“It’s like we walked by a house and heard someone crying, got closer, and put our nose to the window. And inside, saw someone who was where we’ve once been. The land of heartbreak. It’s the human condition. To the point where some hook up with someone random just to stay in the game and others get old and refuse to play anymore.”
-Bob Lefsetz on Adele’s 21 album. I don’t often agree with him, but he makes an excellent case for why her album has resonated so well: “music trumps everything.”
We’re almost halfway through the 30 Day Song Challenge over at Country Universe, and to keep things interesting, we’ve put our own spin on it. In true country style, today’s category is “A Leaving Song” – check out our staff picks and share your favorites.
There’s something special about hearing songwriters perform their own songs – vocal imperfections and all:
What I wouldn’t give to meet these guys and tell them they wrote my favorite song (back in 1994). I’ll take it in any form, by any artist – though the conviction of this stripped-down version kills me.
The past few weeks months have been a blur of business trips, long hours at work and rewarding challenges. Let’s play a quick game of catch-up:
Josh Kelley, “A Real Good Try”
I adore this song off of Josh Kelley’s surprisingly decent debut country album, Georgia Clay. Country music with a dash of soul tends to hit my sweet spot, especially when it’s executed as well as it is here. Ashley Monroe’s delicate background vocals are the icing on the cake.
Adele, "One and Only"
The song’s lyrics are simple and its sentiment isn’t groundbreaking – but its vocal nuances and gorgeous throwback arrangement make it an instant favorite for me. I love how the fierce tenacity of Adele’s performance contrasts sweetly with the song’s soothing vibe. Her album, 21, is a must-buy.
Preview of “ACM Presents Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country”
“Such a sistership. Women bond in a way that’s very sacred. I look at Loretta up there, who’s the reason I’m in country music. We stand on her shoulders. And looking at Carrie and Miranda and Jennifer and thinking this is the next generation, and I’m just in a surreal place that’s between worlds.”
-Wynonna Judd at the taping of the ACM special, a tribute of sorts to women in country music, which airs April 22 on CBS. As a country music writer, I do a lot of griping about the current state of the industry, but this quote reminds me that there are a handful of very –very– talented women in country music right now that have the power to carry the genre through its next generation. That’s a special thing, especially given the genre’s (unfair) male bias.
Kids’ reaction to Rebecca Black’s “Friday”
Is it bad that this makes me happy? Check out the incredulous look on 8-year-old Marlhy’s face at the 0:43 mark.
Irony
…I mean, really, how shocked can you be at Pia Toscano’s early exit, guys? (I refuse to address Steven Tyler, who might as well sleep through the live shows.) You’ve been consistently praising every contestant without giving any sort of assessment of the state of the competition – remember that, the competition?- other than “it’s anyone’s game.” Look, it’s great that you’re able to find something you love about every contestant, and it’s heartening that your critiques are sincere and passionate. But we need a definitive voice. We need you to take a stand. We need you to inject a little cut-throat into this race if you expect the great to float to the top.
More, please:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: my favorite songs are those that blur the lines between genres. Swirl my favorite genres together, and you get this lovely cover:
Between work, writing and a slew of trips (like a super fun one this past weekend to Gruene, Texas, home of the oldest dance hall in the state), life’s been a little crazy. Good thing I can always count on this ridiculous scene (and song) for a pick-me-up:
John Legend dedicated his recent performance of “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” on “The Tonight Show” to the people of Egypt. If it doesn’t make you want to celebrate, I don’t know what will.
Last night’s Grammy Awards were a mixed bag for me –Need You Now is the best country album of the year? Really?– but it’s more fun to focus on the good stuff, no? Below are some of the things I loved.
This quote from the red carpet:
“It might be a little less campy. Less rhinestones, more leather.”
This performance:
These reactions:
This win from the pre-telecast ceremony.
And this lovely surprise: (I was rooting for Eminem, but no complaints from me. An ironic shout-out to The Woodlands, Texas, for paving the way for this album.)
Love this song, love this voice:
- Michael Johns at the Red, White & Black Affair charity gala last week in Arlington, Texas, organized by fellow “Idol” alum Jordin Sparks. He also recorded the song for his 2009 album Hold Back My Heart, available on iTunes.
I dig pop culture.
