New Country CD Releases - June 30, 2009

Brad Paisley will release his eighth album, American Saturday Night on June 30. The first single, "Then" shot straight up the charts, holding onto the top spot for three straight weeks. The song became Brad's 10th consecutive No. 1 song. Brad will release his second single, "Welcome to the Future," from American Saturday Night on July 13. The song was written by Brad and longtime collaborator and friend Chris DuBois, and in a press release, Brad claims the song is "my favorite thing I’ve ever written."

The BradPaisley.com website will be re-launched on release day, with a new look that will feature new interactive features and enhanced navigation.

Country funnyman Cledus T. Judd will release his long awaited Polyrically Uncorrect, which includes the parody "Garth Must Be Busy," based on the Brooks & Dunn hit, "God Must Be Busy." Brooks & Dunn sing on the track. A previous single was released, titled "Waitin' on Obama," which was a parody of Brad Paisley's "Waitin' on a Woman." Other artists featured on the album include Ashton Shepherd on the title cut, The Grascals on "If I Had Kellie Pickler's Boobs," Colt Ford on "Washing Airplanes" (parody of Gary Allan's "Watching Airplanes"), and Daryle Singletary on "Merger on Music Row" (parody of the George Strait and Alan Jackson duet "Murder on Music Row").

The legendary Tanya Tucker releases My Turn, on which she covers a variety of country songs previously recorded by male artists. Listen as Tanya gives her unique spin on songs like Charley Pride's "Is Anybody Going to San Antone," Hank Williams, Sr.'s "Lovesick Blues," Don Gibson's "Oh Lonesome Me" and Buck Owens' "Love's Gonna Live Here," on which Jim Lauderdale duets with her. Other artists included on this album are The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent and Darrin Vincent (of Dailey & Vincent).

_{Photo © Arista Nashville / Kurt Markus}

Gloriana releases video for "The Way It Goes"

Gloriana have been burning up the concert trail on tour as one of Taylor Swift's opening acts. Their latest video for "The Way It Goes" just debuted on the CMT Top 20 Countdown. This is their second video to make the countdown, their first was their current single "Wild at Heart."

"The Way It Goes" features live and behind-the-scenes footage of the band on the Fearless 2009 Tour.

Gloriana will release their self-titled debut on August 4 on Emblem Music Group/Warner Bros. Records.

Gloriana   More CMT Music   More CMT Music Videos

_{Photo © Emblem Music Group/Warner Bros. Records}

Montgomery Gentry Become The Latest Opry Members

Country duo Montgomery Gentry have checked off another career goal, as they were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry during the June 23 show. The invitation had been issued to the duo by Charlie Daniels, who surprised Troy and Eddie during an earlier Opry performance on May 26.

After performing "My Town" and "Something to be Proud Of," the duo received the membership award from Marty Stuart and "Little" Jimmy Dickens. Montgomery was clearly emotional as he recounted the story of his late father, who was also a musician, having told him that you haven't made it until you are a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He went on to raise the Opry trophy, looking up, and said, "we made it."

Montgomery Gentry recently released partnered with Cracker Barrel and the Wounded Warrior Project to release For Our Heroes, available exclusively at Cracker Barrel stores and on the Cracker Barrel website. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project

Watch Montgomery Gentry's surprise invitation by Charlie Daniels.

_{Photo © Jolene Downs}

Add a Little Fun To Your Summer with "Rockin' the Beer Gut"

The Trailer Choir consists of a trio of talented artists, Crystal, Butter and Big Vinny. They started out as a cover band, but gradually started adding some original material to their shows. One night, Toby Keith introduced himself to the band and signed them to his Show Dog Record label. Soon, they were on the road with Toby, playing the side stages, and increasing their popularity with their spirited show, which included Big Vinny pop-worming his way across the stage. They're definitely a group you will want to see live, to get the full effect of their talent.

After releasing a self-titled EP last fall (produced by Toby Keith), the band released their debut album, Off the Hillbilly Hook on June 9. The band had a cameo in the Toby Keith motion picture Beer for My Horses, where the performed the song. Their original song "Last Man Standing" has been used on ESPN & ABC in a national NASCAR promotion, and their latest single, "Rockin' the Beer Gut," has fans calling radio stations across the country to get their "Beer Gut" fix.

The storyline of "Rockin' the Beer Gut" is about a girl who has a little extra around her middle, and she doesn't care, as she dances and has a great time at the local club, which is something I think a lot of girls can relate to.

The Trailer Choir is putting the finishing touches on the video for the song, but for now, you can watch a live performance of the song from earlier this year below.

Sugarland to star in first primetime special

Country's hottest duo Sugarland will be starring in their very first network primetime TV special, which will air on ABC on Monday, August 3 at 8:00 pm ET. This is the night before their live DVD of the same name goes on sale exclusively at Wal-Mart stores.

Sugarland: Live on the Inside was taped at a tour stop at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. The one-hour special will include the duo singing some of their biggest hits, including "Want To," "Settlin'," "All I Want to Do" and "Stay."

"Television music specials and performances become iconic. Who hasn't seen replays of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan or Elvis's TV special wearing his jump suit and giving away his scarf?" says Nettles. "Even performances that I can remember as a child, like 'Live Aid' for example, really made such an impact. We are so excited to have our show on ABC and hope that it will be a moment that people will enjoy and remember."

Related Links:

• Watch the video for "Stay"
  
• Pre-order Live on the Inside from Wal-Mart
  
• Join Sugarland's Fan Club
  

_{Cover © Mercury Nashville}

New Releases - June 23, 2009

Look for new releases on June 23 from Charlie Robison, as he releases Beautiful Day, and Steve Wariner as he releases his tribute to Chet Atkins, called c.g.p., My Tribute To Chet Atkins.

Q: Do you know what "c.g.p." stands for?
A: This was a credential bestowed on by the late Chet Atkins to four individuals, other than himself, and it stands for "Certified Guitar Player."

The four people that have received the title are: Tommy Emmanuel (famed Australian guitarist), fingerstyle/classical guitarist John Knowles, longtime Nashville guitar picker, country artist, the late Jerry Reed, and Steve Wariner.

Read more about the project on The Music Box blog.

Sugarland is 'Live' on the Inside August 4

Country duo Sugarland is all set to release their fourth album, which will be a CD/DVD combination available exclusively from Walmart on August 4. The disc will be called Live on the Inside, and will feature live tracks and performance footage from their Love on the Inside tour.

The duo's innovative and explosive live show was filmed in high definition by popular video director Shaun Silva (Sugarland's "Want To," Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts the Most" and Craig Morgan's "That's What I Love About Sunday"). Count on over an hour of live performance footage and 16 tracks, including hits like former #1 songs, "Settlin'," "Want To," "All I Want to Do" and fan favorite "Stay."

The CD features 10 of their most popular "live" performances, including hits made famous by the Kings of Leon, the B-52s (whom they performed with live on the recent CMT Music Awards), Pearl Jam, Edie Brickell and R.E.M. You can also look forward to three live performances of their biggest hits, including the tear-jerker "Stay."

The set is scheduled to retail for $12.00.

It's off to Hollywood for Alan Jackson

He's "Gone Crazy," and "Gone Country" and now he's Gone Hollywood. Country superstar Alan Jackson will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010. No date has been set for the actual ceremony.

More on Alan Jackson

• Alan Jackson (Official)
  
• Alan Jackson to head AquaPalooza
  

Photo © Sony BMG