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‘Nashville’ Season Finale – What’s Going On, What Should Have Happened, What’s Next?

2013-05-25T08:30:00-06:00

Spoiler Alert!!

For those who have been watching Nashville from the outset, the finale arrived quicker than desired, with many of us wondering where that extra planned episode went and whether Rayna and Deacon would break up. There were about 7 sneak peeks released this week leading up to the finale (or at least it felt like it), and spoiler after spoiler was dropped, including the little factoid that there would be a major car explosion. This resulted in myself (and many others by the sounds of it), being surprised by very little of the events in the actual episode. Juliette’s grieving over her mother, Scarlett’s leaning back towards Avery and Gunnar’s freaking out (before proposing?!), Will’s trying to sleep his way out of being gay, Maddie’s distraught, Teddy’s being closed down by the feds, Peggy is pregnant, Deacon’s getting drunk, Rayna’s falling apart, Coleman’s trying to hold it all together, Tandy’s being demoted… does that sound like they’re cramming it in a bit to you? Yeah, it does to me too.

It’s not because they didn’t know whether there’d be a season 2, because Callie Khouri announced they had shot 2 different versions, and last week she was doing some last-minute editing. So they knew they could cover some stuff next season. No, the major issue with this episode, is all that excitement they were building, how much they were making it out to be a heartbreaker, yet it’s like they didn’t give us enough time to get upset. They showed too many sneak peeks, and more importantly let too much information about the Rayna and Deacon storyline be known before the episode. It ruins the immediacy of the emotion felt when watching because fans already know half the stuff, and the rest they have speculated and most likely totally figured out.

I for one am a huge fan of Rayna and Deacon as a pairing, and have obsessively fangirled all season, discussing, daydreaming and watching all the fanvids on YouTube. But despite the fantastic acting from everyone (the entire cast, I don’t think I can emphasize enough how they really knuckled down to the emotions when required), it was Juliette who nearly brought me to tears, not ‘Deyna’ as everyone is calling them. The fact that there were no real surprises in their timeline didn’t help, but having Juliette perform over their extremely important argument in the car shows how little time they had left, and ruined what could have been that moment when I bawled. We all knew the car crash was happening by this point, so it wasn’t a shock when it did happen, but then the biggest mistake of the whole episode occurred: ending it there. To break the fans’ hearts, you show the two of them seriously injured in the wreckage, either unconscious or with one of them discovering the other and crying. THEN you end it. I finished the episode feeling annoyed and a bit empty.

Then there’s the Scarlett/Gunnar/Avery situation. While I welcome something that’ll stop this storyline being so damn boring, ie: Avery returning, the whole thing was trivial compared to what was happening elsewhere, and was so slow-moving it was more like a mid-season plotline than something for the finale. They should have kept those members of the cast as supporting the major storyline, and that would have eased the rush a little.

As an overall show, Nashville has been up and down in its first season. Multiple hiatuses and some odd plot decisions have had me yelling at my computer screen, and the multitude of storylines distracting from the key drama hasn’t exactly had me celebrating either. But the music, ‘Deyna’, some of the better storylines, the city itself – it makes me love the show and I am so, so glad there is a second season. So what happens next?

I read someone online say they thought the beginning of season 2 could pick up where season 1 ended; at the wreckage. They said Deacon could pull Rayna out of the car before the explosion (because that was planned but never actually happened in the finale?!), save her life, get her to the hospital, and they both realize what’s truly important in life. This causes them to start trying to work things through. I love this idea and I think it makes a lot of sense, although I have a feeling the producers will want to prolong our heartbreak. I can see them showing it 5 months on as it would have been in real life, and a healing Rayna and Deacon at odds with each other constantly. Having said that, I don’t think that would bring the viewership in. I can also see Juliette getting a fresh start, doing meditation or dedicating herself to Christianity or something. I can see Scarlett either declining Gunnar’s proposal, or going with it and soon deciding it’s just not the right thing, and running back to Avery, who maybe has gotten closer to Juliette. Deacon can either continue off the wagon or get sober, and timelines have a key part to play in this. Oh, and I guess Lamar’s probably going to jail, and Tandy will get to head the corporation anyway, despite being demoted. Is this show really that predictable?

I’m not entirely sure how I’m going to make it through to October to see more of this, but you can be sure when we get there I’ll be back here writing recaps and generally being a go-to for Nashville gossip and discussion. See you guys then ;)

Posted by Vickye.
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Chart Roundup – Week of June 1st, 2013

2013-05-24T09:45:37-06:00

It’s been another good week for Florida Georgia Line as their mega-hit ‘Cruise’ (helped by the recent remix featuring Nelly), is at #1 on Hot Country Songs and Country Digital Songs for yet another week. However, ‘Get Your Shine On’, last week’s #1 on Country Airplay, has dropped to #4, following Darius Rucker’s ‘Wagon Wheel’ reaching the top. ‘Wagon Wheel’ is doing well across the charts, at #3 on both Hot Country Songs and Country Digital Songs. Also receiving a boost (possibly from turning 60), George Strait’s ‘Give It All We Got Tonight’ is up to #2 on Country Airplay, while his latest album ‘Love Is Everything’ has debuted at #1 on Top Country Albums. The song is also #7 on Hot Country Songs, and #8 on Country Digital Songs, showing George’s star power even as he enters ‘old age’. It just goes to show that no matter how old you are, great country music is universally loved.

Blake Shelton is continuing on his successful run of singles, with ‘Boys Round Here’ (featuring Pistol Annies and friends) now at #2 on Hot Country Songs. It’s also now up to #5 on Country Airplay and still rising, and remains at #2 on Country Digital Songs, while his latest album ‘Based On A True Story…’ stays at #4. Also hot this week is Tim McGraw’s ‘Highway Don’t Care’ featuring Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. It sticks at #4 on Hot Country Songs, climbs to #3 on Country Airplay, and is at #4 on Country Digital Songs. Tim’s most recent album ‘Two Lanes of Freedom’ is up to #10 this week. Miranda Lambert is also holding onto her place with ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’, at #6 on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay but down to #9 on Country Digital Songs.

Luke Bryan wants us to crash his party this summer and it looks like we are, as the lead single from his upcoming album ‘Crash My Party’ is at #8 on Hot Country Songs, #12 on Country Airplay and #5 on Country Digital Songs. Close behind is Hunter Hayes, who proclaims ‘I Want Crazy’, and has reached #6 on Country Digital Songs, #10 on Hot Country Songs and #16 on Country Airplay, both slowly rising across all charts. I have a feeling in a month or so when Summer really hits, these two tunes will dominate the charts for some time.

As for new releases, Trace Adkins’ new album ‘Love Will…’ comes in at #6, while Keith Urban’s new single ‘Little Bit of Everything’ debuts at #12 on Country Digital Songs, #30 on Country Airplay and #24 on Hot Country Songs. The Swon Brothers are at #16 on the same chart with ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’, and Thomas Rhett is just below them with new single ‘It Goes Like This’ at #18. American Idol runner-up Kree Harrison’s single ‘All Cried Out’ is at #22, and Danielle Bradbery’s ‘Wasted’ comes in at #23. At #25 on Top Country Albums is Jason Boland And The Stragglers singing ‘Dark & Dirty Mile’.

Honorary mentions this week go to Lady Antebellum (whose new album ‘Golden’ is still at #2), Pistol Annies, Kenny Chesney, The Band Perry, Brad Paisley, Eric Church and Jake Owen.

Come back next Thursday for your weekly chart roundup!

Posted by Vickye.
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Brad Paisley forgets the words to his song ... makes us all feel better about ourselves

2013-05-24T06:53:31-06:00

Have you ever stopped and wondered how the heck singers remember all the words to all their songs?

Now we know the secret ... they don't.

Spotted this video this morning on Country Boss and it made me smile. During a recent celebration for the opening of the new Music City Centre in Nashville, Brad forgot a few crucial parts of his song Welcome to the Future.

Enjoy.

Details of Blake Shelton's tornado benefit concert announced

2013-05-24T06:20:56-06:00

Earlier this week, Oklahoma native Blake Shelton announced that he would be partnering up with NBC for a televised benefit concert to help those devastated by Monday's Moore, Oklahoma tornado.

Now we have a few details on the event.

According to the Associated Press (via NewsOK.com), the "Healing in the Heartland" tornado benefit concert will take place Wednesday, May 29, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena and will be televised live on NBC.

So far performers for the show haven't been announced but are expected to be released today.

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Tracy Lawrence launches Kickstarter to raise money for new album

2013-05-23T20:56:16-06:00

Kickstarter! Everyone's doing it!

Kickstarter is a company where creative people (and sometimes not so creative people) can ask regular folks for money to help them fund a project. The person sets a goal and if they don't reach their goal then no money changes hands.

Kickstarter was recently in the news when "Scrubs" actor Zach Braff successfully raised $2.6 million to film a sequal to his movie "Garden State."

Now country music is starting to figure out that the fund-raising site might work for them too. On Thursday, Tracy Lawrence officially launched a Kickstarer campaign to try and raise at least $50,000 to record his next album, "Headlights, Taillights and Radios."

Hey Y’all!

I’ve been busy in the studio putting together my latest album, “Headlights, Taillights and Radios”, and I couldn’t be more excited to release it to all of you! This record has been a product of support from friends, family, the community, and most importantly, all of my amazing fans. If you’ve heard my previous records or just happened to come across my Kickstarter campaign and like what you hear, you’re going to LOVE what’s to come! This record holds a piece of my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.

The music has been recorded, edited, and is now in the final stages of mixing and mastering. So what’s the point of doing a Kickstarter? Well I’ll tell you. Each and every one of you have played a role in not only my career, but in my life. You’ve gotten me to where I am, and I know that if we team up, the sky is the limit.

My new album is going to be an awesome journey, and I want you to join me for the ride!

That's right, for as little as a $1 pledge you could be an official backer of Tracy Lawrence's next album. If you want to earn some special gifts for your efforts there are those too. Just choose a package of a $10 pledge or more and you could earn gifts such as a digital download, an autographed CD, etc. The campaign lasts until June 23, 2013.

Check it out here.

Carrie Underwood donates a million bucks to the Red Cross (from the mailbag)

2013-05-23T19:45:15-06:00

As Carrie Underwood prepares to wrap her 2012-2013 "Blown Away Tour" tonight in Abbottsford, BC, a one million dollar donation is being made to the Red Cross for disaster relief. The charitable contribution to the Red Cross derives from the tour's concert proceeds and was established when it launched in spring 2012.

"I have watched the devastation in my home state of Oklahoma over the past several days with great sadness," says Carrie. "With the help of my fans who attended my concerts over the past year, we can offer the Red Cross a little extra help in comforting those affected by the recent tornados."

Carrie's home state of Oklahoma has recently experienced devastating tornados. This contribution to disaster relief will help people affected by disasters like tornados, floods and other crises around the country, including Oklahoma.

"The impact of the tornados in Oklahoma and the Midwest was devastating and the road to recovery will be long for many families. Through the generosity of Carrie, the American Red Cross can quickly respond with shelter, food and comfort now, and with lasting help as they move toward recovery," said Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the Red Cross.

Earlier in the tour, following a performance in Atlantic City, NJ, Carrie designated funds to support the response and relief efforts in New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Every year, the American Red Cross prepares for and responds to nearly 70,000 disasters across the United States where they provide shelter, food, and emotional support for those in need. Proceeds from her Canadian concerts will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.

Since releasing her debut album in 2005, Carrie has sold over 15 million albums and placed 17 No. 1 singles on the charts. Her recent album, Blown Away, made history by debuting at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums Chart, making Carrie only the second country artist in the 47-year history of the chart to have each of their first four albums debut at No. 1. The now platinum-selling Blown Away album also debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, making Carrie only the second country artist in history to have three consecutive albums debut at No. 1. She is a six-time Grammy winner, a two-time Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, a three-time Country Music Association and ACM Female Vocalist winner, and a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry.

This man dancing to the Dixie Chicks alongside his 20-year-old self made my whole day

2013-05-23T15:43:50-06:00

Tyler Marcum was turning 30 so he did what any soon-to-be-over-the-hill fella would do ... he did an interpretive dance of the Dixie Chicks' cover of "Landslide."

Yeah, we've all been there.

Oh sure, maybe that's not newsworthy in this day and age of newsworthy videos, but add in a some not so tidy whities and a video Tyler happened to have made 10 years previously when he was 20 dancing to the same song and you have internet gold.

In case you can't tell, the left is the current Tyler and the right is decade-younger Tyler.

{via TowleRoad}