THE OAK RIDGE BOYS HAVE STARTED A MUCH NEEDED REVIVAL WITH THEIR NEW CD, "17TH AVENUE REVIVAL"

 

By definition, a "revival" is a reawakening, a restoration of force or validity. The Oak Ridge Boys named their latest project "17th Avenue Revival" for a reason because that's exactly what they knew this collection of the perfect songs, produced by the perfect person was going to be just that, the revival that we needed. This new CD is unlike any other these legends have released and even though the CD doesn't officially hit shelves until March 16, the reviews are coming in droves of nothing but positive reaction. I think the Boys have finally outdone themselves and that's pretty hard to do.

I remember speaking to Duane Allen in their Hendersonville, TN office last September during a personal trip to Nashville and they had just completed recording and were out starting to talk to people around town about the CD. He told me this was going to be something special, something different and something that would be talked about for a long time. He said it wasn't a typical Oaks release, it had that something different that reached out to multi-genres and various age groups. He was so proud but I don't think even he knew how understated he was at that time. This CD is OUTSTANDING. It's a result of four men believing in every word they sing and in wanting to revive a message of unity and coming together and it's the result of the vision of one of country music's most amazing producers, Dave Cobb, who knew just what the Oaks were wanting to do and how they wanted it to sound.

"17th Avenue Revival" has given us a return to that southern gospel sound that The Oak Ridge boys are known and respected for, it's brought us back full circle to the kind of music that only the Oaks can pull off in only a way that the Oaks can pull off. This CD is exactly what we needed, at the exact time in this world when we truly need something to get us back on our feet and rejoicing again and giving us reason to bow our heads in gratitude for the multitude of blessings we sometimes forget we've been given. Well written music with a message is one of those blessings that seems to get lost in today's country. This CD is a blessing to any country music fan who appreciates a story and great lyrics and with tracks written by artists such as Jamey Johnson, Ashley Monroe, Vince Gill, Buddy Cannon, Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, and other songwriting royalty, it's a reason to say thank you. It's a reminder that God isn't forgotten, that He hasn't been cast aside and that His presence is brighter than ever and it's put forth in such a way in this CD that it's not really "religious", it's just simply apparent. It puts faith back in country music, a place where it has always been welcome. The Oak Ridge Boys have made that light shine again in country music and made us want to jump to our feet and yell "Hallelujah and Pass the Cornbread! Now THIS is some good music y'all!" Even if you're not a religious person, this will still get ya in right in the spirit.

"Pray to Jesus", written by one of country's best storytellers, Brandy Clark, and Shane McAnally who pretty much has written most of the hits on today's charts, has been called one of the "Best Songs of The Week"of Feb 23, 2018 by Rolling Stone. We loved it on Brandy's debut CD and we love it even more now.

The CD is set for release on March 16. You can pre-order your digital copy now on most outlets or you can order the physical CD, collector's vinyl, or even cassette at www.oakridgeboys.com. (They even donated a special Edison cylinder version to the Country Music Hall of Fame! How awesome is that???)

OAK RIDGE BOYS - 17TH AVENUE REVIVAL

TRACK LISTING

1. “Brand New Star” (Aaron Raitiere & Mando Saenz)
2. “There Will Be Light” (Jamey Johnson, Larry Shell & Buddy Cannon)
3. “God’s Got It” (Charlie Jackson)
4. “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (Rhea Miller & George Beverly Shea)
5. “Walk in Jerusalem” (Traditional /Public Domain)
6. “Where He Leads Me I Will Follow” (Ernest W. Blandy / Public Domain)
7. “Pray to Jesus” (Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally)
8. “If I Die” (Ashley Monroe & Vince Gill)
9. “Let It Shine on Me” (Vince Gill & Ashley Monroe)

Connect with the Oaks online

Website - www.oakridgeboys.com
Twitter - @oakridgeboys - @joebonsall - @duaneallen - @rasterban - @wlgolden
Facebook - Oak Ridge Boys   
Instagram - @theoakridgeboys 

SIX MONTHS ... SIX SONGS

We're already half way through 2015, can you believe it? The year has been full of great music with even more great music to come. Since we're at the mid point of the year, I'd like to point out six songs, released in 2015, that were most played on my iPod and fall into the category of "Damn I Love This Song." They're all great artists and all of the music is available on iTunes. Keep in mind, these are just my personal favorites so they may not necessarily agree with yours, so no, I didn't "leave anyone out". I just decided to narrow it down to six since we're six months away from another year and I threw in one bonus. These are in no particular order, they all rock.

1. "Love Me Like You Mean It" - Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini is hardly the "tomato" in country music's "salad" as a certain radio consultant referred to female country artists this week in an interview with Country Aircheck. She's the dressing that tops off the salad and gives boring lettuce that extra oomph. As a matter of fact, Kelsea Ballerini is chock full of oomph and awesome from the top of her blonde head down to the tips of her stillettos.

Her personality is infectious and she's that girl that turns everyone's head when she enters the room because of her great attitude. Love, love, love this girl and love seeing how far she's gone. This song just makes you sing along.

2. "Can't Get Away From a Good Time" - Logan Mize

He may be a simple, blue collar kinda guy, having gone from truck driver to the new guy on the country music block, but there's nothing simple about his songwriting abilities. Logan Mize is impressive with his lyrics and delivery. He's got that killer rasp in his voice that comes naturally, not put on like some artists do. His songs tell a story and the stories they tell come from the life he's lived. He's a likeable guy, very personable and literally the kind of guy you can sit down with as a stranger and leave as a friend.

3. "Clean Up on Aisle Five" - Mo Pitney

Mo, Mo, Mo. Mo Pitney came along at the perfect time, right when country music needed a clean up of it's own. I really can't say enough about him. As a person, he's impressive. As an artist, he's amazing. As someone who can give country back the roots it's strayed from, he's perfect. This song made me cry the first time I heard it and cry even harder each additional time. It resulted in a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry. All I can say is thank you Mo.

4. "Country" - Mo Pitney

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See? I can't say enough about him and I really can't listen to him enough either. I really can't wait until the full length album comes out. Mo defines country and country, in turn, defines Mo Pitney. If you do one thing right this year, buy Mo's music.

5. "Better Than You Left Me" - Mickey Guyton

I love Mickey Guyton. Everything about Mickey and this song is refreshing. Country needs to hear more from this songbird. 

6. "On To Something Good" - Ashley Monroe

Another hands in the air, let's give it up for the women that can sing about more than a broken heart and how they can get back at the guy. This song just makes me feel good from the first note to the last, it makes me "seat dance" in the car, and it's very motivational and inspires you to keep on going! Really hope radio latches on to this "something good" song.

7. *BONUS* - "My Mistake" - Cam

Cam is the bomb.com. She's bubbly, she's "in your face" and she can sing her canary yellow wearing butt off. For a debut single, she made one heck of an imprint on country music. How can you not like this girl? Her entire EP is fantastic and man can she sing! Did I mention she can SING?

SINGLE REVIEW: "ON TO SOMETHING GOOD" - ASHLEY MONROE

SINGLE: "On to Something Good"
ARTIST: Ashley Monroe
REVIEWER: Jennifer Smith
Follow Jenn on Twitter at @LovinLyrics

Seriously, how the H-E_double pool sticks is Ashley Monroe not up for awards and considered one of country's best female artists? Her voice is like a ray of country sunshine shining through a field of way too many soundalikes. Her voice has that distinctive country twang that stands above the crowd and the way she knows her way around a song is pretty darn awesome if you ask me, which you didn't but I'm gonna tell you anyway. She stands out like an exclamation mark at the end of a four letter word, she leaves her mark on any song she sings. Could I kiss her boots any more? Yes, I could, but it's noon and I'm hungry so I'm gonna wrap this up pretty quick.

Fresh off "Lonely Tonight", her hit single with the king of BS, Blake Shelton, her latest single, "On to Something Good", is anything but BS. This song is different than anything else we're hearing right now and I really like it. The repeat button was hit quite a few times on this one. When you turn on anything by Ashley Monroe, you've just been turned on to something good. This song is upbeat, it's fun, the beat is extremely catchy and you will find yourself tapping your feet whether you meant to or not and realistically, you'll be moving your butt in your seat to the beat. This song will lift you up no matter how low you are, will just put you in a good mood. I really hope radio picks up on this one, we could all sure use something good these days. How do you NOT love this girl? With lyrics like this, how can you not feel like you're on to something good? It gives you hope and a reason to keep moving.

"On to Something Good" is the first single off of her upcoming CD and is available to stream FREE on Spotify through February 24, 2015.

"Lost and found, I’m better dancing when I don’t look down
Hard times roll up but they don’t hang around
I feel like I’m on to something good
I’m better moving on than going back
I’ll ride this train till it runs out of track
I feel like I’m on to something, something, something"

#EstrogenAttacksBack

CMT AWARDS UPDATE: ARTISTS ARE AT A "PREMIUM" ON THE NATIONWIDE INSURANCE STAGE

Ashley Monroe, Cassadee Pope, Dustin Lynch, Kree Harrison, Love And Theft and Randy Houser will perform on the Nationwide Insurance stage at the 2013 CMT Music Awards. The show, hosted by Jason Aldean and Kristen Bell, airs live June 5 from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

CMT CROSSROADS TO FEATURE WILLIE NELSON AND FRIENDS FROM THIRD MAN

Willie Nelson & Friends From Third Man are showcased on the next CMT Crossroads. The episode will celebrate Willie's 80th birthday. The performance was filmed at Jack White's Third Man Records in Nashville. The show is scheduled to air in June and includes performances by Sheryl Crow, Jamey Johnson, Norah Jones, Ashley Monroe, Leon Russell and Neil Young. This one's gonna rock!

ONLINE EVENT (STAGEIT.COM) - APRIL 10: ASHLEY MONROE LIVE FROM MUSIC SQUARE

The Pistol Annies' Ashley Monroe will perform on Live from Music Square tomorrow, Wednesday, April 10. The live performance will be available online via StageIt and will be followed by a question and answer session.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS AND TO GET YOUR TICKET!

COMING UP AT THE OPRY - DECEMBER 2012

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*NOTE* - Jimmy Wayne will be signing his book "Paper Angels" in the Ryman lobby immediately after his show

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*NOTE* - Joey + Rory will be signing in the Ryman lobby immediately after their performance

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