Shake your money maker, man!

When you think of popular music, Ke$ha and Rihanna come to mind with their electronic beats and bold (often autotuned) vocals. But country music? Nah. Even with the breakout stars like Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum, country music stars take a backseat to their pop and rockstar counterparts in the music biz.

However, despite country music’s bad rep, it’s appeal is much more powerful than you think. So much so that a lot of music companies are tapping into country music as a way to get into the hearts (and wallets) of Middle America. (Even Lady Gaga went country!)

Yeah, I’m not sure how, but it seems country music is where all the money is at.

I can’t wait to see Kanye gets in touch with his country roots.

So for those reasons, and those reasons only, you decided you hate country. Well, think again.

Today’s country music is about more than just singing about drinking whiskey and lovin’ women.  In fact, many country artists, including Taylor Swift and Rascal Flats, have gone mainstream. And who could hate T.Swift?! I know I sure can’t…even though she’s had a fling with every Hollywood hunk that I’ve dreamed about dating.

Country music is honest and revolutionary—something completely different from any of your Pandora radio stations.  Country tells a story, involves the listener in the emotion of the song, and yes, makes even the die-hard country fan shed a tear.  Don’t believe me yet? Listen to Miranda Lambert’s “The House that Built Me.” That song gets me every. single. time.

And just in time for the very 1^st American Country Awards, I want country haters to gather ‘round, silence your opinions for 2 hours and celebrate all things country music.

It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are up for every possible award (and they are wonderful, powerful performers in the country genre), but in order to truly appreciate country music, you must move past the mainstream country artists and appreciate those who may not show up on Us Weekly covers or get major coverage on E!.

One of my all-time favorite country bands is the Zac Brown Band. They are widely respected throughout the music industry and their catchy lyrics make it impossible not to sing along. And I can promise you, even the biggest country hater will fall in love with the Zac Brown Band’s music.

If you love Taylor Swift, you’ll love Miranda Lambert even more.  She’s sassy, classy, and makes revenge ever so sweet.  Miranda Lambert has a song for every situation. Dealing with a cheating boyfriend? Listen to “White Liar.”  Jealous girls trying to rain on your parade?  Make “Only Prettier” your anthem.  Wanna feel empowered when you’ve given up on love? Take a listen to this.  Miranda’s like Taylor 2.0. Gotta love her!

Luke Bryan is the typical country star— he’s a real gentlemen. His twangy country voice makes him irresistible, and he sings about what everyone loves the most: love and whiskey. “Rain is a Good Thing” is a country boy’s anthem, but also a great sing along song.  You can’t go wrong with “Do I.” And sorority girls across the country love this song and after listening, you’ll see why its many a girl’s personal anthem.

There are so many country stars that are worth listening to when you’re looking for new music.  So tune into the American Country Awards to see these musicians and more! I have a pretty strong feeling country haters won’t be hatin’ any longer.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN US TONIGHT AT 8 P.M (EST)

1. THE FASHION! The fashion. I’ll say it again. The CMA fashion! We’re bouncing out of our seats as we think of all the overalls, the dungarees, and the cowboy hats that will be present on stage tonight. Fingers crossed we see some authentic dung-covered cowboy boots go down the red carpet.

2. In the market for a new truck that can go off-roading AND get your kids to soccer practice on time? Look no further because it appears that the Chevy Silverado is sponsoring the show. Finally. A commercial we can’t wait to see over and over and over again. I’m getting excited just thinking about it.

3. Babygurl Tay Swifts is one of the few country crossover stars so she’s going to get a lot of camera time tonight. And if her PR people planned it just right, Jakey will be by her side for every camera shot. Because they’re TOTALLY together. Everyone knows that right!?! They’re dating. America’s newest sweethearts — and soon to be Taylor’s newest revenge song inspiration. Yay for love.

4. OMG. I’m freaking out. The shows is being hosted by Carrie Underwood and BADASS Brad Paisley (yeah we have NO idea who that is either).

5. Modern Family isn’t on tonight. So really there’s nothing else to watch besides this. And in case you’ve been studying and skipping your tabloid reading you know that country legend and creepy father of the year Billy Ray Cyrus is getting divorced. So there’s going to be a whole other kinda of family dysfunction going down.

6. You know when you’re driving to school and you hit a patch of highway with, like, no radio stations and your only choices are country and a conservative Christian talk show? After watching the the CMAs you’ll finally LIKE the country station. Well not, like, like-like, but, like, recognize the music. It won’t be long before you’re tapping your hand on the steering wheel to the soulful crooning of Keith Urban (he’s a country singer right?!).

7. Leann Rimes, America’s favorite home wrecker, will be handing out the very first award of the night in front of a live (and if that whole Shape Magazine cover debacle is any indication of her popularity, probably booing) audience. It will be like the Ashley Simpson Super Bowl show all over again! Do you want to be the only person who didn’t catch it live?

8. Our gal pal, Taylor Swift is nominated for vocalist of the year (and loyal CC readers know we totes agree with this nomination), so that means you’ll get another chance to see her her “oh I’m so shocked I won!” face.

9. Kid Rock will be performing. And Kelly Clarkson. And Gwyneth Paltrow?! Can a movie star born and raised in Los Angeles do country? You’re gonna have to tune in to find out.

10. We’re live blogging the entire awards show with one of our favorite celebrity sites, Crushable.com. So grab some moonshine and join us at 8:00 P.M (E.S.T) for a good old country music bashing celebration.

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Sometimes I think the toughest part about being a musician isn’t all the fans throwing their undies at you on stage or all the money you make from touring…it’s got to be be finding yourself in such a giant industry. Out of all the possible genres and sounds, you need to pick the one that’s best for you and stick to it.  You know – figure out  “who you are” (Yes, I sound like a Disney movie).

But seriously, if you’re not sure who you are, why is anyone going to like you? One thing you can say about the Dave Mathews Band is that they know who they are and they have since their first album. Now, with this latest release 15 years later, they remain true to themselves and their sound, while still trying new and innovative things. The other two new releases this week are still probably trying to find who they want to be, but I have faith they can do it! And now I conclude this public service announcement. You may now return to your regularly scheduled album review.

Dave Matthews Band- Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King

Let me tell you, back in the day I was absolutely obsessed with the Dave Matthews Band. Obsessed. As in, I’ve been to at least 9 concerts, listened to them non-stop, and knew everything about them. Then they started getting on my nerves a bit. Or maybe their fans did. It began to dawn on me that a whole lot of douchebags like Dave Matthews, and the band seemed to get all haughty and into themselves. So I slowly stopped listening. Not that it mattered because they weren’t coming out with anything new, anyway. But now they finally have and I figured I better give Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King a listen, if only for old time’s sake. And it’s not bad.

I really think Dave found what worked best for him and has stuck with it. The album reminds me of a cross between Stand Up and Some Devil, and I think most people will enjoy it. I’m not really into all the Southern-ish songs like “Shake Me Like a Monkey” and “Alligator Pie,” but it worked on Stand Up, so Dave wanted to continue. I really like some of his slower songs, like “Funny the Way it is,” which really makes you think about the world (like so many of Dave’s songs). In it, he sings, “Funny the way it is, if you think about it/Somebody’s going hungry and someone else is eating out/Funny the way it is, nor right or wrong/Somebody’s heart is broken and it becomes your favorite song.” And “My Baby Blue” reminds me of one of the sweet little love songs found on Some Devil, with lyrics just as enticing and romantic. The Dave Matthews Band knows what they’re good at and does it once again on this album. I might be turning into a little bit of a fan again. Damn it.

Paolo Nutini-  Sunny Side Up

I became a big fan of Paolo Nutini the first time I listened to his last album These Streets. Filled with hits like “New Shoes” and “Last Request,” Paolo got me grooving and had a unique sound to boot. I’m having a bit more trouble getting into his new album, Sunny Side Up, and can’t seem to figure out why he sounds like such an old man. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Willie Nelson, but to hear his voice coming from a 22-year-old is just tripping me up. However, the album contains many really well-written tracks and I’m loving the island-y feeling it starts with in “10/10.” The island-sound is a little discording next to many of the other songs on the album, though, some that sound very big band, while others sound country. Not to mention, “Pencil Full of Lead” makes me feel like I should be in the 1920s at a sock hop. What exactly is this album? A mash-up of a bunch of good songs that really don’t fit together? I mean, I like each song individually, but I just feel like Paolo could have made about 5 different albums with it, all in different genres.

Adam Hood- Different Groove

I had never heard of Adam Hood before listening to his new album, Different Groove, but since I’m always open to new country music artists, I decided to give him a listen. He didn’t drive me OMG, Rascal Flatts and Kenny Chesney type crazy, but I am enjoying him so far. He seems like a typical nice country guy, unlike someone like Trace Adkins or Toby Keith. Adam Hood is probably more of a Dierks Bentley, but with less clever lyrics. Not to say that Adam isn’t good; I think he’s just still trying to find himself.

I did enjoy the album’s title track “Different Groove,” which is what is says, a different groove. Adam sings, “I’m gonna find a style that makes me smile… Gonna put my soul in the music and find a different groove.” That’s an idea I can always get behind, but I’d love to hear a little bit more of Adam’s so-called soul. Surprisingly, I also kind like “Cars, Trucks, and Me,” which is so not a “me” type of song to love, unless, of course, a gruff country voice is belting it out. But this song does a good job of showcasing Adam’s smooth, boyish voice and the tune is definitely pretty catchy. Though I’m not yet going crazy over him, I’ll keep my eye (and ears) on Adam Hood to see what he comes up with next.

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Fashion reared its fabulous head last night where you would least expect it. The CMA Awards in Nashville, TN had some of the hottest women and men in the entertainment biz, not to mention some of the best dressed.

Remember years ago, as a hip and trendy youngster, you wouldn’t have been caught dead listening to country music? It made your ears bleed, not to mention it was hick-like. Well, country music has changed its tune and is no longer a place for ugly plaid button up shirts, clunky belt buckles, or square dancing. Country music now produces extremely popular and beautiful people who are sweeping the music scene, the big screen, and the fashion business.

This is a mini recap of some of the popular folks who walked down the red carpet (yes, there was a red carpet) at the CMA awards last night. All the people chosen were chosen because of their terrific fashion sense and for their ability to capitalize on the changing face of country music.

Taylor Swift has been in the news this week, a lot. Unfortunately, it was because of her recent breakup with one of the Jonas Brothers, bummer. Taylor’s music album, Fearless, has been a huge hit and she has turned into quite the business woman. She has partnered with L.e.i. Brand (you know, the jeans) to be the new face of their product. She rocked an amazing Kaufman Franco gown last night. She looked great.

Carrie Underwood fell into our lives on the fourth season of American Idol and everyone immediately loved her. Since then, she has had quite the career winning Grammys and many CMT and CMA awards. She has been twice named “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian” by PETA and is an avid supporter of the Humane Society of the United States. We are glad to see she is putting her popularity and fame to good use! She rocked this yellow Escada dress last night at the CMA awards! Considering she was the host she had to look extra amazing.

We can’t say Billy Ray Cyrus has ended world hunger or gives his life tirelessly to charity, but we can say he sure knows how to market his “image.” He fell off the face of the planet after his huge hit Achy Breaky Heart but has now returned offering his family on a silver platter for all television viewers to enjoy. He has turned his daughter into a huge Disney sensation and has since himself risen into the limelight again. Way to go Billy Ray! Both Billy Ray and his daughter Miley looked fashionable on the red carpet.

Country music has turned super cool, even among the Hollywood elite. Reese Witherspoon, a native of Tennessee, left the Hollywood spotlight for the night and was one of the presenters at the CMA awards last night. Perhaps she is so comfortable around these country stars because of her popular country-themed movies, Sweet Home Alabama and Walk the Line. As College Candy said before, off the shoulder dresses are so in and Reese rocked the look in her Marchesa black lace dress.

Another Hollywood starlet made an appearance in Tennessee last night in support of her husband. The big screen actress, Nicole Kidman, probably would have never showed her face at such an event if she weren’t married to the famous country singer Keith Urban. At least she got him to wear something other than a cowboy hat and spurs.

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