I’m thrilled to be a part of Nashville Scene’s 11th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll, published today. I voted and submitted commentary for the first time, joining 76 other writers from all over North America – some of whom I’m lucky enough to call colleagues. I have a special admiration and respect for these country music writers, so it’s humbling to see one of my comments published right alongside theirs. Check out all the coverage below.
Posts filed under Music
Friday flashback: Best singles of the 90s
Slant Magazine recently published a monster list of the best 100 singles of the 90s- with commentary that’s made me think, reminisce and, quite frankly, wish I were a better writer.
About six months ago, over at Country Universe, we similarly counted down thebest 400 country singles of the 90s. It’s a decade we hold close to our heart as a staff, so it was a rewarding experience to compile and explore our list, which ended with this (unembeddable) gem. Here’s an excerpt from Kevin Coyne’s excellentwrite-up for the song:
“It’s a record that could’ve only existed in the nineties, when country music was broad enough to allow outside influences, but self-confident enough to incorporate them without sacrificing its own identity and integrity. “Maybe it Was Memphis” defines an era of country music that approached meritocracy, an era where genuine talent paired with a worthy song was regularly rewarded. An era where a young artist’s debut single could become a classic as easily as the latest from a veteran superstar.”
Country Universe: Best singles of 2010
We counted down the 40 best country singles of 2010 over at Country Universethis week, ending with the rare critically-acclaimed radio smash, “The House That Built Me” by Miranda Lambert. That an understated, acoustic song like this one not only cracked country radio but perpetuated Lambert to long overdue stardom is something worth celebrating.
Unlike Lambert’s hit, my two personal favorite singles this year are a little harder to fit in a box – which is why I love them. Neither is decidedly country, but both bottle emotion as skillfully as the best country songs. Check ‘em out below, along with my write-ups from the countdown.
“Drop On By,” Laura Bell Bundy (#8)
A contemporary spin on the standard country theme of heartache, “What Do You Want” owes its brilliance to its perfect storm of elements: The raw honesty of Niemann’s plea (“I get so tired of living like this/I don’t have the time/Neither do my friends”). The hollow, pulsing arrangement that mirrors his cycle of pain. The killer vocal performance, soaked in emotional fatigue. Each element draws out the potency of the next, culminating in one of the most captivating releases of the year.
Friday flashback: *NSYNC, "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"
If you don’t love this unapologetically cheesy song even a smidge, you’re probably in denial. 90s kids: who remembers this “Holidays in Concert” special that aired on the Disney Channel circa 1998?
“Idol” Season 8 finalist Matt Giraud put his own spin on the pop song last Saturday at a holiday concert he performed in Rockford, MI. Watch his cover below, complete with a local high school choir rocking crazy holiday sweaters. Come to think of it, the sweaters kind of capture the essence of the song…
