Country Mike Blog

What's going on

Mike Sudhalter  |  October 6, 2007

I've been so busy recently that I haven't been able to get my daily dose of country music. I think it's essential, just like vitamins, fruit and vegetables.

I'm planning on attending a concert Sunday - the Rockin' Roadhouse Tour with Mark Chesnutt, Joe Diffie and Aaron Tippin.

It seems that October and November are still good months for country music. You have the build-up to the CMA Awards on Nov. 7, and there's several artists releasing new albums.

I'm looking forward to albums by Carrie Underwood and Lee Brice. Hopefully, Brice's album doesn't get delayed again.

Speaking of delays, Linda W. e-mailed to ask me when Lee Ann Womack would release her next album. I wish I knew.

December is a tough month for fans to look for new music, unless Christmas albums are your thing, and January's got to be tough for an artist to build a following because who's looking to buy stuff after the holidays.

My new thing is listening to snippets of songs on itunes before I buy it. Actually, it's a mixed blessing. On the positive, I pick the songs I want and do without the clutter. But often, songs on an album can grow on you.

I am a big Chris LeDoux fan and made a list of about 40 songs of his I'd like download on itunes. I also hope to buy albums by Jamey Johnson and Jamie Richards, both artists with a traditional bent.

Listening to independent and upcoming artists is often more interesting than listening to the same ole radio stuff. you know of any good independent artists, e-mail me to let me know

I can't promise I'll mention them on here, but I'll at least give it a listen.