tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:36:16 +0000UK, US and Australia based Country Music blog with news, interviews and reviews.http://www.urbancountryblog.com/noreply@blogger.com (firefly)Blogger1419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-843476456783370390Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:29:00 +00002010-03-10T16:29:51.327-06:00Steel Magnolia From the press release: Big Machine Records artists  Steel Magnolia’s Top 15 hit, “Keep On Lovin’ You,” has become the  highest charting debut single from a male/ female Country duet act in the 66-year history of the Billboard Top Country Songs Chart. “Keep On Lovin’ You” rose to #14 on the Billboard Top Country  Songs Chart this week and as well as continuing its ascent on the USA Today/  http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/steel-magnolia-make-billboard-chart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-3920946777989654349Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:51:00 +00002010-03-10T15:51:16.563-06:00Rodney CrowellRicky SkaggsHal KetchumVince GillAmy Grant From the press release: The Colon Cancer Alliance is gearing up for the 2nd Annual ‘The Stars Go Blue’ for Colon Cancer benefit to be held on March 23, 2010 at 7:00pm at the Loveless Barn in Nashville, TN.  Hosted by Great American Country’s Nan Kelley, this concert will feature intimate and rare acoustic performances by some of Country Music’s elite songwriters; Rodney Crowell, Gretchen Petershttp://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/stars-go-blue-benefit-announces-special.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-3123492740715769409Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:41:00 +00002010-03-10T15:41:06.626-06:00Brad Paisleydebate The conversation usually goes something like this: Me: I really like Brad Paisley's music. Other country fan: He has too many funny songs that really aren't all that funny and I am bored with those. Me: Well, ok, I kind of agree with that but what about songs like 'Raining You', 'You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive', or 'Anything Like Me'? Other country fan: I don't know those. Were they singles? http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/debate-are-brad-paisleys-single-choices.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-757263160251108725Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:45:00 +00002010-03-10T14:45:20.871-06:00Easton Corbin UMG Nashville were right to believe in Easton Corbin. His self-titled debut album sold over 43,000 copies in its first week making it the labels highest scoring debut for a male artist in seven years. In a statement, Easton said: "I am humbled and amazed at the thought of that many people going out and buying my record the first week. It just shows you how powerful country radio is when it http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/easton-corbin-scores-highest-umg.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-6454819980915281760Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:34:00 +00002010-03-10T14:34:36.820-06:00Coldwater Jane photos: Rick Diamond/Getty North America There are many new names around in country these days and one of the acts to keep an eye on is Coldwater Jane. Sisters Brandon Jane and Leah Crutchfield have been playing music most of their lives having been encouraged by their parents and having toured with the family as a gospel band. When the family relocated from Mississippi to Nashville, the girls http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/featured-artist-coldwater-jane.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-3481255436428801821Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:38:00 +00002010-03-10T13:38:34.811-06:00Gary Allan A TV performance isn't always an easy thing to do and many artist don't sound their best then. No problem for Gary Allan, who played a mighty fine rendition of 'Get Off on the Pain' on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week. It's the title track of Gary's new album, you can catch our review here. _________________________________________________________________ Keep up with UCB: follow us on Twitter http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/gary-allans-fine-performance-on-jimmy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-4844356206979665774Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:26:00 +00002010-03-10T12:26:48.041-06:00Lee Brice Photo: Todd Purifoy From the press release: Curb Records recording artist Lee Brice is heating up the Billboard and Country Aircheck country singles charts, cracking the Top 30 this week with his latest single “Love Like Crazy” and it is about to ignite. Written by Doug Johnson (Mike Curb Music/Sweet Radical) and Tim James (Warner/Chappell Music) and produced by Doug Johnson, this inspiring http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/lee-brice-breaks-into-country-top-30.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-6176312805478985225Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +00002010-03-10T08:43:12.262-06:00Carrie UnderwoodCraig MorganSons of Sylvia Carrie Underwood is getting ready to kick of her new tour, with Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia joining her. If you're catching a show, we'd love your fan reviews.  From the press release: One of country music’s most anticipated tours of 2010, the Carrie Underwood “Play On Tour,” will kick off this Thursday, March 11 in Reading, PA at the Sovereign Center, with special guests Craig Morgan http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/carrie-underwood-kicks-off-play-on-tour.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-4935040120845330564Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:54:00 +00002010-03-10T06:54:02.224-06:00Johnny Reid Photo: Ric Ernst, The Province Johnny Reid has reached the top of the Canadian music scene (his live DVD just went triple platinum) and will now head south to try to break into the tough American market. Having signed with EMI Music Worldwide, the  Scottish Canadian will try to win fans in the US. In Canada, Johnny is billed as a country artist but, knowing US country radio will not accept his http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/johnny-reid-goes-even-more.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-5795000077905967598Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:51:00 +00002010-03-10T04:51:08.740-06:00Luke Bryan By now, everyone will have seen the hilarious video Luke Bryan created to win your vote for the ACM Awards. To spread the word even further, Luke is holding a contest to reward his loyal fans. Send the video to all your friends and the fan who get the most friends to watch the clip will win an autographed Epiphone DR-100 acoustic guitar and an autographed copy of 'Doin' My Thing' and 'I'll Stayhttp://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/vote-for-luke-bryan-and-win-guitar.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-6440216530197619013Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:48:00 +00002010-03-09T16:49:24.507-06:00Christian KaneCD reviews 'Christian Kane EP' - Christian Kane (Bigger Picture Group, 2010) Christian Kane has always struck me as an artist who chooses his work carefully. Whether it be acting or music, he seems to have picked projects he believed in, not just those who were the shortest route to fame. Maybe because of this, I feel that the Christian I listen to now is the same guy as all those years ago when I http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/cd-review-christian-kane-ep-christian.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-2568619531434355200Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +00002010-03-09T15:00:58.570-06:00Darius Rucker From the press release: CMA New Artist of 2009 Darius Rucker will host his 1st Annual “Darius and Friends” concert in Nashville, TN at The Wildhorse Saloon (120 2nd Ave. North., Nashville) on June 7th to benefit the groundbreaking research and lifesaving care of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. The concert will include performances by Rucker and select country music friends with http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/darius-rucker-and-friends-benefit-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-8382228036636780717Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:47:00 +00002010-03-09T14:47:44.271-06:00Stormy Montana We have been watching the blossoming career of Stormy Montana over here. Today, Stormy announced the release of her hew video, for new single 'Weary Angel'. Aside from being a cracking tune, the song now has a nice video that takes you on a trip around downtown Nashville. Stormy again worked with celebrated director Marcel: "We had such a good time working together on 'Sing This City Home' http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/new-video-weary-angel-stormy-montana.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-8063154073835898267Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:27:00 +00002010-03-09T14:27:04.937-06:00Laura Bell Bundy Laura Bell Bundy will release her major label debut album, 'Achin' and Shakin'' on April 13. Debut single 'Giddy On Up' makes a big splash on CMT and the SVP of Music Strategy, Jay Frank said: "Our gut said Laura Bell Bundy would be a big hit and it exceeded our expectations. #1 on CMT.com right out of the box and immediate sales from the first spin…she is a definite star in CMT’s future." http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/laura-bell-bundy-slates-debut-album-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-8303370850027218715Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:12:00 +00002010-03-09T09:12:47.772-06:00Miranda LambertAlison KraussDierks BentleyDel McCoury Band As a veteran of the famous Station Inn, Dierks Bentley loves himself some bluegrass. For a while he has been wanting to make a bluegrass-inspired record and now the time is finally right. The new disc, 'Up on the Ridge', will be released this summer. I was quite underwhelmed by previous CD, 'Feel That Fire', feeling it actually lacked fire, and when I later heard Dierks' label had asked him http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/finally-dierks-bentley-bluegrass-album.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-1186724114867733132Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:49:00 +00002010-03-09T08:49:00.452-06:00Lady Antebellum Lady Antebellum performed current single 'American Honey' on the Late Show with David Letterman last night and did a great job. ___________________________________________________________ Keep up with UCB: follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/lady-antebellums-letterman-performance.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-5373267663991762562Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:19:00 +00002010-03-09T07:24:45.296-06:00Christian Kane Multi-talented Christian Kane is releasing new music today! Ahead of more music coming later this year, you can head to your preferred digital retailer or Christian's website to pick up the new EP which features 5 songs. Overseas fans, we know there's lots of you in the UK and Germany, if you have trouble with iTunes or Amazon you will be able to purchase the download via the website.  Be http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/out-today-christian-kanes-new-ep.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-8139195843891699743Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:07:00 +00002010-03-09T07:08:02.986-06:00Gary Allan A day many have been waiting for - Gary Allan's new album, 'Get Off on the Pain' is available from today! You can check out our review here. Pick up the regular or deluxe version and come back to tell us what you think. Keep up with UCB: follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/out-today-get-off-on-pain-gary-allan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-7188266005532126668Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:58:00 +00002010-03-09T10:35:51.165-06:00Reba McEntireLee Ann Womackconcert reviewsGeorge Strait On Thursday night, March 4, lovers of country music filled the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis and were treated to a trio of three major country artists; Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire and George Strait. The square stage, centered in the middle of the arena, provided almost everyone with a great view and is an idea that Strait incorporates into most of his shows. Perhaps the only ones who might not http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/concert-review-lee-ann-womack-reba.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Loretta)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-668874174936286880Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:35:00 +00002010-03-08T16:38:34.819-06:00Gary AllanCD reviews 'Get Off on the Pain' - Gary Allan (MCA Nashville, 2010) These days not many artists have a clear sound of their own. Before the first word is even sung, you already know you are listening to a Gary Allan record. Gary has managed the difficult feat of sounding unique and yet being played on mainstream radio. New CD 'Get Off on the Pain' continues along the rock theme he has been following http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/cd-review-get-off-on-pain-gary-allan.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-7599833376088740977Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:28:00 +00002010-03-08T15:28:22.390-06:00Josh Abbott Band  Photo: KU Photography From the press release: Texas Country sensation Josh Abbott Band is celebrating their fastest rising single to date with “She’s Like Texas,” which landed inside the Top 10 on both the Texas Music Chart (#8) and Texas Regional Radio Report (#7) this week, marking JAB’s third Top 10 smash including previous hits “All Of A Sudden” and “Good Night For Dancing.”  Written byhttp://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/josh-abbott-band-breaks-into-texas-top.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-8091980609116857617Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:22:00 +00002010-03-08T15:22:48.967-06:00Zac Brown Band With a reputation built on their solid live shows, Zac Brown Band will release their first live CD/DVD set. The material is taken from the band's Oct 30, 2009 benefit at Atlanta's Fox Theatre which raised funds for the rebuilding of the Georgia Theatre in Athens, GA. 'Pass The Jar – Zac Brown Band and Friends Live from the Fabulous Fox Theatre In Atlanta' will be released May 4. DVD 1.http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/zac-brown-band-ready-to-release-live.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-375628098105852457Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:10:00 +00002010-03-08T15:11:42.920-06:00Court Yard HoundsBrandi CarlileMartina McBrideEmmylou HarrisMiranda LambertSugarlandLoretta Lynn I am a little behind catching up with my e-mail alerts so I'm bringing you the additions to the Lilith Fair tour a few days late, but they're still very much worth mentioning. Court Yard Hounds and Martina McBride have been added to the tour which currently will be hitting 34 cities, with more to be announced. Already representing country music on the tour are Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris, http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/lilith-fair-tour-adds-court-yard-hounds.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-2495871802096144100Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:33:00 +00002010-03-08T14:43:49.769-06:00Miley CyrusBret Michaels In the mid-1990s my brother and I went to every rock show in driving distance while blasting Poison, Skid Row and Aerosmith through the car stereo. If you had then told me Bret Michaels would 'go country' I would have laughed. If you had said he would one day record a song with a Disney pop star, I'd have laughed even harder. And yet... Bret's new song 'Nothing to Lose' features Miley Cyrus. http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/heres-country-collaboration-i-never.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5349408496273814677.post-905654620620154199Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:54:00 +00002010-03-08T13:54:56.604-06:00Alan Jackson The promo campaign for Alan Jackson's upcoming CD, 'Freight Train', is in full swing.  To a help whet your appetite even more, Walmart Soundcheck gives you a sneak peek of Alan's performance. Check it out here and check back on March 15 for the full performance. 'Freight Train' will be in stores March 30.   Keep up with UCB: follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. http://www.urbancountryblog.com/2010/03/preview-alan-jackson-on-walmart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (UC)0