Saturday, 12 July 2014

Country Bites News snippets June 23 - June 29, 2014

Country Bites News snippets June 23 - June 29, 2014

SOURCES / LINKS shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

UK Internet country station 2country.net  caught up with The Shires in this great >> interview and live session

The Shires fresh from supporting US duo Striking Matches in London this week, are about to start off on their own tour starting July 6 - check out the dates – Press Release

The lovely Ward Thomas
Click to ENLARGE
UK Country duo Ward Thomas dropped in on BBC Breakfast Manchester studio. The Petersfield twins spoke with Naga Munchetty and Jon Kay on the morning of Thursday 26th June 2014 promoting their debut album FROM WHERE WE STAND which drops 21 July. They sang short a cover of Loretta Lynn's "To Take My Man". >> Watch the Interview - Twitter  

They also had a "Ones To Watch" feature in The Independent newspaper on June 28th - Image

American Music/ Alt band Family of the Year with "Hero" were added to the BBC Radio 2 "C" playlist

Watch Kacey Musgraves perform “Merry Go Round” at Glastonbury 2014 - BBC Page

The Hayley Oliver Band (Hayley Oliver, Lee Ellis, Nigel Nesbitt, Wayne Lee, Scott Gladman, Julian Mclaren) played the "fabulous" Kolding Truck Stop Festival in Denmark on June 28th (See Flyer) "We played to a great crowd and with other great bands from across the world, what a great reception we received" shared bass player Nigel Nesbitt.

Watch them perform:
>> "I'm a Little Bluer Than That" (Written by Irene Kelley and Mark Irwin and recorded by Irene Kelley on the CD 'Simple Path') which spent 9 weeks for Hayley and the band at No1 on the British & Irish and 4 weeks at No.1 on the Top 40 Hotdisc charts from July 2010.
>> "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues" (written by Rodney Crowell; recorded by Emmylou Harris)
>> "The Right Person at the Right Time"(written by Tom Paden and Tim Taylor) an 8 week No.1 on Hotdisc British & Irish from April 2013.
>> "Nobody but a Fool" (written By Bill Anderson) >> "Two More Bottles Of Wine" (written by Delbert McClinton, and recorded by  Emmylou Harris and Martina McBride) >> "I Can Still Dream" (written by Wes Cardy) >> "Jolene" (Dolly Parton)
The band have also achieved much success with other singles from their ABINGER GROVE album (released in June 2014, nominated for a BCMAward Album of the Year) topping the British & Irish Hotdisc chart: “The Hand That Rocked The Cradle” (written by Bryan D.Way and Rena Galle) 9 weeks, “Bright Side Of Life” (written by Tom Paden and Carol Elliot) 6 weeks,
and “The Good Old Days” (written by Tom Paden and Tony Rackley) which spent 1 week atop the summit in October 2013

Also attending the Kolding Truck Stop Festival was the reigning BCMAward Song of the Year winner Gary Quinn who said on Facebook he had "a fantastic time" and tweeted @GaryQuinnMusic Heading to #Denmark to play #Kolding #TruckstopFest with #GQBand tonight @LukeThomasGtr #DrunkOnAPlane @DierksBentley 
Watch the Gary Quinn Band perform >> "I Forgot About You" in Kolding

UK CHART NEWS

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending July 5, 2014)
Of note: With continued exposure on the Toyota Auris Hybrid TV advertisement, America's 1973 number three hit “Horse With No Name” cantered 63-51 (4,691 sales).

Official UK Top 100 Album Chart (Week Ending July 5, 2014)
Dolly Parton with BLUE SMOKE / THE BEST OF (Masterworks) slid back 6-7 selling 13,983 copies in her third week (almost an identical haul to the previous week’s 13,962; 3-week total 48,805)
First Aid Kit's STAY GOLD fell at 16-30 ( 2,500 sales approx) in their third week.
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) fell 46-80 in its 13th week with sales around 1,000 copies and an estimated new tally of 63,700.
Willie Nelson with BAND OF BROTHERS (Lecacy Recording) who made a debut at No.52 last week (1,589 sales) dropped off the Top 100 in his second week.

Official UK Country Album Chart (Week Ending July 5, 2014)
Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE STARS (Columbia) remained at No.1 for a 13th week.
Willie Nelson with BAND OF BROTHERS held at No.2.
Kacey Musgraves who is in the UK on tour moved 5-3 with SAME TRAILER DIFFERENT PARK (Decca) in her 63rd chart frame.
Miranda Lambert with PLATINUM (RCA) fell 3-4 in her fourth week.
Gene Watson with MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COUNTRY (Fourteen Carat Music) made a debut at No.18
Strangely Dolly Parton’s standard bluegrass new set BLUE SMOKE (Masterworks) fell 17-20 in her 5th week

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Albums  (Last updated July 1, 2014)

With “massive” coverage on BBC 2 television and radio and a huge 100,000 throng of attendees Dolly Parton’s album BLUE SMOKE/ THE BEST OF  pairing is set to swell even more in the coming week. It heads the chart following her newsworthy Glastonbury performance. She also posts three other albums in the top 7 with “The Very Best of Dolly Parton” (#2), “The Essential Dolly Parton” (#7) and “Greatest Hits” (#7). With the Nashville season finale on More 4 about to air the soundtrack albums which have been a mainstay on the iTunes charts see’s the latest set The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Vol. 2 at #4. A new released Country Legends compilation (another in the Sony Music American Heartland series) makes an appearance at No.3. Kacey Musgraves’ return to the UK results in a sales boost as SAME TRAILER DIFFERENT PARK moves up to #5.
Miranda Lambert’s album PLATINUM, which had the biggest roll out in America and much UK exposure is well down the list at #18.

1. Dolly Parton - Blue Smoke/ The Best Of 
2. Dolly Parton - The Very Best of Dolly Parton 
3. Various Artists - American Heartland: Legends of Country 
4. Various Artists - The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Vol. 2 (Deluxe)
5. Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park 
6. Dolly Parton - The Essential Dolly Parton 
7. Dolly Parton - Greatest Hits 
8. Various Artists - The Music of Nashville - Season 1, Vol. 2 (Original Soundtrack) 
9. Various Artists - The No.1 Country Hits Collection – 100 Greatest Country Hits 
10. Various Artists - The Music of Nashville: Original Soundtrack Season 2, Vol. 1 (Deluxe)

UK iTunes Top 1500 Country Singles  (Last updated July 1, 2014)
Queen of Country Dolly Parton dominates the Top 20 with 16 songs, nearly entirely retro hits, apart from “Home” from the Blue Smoke set. Kacey Musgraves with new newly released track ‘The Trailer Song’ makes a bow at #9. Nashville TV drama stars post 2 tracks with Hayden Panettiere’s “Don’t Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet” at #11 whilst Clare Bowen’s “Black Roses” sits at #13.
1. Dolly Parton - Jolene 
2. Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 
3. Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - Islands In the Stream 
4. Dolly Parton - Blue Smoke 
5. Dolly Parton - Jolene (Single Version) 
6. Dolly Parton - Here You Come Again 
7. Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 
8. Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You 
9. Kacey Musgraves - The Trailer Song 
10. Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers - Islands in the Stream 
11. Hayden Panettiere - Don't Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet 
12. Nashville Cast - Black Roses (feat. Clare Bowen)  
13. Dolly Parton - Here You Come Again (Single) [2002 Remaster] 
14. Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colors 
15. Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You 
16. Dolly Parton - Banks of the Ohio 
17. Johnny Cash with June Carter Cash - Jackson 
18. Dolly Parton - Home 
19. Dolly Parton - Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That 
20. Dolly Parton - Coat of Many Colors

Outside the top 20: Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwods much media hyped “Somethin' Bad” is at #39. The BBC Radio 2 UK playlisted duos Ward Thomas have new track “Push For the Stride” (as heard on Weekend Wogan) at #93 and former #1 The Shires with “Nashville Grey Skies” has slumped to #171

On the Hotdisc Chart (June 29, 2014 Chart)

Sawyer Brown held their first ever No.1 on the Hotdisc Top 40 as their latest single, "Walk Out Of The Rain" remained atop the chart for a second week.
Jamie Lee Thurston’s15 Minutes” (6-2) , M Callaghan with “God’s Green Earth” (7-3), Bryan Mayer with his self penned “This Is Me” (9-4) and Jessie Lee Cates (10-5) with her fiery and punchyLet Your Country Out” all moved northwards making strong climbs and reached their highest rankings to date.
Erica Sunshine Lee’s terrific “Georgia For This” made the upper tier with a 12-10 hop

Outside the Top 10 Mim Grey’s soulful “The Ways Of Love” made a two slot jump (15-13, holding #2 British Chart) and Ace Diamond continued his good spell with a 16-14 bullet for his penned “Baddest Gunslingin’ Man” shoot up 21-16.

Tony Clark’s self penned “You & Me” nudged up 13-12 on the Top 40 to hold onto his British & Irish Hotdisc Chart No1 for a fourth straight week.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES


(16 June 2014) Willie Nelson - Band of Brothers (Sony Music CMG)
14 Tracks/ Time: 47:09 CD - MP3 - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 
(1 April 2014) Carolyn Martin - A Platter of Brownies: The Music of Milton Brown (Java Jive) 16 Tracks/ Time: 55:01MP3 - UK iTunes

(23 May 2014) The Hello Strangers - The Hello Strangers (IMI)
13 Tracks/ Genres: Americana / Roots Rock / Indie /Singer-Songwriter/ Traditional Folk
UK iTunes - Amazon.com  The Austin-influenced, Mercersburg rural-Pennsylvanian, indie sister-folk The Hello Strangers are a sister duo, who comprise Brechyn Chace (vocals, tambourine, harmonica, accordion) and Larissa Chace Smith (vocals, rhythm guitar) King of Americana himself, Jim Lauderdale features on the John Leventhal penned song, "What You Don't Know".
"Que Sera, Sera," an homage to their grandfather, Ronald Chace, who sang with Doris Day. In June 2013 they announced that they were officially signed with IMI Music in Nashville to begin recording the album. They won a contest ("Win An Americana Record Deal") with AirPlay Direct in Jan 2012 that secured the contract.  This CD is a must for anyone who enjoys Austin based country rock with a lil "twang". The chemistry between the sisters harmony is so easily achieved that it seems unforced and natural.

(27 June 2014) Taylor Swift - Unreleased (MCA Nashville/RCA/Big Machine)
13 Tracks/ Time: 45:53 Amazon.com

(30 Jun 2014) Various American Heartland: Legends of Country (Sony Music TV Comp) 3 CD Box set 60 Tracks/ Time: 3:05:13 CD - MP3 - Spotify as advertised on TV channel More 4 >> YouTube
American Heartland: Legends of Country captures the spirit of America with 60 60 road-tested country great classics from the stars of country music. The album includes all the big hitters from icons Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers, many of which crossed over from the country scene to the popular music world, alongside the most prolific and influential country singers, producers and songwriters of America.

(1 July 2014) Jim Lauderdale  - I'm A Song (Import/ Sky Crunch Records)
20 Tracks CD - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com -
(1 July 2014) Old Crow Medicine Show - Remedy (ATO Records)
13 Tracks/ Time: 42:53 CD - UK iTunes - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com 
(1 July 2014) Missy Werner - Turn This Heart Around  (Missy Werner Music)
14 Tracks/ Time: 43:12 Bluegrass/ Acoustic Country / Americana MP3 - Amazon.com The Cincinnati-based bluegrasser’s new album, Turn This Heart Around (out July 1), is a dandy, featuring Werner and her top-notch band tackling songs written by Eric Gibson, Gretchen Peters, Sarah Siskind, and more. The 14 tracks are split between 7 recorded with Missy and her road band, and the others putting her with a cast of Nashville super pickers. “Dead Man Walking,” which was written by Larry Cordle and Erin Enderlin; the song also features  a number of guests including Sierra Hull on mandolin, Megan McCormick on guitar, and Cordle himself contributing harmony vocals

AUSSIE NEWS
Keith Urban finally accepted his trophy for winning the 2013 CMC Music Award for International Video of the Year. He was awarded the title back in March 2013 for the song, 'For You,' but was finally given his trophy by CMC's Stef Russin (image) while he was in Sydney for his current LIGHT THE FUSE tour.Urban told Russin that, "he appreciates people taking the time to vote for him for the award." Urban also hinted that, "the video for 'Somewhere In My Car' will be coming soon" mean while watch the >> lyric video

Kaylee
(Narrabri, NSW, Australia): 2013 Toyota Star Maker winner Kaylee Bell on Friday night (June 27th) was the guest of Keith Urban on his Australian Light The Fuse tour 2014 in Narrabri. The 25-year-old who in May was awarded the New Zealand Country Album of the Year in the 2014 Vodafone NZ Music Awards with her Toyota Star Maker album HEART FIRST said that, like many others, she has wanted to meet the superstar since she first heard his breakthrough album Golden Road and when she won Star Maker she thought she might be one step closer - “When I went to Nashville last year as a part of my Star Maker prize I thought maybe it’ll happen there”, said Kaylee.
Kaylee was invited to a ‘meet and greet’ with Keith in Narrabri and couldn’t wait to meet the man who was an inspiration to her and the reason she relocated to Australia to enter Star Maker. Kaylee remained hopeful as the synergies were there with Keith having also been born in New Zealand and having also won the Star Maker competition back in 1990.
A week or so later she received an email inviting her to sing the Keith and Miranda Lambert hit duet "We Were Us" at the concert.
Kaylee was ready as she had already learned the duet which she was to sing with Damian Baguley and The Viper Creek Band at an After Party following the superstar’s concert.
Star Maker coordinator Cheryl Byrnes said; “Keith Urban had superstar stamped on his forehead as a child and he has taken every single opportunity to create the life he loves, with people he loves, doing what he loves. “In January 2015, it will be 25 years since Keith won this competition and his success and that of our other winners gives us the incentive to continue investing in new talent in the Australian country music industry.” Cheryl said.
Kaylee said of her experience; “I’ll never forget this day, rehearsing with Kaylee said of her experience; “I’ll never forget this day, rehearsing with Jerry Flowers, Danny Rader, Brian Nutter and drummer Chris McHugh and then nearly four minutes on stage with Keith Urban face to face in duet – I’m truly grateful.
Kaylee tweeted: Just rehearsed the duet in Keith's trailer and he is as awesome as I could of ever imagined! @KeithUrban #lighthefusetour Ready to hit the stage!
>> Watch the movie footage. Kaylee has a brand new single 'Just A Little Crazy' out to radio off her recent NZ Country Winning Album 'Heart First' (UK iTunes) listen at soundcloud.com

CANADIAN NEWS
Breakthrough Country star Tim Hicks will release his highly anticipated sophomore album on Tuesday August 5th, via Open Road Recordings / Universal Music Canada.  5:01, the follow-up to the award-winning #1 debut album Throwdown, marks Hicks’ second full-length album in two years, and includes the lead smash single, >> “Here Comes The Thunder.” (via Press Release)

NEWS

Snapshot Country Aircheck's Insider Artist News:
June 24, 2014 (Luke's Heinz Of Night, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert)
June 27, 2014 (Keith Urban, Hunter Hayes, Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, thoughts with Joey Feek of Joey + Rory)
July 1, 2014 (Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift)

Carrie Underwood plays "Priscilla Parker" and Miranda Lambert is "Belle Boyd" according to the names on their mugshots in a screenshot from their new video, "Somethin' Bad."

Pistol Annies' Angaleena Presley is currently focusing on making her own music. Fans should get to hear some of those new songs when Angaleena tours with famed duo the Indigo Girls beginning in August.

Although only 24 years old  Taylor Swift made her fifth appearance on the FORBES Celebrity 100 with her highest earnings to date: $64 million. Swift's latest, "Red," was shut out at the Grammy Awards but the cross-over star was honored with the Pinnacle Award at the latest Country Music Association Awards for her success. Swift also earns with endorsements for Diet Coke, Keds and CoverGirl. Beyoncé climbed to the No.1 spot after an amazing year featuring a massive tour. Queen B played 95 shows, bringing in an average $2.4 million per stop, according to Pollstar.

MUSIC NEWS
Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters: Robert Plant continues to keep his music vital and interesting. His music with Alison Krauss in 2007 was steeped in the bluesy rock the singer does best, but it wasn't nostalgic, it was fresh. In 2010 it was Band Of Joy with Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller, again surprising and lovable. Now the sixty-five year old former Led Zeppelin singer has a new band and project, Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters. In a press release, he calls it "a celebratory record, powerful, gritty, African, Trance meets Zep." His band includes Justin Adams on various percussion including bendir and djembe and also guitar; John Baggott on keyboards, loops, moog bass and piano; Juldeh Camara on ritti (a single stringed fiddle); Billy Fuller on bass, drum programming and omnichord; Dave Smith on drums and Liam "Skin" Tyson on banjo and guitar.

They play Live UK Dates in November 2014: Sun 9th Nov 2014 (Newport Centre (NP20 1UH), Mon Nov 10th 2014 (O2 Academy Bournemouth), Weds Nov 12 London Roundhouse (NW1 8EH), Fri 14th Nov (Hull City Hall), Sat Nov 15th (O2 Academy Glasgow), Mon 17 Nov (O2 Academy Leeds), Tues 18th Nov (O2 Academy Newcastle NE1 SW), Thurs 20 Nov (Cambridge Corn Exchange; CB2 3QB), Fr1 21st Nov (Wolverhampton Civic Hall; WV1 1RQ), Wed 26th Nov (Blackpool Tower; FY1 4BJ) and Thurs 27th Nov Llandudno (Venue Cymru (LL30 1BB) tickets went on sale 27 Jun 2014 available from Ticketmaster UK and ents24.com

SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
Music Monday: Announcing Kristian's Debut Solo Single, "Trailer Hitch"...The name of Kristian Bush's debut solo single is "Trailer Hitch," and it will be officially released on July 28. Go Country 105 in LA had its World Premiere. I wrote "Trailer Hitch" one afternoon in Atlanta with my dear friend and co-writer Tim Owens and my incredible brother Brandon Bush.Tim had been joking around with phrases, and he said, "Kristian, I have never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch." I laughed so hard I could barely breathe" shared Bush.
Listen to >> "Make Another Memory" as heard on the Bob Harris Country show on BBC Radio 2

Kenny Chesney's 15th studio album THE BIG REVIVAL will arrive September 23. Produced by Chesney and Buddy Cannon (fresh from Willie Nelson’s #1 Band of Brothers), The Big Revival goes deep. With guest appearances from Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski and Grace Potter, the 11 song album moves from the double-hooked, triple rhythmed “American Kids” to thumping rockers, a few personal ballads and even the amped up title track. With the lead off “American Kids” hitting country radio with 117 stations on add date – and landing at #20 on Billboard and #24 on Mediabase after just two days of airplay – and topping iTunes Country Chart since the digital release, the Luttrell, Tennessean has come to play. Hard. (via Press Release)
Watch the official “American Kids” video on http://vevo.ly/4FDW6H

Jerrod Niemann has released "Buzz Back Girl" as the brand-new single from his latest album, HIGH NOON.

Lee Brice's new album, I Don't Dance, is all over the map musically with sounds influenced by rock, blues, hip-hop, and, of course, classic country. Lee told American Songwriter, "I didn't want anything to feel the same. So I really tried to understand what I was doing the whole time."

Chase Rice is lighting up the airwaves with his RIAA Gold-certified, Top 25-and-climbing single “Ready Set Roll,” but the Columbia Nashville/Dack Janiels recording artist will take his career to new heights with the release of his new full-length album, Ignite the Night, on Tuesday, August 19. Produced by Chris DeStefano, IGNITE THE NIGHT will hit shelves on a date that proves serendipitous for Rice, as August 19 also marks his late father’s birthday.

PRESS RELEASES

  • Larry's Country Diner Promises Refreshing July Lineup
  • Joshua Scott Jones' solo debut album, THE HEALING continues to garner media attention
  • Country band LiveWire shoots video for "Drivin' You Outta My Mind" as Single Climbs Charts
  • Ali Dee releasesJust A Broken Heart” (>>soundcloud.com) Described as bold and honest in her approach to creating music, Texas Country singer, songwriter, guitarist, television host, and on-screen personality, Ali Dee is kicking off summer with the release of her highly anticipated new single.
  • Sunny Sweeney returns with a vengance on new album, PROVOKED
  • The original “urban cowboy” Mickey Gilley is capturing audiences across America with his new hit variety show, Gilley’s Place, on RFD-TV.
  • Lucas Hoge makes waves with summertime smash entitled “Flip Flops” set to impact country radio on August 4, 2014
  • Mason Grace country’s newest trio (Jynette Lynell, Tamara Ray and Jacqueline Rose) after months spent perfecting their sound and performance outside Music City, will make their Nashville debut on Wednesday, July 16, at premier live music venue The Rutledge. Former American Idol contestant Jacqueline Rose was added as the third and final member.
  • Chase Rice strikes Gold with "Ready Set Roll"
  • DollyParton received 100 Million album sales award during Glastonbury appearance.
  • Nu-Blu is gearing up to release their forthcoming Rural Rhythm Records album, ALL THE WAY, on September 16.
  • Country newcomer Allison Veltz is in love….puppy love with the clever and heartfelt >> lyric video for her catchy debut single “Bright Side,”
  • Rolling Stone credits Bellamy Brothers for emergence of country rap. Howard Bellamy notes, "I'm not sure if they're giving us the credit or the blame but we did record 'Country Rap' in 1987. I guess we were ahead of our time by 27 years."
  • Kenny Chesney fires up THE BIG REVIVAL 9/23; 15th Studio Project guests Grace Potter, Alison Krauss & Dan Tyminski
  • Chase Rice to 'Ignite the Night' with new full-length album on August 19th

ARTICLES

In Praise of Dolly Parton (Ricky Ross BBC Radio Scotland) Review of the Hydro in Glasgow
Billboard 615: Jana Kramer Talks 'Love,' Songwriting and a New Album This Summer
Brandy Clark @ Highline Ballroom in New York 06/20/2014 Review

Home of the brave – Joey, courage and cancer: ...Joey Feek of Joey + Rory, is recovering from surgery for cervical cancer. The diagnosis came last month during a routine visit with her doctor, according to this blog post by husband Rory. Her prognosis is good and she's resting at home. The couple welcomed their first Down Syndrome child Indiana Boone Feek together in February.

Nashville's RCA Studio A under threat: Ben Folds campaigns for preservation…..Nashville's RCA Studio A may not have quite the history of Studio B, but that doesn't mean it isn't a major piece of the Nashville story.  Built by Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley, acts that recorded at the facility included the Monkees, Leon Russell, Dolly Parton, Joe Cocker, Tony Bennett, George Strait and the Beach Boys. Owned since 2003 by singer Ben Folds, the facility is under threat from a new development project....Read the Facebook update
Country Weekly Music Industry Rallies to Preserve Nashville’s Historic RCA Studio A....A crowd of Music Row artists, songwriters, technicians and other concerned citizens gathered at a rally inside the famed RCA Studio A in Nashville to rally support for the studio and other historic buildings, Monday morning (June 30). The rally was planned when news reports noted that the studio building was being bought and would possibly be demolished by a Nashville developer….
For The Country Record Featured: Erica Bryan ‘This House Is Haunted’

Barry Walsh, husband of and keyboard player for Gretchen Peters wrote a blog post about music and musicians called "The Masters of Space & Time". 
Rollingstone.com A History of Hick-Hop: The 27-Year-Old Story of Country Rap

Billboard 615: Angaleena Presley announces debut solo album AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS…..Kentucky native Angaleena Presley first made waves as one-third of Pistol Annies along with Ashley Monroe and Miranda Lambert. Now, the traditional stylist
will follow in the paths of her Annies partners with the release of her very first solo album, "American Middle Class," on October 14. Released on Slate Creek Records (same one as Brandy Clark) through a distribution agreement with Thirty Tigers, Presley calls the album a concept record that tells the story of her life – so far....

REVIEWS

For The Country Record Keith Urban ‘Somewhere In My Car’ (Single Review)
For The Country Record Striking Matches at The Borderline in London, England, June 24, 2014 (pictures)  
For The Country Record Kacey Musgraves at The Ritz in Manchester, UK, June 27th, 2014 (Live Review)

Dolly Parton UK Blue Smoke Tour -Montage CLICK to ENLARGE

Chronicle Live What's On Editor Gordon Barr gives Dolly Parton five out of five as the Queen of Country puts on a show to remember Dolly Parton at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle

Manchester Evening News Dolly Parton at Manchester Phones 4u Arena (5 STAR Review) ...."Nothing will make you wonder how she does it more than her singing. Her voice remains a pure and gorgeous instrument".. Her vocal is so incredible crisp that it’s impossible not to find oneself critically analysing the footage on the big screen to make sure the mouth matches the music. It does, of course, and it’s even more impressive for the scrutiny. Mind you, I’m still not convinced she was really playing that harmonica…+ Dolly Parton Fan Gallery 

The Guardian  (Rating; 3 STARS) First night: Dolly Parton strips away the camp to reveal a vulnerable soul (Echo Arena, Liverpool)....Behind the glitz and the quips is a seriously strong woman who took on the country music establishment.
A stunning a capella Little Sparrow survives shouts of "Dolll-eee", but this is not quite the party that Liverpool had in mind, and a set list containing baffling covers of a Fine Young Cannibals oldie and the Benny Hill theme might need emergency surgery in time for Glastonbury later this month….It's not until the 24th song – Islands in the Stream, her last whopping British hit – that the crowd get on their feet, but they stay there for a riotous, arm-waving 9 to 5, helpfully illustrated by a cartoon of an alarm clock. "I can't sing this as well as Whitney," she says of I Will Always Love You, the song which provided an international hit for Whitney Houston, as the audience yell their disagreement. Parton sings it beautifully. This isn't her best show, but one of her more human. As she once put it, "I may look fake, but I'm real where it counts."

Independent.ie Dolly Parton at Dublin's O2: Dolly Parton sure knows how to talk. She's on stage for more than two hours but it feels as though at least half of that time involves her regaling Dublin with witty banter. - And it says something for her boundless charisma and charm that even well-trodden anecdotes don't appear stale...A smattering of songs for her latest album Blue Smoke - and the one that provides the name for this world tour - fit reasonably well with older favourites....The second half of the show is not as consistently strong as the first although a competent, if unmemorable, backing band do their best to stymie boredom….Read more

Telegraph.co.uk Dolly Parton, O2, Dublin, review: 'sparkle and sass'…For all the sparkle and sass, Parton was also eager to draw attention to her musical heritage…..
Entertainment Focus.com Dolly Parton live review + set list at The O2 London (by Pip Ellwood)

Dolly dominated the news as a huge huge huge success at the annual UK festival at “Glastonbury”. Dolly rolled out onto the stage to present the fantastic concert “Blue Smoke” which she has been performing all over the world since February 2014. The country music luminary also wrote a song and played it while there – entitled “Mud”. 200,000 people saw the queen of country dominate (totally) the festival. >> Dolly Full Set See the BBC webpage

The Guardian (Rating: 5 STARS) Dolly Parton at Glastonbury 2014 review – ridiculous, yet sublime...Dolly Parton rewarded Glastonbury with a performance that surely calls for a redefinition of the word "crowdpleaser"
Telegraph.co.uk (Rating: 5 STARS) Dolly Parton: 'the undisputed queen of Glastonburr', review
Metro.co.uk Flawless Dolly Parton plays the Benny Hill theme on a rhinestone saxophone at Glastonbury 2014….
metro.co.uk Was Dolly Parton miming at Glastonbury?
Independent Glastonbury 2014: Dolly Parton's set 'biggest attraction since Rolling Stones

Was Dolly Parton Miming at Glastobury?
Independent Glastonbury 2014: Dolly Parton defended by Stephen Fry as fans accuse singer of miming during set
Daily Mail Dolly Parton denies miming at Glastonbury after coming under fire during hotly-anticipated performance
The Guardian Dolly Parton: 'I was not miming at Glastonbury'…'My boobs are fake, my hair's fake but what's real is my voice and my heart,' she tells the Sun after accusations from viewers. Parton's spokesman told the Sun: "It's ridiculous to suggest Dolly was miming. She's been performing for more than 60 years – she doesn't need to.

Shadow Chancellor Labour MP Ed Balls tweeted @edballsmp Final song was 'I will always love you' .. Absolutely brilliantly performed - Dolly at her best..
In reply:
phillip Westlake tweeted @phil__westlake  @edballsmp She has a fine pair of tits that are a pleasure to look at. Unlike pair of tits you and Ed Miliband that no one wants to see.
Graemegardner tweeted @graemegardner73 @edballsmp But Edward she was a fraud, she was miming, must be a Labour voter.

INTERVIEWS
Foodnetwork.com Trisha's Two Sides: Trisha Yearwood dishes on her double life as a music star and a food star.

MAGAZINES
Country Music People July 2014 (Dolly Parton Cover) in W.H.S stores now. The editor Duncan Warwick writes: Here's the new front cover, and at the risk of blowing my own trumpet I think it might be one of the best looking covers ever to grace a copy of CMP.
To view the HI RES cover image read the original Blue Smoke Press Release (December 9, 2013) or Click here to view and Save As the jpeg image

This cover was used by Nashville Life Styles in their May issue:
nashvillelifestyles.com 21 Fun Facts about Dolly Parton -

LISTEN


SPOTIFY COUNTRY
For users of this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent additions and recommendations.
When its free and easy on Spotify who needs music piracy?


















Breelan Angel – Dirty Little Secrets - Released June 24, 2014 , 10 songs
Kacey Musgraves – The Trailer Song – New single released to iTunes June 27, 2014
Jim Lauderdale – I'm a Song - 20 tracks, released July 1st.

Various Artists – American Heartland: Legends of Country – 3-CD Box set 60 song Sony Music compilation, released June 30, 2014
Old Crow Medicine Show – Remedy - 13 tracks released July 1, 2014
The Duhks - Beyond the Blue - AAA / Adult Contemporary / Folk-Rock, Canadian and Celtic music punched up with shades of blues, soul and driving Afro Cuban rhythms that leaves festival crowds on their feet. Since forming in Winnipeg in 2001 The Duhks have created a dynamic blend of old-timey, French Canadian and Celtic music punched up with shades of blues, soul
and driving Afro Cuban rhythms that leaves festival crowds on their feet. The album opens with the title track, a gorgeous song written by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Gary Nicholson.

FREE DOWNLOADS

"Movie Scene" is a track from Jess Morgan's 2014 release 'Langa Langa' released Monday 14th April.

Download The Muse July 2014 (Zip File) Sampler from American Songwriter for an email share
The acoustic/americana/indie rock/ singer-songwriter tracks vary 267kbps - 166kbps Variable Bit Rate (Extreme)
Sturgill Simpson's “Turtles All The Way Down” (262kbps) is the opening cut to May 12, 2014 Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (Loose Music) available on UK iTunes
Old Crow Medicine Show, “Brushy Mountain Conjugal Trailer” (244kbps) is the kick off track to Old Crow’s newest album REMEDY released 27th June 2014 by ATO Records - UK iTunes
Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison, “Departing Louisiana” (268kbps) the lead off track from their May 27, 2014 album OUR YEAR (Premium Records)
The Howlin’ Brothers' “Sing A Sad Song” (249kbps) track 6 from their May 12, 2014 album TROUBLE (Continental Rose) -  
Christopher Denny, “Our Kind Of Love” track 3 from forthcoming Aug 4, 2014 release If the Roses Don't Kill Us (Partisan Records) - UK iTunes
"Good Luck Charm" (267kbps) by Texas-raised but Brooklyn-based alt-country band The Mastersons (members of Steve Earle’s touring band, Chris and Eleanor Masterson) title cut from album to be released 08 September 2014 on New West Records. 

WATCH
Hit Or Miss? The highly anticipated new single from RaeLynn >> "God Made Girls" will impacting Country radio June 30. Watch footage from RaeLynn's on radio tour.

Performer host for Blake Shelton's tour Neal McCoy is going for radio adds with >> "Can You Do This"

Cassadee Pope performing >> “I Wish I Could Break Your Heart” live (with the studio audio in the background)

Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood, two of country's biggest female stars released the Hollywood blockbuster scale video for their duet 'Somethin' Bad'. Carrie plays "Priscilla Parker" and Miranda is "Belle Boyd" according to the names on their mugshots in a screenshot. Described as an "epic" it sees the two blonde bombshells star as high octane, Ocean's Eleven style thieves. The video was released Thurs June 26th chalked up over 1.08 million views on its first day (Update 7.3 million by July 8th) .
Channeling their innner Aerosmith and Queen's "We Will Rock Rock You"? Just bland generic crap?
What others are sayin’:
5 things we learned from Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood's 'Somethin' Bad' video Read more at hitfix.com
For The Country Record ‘Somethin’ Bad (Video Review)
Check out Tim_McGraw's brand new video "Meanwhile Back At Mama's" on Vevo

It's Kitchen session time with Ashton Lane singing >> "I Need Your Kiss", this is a song they wrote with Trevor Ward from England. Want to write a song with Ashton Lane? Visit ashtonlanemusic.com Get 7 songs for FREE for an email share - ashtonlanemusic.com

COUNTRY FASHION
Miranda Lambert was the cover feature in the June 2014 issue of Women's Health


She is seen wearing:

Front cover: Wearing a LoveShackFancy dress (Product); Elisa Solomon Jewelry guitar necklace (image - sterling silver guitar necklace with white diamonds, $220 elisasolomon.com), DJo Jewelery cresent necklace, LivHaley bracelets (micro diamond bar and pave heart bracelets, $645 and $410, respectively - Image), Vicki Turbeville vintage ring (image) along with Miranda's own diamond rings.
For her look try Clinque Moisture Surge CC Cream Compact Hydrating color corrector Broad spectrum SPF25 (Product ), Clinique All About Shadow Eye shadow in Nude Rose (Product), Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara in Black Onyx (clinique.co.uk), Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in Sunswept (Amazon.com Product - clinique.com) and Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Air Kiss (Amazon UK Product)

Miranda Lambert - Women's Health - Montage June 2014
CLICK to ENLARGE
a) In the next spread she wears a dark brown/mustard print halter Diesel dress with a rope tie at back neck wore with Stetson Boots. Hair: Johnny Lavoy/APTP (abtp.com) Johnny Lavoy is one of the most sought after hair stylists in New York. He is the Artistic Director and founder of Moda-Rey Salon & Spa, the West Hartford, Connecticut business he started 18 years ago. Over the last few seasons his work has also become a fixture during NY fashion week, countless, advertising Campaigns, and High Fashion magazine editorials.
Makeup: by Terri Apanasewicz for Diarshow/Cloutier Remix (Website)
Manicure: Ashley Coleman/Nail Cutie (styleseat.com)

b) A Chloe Oliver Harlow dress (Image - Facebook - ink361.com).This flirty drop waist dress is perfect for brunch with friends or as a stylish coverup for your days at the beach. Pair with booties or heels and you can't lose ($172 @  chloeoliver.us )
Worn with: Free People DRAZEN DROVER midi equestrian boots (Product: freepeople.com) an AK Vintage Necklace, IAM by Ileana Makri Gold Ring and Miranda's own diamond rings.


Related Posts:
Shop the June 2014 Cover! at womenshealthmag
Miranda Lambert's No-Plan Method for Losing Weight: Read an excerpt from Miranda Lambert's June 2014 cover story.
Miranda Lambert Workout: Get Fit Anywhere, Anytime - Never miss a workout with this travel-friendly routine from Miranda Lambert's trainer at womenshealthmag

Time for some summer style inspiration courtesy of Taylor Swift, who uses her exit from a West Village New York gym as a runway displaying her endless legs in a mini skirt and heels.
If only we could look so head-to-toe perfect after a 45-minute spinning class! The lofty 5ft 10in Love Story singer rocked 50s inspired and looked delightful in the ultra-feminine outfit when spotted on Tuesday (July 1) wearing summery pastel hues.
She donned a yellow Miu Miu Pre-Fall 2014 short-sleeved sweater (MyTheresa.com) with a houndstooth print plus a black and white neckline styled with an adorable A-line mint flared Topshop skirt which accentuated her tiny waist with a fit snug around her mid-section and billowed out stopping half-way down her thighs. Her high-low outfit was styled perfectly with easy, complementary accessories which don’t distract the eye from her look, including Prada dual-colour retro shades (Neiman Marcus), Seychelles sandals and a taupe Dolce & Gabbana shoulder ‘Sarah’ bag (farfetch.com US and farfetch.com).
Her shoulder length hair was left down in soft curls with some portions pinned behind her ears with dainty daisy clips -  
Image - Fashion Image Read more: Daily Mail Article (Credit: Josiahw/AKM-GSI & FameFlynet)

COUNTRY GOSSIP
E! Online asked people to create the perfect woman using celebrity body parts and Carrie Underwood was picked for her perfect hair. 
Carrie Underwood has signed on again with Sunday Night Football.

Luke Bryan has a secret tattoo hidden under his wedding band. It’s a ‘C’ for his wife Caroline.
Jon Pardi was 18 when he was stabbed multiple times in California after getting in a fight. His attacker only spent a few months in jail and Jon now has a 7” scar across his stomach.
Kristian Bush threw the first pitch at the Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals game at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon (6/27). Decked in Cubs gear, Bush also led the crowd in the traditional sing-along favorite “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch.

Lucy Hale has split from her boyfriend. The 25-year-old singer/'Pretty Little Liars' actress has called time on her short-lived relationship with country singer Joel Crouse (22) after their busy schedules put a strain on their romance. A source told Us Magazine: "Lucy and Joel are done, it was hard with the distance. She's working a lot on 'Pretty Little Liars' and on music -- she debuted at the Opry [in Nashville, Tennessee]. It got to be too much." The former couple first sparked speculation they were dating in April after they were spotted together at a Laker's game in Los Angeles.

(June 29, 2014) Dolly Parton was "so excited" when Adele asked to write with her. The '9 to 5' singer has heaped praise on the 'Skyfall' hitmaker and fueled speculation the pair could collaborate on a track after admitting she was "honoured" to have her as a fan. She told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "I was so excited a year or so ago because I was hearing she was coming to Nashville and wanted to write with me _ "I was honoured to find out she's a fan because I think she's spectacular. The music icon also had kind words for fellow star Taylor Swift, who she insisted has "handled herself" well. She said: "I know her and her family. She's a great girl and a big talent. I admire her a lot for how she's handled herself”.

PHOTO
Striking Matches, Nashville's very own Sam Palladio (Gunnar) and Chaley Rose (Zoey) @ The Borderline (24 June 2014) by Frography (by Flex) – Facebook Gallery

Jeannine Barry: Lots of fun at the gig tonight and really lovely meeting those two #NashvilleCast Image








BIRTHDAYS
July 1: Keith Whitley (1955; died May 9, 1989 aged 34), Michelle Wright (1961), John Aston (1942) Mac McAnally (1959) 
July 3: Johnny Lee (1946), Aaron Tippin (1958), Sarah Buxton (1980)
July 6: Jeannie Seely (1940)

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