Jackson Taylor Trashes Nashville, Grand Ole Opry

Are you a fan of Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, or Cowboy Troy? Jackson Taylor & The Sinners sure aren't. On their new release, Aces & Eights, they tear into the Nashville "pop scene" with a profanity-laced tirade in "Country Song." They even go as far as saying "The Grand Ole Opry don't mean sh*t to me". Taylor justifies this lyric at the song saying they fired Hank Williams and Johnny Cash from the Opry. Whether this is the reason or the fact that he isn't signed to a Nashville label is a story for another day. Take a listen. See what you think.

What's In An Album Title?

Can an album title indicate the quality of music on a CD? Let's hope not. If so, we are in for some boring, retreaded music for the fall. Just check out some of these album titles: "A Woman Needs", "World Wide Open", "Like A Woman", "Big Dreams & High Hopes", "Everything Comes And Goes","A Guy Like Me", "If I Had My Way", "Keep On Loving You", and "The Long Way Home." There's not a shred of originality in any one of these titles. (Note to female country singers: Album titles including the word "Woman" will not be bought by most men. Don't ask me why, but it just doesn't happen.)

On the other hand, titles like "Dark Horse", "I'm About To Come Alive", "Notes From The Coroner", and "Fight Like A Girl" at least show that an artist is trying to grab your attention with three or four words that haven't been beaten to death. Incidentally, I would pick up these albums whether or not I had heard any of the songs from them.

Does an album title make any difference to you if you've never heard a song from the album? What about if you don't know the artist?

Jaime Fox Returns to Frederick, MD, For Fundraiser

Nashville recording artist and former Miss Maryland, Jaime Fox, is returning to Frederick, MD, to take part in the Patty Pollatos fundraiser "FUNomenon" on Saturday, August 29, 2009. I saw Jaime put on a great show during CMA Fest this year at Fuel Nightclub, and I am looking forward to seeing her again in August. Jaime will be opening for Lee Greenwood. For more information, check out this link: http://www.ppfinc.org/Family_Fundraiser_FUNomenon.htm

WPOC New Country Show Case: Jessica Harp

WPOC, Baltimore's Country Station, will be hosting a free Jessica Harp show at Hightopps Backstage Grill in Timonium, MD, on July 31, 2009. Jessica Harp had a couple of hits as one half of the Wreckers, and she is soon to release her first solo album. Hopefully, WPOC will continue to put on these new country showcases for all of the great new country artists!

Bomshel to Open For Phil Vassar in Hanover, PA

On October 9, 2009, the talented duo, Bomshel, will be warming up the crowd for Phil Vassar in Hanover, PA, at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center. I've seen Bomshel three times, and even though they are still under the radar, they always put on an outstanding show. The tickets went on sale today, and I got seats on the second row! For more information, check out this link: http://www.wgty.com/contests/vassar.shtml. By the way, the picture above is from Bomshel's Sommet Center Stage performance at this year's CMA Festival.

Crashing the New Artist Show at CMA Fest 2009

This year, I made my first trip to CMA Fest, and I had a blast! I staid at the Renaissance Downtown, which happened to be the secret location of Bob Kingsley's New Artist Show. As I was returning from the Exhibit Hall to drop some stuff off in my hotel room, the elevator opened on the second floor, and I saw some people leaving a banquet hall. I asked what was going on, and they told me the artists had finished performing and were signing autographs. I just walked in and had a chance to meet the LoCash Cowboys, Jessica Harp, and Pearl Heart, as well as, Bob Kingsley. Anyway, it was great, and I thought I'd share this picture.

Cancun Cantina West Bringing Green to Hagerstown

Pat Green is making a stop a stop at Cancun Cantina West in Hagerstown, MD, on August 16th. Doors open at 5pm.