September 2023

September 30, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # country music mamaws house morgan wallen thomas rhett

Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen “Mamaw’s House”

Yesterday, Thomas Rhett released his Greatest Hits Collection “20 Number Ones”, and there was bonus song on there that’s been getting some attention. Thomas teamed up with Morgan Wallen for a song called “Mamaw’s House”, and anyone who grew up in the Country like I did can definitely releate to this one!

This song reminds me so much of my Mother-in-Law, who, of course, goes by Mamaw, and this song is 100% her. The song was co-written by Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, Matt Dragstream and Chase McGill. As I mentioned, it’s included on Thomas’s “20 Number Ones” collection, out now.

Also, I just want to say how happy I am for Thomas Rhett and for all of his success. He’s a great guy, as is his entire family. I remember over a decade ago being at Country Stampede in Manhattan, KS and Thomas was one of the Thursday night openers, and I was backstage talking to his Grandad, who was crazy excited that Thomas was going to perform at a big Country festival like Stampede. He literally came up to me and was like, “You gotta watch my Grandson! I’m so proud of him!” I think this was in 2012…

Well, those Thursday night opening act days are far over for Thomas, as he’s now a headliner! Oh, and he now has his own Greatest Hits Collection. NBD.

Thomas Rhett’s ’20 Number Ones’; Photo Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

Get more info on Thomas’s new release and tour dates at https://www.thomasrhett.com/#/

It’s going to be a big Fall for Country Music, and this is just the beginning.

September 29, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # acms carousel live country music live miranda lambert

Miranda Lambert “Carousel” Live

Miranda Lambert just released the live version of her song “Carousel” from her “Palomino” album, and it just reminded me once again why Miranda Lambert is one of the BEST.

The live version is from her performance at the ACM Awards from earlier this year.

I get chills every time I hear this song.
I remember seeing this live, and thinking that Miranda just gets better and better. Very few artists can sound perfect on the live stage, but she nails it every time.

I really hope this hits radio hard. It’s one of her best!

And if you haven’t checked out her latest album “Palomino”, you are missing out.

It’s glorious.

I can’t wait to see (and hear!) what the future holds for this Country treasure.

September 29, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # better place new music new nsync nsync trolls 4 soundtrack

*NSYNC “Better Place”

When I was in High School in the late 90’s, you were either #TeamNSYNC or #TeamBackstreetBoys. I was always fully commited to *NSYNC because, duh, Justin Timberlake.

Obviously, 14 year-old me knew what was up, as JT is still a freaking superstar.

ANNNDDDD *NSYNC is BACK! If only for one song.

It’s called “Better Place” and it’s off of the “Trolls 4” Soundtrack:

Nope, that did not disappoint.

Super catchy, and perfect for the upcoming “Trolls 4” soundtrack.

I mean, I was hoping for a full on reunion album or tour, but I’ll take what I can get.

A little *NSYNC is better than none, right?

My teenage heart is happy.

September 28, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # classic rock hackney diamonds lady gaga new music rock rolling stones stevie wonder sweet sounds of heaven

Rolling Stones Feat. Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”

I have been waiting on this drop for weeks since I heard it was going to happen.

The Rolling Stones have teamed up with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder for a song called “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” and it’ll take you to church whether you’re a believer or not!

Duddddeee… I was NOT expecting that. But I like it. A lot.

Mick sounds great, as does Gaga (always!) and Stevie tickling the ivories… definitely adding this one to the playlist!

Of course, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven” is off their upcoming album “Hackney Diamonds” out October 20th.

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited for more.

Rolling Stones for Life!

September 26, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # chris young country music david bowie new music rebel rebel young love and saturday nights

Chris Young “Young Love & Saturday Night”

I was saying last week that there’s been an influx of Classic Rock in Country Music lately, and Chris Young’s latest song is more proof to that statement.

The song is called “Young Love and Saturday Night”, and it heavily samples the guitar riff from David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel”:

Again, I don’t hate it. It’s catchy as hell, and the riff makes the song.

And a Chevrolet that doesn’t run, well, a truer lyric has never been written.

Also, Chris Young lost 60 lbs, and looks awesome! I’ve always liked him because looks-wise he reminds me of my husband.

Chris is on the road this Fall, and you can check his dates at https://www.chrisyoungcountry.com/

September 22, 2023September 24, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # dolly parton linda perry new music rock rockstar album whats up

Dolly Parton Feat. Linda Perry “What’s Up”

Dolly Parton just made my Friday EVEN better by giving us another song off of her upcoming “Rockstar” album. She has teamed up with the legendary Linda Perry for a version of “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes. At first, I wondered how she would handle the escalating vocals and vibe, but who was I kidding?

It’s Freaking Dolly.

I don’t think there is anything she can’t sing. And remember, she’s in her mid-70’s.

#RESPECT

I seriously cannot wait for her full “Rockstar” album, which drops November 17th.

September 22, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # country music luke combs shenandoah two dozen roses

Shenandoah and Luke Combs “Two Dozen Roses”

This made my morning!

I heard that this collab was coming, and I was waiting…

I’m a HUGE 90’s Country girl, and have loved Shenandoah since I had first heard them in the early 90’s. And of course, I love Luke Combs (who doesn’t???). So, when I heard that the two artists were teaming up to remake Shenandoah’s classic “Two Dozen Roses”, I was ALL for it.

Here it is:

I mean, there’s no way that could have gone wrong.

I love that they kept the original sound, and just added Luke Comb’s fantastic vocals.

Alllll the yes right there.

Happy Friday!

September 21, 2023September 24, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # i can feel it kane brown new music phil collins

Kane Brown “I Can Feel It”

It’s been a big week for Phil Collins and “In the Air Tonight”.

First off, Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg and Cindy Blackman Santana debuted their version of the classic for this season’s “Monday Night Football” this past Monday… and it’s stellar.

So, there’s that, and Kane Brown just dropped a song that heavily samples “In the Air Tonight” called “I Can Feel It”:

Yes, Kane did get Phil’s permission to do this.

I honestly don’t hate it. It’s fun, radio-friendly, catchy… and has the iconic drum solo. I did think he said “I Saw Your Boobs Bouncing to the Beat” in the first verse, but it was boots, not boobs.

Been cooler if he had said boobs.

Anyhow, this song follows the new trend of sampling Classic Rock staples in Country music. I’m ambivalent about it. I love Classic Rock, and this is a good way to keep bringing the music to a new audience. BUT… my heart will always belong to the originals.

That being said, expect more of this in the future. Also, expect more Kane Brown as he’s working on a new album and announced a tour for next year.

Get the dates at http://Kanebrown.com

September 20, 2023

By Megan Vaughan # music one hit wonders

Are These The Best One-Hit-Wonders of All Time?

I just saw that UltimateClassicRock.com came up with a list of “The Best One Hit Wonders of All Time”.

Of course, I had to check it out and give my opinion on their list!

Here’s the Top 10:

#10: Norman Greenbaum, “Spirit in the Sky”

I wonder how many drugs were involved in this song and video?

I just remember it being hard AF for me to get right on “Rock Band”. So, yeah, not my favorite. BUT Norman was a Goat farmer, so points for that.

#9: Eddy Grant, “Electric Avenue”

Let’s be real, the best part is the “Oh!” at the beginning.

#8: Tommy Tutone, “867-5309”

Only the most iconic phone number of all-time. I used to give it to guys in college. If they got it, then they qualified for a date. And I sang back-up on this song in cover bands too many times to remember.

#7: Modern English, “I Melt With You”

I still love this one. It just gives me happy vibes. And make me think of chocolate, thanks to the Hershey’s holiday commercial.

#6: Dexy’s Midnight Runner, “Come On Eileen”

One of the best sing-alongs EVER.

And I feel sorry for any girl named Eileen. For obvious reasons.

#5: NENA, “99 Luft Balloons”

Or 99 Red Balloons, for you non-German speaking folks.

You have to admit, this song is catchy AF. And one of my favorites to perform when I used to sing.

Possibly the most fun sounding political statement ever.

#4: Soft Cell, “Tainted Love”

This one is still one of my favorites.

Fun fact: it’s actually a cover song. British Soul singer Gloria Jones released it in 1965- it wasn’t a hit then, but Soft Cell put a cool spin on it and made it a smash.

Honestly, I love her version.

#3: Frankie Goes to Hollywood, “Relax”

Such a dirty song… it was actually banned by the BBC. Which, they show boobs in newspapers over there, so that’s saying something. It’s basically an instruction manual on getting off. But it’s catchy, so… and that shirt on the guy in the beginning of the video needs to be a few sizes bigger. It’s probably hard to relax while rocking that look.

#2: A-ha, “Take On Me”