Gretchen Wilson's "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is voted ESPN best
Monday, July 14, 2008 – Fans voted Gretchen Wilson's version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" the winner on ESPN's Baseball Tonight. The show commemorated the 100th anniversary of the famous seventh inning stretch song with a "battle of the bands" competition. Nine artists recorded their versions of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," which were televised on the show over a two-week stretch. Fans then voted on ESPN.com and the winner was announced on last night's Baseball Tonight.
Other finalists were the Punch Brothers, led by Chris Thile of Nickel Creek fame, and Ozomatli. Also participating were The Game, REO Speedwagon, Candlebox, The Cab, Branford Marsalis, Lloyd, John Pizzarelli and baseball journalist Peter Gammons, who released an album on Rounder two years ago.
More news for Gretchen Wilson
CD reviews for Gretchen Wilson
One of the Boys
Gretchen Wilson became a superstar with her ballsy chick, white trash persona anthem "Redneck Woman" from the equally anthemic "Here for the Party." She delivered a big, bold voice real comfy with a honky tonker. And while "All Jacked Up," the second release was generally solid, it did nowhere near the sales of the debut. So, Wilson may at a career crossroads already. Fortunately, she tones it down without going for the big, ballsy sound of the first 2 CDS with a lot »»» |
All Jacked Up
Gretchen Wilson became an overnight superstar with her debut "Here For the Party" and her fem power song "Redneck Woman" and blue collar attitude taking her all the way to the bank.
Of course, the question is whether Wilson is able to follow up such a tremendously successful album with a worthy album and for the most of the time, the answer is a resounding yes. If the debut didn't exist, then this CD would be just fine, but she is in competition against herself.
Her voice remains a supple »»» |
Here for the Party
Gretchen Wilson could be a one-hit wonder, given the huge success of her breakout debut single, "Redneck Woman," but that would be to the detriment of a very strong debut from the southern Illinois native.
Wilson, 30, got a big, tough sounding voice, recalling Natalie Maines. She isn't afraid to belt it out on the bluesy, rocking title track or the gospel/blues/funk of "Chariot." The anthemic "Redneck Woman" keeps the pace hopping.
But Wilson isn't afraid of a ballad either. »»» |
Editorial: American Idol's Carrie Underwood can sing –
If anyone saw the Super Bowl – what a great great game that was – they would have heard American Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood sing the National Anthem. Underwood did with her voice what Kelly Clarkson did last week with her written words – give it to Scott Borchetta, the head of Big Machine Records,, who tried defending Taylor Swift by knocking American Idol performers. »»»
Concert Review: McBride, Adkins shine sometimes –
As Martina McBride pointed out, the pairing of the country singer with Trace Adkins on their current jaunt was surprising. After all, she's of diva-quality voice, petite, non-controversial unless you call singing songs that empower women controversial. Adkins, on the other hand, has not been afraid to speak his mind with a kick butt attitude.... »»»
Concert Review: Eilen Jewell wears her musical hats well –
Eilen Jewell wears a lot of musical hats. The Idaho native, who now lives in Boston, fronts the Eilen (ee-lin) Jewell Band, a pretty much traditional country band. She's a member the Sacred Shakers, an octet doing gospel country with a country beat. And she has yet another project, Butcher Holler, covering Loretta Lynn songs.... »»»
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Here it is the top 30 for 2009. This isn't authoritative in case you thought otherwise. It's just one man's opinion about his favorite CDs of the year, which seemed a cut above everything else. It was incredibly hard figuring out a number one CD for the year between the Avett Brothers, Brad Paisley and George Strait. All three were great albums from different perspectives of country and roots music, and at any one time over the past few days, each was my favorite. Come back in a few days, and who knows? Maybe the order will change.... »»»
Haywire
There are two versions of Josh Turner's fourth CD - standard and deluxe. The deluxe has the same 11 tracks as the standard, plus (among other goodies) live versions of previously released songs Long Black Train and Your Man . But don't spend more money than you have to; if it's redundancy you're looking for, there's plenty to be had on the standard version. »»» |
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