First I need to get something out of the way. In a review I wrote earlier this year, I mentioned that the album I'd reviewed had attained a special status -- it had become a VCD. I then went on to explain that the sobriquet stands for Visor CD -- albums that I like so … Continue reading Album Of The Year – It’s A Tie!
Category: Country
How Grandma Found Her Christmas Groove
The music of ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro might seem to be an unusual starting point for a piece about memories of Christmas. But when that tune is something called "Grandma's Groove," it inevitably makes me remember my own grandmothers -- and how they each found their holiday groove in different ways. My maternal grandmother was … Continue reading How Grandma Found Her Christmas Groove
The Grinch Takes On Holiday Music
At the risk of sounding like the Grinch - and not for the first time, I might add - I have to admit that I've often had mixed feelings about holiday music. I didn't always have a problem with it. While I was growing up, the sound of Christmas music coming from the radio or … Continue reading The Grinch Takes On Holiday Music
REVIEW: Various Artists – Boots, Buckles & Spurs
Just in time for holiday giving - even if only to yourself - is a new 3-CD collection that just might make you feel like strapping on your shootin' iron and saddling up your ol' cayuse -- if you have one, that is. These days most of us get our transport from the horses under … Continue reading REVIEW: Various Artists – Boots, Buckles & Spurs
Jim Lowe Found Success Behind That Famous Door
If you were around in 1956, and old enough to pay attention to the music being broadcast on the radio or coming out of jukeboxes, then you will probably remember a song that soared to the top of the charts that year. I'll give you a hint -- it had something to do with a … Continue reading Jim Lowe Found Success Behind That Famous Door
REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
One of the reasons I enjoy reviewing music is that it gives me the opportunity to shine a spotlight on artists - and even entire genres - that might otherwise be overlooked by many listeners. With that in mind, I've often featured reviews of new albums from the deep South, especially those from South Louisiana. … Continue reading REVIEW: Swamp Pop Sweethearts
REVIEW: Gumbeaux Rouge -Stirrin’ It Up
Most folks know something about gumbo, a dish that's generally accepted as having originated in Louisiana but that has since become common in many other areas. Although it's prepared in many different ways, it's basically a thick soup or stew that contains a lot of ingredients native to an area. Using that as a starting … Continue reading REVIEW: Gumbeaux Rouge -Stirrin’ It Up
REVIEW: Now That’s What I Call Country
I haven't reviewed a country music album for a while, but even though I'm a traditionalist who naturally leans heavily toward classic country (big surprise), a new compilation featuring today's country stars is still a pretty good listen. Now That's What I Call Country is from the same folks who have churned out a series … Continue reading REVIEW: Now That’s What I Call Country
Mysterious Musical Occurrences
It started innocently enough. I was reading a magazine and I noticed a print ad featuring John Travolta. I think he was selling watches, but the gist of it seemed to be that he was proud to be a pilot -- maybe even more so than he was to be an actor. I won't comment … Continue reading Mysterious Musical Occurrences
REVIEW: Johnnie Allan – Memories
A seemingly endless parade of tropical storms sweeping into the Southeast and blanketing bayou country leads me to one conclusion. It's time to shrug off the bad weather and listen to Memories, a new album on the Jin Records label from Louisiana swamp-pop legend Johnnie Allan. Johnnie, who was born John Allan Guillot and is … Continue reading REVIEW: Johnnie Allan – Memories
Geezer Music Club 