Toby Keith Wants His Opening Acts to "Beg" For the Slot!

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Next time you see a TOBY KEITH concert, you can be sure of one thing . . . the opening act really, and I mean REALLY wanted that slot . . . because Toby wouldn't have it any other way. Toby hired BRANTLEY GILBERT to open his "Live In Overdrive Tour" because the guy literally begged for it.
Toby said, quote, "I always want somebody on the tour that wants to be there. That's the guy that you want because it's gonna be a long tour if somebody don't want to be there. "If they're just there to help their career then you've got a bunch of people walking around like zombies backstage. "You want somebody that you can mingle with, hang out with, maybe write a song with and that camaraderie and stuff, it has to be there and it makes the tour a wonderful thing if you can do that."

The 2012 ACA Nominations Have Been Announced

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The nominations are out for the "2012 American Country Awards" . . . and LUKE BRYAN is your top dog with seven nominations . . . mostly thanks to his song "I Don't Want this Night to End", which picked up four nods on its own. Right behind Luke with six nominations apiece are LADY ANTEBELLUM and the ZAC BROWN BAND . . . and then ERIC CHURCH and TAYLOR SWIFT each have five nominations. This is a fan-voted awards show, so they're asking you to pick the winners. You can vote once a day from now until November 12th . . . except in the Artist of the Year category. You can vote on that one until December 7th. You can cast your vote at theacas.com. You will have to give up your email.(--Check out the nominations here.) The very tall TRACE ADKINS and very tiny KRISTIN CHENOWETH are returning as your hosts. The show airs December 10th at 8:00 P.M. on Fox.

Alex Karras, Actor, Ex-NFL Star, Dead at 77

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Alex Karras, the Detroit Lions football star-turned-actor, has died, ABC News Radio has confirmed. He was 77. Karras was reported to be ill and near death just a few days ago.  His lawyer, Craig Mitnik, tells ABC News Radio, "He was an amazing man in everything he did.  He fought really, really hard through his dementia and cancer.” Karras was with the Lions from 1958–1962 and from 1964-1970, and was part of the 1962 Lions' vaunted "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line. In 1968, he played himself in the movie Paper Lion, which kick-started his acting career. After Karras was released by the Lions in 1971, he turned to acting full-time. Among Karras' most memorable roles are Mongo, the loveable bully who punched out a horse in the 1974 Mel Brooks classic Blazing Saddles, and George, the adoptive father of Emmanuel Lewis' title character on the sitcom Webster.  His real-life wife, Susan Clark, played his wife in that series. Karras also had a notable role in the film Victor/Victoria, playing a closeted gay bodyguard.
Karras also appeared in the movies Against All Odds and Porky's. His TV work also included roles in M*A*S*H, Centennial, Arlis$$ and The Odd Couple.

Don't Bring a Sign to a Carrie Underwood Concert Asking Her To Kiss You . . . Because It's Not Going to Happen

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It was kind of cute when CARRIE UNDERWOOD kissed that 12-year-old boy who held up a homemade sign at her show last month in Louisville, Kentucky.  But don't go making up your own goofy sign thinking it's going to happen to you. Carrie told the "Orange County Register" that she will NOT be kissing any other fans regardless of how creative they get. And that goes for signs asking to her sing happy birthday to you, or go to the prom . . . or whatever. However, if you'd like some action from Carrie's opening act HUNTER HAYES, well, she actually encourages you to pursue that one. Carrie says, quote, "He's young, he should have fun."

Luke Bryan Launching Dirt Road Diaries Tour in January

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Luke Bryan is set to launch his Dirt Road Diaries tour January 17 in Evansville, IN with special guests Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line. Tickets for the first 20 dates go on sale beginning Friday, October 26. This is Luke's first major headlining tour, and he says, "I have dreamed about this day for a very long time. We are having the best time putting together all the bells & whistles for the tour." Luke wraps up his time opening for Jason Aldean on the My Kinda Party October 27 in Dallas, TX.


Keep Updated On Tour Dates! Click Here!

Craig Morgan - This Ole Boy

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Craig Morgan is an American Country artist. He signed with his first record deal in 2000 with Atlantic Records. Since then he has bounced around from many different record labels and he has seen quite of bit of success with many singles reaching Billboard Country Charts and the Top Ten. He signed with Black River Entertainment in 2011 and released "This Ole Boy" that same year.

I hope you enjoy this song by Craig Morgan!

Feature Friday and a Rodeo

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In honor of the Ute Stampede Rodeo taking place in good old Nephi, Utah I thought Feature Friday should include Garth Brooks "Rodeo". I hope you enjoy Feature Friday. For those of you who are not country music fans or rodeo fans please take a minute and listen or even go watch the movie 8 Seconds to help you appreciate what country and rodeo are all about!
Watch GARTH BROOKS - Rodeo in Music | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

"Rodeo" is the title of a song written by Larry Bastian and recorded by Garth Brooks from his album Ropin' The Wind. It was released as the first single from the 1991 album. It peaked at number three on the U.S. country chart but reached number-one on the Canadian country chart. (Source)

Phil Vassar - "Don't Miss Your Life"

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Jared and I were watching the Country Music channel the other day and this song came on. It is so great. I said to Jared, "He is a great song writer." Well that is how he started. Enjoy this video and don't miss your life!
 
Phil Vassar  is an American country music artist. Vassar made his debut on the country music scene in the late 1990s, co-writing singles for several country artists, including Tim McGraw ("For a Little While", "My Next Thirty Years"), Jo Dee Messina ("Bye, Bye", "I'm Alright"), Collin Raye ("Little Red Rodeo"), and Alan Jackson ("Right on the Money"). In 1999, he was named by American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) as Country Songwriter of the Year. (Source)

Hank Williams Jr & Sr - There's A Tear In My Beer

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This Western Wednesday post takes us all the way back to 1950. "There's a Tear in My Beer" is a country song written and recorded by Hank Williams, and later re-recorded by his son in 1988. The original version was written and recorded by Hank Williams during one of his Nashville sessions in 1950-51, but he decided against releasing it. It was not until many years later, in 1989, that the original song would get its first official release. (Source)
 

Hank Williams, Jr.'s version is a duet with his father created using electronic merging technology. As the song had been previously recorded with Hank Williams playing the guitar as the sole instrument, his son and his band simply "filled in the blanks" and recorded additional vocals. The music video for the song combined television footage that had existed of Hank Williams performing, onto which electronic merging technology impressed the recordings of Hank Jr., which then made it appear as if he were actually playing with his father. The video was both a critical and commercial success, and was named Video Of The Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country music. Hank Williams, Sr. & Jr., would go on to "share" a Grammy award win in 1990 for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. (Source)

My Life's Been a Country Song by Chris Cagle

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My Life's Been a Country Song is the fourth studio album by American country music artist Chris Cagle. It was released in February 2008 on Capitol Records Nashville. The album's lead-off single was "What Kinda Gone", which peaked at No. 3 on the country music charts in April 2008, the second single, "No Love Songs", peaked at No. 53, while the third single, "Never Ever Gone", failed to chart. (Source)
 

The album debuted at number eight on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling about 37,000 copies in its first week. It also debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. [3] It is also Cagle's final album for Capitol.The song "I Don't Wanna Live" was also recorded by Josh Gracin on his 2008 album We Weren't Crazy as "I Don't Want to Live". "Keep Me From Loving You" was also recorded by Clay Walker on his 2010 album, She Won't Be Lonely Long. (Source)

I thought this song was much newer than it is. I hope you all like it. Leave a comment if your life has been a country song including what song. Happy Thursday.

Christina Aguilera Featuring Redman - Dirrty

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Christina Aguilera gets my Sunday revisit. This is definitely the music video everyone links with Christina Aguilera and it will be described below as to why. She has come a long way since this video and it definitely changed the perceptions people had on her. Most recently Miley Cyrus has released a similar music video that also came to controversy. She has recently came back to the music industry with an amazing new song called "Your Body" and I cannot wait to see what the future brings. Will there be a new number one soon? Or will she be like Britney Spears, always trying to get to the top spot, and having those songs that deserves to be there, but just doesn't get there. She has collaborated with Redman, real name Reginald Noble, who was a big American rapper in the late 90's, early 00's but who never released in the UK, or just didn't chart. He has been trying to return to music for a while, will he become as big as he used to be or will he just disappear with the rest of them?

"Dirrty" was written by Christina Aguilera, Rockwilder, Balewa Muhammad, Redman and Jasper Cameron. It is unsurprising that Christina Aguilera helped to write the song, and she has definitely managed to do exactly what she wanted to do. The songwriters used "Let's Get Dirty (I Can't Get In Da Club)" by Redman as a template and it definitely works.

The music video hit controversy as Christina Aguilera wanted to change her direction dramatically. From her previous videos we had seen her as cute, young, delicate and dainty. It's not how she wanted to be perceived and usually the only way to push it aside is to go the total opposite and that is exactly what she has done. In later years it has been praised, especially by Miley Cyrus, who has done something similar with the music video for "Can't Be Tamed", which sparked controversy as young girls had been watching Hannah Montana, in which she plays a cute dainty girl, and Miley believed that isn't her and so she became the opposite.

The video has a BIG choreographed dance scene, I love these, at the end of the day you can't beat Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera's dancing, they are great dancers and it shows in all their music videos (please remember these artists are actually friends and there is only rivalry thanks to the media).

Although this video is dingy grungy and DIRRTY, it's different to what we expected from Christina Aguilera, and it made all her future videos different, and I just can't dislike this video. I was young when it first came out and didn't actually watch it, as far as I remember. Although I do remember seeing clips, I think it was on Top Of The Pops, and I think my parents turned it over because of it's content.

Overall this music video has a lot going on and very little at the same time. The song is catchy and definitely worthy of that number one in the UK. It changed the future of all Christina Aguilera music videos, and I'm sure Miley Cyrus' future music videos will be different too. I've actually found this music video the most hardest to review, and I'm glad all I have to do is give it a rating. I dropped one star because I don't think there is a lot to the narrative, but that all.

New Release: Alexandra Stan - Lemonade

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Alexandra Stan hit the UK with "Mr. Saxobeat" managing to get all the way to number 3. I am definitely a big fan, not only does she look amazing but she is a great singer with very catchy songs, much like her label friend Inna. She is from Romania, who happens to be doing pretty well in the music industry so far and it can only get better for them. Her second single "Get Back (ASAP)" failed to chart as well as her first song, only managing to get to number 56. As for this song, released yesterday, there is no sign of it on the top 1000 iTunes chart. Unless there is a lot of sales within the next few days, I don't see it charting, which is definitely disappointing as this song is extremely catchy.

Written by Marcel Prodan and Andrei Nemirschi, it seems like a club hit, but it's just not being promoted, and although the music channels were playing it quite a lot before I went off to uni, it is just not enough promotion, will she just be this one hit wonder? I hope not as I don't want her to disappear, surely there is a big hit around the corner. The song has been received well across Europe, but not as well as it should.

The music video takes a different take to things, we all believed that we would have a Basshunter-like follow-through music video franchise, but guess that isn't going to happen. Although the cops do appear in this video begging to question whether there's more to this video than we first thought.

It is extremely colourful, and you can't help but enjoy watching it. Having said that they use the black and white tool, which is another little bug-bear I have, however it doesn't annoy me in this case, I think it's because it's only used in a small scene and it kind of relates to the song as well. The video manages to portray that and I like the fact that everyone is dancing and just having fun.

Overall a catchy little song that I'm going to buy tomorrow to hopefully get a few more sales for it, I hope you download it too and help it to get on the UK charts. As for the music video it relates to the song well and it's definitely a fun-filled music video filled with the sun and enjoyment the sun can bring. The only reason I'm dropping a star is because she is singing to someone in the song, and we don't have a male protagonist (really) and so it doesn't work perfectly.

Ke$ha Featuring 3OH!3 - Blah Blah Blah

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Ke$ha, real name Kesha Sebert, has been going for a couple of years, managing to get hit singles here and there in the UK, including a number one with "We R Who We R". Her most known song has to be "TiK ToK" but she is releasing new music soon and I cannot wait to be able to listen to it and review it. 3OH!3 features on this song, who are a 2-piece band consisting of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. They have had a few hits but in recent times they have failed to make the UK chart and many other international charts, could this be the end of them? I sure hope not.

"Blah Blah Blah" was written by Kesha Sebert, Benjamin Levin, Neon Hitch and Sean Foreman. They came up with this song after arguing who talks more guys or girls. Ke$ha has definitely made her own style and still no one has jumped on to the band wagon as far as I am aware of and therefore, in doing so she is going to be untouchable. This is like nothing anyone has heard before and that is why she charts so well.

This music video is always funny to watch, it's both narrative and performance, as the bits when she flies in the air shows how crazy she actually is and you could definitely imagine you wouldn't be disappointed if you saw her live.

Since she is the main protagonist, guys are shown in a negative light as always talking and she wants them to stop. And usually they don't therefore she goes about shutting them up herself. When 3OH!3 come in they turn it around and show that girls are the ones who talk so much, but they are only there for a short time and I feel they aren't able to pass that over that well, which is exactly what Ke$ha wants, clearly she has shown that guys do talk more than girls.

I like how different the guys are that go after her, which suggests that she tends to have many admirers that she isn't happy with, many of which she probably calls "douches". She is also very bad at bowling.

Overall a very catchy song, with an accompanying music video that makes me laugh lots. The guy at the start is played by Bret Ernst. But I haven't got a clue who the other people are in the videos, so if anyone knows and can cite a source for me, I'll add their names in. I haven't got a bad thing to say about this video, and therefore have no choice but to give it this rating.

3OH!3 Featuring Ke$ha - My First Kiss

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This song was stuck in my head today, funny how I had "Blah Blah Blah" in my head yesterday, and now this. 3OH!3, as I covered yesterday, are a 2-piece band consisting of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. They used to be very popular in the UK, but in the last year or two they haven't been doing that well. They remind me a bit of LMFAO, only I prefer 3OH!3. I hope they have a good hit around the corner, they need a good comeback. Maybe another collaboration with Ke$ha would help? Who knows, but I'm hoping they don't disappear. As for Ke$ha well her real name is Kesha Serbert. It looks like an "I'll feature on your track if you feature on mine", this made me surprised, but it worked so well. Ke$ha is still going strong and I really doubt she'll disappear.

"My First Kiss" was written by Lukasz Gottwald, Sean Foreman, Nathaniel Motte and Benny Blanco. All of which have appeared on my blog a number of times. The song is about really liking a girl and having your first kiss with that person, as described by Sean Foreman. The song got to number 7 in the UK, although it should've done better!

The music video isn't the best, but it's not the worst either. It's mainly a performance piece, that looks like most of the budget went into editing. As for the narrative side, there isn't much, but they have edited it intricately.

There is a lot of explicit content, and a few surprising bits as well, that you wouldn't expect to see, how they managed to get it shown in the UK, I don't know how but they did. It relates to the song pretty well, and I like how there is no age discrimination, which is extremely clever.

However I haven't got a lot to say about it, Ke$ha's part is pretty small, and everything has a performance side to things such as the chorus bit where they have the 3OH!3 logo behind them.

The song is extremely catchy, however the video is lacking, it relates to the song but I wanted a lot more, and it's just not there. However they have tried to do their best and I don't think it's their fault for the budget they had, so they have done well considering. Hence why I'm giving it this rating.

Cascada - Evacuate The Dancefloor

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Cascada is a three piece band consisting of Natalie Horler, Manian (real name Manuel Reuter) and Yanou (real name Yann Peifer). They have appeared on my blog a number of times, so much so that I forget which music videos I have reviewed. This is constantly a music video I think I've already reviewed and I'm always surprised to find out I haven't. Well after today I can safely say I have. The song has featured vocals from Carlprit who has collaborated with a number of singers, and he is attempting a solo career.

"Evacuate The Dancefloor" was written by Manuel Reuter, Yann Peifer and Allen Eshuijs. They went straight to number one with this song, and it was pretty obvious that was going to happen as they did promote the song a lot in the UK, I remember tuning into a show and seeing Natalie Horler performing the song. A lot of people were unaware that they have released more songs, ones that are potentially just as good as this one, but there has been next to no promotion and so no one knows.

The music video has a lot of choreography that is amazing to watch, I like how there is a lot of sync work, and it really works with the song. As we are used to seeing, Natalie Horler isn't dancing, only doing a few steps with her hands. However she can dance as we see in "Au Revior".

There isn't a lot for me to comment on. Carlprit's role is small, but so crucial, I doubt it would have got to number one without his involvement.

Going back to the dancers, some of the things and tricks they perform astounds me, like the guy doing the front flip a long with that woman who does some trick with her feet and for a few seconds she looks like she is floating.

Overall a great song that is totally worth that number one spot, however there are many singles they have released that deserves that top spot too, but people don't realise. The music video is great to watch the first time around but the more you watch it the more you realise there isn't much to it.

Zac Brown Band, 'No Hurry' Video

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Mark Humphrey, APArtist: Zac Brown Band

Video: "No Hurry"
(Watch below)

Why We Dig It: Caution: if you're watching this video at work, you might get a little green with envy. The ZBB guys combine three things we love in their brand-new video: music, vacation and family-bonding time. It's the perfect song to start to your summer!Continue reading Zac Brown Band, 'No Hurry' Video

Jerrod Niemann, 'Shinin' On Me' Video

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Jeremy Cowart"And who knows what tomorrow is gonna bring / But today, the sun, shinin' on me"

Jerrod Niemann's infectious new single, "Shinin' On Me," is about living in the moment and concentrating on the positive, no matter how many negatives come your way. The song's video, making its world premiere right here on The Boot, brings to life the upbeat lyrics. Filmed at Family Wash, a restaurant and music venue in East Nashville, the clip shows two very different scenes but just a few feet apart: one stressed-out businessman sitting alone outside the restaurant, while Jerrod, his band and buddies are inside having a great time. When the rain starts to pour, will their two worlds collide? Watch below to find out.

"The video for 'Shinin' On Me' is meant to show you that you don't have to let the storms of life ruin your day," the country star tells The Boot.Continue reading Jerrod Niemann, 'Shinin' On Me' Video -- Exclusive Premiere

The Band Perry, 'Postcard From Paris' Video

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TwitterArtist: The Band Perry

Video: "Postcard From Paris"

Why We Love It: The Perry siblings may not have been able to travel to Paris for their latest video, but New Orleans' French Quarter proved the next best thing. Lead singer Kimberly Perry looks to be the victim of a stalker in the clever clip, but there's an interesting twist toward the end.Continue reading The Band Perry, 'Postcard From Paris' Video

Zac Brown Band, 'The Wind' -- Song Premiere

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Atlantic/ROARThe new Zac Brown Band album Uncaged will hit stores July 10, showing what frontman Zac calls "powerful chemistry that's developed by living, traveling and working as a band." It also showcases unparalleled musicianship, as heard in the toe-tapping, infectious first single from the project, "The Wind."

"'The Wind' is a barn-burnin', bluegrass tunContinue reading Zac Brown Band, 'The Wind' -- Song Premieree off this record," says Zac of the tune, which he and the band co-wrote with Wyatt Durrette and Levi Lowrey. "It's probably the most country song we've ever done."
Listen to the world premiere of "The Wind" below!

Listen to "The Wind"

Kristen Bell, Toby Keith: CMT Awards Are 'Wide Open'

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Getty Images for CMTThe CMT Music Awards are only hours away, but while many of the artists are undoubtedly battling a case of the nerves right now, the show's two co-hosts -- Toby Keith and Kristen Bell -- are cool as cucumbers.

"It's not as scripted," Toby explains. "You can just kind of hang out. We've got some guidelines to go by, but it's wide open."

"I am a country music fan," Kristen adds. "I've presented at a variety of country music awards shows in the past because I am a fan. I don't know how I got here. They invited me, and I squealed! I obviously said yes. I'd never been to Nashville before, so I'm very excited."Continue reading Kristen Bell, Toby Keith: CMT Awards Are 'Wide Open'

What's wrong with being a little boring?

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My Journalism professor was ranting on and on today when something he uttered hit me like a brick. He was talking about the big news channels, and their competition to be the biggest, craziest and loudest news. It's all about entertainment these days, isn't it?

He said, "in this day and age, it's a sin to be boring."

I started thinking about it. What's wrong with being boring? I may not be that old, but I remember a time when less was more. It was before the constant updating: Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest are reflections of all of our thoughts and interests. Sure, I love these activities, but before these outlets, we weren't constantly updating the world on what we were doing that day. Now, we have to constantly be doing something interesting. You have to be a fascinating person now that the magnifying glass is pressed up against your life. Do you feel the pressure?

The pressure is even trickling down to younger generations. The cool kids these days are screaming "YOLO!" (For you more seasoned adults, this stands for 'you only live once.') They wear it on their clothes, they tattoo it on their skin, and they text it back and forth as an excuse for something stupid they've done. It just makes me feel old. At 21 years old, I feel ancient compared to my generation and my 15 year old sister's generation.

Call me an old soul. Call me old fashioned. Call me a loser. Call me boring? I don't mind. But in all honesty whatever happened to simplicity? Sure, you can have fond memories of all those nights you don't remember and all those mean things you said to someone because after all, you only live once. But I think boring can be okay, especially in a world where it isn't the norm anymore. If you really listen to anything I say, listen to this advice:

Take a breath. Put down the low-cut shirts, the barely-there skirts, and don't get that YOLO tattoo. Don't buy the new song just because everyone else likes it. Open a book or write a letter. Boring used to be okay, and I think it still can be, if we are willing to try it. Maybe you'll find that "boring" isn't so boring after all.

The King of Pop!

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Michael Jackson's "Bad" celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, and the album was reissued. "Bad" was considered Michael Jackson's "coming of age" album, and with tracks like "Bad," "Man in the Mirror," and "The Way You Make Me Feel" this album is a classic. I love Michael Jackson's tunes: they're timeless and catchy. These are just a few of my favorite songs from the King of Pop...what are your favorites?

Beat It
I Just Can't Stop Loving You
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough
Rock With You
Smooth Criminal
Thriller
You Are Not Alone
Bille Jean
Black or White
Break of Dawn
 

Update!

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Yes, I'm alive. Exhausted, but alive. And so it goes. Whenever another scoop of responsibility is added to my plate, my blog suffers for a short period of time while I adjust to the change. But with school and work, it had to happen. But I'll be back on a regular schedule soon enough. (I promise.)

I'm back at school and loving it. Journalism is such a good fit for me. It simply makes me happy. I love the classes; I love what I'm learning. I'm still working as a proofreader at a job I love, and I'm now a city reporter for the campus newspaper. Life is good! When I'm not reporting, writing, doing homework, studying, in class, at work, or seeing my boyfriend, I'm sleeping. Sort of. But I'll get into the groove soon enough and be back with more. (You'll see!)

What have you been up to?

I'll leave you with a song since it happens to be a Music Monday... This is a song that always gets me through the crazy, the sad, the bad, and everything inbetween, from the man who has always been there for me through his music. Enjoy.

I saw the Chicago Sinfonietta!

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Known as "The Nation's Most Diverse Orchestra," the Chicago Sinfonietta really knows how to put on a show. I was lucky enough to see them last week, and they truly impressed me. You may think an orchestra? Yawn. But this orchestra played upbeat and unique tunes that truly made you want to dance. You couldn't help but be invested in the show; the way they played, they demanded attention through their talent. Apparently Yo Yo Ma got his start with the sinfonietta, and he has surely become a household name since that time. These people really know how to move you.

The orchestra was also joined by Brooklyn based group PROJECT Trio, who played an original set that even included a hip hop tune. Who knew that three guys, armed with a bass, cello and flute could play hip hop?!

I'm always playing a variety of music but I'm surprised how many young people aren't open to live music - especially orchestra music. I think that there is something for everyone in this kind of performance. What do you think? Do you listen to orchestra music?

"Just Jessi." For the millionth time.

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My name is Jessi Haish.
It's that simple.
Yet people always find it so difficult to call me just that. They could be standing at the front of a classroom reading off attendance, see "Jessi Haish" on their sheet of paper and say "Jessica." I don't get it. My name is right in front of you, and it takes less effort to say what's right there. Why add the extra letters?

My full name is Jessi. "Just Jessi," I've been telling people all my life when they call me Jessica or ask why I don't go by Jessica. I didn't make the decision to be "Just Jessi," my parents did. I can tell people tens of times that my name is Jessi and yet they will continue to mix it up. Why? If your name is Bob I don't call you Bill just because. It's called respect. You learn someone's name and you call her just that. Same goes for the spelling of my name. If you're Facebook friends with me or have known me for longer than a week, learn to spell my first name. It's five letters; it shouldn't be that difficult. Am I really asking that much?

I remember in middle school a girl called me Jessica and I told her that it's "just Jessi." She rolled her eyes and exclaimed that it wasn't, that I was lying. First of all, what a weird thing to lie about! Yep, I lied about my name just for fun, because I have nothing better to do. But it gets better. In the dramatic way that middle schoolers handle things, she demanded that I bring my birth certificate to school the next day to "prove" to her that my name was just Jessi because she really didn't believe me. Needless to say I didn't, but an argument ensued. Then she glared at me from the other end of the chorus the rest of the class. There I was, singing soprano and wondering why this girl had such a problem with my name.

I'm almost 22 now and I'm still trying to figure out why people can't get my name right. If my nametag, attendance sheet, or homework says Jessi, call me that. If I introduce myself as Jessi, which I always do, call me that. Don't add on extra letters to my name, you're only wasting your time. And if you don't call me by my name, I may accidentally forget yours too.

Sunny Sweeney - From A Table Away

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Sunny Michaela Sweeney is an American country music artist. She is signed to the Republic Nashville label. Her debut album, Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame, was issued in 2007. Although it produced three singles in "If I Could", "Ten Years Pass" and "East Texas Pines", none of these singles have charted. In June 2010, the lead-off to her second studio album, "From a Table Away," became her first single to chart. (Source)
 I didn't know she was who sang this song. I decided to look her up today because her picture was on my cereal box.

Hank Williams Jr & Sr - There's A Tear In My Beer

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This Western Wednesday post takes us all the way back to 1950. "There's a Tear in My Beer" is a country song written and recorded by Hank Williams, and later re-recorded by his son in 1988. The original version was written and recorded by Hank Williams during one of his Nashville sessions in 1950-51, but he decided against releasing it. It was not until many years later, in 1989, that the original song would get its first official release. (Source)
 

Hank Williams, Jr.'s version is a duet with his father created using electronic merging technology. As the song had been previously recorded with Hank Williams playing the guitar as the sole instrument, his son and his band simply "filled in the blanks" and recorded additional vocals. The music video for the song combined television footage that had existed of Hank Williams performing, onto which electronic merging technology impressed the recordings of Hank Jr., which then made it appear as if he were actually playing with his father. The video was both a critical and commercial success, and was named Video Of The Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country music. Hank Williams, Sr. & Jr., would go on to "share" a Grammy award win in 1990 for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. (Source)

Big & Rich - Lost In This Moment

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This song "Lost In This Moment" by Big & Rich Hit the top of the Billboard Country Chart 5 years ago today!
 
 Big & Rich is an American country music duo composed of Big Kenny and John Rich, both of whom are songwriters, vocalists and guitarists. Rich was a founding member of the country music band Lonestar and later a solo artist for BNA Records, while Big Kenny was formerly a solo artist on Hollywood Records. (Source)

My Life's Been a Country Song by Chris Cagle

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My Life's Been a Country Song is the fourth studio album by American country music artist Chris Cagle. It was released in February 2008 on Capitol Records Nashville. The album's lead-off single was "What Kinda Gone", which peaked at No. 3 on the country music charts in April 2008, the second single, "No Love Songs", peaked at No. 53, while the third single, "Never Ever Gone", failed to chart. (Source)
 

The album debuted at number eight on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling about 37,000 copies in its first week. It also debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart. [3] It is also Cagle's final album for Capitol.The song "I Don't Wanna Live" was also recorded by Josh Gracin on his 2008 album We Weren't Crazy as "I Don't Want to Live". "Keep Me From Loving You" was also recorded by Clay Walker on his 2010 album, She Won't Be Lonely Long. (Source)

I thought this song was much newer than it is. I hope you all like it. Leave a comment if your life has been a country song including what song. Happy Thursday.

Kenny Chesney - Young

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This song was on the radio this morning as I was driving to work. It really hit me especially after talking to a friend over the weekend about how we never thought time would fly the way our parents told us it would. Now I look back and see all that I have accomplished and the many different chapters in my book that I have closed. Thank you Kenny for putting the music to my thoughts and feelings.

Toby Is Done Making Movies

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Toby Is Done Making Movies
Toby Keith’s movie career ends with “Beer for My Horses” and “Broken Bridges,” because the singer says the return to films isn’t worth what it does to his first career, country music. “When I did the movies, it affected my songwriting. I think I had quality songs and we had hits and stuff, but it affected my day-to-day, my system, my routine and the volume of songs that I bring to the table when I record an album,” Toby tells The Country Vibe. “I got little or no bang. You know, songs get heard on the radio forever, but movies are like here and then they’re gone. ... There’s just not enough bang for my buck to waste that much time into a project.” Besides, he says, he has done what he meant to do. “[I] proved to myself that I could act and be in a movie with the Burt Reynolds and Kelly Prestons and people like that of the world, Tess Harpers, and hold my own. And it was like, ‘Alright, I done that. Now what did I get out of that?’ Other than the experience, we’re good.”

Artist Of The Day: Kenny Chesney

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Kenny Chesney

• Kenny Chesney’s debut album, “My Wildest Dreams,” was released in 1993. His other albums include “She’s All I Got,” “All I Need To Know,” “Me & You,” “When the Sun Goes Down,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “Greatest Hits,” “The Road & The Radio” and “Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates.”
  
• Chesney’s “Greatest Hits II,” which debuted at No. 1 in 2009, yielded the No. 1 hit “Out Last Night” and “I’m Alive.” It was re-released in May 2010 with two new tracks – the ESPN college football anthem “This Is Our Moment” and the Top 5 hit “Ain’t Back Yet.”
  
• Kenny produced the critically acclaimed high school football documentary “Boys Of Fall” last year. He also released his 3D concert movie “Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D” and produced and narrated a biographical film, “The Color Orange,” on his favorite football player, University of Tennessee quarterback and Canadian Football League Hall-of-Famer Condredge Holloway. The film was produced for ESPN’s “Year of the Quarterback” series and premiered in February 2011.
  
• Chesney’s album “Hemingway’s Whiskey” has yielded the No. 1 singles “The Boys of Fall,” “Somewhere With You” and “Live A Little.” “Hemingway’s Whiskey” debuted at No. 1, his sixth album to debut at the top of the charts and his 10th No. 1 album overall. “Reality,” the fifth single from the album, was released in October.
  
• Kenny Chesney’s single “You and Tequila,” the duet with Grace Potter that’s up five Academy of Country Music Awards, was recently certified platinum. It’s the second million-selling song from Chesney’s platinum, No. 1 album “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” following “Somewhere With You,” which reached that mark last year. Chesney is up for a total of nine ACM awards, the most of any artist this year.
  
• Chesney and Tim McGraw’s “Brothers of the Sun” has already sold more than 500,000 tickets. The tour will feature stadium shows on weekend dates at venues across the country, the only cities and venues Chesney will play in 2012. The tour, which kicks off in June, will also feature special guests Grace Potter & the Nocturnals and Jake Owen.
  
• Official website: www.kennychesney.com

Alan Jackson’s New Single

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Alan Jackson’s New Single
Alan Jackson is set to perform his new single on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on March 30th. “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” is the lead single from his upcoming album, due later this year. Jackson shot the video for the song at Coney Island in New York. The new album is the first from the joint venture between ACR, Alan’s Country Records, and EMI Records Nashville.

Kix Brooks Readies Debut Single

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Kix Brooks Readies Debut Single
Kix Brooks will release his first Arista Nashville solo single, “New To This Town” on March 19th. The single features Joe Walsh. After spending 20 years as one half of Brooks & Dunn, the most successful duo in country music history, Brooks is heading in his own direction. “It’s a freedom of sorts,” said Brooks. “It’s not a bitter freedom by any means, just sort of a ‘well that was fun, now what?’ Sort of like being at a theme park and looking around after riding the same roller coaster you finally say, ‘Ok I think I’ll try that one over there.’”

BamaJam Is Back

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BamaJam Is Back
BamaJam is back. After taking off last year due to the legal problems of BamaJam’s founder, the festival is back in June with Tim McGraw, Zac Brown Band and Kid Rock. The three-day entertainment music festival will be in Enterprise, Alabama, June 14-16. BamaJam 2012 spokesman Darryl Worley will perform and host the opening night. McGraw will close out the first day on June 14th. Zac Brown Band will take the stage to headline Friday’s performances, and Kid Rock closes out the festival on Sunday. Tickets will go on sale March 2nd with 3-day $99 tickets available for a limited time only. Find out more at www.bamajam2012.com. Last year’s festival was canceled because of the legal hassles of promoter Ronnie Gilley, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges involving state officials last year.

Zac Brown Band, 'No Hurry' Video

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Mark Humphrey, APArtist: Zac Brown Band

Video: "No Hurry"
(Watch below)

Why We Dig It: Caution: if you're watching this video at work, you might get a little green with envy. The ZBB guys combine three things we love in their brand-new video: music, vacation and family-bonding time. It's the perfect song to start to your summer!Continue reading Zac Brown Band, 'No Hurry' Video

Jerrod Niemann, 'Shinin' On Me' Video

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Jeremy Cowart"And who knows what tomorrow is gonna bring / But today, the sun, shinin' on me"

Jerrod Niemann's infectious new single, "Shinin' On Me," is about living in the moment and concentrating on the positive, no matter how many negatives come your way. The song's video, making its world premiere right here on The Boot, brings to life the upbeat lyrics. Filmed at Family Wash, a restaurant and music venue in East Nashville, the clip shows two very different scenes but just a few feet apart: one stressed-out businessman sitting alone outside the restaurant, while Jerrod, his band and buddies are inside having a great time. When the rain starts to pour, will their two worlds collide? Watch below to find out.

"The video for 'Shinin' On Me' is meant to show you that you don't have to let the storms of life ruin your day," the country star tells The Boot.Continue reading Jerrod Niemann, 'Shinin' On Me' Video -- Exclusive Premiere

The Band Perry, 'Postcard From Paris' Video

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TwitterArtist: The Band Perry

Video: "Postcard From Paris"

Why We Love It: The Perry siblings may not have been able to travel to Paris for their latest video, but New Orleans' French Quarter proved the next best thing. Lead singer Kimberly Perry looks to be the victim of a stalker in the clever clip, but there's an interesting twist toward the end.Continue reading The Band Perry, 'Postcard From Paris' Video

Zac Brown Band, 'The Wind' -- Song Premiere

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Atlantic/ROARThe new Zac Brown Band album Uncaged will hit stores July 10, showing what frontman Zac calls "powerful chemistry that's developed by living, traveling and working as a band." It also showcases unparalleled musicianship, as heard in the toe-tapping, infectious first single from the project, "The Wind."

"'The Wind' is a barn-burnin', bluegrass tunContinue reading Zac Brown Band, 'The Wind' -- Song Premieree off this record," says Zac of the tune, which he and the band co-wrote with Wyatt Durrette and Levi Lowrey. "It's probably the most country song we've ever done."
Listen to the world premiere of "The Wind" below!

Listen to "The Wind"

Kristen Bell, Toby Keith: CMT Awards Are 'Wide Open'

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Getty Images for CMTThe CMT Music Awards are only hours away, but while many of the artists are undoubtedly battling a case of the nerves right now, the show's two co-hosts -- Toby Keith and Kristen Bell -- are cool as cucumbers.

"It's not as scripted," Toby explains. "You can just kind of hang out. We've got some guidelines to go by, but it's wide open."

"I am a country music fan," Kristen adds. "I've presented at a variety of country music awards shows in the past because I am a fan. I don't know how I got here. They invited me, and I squealed! I obviously said yes. I'd never been to Nashville before, so I'm very excited."Continue reading Kristen Bell, Toby Keith: CMT Awards Are 'Wide Open'

The Band Perry, 'Postcard From Paris' Video

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TwitterArtist: The Band Perry

Video: "Postcard From Paris"

Why We Love It: The Perry siblings may not have been able to travel to Paris for their latest video, but New Orleans' French Quarter proved the next best thing. Lead singer Kimberly Perry looks to be the victim of a stalker in the clever clip, but there's an interesting twist toward the end.Continue reading The Band Perry, 'Postcard From Paris' Video

Zac Brown Band, 'The Wind' -- Song Premiere

To contact us Click HERE

Atlantic/ROARThe new Zac Brown Band album Uncaged will hit stores July 10, showing what frontman Zac calls "powerful chemistry that's developed by living, traveling and working as a band." It also showcases unparalleled musicianship, as heard in the toe-tapping, infectious first single from the project, "The Wind."

"'The Wind' is a barn-burnin', bluegrass tunContinue reading Zac Brown Band, 'The Wind' -- Song Premieree off this record," says Zac of the tune, which he and the band co-wrote with Wyatt Durrette and Levi Lowrey. "It's probably the most country song we've ever done."
Listen to the world premiere of "The Wind" below!

Listen to "The Wind"

Kristen Bell, Toby Keith: CMT Awards Are 'Wide Open'

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Getty Images for CMTThe CMT Music Awards are only hours away, but while many of the artists are undoubtedly battling a case of the nerves right now, the show's two co-hosts -- Toby Keith and Kristen Bell -- are cool as cucumbers.

"It's not as scripted," Toby explains. "You can just kind of hang out. We've got some guidelines to go by, but it's wide open."

"I am a country music fan," Kristen adds. "I've presented at a variety of country music awards shows in the past because I am a fan. I don't know how I got here. They invited me, and I squealed! I obviously said yes. I'd never been to Nashville before, so I'm very excited."Continue reading Kristen Bell, Toby Keith: CMT Awards Are 'Wide Open'