Country Music Junkies

Jim Reeves – Pioneered Crossover

2007-03-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

One of the crossover pioneers was Jim Reeves. He was a top artist in both the pop and country fields. With his velvet voice, Jim referred to his singing style as a “happy medium”; between the two, “happy” it was for Jim and his listeners. The wonderful, warm Jim style earned him a string of hits that hark back to country winners like Mexican Joe and Bimbo and continued through an amazing succession of pop successes. In 1962 he had even greater success with his recording of Adios Amigo. For the ones who don’t know Jim, at the age of ten he was given his first professional job. For $15 he sang with the staff band at KRMD in Shreveport, Louisiana. At one point, Jim set his sights on a career in major league baseball and he was actually signed by the St. Louis Cardinals as a pitcher and sent to their Mobile, Alabama, farm club. A back injury suffered during a game forced Jim to give up baseball and the accident turned out to be the music world’s gain. Jim went on to become a featured performer on radio’s Louisiana Hayride and Grand Ole Opry. His successive best-selling records and sell-out personal appearances made him a worldwide star, until his death in a plane crash on the 31st July, 1964. God rest his soul.

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX

2007-03-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Saturday Night Jukebox. In this jukebox there is a compilation of 100 (about five hours) various genres of new and old country songs selected for your listening pleasure. This compilation will be rotated and changed every week and will only be available on Saturday Nights. Bookmark this page and make this your entertainment centre. Support the artist(s) by purchasing their original albums. Kindly go to "My Store" to purchase music or "Support Me Through My Sponsers". Send an email to mickeybull@yahoo.com if you need assistance in locating a specific artist(s) or song(s), and I will assist you. Thank you and enjoy!

FEATURING NEXT WEEKEND

My Store

NEW COUNTRY JUKEBOX

2007-03-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to New Country Jukebox. In this jukebox there is a compilation of 25 (about an hour) various modern country songs selected for your listening pleasure. This compilation will be rotated and changed Everyday (except weekends). Bookmark this page and make this your entertainment centre. Support the artist(s) by purchasing their original albums. Kindly go to "My Store" to purchase music or "Support Me Through My Sponsers". Send an email to mickeybull@yahoo.com if you need assistance in locating a specific artist(s) or song(s), and I will assist you. Thank you and enjoy!

My Store

OLD COUNTRY JUKEBOX

2007-03-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Old Country Jukebox. In this jukebox there is a compilation of 25 (about one hour) various old country songs selected for your listening pleasure. This compilation will be rotated and changed Everyday(except weekends). Bookmark this page and make this your entertainment centre. Support the artist(s) by purchasing their original albums. Kindly go to "My Store" to purchase music or "Support Me Through My Sponsers". Send an email to mickeybull@yahoo.com if you need assistance in locating a specific artist(s) or song(s), and I will assist you. Thank you and enjoy!

My Store

Memories of Ricky Van Shelton

2007-03-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

I can still recall back the first RVS album I purchased. I picked up the album “Wild-Eyed Dream”, got home and played it. Instantly I realised this artist has something special which would make him one of the biggest male country stars. Infect he did become one of the biggest country male stars during the 80s. RVS has one of those unique vocals which will melt anyone’s heart when he sings those lovely country ballads. Many of his songs bring back sweet and sour memories. This is one of those albums which I would play when I am feeling secluded. It doesn’t cheer me up, but it calms me. I should post this article in “My Music My Memories” blog, but for the meantime, I would like to share some of his greatest hits with everyone who has supported my blog.

Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts

2007-03-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

One again Carrie Underwood’s “Some Hearts” have captured the number one spot on the Billboard Top Country Album, after being on the charts for 70 weeks. What else can I mention about this album when everything has been written about it, other than it is “SENSATIONAL”.

Tammy Wynette – Our Queen of Stone

2007-03-20T15:46:00.000-07:00

She left us with the legacy of being the “First Lady of Country Music”. There’s so much to write about Tammy, but let’s take this moment to remember her as a person. Tammy always kept a large crystal chalice of cotton balls on her living room coffee table. It reminded her of her rising, she liked to tell visitors. Born Virginia Wynette Pugh in Itawamba Country, Mississippi, she had toiled in the fields alongside her grandparents, whose rural farmhouse she grew up in. She frequently talks a lot about those days, as if that time and place weren’t so long ago and far away. She described with sadness in her eyes her musical father’s tragic death from a brain tumour, when she was an infant and how his last wish had been that his baby girl learns to play music. He left her an assortment of stringed instruments to make sure this would come to pass. Growing up fatherless was hard and she had to pick cotton beginning at age seven. One time, when she had to stuff the burlap sack with fifty pound’s worth before she could go to the Tupelo county fair, she got up to some mischief. When nobody was looking, she filled her burlap sack with heavy stones to make cotton weigh the right amount. After it left the scales, she removed the rocks before it got transported to the cotton gin, but horribly, a leftover pebble or two struck the metal innards of the machine, started a spark, and caught 300 pounds of cotton on fire. She confessed and her grandfather sent her back to those blazing hot fields to make up the loss. That’s how she is known as “Our Queen of Stone”.

Don Williams – The Gentle Giant of Country Music

2007-03-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

He earned his nickname for his mellow vocals and yielding tones. Since his recent retirement, I am starting to miss him. I wish he makes a come back or another album soon because fans like me can’t get enough of Don. When Alan sang one of Don’s greatest hits “It must be love” I realised Alan’s vocals suits Don’s songs. I wish he will contribute more of Don’s songs in the future. Anyway, where ever the Giant is, we wish him the best of health and let’s take a stroll down memory lane with some of Don’s Greatest Hits.

Slim Whitman - King of Yodeller

2007-03-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

One of the forgotten country artists of all times is Slim Whitman. Back then, Slim was popular in the United Kingdom and Europe, but his music was never recognised by the American public, even after his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. Guess the only time the world knew him was when one of his songs featured in a 1996 movie, “Mars Attacks!” The song which eventually saved the world from Mars aliens. Slim was an excellent yodeller and known for his mellow, romantic and clean-cut singing styles. He is one of the artists with unique vocals. Probably no other male artist could hit some of those notes he used to bring to his music. He has one powerful voice. Probably his music is mellow to my taste, but I got to respect this man’s contribution to country music. Will there be another Slim Whitman?

Let’s Hear Some Rockabilly Rhythm

2007-03-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Rockabilly is an up tempo hillbilly music with a strengthened rhythm that is partially derived from R&B, jumping guitar solos that owed a lot to R&B and the country boogieman, and a lot of slap-back echo on hot-potato-in-the-mouth vocals. Some people have mistaken rockabilly as Rock n Roll, even though I don’t defy that most of their songs are co-related, and arrived from the same roots. Rockabilly has a much stronger rhythm than most country music and the heavy off-beat was usually emphasised by the drums. Back then, drums were virtually unknown in country music and were actually prohibited on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Drums were used by Black-American’s music since they first came to America. During the 50’s drums were very important part of urban blues, driving the small jump band, and clattering drummer became part of the Chicago blues scene. Rockabilly borrowed this feature of Black-American music. Nowadays, drum plays a big roll in country music and any genres of music. Some of the pioneer rockabilly artists were Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Harris, Roy Orbison, Charlie Rich and even Elvis Presley. The unique vocals sounds of all the said rockabilly singers owe a first or second hand debt to the black blues shouters. The declamatory style, heavy on melodramatic effects and out-and-out-yelling, was virtually unknown in country music, but was an integral part of R&B. Some rockabilly singers took to it naturally, for example Elvis Presley, Ray Harris and Carl Perkins, but others such as Roy Orbison never quite came out screaming the blues. I had made a compilation of some of the never forgotten rockabilly songs and artists. Hope you’re all enjoy it.

Johnny a.k.a Elvis

Something NEW, Guess Who?

Rodney Atkins - If You're Going Through Hell

2007-03-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is Rodney’s third album and you would like this album if you’re into traditional. Instrumentally, this album is loaded with traditional country styles. Matter of fact, Rodney is one of those artists who holds-on-to his traditional roots. Most of the songs her wrote have deep idealistic messages, and common/real life issues which Rodney is attempting to express to his audiences. Probably with his major in psychology he is the perfect artist to listen to. Anyway, I feel this album is strong and should please any country music audiences regardless of genre. By the way if you weren’t aware, Rodney featured his family (son) on this music video “Watching You”. I like this video, because in a way it had inspired me to be a better person. So, all you daddy out there, this is an inspirational music video for you. You got to watch it. Good messages Rodney!

Is Shania Twain a TRUE COUNTRY GIRL?

2007-03-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

If you ever happened to go to General Banter forum at http://boards.countryweekly.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi , don’t you dare to mention any negative things about Shania Twain or else you would get blasted away. I learned it the hard way. Anyway, I would like to say something about the proclaimed biggest selling albums by a female (which I believe is Madonna), and country music’s greatest selling album of all time. First of all, can we consider Shania a true living legend of country music? Does she belong up there with the legendary country superstars like Loretta Lynn, who had 50 top 10 country hits? Have she proven enough to be a country superstar? My answer to the entire above question is “NO YET”. Some even call her “Queen of country music”, which is totally silly. She’s not even a country phenomenon to me. Frankly, what in hell does the mainstream audience know about country music and its history? The rightful queen of country music is Kitty Wells.

Even now, Shania has an uphill battle to prove herself as a country artist. Selling albums by the quantity doesn’t make her a country legend, probably a commercial one. In the long run quantity doesn’t win the hearts of country music audience, but quality does. I am not criticising Shania for the wrong reasons, but these are facts which should be mentioned and considered. I love her for the person she is and her unique music style. I also respect her ability to crossover, moreover bringing pop to country music, but I would like to see her establishing herself more towards being a county music legend. I think she owes this to the country fans. Of all the traditional country numbers she might have performed, I could only remember when she performed duets with Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Is there anymore? Can someone mention them if I had left out any. Facts states, Shania was born a country girl and had almost similar life like Loretta. They grew up with such humble roots and country music had a huge effect on their life, which heavily influenced both their music as an adult. But will Shania end up like Loretta?

Looking back at her limited albums, Shania’s self-titled debut album “Shania Twain” which was released in 1993 was unsatisfactory, and didn’t capture the hearts of country music audience. Why? Was it due to the fact that she didn’t give her full passion and commitment to country music? Some people believe so, and subsequently she was alienated from the Nashville music scene. Some critics felt Shania is a much better pop singer than country singer. Her debut album was pretty average for country. The songs are routine and the production was flat. Shania warbles and gabbles as though her mind is elsewhere, yes mainstream. After the flop country album, Shania was hanging around with rock album producers, and subsequently married one. At this point in time, she felt the need to crossover to pop after her failure with country audience. With the guidance and help of the mainstream producer she released her second album “The Woman In Me” in 1995. This album was produced in a way that it suits both music genres. The producer knew beforehand what to expect from the country audience and that’s why it was produced with some assurance. You can even see differences in her music videos, if you compare her earlier singles and the older ones. This was the album which promoted Shania as a crossover artist. This album was released to the country chart and many country audiences at first seen this album as her second failure. Indeed country music audience didn’t fancy her music. The album became popular only when she decided to fully commit the album into mainstream by changing her act. The producer of her album subsequently remixed most of her songs to sound more pop which was intended for international mainstream markets. The producer killed off the country style instrumentation, and put in more upbeat pop tempo. Her third and fourth albums “Come on Over” and “Up” was also packaged more towards the mainstream audience, even they called it country but it was never one, not traditional, but I could classified it as country rock/pop. Hopefully one day, Shania will get out of Europe and move to Nashville and make a genuine country album. When will the day be? Frankly, I am hoping for it to be soon. Come on Shania, get cracking!

100% POP

Country

Country

Country or Pop? You decide

100% Pop

Duets with some legends but is she one?

Watch out POP, here comes COUNTRY

2007-03-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Got to take this off my chest.

Pop music is actually popular music. Pop music often includes the more famous genres of music, such as rock, hip hop, reggae, dance, R&B, soul and funk, and country music have never been categorised among the pop music genres. Why? Because the audience for country music is limited (mostly from Southern United States) and not internationally renown, like the other music genres. Most contemporary stereotype youngsters’ categorise country music as old and silly. They feel it’s meant for the more matured audiences, like their parents and grandparents. Most country singers (back then) are not considered hip or trendy. Matter of fact, fashionably, they all look the same, with the cowboy hats and boots, and I do agree with them, country artists back then are plain. But why there is a sudden change of heart among the youngsters lately?

Country music is becoming more popular or should I say Country Pop. Country pop has always been around since the 1960s and some may call it Nashville Sound. Some of the first artists to come out from this genre were Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold and Patsy Cline. They were accepted in both country and pop music (back then pop was rock n roll). In the 70s, singers like John Denver, Glen Campbell, Lynn Anderson and Olivia Newton John were also considered pop. Not forgetting the famous Carpenters. All these artists have gain success in both country and pop charts, but why weren’t they as popular as the present artists like Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Trace Adkins, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain and a lot more. I feel fashion and sex plays a major influence in nowadays music. You can find the most popular music and videos filled with sex elements and trendy fashions. That’s what attracts the audience, especially the young ones, who are the major supporter of pop music. I feel Shania Twain and Garth Brooks, opened the part for Dixie Chicks and gang to bring in more fans to country music. Their different arrangement of country music and their trendier and youthful appearances blasted them into popularity with the young. Trendy music videos also have helped them proclaim themselves as country pop artist. The number one watched musical show like “American Idol” did help Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler to bring more followers to country pop, not only in the United States, but worldwide. Not forgetting those handsome, trendy and sexy new cowboys and cowgirls we have nowadays, who are starting to make a big impact on the youngsters. For instance, Taylor Swift, who is just 18 and is capturing the young pop audiences. Now, is country pop killing traditional country music? Don’t get me wrong, I love traditional country music and everything about country music, but I feel some of the critics are silly. I am proud that country music is gaining popularity through pop. I feel country music should move on in accordance with time, but never forget their roots. There should be a mixture of the young and old. It’s the right time for traditional country music to embrace country pop as their family or they will lose out. I don’t believe pop in country would kill the arts of traditional country music because the popularity of country pop will eventually bring in more audience to the country music world. Moreover, I don’t think the new artists will forget their roots. Take for instant LeAnn Rimes. She was popular as a pop artist, but she did go back to her roots and made a traditional country album, which introduced the old country songs. Some of the younger generations never heard of those traditional songs before LeAnn sang it, and now they are influenced. Same goes with my blog. Frankly, it’s not a big concern to me if the country music sounds too much like mainstream pop music even without an even more pop-sounding subgenre, because I always believe traditional country music will never die, just like rock n roll. Did gospel music die when traditional country music became popular? Guess not!

The enemy is not within country music, but from the other music genres. For many years the pop music industry are held by other music genres and they feel threatened by country pop. This is all about money and who takes control of the pop charts makes the most bucks. I think hip-hop is topping the charts now. For instance, the 2007 Grammy’s Awards, when Carrie Underwood was not allowed to sing her country pop songs, matter of fact they made her sing a traditional country number and one from the Eagles, which is rock. Isn’t that strange and bias? You can never hear country pop on radios or find country pop music videos on MTV in some part of the world, and some people have never seen a musical country video, but thank you to YouTube and CMT for being unbiased. It’s all about hip-hop nowadays. Not that I hate hip-hop, but I think they are getting silly. You can find hip-hop music filling the top 10 hottest songs on the billboard charts, but I feel country pop is creeping and threatening those music genre. Hip-hop is slowly dying. YES! Believe me they will die soon, unless those “booty shaking girls” starts taking off their clothes. Can’t wait for that to happen, “boobs shaking girls”. Frankly, I am getting boarded with those ass shaking videos. I need some good music for my ears not my eyes. I love country music, regardless if it’s pop, traditional, bluegrass, western, bakersfield, outlaw, honky-tonk, rockabilly or even plain Cajun. Country music is always sweet and meaningful to me. Don’t get me wrong, I also love other music genres, but country is my soul. Go Country Pop! Start booty kicking with your two steps!

SugarLand Rock On - Enjoy The Ride

2007-03-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Sugarland is back, but no longer a trio, with the sudden and mysterious exit of Kristen Hall. Probably she has other plans of her own, but the saddest part is I can’t see her name mentioned on this album, even though she was one of the core founders and main song writer of this group. This is a break or make album for Sugarland and after listening to it, I am able to declare that Sugarland will be around for a while. Once again this album is country pop/rock or should I say those “yuppie yihaoooo” type of music. What’s happening to this group album covers. It looks like something came out from the 70s. Anyway, we should not judge the book by its cover right. Most of the songs in this album are tough, lean, direct and in their way poignant. I like the song “Country Line” with crunchy six-strings, popping snares and kick drums, and mandolins and fiddles with an ornate B-3 to fill in the spaces, rock & roll meets the folksiness of country music. The music sounds more like one of Shania’s numbers. Sugarland firmly place themselves in the context of the new 21st century country to be sure, but even more in the context of rock & roll's grand tradition of breaking out of the rut and inviting others to do the same thing. So rock on Sugarland, probably Bon Jovi is around the corner to cut another video.

SugarLand - Enjoy The Ride

Josh Turner Sings Traditional - Your Man

2007-03-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

The deep voice of Josh Turner is back with his second album “Your Man”. This album is more towards traditional country music other than pop. What a brave move this young chap is taking. I wonder if some of the borrowed songs from Anderson and Don Williams will portray him like his idol and influence Randy Travis. Will he take over his footsteps? Well, the first time I heard this album instantly I fell in love with it. I would recommend all you traditional lovers to grab this one. “Young Man” and “Me and God” are my favourite numbers. Keep it up Josh, I for one going to follow your music.

Josh Turner - Your Man

The Dixie Chicks - Bye Bye Dixie, Hello LA

2007-03-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

Are the Chicks sticking their heads into trouble waters? Well, I believe they deserve the rights to express their opinions to anti George W. Bush and antiwar comments on the Iraqi War. Probably they are creating enemies, but I just feel they are themselves. The Chicks have always been against WAR. Anyway, who likes WAR, except for those arms dealers and greedy individuals. This is my two cents thought. This world would be peaceful if we found-out GOD is actually an alien, and we don’t need to live on oil. Anyway, what would I know, I am just a music lover and a dum ass blogger. Please don’t dislike me, if I feel sorry for the sufferings, regardless who they are. Anyway, this album “Taking the Long Way” is more of a country rock and more towards pop. Anyway, the Chicks are International known and they are not merely a country act. Even the album cover looks more urban. They look like they are in London. Will this album portray a Nashville sound? Guess not. But anyway who cares when they produce good chill-out numbers. If you are a yuppie, you will love this album. I believe country is over for the Chicks and this is their crossover album. Going to miss them indeed, probably for the next 2 years or so. Bye Bye Dixie, Hello LA.

Oil Oil Oil so much oil, I am getting dizzy....

Dixie Chicks - Taking the Long Way

Taylor Swift - Album Taylor Swift

2007-03-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Her sweet sixteen moments is behind her and what’s looking good for Taylor Swift at 18. Has she matured to storm the country music charts? Will she move on or take a little shift to the pop charts? I believe there’s a strong possibility; because she’s definitely has the looks, the right attitude, morevoer the voice for it. She’s indeed one of the rising new stars of country music (watch out for her in next year’s Grammy or CMA). Honestly, I am starting to fancy her songs, didn’t really at first. This young lady’s talent extended from her grandmother, who was a professional opera singer. Frankly, who needs “American Idol” when you got some much talent from your grandma. She released her debut single, “Tim McGraw,” in August 2006, followed by a self-titled album that October. This album was recorded when she was 16. She sounds a little girlish, probably she’s still fresh, but full of hope. I am sure she will be a hit among the youngsters, as I speak, probably someone is falling in love with her. I believe she will be a force to be reckoning with is never in doubt. Go gal Go!

Taylor Swift Album

Country's Sexiest Man 2007 - Vote

2007-03-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

Once again its time to vote for your sexiest country’s male 2007. Last year Keith Urban had the most votes. Can he hold on to it? Tough, very tough indeed! I can’t wait for the girl’s category to be published. I heard it might be out soon. Anyway, I will put it in here when it comes out and as for the male category, I think I will give this one a skip and vote for the girls. Fell kind of strange voting for a man, but my prediction is…..THE MOST SEXIEST COUNTRY MAN 2007…..is ME!! VOTE ME! VOTE ME! Please, I need it, ha ha ha.

Click On Picture To Cast Vote

Patsy Cline - Final Album "Sentimentally Yours"

2007-03-14T06:04:00.000-07:00

One of the sweetest voices of country is Patsy Cline. She is indeed a songstress and one of the pioneers who blended country and pop. Her album “Sentimentally Yours” is an example of the blending of both different classes of music. The incredibly light swing and brush drums produces a sensational feeling of calmness and it’s good to listen when you need to lay back or just chill-out. I would also recommend playing it during passionate moments. This album also features some of Hank’s numbers, which was nothing short of a revelation. This is actually Pat’s third and final album to appear during her lifetime. One thing about Pat is that she had shown that she could appeal to pop audiences, likewise country. What a lovely singer.

Patsy Cline's Sentimentally Yours

The Legends Of Country Music - Part 3

2007-03-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

This is Part 3 of “The Legends of Country Music” which features Conway Twitty and Don Williams. If your are a married man and your wedding anniversary is around the corner, I would recommend you to dedicate the song “You’re My Best Friend” by Don to your lovely wife. I hope the day will come when I can also do the same.

I Can't Stop Loving You

2007-03-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

One of the most remembered song of all times is “I Can’t Stop Loving You” which was written and composed by country singer, songwriter and musician Don Gibson back in 1957 (in BOX). Don knew he had something special the day he composed this song together with “Oh Lonesome Me”, both in one afternoon. What a talented musician he was, two great songs in a day. Don is known as “the sad poet” because of all the sad songs that he wrote. Poor guy, probably he was a sentimental person or maybe he was lonely. Anyway, whatever the reason(s) we thank him for his songs and memories. He is also the first artist to record this song and subsequently follow up by more than 700 other versions by various artists.

The most notably version was by the legendary Ray Charles back in 1962. Frankly, I enjoyed Ray’s version of this song, but the power version by Elvis was so life-full and upbeat. I prefer Elvis. It has been almost 50 years now since this song was first sang by Don and recently, Martina McBride and friends performed the song in Charles’s style, but I feel she made it her own. Anyway, judge it for you own, which version deserved to be the best. I included some below. For me, ELVIS!

Blog's Rules and Disclaimer

2007-03-10T15:21:00.001-08:00

I guess its time to lay down some straightforward set of rules and explain my standing on this blog. I made this blog for the sole purpose of entertaining everyone by introducing the artists and their music/videos and movies, which comes from my personal collections. I can ensure you that ALL music and movies and most music videos in this blog belongs to me through many years of purchasing LPs, CDs, Carbon Tapes, DVDs and Musical & Movie Videos. I spend a great deal of time, effort and money, converting my LPs, VHS and Carbon Tapes to MP3 & CDs, moreover spending hell of a time uploading them. Therefore, small donations would be much appreciated. It doesn’t have to be CASH, which I will further explain later. Sometimes, I hate new technologies, but we all got to live with it. Frankly, I could’ve bought a brand new car or even a house, with the amount of money I spend on music and videos. I can ensure you that they are all legitimately purchased and originals, whereas some are also inherited from my parents and friends, which are quite rare nowadays.

Disclaimer

All music and videos on this site are for sampling purposes only and will only be posted / linked for a limited period of time. Please use the samples for personal usage. Gradually and occasionally, I will shut-down the downloader and you will no longer be able to get the samples. Therefore, I would suggest getting your samples as soon as possible. I foremost encourage all of you to purchase the original CDs or DVDs of the artists or movies. If you are one of these artists or agents, and would like your music or movie removed from this site, please notify me by e-mail and I will endeavour to remove them as soon as possible.

The Rules

Please do not react in a manner which is abusive when commenting or sharing your thoughts. My blog commenting section is open to all, therefore it’s not age restricted. We have to consider others who might be too young to adsorb us adult’s thoughts.

All sample music and videos on my blog will be put up for a specific time. If you enjoy it and would like to keep it as your collections, I would recommend you to purchase it, either through my recommendations or whatever means suits you best.

Anyone can email me at mickybull@yahoo.com on whatever questions or information you need to share or inform me. Only email me when you really need to contact me personally, other than that, just leave a comment in the blog. Sorry, I can’t spend time reading or replying to too many emails.

If you wish to copy and link any of the contents in my blogs, especially the music players into your own web-page, by all means please inform me before hand.

I consider this blog as my home and I treat it as part of my living room. Anyone is welcome here, which makes you my guest. Sorry, I can’t provide you any refreshments, but I can still entertain you through my stereo and television. Together we can enjoy music and videos, moreover share our thoughts about music or whatever comes to mind.

Ok everyone, these are simple rules to abide to, and I hope everyone understood them. Please have fun and enjoy my living room, but please don’t leave a mess or poor me, I have to clean it. In the future, if there are any changes to these set of rules, I will keep everyone updated. Thank you for reading and welcome to my blog.

The Legends Of Country Music - Part 2

2007-03-08T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is Part 2 of “The Legends of Country Music”, which features Waylon Jennings’ live performance with some good back-up musicians. The second part features Billie Jo Spears’ live performance of her hit song, “Blanket On The Ground”. She is one of my favourite female country artists, and I will write more about her in the future. Probably, I might make her one of the album of the week. So watch out for that.

The Legends Of Country Music - Part 1

2007-03-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am going to play in parts of this video “The Legends of Country Music”, which features some of the top country music legends such as George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Charley Pride and more. Part 1, will feature George Jones and Willie Nelson live performance. If you love the old country, this is a collectable item, so if you don’t have it, you better get one before it no longer exists. Willie's guitar plucking is so good.

Lynn Anderson

2007-03-08T05:35:00.000-08:00

Every week, I'm going to introduce an album of many of my favourite country collections. This will be a weekly thing, and I hope everyone enjoys it. To start off, this album by Lynn Anderson, the “Songbook” is a compilation of the greatest songs by Lynn. It’s a 2 CD album comprising of the very best collection of her hits spanning an entire career including “Rose Garden”, "You Needed Me”, "Stand By Your Man” and my utmost favourite, “Blue Bayou”. I will introduce Part 1 this week and the second part next week. Even though, Linda Ronstadt fabulously sang “Blue Bayou”, Lynn version is perfect. Lynn was born 26 September 1947 in North Dakota. Her first step to stardom came in 1965 when a famous producer caught her and her mum, Liz Anderson, singing together at a Nashville party. In the 60s Lynn released her debut album “Ride Ride Ride”. She won “Best Female Vocalist” at the 1968 Academy of Country Music and her career took off after that, with 3 consecutive hit singles charting in the US country top 5. Lynn’s successful mainstream formula involved crisp light vocals, snappy clever songs with tropical hooks and the mixing of fiddles and steel guitars with string sections and drums. By 1970, Lynn had released 9 albums under chart records. She had her first international No.1 chart hit with “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”. That classic song and album on which it appeared on earned her numerous country awards and it put her stamp on the country-pop phenomenon. This song had been remixed for the clubs during the 90s and it is still one of the most played songs. Today, she continues to be a popular concert attraction to Country and Pop music fans around the world and Billboard currently ranks her among the top-ten most successful country female artists for all-time record sales. Watch both the videos of "Rose Garden" and one is a duet with Martina McBride.