New Music: Kristian Bush--"Trailer Hitch"

If you've been listening to country music within the past decade, you've no doubt heard of Sugarland.

Originally a trio, Sugarland hit country airwaves in July, 2004 with "Baby Girl", and have been on a roll of hits from then on.

In 2006 group founder, Kristen Hall, left the group, leaving Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush to carry on as a duo.

The end of 2011 also brought an end, (at least temporarily), to Sugarland.  Though both Nettles and Bush say the duo has not split up, they've taken a break to pursue solo projects.  Nettles has put out at least one single, "That Girl", and gone on the road to promote the single and CD.

During the Sugarland hiatus Bush has been writing songs and touring the country.  Whether this is the reason it's taken longer for him to release a song to radio, I don't know.  What I do know is, his first solo contribution to country music was worth the wait.

"Trailer Hitch" is an upbeat, almost tongue in cheek look at life and it's excesses.

The singer tells how much happier he'll be with less things in his life to worry about; and the over all emphasis of the tune is that you can't take things with you when you die.  Or as the song itself states, "never seen a hearse with a trailer hitch".

Though Kristian Bush may have been almost silent as a member of Sugarland, now that he's chosen to let his voice be heard, it seems he'll be making a big impact on country listeners everywhere.  Give "Trailer Hitch" a listen and see what you think.

Gwen Sebastian @ the Bing Lounge-4-23-12

 
To be totally honest, I don't watch any of the shows like "American Idol" or, "The Voice".  Not because I don't like them; simply because I'd get too caught up in them, especially being on more than once a week. I do keep up on music and the like however, so I have heard of Gwen Sebastian and that she'd been on this season of "The Voice".

Since being eliminated, Gwen has been doing the "radio tour", taking her music to radio stations all over the country.  The evening of April 23, 2012, Gwen's stop was the Bing Lounge in Portland, Oregon, for KUPL listeners. 

While listening to Gwen perform, I kept thinking how her voice reminds me of Kellie Pickler, yet is different and distinct enough to also have her own unique style.

At the same time, watching Gwen, I was reminded of Jennifer Nettles, from Sugarland.  Gwen's passion for her music shines through in every movement and gesture she makes.  You can tell music is part of her soul, and flows through her veins. From ballads, to upbeat tunes, Gwen can do it all, and gives it her all when she does.  I especially like her new single, "Met Him In A Motel Room".

If having a beautiful voice, and great personality weren't enough, Gwen is also a genuinely nice person.  She took time to sign autographs, take pictures AND thank each person for coming to the Bing Lounge to see her.

Gwen Sebastian may have been eliminated from "The Voice", however, I truly believe she has a bright future ahead of her in country music.  If you ever get the chance to see Gwen perform live, do it!

REVIEW--Lionel Richie--"Tuskegee"

Knowing that reviews are usually skewed, owing to the opinions of the person doing the reviewing, I'll put this out first thing:  I'd forgotten how much I love Lionel Richie's music!

With that said, it's kind of a given that those who've liked Richie's music in the past, will like "Tuskegee".  After all, Richie's latest contribution is made up of thirteen of his biggest hits from the past.

Not that "Tuskegee" is a "Greatest Hits", or "tribute" CD; it's more a combination of the two.

On the greatest hits side, you have Lionel Richie singing, what else, his greatest hits.

While most tribute albums have other artists performing someone else's hits, the "tribute" part of this CD actually pairs country artists with Richie, putting a new spin on his classic hits.

Sometimes these things can be disasterous; "Tuskegee" though is a definite winner!  As an example, I'm not a big Rascal Flatts fan; however, one of my favorite tracks is the duet of "Dancing on the Ceiling", they do with Lionel.

Even one of the less stellar duets, "Hello", (done with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles), is still good; it just doesn't shine as brightly as other tracks.  Funny thing is, "Hello" is over all one of my favorite Lionel Richie tunes.

Again, if you aren't a Lionel Richie fan, you may not like his latest offering.  Those who are though should be very happy with "Tuskegee".