THE BEST MUSIC I NEVER HEARD: COUNTRY!

 In case you haven’t been paying attention to the overall music scene for the past few years, here’s a news flash: Country Music Has Exploded!! More CD’s of country artist (total) have been purchased over the last decade than any other single genre. It only makes sense that the Country music sound has inched itself into most genres these days. This is a great thing since country ain’t just that twangy sound of yesteryear, which you either loved or hated. Maybe it was just the Southern Rock sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Allman Brothers that was as Country as it got for many. There should be very little surprise that this past seasons American Idol finals featured two budding Country stars getting the most votes. Kid Rock is now a Country superstar and awards host (gotta love that). Darrius Rucker got rid of The Blowfish and is a “new” Country star. Jason Aldean has merged Country with Rap on the current hit “Dirt Road Anthem”. Lady Antebellum’s smash crossover hit “Need You Now” will be played for years to come. One of my favorite groups is the Zack Brown Band. The first time I heard “Toes” I thought, wow, this is the next Jimmy Buffett (yes, I’m a Parrot Head) and now they have a marvelous duet on the charts called “You Get What You Give”.  A brand new duet that’s on the radio already is the perfect summer song, “You and Tequila” by Country superstar Kenny Chesney with rising Rock star Grace Potter (Grace Potter & the Nocturnals). Check out her version of “White Rabbit” if you have not heard it yet.

A few newer artists to check out are;

Thompson Square

with “I Got You” and Ashton Shepherd, who just released the CD called, “Where Country Grows”.  This young lady from Alabama can really sing!

Here’s a newcomer to the scene. His name is Kevin Jacoby and his debut CD called Truth is now available. Check out these songs at the link below “I Don’t Mind” & “Inside”. I hear a lot of Dave Matthews in his style. What do you think?

  http://kevinjacoby.com/music/

Final note for the day, there is still hope for the CD as 7-Eleven (that right 7-Eleven) is now stocking CD’s with a broad selection based on the local neighborhood. Long Live Music of all kinds. Country for today!