Joshua Murray
creator of content, daddy blogger, writer, coffee drinker, fan of the Batman. proud mo bro. prouder dad.

Sykamore, Through the Static EP Review

Sykamore is back, baby. And we’re here for everything she’s got to share on her new EP, Through the Static.

The four-song release comes as the follow-up to her 2022 full-length album, Pinto – and does a lovely job of adding to Sykamore’s discography and library of songs.

Our only major quibble, as always, is that we wish there was more. At 13 minutes, Through the Static goes by too quickly. Which has had me reaching for a restart on more than one occasion.

Starting with Emotional, each of the four songs on this new EP was written or co-written by Sykamore. And in a pre-release quote she said, ”These four tracks illustrate the emotional journey of opening your heart and the many ups and downs that can entail – two songs explore the beginning of love, and two songs recount the experience of love coming to an end.”

Love stories and that journey (ups and downs included) are universal, but the ability of a songwriter and singer to connect a personal experience to a listener so they can feel seen, that’s the magic.

In this collection, Highway Towns does it best for me.

The imagery of small, drive-thru towns on the side of a highway, juxtaposed with a relationship that starts and stops and begins and ends just as quickly, is positioned perfectly. It’s the “you can always count on a Comfort Inn, that you’ll never find comfort in” that really seals the deal. It’s the resignation that this isn’t more or better. It’s the realization that this is what it is when Sykamore sings, “I guess I could turn around, but what good that do? Cause we know these highway towns were just built for passing through” that hits the nail on the head.

This is what we come for.

I also want to take a quick moment for More Where That Came From because holy smokes it caught me off-guard the first time it came on.

I wasn’t ready for the production and sound. And then I got into it. And then I listened to it again and got the lyrics and the new love, the happiness that’s here. This is, the we’ve gotta give this a shot and see where it goes, song. This is hope and meet-cutes and first kisses after a night out and unexpected connection. It’s lovely.

Like I said earlier, at less than 15 minutes, Through the Static goes by too quickly. But, if you’re in the mood to keep listening, I hope your algorithm gives you Alee, MacKenzie Porter and Kacey Musgraves like mine does. And, with Ms Musgraves’ name out here now, I’d be remiss not to mention that it’s her that I think of as a comp when I listen to this EP. If you’re a fan, this new music from Sykamore should be right up your alley.

Now, it’s time for you to do the listening. Hit play on the steam, take the 13 minutes to hear Emotional, Highway Towns, More Where That Came From, and Perfect Storm, and then share it with a friend you know will love it.

Enjoy!

Sykamore, Through the Static Tracklist

1. Emotional
2. Highway Towns
3. More Where What Came From
4. Perfect Storm

March 30, 2024 No Comments

JJ Shiplett, A Walk Through Time Album Review

JJ Shiplett has long been one of my favourite voices in roots/americana/country music. And with his newest release, A Walk Through Time, the Canadian singer-songwriter has caught me again.

The album follows 2020’s Fingers Crossed and Crossed Fingers – and continues to highlight the way JJ tells stories, dives into emotional wells, and shares it all out in the open.

I’m having a hard time being objective about this album because I think I was waiting for it too much. I wanted it. I needed what I hoped it was going to bring to me.

I got what I wanted. What I guess I needed.

Boots and Hearts 2017 - JJ Shiplett

Since its release, I’ve listened to A Walk Through Time in my office through laptop speakers, on a Sunday morning in my living room through a Google hub while I drank coffee and watched my kid play Lego, and on my headphones, alone, with the voice and lyrics and feelings all to myself. They were all the right way to listen.

I think my favourite though, was that Sunday morning listening session. It was the perfect vibe and made me think of Sarah Burke’s Sunday Show on Indie88 (big love). It’s the right time if you’ve got the time to give it. It allows you to go in so many directions to so many country, roots, and rock artists when the album is finished at the end of You And I WIll Never End. Highly recommend this experience.

If you’re looking for my don’t miss tracks (so kind of you to ask), I’m going to point you to Oleander and Reckless Heart (back-to-back at tracks 2 & 3).

They are lovely. They are strong. They give me JJ’s voice in the ways I love it most. They make me wish for the opportunity to hear them live

Please don’t skip the rest of A Walk Through Time though. Make your coffee and sit with the whole thing.

The seven-track album only takes 28 minutes to listen to but it doesn’t leave you when you’re done. And that’s the beauty of it.

JJ Shiplett, A Walk Through Time Tracklist

1. Already There
2. Oleander
3. Reckless Heart
4. American Accent
5. Modern Drugs
6. Bad Feelings
7. You And I Will Never End

March 29, 2024 No Comments

All Your Friends Festival Announces Inaugural Lineup

There’s a new festival in Ontario bringing a nostalgic, early 2000s vibe to Burls Creek this August.

All Your Friends Fest will take place August 23 & 24 on the same grounds as award-winning country festival, Boots & Hearts, and will offer two stages of musical acts across the Friday and Saturday festival lineup.

When the All Your Friends Festival announcement dropped, the first thing I did (as always) was look at the lineup and see who is coming, who’s headlining, who is going to make people excited. And we’ve got a good list here with Canadian acts including Billy Talent, Lights and GOB as well we American favourites Fall Out Boy, The All-American Rejects, Jimmy Eat World and more.

My next thought was: Do we finally have a replacement festival at Burls Creek for our dearly departed Wayhome?

I can’t answer that question. It’ll only be answered if and when All Your Friends 2025 is announced following this year’s festivities. But there’s hope.

Tickets for the festival are on sale now at allyourfriendsfest.frontgatetickets.com – with two-day and single-day (Friday or Saturday) passes available for General Admission or VIP if you want to treat yourself. There are also parking, tent camping and RV camping (non-hydro or 30 AMP service) passes if you’re going to want or need one of those.

Single-day passes are available for $159.60 – Friday / $204.03 – Saturday, with full fest passes at $311.65. And two-day VIP on sale for $574.36 – get ‘em now if you’re interested!

(taxes and fees included in prices shown as per website)

Now, the music part!

Fans of a certain vintage don’t need to be reminded of singing/screaming/dancing along to Sugar We’re Going Down, Dirty Little Secret, Try Honesty, The Middle, Up We Go, or I Hear You Calling. We know the words. We know the feelings. We’ve been there at shows, at parties, with burned CDs in hand-me-down cars, this is us.

BUT, what we might need to be reminded of is what it’s like to be twenty-something again. And that’s what I’m thinking when I look at this lineup.

Nostalgia is a powerful drug. And we’ve got an era on this lineup poster that is begging to be remembered with rose-coloured glasses and the volume turned up to 10. There are love stories and break-ups and self-discovery and field parties wrapped up in these songs. And for two days in late August, all of that is going to be on the stages of All Your Friends Fest. For us.

Note: Don’t miss out on non-nostalgia acts like LØLØ, The Honest Heart Collective, and grandson – who have all made us smile with their music in this era.

Take a look now at the daily breakdown and stage assignments for the 19 artists in the first All Your Friends Fest announcement.

This is going to be fun!

All Your Friends Festival 2024 Day-to-Day Lineup

Friday, August 23, 2024

Main Stage

Billy Talent
Silverstein
Mayday Parade
GOB
LØLØ

Second Stage

The All-American Rejects
Lights
Gym Class Heroes
We The Kings
The Honest Heart Collective

Saturday, August 24, 2024

Main Stage

Fall Out Boy
Jimmy Eat World
Plain White T’s
grandson
Charlotte Sands

Second Stage

Dashboard Confessional
The Maine
Fefe Dobson
Stereos

*more acts to be added!

Stay tuned for more as we get closer to All Your Friends Fest 2024.

March 29, 2024 No Comments

New Music Spotlight with Kacey Musgraves, The Black Crowes ft. Lainey Wilson, and More!

New Music from Kacey Musgraves, The Black Crowes ft. Lainey Wilson, Ruby Waters, Tim Hicks, and Alee.

It’s that time again friends. Happy new music to you all.

This time around, we’re bringing some country, some rock, and an alternative hit in the New Music Spotlight – and we think you’re gonna dig it.

Kacey Musgrave’s highly anticipated album, Deeper Well brings her to the top of the list. Lainey Wilson featuring on The Black Crowes (also with a new album, Happiness Bastards) gets here too. Ruby Waters is a favourite, so we’re stoked to bring you her new track. And I can’t not be me, which brings us to Canadian country music and Tim Hicks and Alee.

Scroll through. Hit play on each of these new songs. And leave a comment telling us which one(s) you like best.

And remember, friends share music with friends. So when you find something you love – tell someone about it.

Ready? Let’s go!

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Maren Morris, Maggie Rogers, Cam
Song: The Architect
Notes: Kacey Musgraves is… special. As a singer and a songwriter and a storyteller, she’s someone that I’ve been listening to and leaning on for a long time. But when The Architect started playing, when I heard the words, when I felt it – she really got me. And I won’t be alone in that feeling. If you have ever asked God “Why?” you’ll get it too.

Links: Web / Facebook/ Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: The Black Crowes ft. Lainey Wilson
Genre: Rock
Fans Also Like: Bad Company, Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band
Song: Wilted Rose
Notes: The Black Crowes have a new album and a new friend in Lainey Wilson. On Wilted Rose, the country superstar joins the rock and roll veterans on a song that’s maybe a little twangier than usual – but certainly still right in The Black Crowes’ wheelhouse. Lainey Wilson and country music were not force-fit into the song. This is a smooth pairing. If anything, there could have been more from Ms Wilson, just for the fun of it. Turn this one up and enjoy.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Ruby Waters
Genre: Alternative
Fans Also Like: Allan Rayman, The Beaches, Mt. Joy
Song: Bucket
Notes: Ruby Waters gets introspective and vulnerable and a little emo on Bucket – and we get it. I’ve been there. “I don’t think that I’ll ever feel like enough” is… oof. It’s a lot. Ruby lays it all out, she brings us all in, and the beauty is that while she’s singing about her life, I’m thinking about mine. And that’s the magic of music.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Tim Hicks
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Dean Brody, The Washboard Union, Bobby Wills
Song: Last Two Lonely Hearts
Notes: Tim Hicks is here with a new one, and it wasn’t what we were expecting from the title. This could have been a solo acoustic song that broke our hearts into pieces. Instead, it’s got the whole band, the guitars Hicks loves, the big notes and grand feel he’s so good at providing in a country song. This one is going to play really well live. It’s going to be fun for the band and the crowd. And Tim too.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Alee
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Robyn Ottolini, Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke
Song: Time for That
Notes: There’s not a dude who’s ever walked into a bar and sat down to have a drink that doesn’t wish Alee is singing Time for That about him. The Canadian singer/songwriter has been on our playlists for coming up on eight or so years now – and Time for That is the next one in the list of songs we’re into going back to Moonshine & Bad Habit & Don’t Make Me Miss You. If you’re not familiar with Alee, the time is now to get on it.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

March 15, 2024 No Comments

2024 Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival Daily Lineups

The Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival is set to return this July with an all-Canadian two day lineup – and it’s a good one.

The Gravenhurst, ON festival features 14 acts across Friday and Saturday sets and will be headlined by July Talk (July 19) and City and Colour (July 20). The supporting cast is great too with JJ Wilde, Dan Mangan, Texas King, Spencer Burton and more coming to Cottage Country for the weekend’s musical celebration.

Tall Pines is proudly about more than just the music though. The 2024 fest will include an expanded vendor village showcasing the arts, crafts, and talents of local makers – and they’ll be bringing a variety of food and drink vendors to the Gull Lake Park grounds, offering more than just the deep-fried festival fare you’re used to.

It’s a lovely way to celebrate local and spotlight the vibrancy and creativity that the community has. We love it.

And, we’re looking at a family-friendly weekend as well. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult GA ticket holder (max 2 kids per adult ticket). So, if you’re looking for a way to bring your littles to live music, to have them experience the magic that happens when songs are played on stage, to share in the energy of a crowd, Tall Pines is a pretty excellent option.

Back to the music though. Y’all know City and Colour. Y’all better know July Talk and JJ Wilde. And, we strongly suggest that you get to know Texas King, Spencer Burton, Deanna Petcoff, Boston Levi, Ila Barker, Chloë Doucet and the rest of these Canadian talents. There’s a lot to like about this collection of artists. Trust us.

Festival season may feel a long way away – but it’s not. July at Gull Lake Park is going to be here before you know it. So if Tall Pines 2024 looks like something you want to be a part of, the time to grab your tickets starts now. Single-day and Weekend passes are available. VIP (19+) is on the table. And don’t forget a parking pass, because that space is limited.

Stay tuned for more festival season updates. And visit www.tallpinesfestival.com to learn more now.

2024 Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival Daily Lineups

Saturday, July 19, 2024

🍁 July Talk – 9:30 pm
🍁 Dan Mangan – 8:20 pm
🍁 Texas King – 7:15 pm
🍁 JIN the Band – 6:15 pm
🍁 The Vaniers – 5:20 pm
🍁 Chloë Doucet – 4:30 pm

Saturday, July 20, 2024

🍁 City and Colour – 9:30 pm
🍁 JJ Wilde – 8:20 pm
🍁 Spencer Burton – 7:15 pm
🍁 Boston Levi – 6:15 pm
🍁 Deanna Petcoff – 5:20 pm
🍁 The Saradons – 4:30 pm
🍁 Ila Barker – 3:40 pm
🍁 Tiny Horse – 2:50 pm

March 14, 2024 No Comments

March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide XIII

The tournaments are coming! That’s right, you can’t stop them, they are on the way. Fast.

The Men’s and Women’s NCAA basketball tournaments are almost ready to tip off – and if you’ve got a partner that is obsessed, in love with, can’t get enough of, and can’t stop watching the action year after year, we’re here for you!

Since 2010, I’ve been trying to come up with great ideas that March Madness Widow(er)s can leverage while their partners are consumed by college basketball. And in 2024, we’re here again, with the 13th official edition of the March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide.

I hope it can be useful to you while Caitlin Clark, Zach Edey, JuJu Watkins, RJ Davis, Angel Reese et al are on the court from March 19 to April 8, 2024.

First though, the schedule so you know when your partner is most likely to be immersed in college basketball action.

Men’s March Madness

🏀 Selection Sunday – Sunday, March 17, 2024
🏀 First Four – Tuesday, March 19 and Wednesday, March 20, 2024
🏀 NCAA Tournament Round 1 – Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22, 2024
🏀 NCAA Tournament Round 2 – Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, 2024
🏀 Sweet 16 – Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29, 2024
🏀 Elite 8 – Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31, 2024
🏀 Final Four – Saturday, April 6, 2024
🏀 2022 NCAA Championship Game – Monday, April 8, 2024

Women’s March Madness

🏀 Selection Sunday – Sunday, March 17, 2024
🏀 First Four – Wednesday, March 20 and Thursday, March 21, 2024
🏀 NCAA Tournament Round 1 – Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2024
🏀 NCAA Tournament Round 2 – Sunday, March 24 and Monday, March 25, 2024
🏀 Sweet 16 – Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30, 2024
🏀 Elite 8 – Sunday, March 31 and Monday, April 1, 2024
🏀 Final Four – Friday, April 5, 2024
🏀 2022 NCAA Championship Game – Sunday, April 7, 2024

Buckle up!

1) Listen to the 60 Songs That Explain The ’90s Podcast

Look, I’m a fan, and I’m biased, and at this very moment, a little emotional – but 60 Songs That Explains The ‘90s is a must-listen for music fans who lived through the 1990s, or want to learn more about the music from the era, or both.

The series has recently reached its conclusion, but the archive remains. With 120 song episodes, a live show, a mailbag, a guest-filled bonus, and a recap episode – there is a lot of content to get through. And you’ll love it.

Pop, rock, grunge, hip-hop, country, it’s all there. Rob took us through the whole darn thing.

And if you weren’t listening weekly during the run – there’s no better time than now to discover the show and enjoy it.

Find it here: theringer.com/60-songs-that-explain-the-90s

2) Watch Concerts on the CBC

Did ya’ll know that CBC Gem has concerts ready for you to watch, you just have to login and hit play?

The CBC Music Presents: Live at Massey Hall collection includes, The Beaches, Donovan Woods, July Talk, Charlotte Day Wilson and more. It’s all right there. At your fingertips.

Watch Now: gem.cbc.ca/cbc-music-presents-live-at-massey-hall

And the CBC Music Live series has seasons 3 & 4 on the app right now with The Reklaws, City & Colour, Tegan and Sara, Shawnee Kish, Chromeo and a bunch more ready just a push of the button away.

Watch Now: gem.cbc.ca/cbc-music-live

Live music, even recorded and watched back later, is some of my favourite music. It doesn’t matter the genre – the energy transcends that. And the CBC has a bunch of it that you can binge during the tournament if you’re looking for respite.

Thank you, CBC.

Sign-up, sign-in, start watching and listening.

3) Do Some Music Spring Cleaning

Does your record collection need re-arranging our cataloguing?
‣ Sort them by most-listened. Or by artist. Or by genre. Or by the feeling you get when you listen to them. Or by album cover colour. Whatever floats your boat!

Do you have way too many CDs in the house that you never ever listen to?
‣ I’ve been there. We all have. Our shelf now has a tidy stack of 10 CDs – the essentials and most beloved. The rest are out in the garage in a box with the old boombox where they are more useful and loved.

Are your playlists are 4 years old and in need of an update?
‣ Tastes change. Songs mean more or mean less or get dusty. Just have a look at your playlists and give them a little love. It’s worth it.

4) Go to Your Local Record Stores

In my humble opinion, there is something magical about record stores and bookstores. But you have to be there to feel the magic.

So, go!

Maybe you’ll just be window shopping (pick up a sticker or a pin or something to drop a little $$$ support while you’re there). Or maybe, after you’ve sorted and spring-cleaned your collection, you’ve got an album in mind that needs to be added to your shelf.

Walk through the store, flip through the records, find the artists you are looking for, talk to the folks behind the counter, do it all.

And then tell your friends about the store. We need to keep supporting them to keep them alive.

Note: Shout out to Kops Records and Another Spin Records in Oshawa, ON – my two local shops!

5) Play Along

I’ve been saying it since 2010, and I’ll keep saying it forever: Play Along!

You don’t have to watch every game. You don’t have to be obsessed. But you can still enjoy these tournaments.

Fall in love with Caitlin Clark’s limitless range and confidence. Cheer for a Cinderella team as they defy the odds and make their way deeper into the bracket. Hope for buzzer-beaters.

There will be so much action over three weeks. So much.

Start by filling out your brackets. This is where you’re going to get your bragging rights if you catch some breaks. And then, check in on ‘em. Watch some highlights. Eat a great snack and enjoy a game or two.

Dive in. Have fun.

Please remember though, it’s not nice too much fun of your S/O when their favourite team gets bounced, or their bracket gets busted. It hurts. Trust me.

And if you need more ideas, have a look back at the first 12 editions of the March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide!

2010 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide

2011 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 2.0

2012 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 3.0

2013 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 4.0

2014 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 5.0

2015 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 6.0

2016 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 7.0

2017 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 8.0

2018 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide  9.0

2019 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 10!

2021 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide 11!

2022 🏀 The March Madness Widow(er) Survival Guide v12!

March 13, 2024 No Comments

Boots & Hearts 2024: Day-to-Day Lineup and Don’t Miss Artists

Boots & Hearts is coming, baby!

This August, from Thursday to Sunday, the 8th to the 11th, the annual music fest at Burls Creek is coming. If you know Boots & Hearts, you know it’s a good time coming. If you don’t know Boots & Hearts, we’re here for ya.

This year, across the four days of action, the festival has announced 33 artists + the Emerging Artist Showcase – and that’s a lot of music!

It’s going to be impossible for you to catch every set. To be at two stages at the same time or not eat or have a seat for a minute or two in the sunshine. But, you’re going to want to try. You’re not going to want to miss the mix of country and rock that’s coming in 2024. You’re not going to want to miss the big names and the up-and-comers. You’re not going to want to miss some of your favourite Canadians.

And speaking of favourite Canadians… you’re not going to want to miss our Don’t Miss Artists at Boots & Hearts 2024.

Check out the day-to-day lineup, Thursday to Sunday, and see who we’ve pegged as the artists we don’t want you to miss out on each day. They’re all great. We promise.

Stay tuned for more about B&H 2024 as we get closer to the summer festival season.

Boots & Hearts 2024 Day-to-Day Lineup

Thursday, August 8, 2024

★ Midland
★ Lonestar
★ Shantaia
★ The Emerging Artist Showcase

Don’t Miss: The Emerging Artist Showcase. You never know who’s going to be the next James Barker Band or The Reklaws! Listen, cheer, sing, dance, and see what happens.

The Reklaws - Friends Don't Let Friends Tour Alone at Toronto's Budweiser Stage shot by Trish Cassling for thereviewsarein.com

Friday, August 9, 2024

★ Cody Johnson
★ Brothers Osborne
★ Megan Moroney
★ Chayce Beckham
★ Jess Moskaluke
★ Redferrin
★ Nate Haller
★ Kasley Kulyk
★ Buck Twenty
★ Taylor-Rae

Don’t Miss: Jess Moskaluke. With a catalogue full of songs that you’ve known for years, Jess Moskaluke is going to tear up her time on the Boots & Hearts stage. We can promise you that. Don’t forget to pack your cheap wine and cigarettes.

Jess Moskaluke at the CCMA Awards 2018

Saturday, August 10, 2024

★ Thomas Rhett
★ Matchbox Twenty
★ NEEDTOBREATHE
★ Jackson Dean
★ Hunter Brothers
★ Bryan Martin
★ Lauren Watkins
★ Alee
★ Texas King
★ Elyse Saunders

Don’t Miss: Alee. We’ve been all-in on this Canadian singer/songwriter for a long time, and if you haven’t been – now is a great time to get onboard. Enjoy the ride!

Bonus: If you’re ready for rock at Boots, get to the stage for Texas King who has put on some really fun shows when we’re been in attendance and always get our attention.

Sunday, August 11, 2024

★ Jason Aldean
★ Carly Pearce
★ Nate Smith
★ Emerson Drive
★ Madeline Merlo
★ Alana Springsteen
★ Alexandra Kay
★ Dillion James
★ Dayna Reid
★ Brian John Harwood

Don’t Miss: Madeline Merlo. Her name is higher on the marquee now – and for good reason. Madeline Merlo has been working hard for nearly a decade (we first met her in December 2015) and has earned every single thing that she’s got. Get to the stage, bring some Honey Jack, and sing along.

Madeline Merlo at Toronto's Enercare Centre - Tim Hicks Get Loud Tour shot by Trish Cassling

March 7, 2024 No Comments

Luke Combs Top 10 – by the Numbers

Luke Combs is a certified superstar. He has climbed the country music mountain, and with his performance of Fast Car at the 2024 Grammys in duet with the amazing Tracy Chapman, he took another step forward on the musical landscape at large.

In less than 10 years, Combs has become a hit-maker, award-winner, chart-topper, and main event artist. And the fans can’t get enough of him.

And because y’all listen to his music so much, he’s the perfect subject for a Top 10 list – by the numbers.

As always, we started by hitting up Spotify and checking the ‘Popular’ list. We took down the songs and the streams, and then we headed to YouTube. Using only Official Music Videos and Audio uploads, we gathered more numbers. No acoustic performances, no awards show performances, no behind-the-scenes. Then we did the math. Then we did the ranking. Then we had a Top 10 Luke Combs list!

Nothing on this list is subjective. There are no opinions here – only stats. I’d have some of these songs in different orders if I was just placing them willy-nilly. But that’s not what we’re doing today. We’ve got 10 songs, based on 10 sums, in order from 10 to 1.

So… start scrolling. Hit play on the songs that you love most. And leave a comment telling us which Luke Combs song you’ve listened to the most.

Luke Combs Top 10

10 . Fast Car

9 . The Kind of Love We Make

8 . Forever After All

7. One Number Away

6 . Going, Going, Gone

5 . Beer Never Broke My Heart

4 . She Got the Best of Me

3 . Hurricane

2 . When It Rains It Pours

1 . Beautiful Crazy

Feature image edited from image at lukecombs.com

March 2, 2024 No Comments

The Chicks, Fly – 25th Anniversary

25 years ago, in late-August 1999, The Chicks followed up their major label debut smash of an album (Wide Open Spaces) with Fly.

The country trio was already a household name at this point, thanks to the success of Wide Open Spaces… but as always, we wanted more, and we expected big things. And, well, we friggin’ got it.

Across 13 songs and 48 minutes, Fly offered up The Chicks in fun, feelings, chart-toppers, and sing-along standouts. And 25 years later, we’re still here for it.

Recorded and released in 1999, Fly sold more than 8.5 million copies worldwide. It went to #1 on the American and Canadian country album charts and debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart too. The album, unquestionably, was and is a massive hit and success.

Even the reviews were solid with Rolling Stone giving it 3.5/5 stars, the LA Times giving it 3/4 stars, and the Houston Chronicle giving it 4/5 stars.

25 years later, when I look back at the tracklist, I can hear eight out of the 13 songs in my head instantly. That’s a pretty good number.

But there’s one song, track five, that I didn’t always want to hear.

To say that I have a complicated relationship with Goodbye Earl is overdramatic. But I have feelings. And those feelings have layers.

When the Fly album came out, Goodbye Earl was just another banger. An upbeat murder ballad about domestic violence, friendship, and black-eyed peas. A country bop that became a massive hit and was a lot of fun for everyone. The video was famous, the song made the band more famous, it was everywhere.

But then, as time passed, the song took on another life inside of my life.

As a karaoke kid, I heard Goodbye Earl more from singers that weren’t Natalie Maines than I did from the woman herself. I heard good, not-as-good, sober, drunk, solo, big groups, all of it. And it wore on me as someone who was all-in when the album dropped and the song got played originally way back in 1999.

Note: Goodbye Earl isn’t to blame for this. And it isn’t the first song in country that did this or had this happen to it. Before it was Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like A Woman & That Don’t Impress Me Much. After it was Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats. It’s the nature of things. It’s the karaoke way. It’s what happens to massive songs. It’s not the songs’ fault.

For more on Goodbye Earl (and The Chicks), hit play on the 60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s episode when you’re done here.

The other seven songs I can hear in my head when I look at the tracklist are:

7. Some Days You Gotta Dance
6. If I Fall You’re Going Down with Me
5. Ready to Run
4. Sin Wagon
3. Cold Day in July
2. Without You
1. Cowboy Take Me Away

To me, Cowboy Take Me Away is the best song on the album. It’s beautiful, it’s sweet, and it hits me in my heart, 25 years later, which is a wonderful thing for a song to be able to do at both age 17 and 42.

If you haven’t listened to Cowboy Take Me Away in a while, in years, in a decade, maybe in two – now is a great time to give it a spin.

And if you have listened to it more recently, I applaud you on living your best life – and now is a great time to give it a spin again too.

One of my favourite things about Fly, just like Wide Open Spaces, is that I can let myself fall all the way back into these albums without thinking about all the bullshit The Chicks went through just a few years later.

These songs are uncomplicated by Iraq or George W Bush or conservative country radio or Walmart or Toby Keith anything else.

These 13 songs were the celebrated next steps after country music fell in love with Wide Open Spaces.

This was just music, made and released to be loved and sung. And it was. And I still do.

And I invite you to. Relive Fly now. Hit play and listen to the whole album. Pick out your favourites and play them on repeat. Go backwards when you’re done to There’s Your Trouble. Or go forward to Landslide, Not Ready To Make Nice, and Gaslighter. Or do both.

And remember, if you’re out on highway 109, keep an eye out for a roadside stand selling Tennessee ham and strawberry jam.

The Chicks, Fly – tracklist

1. Ready to Run
2. If I Fall You’re Going Down with Me
3. Cowboy Take Me Away
4. Cold Day in July
5. Goodbye Earl
6. Hello Mr. Hearthache
7. Don’t Waste Your Heart
8. Sin Wagon
9. Without You
10. Some Days You Gotta Dance
11. Hole in My Head
12. Heartbreak Town
13. Let Him Fly

March 1, 2024 No Comments

New Music Spotlight with Keith Urban, MacKenzie Porter, and More!

New Music from Keith Urban, MacKenzie Porter, Carly Pearce, Morgan Wade, and Tyler Joe Miller.

The New Music Spotlight is here… and it’s Country!

That’s right, without any prior planning, we’ve ended up with a full list of five new country songs to share with you today. We’ve got Canada, the US, and Australia represented. We’ve got men and women sharing some pretty heavy stories. We’ve got sweet love. We’ve got strings. We’ve got it all.

Hit play, give these new songs a listen – and remember to share the new music you love with your friends and family. Because sharing is caring.

Ready? Let’s go!

Artist: Keith Urban
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Brad Paisley, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley
Song: Messed Up As Me
Notes: If you know Keith Urban’s past and his fights with his demons and the personal hills he’s climbed – Messed Up As Me makes a bunch of sense. If you’ve ever fought your own battle or wrestled a demon is gonna make sense too. If you’ve climbed that hill, and you’re on the other side, we’re proud of you. If you’re climbing it right now, we believe in you, keep climbing.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: MacKenzie Porter
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke, Alee
Song: Coming Home To You
Notes: Home is where the love is. Even in a small house, apartment, whatever. MacKenzie Porter sits exactly on that story with Coming Home To You, and I’m in. It’s sweet and packed with love. And the video, journaling her relationship and a piece of her journey towards motherhood, is lovely.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Carly Pearce
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Ashely McBride, Danielle Bradbery, Lindsey Ell
Song: hummingbird
Notes: hummingbird is going to haunt me. With its dramatic strings, stripped-back production, and Carly Pearce singing on top of it – it’s with me now. It’s in me. It lives here now. Hit play and let it live in you too.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Morgan Wade
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Kat Hasty, Kameron Marlowe, Hailey Whitters
Song: 2AM in London
Notes: I’ve got a soft spot for Morgan Wade, so when I saw this one, I hit play right away. And oh boy, here we go. I am ready for storytelling Morgan whenever I can get it, and we get it. And the heaviness and sadness and effort and desperation to stay on the path and the I just want to come home of it all. 2AM in London is a win.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Tyler Joe Miller
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Nate Haller, Jade Eagleson, Andrew Hyatt
Song: Broken Man
Notes: Broken Man kinda continues the unintentional theme we’ve put together with a few of these songs. The Canadian country singer shows another example of what he’s capable of, what he brings to the table, and why he’ll continue to find himself named when folks are talking about the best in the genre north of the border. Atta be, bud.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

March 1, 2024 No Comments

Tim McGraw Top 10 – by the Numbers – Boots & Hearts Preview

As Tim McGraw prepares to headline Boots & Hearts 2023 on Sunday night, we’re looking at his career to date to see which songs have most resonated with listeners so y’all can be ready for him!

Back in the fall of 2015, we previewed McGraw’s 2016 headlining gig with a Top 5 list. This year we’re back, but we’re expanding the list to 10, and we’re relying on the numbers to pick the songs and tell the story.

As always, we started by hitting up Spotify and checking the ‘Popular’ list. We took down the songs and the streams, and then we headed to YouTube. Using only Official Music Videos and Audio Uploads for songs without videos, we gathered more numbers. Then we did the math. Then we did the ranking. Then we had a Top 10 Tim McGraw list!

There are no big surprises here. It’s been a hell of a career for Mr. McGraw since we first started listening to him back in the early-90s. We’ve got special guest appearances by Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and of course – Faith Hill. But most of all, we’ve got 10 songs from an impressive Tim McGraw catalogue that makes us happy.

Scroll through the list, hit play on all the songs you love, all the songs you know all the words too, all the songs you can’t wait to hear on Sunday, August 13 at Boots and Hearts – and then leave a comment telling us your favourite Tim McGraw song!

Enjoy!

Tim McGraw Top 10

10. Meanwhile Back At Mama’s

9. Indian Outlaw

8. Where The Green Grass Grows

7. It’s Your Love

6. I Like It, I Love It

5. Just To See You Smile

4. Something Like That

3. Live Like You Were Dying

2. Highway Don’t Care

1. Humble and Kind

Tim McGraw Boots and Hearts 2023

August 7, 2023 No Comments

Nice Horse Top 10 – by the Numbers – Boots & Hearts Preview

When we ran down the Boots & Hearts lineup and picked our Don’t Miss Acts for 2023, Nice Horse was right there. And they’re right here, right now, in this preview Top 10 post for y’all – whether you’re headed to Burls Creek or not.

These award-winning women are a force, they are fun, they are full of charisma and talent, and when they the Front Porch Stage at 3pm on Sunday, August 13, it’ll be a good time. Now, they won’t get through 10 songs in that set, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a Top 10 to share. Heck no!

So here we go.

As we always do, we started on Spotify with the ‘Popular’ list and grabbed the songs and streaming numbers. From there, we headed over to YouTube to take down the plays from Official Music Videos and Official Audio releases only (no live performances). Then we sorted, counted, ranked, and here we are with a Nice Horse Top 10 – by the Numbers!

There weren’t any giant surprises for me on this list. I did expect Hot Mess to be higher though. Either way, this is a great list. And a great listen.

Scroll through now, hit play on your favourites, or hit play on everything if you’re getting your first taste of Nice Horse right now.

Enjoy!

Nice Horse Top 10

10. Somethin’ Bout You

9. Beer Baby Banjo

8. Good Life

7. Jim, Jack, Johnnie, & Jose

6. Hot Mess

5. Good At Missing You

4. Mansplainin’

3. Pony Up

2. High School

1. Cowgirl

August 6, 2023 No Comments
2023 CNE Country Stage Schedule

2023 CNE Country Stage Schedule

Every summer, as the season fades and back-to-school approaches, the CNE comes to Toronto – and brings country music with it.

The 2023 CNE Country Stage has a 17-day schedule of music lined up for exhibition visitors. It’s a great place to sit and have a rest. Have something to eat. Grab a drink. And of course, enjoy the music.

With a list of up-and-comers, indie artists, and even Canadian Country Music Association award winners.

Our favourite part of this stage and schedule is that the music doesn’t wait til the sun is setting. It’s an afternoon and evening opportunity to enjoy live music. It’s a constant and consistent entertainment option.

And for the genre, it’s a statement that Toronto can carry country music.

Check out the full Canadian National Exhibition Country Stage lineup and schedule below – and if you’re headed to the CNE this summer, make a stop and take in the show.

Nice Horse in Kitchener at Centre in the Square by Whitney South 2018Nice Horse

2023 CNE Country Stage Performance Schedule

Friday, August 18

✮ Johnson’s Creek
✮ Matt Morson

Saturday, August 19

✮ Johnson’s Creek
✮ Matt Morson

Sunday, August 20

✮ Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
✮ One Ugly Cowboy

Monday, August 21

✮ Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
✮ One Ugly Cowboy

Tuesday, August 22

✮ High Court County
✮ Johnson’s Creek

Wednesday, August 23

✮ High Court County
✮ Johnson’s Creek

Thursday, August 24

✮ New Moon Junction
✮ Southern Fried

Friday, August 25

✮ Bianca Bernardi
✮ Southern Fried

Saturday, August 26

✮ High Court County
✮ Ty Baynton

Sunday, August 27

✮ High Court County
✮ Ty Baynton

Monday, August 28

✮ New Moon Junction

Tuesday, August 29

✮ Mackenzie Leigh Meyer

Wednesday, August 30

✮ Mackenzie Leigh Meyer
✮ One Ugly Cowboy

Thursday, August 31

✮ Nice Horse
✮ One Ugly Cowboy

Friday, September 1

✮ The Chicks Tribute
✮ Marshall Dane

Saturday, September 2

✮ David Boyd Janes
✮ Marshall Dane

Sunday, September 3

✮ David Boyd Janes
✮ Marshall Dane

August 4, 2023 No Comments
2023 CNE Bandshell Concert Schedule

2023 CNE Bandshell Concert Schedule

Every summer, Toronto host the Canadian National Exhibition, and with it comes a packed concert schedule at the bandshell.

Year after year we’ve watched emerging artists and big stars take the stage and entertain the assembled fans and fair-goers for the price of an admission ticket. It’s the best concert value in the city. It’s a great way to end a day at the CNE.

And if you’re hungry, the BBQ row is always right there too!

This year, the CNE will bring in artists from the worlds of pop, rock, country, hip-hop, drag, and more. There are names you know, names your parents know, names your kids know. They all make up one awesome schedule together with performances daily from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, September 3.

With the 2023 CNE just two weeks away, we’ve got the full bandshell concert schedule for you right here. Check it out, pick your dates, and get ready to enjoy some music (along with the midway and fair food)!

Brett Kissel - CNE 2017

Brett Kissel at the 2017 CNE

2023 CNE Bandshell Concert Schedule

Friday, August 18

★ Jesse Gold
★ Dwayne Gretzky

Saturday, August 19

★ Dionne Warwick
★ Cheyenne Elliot

Sunday, August 20

★ Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan
★ Salman Amjad Amanat

Monday, August 21

★ William Prince
★ Julian Taylor

Tuesday, August 22

★ Kim Mitchell
★ Stephen Ridley

Wednesday, August 23

★ Amanda Marshall

Thursday, August 24

★ Marcia Griffiths
★ Jay Douglas

Friday, August 25

★ Kardinal Offishall
★ Choclair
★ Haviah Mighty
★ Jon Kabongo

Saturday, August 26

★ Jann Arden

Sunday, August 27

★ MICO
★ LØLØ

Monday, August 28

★ The Spoons
★ A Flock of Seagulls

Tuesday, August 29

★ Drag EXtravaganza – Featuring:
★ Tynomi Banks
★ Mo Heart
★ Jan Sport
★ Ivory Towers
★ Sofonda

Wednesday, August 30

★ The Washboard Union
★ Nice Horse

Thursday, August 31

★ Dr. Jay

Friday, September 1

★ The Sheepdogs
★ The Redhill Valleys

Saturday, September 2

★ Classic Albums Live Performs Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon

Sunday, September 3

★ Brett Kissel
★ Lydia Sutherland

August 4, 2023 No Comments

DJ Diesel Set to Headline at the 2023 Calgary Stampede

Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq, The Big Aristotle – DJ Diesel himself is coming to the 2023 Calgary Stampede!

The NBA Hall of Famer and all-around entertainer will take over the Bud Light Stage at the Big Four Roadhouse on Friday, July 7 at 10:30 pm. And it’s going to be BIG.

The man is larger than life at 7’1” but his personality is even bigger. And when we turns on the turntables, I have no doubt that the party is going to kick into overdrive.

Even though he has a platinum rap album in 1993’s Shaq Diesel, this isn’t going to be a rap concert. This is a dance party. As DJ Diesel, the 4-time champ will mix a setlist of Trap, EDM, and Hip-Hop for the assembled masses. He’ll be spinning, mixing, MC’ing and hosting in hopes of making Calgary move and sweat and smile and scream.

I wouldn’t bet against him.

The full headlining lineup at the Big Four Roadhouse at the 2023 Calgary Stampede includes…

☆ Dwayne Gretzky – July 6
☆ Diesel – July 7
☆ Cheat Codes – July 8
☆ Lord Huron – July 9
☆ Big Boi – July 10
☆ Lil Yachty – July 11
☆ Murda Beatz – July 12
☆ Ferg – July 12
☆ X Ambassadors – July 13
☆ DJ Pauly D – July 14
☆ Koffee – July 15
☆ Cypress Hill – July 16

It’s a stacked calendar. It’ll be a lot of fun. But nobody will be bigger than Diesel when he comes to Calgary on July 7, 2023 for the Stampede!

June 24, 2023 No Comments
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