Fervor Coulee Bluegrass Blog

Bluegrass Whiplash- Don't Watch That Chart Too Closely

Donald Teplyske  |  October 7, 2011

What is that pain in my neck and shoulders?

O, the new Bluegrass Today Top 20 has been posted.

As I posted late last night, this latest endeavour attempting to track bluegrass airplay is very responsive. Perhaps, too much so.

Last week, Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad's Big River sat at the top of the chart, tied with Blue Highway's I Ain't Gonna Lay My Hammer Down. Seven days later, PMR is nowhere to be seen in the Top 20. Number 1 and out!

After two weeks atop the BT chart, Blue Highway drops seven spots to #8, beginning its slide down the chart.

Or has it?

A week ago, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice's A Far Cry From Lester & Earl looked ready to fall of the chart, settling in as it did for a tie at #20. Today, this ode to getting the music back on track is right on top. That's right, it has gone from #11 two weeks ago, down to #20 to then exploded back up the chart to #1. When was the last time something like that happened on one of the more conventional bluegrass charts?

So it is possible, depending on the notions of programmers and radio hosts, that I Ain't Gonna Lay My Hammer Down could find itself again climbing the chart rather than moving downward as one may expect. I'm not suggesting it will, having received a lot of airplay over the past month, but it certainly could do a chart about-face.

With a chart that changes dramatically each week, who knows what we'll see next week. I do suggest starting with some upper body strengthening work to avoid further strain from bluegrass chart whiplash.

Three songs make chart debuts this week. At #2 is Alison Krauss & Union Station with Bonita & Bill Butler. Audie Blaylock & Redline hold down #3 (Cry, Cry Darlin', up from #19) while their Out in the Cold World debuts at #4. Two of the top four songs on the chart are new to the Top 20! The only other track making its first appearance on the chart this week is I Went Back Home Today from The Boxcars at #11.

For the record, this week's #20 is We Ain't Going Down Without a Fight by Newfound Road. Any bets that it is #1 next week?

After all, it was #2 three weeks ago.

Thanks for visiting Fervor Coulee Bluegrass. Donald