Hotter than a two dollar pistol!

I can't help but jump the gun on this one (no pun intended)! The Pistol Annie's is a hot little country group that is sure to set country music on fire! I've read rumors that there might not actually be an album released, I hope that's a lie because when you've got a good thing, you better run with it. So I'm assuming that all the effort going into promoting (website, video intro, photos) the group is evidence of a future album. I've been a huge Miranda Lambert fan ever since I saw her little ol' video for "Me and Charlie Talkin'" back some time ago. To say the least, I am so happy to see her getting the attention and awards I have always known she had earned. The girl not only can SING and write, but she is hands-down the most beautiful gal in country music, and all of music. And I love her style, and from what I've seen and read, she seems like the most humble and honest person you could ever meet. It's probably safe to say, I like her a lot.
And then she goes and makes a band (at least I'm pretty sure she's being credited for forming the band) with herself, Ashley Monroe (who didn't love her duet with Ronnie Dunn a few years back?! I know I did! Where's her new album anyway??) and Angaleena Presley. They debuted their single "Hell On Heels" on the TV special "Girls Night Out", but since I heard about them and found their  bandpage on Facebook, I am practically foaming at the mouth for more of their music!!
So alright ladies, hurry up and release your album! I'm in love!
Check out their website here!
Here's a youtube video of their performance, which might get deleted once copyrights move in, but for now, it's on youtube!

These boots...

"The scars on my knuckles match the scuffs on these cowboy boots." -Eric Church 'How Bout You'

If this were truth or dare and I were asked what my obsession in life is, I would shamelessly admit to cowboy boots. I love love love them. Many times I have fantasized about owning a store that sells just country/western home goods and beautiful cowboy boots, with emphasise on the boots, of course.
I spend hours online looking at boots that I only wish I could have in my collection. Many of them are so beautiful I wonder if I'd even wear them if I bought them. I'm sure I would, only to have someone step on the toe, leave a scuff, and I'd have to introduce them to my fist. That's just a joke, well- sort of.
Here are some of my recent favorites:

Tony Lama 3R Series Tumbleweed Buckaroo Boot - Square Toe

I love my pretty boots to have a  nice heel on them, because let's face it, we could all use the benefits of a heel. I also love the square toe, I'm a square toe fan because my shoe size is on the larger side and pointed toes make me look like I have clown feet, square toes give me confidence. I also love the color of the leather but most importantly I love the design on the shaft. The design would go well with so many different colors, which can be a challenge to match your boots to your outfit, with these you should have no trouble! $159.99 (on sale now) at Shepler's.

Old Gringo Blue Jean Lace Cowboy Boots

Old Gringo is one of my favorite boot makers. Their designs are always original and beautiful. I can see in their work and attention to design the reason why they are costly, but they look like they are worth every penny. I love these boots because they are girlie, yet tough. I am not a fan of super girlie anything, especially boots. These boots are versatile and would look amazing with a dress. If I owned a pair, I'd probably hire a photographer just to photograph me in these! Gorgeous. $479.99 (on sale!) on Shepler's.

L515-3 Lucky by Old Gringo

This one was love at first sight. I'm wondering if Old Gringo has been inside my head, wondering what MY boot would look like. Because there boots are my DREAM boot, and anyone who knows me, knows these are me. The color is cognac, the shaft is 13 inches and everything is perfection. Beautiful beautiful beautiful boots. I don't think I could say enough good things about these boots.

Bucky Bronco by Liberty Boot Co.

If you ever want to have your mind blown by cowboy boots, head over to Libertyboots.com. Though they stray far from traditional boots, make no mistake that their boots are works of art. A little more edgy and a lot more rock'n'roll, these boots wear you (in a good way of course). With intricate inlays and tooling, a pair of Liberty Boots says "Hey, I take my cowboy boots seriously".

Calamity Jane by Liberty Boot Co.



Sunflowers (in Mustard) by Liberty Boot Co.

 

I hope some day I can have a collection that requires it's own closet, or at least it's own closet wall.

But that's just me.... how bout you?

Turnpike Troubadours

I was fortunate to score a great find this past weekend while searching for new music to my ears. It came in the form of an album by the Turnpike Troubadours called Diamonds and Gasoline. Turnpike Troubadours falls into the genre of Texas Country. Their music is updated, yet classic country. They spin stories in their songs that I found myself stopping what I was doing to listen to. Diamonds and Gasoline is their most recent album, and after buying the album, I've seen them mentioned in other's playlists. Weird how that happened, or are they just gaining momentum? I love the song "The Funeral", though the subject is nothing less than bleak, the story leaves me with goosebumps. "Long Hot Summer Day" is another fav, but I must admit picking any favorites of this album is tough because I honestly listen to the whole album all the way through, every time.

The best deal as usual, is on Amazon! Which is making me wonder how much money I wasted by buying tunes exclusively through iTunes for so long... darn you iTunes!
Speaking of iTunes, this week they released Ashton Shepherd's new EP!!! An EP for those who don't know is like an advanced preview of an album that record companies put out to see how the album/artist will do. Sometimes after an EP comes out I've noticed an album is on it's heels, while other times an album takes a lot longer to come out; I'm not sure if this has anything to do with how the EP sold, but I've got a feeling they are related. Anyway, back to Ashton Shepherd! I LOVE THIS GIRL!! Since her first album, I've been in love and I can't explain how excited I am that she has a new album coming out! Her voice is soo amazing, along with her songs and melodies and messages! I really really really really can't tell ya how much I think of her, she is just that good. So check her out too!! Buy her first album also while you wait for the new one with me!

Do you have to be from Texas to play Texas Country?

I thought it might be nice to change up the titles for "What I'm Listening To...", you know, keep it interesting.
This week, I'm listening to Wade Bowen who I think I am in love with. Or at least his music, I haven't met him in person so I'd probably be jumping the gun on falling for him.

Wade Bowen is a country artist who is most appropriately labeled as Texas Country. Which bring me to the post title, do you have to be from Texas to sing Texas Country? For those of you wondering what exactly Texas Country is, you've obviously never been to Texas. Those Texans have a lot of pride, and I can't really blame them. Texas is pretty stinking cool. And I myself have a lot of pride for my home state, Oregon, and most people only know my state as the one between Washington and California! Back to the subject, Texas Country is defined more about it's message than it's sound. It's more of an outlaw and carefree kind of music, that stays as far away from the business of Nashville as possible. And to answer the question, no you don't have to be born in Texas, though I'm pretty sure it helps, a lot.

I think the first time I ever heard a song by Wade Bowen, I was in Texas. The song was "God Bless This Town" and I had it on a mixed CD which I'm surprised I didn't run a whole through that track (if it were possible on CDs of course). I found that CD again the other day, hearing the song again prompted me to go home and buy 2 of Wade Bowen's albums and I will most likely purchase another one tonight, I am loving his music that much.

His lyrics are beautiful, you hear them and you just want to get lost in them. His voice is just amazing and his sound is undeniably good music. I am without a doubt a fan for life now. And I hope he has a new album coming out soon because I'll probably be needing more of him before too long!

The best deal on his albums is on Amazon. I love the album "If We Ever Make It Home" and I also bought the "Live at Billy Bob's" album which is a good mix of his bigger songs. I'd recommend his music for anyone who likes good country music and is tired of all the bad "country" music on the radio.

What I'm Listening To.... March 6th

Eric Church. Hot dog, if there were ever a country artist who is severly underrated, it would be Eric Church. Though he recently won "Top New Vocalist", the guys been around for 6 or 7 years that I know of! And that's just based off his first single "How Bout You". This guy is amazing. His lyrics, his music, his melodies, his voice. He seriously rocks. Currently working on/set to release his third album, Eric Church recently released his first single off it called "Homeboy".

I love the single, not only because I've thought similar messages in my mind thousands of times, but also because of the heavy guitar and rock influence that is present from the second verse on. I am such a fan of rock in country, I think rock in country is right at home. If any genre can appreciate good rock and roll, it's country. And I'm love to see more of it and less pop. Now, I'm not saying everyone needs to convert to a rock vibe, but those who like it and are good at it, should keep it up. Eric Church knows what he is doing and he solidifies that with the single "Homeboy".

I love his album Carolina, but Sinners Like Me is equally valueable. Sinners Like Me included hits like "How Bout You", "Guys Like Me" and "Two Pink Lines". But the album holds many more rich tunes such as "There Boots", and "Sinners Like Me". His second album, Carolina, produced hits that included "Love Your Love The Most", "Hell On The Heart" and his big hit "Smoke A Little Smoke".  My favorite tracks off the album are "Smoke a Little Smoke", "Carolina", "Where She Told Me To Go" and "Lotta Boot Left To Fill". I think one of the best qualities of Eric Church's music is his honesty, he really doesn't hold anything back and I love that.

To get his new single, "Homeboy", check out iTunes. And keep an eye out for his upcoming album.

Merle.

One of my favorite artists (you might find me saying this alot since I have a list of favorites, though this one is truly a favorite) is Merle Haggard. He might not be the prettiest singer, but in a world full of pretty singers it really is the ones that sound different that are most valuable. He truly sings about real struggles and things that the average person goes through. His music is true country, country at it's purest. His songs are also some of the greatest to ever hit country music. Iconic songs such as "Mama Tried", "Fightin Side Of Me", "If We Make It Through December" and "Working Man Blues" are still being played in honkytonks today. My favorite song of Merle's is "Twinkle Twinkle Lucky Star", check it out if you've never heard it.

Modern Cowgirl is a internet boutique store that is just as the name suggests, for modern cowgirls. They have adorable jewelry (I love the earrings!) and this shirt:

The Merle Haggard "If I hear another line dance song I think I'm gonna puke." shirt. That's a bonafied Merle quote right there folks. I love this shirt! And you can buy it here and check out the rest of the cool stuff Modern Cowgirl has to offer, as well as find out about their White Horse Campaign for women.

If you're looking for a good Merle album, I'd recommend his 40 #1 Hits album, or Hag: The Best of Merle Haggard. Both are good jump-offs and have his hits which is what is usually the best thing to start with when trying a new-to-you artist. One that I hope to add to my collection SOON would be the box set: Down Every Road.

♥Junk Gypsy♥

One of my all time favorite companies is Junk Gypsy, the gals there have got it going on!! They have some of the most sassy, funky and junky stuff anywhere. Whether it be tees, jewelry, home decor, even kick-butt coffee mugs (Mama Tried mugs), I can't help but love everything!!
Something I'm really loving is the new Miranda Lambert tee. I am a huge 'Ran fan and since she has great lyrics it's no wonder they put them on a tee.
"The Heart Like Mine Tee"
Available in just about every size a girl could want, and 4 amazing colors. I am personally loving the silver, though the red dirt is a close second.

A tee I have been eyeing for quite awhile (and would buy if I had any extra wiggle room in my budget) is the Miranda Lambert "Saved By The Grace of Southern Charm" tee. No, I wasn't born in the south, though I probably should've been! The best part about this tee is the back!!

I have their Mama Tried tee which I probably bought about 4 years ago now, every time I wear it people want to know where I got it. I even had to stitch it up after it got a hole in the top of the chest (darn moths). I've gifted jewelry from them that I've always received rave reviews about, as well as bought a slew of bracelets (I'm a bracelet kinda gal) from which are always my go-to pieces. I have always been the lucky winner of a set of "Mama Tried" coffee mugs, which I wish I could tote everywhere with me without looking like I have a caffeine addiction. They are the best mugs, I love them and they are so heavy duty I was very impressed. I also love their home decor. The airstream lights, beer cans and shotgun shells are what every girl with attitude needs hanging around their home. I am not kidding when I say I really can't get enough Junk Gypsy. So you'll be reading about them frequently in my blog. I honestly ought to take up Gypsy stock I'm thinking... I believe in Gypsyville!

Cowgirl Style

I LOVE Sheplers. You will most likely find me referring to a lot of products they sell because they are probably the biggest Western Wear store in the United States. I first stumbled upon Sheplers when I was living in San Antonio, but I do all my shopping with Sheplers online now. I buy most of my boots from them, as well as jeans. I've also bought some decor items through them, as well as tops, hats and belts. But what brings me to sharing them today is a necklace I found on their website that I am in love with! It is so beautiful, I'm putting it on my wishlist and hoping someone decides to gift it to me for my birthday! Wishful thinking, I know.

It is composed of red nuggets (not sure what that really means, but they're beautiful!), turquoise and silver accents. The cross is removable, though I don't know why you'd want to do that because it is what makes the necklace. I could see this necklace as the finishing touch to a simple boots, jeans and black tee look (my favorite way to wear a statement necklace) or with a cute dress and boots. Imagine the compliments!

Click here for the link. 

What I'm Listening To... Feb 27th

It's difficult to find a good radio station these days, especially if you don't like in the country- er- state of Texas. God Bless Texas Country music, might I add. These days the radio is rampid with pop-country bands and singers. And I don't know what the deal is- but I swear some artists are paying for their air time. Tim McGraw's "Felt Good On My Lips" comes on any of the three radio stations that come in, at least 3 times during my work day. And Luke Bryan, who coincidently is McGraw's tour mate this summer along with- gasp-The Band Perry, are yet two more who hog the air waves. I like Luke Bryan however, so I let it slide most the time. The Band Perry are- alright; and Tim McGraw was good in his earlier days. Alright- so what's my point? My point is- it is soooo hard to find new talent if you only listen to the radio (and CMT is even worse since they never play music anymore and they were bought by MTV). GACtv is the best place to catch music videos, but many artists never make it to TV. I do a lot of browsing around on the internet to find music that hasn't made in mainstream. I like this kind of music because I don't like following crowds and even if I liked something before it was big, once it becomes big, I lose interest. Miranda Lambert for example, one of the most favorite singers of all time, but once she started getting all the attention, I found myself listening to her album less. She still kicks booty like she always have, it's just not as fun to say you're a Miranda Lambert and people no longer ask "Who?".
Recently I have been successful in finding some music that's under the radar, and let me tell you, I'm in LOVE.
The band is called JB & The Moonshine Band and the album is Ain't Goin' Back To Jail. I first found these guys thanks to their single, "Perfect Girl", which has a video on Gactv.com. The song is hilariously delirious as the singer describes his perfect girl down to her height, year born, measurements, education and financial situation. It's very catchy, not so country, but catchy. But that's just it- JB & The Moonshine Band isn't country, they're Texas Country. While I'm not a huge fan of their faster tempo songs like the title track, "I'm Broke" and "Roll With Me", they are still good. But the band really shines in their slower songs. "Missing You Again" is one of my favorites, but songs like "Whiskey Days", "Chasing Rainbows", "Glad That You're Mine" and "Doin Fine" are just as great. A word of warning, the song "Sticker Peck Out", is not exactly PG material, but nothing terribly offensive. I really hope these guys stick around and don't get eaten up by mainstream country. I really just can't get enough of them!!
 The best deal on their album is the MP3 album on Amazon, the link is at the bottom of this post. Check it out! Which reminds me, I now can get a percentage from Amazon for referring people to buy from them, so if you don't mind using the links I provide, I'd appreciate the extra income! It doesn't cost you anything extra! And I wouldn't refer you to them if it wasn't a good price for a product. I mean I could tell you to go to iTunes and spend twice as much, but I care, so I don't.

 

The Best Western Movies

If there's one movie-type I'm a sucker for, it's a good western. I thought I'd share my favorites should you find yourself wanting to wrap up on the couch and get lost in a good movie.

Appaloosa is probably my favorite western, ever. I know it is a recent movie, so that might make my judging a little unfair, but it is hard to compare old movies with rough cinematography to the picturesque movies of today.  Appaloosa is a movie adapted from the book by Robert B. Parker, which is the first book in a series of four about the gun slinging duo Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. The movie is directed by Ed Harris, who also plays a main character. I have to admit, I hesitated to see this one in theaters due to Renee Zellweger being cast in it, because I quite frankly can't stand her (besides, who in their right mind wouldn't make things work with Kenny Chesney). But I went ahead and gave the movie a shot and boy, am I glad I did. The actors portray their characters flawlessly and you will find yourself engulfed in this movie. I could watch this movie over and over again and always love it.

Lonesome Dove is another absolute favorite of mine. It was a movie made for television, so it is LONG, like 8 hours I think. But it is a fantastic story and I have watched it all the way through in one sitting, but it is broken up into different parts.  The story is about Gus (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow (Tommy Lee Jones) who set out to Montana from Texas when Woodrow gets it stuck in his head that he wants to be the first man to graze cattle in Montana. Both Gus and Woodrow used to be Texas Rangers and their friendship is just as old as they probably are. Gus is favorable of a carefree lifestyle while Woodrow is a hard working, thick skinned type. Diane Lane and Anjelica Houston both have sizable rolls along with lots of other actors who you still see around in movies today. I could watch this movie once a month, had I the time, and I always find myself loving Gus more with each time I watch it.

Wyatt Earp and Tombstone  are two movies with near identical story lines. They both follow the story of Wyatt Earp and his work as a gunman, as well as his friends and family members including the ever-famous, Doc Holiday. Wyatt Earp stars Kevin Costner as Wyatt Earp, while Tombstone stars Kurt Russell. Doc Holiday is played by Dennis Quaid in Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer in Tombstone. It is so hard for me to pick which version I like better, as both I think have great qualities and different takes on the story. Even picking a better Wyatt Earp or Doc Holiday seems near impossible. So I would recommend watching them both yourself and joining my predicament.

One thing that's for certain is Robert Duvall sure knows his way around a western. And Kevin Costner is following closely in his footsteps. Open Range  is a wonderful movie that follows to cattlemen who find themselves the last of a dying breed, the open range breed. This movie is special to me because of the cause. I love that the two main characters in this movie are stubborn and are willing to stand up for what they believe in. And that is the right to open ranges. The story takes place when the US started becoming more privately owned and range lands were disappearing due to privatization. Those who allowed their cattle to graze freely were thought of as being dishonest and began being tormented by those who disagreed with their choice. A great western without a huge romance story to it (there is some romance, but it is small in comparison to most).

Urban Cowboy is most likely, not a western. But it is a good movie, and it is about a cowboy, so that's close enough for me. The story is about Bud (John Travolta) and Sissy (Debra Winger) who fall in love (I think?), get married, move into a trailer and then watch their marriage fall apart just as quickly. There's good music, some dancing, some cheating, some mechanical bull riding, and a whole lotta Gilley's. It's a fun movie that I love to watch.

Another couple of movies I love that aren't quite so western but have some country qualities to them: Bridges of Madison County for an amazing amazing amazing love story. And No Country For Old Men for a good action/drama. Both are amazing, both are worth watching, a lot.

The Dallas Dame Dress

I found this dress on Lulus.com, it is called the Dallas Dame Beige Lace Dress. I have been looking for a dress like this forever! Lulus.com is apparently for Juniors clothing, but I went ahead and ordered it and can now only cross my fingers that it fits in the right places. Hopefully it does because I cannot wait to wear it this summer with some cowboy boots.

What I'm Listening To... Feb 20th

If there's one thing my husband can attest to, it's my love for all music Brooks & Dunn and George Strait. I am a longtime fan of Miranda Lambert, though I know she's really big right now, I've been with her (yes, it IS like that) since "Me and Charlie Talking". I love Merle, love love love Merle. Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser and Keith Anderson are another few of my favorites.

Jamey Johnson is my vote for the most talented musician in all of music today and is another huge favorite of mine. He is more famous than a lot of people know. He is a songwriter and has written/co-wrote huge hits for other artists such as George Strait's #1 song "Give It Away", Trace Adkin's hits "Honkytonk Badonkadonk" (co-wrote by Randy Houser also!) and "Ladies Love Country Boys" as well as songs for Joe Nichols, James Otto and Jessie James (for those of you who follow pop).  His first album The Dollar, had only one song on it gain any recognition and it was the title track. His second album, That Lonesome Song, gained him further recognition with the hit "Color". His other single off the album, "High Cost of Living", didn't fair as well. I'm sure this didn't bother Jamey as he appears to be a man confident in his music. His most recent album, The Guitar Song, has been quite a different story. The first single "My Way To You" didn't make it to radio, though the second single "Playing The Part" has a music video with Matthew Mcconaughey, the bare chest loving man, directing and starring in. The newest single "Heartache" is one of my favorite songs off the album. It is bitter and mean just like the name suggests.

If you haven't bought his most recent album The Guitar Song, buy it! That album is brilliant, emotional and beautiful. There is not a single bad song on it. It is so good, I'd recommend being careful with it. I found myself listening to the "black album" so much that it was bringing me down, so listen to it with caution, and make sure to mix the "white album" up with it! You can buy it here on his website, and it's even available in vinyl! If you have a record player, I am envious and you better buy it in vinyl because I don't have a record player, but if I did, I would own the album in vinyl also! Amazing.



A Country Girl's Dream

The Sweetest Twang is a blog that offers all things a country girl might fancy. Being country doesn't mean you have to be redneck, have a Walmart wardrobe, or be without taste. You can be country and have good taste, trust me. Home decor, music, clothing, cooking... I'm just a country girl who knows what she likes and what is good. So pull up a rocking chair and rock awhile, and thanks for stoppin' by.