CNY Country: August 2012

Aug 21, 2012

Fans praise Sunny Sweeney's "Carolina On The Line"

View the story "Sunny Sweeney gets well-deserved recognition for \"Carolina On The Line\"" on StorifySunny Sweeney gets well-deserved recognition for "Carolina On The Line"Fans blowing up timeline with praise for new song.Storified by CNY Country · Tue, Aug 21 2012 08:04:37Country music fans who caught Sunny Sweeney's set at the Country Throwdown show in Syracuse heard a few new songs from the Texas native. One was "Dirty Laundry," which, like most of Sunny's songs was outstanding. The other was "Carolina On The Line," a very moving song about calling that someone you shouldn't be calling on a long drive. You can hear the song in the video below.Sunny Sweeney Carolina On The LinemuseikvidioYesterday Sunny began retweeting some comments about the song, and they kept pouring in all day.Glad to see @gettinsweenered gettin some love for #carolinanotheline. My newsfeed is all #carolinanotheline.Did I mention #carolinanothelineLuke Dunkin@gettinsweenered had to see why Twitter is blowing up over #carolinaontheline, listen to it about 10 times now. Beautiful song, REAL COUNTRYEli Robles@gettinsweenered ya need to sleep. So many retweets. Lmao. #CarolinaOnTheLineMujFinally, after the millions if tweets, I listened to #carolinaontheline, and I'm glad I did. What a beautiful song! @gettinsweeneredLindsey A. Sobolik Just listened to #CarolinaOnTheLine for the 1st time since @thrwdowntour in Cuse @gettinsweenered has so much talent. Come back to NY!Jessica AnnOf course, Sunny returned the favor, thanking her fans for the support.Omg my fans seriously freakinggggggg ROCK! Thank y'all for supporting me and my music! Holllla! #carolinaonthelineSUNNY SWEENEYWhile some may have been irritated with the large number of "Carolina On The Line" retweets clogging their timeline, I think this is a great move by Sunny to get fans interested in her music. Later in the day the majority of the retweets were those who were worn down by the constant barrage and had to know what this song was about, and they weren't disappointed. Hopefully we'll hear this gem on country radio soon.

Labels: Sunny Sweeney

Aug 20, 2012

Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft join CMT On Tour

View the story "Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft named as CMT On Tour 2012 performers" on StorifyJake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft named as CMT On Tour 2012 performersThree artists who have made local appearances to embark on tour.Storified by CNY Country · Mon, Aug 20 2012 17:42:51The last time I saw Jake Owen I vowed out loud I would never see him open for another act, I had to see him as a headliner. He performed for a couple hours at Fort Drum and I still wanted more. Fortunately, this fall Jake will be a headliner on CMT On Tour, where he will be joined by Florida Georgia Line and Love and Theft.
BREAKING NEWS: @JakeOwen to headline #CMTonTour with guests @LNTweet & @Flagaline! See list of cities & dates: http://at.cmt.com/d5TkFCMTThe good news is that this should be an outstanding show. Like I said, Jake is hands-down one of the best entertainers in country music, if not the music industry in general. I showed a friend who is not a fan of country music some videos of Jake in action and he loved them. Florida-Georgia Line really impressed me when they were in Syracuse as part of the Country Throwdown tour, and I've never seen Love and Theft, but I was very impressed with their latest CD.

Unfortunately, the good news makes the bad news hurt even more, because unlike last year's CMT On Tour featuring Luke Bryan, there are no local dates scheduled. Luke played the War Memorial in Utica, but the closest Jake will come to CNY is NYC, although I'm sure some of his fans would be more than willing to make that drive.

Labels: Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, Love and Theft

Aug 19, 2012

Eric Church brings his high-energy Blood, Sweat and Beers tour to Canandaigua

View the story "Eric Church brings his high-energy Blood, Sweat and Beers tour to Canandaigua" on StorifyEric Church brings his high-energy Blood, Sweat and Beers tour to CanandaiguaCountry music superstar played his hits and other fan favorites for fans at CMAC Saturday night.Storified by CNY Country · Sun, Aug 19 2012 18:57:44Eric Church's career has really taken off over the past year or so, to the point that the sometimes controversial singer has become almost unavoidable. Whether it's hearing "Springsteen" on the radio or reading about his feud with two of country's biggest stars, every day feels like Sunday with our daily exposure to Church. While I was lacking faith the last time I wrote about Eric, I was still looking forward to joining thousands of members of the choir to hear him preach to the masses at CMAC Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua Saturday night. After the show I certainly wasn't disappointed, and I don't think too many others there were either.
Robert Earl Keen opening for Eric Church at #CMAC Saturday night. http://pic.twitter.com/nvIVr4coCNY CountryRobert Earl Keen was the lone opening act for Eric on Saturday. I don't dislike Robert Earl Keen, but I wouldn't call myself a fan either, he's just kind of there, and I felt the same way about his performance. I liked the melody and noticed several feet in my row tapping along to many of his songs, but his lyrics were almost impossible to understand. Part of that may be my fault because I wasn't familiar with the songs going in. He did play two songs I knew from other artists covering them, and honestly I think I liked the covers better. REK wasn't horrible, but he's so different from Eric Church that it was kind of an odd choice to open.

After a 45-minute set the opener left the stage and fans on the right side of the stage saw a cart carrying the "Chief" himself into the VIP tent for an exclusive preshow during the set change. After a few minutes the cart whisked Eric away again and the crowd awaited his appearance on stage.
.@EricChurch opened his CMAC show with "Country Music Jesus." And fire. Lots of fire. http://pic.twitter.com/4v4Nlh5UCNY CountryAfter a 45-minute wait the CMAC lights went down and the opening beats of "Country Music Jesus" were met with screams and cheers throughout the venue. Church sang of "fire on the mountains" with actual flames shooting up behind him and I knew at that moment we were in for a treat.
"Guys Like Me" by @Eric_Church at #CMAC Saturday night. http://pic.twitter.com/wFaxkdraCNY CountryEric played all of his hits throughout the show, and some fan favorites like "Sinners Like Me" and "Lotta Boot Left To Fill." He also performed most of the songs off his latest album "Chief," with "Like Jesus Does" being the only one omitted.
.@Eric_Church lets out a scream during "How 'Bout You" at #CMAC Saturday night. http://pic.twitter.com/Ih6IzLwnCNY CountryEric's shows have been billed as "high-energy" for years, and his Blood, Sweat and Beers performances are no exception. He was definitely energetic at Chevy Court a few years ago, but he seemed to lack something in his stage presence. It may have been the fact that it was a 2 p.m. show, a small crowd or maybe the broken foot had something to do with it, but Eric certainly found whatever he was missing. He raced around the stage, let loose several screams, stomped his feet, pumped his fist and climbed all over the set Saturday night, with the crowd loving every minute of it.
.@Eric_Church puts a "Drink In My Hand" at #CMAC Saturday. http://pic.twitter.com/owrz7xpFCNY CountryAfter putting drinks in our hands, reliving battles with Jack Daniels, admonishing hip-hop hats and pants on the ground and wishing "Uncle Sam would give a damn about the man who's collar's blue," Eric left the stage without giving the fans his two biggest hits.
.@Eric_Church in a cloud of more than a little smoke during "Smoke A Little Smoke" at #CMAC Saturday night. http://pic.twitter.com/NHRlgzucCNY CountryEric came back out and opened his encore with "Smoke A Little Smoke," filling the stage with more than just a little smoke. He then performed fan-favorite "These Boots" off his debut album, leading to one of the coolest moments of the evening.
.@Eric_Church signs a boot for a lucky fan in the second row at #CMAC Saturday night. http://pic.twitter.com/uxSgnSH3CNY CountryA fan in the second row brought a sign of a checklist of shows they had attended with an empty box at the bottom reading "Eric Church's Signed boots." Eric took the sign and the fan's boot, signed it and checked off the last item on the list.
.@Eric_Church closing out his #CMAC show with "Springsteen." http://pic.twitter.com/K2nDPsRvCNY CountryChief closed his show with his summer 2012 anthem "Springsteen," and what an incredible way to close the show. I'd guess that it's been Eric's most popular hit, and he asked everyone to turn on their cell phone flashlights, recreating the "stars in the sky" in the CMAC seats. He led the crowd in a singalong of the "oh-oh-oh-oh-oh's," told the crowd the song was written for nights like Saturday and said it was all about the catchy lyric "funny how a melody sounds like a memory."

Surely the melodies from an August Saturday night created many happy memories for members of the Church Choir in attendance.

Labels: Eric Church, Robert Earl Keen

Aug 14, 2012

Taylor Swift releases first single off new album 'Red'

View the story "Taylor Swift releases new single 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together'" on StorifyTaylor Swift releases new single 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together'To the surprise of no one Taylor Swift sings another song about an ex, but fans are still buying the schtick.Storified by CNY Country · Tue, Aug 14 2012 18:29:58Color-coded: @TaylorSwift13 releasing new album 'Red' on Oct. 22 - http://apne.ws/NeUt0LAP CountryFor those of you who hadn't heard this news yet, congrats on getting out from under that rock. Whenever Taylor makes any kind of announcement it seems to make a major splash in the country music world, and word of her colorful new album was no exception. Swift's album news also came with the release of her new song "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." Listen below if you dare.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Lyric Video)taylorswiftvevoThe song, like most of Taylor's work, is causing a very divided reaction.
Welp. I've been officially exposed to the new Taylor Swift song. #killitwithfireJessa LignelliNew favorite song Taylor Swift-We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherMaggs!The fact that the new Taylor swift song is number one right now makes me question humanity...Jenna JakesI normally hate Taylor Swift songs but her new song is reaaally good!Kenz. ✌Now I'm sure the burning question on your mind right now is "what does Kyle think?" Well, those of you that know me may want to sit down.

Seated? Ok good, because I'm about to say something nice about this song. Taylor, get the "OMG I'm SO shocked!" face ready. I like the catchy, poppy melody. Seriously.FikklefameI know, right?! Now a lot of people will rip it and say it's "not country." I understand their point, but country music's constantly evolving in so many different directions it's only progression that someone releases a song that's more "Call Me Maybe" (~~related confession, I love "Call Me Maybe"~~ whatever that is) than "You Never Even Call Me By My Name."

Now, back to normalcy. The song's lyrics are absolutely terrible. Taylor might as well have called it "I Am Really Not Even Trying Anymore," to see if her fans are really paying attention. How many times can she rewrite the exact same song? I know breakups are a country music staple, but so are mama, trains, trucks, prisons and getting drunk, and Taylor hasn't even approached those topics. I understand she's maintaining an image, so prison and getting drunk are probably out, buy why not mix it up with a song about mama?

I think to find my biggest problem with Taylor I have to compare her with the two best female singers in the game right now: Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood. They both have their fair share of revenge songs, but they also have songs like "Heart Like Mine," "Temporary Home," "Over You" and "Don't Forget To Remember Me." Taylor may exceed their popularity, but she doesn't come close as a songwriter. When you look at who collaborated on "Blown Away" and "Four The Record" you see a variety of names, including the two stars. Taylor Swift is listed as the sole songwriter and composer on "Speak Now," and I think this speaks to the problem. Taylor's been blown up into this standout singer/songwriter and she bought into the hype, despite the fact she's been writing the same two types of songs for the past six years.

Now here's where I may shock you again: I want to like Taylor Swift.
HuffpostCrazy, right?! I really do though. I think it's great that she exposes people to country music that they might not otherwise hear, even if I disagree with her methods.

Fortunately, there's a glimmer of hope at the end of this dark, moody six-year tunnel.

Taylor collaborated with other writers on her upcoming album, including "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." I don't know if that's why the song is more upbeat and fun than most of Taylor's recent work, but I'm hoping for the sake of my ears that working with other artists will help Taylor step outside her comfort zone and grow up a little as an artist.

Labels: Taylor Swift

Aug 6, 2012

The Band Perry to play Chevy Court at the New York State Fair

View the story "The Band Perry returning to Central New York" on StorifyThe Band Perry returning to Central New YorkThe Band Perry will play at Chevy Court during the New York State Fair on Sept. 2.Storified by CNY Country · Mon, Aug 06 2012 18:20:55

The Band Perry played an outstanding show at MKJ Farm in Deansboro Saturday, Aug. 4, and the trio will perform as part of Brad Paisley's Virtual Reality tour in Bethel and Darien Lake this weekend. Apparently the siblings love NY, and will return Labor Day weekend.

Final Chevy Court act: @thebandperry to perform Sunday, 9/2 @ 8pm. http://bit.ly/OU3kaKNew York State FairKimberly, Neil and Reid will perform at 8 p.m., while "The Voice" season two winner Jermaine Paul, who was mentored by country star Blake Shelton on the show, will perform at 2 p.m. the same day. He isn't a country singer, but I'm sure I'm not the only Blake fan who followed him on the show and would like to see him live.

Labels: Jermaine Paul, The Band Perry

Aug 5, 2012

The Band Perry and friends rock MKJ Farm in Deansboro

View the story "The Band Perry performs at MKJ Farm Deansboro" on StorifyThe Band Perry performs at MKJ Farm DeansboroThe Band Perry, along with Redneck Rodeo, Dubonnet,' Jenna Jentry and Kristen Kelly, rocked the MKJ Farm stage in Deansboro, N.Y.Storified by CNY Country · Sat, Aug 04 2012 21:30:42Near-record heat and technical difficulties weren't enough to stop country trio The Band Perry from performing their quadruple-platinum song "If I Die Young," and other hits for thousands of fans at MKJ Farm in Deansboro Saturday.Redneck Rodeo was the first act to take the stage Saturday at MKJ Farm in #Deansboro. http://pic.twitter.com/uf6DDkV9CNY CountryRedneck Rodeo opened the show at the farm. They were, um, less than stellar. The group just didn't do it for me and the "Willie Nelson" character calling the headliners the "Perry Band" with a old-school country holier-than-thou attitude didn't help their cause. Not all bad though, I enjoyed the songs where the drummer was the lead singer. That guy was alright.Andrea "Dubonnet'" Battle, lead singer for Dubonnet, sings some Melissa Etheridge at MKJ Farm in #Deansboro. http://pic.twitter.com/30v3mRdgCNY CountryDubonnet' was next to take the stage, and what a show they put on. Covering a variety of artists from Melissa Etheridge to Gretchen Wilson to Fleetwood Mac the group didn't let the heat stop them from bringing their high-energy show to the stage.New artist @jennajentry put on a great performance at MKJ Farm in #Deansboro Saturday. http://pic.twitter.com/Z8Dj4PeBCNY CountryNewcomer Jenna Jentry followed Dubonnet,' and she was also very impressive. Jenna has local roots, inciting cheers from the crowd by mentioning her parents are from Rome and Clinton. The crowd kept cheering through Jenna's set, and I look forward to hearing more from her soon.Can't wait for @kristenkelly's album, coming in November. She was amazing at MKJ Farm in #Deansboro Saturday. http://pic.twitter.com/qHUOy9HTCNY CountryKristen Kelly, one of The Band Perry's tour mates on Brad Paisley's Virtual Reality tour, was the last singer onstage before the headliner, and I think she'll soon be a headliner herself. She performed her debut single "Ex Old Man" and other songs from her upcoming album "Signs," expected to be released in November. I really liked the title track, and I'm eagerly anticipating the release of her album.

After Kristen finished her set the assembled masses, who had calmly enjoyed the show up until this point, rushed to the front of the crowd, which brings me to my one big complaint about the venue. The MKJ Farm stage was below crowd level, which is fine when everyone is sitting in chairs or on blankets. Once the crowd stands, as they tend to do at concerts (who knew), most of your audience can't see the act they paid to watch, which kinda stinks.

All three members of @thebandperry were amazing in #Deansboro Saturday, handled the technical difficulties well! http://pic.twitter.com/oH9pLqZdCNY CountryThat being said, I was able to see the group for much of their set (get to general admission shows early kids). Unfortunately after a few songs lead singer Kimberly's mic cut out, so most people couldn't see or hear the band. The band took a "five-minute break" (which turned into a 45-minute break) to fix the problem and this blogger was convinced it was the last we would see of the trio for the night..@thebandperry's Kimberly singing at MKJ Farm in Deansboro. http://pic.twitter.com/QKrRXTP2CNY CountryFortunately, this blogger was wrong and the group returned and were worth the wait. I'm sure it's a difficult situation for performers when they have problems like this, but I was very impressed with the way Kimberly, Neil and Reid handled the situation. They kept their cool throughout the ordeal and came back out ready to rock with "American Pie," "Jack and Diane" and "Fat Bottomed Girls." The congregation was also treated to Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)."

After closing with "If I Die Young," the siblings returned to the stage to tackle "We Are Young" by fun. and finishing the night with their chart-topping hit "You Lie."

I loved The Band Perry's live show when I saw them in Chicago with Brad Paisley, and, despite the issues with the venue, they did not disappoint in Deansboro.

Labels: Dubonnet', Jenna Jentry, Kristen Kelly, Redneck Rodeo, The Band Perry

CNY Country