American Country Music

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Christmas season is the music. One of the things I get excited about is new, contemporary music that tenderly reflects the true religious meaning of the holiday. After all, how many versions of Jingle Bells can we stand. This month I'll describe some excellent albums by stars of the complete Country & Western spectrum that incorporate such new music. I've also noted the composer(s) of the music; they deserve much of the credit and we frequently overlook their contribution to the success of any music we hear or buy.

Dec 2, 2001 - Steven Lind

Whle most music fans of any genre are familiar with artists of national fame, many listeners are not familiar with local artists. The problem is one of finding them and the opportunities to hear their music. This is the raison d'etre (reason for being) of the various local and regional music associations. This month we'll take a look at several of these sites, but give you a place to find other similar sites that may be in your area.

Nov 3, 2001 - Steven Lind

One of the things that new listeners of a genre need is information about that genre. There are lots of sources of information from historical to today's happenings. While there are periodicals that can be found on newsstands, Americana information may be regional unless you subscribe to a specific magazine. One alternative is web-based magazines. We'll explore two such sites this month that provide information on Bluegrass.

Sep 30, 2001 - Steven Lind

The one thing I've found over the past several years is that there is plenty of talent out there that doesn't get a recording contract with some Nashville label. One excellent source is MP3.com; others can only be found after some painstaking searches through various Internet sites. This month we'll take a look at two independent artists (actually one is a group) that may be worth a listen.

Sep 4, 2001 - Steven Lind

Many may be wondering exactly what styles of "Country" music are included under this topic of Americana. While evryone's definition may be different, I'm going to define it generally as traditional forms of the genre. Specifically, besides Bluegrass and Western styles, I'll also cover those mainstream artists that consistently perform Traditional Country music. Some examples of this latter category include not only Mandy Barnett and Brad Paisley, but Hank Williams III and Danni Leigh. This month we'll take a look at the sites of both a recent IBMA Female award winner as well as one of the associations promoting Western music.

Jul 31, 2001 - Steven Lind

For those who noticed the change in the title of this section during June, you may have wondered what was going on. For those who are looking for the Country page for July may have to stand by. After last month's article, I've decided to change the focus of my topic to the Americana style of the greater Country and Western genre. This means we'll be looking at Bluegrass and Western styles of music. I'm hoping that Suite 101 will find someone, maybe a with a younger point-of-view, to bring back a "New Country" topic. Over the next month, I'll be changing the links to reflect the new topic. Let's look at two sites for this new topic.

Jul 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

This month, I'm going to make a radical departure from my usual reviews of sites. In reading the Newark (NJ) Star-Ledger on Saturday, May 26, I found an article by Howard Cohen of KRT News Service. This month we'll take a look at what the article said and I'll provide my viewpoint on where Country Music may be heading and what may happen if it goes there.

Jun 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

This month we'll take a comprehensive look at Internet Broadcasting sites where Country Music is either featured or an equal part of the site with other genres. Most of these sites we've seen before at one time or another. Some of these sites feature a specific on-demand program and others feature live streaming. Please note that due to performance rights issues, the links will take you to the site where the program is featured and not directly to the program itself. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the music.

May 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

When CountryCool.Com died on February 1, the hunt started for a new Top 5 site. While there are always lots of candidates, it's not always easy to find one that stacks up to being among the best. This month we'll take a look at a site that fills the bill and represents the best of Country Music throughout "the ages."

Apr 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

More sites are biting the dust. This month I'll update you on the latest demises as well as introduce you to a Bluegrass group that has been around for some time in various incarnations, but is introducing a new CD and rereleasing an old one.

Mar 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

Some time ago, one of the Top 5 sites, Country Music Online, in conjunction with it's real-world publication, ceased operation. Earlier in January, CountryCool.Com announced that it would cease operations as well. I'm going to take this opportunity to talk about the future of my site, Country Music Viewpoint, and the impact on my monthly articles here at Suite101. Lastly, we'll take a brief look at a site broadcastng, among other stations, Country Music.

Feb 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

This month, I'm going to take a slight departure. I just received my package announcing the arrangements for the new Fan Fair in June. Starting with new dates and a new venue (or should I say a new set of venues), Fan Fair will never be the same. Will the change be fanciful or a fiasco? We'll also take a brief look at another new concept in internet broadcasting, combining radio with the community experience of the Internet.

Jan 1, 2001 - Steven Lind

This month, I'll fulfill my promise to update you on one month's experience with Click Radio. In September, I discovered this site and I looked at the "promise" of this revolution in Internet Radio. Overall, I think the experience was positive, but not necessarily perfect.

Dec 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month, I'll fulfill my promise to update you on one month's experience with Click Radio. In September, I discovered this site and I looked at the "promise" of this revolution in Internet Radio. Overall, I think the experience was positive, but not necessarily perfect.

Nov 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

I know it hasn't been that long since the last Western music site, but this month we'll taks a brief look at a female Western trio, Daughers of the Purple Sage. We'll also take a look at a Classic Country radio site, CountryBunker. But first, I'll provide an update to an article from September on Click Radio.

Nov 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month we'll take a look at a site from Gaylord Entertainment. Here we'll find a surprize that will warm the e-heart of real country music lovers everywhere. We'll also look at the site of an aspiring Canadian artist. And I've found another site that provides sheet music for sale; let's see if they can pass muster. So sit back and start surfin'.

Oct 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month we'll take a first look at what may be the next revolution in internet-based broadcasts. We'll also take a second, brief look at one of my favorite weekly internet broadcasts. We'll also take a look at a group that combines one of America's favorite pasttimes, fishing, with their music. And lastly, I've got a reminder to take advantage of Platinum Entertainment's generosity to listen to a bunch of freely available MP3 files.

Sep 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month we'll explore another potpourri of sites. Imagine yourself, sitting around a camp fire after a long day and a hearty meal. And imagine soft guitar music about the romance of the West and the trail. I've got some more Western music sites that I think you might find of interest. But I don't want to overdo it, so we'll get back to more mainstreet topics next month. We'll also look at a site that should answer the most frequently asked question I receive from a wide variety of readers. So jump in the saddle buckaroos, let's head 'em out.

Aug 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

Lately, I've been listening to more traditional styles of Country & Western music. I'll be the first to admit that today's pop-influenced Country radio has left me a bit cold. The last time this happened, I switched from 60's Rock & Roll to Classical and Jazz; I guess that really dates me. This month, we'll look at two sites that deal with what's commonly called Americana. However, these sites are primarily oriented toward Bluegrass. Even if you still like today's Country radio, take a moment to explore these offerings.

Jul 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month we'll take a look at several different types of sites. The first is just a small part of MP3.Com. The next two are artist sites. One will be a group who is trying to make it and another will be a nationally known group who's trying to make a comeback.

Jun 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

There are probably two kinds of people who listen to Country & Westen Music: those who listen to the music as pure entertainment and those who listen to the music as an art form. I know several people who are cringing at the latter part of that last statement; but music is an art form and, therefore, Country & Western Music can also be viewed as such. While not discounting the former set of listeners, the latter may find this month's site of extreme interest. What confuses most listeners is trying to understand the types and styles of Country music. We'll look at a site that tries to define these and then puts some meat into their various categories.

May 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month, I'm going to take the opportunity to toot my own horn, so to speak. After several frustrating years of contemplating how to expand Country Music Viewpoint into Internet broadcasting, I've finally found the right solution. I'll tell you about Viewpoint Radio and it's underlying technology. And if you're a fan of Western Swing, I've got a site for you.

Mar 31, 2000 - Steven Lind

Last month we took a fresh look at one of my Top Five sites, CountryCool.Com. This month, we'll take a new look at one of the other recommended Country & Western links, CountryWeekly.Com. The reason: one of the better Country music magazines, Music City News, has ceased publication. The relation to this month's article: Music City News was also one of my Top Five sites and I was looking for a replacement. Let's see if CountryWeekly.Com is worth the top prize.

Mar 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

Web sites are continually evolving. While simple facelifts are the norm, some take bold steps to meet the expectations of their readers by branching out in new directions. And while many sites are trying to become generic portal sites, some are taking this approach within the focus of their specific niche. This month we'll take a new look at one of the first sites that we reviewed. This site, CountryCool.Com, started out providing webcast interviews of today's country music artists. We'll take a look at what they've become.

Feb 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

This month we're going to look at two sites with different perspectives on Country & Western music. The first, the Arbuckle Boys, celebrates the western heritage of the American cowboy. The second, the West Coast Pinups, features a band that produces music that centers around Bakersfield honky tonk and vintage Nachville country. Lastly, we'll look at a record label that is putting their entire catalog on line (well, kind of).

Jan 1, 2000 - Steven Lind

In April of this year, I gave you a brief look at the NetRadio site. This month we'll take a more detailed look at another internet broadcast site: Spinner.Com. I became aware of this site when a limited set of its stations were offered over Comcast @Home, one of the cable-modem internet access services. In exploring Spinner's site, I discovered a broader set of stations than was offered through the @Home site. Recently the technology has been updated to take advantage of higher bandwidths, giving FM-quality streaming.

Dec 2, 1999 - Steven Lind

One of the mysteries of the music business, and while we'd like to ignore the fact, this is a commercial business, is why certain songs succeed and others fail. There have been many stories about the power of radio consultants to dictate the playlists of radio stations over the likes and dislikes of the actual listeners. And while there are many sites that have you pick your favorite songs in order to develop a weekly chart, this month we'll look at a couple of sites that seek input from listeners in order to influence the music that is sold in stores and played on radio stations.

Nov 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

If you've been following the MP3 phenomenom, your reaction to date has probably been a yawn. There are several sites that specialize in free MP3 files, but most of the stuff is junk; although there are a few diamonds in the rough. This month we'll take a look at some sites that offer free downloads of complete songs in near-CD quality, just like MP3. And these are songs you would be willing to pay for.

Oct 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month, we'll explore the site of Doug Stone, who will be releasing his first studio album in some time later this month. After a solid string of hits in the mid-90's, Doug suffered a series of heart attacks and underwent quadruple bypass surgery, all at the age of 35. Now back in good health, Doug is volunteering as the national spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

Sep 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month, we'll explore the companion web site of one of the up-and-coming cable channels bringing Country Music videos to U.S. audiences. Great American Country was launched on December 31, 1995. It competes with Country Music Television (CMT), owned by Gaylord Entertainment, who in turn, is owned by CBS. It is not my intent to get into how good the cable station is or compare it to CMT. This article will only explore GAC's web site, CountryStars.Com.

Aug 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month I want to look at a few more artist sites. None of these artists are big megastars, but, depending on your musical tastes, each artist represents a uniquely different slant on the broad genre of Country Music. I'm sure you'll enjoy their web sites and it won't hurt to broaden your musical horizons. We'll look at sites about Mandy Barnett and Wylie & The Wild West.

Jul 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month, we'll explore the site of Rambler, a new band with their first single on the charts. We'll take a look at changes to the Country Music Association web site, including a new address. And since it's June, we'll take our annual look at the Fan Fair site.

Jun 2, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month, we'll explore the site of the Kinleys, a relatively new sister act that is taking country music by storm. We'll also explore the site of Pat Garrett, a country singer that has built a business empire in rural Pennsylvania.

May 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month, we'll look at the web site of a young, promising country artist, Amanda Wilson. We'll also explore the site that is hawking Country.Com's upcoming CD-ROM, Century of Country. I also have a brief recommendation on an internet audio site you might want to check out.

Apr 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month, we'll look at another artist site, that of Canadian artist Lisa Brokop. We'll also snnek back into the internet audio topic for a second as we look at the recent full-single download opportunity from Chely Wright on her upcoming new single. And we'll take a quick look at a music video on demand site.

Mar 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month we'll revisit the George Strait site to see how this site has been reshaped. We'll also visit the official Roger Miler tribute site.

Feb 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

Many months ago, I reviewed the Imagine Radio site. Recently the site has undergone a major revision; this month we'll take a look at the new version. We'll also take a look at an Internet audio by Rolling Stone (the same one that puts out the Rolling Stone news magazine. And lastly, we'll take a brief look at a new and controversial audio technology known as MPEG-3.

Jan 1, 1999 - Steven Lind

This month we'll take a brief look at another custom CD site and explore some of the Country Music related channels provided with the RealAudio player.

Dec 2, 1998 - Steven Lind

Nov 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Oct 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Sep 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Aug 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Jul 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Jun 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

we're going to explore some more official artist sites, specifically Chely Wright, Sammy Kershaw and Alan Jackson. We'll also look at a new artist from Texas, Casey Lee Green. And we have a New Discovery for those looking to improve their Windows 95 desktop.

May 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Apr 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Mar 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Feb 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

This month we'll take a brief look at another custom CD site and explore some of the Country Music related channels provided with the RealAudio player.

Jan 16, 1998 - Steven Lind

Jan 1, 1998 - Steven Lind

Dec 1, 1997 - Steven Lind

Nov 1, 1997 - Steven Lind

Oct 1, 1997 - Steven Lind

Sep 1, 1997 - Steven Lind

Aug 1, 1997 - Steven Lind

Jul 1, 1997 - Steven Lind

Jun 2, 1997 - Steven Lind