Hoorah for Country Music!!

For a very long time, since I can remember, I have been a fan of country music, and I'm think it's nice to hear it played on the UK radio waves now and again. Check out Lady Antebellums new Album 'Need You Now'

Firstly a little intro. Country music can be defined as a blend of many popular music forms originally found in the Southern States of the USA and Appalachian Mountains. Country music has roots in Folk and Gospil as well as old time music.

My main passion for Country and Western music stems from the fact that the songs tell stories. Yes thats right! I'ma lyric freak and most country songs contain lyrics that tell a story either based on love, work, family and just life in general.
Its my opinion that many contempory songs played in the UK charts seem to lack the lyrical content that Country Music offers. Not only the lack of good, simple lyrics but the lack of good lyrcis with good music.

For example, how often in the past couple of years have you heard a song on the UK radio - playing UK muscians whom sing well written lyrics with great melody teamed with above average vocals?! I mean real live music, not Logic created pop tracks! Honestly!

Maybe I'm being a little harsh, but in reality it's tricky to find a GREAT song! However, country musicians seem to churn them out in Nashville daily!
Not only do they churn these songs out, they make their music perfectly = Great hooks, singable choruses, catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies and lovely vocals. All this along with great muscianship must mean you're on to a winner. Which explains why Country music has been the highest selling genres of music worldwide more than once!

If you aren't a country or folk fan thats fine, but if you aren't sure...check out some of these artists and let me know what you think.....(Fleetwood Mac are more blues/rock but they've influenced some of the below)

The Dixie Chicks
FWM
Alison Krauss
Rascal Flatts
Tim Mcgraw
Stevie Nicks...
LBNL - Dolly Parton

If you like those...chek out some more!

xxx

SUMMER IS UPON US

It's that time of year, when the UK descends into a state of hysteria! An English Summer is just around the corner, and most of us will be keeping our fingers crossed for a dry July/August/September.

In recent years we've not been too lucky with sunshine over these months, but hopefully this year will be different!

The summer also means waving goodbye to the shows that kept us entertained in the earlier months of the year such as; Glee, Gossip Girl and 90210 and waving hello to the final season of; The Hills, and the newest instilation of One Tree Hill. So, if the summer doesn't manage to bring any sunshine, and rain causes havock across our nation, at least we will have something to keep us occupied whilst inside.

If unlike myself, you are not keen on the US shows, then why not head to some exhibitions this year. I recently went to the 'NEWSPEAK' exhibit at the Saatchi gallery. NEWSPEAK is a British Art show, celebrating some of the most creative artists in the UK. Mostly modern art the exhibition was really inspiring. The installations ranging from rooms full of oil to traditional painting, make this a really great afternoon out! The gallery is free, and situated just off the Kings Road, so you could make a day of it! Shopping and Art! visit http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/current/newspeak_installation_views.htm for more info.

There are plenty of things to do around town this summer...don't get stuck in get stuck out!! :D

P.S is you ever have anything you'd like to share please don't hesitate to email bezineuk@gmail.com