NashStar, Author at Nashville StarVision

Neon Lights – Blake Shelton

April 2, 2015 By NashStar

Blake Shelton is no stranger to the lime-light. In fact, he looks very calm and collected when performing in front of large crowds. This is probably why the director of his “Neon Light” video, Cody Kern, decided to keep it natural. The song is the lead single from his 9th studio album entitled “Bringing back the Sunshine”. It was released in August and the video premiered in September. With more than 2 million hits on YouTube, the video doesn’t rely on any special sets or effects. Instead, it relies on the feel-good nature of the song and the spirit of the fans.

Starting out with slow motion shots of random fans having a good time and gathering for the show, the viewer is casually introduced to the “Ten Times Crazier Tour”. The slow motion shots continue to the moments just before the show starts, with fans lifting their hands in expectation while Shelton readies himself to go on stage. When he does make his appearance there is a surge of energy from the crowd. Throughout the video there are cuts to fun moments between shows and Shelton is even showed teasingly flicking off the camera along with a crew member. Other than that it’s the type of video you sit back and watch while having a drink in your hand.

Even though there is nothing really spectacular or even groundbreaking about the video, it serves its purpose. If perhaps Kern went with a video that suited the lyrics of the song then we may have had something more typical. Considering the song is humorously focused towards drinking away your ex and having some fun along the way, Kern made the right choice to keep it simple. Another factor that supports the choice of theme can be Shelton’s attitude. He admitted that for the most part his previous albums were released while he was happily in love. This one on the other hand sees him dealing with a second divorce, so maybe it’s good to just see him do his thing on stage rather than in a bar hitting on the prettiest blonde.

In essence this is a classic style for music videos, because fans always love to see their heroes performing live with the band. Also, it’s the type video that never fails to keep viewers entertained. Much more attention can now be focused towards the lyrics, which were written by Andrew Dorff, Mark Irwin and Josh Kear. One can also say that a little focus went to drinking. As a nice finishing touch Shelton takes a drink in front of the fans after the song is finished.

We are unclear of the meaning for Blake giving the finger in the video? Maybe it’s just over our heads…

In a short three months the song sold more than 400 000 copies and the video, of course, went viral. For critics it was a step back into the more traditional songs people had come to associate Shelton with, and although it was mainly received on a positive note by critics, the repetition of lyrics was criticized somewhat. Despite what critics might think, the fans obviously didn’t pay attention, because it still peaked at No. 1 on the Country Airplay charts and No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Country Music Song Round up 2014 with Videos

April 2, 2015 By NashStar

The following country songs are considered to be among the best for 2014. They all make a statement in some way or another and the talent behind them only increases the greatness. Some of them are just starting to build a reputation, while others have been in the industry for a long time.

Kip Moore – Dirt Road

It’s definitely one of the more controversial songs of 2014 and Moore suspects that a lot of people might misinterpret the lyrics. Rolling Stone already added it to their Top 100 and according to Moore it’s for those individuals who aren’t scared to question what they are told in terms of religion. He was raised in a rather conventional setting and for him the song has a very deep meaning. Moore makes it clear that he doesn’t have anything against religion, but there are some things on earth that he will dearly miss.

Tim McGraw featuring Faith Hill – Meanwhile Back at Mama’s

What is a “Greatest Country Song List” without Tim, and there is no doubt that when McGraw makes use of his beautiful wife then you know the song is a winner. Faith Hill brought that extra dimension to the table and the song entered the Billboard charts at number 41, but the real magic has to be between the country couple. Just the sentimental emotion between them is unequalled, making the song more special than expected and launching it into a hit. If their previous collaborations are anything to go by then we’ll be hearing this song for quite some time.

Hunter Hayes – Invisible

Hayes had a big part in writing the song and it comes from his second album entitled “Storyline”. The first time he performed it was at the 2014 Grammy Awards and mere hours after his performance it reached 36 000 sales. On the Billboard charts it debuted at nr. 88, but the following week it settled at no.1, making it his biggest single debut thus far. The lyrics are based on his difficult high school days and getting through it. Apparently he loves being a geek and for this he had to endure an existensive amount of bullying. However, he doesn’t forget to mention the great support system he had in his friends and family.

Miranda Lambert – Automatic

The main single “Automatic” comes from Lambert’s fifth studio album “Platinum” and it’s her most successful single debut yet. Since June it has sold 473 000 copies and entered the Billboard Charts at number 35. According to Lambert, the song is about reminiscing and remembering a time when things weren’t so technologically advanced. It’s good to remember where we come from and she goes into tiny details people tend to forget. For example, old cars, old phones and mail that still had a stamp on. Lambert just keeps on moving from strength to strength and “Automatic” clearly shows how she is growing.

The Swon Brothers – Later On

This is the first major label release from the two brothers and critics describe it as a “breath of fresh air”. In October the single sold 205 000 copies since it was made available and it seems these two guys have a knack for creating energy and compelling storytelling. You can find the song on their album entitled “The Swon Borthers”. Expect to be spellbound from the beginning of the song right through till the end.

Lady Antebellum – Bartender

Is there any song by this group that isn’t a hit? For their sixth album “747”, the trio of Lady Antebellum decided to explore a different sound and their main single “Bartender” is definitely a successful experiment. With more than 940 000 sold copies the single has reached certified gold status and peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Charts. It’s a fresh take on an old story about drinking to forget. Only this time the melody is more upbeat and it’s very difficult to feel depressed while listening to the song.

Brad Paisley – River Bank

In celebration of summer, bikinis and skiing on the river, Paisley adds another hit to the bro-country list. He breaks away from the more serious issues people have associated with his music. It comes from his tenth studio album entitled “Moonshine in the Trunk” and it peaked at number 12 on the US Hot Country Songs. This is definitely a country star that is heavily focused on staying on top of his game and critics praise the song for its clever chorus, guitar riffs and edgy production. It has a great atmosphere in addition to stirring excitement for summer activities.

Cole Swindell – Hope you get Lonely Tonight

It’s the second single off his debut album “Cole Swindell” and according to critics he is destined for success along with “Hope you get Lonely Tonight”. More specifically, fans are raving about the sharp lyrics and the manner in which he presents the song. Already Cole is regarded as a great storyteller, making him invaluable to country music. This is also his first number one hit and up until October it sold 590 000 copies. The tone of his voice doesn’t disappoint and it’s obvious why this single is doing so well.

Eli Young Band – Dust

The band returns to their rock country roots with this second single from the fifth album “10 000 Towns”. Instead of trying to sound trendy, you can hear them following a deeper passion and purpose. It’s as clean and professional as a recording can get while it serves as a very uplifting song. In terms of the Billboard Charts, “Dust” peaked at 79 and sold more than 320 000 copies since the release. For country fans who like to add a little more distortion to their music then this is the single to listen to.

Jana Kramer – Love

Even though the song is all about love, Jana is still happily single. It comes from her second album and it’s very inspirational thanks to her skills for writing great songs. The fans love it and critics mostly agree that “Love” is a single that goes much deeper than the average sing-a-long tune. The lyrics justify her voice and Jana is on her way to great heights with pieces like this. Hopefully it will inspire the rest of the world as well.

Vince Gill: A Silky Smooth Sound All His Own

December 23, 2014 By NashStar

For more than 30 years Vince Gill has been a popular part of country music and at the age of 57, he has built up a legendary reputation. He has recorded 19 solo studio albums, not counting his collaborations, and placed more than 40 singles on the charts. His name has been added to the Country Music Hall of fame and to date he has sold 26 million albums with the counter still running. The only real question is what will Gill achieve next?

Childhood and Development

Vincent Gill was born on April 12, 1957. He grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and unlike most kids who are steered away from following music as a career, Gill was eagerly supported by his father. As a spare-time musician Gill’s father had a great love for music and his encouragement aided Gill in mastering several instruments. These included the guitar and banjo. Before Gill reached Northwest Classen High School his music skills had evolved with profound precision. His first taste of performing came during his teenage years after he joined Bill Perry, Bobby Clark and Mike Perry in the band “Bluegrass Revue”. However, this wasn’t the only bluegrass band he played with. After graduating, Gill performed with quite a number of bands.

Collaborations and Albums

Gill’s first step onto the national country scene was in 1979 with the band “Pure Prairie League”. By the time he became part of the band it was struggling in terms of band members. Several of them had broken away and through auditions Gill impressed Mike Reilly with his versatile talents. They recorded the album entitled “Can’t Hold Back”. The vocals for their hit song “Let Me Love You Tonight” was handled by Gill. In 1980 he moved on to join Rodney Crowell’s backing band, “The Cherry Bombs”. Things really started to take off for Gill during this time. He even received an invitation from none other than Mark Knopfler to join his band, “Dire Straits”. He didn’t accept the invitation though, but he did provide backup vocals on their “On Every Street” album.

In 1983 Gill decided to break away from the band scene and moved to Nashville with his wife and daughter to focus on a solo career. He was signed with RCA Records at the time and his debut mini-album as a solo artist was called “Turn Me Loose”. On this mini-album was his first chart single entitled “Victim of Life’s Circumstances”. This was followed by a full album, “The Things That Matter”, in 1985. Two top ten hits came from this collection, one a duet with Rosanne Cash, “If It Weren’t For Him”, and a solo single, “Oklahoma Borderline”. Things were just heating up for this ambitious musician as he released his first top 5 single in 1987 entitled “Cinderella” off the album “The Way Back Home”. Apart from doing his own thing, Vince participated in various other projects such as making himself available as a studio musician and a songwriter.

Detailed Discography

Turn Me Loose – 1984
Gill’s debut album peaked at no. 64 on the US Country charts and all 3 singles released from it reached a top 40 position.
Victims of Life’s Circumstances – No. 40
Oh Carolina – No. 38
Turn Me Loose – No. 39

The Things That Matter – 1985
The following year Gill reached no. 63 on the US Country charts with this album. His popularity was gaining great moment as the 4 singles that came from it reached high chart positions.
True Love – No.32
If It Weren’t For Him – No. 10
Oklahoma Borderline – No. 9
With You – No. 33

The Way Back Home – 1987
Gill’s reputation was breaking borders as the album reached no. 13 on the charts. It also saw the release of his first top 5 single.
Cinderella – No. 5
Let’s Do Something – No.16
Everybody’s Sweetheart – No.11
The Radio – No.39

When I Call Your Name – 1989
The sales for Gill’s fourth album went through the roof, reaching platinum status twice. It was obvious that there was no stopping this country force from becoming a legend.
Never Alone – No.22
Oklahoma Swing – No.13
When I Call Your Name – No.2
Never Knew Lonely – No.3

Pocket Full Of Gold – 1991
This album release also received double platinum status in addition to reaching no.5 on the charts. The 4 singles that came from it all settled in top 10 positions.
Pocket Full Of Gold – No.7
Liza Jane – No.7
Look At Us – No.4
Take Your Memory With You – No.2

I Still Believe In You – 1992
After a string of hits Gill was getting used to breaking borders, and this album was no exception. It settled comfortably at no.3 on the charts and the sales turned platinum status no less than 5 times. To top it off 4 out of the 5 singles that came from the album reached no.1.
I Still Believe In You – No.1
Don’t Let Your Love Start Slippin’ Away – No.1
No Future In the Past – No. 3
One More Last Chance – No.1
Trying To Get Over You – No.1

When Love Finds You – 1994
Two years after the “I Still Believe In You” album’s success Gill struck gold again, or platinum for that matter. “When Love Finds You” went to no.2 on the US Country album charts and reached platinum status 4 times. From the album 6 singles were released, 5 of which made it to the top 10.
Whenever You Come Around – No.2
What The Cowgirls Do – No.2
When Love Finds You – No.3
Which Bridge To Cross – No.4
You Better Think Twice – No.2

High Lonesome Sound – 1996
This album went to no.3 on the charts and also went platinum in terms of sales. All 5 singles that came off it went into the top 20.
High Lonesome Sound – No.12
Worlds Apart – No.5
Pretty Little Adriana – No.2
A Little More Love – No.2
You And You Alone – No.8

The Key – 1998
Gill would reach his first no.1 album in 1998 with “The Key” and platinum status was a natural result.
If You Ever Have Forever In Mind – No.5
Kindly Keep It Country – No.33
Don’t Come Cryin’ To Me – No.27
My Kind Of Woman/My Kind Of Man (Duet with Patty Loveless) – No.27

Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – 2000
The Millennium received Gill with open arms as this album reached gold status regarding sales and a no.4 position on the charts.
Let’s Make Sure We Kiss Goodbye – No.20
Feels Like Love – No.6
Shoot Straight From Your Heart – No.31

Next Best Thing – 2003
Early in 2003 Gill once again found a spot in the top 5 with this album. All 4 singles that came from the collection entered the charts.
Next Best Thing – No.17
Someday – No.31
Young Man’s Town – No.44
In These Last Few Days – No.51

These Days – 2006
In 2006 Gill was back to selling platinum status albums and this was his third consecutive 4th spot release on the charts.
The Reason Why – No.28
What You Give Away – No.43
How Lonely Looks

Guitar Slinger – 2011
Every album Gill touched turned to gold and this one stayed true to the legend. Nothing could keep him out of the top 10 including “Guitar Slinger” which settled at no.4
Threaten Me With Heaven – No.42

Bakersfield – 2013
Even though no official singles were released from “Bakersfield” it still reached no.4 on the charts while selling more than 50 000 copies in the US alone.

Compilation Albums

Throughout his career Gill has released 12 compilation albums. The 1992 collection of “I Never Knew Lonely” ranked at no.47 on the charts and reached gold status for sales. The album that performed the best in terms of sales and chart position was “Souvenirs”. It came out in 1995, went platinum 3 times and held the number 3 position on the charts. Another notable compilation album was “Love Songs”. It reached no.36 on the charts and was released in 2010. However, fans will agree that any compilation album that features Vince Gill is worth making part of the collection.

Christmas Albums

Let There Be Peace On Earth – 1993
This was Gill’s first holiday album. It went straight to no.3 and reached double platinum status.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – No.52
It Won’t Be The Same This Year – No.74

Breath Of Heaven: A Christmas Collection – 1998
Gill’s second holiday album was also a great success as it reached platinum status in addition to no.6 on the charts.
Blue Christmas – No.74

‘Tis The Season – 2000

Christmas Collection – 2006
No singles from this album reached the charts, but the album itself made it to no.68.

Music Videos

Looking at the music videos Gill has made, it’s hard to find a favorite, but five clearly stand out: “When I Call Your Name”, “Liza Jane”, “I Still Believe in You”, “Go Rest High on that Mountain”, and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away”.

“When I Call Your Name” was co-written with Tim DuBois. It was released in May 1990 as the third single and title track from the album When I Call Your Name. The song reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

In sepia tone, the video is a sad and melancholy telling of the loss love.

“Liza Jane” was co-written with Reed Nielsen. It was released in June 1991 as the second single from the album Pocket Full of Gold. The song reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The video was a near disaster as it was planned for an outdoor night shoot at a drive in with fireworks, but rain forced everyone inside for most of the shoot as Gill explains in the opening, umbrella in hand.

“Go Rests High on that Mountain” was released in August 1995 as the sixth single from “When Love Finds You”. Gill began writing the song after the death of troubled country music star Keith Whitley, who died in 1989. However, he did not finish writing the song until several years later following the death of his eldest brother Bob, in 1993.

The song won the CMA’s Song of the Year award in 1996 and a BMI Most-Performed Song award in 1997. It also received three Grammy Awards and made it to #14 on the Country Singles chart in 1995.

The video here is of a live performance with Allison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs, two of Gill’s favorite bluegrass crooners.

The “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away” video was a lot like “Liza Jane” shot in a low-budget free style mode. Gill on a small stage playing to a crowd of enthusiastic fans. However, the stars came shinning through for Gill with the likes of Little Jimmy Dickens, Bruce Hornsby, Patty Loveless, Michael McDonald, Reba McEntire, Lee Roy Parnell, Carl Perkins, Leon Russell, Leland Sklar, Pam Tillis, Kevin Welch, Kelly Willis and Kentucky Headhunters drummer Fred Young. Randall Tex Cobb makes a quick appearance to cut a rug with Singer/Songwriter/Dancer Pam MacBeth.

Awards and Other Specialties

Even though he received an award for Top New Male Vocalist in 1984 by the Academy of Country Music, his award collection only started to grow during the 90’s. Between the Country Music Association and the Grammy Awards he received more than 35 awards. These vary between best single, best song, best album, vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and best country instrumental performance. Among all the awards he has won, being inducted into the Country Hall of Fame, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and being a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991, there is one award that truly stands out. The Irving Waugh Award of Excellence in country music he received is only shared by one other country singer, and he is the great Johnny Cash.

As well as winning awards, Gill also had another talent and it was hosting the CMA Awards from 1992 until 2003, setting the bar for every other host that followed. In 2014, Gill was presented with the Irving Waugh Award of Excellence during “The 48th Annual CMA Awards

Personal Life

As for Gill’s personal life, his first marriage was to Janis Oliver. Mainly remembered as one of the singers for “Sweethearts of Rodeo”, which was very popular during the 80’s. On occasion Gill was the sound engineer for the band during concerts. Gill and Oliver only had one daughter and they officially got divorced in 1998 after a long separation.

Gill’s current wife is also a singer and she is well-known for her country gospel hits. Gill married Amy Grant in 2000 and they too have a daughter.

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Their plans for the holidays are busy, as can be expected, but on Christmas day they won’t be doing any performances. Apparently Vince is in charge of the cooking this year while wife Amy has the pleasure of filling the stockings.

Upcoming Tour

Fans will be happy to know that Gill is planning a special mini-tour for January next year. He teamed up with Lyle Lovett and together they will be hitting the east coast with “Songs and Stories”. It’s only a 4 day tour, but it’s not your typical one. Instead of having bright lights and big bands to back them up, they are going to handle their own music. It’s going to be much more intimate and there will be duo and solo performances.

Just the thought of these two great singers and songwriters sharing a stage without any distractions is enough to motivate old and new fans. The tour will kick off on the 27th in Glenside, PA, and it will end on the 30th in North Charleston, SC. Fans are already begging them to extend their tour and visit their towns, but we’ll have to wait and see if they can be convinced to oblige.

What’s Been Up with Brad Paisley?

December 22, 2014 By NashStar

Brad Paisley released his latest album “Moonshine in the Trunk” on 25 August to the great anticipation of his fans. Apart from his reputation as a country star, the first single, “River Bank”, paved the way for a successful release. Along with the album came the second single and power ballad “Perfect Storm”. Billboard describes the latter song as the words every woman wants to hear and every man wish he could say. In the first week of the album release it sold 53 000 copies. At this point Brad has 22 No. 1 singles and 19 of those songs he either wrote or co-wrote.

Brad has also been collaborating with America’s largest western and work wear store, Boot Barn. According to Jim Conroy, the chief executive officer for Boot Barn, it’s Brad’s authenticity that inspired them to come up with a clothing line in his style. In addition, Brad’s values are in the same place as those who purchase their clothes at Boot barn. The launch is called “Moonlight Spirit” and it includes boots and accessories. Brad will be in charge of the designs.

At the beginning of November Brad participated in the Emmy Award winning show “College GameDay Built by the Home Depot” where he was joined by host Chris Fowler. He is an avid Mountaineers fan and ESPN’s senior coordinating producer, Lee Fitting, related to the press that getting a celebrity guest such as Brad did wonders for the show.

http://youtu.be/eVXqNw8pTrY

Along with Carrie Underwood, Brad just finished hosting the “48th Annual CMA Awards” that took place on the 5th of November. For the last seven years these two have been a hosting duet for this special occasion and their chemistry on stage has been praised by the fans and media alike. Leading up to the awards ceremony, they headed off to New York where they appeared on “The View” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers”. The monologue they performed is regarded as the most edgy in the time they have hosted the ceremony. They didn’t pull any punches and targeted politics, the Ebola virus and last but not least, Taylor Swift’s road to stardom.

Brad is currently busy with his “Country Nation World Tour”, which was original scheduled until the end of fall. But fans will be glad to know that he decided to extend the tour. Tickets are already available and some special guests will be joining him, such as Parmalee and Arista from the Stoney Creek Records family band in addition to the “Swon Brothers” duo.

On a silly note, Brad took part in a funny segment with Jimmy Kimmel soon after the CMA awards, reinforcing his known attribute for being funny. In the segment Brad was asked three very silly questions regarding his fear of certain appliances, the imaginary bunny he would like to have and why he doesn’t have a Wi-Fi password. Both Brad and Jimmy made it through the segment without so much as cracking a smile.

http://youtu.be/HtD1TGLznJY

Throughout the year Brad was an expert on “Rising Star”, a hit show for the ABC network, and he also contributed to the Disney movie entitled “Planes: Fire & Rescue”. His voice was used for a pick-up truck called “Bubba” and he recorded two songs for the soundtrack, namely “All In” and “Runaway Romance”.

Missed the CMA 2014 Show? Here it is! or Watch it again!

http://youtu.be/r6fL2yI7qaM

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