Reviews

Easton Corbin 'more' than packed Vapor in Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Playing to a sold-out crowd on Nov. 8, 2012 the hot new country crooner showcased why critics may be right when describing him as 'this generation's George Strait.'

I can't believe we are only a week away from the release of "Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2". Technically it is released Tuesday the 13th but I know more than a few people will be getting prepared to go be in line next Monday night to get theirs at midnight.

Sunday evening, October 21, 2012 Country Music's elite gathered at the Country Music Hall of Fame to officially induct three new members- Connie Smith, Hargus 'Pig' Robbins, and Garth Brooks.

Since I received my copy of Jamey Johnson's 'Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran,' I have probably listened to it at least four times. Cochran's name may not be familiar to your average country fan, but once you see the titles he's written, you will realize that you do know this man!

The familiar 'typewriter' rhythm of the hit song '9 to 5' kicked off a journey back to a corporate office in New York City in 1979, where a chauvinistic boss was about to be taught a lesson by three secretaries with big dreams and imaginations for a better workplace.

I'm just not sure this is either brilliant and will make a million dollars, or it's just the silliest thing I've ever seen. I will let you be the judge. I do know that the world might be a little nicer with a few more hugs in it.

Chris Young darkens his stamp as country music's most reliable romancer with his new single 'I Can Take It From There.' The uptempo lover is reminiscent of 'Gettin' You Home,' but not quite that sexy.

The very nature of the EP lends itself more to an artist's most faithful supporters than middling fans looking for an entry point into a new style or sound. Jake Owen's 'Endless Summer' EP allows his warm weather party with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw to last a little longer, but like summer love, the four songs will be little more than memories by the first yellow leaves of fall.

It's been 15 months since Curtis Grimes was eliminated from 'The Voice.' The Team Cee Lo singer has been playing live around Texas and the southeast while honing his songwriting chops. Country music was something of a plan B for the Texan, and while he shows pure talent, his new single 'Smile' proves there is still work to be done.

We are lucky to have quite a few legends playing the Albany Area in 2012. Last night (9/27/2012), at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, we received a visit from two bands that have stood the test of time making their own unique brand of music appeal to fans of all ages and all genres.

'Tornado' is a bold choice for Little Big Town's next single, as it takes on another storm song from a country music superstar with more clout -- Carrie Underwood. As an album, 'Tornado' is sharp and uncompromising, so this brashness should come as no surprise. Few will argue that there isn't room for both of these heavyweights on iPods and country radio.

It's easy to heap praise on Easton Corbin's sophomore album for the same reasons fans and critics enjoyed his self-titled debut. 'All Over the Road' is full of traditional country music that goes down like a spoonful of George Strait's sugar. However, Corbin misses an opportunity to identify himself with this 11-song project.