Schedule of Appearances:

Feb. 2nd – Austin City Limits
Feb. 3rd – CBS Sunday Morning
Feb. 5th – The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Feb. 5th – Ram Country on Yahooo! (Special live stream aboard the USS Midway in San Diego)
Feb. 6th – The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Feb. 7th – Jimmy Kimmel Live
Feb. 8th – MusiCares Person of the Year – Bruce Springsteen tribute
Feb. 11th – Chelsea Lately

McGraw will also be hitting the road for his Two Lanes of Freedom 2013 Tour on May 2nd and will play 30 cities on the trek. The tour will also feature Brantley Gilbert and Love & Theft.

For more information and tour dates, check out: www.timmcgraw.com.

Related posts:

1. Tim McGraw to headline 30-city tour
2. Country Artists Make the Grammy Album Cut
3. Tim McGraw album details!

Country Thunder 2013 will feature more on-site entertainment than ever before. The premier festival will offer a wide array of lifestyles activities ranging from Electric Thunder, which features electric music nightly, to thrill rides. And this year will feature the brand new Bluegrass tent.

2013 lineup:

Thursday:
4:00-5:00pm Chris Janson
5:30-6:30pm Sweetwater Rain
7:00-8:30pm Kip Moore
9:00-10:30pm Brantley Gilbert

Friday:
1:00-2:00pm TBA
2:30-3:30pm TBA
4:00-5:00pm Jana Kramer
5:30-6:30pm Love & Theft
7:00-8:30pm Tracy Lawrence
9:00-10:30pm  Eric Church

Saturday:
1:00-2:00pm TBA
2:30-3:30pm Morgan Frazier
4:00-5:00pm Parmalee
5:30-6:30pm Diamond Rio
7:00-8:30pm Lee Brice
9:00-10:30pm Toby Keith

Sunday:
1:00-2:00pm TBA
2:30-3:30pm Edens Edge
4:00-5:00pm TBA
5:30-6:30pm Jerrod Niemann
7:00-8:30pm Justin Moore
9:00-10:30pm Lady Antebellum

Get your tickets now for Country Thunder at www.countrythunder.com so you don’t miss out on the fabulous $99 early bird special!

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1. Nominees for ACAs Announced
2. ACM “Salute To The Military” Concert Announced
3. Steel Magnolia To Perform At ACM Experience

Artists leading all nominees this year are Luke Bryan with seven, and Lady Antebellum tying for second with Zac Brown Band with six nominations each. Eric Church and Taylor Swift both have five nominations each. Check out the full list of nominees below and let us know who you’ll be voting for. Fans can vote at theacas.com for their favorite artists, and make sure to tune in December 10th to see who wins!

Performers and presenters will be announced shortly, so stay tuned for that announcement too!

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1. CMT Music Awards Presenters Announced
2. Nominees For The Teen Choice Awards Announced
3. Country Artists Up For Billboard Awards

“Awesome night in Detroit Fired up to announce I’m Headlining the @CMT Tour this fall with @LNTweet and @FLAGALine. Gonna be a party!!”

The tour kicks off on October 10th in New York City. Past CMT On Tour headliners include Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Jamey Johnson, Keith Urban and Randy Houser. Jake first appeared on CMT On Tour in 2007 as the special guest for Sugarland.

Check out the list of official announced tour dates below and let us know if you’ll be going:

Oct. 10: New York City (Best Buy Theater)

Oct. 12: Jackson, N.J. (Six Flags)

Oct. 18: Detroit (Royal Oak Music Theatre)

Oct. 19: Corbin, Ky. (The Arena)

Oct. 26: Charlotte, N.C. (Coyote Joe’s)

Oct. 27: Troy, Ohio (Hobart Arena)

Nov. 2: San Antonio (Cowboys Dancehall)

Nov. 3: Fort Worth, Texas (Billy Bob’s)

Nov. 8: Myrtle Beach, S.C. (House of Blues)

Nov. 9: Duluth, Ga. (Wild Bill’s)

Nov. 10: Savannah, Ga. (Johnny Mercer Theatre)

Nov. 29-30: Chicago (House of Blues)

Dec. 1: Des Moines, Iowa (Val Air Ballroom)

Dec. 5: Kansas City, Mo. (The Midland)

Dec. 6: Minneapolis (Myth)

Dec. 7: Milwaukee (The Rave)

Dec. 8: St. Louis (The Pageant)

Dec. 15: Vero Beach, Fla. (Jake Owen Foundation Charity Show)

Related posts:

1. VIDEO: Jake Owen’s New Video for “The One That Got Away”
2. Jake Owen Comments On Engagement
3. Jake Owen: Behind The Scenes

His latest number one is with RCA Nashville duo Love and Theft. He produced their new album and their number one single “Angel Eyes.” He’s pretty excited about the duo, and shares:

“Love and Theft is a TRUE duo!! Two great singers, songwriters and performers that equally carry the weight! I’m very fortunate to be given the opportunity to work with such talented REAL people!”

Eric Gunderson and Eric Barker Liles were just as excited to be working with Josh:

“Josh Leo is the man!  He is a legend and it has been such a pleasure to work with him.  We are so honored to be a part of his 23rd #1 song.  We look forward to making music with Josh for years to come!” says Eric Gunderson.

 

“Josh Leo!!!!  Our other dad!!!  I couldn’t be more happy for him to land his 23rd #1 record.  We are honored to work with him and blessed to call him our friend.  Congrats Josh!” comments Stephen Barker Liles.

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2. Eric Church Gets First #1 Single
3. Josh Turner Releasing New Music In New Year

The pair is at their best when they’re sharing lead vocal duty and harmonizing. Both Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson get some solo time on this album, and though they perform well, it loses what makes them unique as a group.

“Love and Theft” opens with “Angel Eyes”, which I reviewed here. Everything I said then still applies – I love this song.

“Inside Out” is a sexy little number about taking a girl from a barroom… and “maybe getting you thinking about/turning those blue jeans inside out”. It invites comparison to Brad Paisley’s “Ticks”, though it could also be a Blake Shelton or Dierks Bentley hit. That said, I like the way L&T does it – a little softer and gentler than either of the latter two would be capable of.

“Runnin’ Out Of Air” is a super cool tune with shades of Maroon 5, owing to the guitar, the drums, and the vocal style. Without giving too much away, I can’t get enough of this one. It’s addictive exactly the way the ex in the song is, but without the regret. Knowing now that L&T are capable of this, I want to hear more like it.

A sweet love song follows in “Amen”. The singer trusts that “The Man” won’t mind if he misses church just once, to “take in something spiritual/right here, right now in your eyes”. Formulaic, but it’s still a good song.

“If You Ever Get Lonely” is another fairly formulaic go at the unrequited-love-for-an-ex sub-genre. There’s nothing really unique about it, but again, L&T do it well.

They tick off another box with the next song, the I-want-to-be-more-than-friends “Thinking of You (And Me)”. When they harmonize on the title line, I can’t help but like it, despite my usual feelings about generic songs.

I really like the idea of “Town Drunk”, which is essentially a love song about the daughter of the eponymous drunk. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get into it. The melody is a little boring, but I think it was sometimes-awkward lyrics that really turned me off. It’s a rare miss for the pair. If they could get a do-over, I’d like to see the concept re-written more in the style of Gary Allan or even the Eli Young Band – either deeper and darker, or more adventuresome musically.

Luckily, they come back with another great one: “Real Good Sign”. The singers walk us through a man’s mind during a first date, with all the uncertainty and nervousness and wondering if or when to make a move. And as there always is with songs I really like, there’s one line that stands out. Here, it’s the start of the chorus: “She hasn’t tried to kiss me/but I do believe it’s crossed her mind.” This deserves radio airtime, and a lot of it.

“She’s Amazing” is another pretty standard ballad – bordering on what would be called a power ballad if it were done by a rock band.

The second-last song is the fun “Girls Love To Shake It”. The easiest description is that it’s one of those “list” songs – “Rain likes to fall, sun likes to shine…money likes to burn a hole in both my pockets…girls love to shake it shake it shake it all night.” Definitely a fun one.

The album closes with “Girls Look Hot In Trucks”. Despite a name that would fit easily as a lyric in the previous song, it’s a very different song. Soft and almost understated, L&T sing about all the things guys disagree about, before concluding “but everybody knows/girls look hot in trucks”.

It took me almost till the end of the album to figure out why, but it seemed to me for a while that the record was bit one-dimensional. I finally realized that every single song was about girls. That may not seem unusual, especially in country, but there’s usually at least one or two about drinking, family, trucks, work, or “the” country. Here, it’s all girls. Love and Theft would do well to explore those subjects, too. I like girls as much as anyone, but 11 straight songs is almost too much.

One-dimensionality aside, it’s a solid effort. “Angel Eyes” is already climbing the charts and seeing increased airplay, and “Inside Out”, “Runnin’ Out Of Air”, and “Real Good Sign” could all easily be big hits. The concert favourite will be “Girls Love To Shake It”. “Thinking Of You (And Me)” might be the potential sleeper hit.

Although I think they were stronger as a trio, the reborn L&T remain a great act, and I can’t argue with the six tracks I really liked. I look forward to hearing them more on-air and on my iPod.

“Love and Theft” came out July 24.

RATING: 8/10

Related posts:

1. VIDEO: Love and Theft Discuss Their Self-Titled Debut Album
2. Love & Theft Album Up For Pre-Order Now!
3. REVIEW: Love And Theft – Angel Eyes

Next category up for our ACM Awards‘ polls is Vocal Duo Of The Year…

Who gets your vote: Love & Theft, Montgomery Gentry, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, or Thompson Square?

Yesterday, we posted the New Artist poll! Did you vote?

And stay tuned, more polls will be rolling out soon!

Related posts:

1. POLL: ACM Awards – New Artist Of The Year
2. Poll: CMA Entertainer of the Year
3. Poll: CMA Vocal Duo of the Year

Now that the fine print is out of the way, check out our picks below!

10. Love & Theft – “Don’t Wake Me” – Live in Savannah EP

Love & Theft’s performance of “Don’t Wake Me,” off of the band’s Live in Savannah EP, highlights everything that’s great about the group. Three (now two) great looking guys singing perfect harmonies on killer pop-country songs. Any cut from this album could have made our list, but this was a personal favorite. The band gained certain notoriety when Taylor Swift wrote “Hey Stephen” about member Stephen Barker Liles, but if Love & Theft can keep their moment going with live shows like this one there’s a good chance they’ll give Rascal Flatts a run for their money in a few years.

9. Kenny Chesney – “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy – Live Those Songs Again

Kenny Chesney has long ruled the country music touring circuit; one of the few acts in any genre that can consistently sell out stadiums, so it should be no surprise that he made our list. “Tractor” is a reminder of exactly what makes Kenny so fun to see live. It’s a fun summertime party with the best soundtrack.

Check out the rest of the list after the jump!

8. Carrie Underwood – “I’ll Stand By You” – I’ll Stand By You  – Single

American Idol’s reigning sales Queen, Carrie Underwood returned to the Idol stage in 2007 to perform a cover of the classic “I’ll Stand By You” during the charitable Idol Gives Back episode. The performance is quintessentially Carrie – Can nyone can deliver a vocal performance quite as flawlessly as this girl? And though Underwood is often criticized for her sometimes robotic, unemotional performances, this delivery was spot on. It’s a perfect example of the sonic gold that happens when a great song is paired with an incredible vocalist.

7. Martina McBride – “This One’s For the Girls” – Martina McBride: Live in Concert

This song is a feel good, girl power track that serves as a rallying cry in concert. With a catchy hook and a positive message Martina makes sure everyone is on their feet and, in this version, peppers in a few “We’re in the together anecdotes.” It’s also a great vehicle to show off her strong, powerful, full-bodied voice. And, as a fellow Kansan, I like to see folks from my own backyard succeed.

6. Miranda Lambert – “The House That Built Me” – Revolution: Live By Candlelight EP

While not a huge departure from the actual album cut, a Best Female Country Performance Grammy for the song would indicate that it doesn’t need to be. The track works entirely because of the lyrics, which Lambert delivers perfectly. Perhaps one of the best parts of this performance isn’t the track itself, but is the between song banter during which Lambert reveals that she heard the song on a demo tape for hubby Blake Shelton. Clearly, juicy insider info fans love.

5. Sugarland – “Come On Get Higher” – Love on the Inside (Deluxe Fan Edition)

As a writer for this blog, this is probably politically incorrect of me, but I’m going to say it: Jennifer Nettles has the best voice in country music today. I can’t even pretend to be unbiased about this band and their cover of Matt Nathanson’s “Come on Get Higher” is a standout track on the group’s multi-platinum selling Love on the Inside. With already heady lyrics, Nettles gives the song a sexy vibe and partner Kristian Bush adds perfectly complimentary backing vocals and guitar on this acoustic number.

4. Keith Urban – “You’ll Think of Me” – Livin’ Right Now DVD

It’s impossible to talk about Keith Urban and not talk about his incredible guitar playing. While this song might not show off the height of his abilities, it’s still incredible to watch a killer guitar player at work. The song itself is an uplifting number about pulling through a breakup and, while the entire song is a standout, it’s the final, passionate minute of the performance that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

3. Kelly Clarkson – “Up on the Mountain” – Idol Gives Back

In 2007, Kelly Clarkson was asked by her label to perform her current single on Idol Gives Back, American Idol’s annual charity show. Thinking that the event wasn’t an appropriate place to pimp her current material, she chose instead to cover “Up to the Mountain,” an inspiring song written by country-folk great Patty Griffin. Thank God she did. Join onstage with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, Clarkson’s rootsy, soulful voice was on full display. Mean judge Simon Cowell later commented about the performance, “When you let her come back on the show it makes everybody else look like an amateur.” Enough said.

2. Dixie Chicks – “Cowboy Take Me Away” – Top of the World Tour Live

Before the Dixie Chicks became punching bags for the right wing, they were three incredible country girls who wrote universal songs and sold a lot of albums and ticket sales doing it. This song, “Cowboy Take Me Away,” is one of their finest. Co-written by group member Martie Maguire, the track is a simple love song about needing only your man by your side. The song is performed beautifully and with emotion that is more ingrained than on the album, a sure treat for any fan of the trio.

1. Zac Brown Band – “Oh My Sweet Carolina” – You Get What You Give (Deluxe Version)

It was hard to pick a true winner for this list because these are all incredible live performances and, let’s be honest, this whole thing is completely subjective anyway. (I’d like to shamelessly plug our comments section below to share your own favorites.) But for me, a great live performance happens when a great song and the right artist come together and deliver something completely unexpected that keeps an audience captivated. Zac Brown Band’s “Oh My Sweet Carolina” delivers on all accounts. The track is a Ryan Adam’s cover but Zac Brown Band’s delivery creates a different journey for the song altogether. While Adams’ version comes off as a bit depressed and hopeless looking back on his life choices, Zac Brown Band transforms the song to something that sounds nostolgic and almost hopeful. It’s a beautiful number and a fantastic inclusion on the You Get What You Give Deluxe Edition.

So, that’s it Keepin’ It Countryers! Did you love our list? Do you think we’re crazy for leaving out one of your favorites? Let us know below!

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