Controversy and Carrie Underwood, Danica Patrick joins Miranda Lambert, The Wallflowers, Smashing Pumpkins

"BLOWN AWAY"    CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Who would have guessed that America's country music princess, Carrie Underwood, would be skirting controversy with her latest video.   On her new CD, she released "Two Black Limousines" that discussed two women dealing with a guy cheating on both of them.   Here on "Blown Away" she created a darker version of the Wizard Of Oz.   "There's not enough rain in Oklahoma to wash away the sins of that house".   Carrie said the acting in this video was so intense, she left with actual bruises after filming.

 
"FASTEST GIRL IN TOWN"   MIRANDA LAMBERT

Back in December, I posted a lyric video of this song and called it my pick as the best song on Miranda's new CD.  Check out the lyrics at my prior post.  Here's the premiere of Mrs. Blake Shelton's new video!  I don't spoil the fun but you just know when Miranda and NASCAR's Danica Patrick stroll into the bar, trouble is brewing!  Listen for the lightning quick guitar solo at the end of the song.  The video reminds me of Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie in "Gone In 60 Seconds". 

"REBOOT THE MISSION"  THE WALLFLOWERS with MICK JONES (of The Clash)

I absolutely love everything about this video!   First, it's the return of Jakob Dylan and The Wallflowers.  Like his father, Jakob's voice is one of a kind.  They add in Mick Jones of The Clash to create a hybrid mix of music that sounds like Big Audio Dynamite with a little reggae vibe. To add to the retro 90's sound, the video features some of the best moonwalking, breakdancing, and popping and locking since Ice-T in "Breakin'".   

DAILY MUSIC TRIVIA:   The Smashing Pumpkins performed at what concert on an episode of The Simpsons?  Yesterday:  young Lindsay Lohan dressed up as garbage on Late Night With David Letterman
  
"VIOLET RAYS"  SMASHING PUMPKINS 

While we're bringing back classic 90's rock heroes like the Wallflowers, Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins are back with an impressive NEW CD called Oceania.   The nine minute title track is epic with swirling guitars, a beautiful atmosphere, and one of those songs destined to be a concert favorite.   "Violet Rays" rocks hard highlighted by new drummer, Mike Byrne, a perfect compliment to Billy's lyrics.   The new CD doesn't have that big radio ready single but taken as a 13 track compilation, it's one of the best new releases of 2012.

 

Brand New Country Songs For The Summer: Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith

"TWO BLACK CADILLACS"   CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Sounding like the follow-up to "Before He Cheats", this new song has MAJOR hit potential.  Carrie's theme of vengeance for cheating gets doubled when a man's wife and mistress meet at his grave.  "It was the first and last time they saw each other face to face, they shared a crimson smile and just walked away".

"NO HURRY"   ZAC BROWN BAND

July 10th is the scheduled release date for the new Zac Brown Band CD, "Uncaged".    I've been loving this band for years before they hit it big and look forward to see what direction they're heading with the new material.  The lead single is this perfect laid-back summer song.   "Heaven knows I ain't perfect, I've raised a little cain, and I plan to raise a whole lot more before I hear the angels sing".

"SING 'EM GOOD MY FRIEND"  KENNY CHESNEY
Early running for my favorite CD of 2012 is the new Kenny Chesney CD, Life In A Fishbowl.   "Sing Em Good My Friend" is INCREDIBLE!   It's a contender for the greatest song Kenny has recorded.  The "do do do" intro reminds me of Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side".   The lyrics remind me of "Don't Blink" and "I Go Back", tender words about cherished memories of the love of your life.  Some funerals turn into festive parties of the great memories, this song conjures up those images.
                                                                                  

"HER LIFE'S A SONG"  ALAN JACKSON

Traditional country will never go out style while artists like Alan Jackson are still around.  "Her Life's A Song" is 1990's AJ with a style similar to his biggest hits "Gone Country" and "Chattahoochee".    The new song is about a woman who loves great music whether it's hip hop, country, rock, or tunes that make her dance all night long.    

"BEERS AGO"   TOBY KEITH

Another great summer jam, Toby's back with a fast paced rocker.   "Beers Ago" is from his Clancy's Tavern CD and it's the perfect country song to crank up the volume, roll down the windows, and get the party started!   "Had me a hand me down ride painted rattle can red, second hand tires with poor boy tread" going to get his girl "the second runner up in the 4H pageant"!     FUN summer jam!