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.