All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down - The Mavericks  - 1996 -  (Album - Music For All Occasions)

Today in country we have new artists that are trying to break in, many selling a ton of product and concert tickets, but not getting a whole lot of radio play coast to coast.  I see the posts expressing frustration from fans wondering why -  and I get it.  But I am here to assure you, this is nothing new as it has been going on for many years.  The Mavericks may be as good of an example as there is.  They came in from the outside in the 90's and were very different as some today are.  They were exceedingly talented and had a distinct sound that was all theirs.  This was their biggest radio charted hit as it went into the Top 15.  But in America and Canada they sold a number of million albums and were very visible. They were Grammy nominated and won a couple of ACM Awards in a three year period.  I love the Mavericks as their albums are terrific start to finish.  And even though they didn't have the overall success many others did in the 90's, I think they helped make the decade fun.  Great musicians and vocalists, just flat out great music.  Raul Malo was a fantastic lead singer that gave them real identity.  They did Bosom Buddies for us years ago and you loved them.  So for those today who wonder why these things happen, it's still a phenomenon.

Coming off the weekend, I've had a little bit of an earworm. The official release for this track came towards the end of last week, and since Friday I've listened to it countless times. It's one of those tunes you could leave on repeat and enjoy just the same the fifth time over as the first time around. 

It's every-so-often I find a song like this, and I'm sure it won't take long for me to over-listen to it and lose my infatuation. For now, though, I'm hooked! Originally penned and recorded by Chris Stapleton, What Are You Listening To? was described by Megan Moroney in an interview as a "criminally underrated" song of his. Here's her version of it for you to check out! 

I love eggs!  For breakfast or even breakfast for dinner, I am an egg dish guy as opposed to the carby foods.  Recently I ran across this article stating there is only one proper way to scramble eggs, so let's see if that's true!

Delish!!!!

Supposedly, There Is Only ONE Way To Scramble Eggs

Sometimes important songs are not ones that change things, but because of the sheer love listeners have for it they have great impact.  That's the case with Stay.  Sugarland had lots of big songs, and ones I liked far more than this, but Stay is a powerful song that struck many right in the heart.  Jennifer Nettles was inspired by Reba's smash hit from 1986, Whoever's In New England, another big song that halted fans in their tracks to write this from the opposite perspective.  Both are anthems of infidelity and highly relatable. Nettles' performance on this is stuff of legends and makes this a classic.  This was a #2 Country hit for 4 weeks, it also was on A/C charts for a bit, won 2 Grammy's, and was a multiple award winner in the CMA's and ACM's. It sold millions, and the exceedingly raw and emotional video was honored and revered as well.  It's one of the most decorated country songs of this newer century, and its message will never tire or go out of fashion.  This falls into the "timeless" category, from the written subject matter, its simple but apt arrangement and its wonderful delivery by Nettles.  This song is very important to many fans and will be in their playlists for years to come.  Not many songs anywhere are this honest.

Last Week #49

Parker McCollum is making people wonder what might be up. He has just announced he is cancelling a show in College Station,TX this August for "unforseeable circumstances". At the same time, he is also saying he has some exciting news to share soon.

Many loyal fans are wondering: Does this mean that he and his wife Hallie of almost 2 years are expecting baby #1? Do the math...that is about 8 months from now. We will have to see what Parker has to announce. Check it out on his Instagram.

Scotty McCreery is set to start his “Cab In A Solo Tour” on January 26 in Troy, Ohio.  You know we are going to get it started at The Sold Out Dusty Armadillo Show, January 25th.  Think he will play all the hits and then some with new music he has been teasing, like this one??

Does anyone else have this problem? ?? What do y’all think of this one? pic.twitter.com/kNgyHBACIg

— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) January 4, 2024

We are about one week into January and nearly two-weeks removed from Christmas. So, if you haven't already, it's about that time to deal with the Christmas Tree. This is especially true if you've got a live tree like me. Natural Christmas Trees bring with them a lot of great things, like the piney scents that fill the home and the experience of picking out that perfect one with the family, but they bring with them some downsides as well. They're thirsty all the time, they drop needles everywhere, they're sometimes a little pricey, you need a way to haul them, they are a fire risk, and... what are you supposed to do with them when you're done? 

As much fun as it is to burn your dead Tannenbaum, consider maybe doing something better with it by helping the local parks! Summit Metro Parks is running a Christmas Tree recycling program where you can drop off your tree to be turned into mulch and then landscaping compost. They have six locations throughout the county where you can do this through the end of January. Just be sure to have all decorations cleared off beforehand.

Here's the link for locations and more information: Summit County Christmas Tree Recycling | Summit Metro Parks 

This is not a Cody Johnson Blog... can't wait to see him at The Country Fest!

This is about the local painter...  Dirk Rozich.  You can check out his work at House 330, 532 West Market Street in Akron.

Today is my mom's birthday. I know it sucks having your birthday right around the holiday season - I have three blood relatives (including mom) and my ex's father who all have their birthdays between December 20th and January 5th. The individuality of the celebration of your birth gets lost because of the rest of the calendar at the time.

I have already taken my mom to dinner this week at the establishment of her choosing - and will likely do it again this weekend. I know I don't say it enough, but I do love you Mom <3!!!

In case you missed some of my articles this week from WQMX.com, let's get you caught up!

Thanks for reading and listening every day!

BROWNS - I'm With Joe!

Eat Of The Week

50 Most Important Country Songs 1980 - Today - #49

Forgotten Jukebox - J-50

CMML - The Mega Star Series - Faith Hill

Wynn At The Movies And More

BROWNS - The Measuring Stick