Posts Tagged ‘Country’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Faith has kept me alive. I’d be dead. I would have partied too hard. I might have caught myself somewhere along the way and put the brakes on. I don’t know if I would have gone [to rehab], don’t think I could have been talked into that during those times. She’s saved my life in a lot of different ways — from myself more than anything. She’s loved me through times when I didn’t love me. I can go down a dark road sometimes, when you’re not feeling good about yourself — and she pulls me out.”

–Tim McGraw to People Magazine
[McGraw quit drinking three years ago]

Watch an interview (gettin’ a lil’ down & dirty) via Chelsea Lately below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Dude-izzle singin’ T-Swizzle.

Don’t ask me how this started. I told you not to ask! Ok, fine. Basically it started with me listening to Enchanted on a loop and I somehow ran into this awesome cover by Allstar Weekend. And it dawned on me that a post about boys singing Taylor Swift would do the heart some good and perhaps melt away at some of the hard rock ice that’s taken fort around New York City.

Watch Allstar’s Enchanted cover + Matt Beilis’ take on Innocent below.

[Related Post: I Wrote You A Poem, Taylor Swift]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Bless her heart!

LeAnn Rimes recently joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles at their annual Christmas event titled Comfort & Joy, dedicating the show to the memory of troubled gay teens who committed suicide after being bullied this past year.

Rimes, who entered the stage holding a single red rose quickly became emotional as she began to dedicate her final song of the evening to the tragic loss of teens who had been tormented for being gay.

“It’s been an incredible year, but also a very tragic year for a lot of young gay men and women who have been taking their own lives because they can’t be themselves,” Rimes said to the audience.

When she started to tear up, an audience member yelled: “We love you!”

“It’s really sad when people can’t be themselves,” she finished before singing The Rose with the group.

Watch the touching performance below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’ve been to quite a few shows so far in my twenty some years of living. A ton of pop (naturally), indie rock, hip hop, electronic and all that falls in between the cracks of those labels. Yet, the fact remains that of all these genres, of all these incredibly talented artists, the best vocalist I have seen live is one submerged in country roots.

Growing up in the South, I was raised on the bittersweet twang of country music. One of my pet peeves is country hateration (ya know, those who hate on country music), because at the end of the day, the genre paved the way for other genres to come to fusion. Country music, at its gritty core, has bled and poured its way into rock n’ roll and really is one of the only genres in which storytelling exists in a way that feels organic. For this reason alone, I am proud to support the genre. Now back to the point…

Without a doubt, the best vocalist that I have seen live is LeAnn Rimes.

I’ve been a huge fan of Rimes since she first burst onto the scene with the Patsy Cline-esque ‘Blue’, and have yet to jump ship. Lately however, it’s as if you cannot pick up a magazine or browse the internet without hearing some sort of California gossip (something we proudly do not take part of here on BTB) towards the girl that pushes her talent to the back of the bus. Frankly, you can push all you want but unless you cut the microphone chord, there is no stopping the carnage that Rimes unleashes when she belts.

Lyrics to Rimes’ latest single, Crazy Women + the track (in full) below.

Who’d-a guessed that Aquanette could start a fire with a single cigarette
No she wasn’t drunk, she wasn’t stoned
Just sick and tired of wonderin’ when he was coming home
So she drove around
She found his car
They heard a boom from in the bar
He called the cops
She called his bluff
They hauled her off in high heels and handcuffs

Crazy women, ex-wives and old girlfriends
Keep their crazy hidden till they’re pushed off the deep end
Oh no, God forgive them, they weren’t born like this
Oh no, crazy women are made by crazy men

He told his friends she was depressed
Borderline bi-polar, bitch with PMS
Well he cheats and lies and then plays the victim
He don’t know why they always seem to pick him

Some take a pistol, some take an axe
Boy if you feel the fire, you damn well bet she’s got a match
Might be the teacher just down the street
The hairdresser or the housewife or the waitress that’s so sweet
No you won’t see it when you meet ‘em
So be careful how you treat ‘em
She might look just like me

LeAnn Rimes – Crazy Women (Audio)

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Go, Taylor, go!
She lives her life like it’s a party and she’s on the list
She looks at me like I’m a trend and she’s so over it
I think her ever present frown is a little troubling
And, she thinks I’m psycho
Cause I like to rhyme her name with things, but
Sophistication isn’t what you wear, or who you know
Or pushing people down to get you where you wanna go
Oh they didn’t teach you that in prep school
So it’s up to me
But no amount of vintage dresses gives you dignity

She’s not a saint and she’s not what you think
She’s an actress, Whoa
She’s better known for the things that she does
On the mattress, Whoa
Soon she’s gonna find
Stealing other people’s toys on the playground
Won’t make you many friends
She should keep in mind,
She should keep in mind
There is nothing I do better than revenge

[Related Post: I Wrote You A Poem, Taylor Swift]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Aww man, how can you NOT love some Sugar?

Last month, I mentioned the previous contest in this series, which was David Archuleta (AKA “Cute Lil’ Booger”). And now, Sugarland’s up to bat. If you read BTB, you should know I am a huge supporter of the country quirksters, and so I ask…

Wanna win ticks to see Sugarland perform live in concert and hang out with the duo in person?! Yeah? Ok, so do this: follow the link below, record one of Sugarland’s hits, and enter for a chance to win a pair of concert tickets, travel and accommodations for two, and a backstage pass to meet the twosome. The winner will be chosen by Sugarland themselves and announced at the end of the promotion.

Enter the contest/access more information through this link.

The contest will run for two weeks (10/26/10-11/8/10).

[The promotion is only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.]

Good luck, homeslices.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Yo Erin, I want that headdress! Seriously.

Stetson has teamed up with Erin McCarley to showcase the newly revamped Fall/Winter 2010 line. And now, Erin is teaming up exclusively with BTB to deliver some signature goodies to you, our kick ass readers (see contest rules below)!

Erin recorded a video for her Hank Williams’ cover of I Saw The Light to spotlight some of the new merchandise from Stetson. Check out the new video and download a free mp3 of I Saw The Light at Stetson Looks – you can also enter to win Stetson merch featured in the video!

Erin was kind enough to offer a limited edition tote bag, autographed by Ms. McCarley herself.

To enter to win, please do the following:

You must click here to become a fan of BTB via Facebook.
Once you click “like” then submit your name/age to robbrayl@robbrayl.com.
Winners will be notified by 11/01/10.

Good luck!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

What in the hell?! (PS: Don’t you love my photoshopping skillz?)

When I first heard about this venture, I giggled. Then I realized it was actually happening/not a joke and I giggled some more. Actually, I’m pretty positive this show may be super entertaining. Think about it: Achy Breaky Heart exploring for ghosts and aliens? It’s genius really.

Billy Ray and son, Trace Cyrus, are set to host a new show about UFOs. Yep, you read that correctly. The new series will be called UFO: Unbelievably Freakin’ Obvious. The show will debut on the NBC Universal-owned SyFy network.

The father/son will travel around the country hunting for paranormal activity as well as investigating conspiracy theories.

On the venture Billy Ray stated: “The existence of paranormal phenomena is something I’ve always wanted to explore further. Getting the opportunity to take this adventure with my son, who has always had a keen interest in this area, is a dream come true.”

He went on to add: “I hope this series can shine a light on some of the activities we have questioned, and the mysteries that have long inspired us.”

I don’t know about y’all but I’ve never been inspired by aliens. But hey, whatever floats yo boat!

Are you curious to check out Unbelievably Freakin’ Obvious?

And just when you thought this post couldn’t get any more bizarre — for shits and giggles, check out this Border Collie dancing to Billy Ray’s classic Achy Breaky Heart, below. Pooch is workin’ it!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Word!

[Related Post: Give Me Dollywood Over Hollywood]

Country music legend and Backwoods Barbie, Dolly Parton, is set to appear on the big screen next to whom, you might ask? Queen Latifah, that’s who! Parton and Queen L on the same screen? You know what that means? This film has feel good written all over it!

Parton, 64, will appear in the upcoming Warner Bros. feature Joyful Noise – a film that centers around a small-town woman (Parton) who’s widowed by a church choir director and a mother (Latifah) who’s is placed in charge of the group. Directed by Todd Graff (2003’s indie Camp feature about misfits at a musical summer camp for teens), the script for Joyful Noise follows the two leading women in an effort to overcome their opinions of each other and save the choir (which might be going down to tubes due to budget cuts).

Parton and Latifah have both left their marks on the acting realm with their previous movie roles. Latifah is an Oscar nominee (for her acclaimed role in 2002’s Chicago), and Parton has certainly captured audiences and critics alike with her memorable roles in films like Nine to Five and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The last time Parton graced the movie screen was in 1992’s Straight Talk.

Production on the film is scheduled to begin in January.

Besides being a personal hero of mine, Dolly makes the current musical landscape seem immensely shallow, when placed next to her own material, music that is deep fried and full of heart. Check out the incredibly vulnerable music video for Dagger Through The Heart, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Rednecks, hippies, misfits — we’re all the same. Gay or straight? So what? It doesn’t matter to me. We have to be concerned about other people, regardless. I don’t like seeing anybody treated unfairly. It sticks in my craw.”

-Parade

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Happy 4th!

Currently in DC melting my face off, I felt inspired to write a post with some kick-ass 4th of July songs for your viewing/listening pleasure.

001/ Martina McBride, Independence Day

Still my favorite 4th of July song ever. Saturated in a deep blue coat of meaning revolving around domestic abuse, Martina pours her heart out on this classic track. Check out the video below.

002/ George Michael, Freedom

A throwback to his golden days, Michael’s Freedom is iconic in the way it speaks of breaking free of the chains that hold us down. Perhaps a big lesson in independence is accepting that sometimes the clothes don’t make the man.

003/ Kelis, 4th of July

A new music video for Kelis debuted recently featuring the singer wearing a Native American headdress and singing about Independence Day. It’s a disco electronic love feast that satisfies. Check it!

004/ Drake ft. Alicia Keys, Fireworks

I’ve written about this track and have supported rapper Drake in several articles over the past few months. Take a listen to the sizzling number below featuring the always elegant Alicia Keys.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Currently hundreds and hundreds of miles away from New York City, visiting my family for my birthday, leaving 8 million for 4 thousand, I’ve landed in the country. And no, not this pseudo-country idea either. I’m talking mountains, cows, Wal*Mart, and dirt roads. Which leads me to Kellie Pickler…

Besides being Southern, and having bad driving habits, another thing I share in common with Pickler is her birthday. I’ve posted several articles on the blonde twangy twizzler and today, I post once more to celebrate her awesomeness. Joining me in turning a year older, Pickler, who recently announced her engagement to Kyle Jacobs, celebrated her 24th yesterday (June 28th).

Check out one of my favorite Pickler moments via 2006’s MTV Movie Awards.

An oldie but goodie!

[Sidenote: Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes, messages, and love. I genuinely appreciate the thoughts and gestures! Also, thank you to everyone who supports BTB currently. The site would be nothing without an audience, so thank you to all readers who continue to come back Monday-Friday every week to read what's on our minds musically.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Way to set the bar. Damn!

Being from the South, there’s no denying the place in my heart reserved for Southern girls, specifically those that are blonde, sweet tea sweet with a sense of humor, and pack a punch on the guitar. Needless to say, I effing love Taylor Swift! But then again, who doesn’t?

America’s sweetheart recently decided to go above and beyond for her fans, promising to hold a 13-hour meet and greet for everyone who would show up (via the CMA Music Festival). Instead, Swift spent close to 15 hours hugging and signing autographs for over 2,000 of the 10,000 fans who showed up! She also performed a mini-concert for all fans. Both the concert and meet and greet were free and open to the public! How awesome is that? I mean, can you imagine any other stars willing to put in that sort of time and commitment to fans? Highly doubt it! It’d be nice to see other acts pay tribute to fans in this manner, considering the fact that it IS the sole reason for their success. What a way to make those selfish turds look like lazy asses!

Said Swift: “My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible. Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Besides making us exhausted with her ever-giving heart and crazy schedule, Swift has been renovating a condo in Tennessee and apparently one of her biggest obsessions (besides her fans, of course) is stingrays (and giant-sized birdcages)?

Check out a clip of Taylor discussing her affection for stingrays below, followed by footage from her 15-hour free meet & greet in Nashville.

MTV Shows

Hello guy at the 1:23 mark! His hand’s a little low on her hip, no? Copping a feel are we?!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I mighta been born just plain white trash but Fancy was my name!

Sorry, had to throw that out there.

Country legend Reba McEntire put a country ring on it when she recently covered Beyonce’s classic hit, If I Were a Boy for a recent episode of CMT’s Unplugged. And the outcome is amazing! Reba takes the song and sings it effortlessly, proving that if a message is universal (ya know, the whole boys being douchebags thing) then it can be sung in any format, in any language, in any part of the world and will still have a powerful effect on the audience, if the artist connects with the song emotionally. And Reba certainly does.

This is not the first time a song of Beyonce’s was covered by another well-know country artist. In 2007, Sugarland famously performed Irreplaceable on the American Music Awards where Knowles even took to the stage to join in singing along.

Check out Reba’s spin on If I Were A Boy, below.