel good songs.  It was kinda our theme yesterday as my mom and I decided to hi-jack my brothers 4X4 for a little off-roading.

We had a blast, by the way.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do!

--kk

March 6, 2015--Macy Maloy, I Think I'd Be OK

Artist:  Macy Maloy
Song:  I Think I'd Be OK
Album:  To Be Released

Oh, Miss Macy Maloy.  She's a sweetheart, isn't she?  This young lady was born on March 17, 1993 and raised in Coppell, Texas.  She's only 21 years old and she's doing big things.  She moved to Nashville a couple years ago to work on her music career.  She'd originally been going to college to earn her teaching degree, but realized her true passion and began following that path instead.

Like Kacey Musgraves, she writes somewhat controversial lyrics, but not to the same degree.  She's got a beautifully soulful voice.  I had the privilege of seeing her perform earlier this year with the Josh Abbott Band.  She did the duet "Oh, Tonight" with Mr. Abbott in Miss Musgraves place and she was incredible!  I couldn't have been more impressed.

My favorite duet she's done is "If I Go, I'm Goin'" with Bart Crow.  It's a beautiful song.

I had to share this one because I love it so much.  I really hope to see more from Macy.  She's a beautiful soul and I think that her demeanor and her music shows that.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 5, 2015--Kacey Musgraves, Follow Your Arrow

Artist:  Kacey Musgraves
Song:  Follow Your Arrow
Album:  Same Trailer Different Park

Okay, so we all know that I don't lean toward female artists very often.  With that being said, I'm going to share a couple of ladies over the next few posts that I admire.  Kacey Musgraves is at the top of that list.  This young woman is just a few short months younger than me and she's done so much!

She was born in August of 1988 and started writing songs at the age of 8 years old!  She even wrote a song for her elementary graduation.  Her first musical instrument was a mandolin.  Later on she began playing the guitar and taking lessons.  She says that picking up the guitar was one of the most important things she'd ever done in her life.

2013 was  a monumental year for Kacey.  She had released 3 albums on her own before signing a record deal with Nashville Records in 2012.  She released "Same Trailer Different Park" in 2013.  That album went gold with one of it's songs going platinum.  In 2013, Kacey tied with Taylor Swift and Lorde for most nominated female artist for Grammy Nominations.  Now THAT is impressive, if you ask me.

So, do you happen to be a fan of the Miranda Lambert song, "Mama's Broken Heart"?  Well, if you are, then you can thank Kacey Musgraves.  She co-wrote the song.  This young lady is known for having controversial lyrics in a traditional music style.  That's part of why I love her so much. She is undeniably herself.  She writes and sings and plays what she thinks.  No bones about it.  I mean, hell, just listen to the song!  

By the way, you have got to go listen to "Blowin' Smoke" by her.  Great song.  Also, "Biscuits" is said to be released on March 16, 2015.  That's the new single from her upcoming album.  Kacey has sang with multiple country artists and did a duet with Josh Abbott on his song "Oh, Tonight".

This Texas girl is making big waves nationwide.  I love her raw lyrics and can't wait to hear what she comes up with next.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 4, 2015--Travis Tritt, Be Somebody

Well, you know, I was looking at my blog posts overview page and I realized that I have only one person who reads my blog posts and that's cool.  I love my mom and the fact that she supports whatever it is that I choose to do.  It's kind of disheartening sometimes to know that I put effort into this and into sharing it with others and have nothing to show for it. But recognition isn't my driving force.  My driving force is to share and somehow express my love for music, the artists who create it, and to the other fans out there who may run across this blog one day.

Honestly, I'm okay with no one even noticing this blog or reading the excerpts.  I'm doing this for me.  I love to write and I love music.  This takes care of both.  Anyway, whether you've just stumbled across this blog or you're my mom or I'm just writing to myself--it isn't about me, it's about music.

With that said here's today's post:

Artist:  Travis Tritt
Song:  Be Somebody
Album:  Country Club

Okay, so let's talk about Travis Tritt.  He was a country music sensation in the 90s.  He was born in Marietta, Georgia in 1963.  Travis fell in love with music at church after his Sunday school choir performed a song for the congregation.  His parents bought him a guitar and at 8 years old he taught himself how to play.  He often played for the classes in high school.

When he was 14 his parents bought him another guitar and he got some pointers from his uncle.  After his parents divorced Tritt lived with his mom.  Throughout high school he tried his hand at songwriting.  Some of his classmates encouraged him to keep writing because they enjoyed his music so much.  Tritt had a thing for bluegrass music and it wasn't until much later that he started to take interest in southern rock sounds such as The Allman Brothers.

When Travis was 18 his parents re-married each other.  His father didn't think that Travis would be successful in the music industry and his mother thought that he should stick strictly to christian music instead of country.  When I think of what his parents thought of his chances at success, I love this song even more.  He worked multiple jobs and he honed his music style.  He married his high school sweetheart right out of high school.  They were together two years before they divorced.  At 21 he married his second wife, Jodi Bennett, who was 33 at the time.  They divorced shortly after Tritt signed with Warner Brothers Records.  Upon receiving his divorce papers, he wrote the song "Here's A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)".  He married his third wife, Theresa Nelson, and they have three children together. 

It seems to me that Travis has a sense of humor.  I like that.  I love that he lets his personality shine through his music.  Tritt is a card carrying member of the NRA and promotes "criminal control" over "gun-control".  He has said that, "I'm a pro-gun guy. I'm an NRA National Rifle Association member, a life member as a matter of fact. I'm more for the belief of making the punishment tougher for the criminals to start with. I think that sends much more of an incentive for people to not commit crimes of any type than taking away guns. Because you take away guns, and the next thing you know, stabbing murders are going to increase."

Well, I'd have to say that I agree with Mr. Tritt.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 3, 2015--Brand New, Mix Tape

Artist:  Brand New

Song:  Mix Tape

Album:  Your Favorite Weapon

I just love these guys.  They remind me of high school (the good parts).  They were one of my favorite bands back then. "Your Favorite Weapon" and "Deja Entendu" are my two favorite albums of theirs.  I can listen to those two albums on repeat and not skip a song.  

My favorite songs include:

1.  Jude Law & A Semester Abroad

2.  Magazines

3.  70 times 7

4.  No Seatbelt Song

5.  Mixtape

6.  The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

7.  Socco Amaretot Lime

8.  Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades

9.  The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot

10.  Play Crack The Sky

I really hope that you listen to some of those songs if you haven't listened to Brand New before.  Ever single time I hear one of their songs I think of my best friends.  The songs tend to have that "emo" style, but I've linked them with good memories and they tend to make me smile.

Enjoy!

--kk

March 2, 2015--Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Fishin' In The Dark

Artist:  The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Song:  Fishin' In The Dark
Album:  Hold On

Alright, so we all probably know this song.  And, I bet you sing along to it every time you hear it, don't you?  I know that I do.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have been touring for 48 years!  That's impressive.  They are rooted in American country folk and rock music.  Many artists have done covers of their songs, including Garth Brooks.  However, they don't come close to the original.

Their most recent studio album was released in 2009.  Anyway, I just wanted to take this trip down country music Memory Lane.

Enjoy!

--kk