Nashville Dispatch Archives
...Anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight...
...Anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight... I just re-watched Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained. It's been three years since Tarantino released a movie. I needed a break from revising stories, and decided to delve into his last read more...
View the BBC's Southern Rock Documentary on Swampland
Swampland has added the BBC's new Southern Rock Documentary to it front page. Go here to view it - Swampland Front Page
"How Do You Like Your Blueeyed Boy, Mr. Death": Harry Crews (1935-2012)
Harry Crews! I guess I thought he would live forever. When all of those years of out of control drinking did not kill him, I decided he had outwitted the devil. That would be just like Crews--to make a wager with the devil and win. When a great read more...
RIP Earl Scruggs & Jerry "Boogie" McCain & Harry Crews
RIP Earl Scruggs, Harry Crews & Jerry "Boogie" McCain Legendary banjo picker Earl Scruggs died yesterday in Nashville at 88. In 1948, Scruggs formed a band with guitarist Lester Flatt called The Foggy Mountain Boys.
Satan Is Real: The Ballad of the Louvin Brothers
Charlie Louvin Autobiography: Satan Is Real The late Charlie Louvin's new autobiography--Satan Is Real: The Ballad of the Louvin Brothers--is now available. This
Ry Cooder's Los Angeles Stories
Ry Cooder's Los Angeles Stories Ry Cooder made music with The Rolling Stones,
Satan Is Real: The Louvin Brothers
Satan Is Real: The Louvin Brothers Night falls early these days. For some reason I dropped the classic Louvin Brothers album Satan Is Real into the player this evening. Originally released in 1959, Satan Is Real contains some of the most read more...
RIP Joel "Taz" DiGregorio
Charlie Daniels Keyboardist Passes Away On Wednesday, October 12, The Charlie Daniels Band keyboardist, "Taz" DiGregorio, died from injuries read more...
Coming Soon from History Press: "Rocket City Rock and Soul" by Jane DeNeefe
The History Press will release Rocket City Rock and Soul: Huntsville Musicians Remember the 1960s by Huntsville read more...
Tom Waits Records with Hank Williams III
Tom Waits Records with Hank Williams III Tom Waits contributed guest vocals on a new Hank Williams III album titled read more...
Jonathan Demme Films Neil Young Journeys
Jonathan Demme's Neil Young Journeys Last night Neil Young attended the world premiere of Jonathan Demme's new movie. Jonathan Demme's third Neil Young concert film--Neil Young read more...
Caitlin Rose's New Album & Upcoming Tour with Earle, Isbell and Carll
Caitlin Rose's Own Side Now On September 27, ATO Records will release Caitlin Rose's debut album Own Side Now. Co-produced by Mark Nevers (Lambchop &
Hank Williams-The Legend Begins: Rare And Unreleased Recordings
Hank Williams Rare And Unreleased Recordings On September 13, Time Life will release Hank Williams: The Legend Begins--Rare And Unreleased Recordings. These newly discovered and restored recordings include sessions Hank recorded at 15 as well as his read more...
Merle Haggard's New Album Working in Tennessee
Merle Haggard's New Album Out In October Vanguard Records will release Merle Haggard's latest album, Working in Tennessee, on October 4. Tonight, 'The Hag' is performing read more...
Swampland's Daily Duo of Reviews For 7/26/11: Levon Helm and Through The Sparks
For Tuesday, we have the legendary Levon Helm bringing his Midnight Ramble to the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Also, we feature the latest from Birmingham's Through The Sparks. Although the records are stylistically and generationally different, both capture the read more...
Swampland's Daily Duo of Reviews For 7/25/11: Ronnie Milsap and Hope Waits
For Monday, we present two Southern artists whose travels around their native region helped to define their diverse and eclectic sensibilities. Ronnie Milsap went from the mountains of North Carolina to Nashville with stops at Atlanta and Memphis in between while Hope Waits read more...
Bob Dylan: The Drawn Blank Series
Bob Dylan: The Drawn Blank Series "Oh, the streets are Rome are filled with rubble Ancient footprints are everywhere..."
Swampland's Daily Duo of Reviews For 7/21/11: Old 97s and David Adam Byrnes
For Thursday's duo of reviews, we're bringing some honky tonk. Old 97s and David Adam Byrnes hail from neighboring states, Texas and Arkansas, respectively. Old 97s might also be a lot more comfortable in an indie rock club while Byrnes is a fit for Nashville, but both read more...
Swampland's Daily Duo of Reviews For 7/20/11: Amy LaVere and John Paul Keith
Happy Wednesday, everyone! We've got a couple of great Memphis-based artists with new records. Amy LaVere has been on Swampland's radar for a while, and her latest Stranger Me is her first album is a few years. John Paul Keith's The Man That Time read more...
Swampland's Daily Duo of Reviews For 7/19/11: Gillian Welch and Mount Moriah
Today's review duo come from Gillian Welch and Mount Moriah out of North Carolina. Mount Moriah's is a debut release while Gillian Welch's is her first in 8 years. The connection between these two releases is their musical sensibility which is mountain country. read more...
Ben Hall Salutes Charlie Louvin on New EP
A LITTLE MORE BEN HALL Ben Hall's new Tompkins Square released EP--A Little More Ben Hall--salutes country music legend Charlie Louvin. Louvin passed away in January from his read more...
Lucinda Williams Talks Songwriting
LUCINDA WILLIAMS TALKS SONGWRITING Louisiana native Lucinda Williams is out on the road behind her latest album Blessed. She's in Canada for a few shows, and in this Edmonton Journal
Happiness Is A Warm Gun: Trigger Hippy Tour Dates
Trigger Hippy Southern Tour Dates Trigger Hippy just released five new tour dates. Trigger Hippy consists of The Black Crowes' drummer
From Townes Van Zandt To Doc Watson
From Townes Van Zandt To Doc Watson Townes Van Zandt's Live at The Old Quarter read more...
The Civil Wars Play Tornado Benefit at Historic Shoals Theatre in Florence, AL
Once again the marvelously magical duo, The Civil Wars (Joy Williams and John Paul White), took the stage in front of a sold-out house and a wildly enthusiastic audience. This time they were read more...
A Memorial Day Tribute: An Early Salute
A Salute To All The Veterans An early salute for the upcoming weekend... In honor of Memorial Day, and all the read more...
Gregg Allman Signs Book Deal
Greg Allman Memoir Due Out Spring 2012 This week Gregg Allman signed a book deal to write his life story. The memoir will be published by William Morrow in the spring of read more...
Never A Pal Like Mother
Happy Mother's Day 2011 Happy Mother's Day to Everyone! Since it's Mother's Day weekend, I thought I write a dispatch around the great Atlanta label
Levon Helm's Ramble At The Ryman
Levon Helm's Ramble At The Ryman This Nashville Scene article outlines
Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitizer Prize Winning Journalist, To Speak at University of North Alabama
Isabel Wilkerson, the first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in the history of journalism, will be speaking at the University of North Alabama (in Florence, Alabama) at 12:30 PM, Thursday, April 14. read more...
Black Crowe Steve Gorman Sits In With Bobby Keys Band
Bobby Keys Band In Nashville Texas native Bobby Keys played saxophone for The Rolling Stones,
Jack White To Record Jerry Lee Lewis In Nashville On April 16
Jack White Producing Jerry Lee Lewis Jack White's Third Man Records announced Monday on Record Store Day--April 16--Jerry Lee Lewis will perform live in Nashville. White will produce the live recording with a read more...
MLB Opening Day 2011
MLB Opening Day 2011 “I was fairly typical of my generation of Southerners, I suppose. I got hooked on the game when I heard Mel Allen’s tense description of Enos (‘Country”) Slaughter of the Cardinals winning the ’46 read more...
Southern College Football – End of an Era
For generations around our Swampland Footprint, the play-by-play announcer of your favorite university was like a part of the family. Yes, there was a time before ESPN and billion-dollar network deals when not every game was on television. Classic voices like Tennessee’s John read more...
Jack White Explores the Art of Auctioneering
Jack White Explores the Art of Auctioneering Jack White now lives in Nashville. Best known as founder of the The White Stripes, White also spearheaded groups and projects like The Raconteurs, Loretta Lynn’s masterpiece Van Lear Rose, read more...
Merle Haggard On A Saturday Night
Merle Haggard On A Saturday Night This afternoon I re-read Paul Hemphill’s story from Too Old To Cry (1981) about Merle Haggard titled “Okie”. read more...
Like Clockwork, SEC Tops Recruiting
There seems to be a rhythm to each winter over the last few years; an SEC team wins the BCS Championship in January and then the league cleans up in recruiting on the first Wednesday in February. Those two annual events are very intertwined, and we have written for years about how read more...
RIP Charlie Louvin
RIP Charlie Louvin The great Charlie Louvin lost his battle with pancreatic cancer this read more...
Widespread Panic's Sunny Ortiz Discusses 25 Year Anniversary Tour
Widespread Panic’s Sunny Ortiz Discusses 25 Year Anniversary Tour Today I interviewed Widespread Panic percussionist Sunny Ortiz. Sunny called me from Panic’s Brown Cat offices located in the group’s hometown of Athens, Georgia. We discussed read more...
Steve Earle Plans Album, Book & Tour
Busy 2011 For Steve Earle USA Today reported this afternoon that Steve Earle plans for a busy 2011. On April 26, read more...
Wanda Jackson's The Party Ain't Over
Wanda Jackson: The Party Ain't Over The Party Ain't Over counts as Wanda Jackson's first studio album in eight years. The release date for The Party Ain't Over is January 25. 'The Queen of Rockabilly' sings 12 cover songs produced by Jack read more...
Southern College Football – SEC Wins Again
LEAD STORY The numbers are staggering: five national titles in row, a 7-0 record in the 13 BCS Championship Games, and five different schools who have won a national crown during those 13 years.
Saying Goodbye is Hard
It is with a truly heavy heart that I report the passing of one of Southern Rock's finest guitar players, Tommy Crain. Tommy was a 15-year veteran of The Charlie Daniels Band, having co-written many CDB classics including "The Devil Went Down To Georgia." For read more...
Gregg Allman's Low Country Blues
Gregg Allman’s Low Country Blues On January 18, Gregg Allman’s latest studio recording—Low Country Blues—hits the streets. Produced by T-Bone Burnett, Low Country Blues read more...
Southern College Football – Bowl Season
LEAD STORY The BCS Championship Game is almost here, and the fans around our Swampland Footprint are very eager to see if Auburn can earn the SEC’s fifth straight national title. It’s quite the
Robert Plant Pays Tribute To Townes Van Zandt
Robert Plant’s Homage To Townes Van Zandt Robert Plant recorded Townes Van Zandt’s “Harm Swift Way” on his new Band of Joy disc. I heard the song today, and I read more...
Widespread Panic Announces 25th Year Anniversary Tour Plans
Widespread Announces 25th Year Anniversary Plans This afternoon Widespread Panic announced plans for their 25th Anniversary tour. Here’s the official read more...
Merry Christmas From Swampland
Merry Christmas From Swampland Ho, Ho, Ho…I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from Swampland. Thanks for all the support. A Happy New Year to you all! Don’t let the Devil get you down. I’ve included a couple of read more...
Let Your Feet Do The Talkin': A Holiday Gift (Part Two)...
Stuart Copeland’s Latest Documentary On the heels of yesterday’s holiday gift dispatch, today’s stocking selection emerges as another
Southern College Football – Coaching Carousel
LEAD STORY With bowl season beginning and holidays upon us, the big news in our Footprint is the gigantic transformation of the coaching hierarchy in the state of Florida. Do you realize that one-season ‘veteran’ Jimbo Fisher of Florida State is now the dean of read more...
Catawompus Vocalist Dies in Auto Mishap
NASHVILLE - We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend Darren Stafford. Darren was the lead singer of one of our favorite Southern Rock bands, Catawompus. Rest in peace, brother. Read about the auto accident that took his life
Southern College Football – Championship Week
LEAD STORY The amazing story of Auburn and Cam Newton will continue Saturday when they meet South Carolina in the SEC Championship Game.
Widespread Panic’s Porch Songs Vol. 6 & Archive Series #5
Widespread Panic’s Porch Songs Vol. 6 & Archive Series #5 May 31, 1996, counted as Widespread Panic’s first headlining performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Since then, Panic has sold out the majestic venue 35 consecutive times. read more...
Keith Richards Writes About Gram Parsons In Life
Keith Richards Writes About Gram Parsons in Life I’ve been reading Keith Richards’ new book, Life. I’ve already made some notes for the Swampland review, but today I reached page 247 where Keith writes about Gram Parsons. read more...
Billy Crain Releases Debut Solo Recording
I have really enjoyed spinning the long awaited debut solo CD from The Outlaws' Billy Crain. It is a good one. Check out my review of Skeletons in the Closet here. Keep it Real. read more...
Saluting Our Veterans and My Dear Friends Frank and Nell Lutz
Today is Veterans Day--a day on which we pay tribute to all those who served this country in the armed services. Today is especially meaningful to me because it gives me an opportunity to honor two of my favorite World War II veterans: my long time friends and erstwhile neighbors read more...
The Latest Episode of Steve Gorman’s Sports
The Latest Episode of Black Crowes' Drummer Sports Show This afternoon I listened to Black Crowes’ drummer Steve Gorman’s weekly sports podcast. They discussed the read more...
Southern College Football - Week 10 Themes
LEAD STORY What an old-fashioned Southern soap opera we have on our hands. I’m sure by now you’ve read (or at least heard about) the ESPN story regarding the recruitment of Auburn read more...
Dylan, Petty & Drive By Truckers Participate In ‘Back To Black Friday’
Dylan, Petty & Drive By Truckers Participate In ‘Back To Black Friday’ In support of independent record stores, November 26 stands as ‘Back To Black Friday’. Artists such as Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Drive By Truckers, Iron & Wine, U2, read more...
Buffalo's Radio Show Sunday Night Features Barry Lee Harwood, Rickey Godfrey
Hey y'all - please join me for my new internet radio talk show, THE BUFFALO SHOW, this Sunday night at 7 pm est when my guests will be
The Buffalo Show Debuts On Blogtalk Radio This Sunday with Barry Lee Harwood, Rickey Godfrey
The Buffalo Show debuts this Sunday, October 24th with a couple of very special guests.
Southern College Football - Week 7 Themes
LEAD STORY With South Carolina’s huge 35-21 victory over Alabama, the SEC’s current streak of four straight National Championships looks to be in read more...
Benefit for Sid Yochim Will Bring Out Classic Southern Rockers To Nashville Next Week
An amazing line up of musicians will take the stage on October 21st at Whiskey Bent Saloon in Nashville to raise money to help Sid Yochim, a 30 year road veteran of The Charlie Daniels Band. Sid was diagnosed
From Townes To Peckinpah
From Townes To Peckinpah “The hero and the artist compare notes on the 21st century…
A Conversation with Alabama Guitarist & Songwriter Riley Watkins
Riley Watkins To Discuss Grandma's Roadhouse Everyone likes a good story. The Riley Watkins story proves to be one you should hear. This Alabama guitarist and songwriter stands as an obscure American hero that any real music fan would love.
42 Years Later: Buffalo Springfield Reunites At Bridge School Benefit
Buffalo Springfield Reunites At Young’s Bridge School Benefit Buffalo Springfield will reunite for the first time in 42 years at
Bloodkin Opens First Shows of Widespread Panic's Fall Tour This Weekend
Bloodkin Kicks Off Panic Tour As fall descends, the interesting season of live shows begin…Bloodkin’s Daniel Hutchens,
2010 SEC Season Outlook
The nation’s toughest conference looks primed for another stellar season on the gridiron. Alabama and Florida, the last two National Champions, will aim for a third straight appearance in the SEC title game.
Jimmy Dean--"Thirty Years of Sausage, Fifty Years of Ham"
Jimmy Dean, who died on June 13 of this year, would have been 82 years old today, August 10. In honor of his birthday, I prepared his fabulous low fat turkey sausage for breakfast. To tell the truth, I have read more...
The Dog Days Descend
Dog Day Afternoon In the Peach State A quick note as the Dog Days descend here in Georgia…I briefly visited Stanley Booth and Diann Blakely today to talk shop, so to speak. Look read more...
SEC Media Days Attract Huge Attention
The SEC tops the nation when it comes to college football so it should be no surprise that the "Media Days" in July draw so much interest. Media members from all over the country marvel at the three day spectacle that has gridiron fans counting the days until the season read more...
News Reels on Daniel Lanois, Neil Young & The Sad Passing of Nashville Legend Fred Carter Jr.
News Reels on Lanois, Young & the Death of Nashville Legend Fred Carter Jr. As reported earlier, recently producer Daniel Lanois suffered serious injuries from a motorcycle accident. Around the time of the accident Lanois was producing a new
Hank Cochran Dies At 74
Hank Cochran Passes Away Mississippi born Hank Cochran died Thursday at the age of 74 from pancreatic cancer at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Cochran wrote hits for Patsy Cline ("I Fall To Pieces"), Burl Ives and Eddie Arnold.
SEC Continues Its Run of Excellence
The SEC ended another stellar year with another national championship. South Carolina won the school’s first ever national title when they swept UCLA at the College World read more...
Video of the Day: The Charlie Daniels Band, 1975
Charlie Daniels Speaks with GRITZ About The Gulf Oil Crisis and More
by Michael Buffalo Smith Charlie Daniels has had quite a year. More recording, non-stop touring and recovering from a stroke, and he is still doing it to it as fast as he can go. And then there's the now legendary Geico commercial. I spoke with Charlie yesterday to read more...
Music For A Cause: Benefit Concerts from Nashville to Gulf Shores
One week after country music stars rallied to raise over $2 million for Nashville, TN, flood relief,Jimmy Buffet will give a benefit concert live from
Gregg Allman Undergoes Succesful Liver Transplant
Gregg Allman underwent a successful liver transplant operation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL yesterday morning, Wednesday, June 23, according to our friends Lana and Rowland at the official read more...
Larry Jon Wilson RIP
Larry Jon Wilson RIP The great songwriter Larry Jon Wilson died Monday in Virginia of heart failure at the age of 69. Born in Swainsboro, Georgia, (two hours up the road) Wilson began making albums in the 70s and enjoyed moderate success. He remained reclusive for most read more...
Past Interviews & Upcoming Artists of Note
Greetings Folks, I hope all is well, and everyone enjoyed Father’s Day… Change is afoot, and we’ve got a lot on the horizon, but for the past week much of the work has gone on behind the scenes. On the immediate agenda, the work of
Barry Lee Harwood EIght Years Later: The GRITZ Interview
Eight years ago Scott Greene interviewed former Rossington Collins Band member Barry Lee Harwood for GRITZ. At the time, Barry Lee was read more...
Candy Coburn is a Country Rockin' Treasure
Candy Coburn is one rocking country read more...
Ragged Jack is My Kind of Band
Ragged Jack is one fine band. The group is lead by singer-somgwriter Lyman Ellerman. Their debut CD is called Life is a Wheel, and it's today's
Neil Young Plays The Ryman Tonight
Neil Young's Second Night At The Ryman This evening Neil Young plays The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Young also played the historic Ryman last night. Over the years, Young has expressed his love for Nashville. His Heart of Gold movie was filmed at the read more...
Once an Outlaw: An Interview with Former Outlaws Member Chuck Glass
As a special treat for the Holiday, I'd like to present an interview passed on to us by my Facebook friend Hank Hart. It's a cool conversation with Nashville musician and read more...
Third Time is a Charm for Bo Bice
Hey gang. Former American Idol runner up Bo Bice has a HOT new album out. You gotta check it out. Read my review here, and be sure to vivit the link below for "all things Bo." Keep it Real. Keep it read more...
Titans and Falcons Add Solid Defenders in the Draft
One of the most important aspects of the NFL Draft is knowing your identity and drafting accordingly. Two franchises that have played that strategy well in recent years are the Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. Both teams made that Playoffs in 2008 and then barely missed a read more...
Bo Bice Donates All Profits from New Record to Nashville Flood Relief
Bo Bice has announced that he will donate all of his proceeds from his single, “Long Road Back,” to a variety of flood assistance programs that are aiding victims of the recent Nashville-area flooding disaster. Bice made the announcement during an interview on the read more...
Spotlight on Former American Idol Bo Bice
Southern Rocker and former American Idol Bo Bice has a hot new country and Southern Rock album out. Look for a review in GRITZ soon. For now, we want to spotlight our archived inbterview with this good ol' Alabama rock and roller, in which he told us just how he read more...
Nashville Music Community Devistated By Last Weekend's Floods
Here's a pretty comprehensive article from CMT on the damage to Nashville's music community in the wake of last weekend's flooding. Absolutely terrible, and so hard to believe. We continue to keep all of our Music City friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Please Help Nashville Flood Victims!
Dear Swampland readers, We wanted to pass on an important message from one our Nashville friends: Non- Nashvillians; please spread the word. Temporary shelters are at capacity, missing people are unaccounted for, Nashville has been declared a disaster area by the read more...
STAX Legend Steve Cropper's Midnight Flyer
Midnight Flyer Due Out June 15 Steve Cropper, guitarist for Booker T & The MGs and one of the primary architects of the indelible STAX sound, recently recorded a new studio album in Nashville. Midnight Flyer, due out on June 15, follows Cropper's 2008 Nudge read more...
Prayers for Victims of Nashville Floods
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our many friends on Nashville in the wake of the terrible flooding. See the CNN News video and link to photos and story below. -Michael Buffalo
Neil Young To Record with Daniel Lanois
Neil Young Chose Lanois For Next Album Neil Young recently selected Daniel Lanois to produce his next studio album. This should be an interesting collaboration since the two have never worked together. Lanois has produced records for Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Chris Whitley, read more...
NFL Draft Impressions: Rams Get Their Man; Jags Disappoint Their Fans
Did your team improve? Is your fan base excited about the direction of your squad? We will take an in-depth look at the NFL Draft over the next couple of weeks, but wanted to give our read more...
Steve Gorman Sports Covers The Kentucky Derby
Black Crowes Drummer Steve Gorman Travels Home For The Derby Kentucky-native and Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman hosts a radio “The Backbeat of Sports” show in Nashville. It’s a fine sports-music show. Steve was a serious athlete in high school and read more...
Celebrate Record Store Day 2010!
Record Store Day 2010 is read more...
Buffalo Roaming: GRITZFEST II : A Review
by Michael Buffalo Smith Now where were we? On February 25th, 2010 I was staying at the Hotel Preston in Nashville with my new friends Gig Michaels and Mark Carlyle of the band Swampdawamp. We had driven in through the cold rains the night before. By the time read more...
Neil Young Tours The South In May
Neil Young Southern Dates In May Next month,
Buffalo Roaming: Gritzfest, Aaron Kelly and Swampdawamp
It's clear but cold here in Nashville today, and I have been having a relaxing day here at the Hotel Preston. Mark and Gig told me it is a great place and now I know. The beds are amazingly comfortable and the staff are all just real nice folks. I took a lunch meeting read more...
The Road to Gritzfest: Buffalo Roaming Again
Well it looks like ol' Buffalo will be roaming once again a little later this evening. As y'all know by now, we have the big Gritzfest II coming to Bama on Friday, and as you also most likely know, I am still not up to par with my vision following last week's laser read more...
SEC Continues to Rule the Recruiting World
National Signing Day has passed, and once again the teams of the SEC were dominant in the rankings. The conference that has won the last four National Championships (with three different schools) continually pulls in the top classes, and that's what it takes to compete in America's read more...
National Signing Day: Christmas Morning for Southern Football Fans
It’s finally here- a virtual holiday in our Swampland Footprint.
Neil Young, Levon Helm, Booker T. and Steve Earle All Win Grammys
Downhome 2010 Grammy Winners So, after a tribute to
Neil Young Tribute Kicks Off Grammy Weekend
Neil Young Honored As MusiCares Person of the Year It’s Grammy weekend, so here’s a few notes on the upcoming read more...
The Long Awaited Lance Ledbetter Interview
The Long-Awaited Lance Ledbetter Interview The story of Dust To Digital is a divine one. In the late 1990s, Lance Ledbetter set out to discover read more...
Saints vs Colts Present a Dream SPF Super Bowl
Much more to come on this as the Super Bowl approaches, but yesterday's wins by Peyton Manning and the Colts and Drew Brees and the Saints presented our football-hungry region with the best reason yet to watch the Super Bowl.
Prelude To Interview with Dust To Digital's Lance Ledbetter
Prelude To Interview with Dust To Digital President Lance Ledbetter This evening I finished transcribing my interview with the President of read more...
Video Spotlight: Bekka Bramlett
Here are a couple of great videos of Bekka Bramlett performing live at 3rd & Lindsey in Nashville. The first song is the old r&b classic "Everybody Loves a Winner," a song her father
Charlie Daniels Suffers Mild Stroke
Dooley Raised in the SEC Football "Family"
Tennessee made an interesting choice to for the school’s 22nd head coach. Derek Dooley, the son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley, grew up around the SEC and also had quite a read more...
Paul Hemphill's Home Movies For The Folks
Home Movies For the Folks In my friend Paul read more...
Tuesday Review: Bekka Bramlett - Win a Free Copy
Man oh man, am I excited. I am happy as a lark to present my review of the amazing new album from Bekka Bramlett, and even happier to tell you we have a few copies to give away. read more...
Thoughts On The Stone Ground Compilation and an Amanda Martin Video
Happy Thursday! I'll bet I'm he first one to say that to you, huh? Just a quick note to say that our debut digital Compilation is doing really well and we are very pleased that so many of you are digging the music. If you have yet to experience the bombastic read more...
Lane Kiffin Never Embraced SEC Football
The college football world-and especially the Tennessee fan base-was rocked by the news that Lane Kiffin was leaving the Vols after just one season in Knoxville. The former USC read more...
The Early Recordings of Waylon Jennings
The First Six Waylon Jennings Albums Reissued Last week I received Texas-born Waylon Jennings’ first 6 albums—Folk read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia Still Searching for New Defensive Coordinator
Bud Foster, John Chavis, and Kirby Smart. That looks like a list of top defensive coordinators in our Swampland footprint, but it also the candidates who have turned down the chance to work for Mark Richt this offseason.
SEC Daily Fever: Bama Win Keeps SEC on Top
The SEC captured a fourth straight National Title Thursday night with Alabama’s 37-21 win over Texas in the BCS Championship Game.
SEC Daily Fever: Alabama Playing for National Title and Conference Pride
Alabama has played their way back to the national forefront over the last two years, and they will try to cap that run with a victory over Texas in tonight's BCS Championship Game. If the
SEC Daily Fever: Meyer Faces Tough Choices Between Florida and Family
Some important decisions are now at hand for Urban Meyer and the Florida athletic department. After the Gators destroyed an overmatched Cincinnati team (dealing with read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Meyer Saga Leaves Doubt Around UF Program
What a roller coaster of a week it’s been for Florida Gator fans. The wishy-washy Urban Meyer drama has left a cloud of uncertainty over the program read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Saban Not Worried about Facing Former Assistants in Title Game
The media has raised the question recently whether or not Texas assistants Will Muschamp and Major Applewhite, who served under Nick Saban at LSU and Alabama respectively, give the Longhorns any advantage with their familiarity of the Tide coach as they prepare for the BCS Title read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Gator Fans not feeling the Sugar Bowl after SEC Title Loss
It currently looks like Florida fans are not very fired up for the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati. As we approach Christmas, the Gators are read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Brooks receives accolade for another solid season at Kentucky
The website collegefootballnews.com had a very interesting choice for their conference Coach of the Year- Rich Brooks of Kentucky.
SEC Daily Fever: Vols Sign Simms Youngest Son
Many teams in the conference added a junior college prospect or two yesterday, and one of the more interesting names to sign was quarterback Matt Simms at Tennessee. Besides the fact that he is the son of Phil Simms, this signing is interesting because his older brother (Chris read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Meyer's December Shows the Roller Coaster of Being an SEC Boss
From the outside looking in, things appear pretty sunny for Urban Meyer at the University of Florida. He is 56-10 in five seasons in Gainesville, has won two League and two National Titles, had an undefeated regular season this year, and has another Top 10 recruiting class on the read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Spurrier Extended at South Carolina
it may not seem like a big deal that South Carolina added an extra year to Steve Spurrier's contract this week, but it shows the USC administration is sticking with the program. After some late season fizzles the last few years, it would be easy to jump right back into the coaching read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Ingram Wins Bama's First Heisman
There aren’t many “firsts” left with the University of Alabama’s football history, especially now that Mark Ingram became the Tide’s only Heisman Trophy read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Kiffin denies any wrongdoing
In one year on the job at Tennessee, Lane Kiffin has become a lightning rod for the national and regional media. His brash attitude and recruiting prowess has rubbed some writers and some other coaches the wrong way.
SEC Daily Fever: Alabama Proves That It Takes Money To Make Money
Last January, Swampland answered the national media criticism of escalating coach’s salaries by saying “SEC Coaching Dollars Make Sense”. read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Kiffin Must Replace Some Top Recruiters
A constant theme on Tribal Fever has been the importance of recruiting, and how all of the top teams in the conference recruit at the highest level.
SEC Daily Fever: All-League Squad Looks Like NFL Draft Primer
The SEC is considered the big dog conference in college football right now, especially with Alabama aiming to win the league’s fourth straight National Title. With
SEC Daily Fever: Alabama Domintates Florida in SEC Title Rematch
Alabama rode a physical offense and a swarming defense to the SEC crown as they defeated the defending league and national champion Florida Gators 32-13.
SEC Daily Fever: Championship Game Becomes the "Southern" Super Bowl
It’s finally here. #1 vs. #2. Florida vs. Alabama- 24 wins and no losses. Winner goes to the BCS Title Game, while the loser heads reluctantly to the Sugar Bowl.
SEC Daily Fever: Richt Fires Martinez, Other Defensive Assistants
About ten days ago, we wrote how Georgia fans wanted some changes in Mark Richt's staff after a frustrating season.
SEC Daily Fever: Florida Dealing with Distraction before Big Game
Florida was dealt a self-imposed blow this week in their quest to repeat as SEC and national Champions. All-American defensive end Carlos Dunlap
SEC Daily Fever: Could Florida and Alabama Play Twice?
It’s time to address the question on the minds of many college football fans- if Texas loses in the Big 12 Championship Game and the SEC Game is a close one, could we see a Florida-Alabama rematch in the BCS Title Game?
SEC Daily Fever: Thrilling Weekend Shows League's Strength
The SEC saved its best for the last week of regular season play. There were a number of exciting games where the conference showed its power and depth.
SEC Daily Fever: Bama Barely Escapes in Thrilling Iron Bowl
Much like Texas on Thursday night, Alabama got a scare from their in-state rival but also remained unbeaten with a 26-21 last-minute win.
Tuesday Review: Charlie Daniels' Bluegrass Christmas
Well, it's gettin' to be that time of year again. Time for the Christmas music to help set the mood for the Holidays. Two of my favorite albums to pull out and play read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia and Mark Richt Could be Staring at 6-6
Many around our Footprint (and the country) believe Les Miles is having the toughest week amongst SEC coaches, but you could argue that it's even worse for Georgia's Mark Richt right read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Wild Sequence Ends with LSU Gaffe, Ole Miss Win
The ending of the LSU-Ole Miss game had fans all over the country glued to their TVs, and scratching their heads as well. The Tigers missed both chances to tie the game on a two-point conversion with 1:17 left, but then recovered an onside kick to keep their hopes read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Ole Miss Looks To Continue Late Season Surge Against LSU
The top two teams in the conference have been pretty clear for a while, and the rematch in Atlanta is already set for Florida and Alabama. But who's next? LSU has seeimngly been that third squad all year with their only two losses coming against the Gators and Tide. One team read more...
Spotlight On Duane Allman On His Birthday Friday
Tomorrow is the 63rd birthday of Duane Allman. I can think of no better tribute than the following piece, written by GRITZ reader and Facebook friend Brian Ringo. He really summed up my own feelings on Skydog as well. Thanks Brian. Keep it Real. Keep it read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Chizik's First Year Shows Promise
Auburn suffered a tough loss to Georgia last weekend to fall to 7-4, but even the heavy crtics of Gene Chizik’s hiring would have to admit it's been a good first season. The Tigers will take this Sataurday off as they prepare for the Iron Bowl. And speaking of Alabama,
SEC Daily Fever: Florida's Defense Leading the Way in 2009
While Tim Tebow gets all of the national attention, SEC fans know why the Gators have maanaged to stay undefeated once again this year-- their stellar defense. The Florida read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Brooks Making History At Kentucky
With their win over Vanderbilt last Saturday, Kentucky became bowl eligible for the fourth straight season. The Wildcats went to three straight bowl games in the read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Ole Miss' McCluster Has Record Day Against Distracted Vols
Wonder if Ole Miss would increase the speed limit on campus from 18 (Archie Manning's retired number) to 22 after Saturday? #22 Dexter McCluster had a monster read more...
Interview of the Week: The Great Jerry Reed
Over the weekend I was listening to this great Dixie Tabernacle release again and really digging their cover of "Amos Moses." That prompted me to go
SEC Daily Fever: Kiffin Must Be Decisive In Dealing With Player Arrest Incident
For Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, this week was supposed to be about continuing the Vols current momentum (on the field as well as recruiting) and winning the "Coach O" game in Oxford. Instead, he's dealing with his first 'crisis management' experience as three UT freshmen read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia And Mark Richt Desperate For An Auburn Win
Georgia fans are feeling a little nervous these days. The Bulldogs have already been blown out by two rivals, Tennessee and Florida, and they will face two more in Auburn and Georgia Tech over the next three games.
Video of the Day: Darius Rucker, CMA New Artist of the Year
Former Hootie and The Blowfish front man and fellow South Carolinian Darius Rucker has a brand new music video out today and we have it for you right here. The song is called "History in the Making." By the way, Darius was voted New Artist of the Year during last read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Spurrier Says He's Staying At South Carolina For The Long Term
As South Carolina and head coach Steve Spurrier prepare to host #1 Florida on Saturday, this game is a reminder to Gamecock fans of what their coach built at his alma mater and what has not happened in Columbia.
Dixie Tabernacle Debut is My Kind of Music
One of the absolute coolest projects to cross my desk in a while is the new CD from Dixie Tabernacle. Their debut is called "A Good Excuse," produced by Larry Goad in Nashville, and featuring Jimmy Hall, Doug Phelps and a large cast of other stars. I was read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Officiating Issues Creates Negative Vibes For Top League
It’s the story that won’t go away- another week, another game where bad officiating dominates the league conversation. The SEC read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Alabama Beats LSU, Wins West
Alabama won a physical 24-15 battle against LSU on Saturday, and they now have cemented the highly-anticipated SEC Championship Game rematch with Florida. The Tide read more...
Candy Coburn and Benefit for Komen Coming December 11th
We just learned that Candy Coburn will be performing at a Christmas fundraiser for Nashville's branch of Komen for The Cure on December 11 at the Rutledge in Nashville. Doors read more...
SEC Daily Fever: LSU-Alabama Is The National Game Of The Week
The eyes of the college football world will be on Tuscaloosa Saturday afternoon when #9 LSU meets #3 Alabama. This game has conference and national read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Meyer looks bad after Spikes debacle
Many fans around the league are asking the question this week: what kind of program is Urban Meyer running in Gainesville? While many have questioned Meyer’s recruiting read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia's Richt looks to right ship in Athens
While much of the attention following the Florida-Georgia game has been on Brandon Spikes eye-gouging of Washaun Ealey, the reality for the Bulldogs is that they have the feel of a program that has slipped a notch from past seasons.
The Top Ten Instrumentals of The Southern Rock Era
This list might be very different if one were to count the instrumental jams at the end of “Free Bird,” “Green Grass and High Tides” and “Highway Song.” But alas, we are listing only full instrumental tracks. Also note that their are
SEC Daily Fever: Seemingly Insufficient Punishment For Spikes Sparks Controversy
Is a half-game suspension at home against Vanderbilt really a punishment? That’s what many are wondering after Urban Meyer read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Freshmen SEC Coaches Seeing Success
One of the consistent themes in the conference this season has been the effect of the three new coaches. That continued on Saturday with Tennessee, Auburn, and Mississippi read more...
SEC Daily Fever: "Cocktail Party" Remains A Great Southern tradition
It's more than just a football game. Whether it's golf tournaments, concerts, or just a long weekend with friends, the Georgia-Florida game has become a can't miss event for both fan bases and for read more...
Video of The Day: Dickey Betts Jams with The Charlie Daniels Band at Musicians Hall of Fame
Ah yes, these are the moments I live for! The Charlie Daniels Band doing "Southbound" with Dickey Betts read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Ole Miss Looks To Finish Strong
As Ole Miss prepares to travel to Auburn this Saturday, Houston Nutt's team will look to build the same second half of the season momentum that they did in 2008.
Happy Birthday to Charlie Daniels
We at Swampland want to wish a mighty big Southern style Happy Birthday to the father of Southern Rock,
SEC Daily Fever: Tebow Shuns The Media
An interesting scenario happened after the Florida win at Mississippi State; Tim Tebow did not meet with the media.
SEC Daily Fever: Officials Under Heavy Scrutiny
Here we go again-another week, another rash of bad and missed calls that have SEC coaches angry. A week after Arkansas’ Bobby Petrino was reprimanded by the league office, two more read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Bama Hangs On Against Tennessee
We have used the term "survive and advance" several times during league play, and that's just what Alabama (barely) did with their 12-10 victory over read more...
SEC Daily Fever: LSU needs Auburn win to stay on league's top shelf
Most in the local and national media are already looking towards December for the highly- anticipated Florida-Alabama matchup in Atlanta, but one team who has the talent to throw a wrench in that scenario is LSU.
SEC Daily Fever: Nutt Back In Spotlight As Ole Miss Prepares For Arkansas
When the 2009 season kicked off, Ole Miss looked to be a contender in the West while the Arkansas was supposed to play the role of spoiler - but roles could be reveresed after this Saturday's game.
SEC Daily Fever: Kiffin And Saban Build Their Programs Using Past NFL Perspective
As Tennessee and Alabama prepare for their annual October clash, the Vols seem to be a couple of recruiting classes behind the Tide in building a roster to compete for a league title.
SPF Daily Rating: Team In Turmoil #1 - Washington Redskins
We knew it was going to be a tough year for several SPF teams. We are going to spend some time this week on a few individual teams to give a sense of their respective level of desperation. Our first team is the Washington Redskins. Their fall might be the read more...
SEC Daily Fever: League Refs Under Scrutiny After Missed Calls
It seems to happen every week- fans gripe about the refs. While part of that is just fans being fans, this season has seen an especially high number of questionable calls around the SEC.
SEC Daily Fever: Florida Squeaks By Arkansas, Drops to #2 in AP
We wrote on Friday that Florida could be in for a classic trap game against Arkansas, and that’s what it turned out to be.
SEC Daily Fever: Should Florida be on Upset Alert?
Is this the one? Even though the Florida Gators have won two of the last three National Titles, they lost a surprising game in the middle of both of those seasons. Urban read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Bengals Blackout?
The Bengals have had a dream season so far. They've beaten their arch rival (Steelers). They've beaten their in state rival. They are a last minute tipped pass away from being undefeated, but they are still at 4-1 and lead the AFC North.
SEC Daily Fever: Can LSU Still Challenge For the West Crown?
We wrote earlier this week that it’s beginning to look more and more like a Florida-Alabama rematch in the SEC Title Game.
SEC Daily Fever: Snead and Ole Miss Are Struggling
Along with Georgia, one of the most frustrated fan bases in the league at the halfway point has to be that of Ole Miss. Their record will not look that bad after read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Saints Fever Sweeping the Gulf Coast
As we predicted, it has been a pretty dire year for SPF teams. Even one of our playoff locks, the Tennessee Titans, is surprisingly winless and going nowhere fast. The best news amongst our SPF teams comes from the Saints who made an off season commitment to read more...
Country Music Hall of Fame Benefit Tonight - Watch Online
Oklahoma's own Vince Gill has been one of Nashville's brightest lights over the last few decades. He's a top level picker, singer, and songwriter. He has kept traditional country music alive while also read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia Coaching Staff Under Fire
There is some extra heat radiating from Athens these days, as Mark Richt tries to regroup his Bulldogs after being blown out by Tennessee. AJC columnist Mark Bradley called Georgia’s 45-19 loss in Knoxville “
SEC Daily Fever: Florida and Alabama On Path For Title Rematch
Tim Tebow did start and play against LSU Saturday night, but it was the Gator defense that dominated the game and propelled Florida to a 13-3 road victory in Death Valley.
SEC Daily Fever: Will LSU's Running Game Beat Florida?
Prime time national television audience, Baton Rouge, #1 vs. #4; this one should be fun. That’s the scenario as Florida travels to LSU amid questions read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Blank Talks About A New Stadium In Atlanta For Falcons
Amidst a serious economic downturn, Falcons owner Arthur Blank has again begun engaging in public discussion about a new stadium to replace the Georgia Dome. The fact read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Arkansas Has Much To Prove Against Auburn
Arkansas came into the season with the goal of at least being a factor in the SEC West, if not more. Already at 0-2 in league play, the Hogs begin a stretch this Saturday read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Del Rio Keeps Playing Silly Games #3
We guess Jack Del Rio's two game win streak has further emboldened him. After already playing silly media games with players on two different occasions (here and read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Saban and Nutt Share Mutual Admiration
While the Florida-LSU matchup is getting much of the conference attention this week, another key league game will take place when Ole Miss hosts Alabama. The read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Are the Cowboys and Texans Going In Opposite Directions?
As always, there is panic in Cowboy Nation. Panic like this always ensues when their beloved team isn't undefeated or at least in the top half read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Auburn Faces Offensive Shootout At Arkansas
While most of the attention in the league has gone to the three teams in the Top 4 of the polls, maybe the best story of the early season has been the resurgence of Auburn.
SPF Daily Rating: Saints Look Consistent, Perhaps Elite At 4-0
It's early, but the 2009 New Orleans Saints look like a very, very good team. No one has ever questioned this team's read more...
SEC Daily Fever: LSU's Tight Win Sets Up SEC Mega-Clash
It may not have been the most well played game, but what a finish we all got to see in Athens Saturday. LSU led Georgia 6-0 after three quarters, read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia Looks To Define 2009 Season Against LSU
Saturday’s huge clash between Georgia and LSU will go a long way in defining the Bulldogs’ season. Mark Richt’s bunch is 3-1, a pretty solid record read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Del Rio Cancels Garrard's Radio Show
We hate piling on, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio has been asking for it. Just recently, we wrote about Del Rio's penchant for playing silly games - most read more...
SEC Daily Fever: LSU Can Prove Their Top 5 Ranking Between the Hedges
LSU will begin a brutal three-game stretch this Saturday that will test their lofty #4 national ranking.
SPF Daily Rating: Jaguars to Orlando?
Orlando Sentinel sports columnist, Mike Bianchi, made some big sports news today when he reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars might be looking to move
SEC Daily Fever: Auburn Faces Litmus Test in Tennessee
It has been quite the successful beginning at Auburn for new coach Gene Chizik. His Tigers have started 4-0 while putting up 45.3 points and 526 yards a game, read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Hogs Desperate for Win in Big D vs Texas A&M
Can you have a must-win game at the beginning of October against a non-conference opponent? That’s the feeling around an Arkansas squad that sits at read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Chad Pennington to Miss Season
Although they don't want to officially announce it yet because of a possible misdiagnosis, the immediate signs are that Dolphins QB Chad Pennington will miss the 2009 season with a shoulder read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Is Bama the league's top dog?
Florida still has the #1 spot in the national polls, but many believe Alabama is staking a claim as the best team in the read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Texas Stadium RIP
Last night, the Irving (TX) City Council approved the funds to demolish Texas Stadium. Lost in all the hype of the new Cowboys Stadium, it's hard to believe that a place with so read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Gamecocks Embrace the Spotlight While the Rebels Wither
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. South Carolina played a physical game led by their relentless defense and took down #4 Ole Miss 16-10, Thursday night in Columbia in a classic SEC headknocker.
SPF Daily Rating: What if Redskins Lose To Lowly Lions? Bye, Bye Zorn
It's the unthinkable times two. The first unthinkable is that an NFL team can finish 0-16. That already happened with last year's Detroit Lions. Now that the Lions are 0-2 to start the 2009 season, the question starts - "who will they finally read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Rebels-Gamecocks Ready To Prove It in Primetime
It should be a great Thursday night national television matchup between Ole Miss and South Carolina, two teams that have a lot to prove.
SPF Daily Rating: Del Rio Playing Silly Games in Jacksonville
In what should be a small story, Jags coach Jack Del Rio has brought back WR Nate Hughes to the practice squad after cutting him on read more...
SEC Daily Fever: It's Offense vs Defense When Arkansas faces Alabama
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. One of the more interesting storylines this Saturday will be seeing
SPF Daily Rating: Lack of Playmakers Leave Florida Teams Winless
"I'm not interested in Pro Bowl players, I'm interested in world champions." "[I'm interested in 'non-talent issues' [namely] the hustle, the effort, the technique, the fundamentals, all of those things." The above quotes read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Verbal Jabs Between Meyer and Kiffin Escalate
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. New Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin may have gotten the first word in between him and Urban Meyer when he boldly (or stupidly depending on your point of view) announced read more...
SPF Daily Rating: The Saints Roll Again Behind Smart Decisions
The New Orleans Saints keep their high powered offense rolling once again as they went into Philadelphia and smoked the Eagles 48-22. What read more...
SEC Daily Fever: New Coaches Show Early Promise
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. The story of the early SEC season continues to be the impact of the new coaches. We already knew the strength of the top teams in the league (Florida, read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Houston Texans Don't Like Being Called "Soft"
To say the Houston Texans have been disappointing since entering the NFL as a expansion team in 2002 would be an understatement. In a way, however, everything about the Texans seems understated, including their presence on the field according to those who have been calling read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Meyer Looks To Make Statement Against Kiffin
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. The national media has had this game circled since Lane Kiffin's hiring press conference earlier this year. Kiffin and Tennessee will travel to the Swamp this read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Jacksonville Mayor Makes Personal Plea For Fans To Buy Jags Tix
The Jaguars lost an astonishing 17,000 season ticket holders between this season and last. Expectations are that most of their games will be blacked out locally. So who have the Jags turned to?
SEC Daily Fever: Hogs-Dawgs Could Be The SEC Game of The Weekend
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. One of the more interesting matchups of the weekend has to be Georgia traveling to Arkansas. (Give Mark Richt credit - his tough schedule has kept his team on read more...
SPF Daily Rating: Delhomme Under Fire In Carolina
Things are getting ugly in Charlotte and Carolina for Panthers QB Jake Delhomme. Delhomme is getting major flack from fans. read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Chizik Tries To "Manage" Auburn Fans' Expectations
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. Auburn fans have had more than a little frustration with their offense over the last few seasons.
SPF Daily Rating: The Falcons Display Winning Formula in Week One
The Atlanta Falcons have opened 2009 just like they did 2008 - by winning decisively. The main difference is that they beat the ultimately 0-16 read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Kiffin Continues Tennessee's Recruiting Gains
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. Saturday was a tough day for Lane Kiffin and the Vols.
SEC Daily Fever: UGA and South Carolina Deliver Early Season Drama
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. What a game between Georgia and South Carolina. With their recent history, we all expected a low scoring, defensive affair.
Charlie Daniels Band Reissue Features Buffalo Liner Notes
I was so excited when I went to the mail box today and received my copy of the new reissue of Midnight Wind, the 1975 album by The Charlie Daniels Band. Not only was I excited to read more...
9/11: Never Forget
I watched a special on National Geographic channel night before last that recounted the events of 9/11/01. All of the horror of that day came back as I sat on the sofa, my eyes welling up with tears. I am of a mind that we should never ever forget the families and lives lost that read more...
SEC Weekend Fever: Mullen vs. Chizik
SEC Weekend Fever Previews Top Stories for the Upcoming Weekend Auburn hosts Mississippi State in 2009's first meeting between SEC rookie coaches. Quite a lot has changed in a year for both squads.
SEC Daily Fever: Georgia & South Carolina Ready Defenses For A Tight Game
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. Mark Richt and Steve Spurrier are both offensive-minded coaches, but it looks like they have to rely on their defenses to win early in 2009.
SEC Daily Fever: Gut Check time for Georgia
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. After dropping the opener at Oklahoma State, it is a huge week for Georgia as they try to avoid an 0-2 start when they battle South Carolina Saturday.
SEC Daily Fever: Solid Debuts For New Coaches Makes Conference Even Deeper
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. With the exception of the Georgia loss, it was a pretty solid start for the SEC. The biggest story had to be the debut of the three new coaches.
SEC Daily Fever: Spurrier Lets Defense Rule Over Wolfpack
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. It wasn’t pretty, but South Carolina relied on their defense for a hard fought read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Auburn Opener Provides Dilemma for Vince Dooley
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. An interesting scenario presents itself for SEC legend Vince Dooley in the Auburn-Louisiana Tech opener.
SEC Daily Fever: Embattled Dawgs D Gets Opening Challenge
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. While much of the talk in Athens has been about replacing Matt Stafford and Knowshon Moreno, the key to the 2009 Georgia season may lie in the improvement of the read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Bama Locks Up Saban For Another 3 Years
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. A contract extension for Nick Saban, whose megadeal already runs through 2014?
SEC Daily Fever: Ole Miss Fans Hoping For a Monumental Season
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. Coming off a Cotton Bowl win and with quarterback Jevan Snead returning, the expectations at Ole Miss are as high as ever. The fan base has responded by
SEC Daily Fever: Vols' Brown cleared by the NCAA
$(document).ready(function() { $('p > a[href*=swampland]').after(''); $('p > read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Latest On Julio Jones and Alabama
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. It's the story that just won't go away in Alabama.
SEC Daily Fever: How will Kiffin's offense fare in Year 1?
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. As expected, Tennessee has named senior quarterback Jonathan Crompton the read more...
SEC Daily Fever: The Gamecock Spotlight Shines on Garcia in South Carolina
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know It’s nothing new for Steve Spurrier to seem upset with the play of his quarterbacks.
SEC Daily Fever: SEC Media Policy Upsets the Press
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know A huge debate is about to happen regarding the direction of the league’s media coverage.
SEC Daily Fever: Eligibility of Prized Vol Recruit Under NCAA Scrutiny
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know The highly-publicized recruitment of Tennessee’s Bryce Brown has taken an interesting turn a few weeks before the top running back is set to make read more...
SEC Daily Fever: Tough Break for Improving Vandy
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know Vanderbilt’s defense suffered a major blow with
SEC Daily Fever: Tough Injury for the Razorbacks
SEC Daily Fever is the top SEC story of the day. Disagree? Let us know. The Arkansas defense has suffered a major loss with the news that
Brooks & Dunn Going Out On Top
All good things, they say, must eventually come to an end, even if it’s a mega-star country music act like Brooks & Dunn. Louisiana man Kix Brooks and Texan Ronnie Dunn have announced that they are parting ways as a duo following a farewell read more...
Singing With Vince Gill, Writing For Trace Adkins: Our Interview with Singer/Songwriter Amanda Martin
I first met Amanda Martin when we did a gig together at The High Lonesome Saloon
Hank Williams, Jr Kicking His Record Company to The Curb
According to an online interview/blog, Hank Williams, Jr. is fed up wih his record company and looking for a new recording home. He says this is his last album for CURB read more...
Hank William's, Jr's Best Album in Years, New Scrapbook Pics Lynyrd Skynyrd 1971
After eleven years of listening to new CD releases in country and Southern Rock I admit I have become somewhat jaded. It takes something really special to stop me in my tracks. Well campers, that is exactly what happened with the new release from the living legend Hank Williams, Jr read more...
Orrin Hatch's Folly: Senator, College Football Is About Conferences, Not Teams
After concluding Senate hearings about the BCS, Senator Orrin Hatch wrote an op-ed piece that appeared on ESPN.com. Here's a selection of that article: During the June 7 read more...
A Tribute To Paul Hemphill: On The Road
A Tribute To The Late Paul Hemphill In the wake of the sad passing read more...
New Albums From Commander Cody, Oak Ridge Boys
Happy Saturday folks. I have been listening to some pretty awesome CDs today, and I am very happy to present my humble reviews of the new Commander Cody album Dopers, Drunks and Everyday read more...
Time Flies Like An Arrow
“Time read more...
Buffalo Roaming: Winters Brothers Band 30th Annual Summer Jam Rocked
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I can hardly believe this was the final Winters Brothers Southern Summer Jam. But man oh man, was it ever a good one. I can truthfully say I have never seen a bigger crowd at the jam, and I have never heard
Buffalo Roaming: Friends Gather at Dennis Winters' House for Southern Dinner
Friday night was a lot of fun. Dennis and Lynda Winters hosted a pasta dinner for a whole bunch (I have no real body count, sorry) of friends and family. It's a Winters Brothers tradition. Don Swensen (formerly of Rebel Storm) is in from Washington with his wife read more...
Buffalo Roaming To Winters Brothers Summer Jam
Greetings! Scott, Steve and I have arrived here in Nashville, and are anticipating the pre-jam get together at the Winters Farm tonight. The jam is tomorrow. Should be a stellar final jam. Lots of friends have already checked in with us. More soon... Keep it Real. read more...
Medusa Meets Bride of Frankenstein: A Night at the Sleep Clinic
After my very serious piece about US Highway 72, I thought all of us could use a little levity. Hope you get a laugh out of my recent night at the read more...
The Winters Brothers Present Final Summer Jam Saturday
One of the annual events I look forward to each year is the Winters Brothers Band Southern Summer Jam. Me and my friend Scott Greene have been going every Father’s Day weekend for many a year now, and this read more...
Tennessee Rules: Places to Experience, Music That Rocks, Vistas That Amaze
This month I want to share with you the incredible diversity and exquisite beauty of my neighboring state, the "volunteer" state of Tennessee. From geography (Tennessee is often referred to as the read more...
Muscle Shoals Swamper Barry Beckett Has Died
The Swampland flag is once again flying at half mast. A member of the Muscle Shoals “Swampers” has died. Producer and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section keyboardist Barry Beckett, 66, died Wednesday, June 10, at his home in Hendersonville, Tenn., after years of read more...
Mongomery Gentry and Cracker Barrel Help Wounded Warriors
To me, one of the single greatest things a successfull artist can do is give back. Sure, they have worked hard to get to where they are now, but there is also quite a bit of good luck involved in achieving fame. One of the bands that never forgot where they came from is
New Scrapbook Photos of Winters Brothers, Charlie Daniels, Toy & Tommy Caldwell
Page Ten of our Legend of Southern Rock Photo Scrapbook is now posted, and it's a doozey. Good ol' photos of The Charlie Daniels Band, The Winters Brothers Band and The read more...
The Tennessee Titans Only Need to Stay on Course
The 2008 Tennessee Titans played Jeff Fisher football- run the ball, limit mistakes, pressure the passer- all the way to the NFL’s best read more...
Guy Gilchrist's New Video Blends Country Music with Star Trek
Our friend Guy Gilchrist has done it again. The cartoonist, famous for his strips Nancy and The Muppets, has posted a music video online. You see, the talent of Gilchrist runs read more...
Jimmy Hall, Artimus Pyle, And Other Southern Rockers Band Together For Dixie Tabernacle
There has been an abundance of “all star” Southern Rock groups over the past few years. Some of them stay the course, while others fall by the wayside, often due to scheduling conflicts. Well, there’s one band that I sincerely hope keeps it together to record an read more...
Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun with Diane Durrett
Hi Y'all. I am happy today to post two reviews of one particularly talented artist, one Diane Durrett. Diane is both an acomplished singer and songwriter, as well as being a fine writer. Her latest album ,
Stephen Bruton Dead at 60
Stephen Bruton, the super talented songwriter, musician and actor died on Saturday in Los Angeles at the age of 60. Among his many accomplishments, Bruton was a member of Kris Kristofferson's touring band for over twenty years. He had been fighting throat cancer for two years.
Back Home From Nashville and My Head is Still Rockin'
Back from Nashville, after the absolute longest, hardest ride of my life. Yep, it’s true. The six-hour drive took over eight hours, thanks to yet another traffic jam in Knoxville, a truck wreck, and road construction near Asheville. What can you do? At least I read more...
Rockin' Southern Style with Candy Coburn in Nashville
Buffalo’s big adventure continues... Well, at first my buddy Rick Broyles didn’t think he was going to make it out to The Exit/In for the big Candy Coburn showcase, so I drove on over, walked through the stark darkness, and found myself a table down front. read more...
How I Ended Up In Kentucky On My Way Down To Nashville
Well, I got up early today, and even though my back was still ailing me and it was raining outside, I chose to seize the day. I made a few calls, checked e-mail, packed up the Honda, and turned the ignition key. The sound coming from under my hood was not a good one. Long story read more...
Buffalo Roaming Once Again
Happy Sunday, guys. Well, I am getting packed and ready and to head out to Nashville for a few days. I have a full schedule of meetings and greetings and stuff, and will be reporting in nightly right here at GRITZ.NET. I hope you guys will check ot out. Also, stay read more...
Black Crowes Drummer Steve Gorman Hosts Nashville Radio Sports Show
Black Crowes Drummer Steve Gorman Hosts Nashville Sports Show Last night, NASCAR enthusiast
A New (Media) Day Dawning for the SEC
We ran across this video recently, and we thought we'd put it up for everyone to view. It ran at the end of Raycom Sports final SEC game during this past SEC basketball tournament in Tampa. We all know about the SEC's new ESPN deal
To Our Friends in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 30 miles southeast of Nashville, 42 homes were destroyed and 140 confirmed damaged as part of a bizarre weather situation spawning tornadoes across the Southeast last night. The weather is being blamed for three deaths and dozens
In Defense of Jay Cutler: Why Most SPF Teams Still Don't Get It
I wish it hadn't come to this [trading Cutler]. I'm disappointed. . . . It's a sad day for one of the elite franchises in football and all the Broncos fans, and I'm sad - John Elway The saga of Jay Cutler has mesmerized the NFL landscape just like Brett Favre did read more...
Blues Legend Willie King Dies at 65
The music world mourns the passing of blues musician Willie King. Funeral services were held yesterday, March 15, in Aliceville, Alabama, for King read more...
Jack White's Dead Weather Skyline
Jack White’s Dead Weather Skyline Nashville transplant, Jack White, announced Wednesday that he has a new band called Dead Weather. On read more...
Swampland Remembers and Salutes Nashville Songwriter Dennis Linde
On February 9 a very special event was held in Nashville to honor the late songwriter and all around creative artist, Dennis Linde, who died on December 22, 2006.
SEC vs ACC: Clemson and South Carolina Try to Make the Palmetto State Relevant
In continuing our look at the states with both ACC and SEC teams, we move to the Palmetto State, where a ton of changes occurred in the offseason.
SEC vs ACC: Georgia and Georgia Tech Battle for Peach State Supremacy
With recruiting classes signed and spring practices approaching, it’s a good time to look at states in the Swampland Footprint that share SEC and ACC teams. We’re going to start in the Peach State, where a long time
The Clock is Ticking for Spurrier at South Carolina
As we continue to take a post-Signing Day look at the coaches and programs in our Swampland Footprint, it’s an interesting time to examine the state of the South Carolina program under Steve Spurrier. An SEC legend as a player and coach at Florida, Spurrier has not yet read more...
In Defense of Lane Kiffin: The SEC "Family Feud" with Urban Meyer
There is no other conference more proud of itself than the SEC. SEC fans from rival teams hate each other with a passion bordering on the pathological, but when success arrives, it is embraced not just for the winning team but for the conference at large.
SEC Dominance - From the Field to Recruiting (And It Isn't Stopping Soon)
The reaction to Signing Day is always interesting as every coach in America is thrilled with their class while fans have mixed reactions to their school’s ranking and new players. Everyone that followed Wednesday's coverage saw plenty of ESPN's favorite big-market teams read more...
A Visit to The Charlie Daniels Museum
Located on 2nd Avenue in downtown Nashville, The Charlie Daniels Museum is a site to behold. If you are a fan of
Xmas in February for Southern College Football Fans (SEC, Big 12, ACC, Big East)
It’s finally here! National Signing Day is upon us, and this is the time where quality programs establish themselves for the upcoming years. The welcoming of a new recruiting class energizes fans and provides coaches with the opportunity to show that their school will be-or read more...
Mack Brown and the Longhorns Must Judiciously Draw Talent from their Texas Base
Water is wet, the sky is blue, and the University of Texas is working on another top-notch recruiting class. The Longhorns Mine Their State's Natural Talent Base Most BCS schools try to comb their region (if not the read more...
SB Sunday Reflections on the SPF Season: Teams Fell Short; Dungy & Gruden Gone
As the Footprint wakes to a Sunday featuring the 43rd Super Bowl hosted by one of our great Swampland cities, it gives us a chance to reflect on the past SPF season. Although five of our 13 SPF teams made the playoffs, none made any noise since they all were "one and read more...
To Stewart Mandel, We Say, "SEC Coaching Dollars Make Sense"
Chalk SI.com's Stewart Mandel as the latest member of the national media that just doesn’t understand the culture of the SEC football landscape. Mandel's latest involves
Lane Kiffin is Already Making an Impact on the SEC (and Paul Finebaum)
A few weeks ago, I wrote how I thought Tennessee and Lane Kiffin were going to be a great fit for each other. There was quite a bit of criticism for a major power in the SEC choosing a read more...
John Rich and Gone Country, a Great Way to Chill On a Saturday Night
It turned out to be a CMT kind of night at the Buffalo home last night. First, i watched the premier of season three of Gone Country, followed by CMT Cribs, which took us on a visit to the home of our friend Charlie Daniels. Yes, My Big Redneck Wedding was read more...
From The GRITZ Vaults: The Legendary Godfather of Southern Rock, Charlie Daniels
The first time I ever saw Charlie Daniels in person was on one summer afternoon in 1977 at The Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. The Marshall Tucker Band’s Homecoming Concert.
A Call To Paul Hemphill
A Call To Paul Hemphill Last week I wrote about writers Flannery read more...
Dungy and the Colts Both Needed a New Direction
A good thing happened in Indy on Monday – Tony Dungy retired from the NFL to spend more time with his family in Tampa Bay. It’s nice to see the veteran head coach pursue his dream read more...
Ole Miss and LSU Cruise; Alabama and South Carolina Snooze
Overall it’s been a pretty good bowl season for the SEC, going 5-2 with Florida left to play in the National Title Game. The highlights include Mississippi and Houston Nutt getting a
Lane Kiffin fits the Vols and the SEC
Tribal Fever did a great job of presenting the challenge that is coaching in the 21st century SEC. I wanted to focus on the Tennessee job where Phil read more...
The Soul And Songs of Dennis Linde
The Soul And Songs of Dennis Linde 12/19/08 Born in Abilene, Texas in 1943, Dennis Linde ranks as one of the most insightful songwriters read more...
SEC and Big 12 Championship Game Reax
The college football regular season ended by giving us the matchup that made the most sense--the SEC Champion vs. the Big 12 Champion. The BCS title game should be a high-scoring, exciting affair and one that all of the fans in our Swampland footprint will appreciate. Florida will read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Fourteen): NFC South Showdowns!
We had to take a couple of weeks off due to technical issues with the site. Check out our Faulkner-inspired T.I. Poll to see how the teams rank. On to this week's read more...
Saturday's Slate: Conference Championships
Here we are, after a week off due to technical difficulties, to find ourselves on the verge of crowning some conference champions and setting up the BCS Title teams. It has been a long and exciting year. Luckily for us, today's games have the potential to live up to the read more...
Swampland Footprint National Title: Big 12 vs. SEC
So it’s Oklahoma that gets the chance to represent the Big 12 South in Kansas City, and they will probably get a shot at the National title with a victory. Of read more...
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1. It has finally happened. For the first time since 1982, the Vanderbilt Commodores will be eligible to go to a bowl. Vandy rode D.J. Moore read more...
The Fearless Youth of Taylor Swift
Okay, I was skeptical at first. I have never really been one to jump on the band wagon of the latest "teen idol." Well, I have come close, especially if she's cute. But after due consideration and several spins of her new CD, I have found that country music's read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Eleven): Key Swampland Showdowns in Jax, DC, and Indy!
After four SPF teams have byes last week (Dallas, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Cincinnati), we are heading into the home stretch. Intra-division matchups will determine playoffs berths. This week our two SPF NFC East teams and the entire AFC South face off. As read more...
Saturday's Slate: SEC vs. Big 12 South Looking Good!
After a season of many a wild ride, a little clarity emerged from last week's games. The SEC has their championship game set. The Big 12 is now down to three (maybe four) potential BCS participants. The rest of our TF conferences have a ways to go, but none of read more...
It Wasn't Your Daddy's CMA Awards Show!
I could hardly wait to watch the 42nd Annual CMA Awards on the boob tube last night. Airing from Music City and hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the three-hour extravaganza featured performances by great country artists like The Eagles, Kid Rock, The Wailers and the guy read more...
CMA Awards are Rockin'
I am watching the CMA Awards on TV, and Lady Antebellum just burned up the stage with what, by all accounts, was a blazing Southern Rock performance. I am making a lot of notes, and tomorrow I will be writing about the show, the music, and the current face of country music. Oh, read more...
Classic Photos: Mark Emerick and BHLT
Once upon a time there was an absolutely killer Southern Rock band called BHLT, made up of Dickey Betts, Jimmy Hall, Chuck Leavell and Butch Trucks, along with "Rook" Goldflies on bass and Danny Parks on fiddle. I have heard several boots of these guys, as well as read more...
Australia Rocks Classic Bonnie Bramlett Collection
I am such a lucky cat. Seriously. I have been loving Delaney and Bonnie ever since Junior High, and I still find it hard to believe just how nice both of them are. I met
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1. After all of the Nick Saban drama last week in Baton Rouge, we finally got a close game from a SEC marquee matchup. Alabama and LSU staged a very hard-fought battle, but as we’ve written about so much this season in the SEC, the quarterback play was the difference. Alabama read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Ten): Byes Galore
Four SPF teams have byes this week (Dallas, Washington, Tampa Bay, and Cincinnati). There are only a few good-looking games on the schedule. The rest, outside of a select few, look like virtual byes - either be easy wins or sad losses. As Always, SPF teams in read more...
Notes From A Fall Saturday Afternoon
"May this shovel Loose your trouble, Lay them far away..." read more...
Saturday's Slate: The November Home Stretch Begins!
College football remains the Footprint's most compelling and spectacular sport. The 2008 season has delivered us yet again a roller coaster ride of sporting goodness. The stakes have been high all season. So far, at least two key programs (Tennessee and read more...
End of an Era in Knoxville and the SEC
The Dean of SEC football coaches, Phillip Fulmer, announced on Monday that he would agree with the University of Tennessee’s decision for him no to return for the 2009 season. It was one of the
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1. Wow – what an instant classic in the Lonestar State. Texas Tech pulled off an amazing upset of #1 Texas with one second to go and sent their raucous fans read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Nine): SPF Inter-league Barometer Time
Carolina and New Orleans have bye weeks. There's one Swampland Showdown. The rest of today's Slate features matchups between SPF teams and the rest of the NFL. There is a chance that SPF teams can go undefeated this week sending a huge message to the rest of the read more...
Charlie Daniels Kicks it Bluegrass Style
Today was a great day. After a few days of downright cold winter-like weather, the sun returned, we hit 72 degrees and all was well in the world. But before trhe temp went up, I decided to get up early watch the new
Saturday's Slate: Top Games in Each Conference Will Decide Champions
Georgia and Florida in Jacksonville The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party has more at stake than ever – read more...
Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Inducted into Hall of Fame
Huge congratulations go out to my friends in the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section who were inducted into The Musician's Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening in Nashville. Here is a link to a great read more...
Tuesday Tastings (Week 8): Midway Point
Thanks to Patrick "Snowman" Snow's item early Monday morning, he helped us cover a lot of ground for our tastings. Without any further waiting... FINGER-LICKIN' read more...
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Sunday
1) The Titans and Colts will go at it on Monday Night Football in the Music City. Tennessee comes into the game undefeated and looks to deliver the ultimate knockout blow to the usual AFC South Champ. The
Snowman's Six-Pack of Reax from Saturday
1) The biggest difference between teams in the SEC this season is simply quarterback play. Alabama, Georgia, and Florida came into the season with experienced/quality signal callers, and they have been the class of the league. Lack of experience or just poor play at quarterback has read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Eight): Big Games in Big D, Music City
Finally, we have a few big games to savor. As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 7's T.I. Poll Ranking) TAMPA BAY (4) @ DALLAS (1) - This pivotal Swampland read more...
Saturday's Slate: A Bit of Relative Calm Before the Storm
Although you can't take a week off in college football, this week seems like a palate cleanser before some of the biggest homestretch games are played. November will feature great game after great game and next week's
A Nice Weekend of Hate in the SEC
One of the most hate-filled rivalries in college football will see another chapter written on Saturday when the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide invade Knoxville to take on the Volunteers. The “Third read more...
Rays to Host World Series
The Tampa Bay Rays improbable run to the World Series commences tonight, and their success should be a huge boon for Southern baseball. With the Braves’ NL East dominance over and the Texas teams struggling, Tampa Bay’s club of youngsters provides a blueprint for other read more...
Tuesday Tastings (Week 7): Rams Recognized, while Dallas Declines
It was a tough week of football in SPF land. Two of our teams were off (Jacksonville and Atlanta) and several others played like they were taking the week off. FINGER LICKIN' GOOD St. Louis Rams - It is time to read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Seven): Find Some Magic
With only four games worthy of interest and two teams off (Atlanta and Jacksonville), we are looking for a little magic in our Sunday Slate. The NFL usually provides a few unexpected surprises. Maybe this is that week. It certainly won't be hard with entertaiment read more...
Saturday's Slate: BCS Busters vs. Disciplined Talent
Last week was a lesson in symmetry. Many teams met on the field that looked like mirror images. Something had to give, and it did. 3 of the top 5 teams lost giving the nation a new number one, Texas, who beat Oklahoma in what was probably a top 10 of all time Red read more...
Tuesday Tastings (Week 6): Burt Reynolds Loves The Falcons!
It was a very weird week in SPF land. Many teams lost games they weren't expected to lose. A few others had surprising wins. (The Titans were off so they don't get included this week.) FINGER LICKIN' read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Six): The "Must Wins" Begin
The NFL is a game of inches. Each week matters. The stories of each of our SPF teams are told as the season unfolds. There have been enough games to know that this week has more than a few teams in desperation mode. Simply put, more than a few of our teams read more...
Saturday's Slate: Symmetry Saturday
We've already been treated to upsets throughout the Tribal Fever landscape, but let's not forget that upsets require a precondition of disparity between teams, etiher real or imagined. This Saturday's games are of a different sort. It seems across the board that all read more...
Tuesday Tastings (Week 5): Nothing Is Easy
St Louis was off last week, so we are spared another missive on how terrible they are. The good news is that their temporary absence sways our SPF teams well into the positive over all. The best of our teams are living by a simple rule - nothing comes easy in SPF read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Five): Separation Sunday
This week doesn't have the same drama as a Cowboys/Redskins weekend, but SPF teams pushing towards the playoffs, a solid 8 of 15, can further prove their mettle this week by taking care of business. As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 4's
Saturday's Slate: Picking Up The Pieces
Last week had USC losing on Thursday which appeared to set up big things for Georgia and Florida. Then, both stumbled last week, but both have a chance to redeem their season. This shapes up to be another great season filled with surprises as another team with destiny read more...
Tuesday Tastings (Week 4): Hail To the Redskins!
Since Miami and Indy had byes this past week, we're leaving them off our weekly Tastings dispatch. That still leaves us with 11 samplings of varied quality. Let's start off with the best of the bunch... FINGER LICKIN' read more...
Big & Rich Rock My Monday Night; Jimmy Farrar Health Update
As I write this little ol' blog, I am tapping my number 13's on the hard wood floor, watching Big & Rich in concert on Direct TV and they are just ripping it up. Dang I love them guys. They combine elements of country, Southern Rock, classic rock and anything else that fits into read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Four): Cowboys vs Indians, er Redskins
Week Four features the only classic pro football rivalry in the Footprint. That's reason enough to tune in. Two of our teams have byes (Indy and Miami) and several others have critical games. We will quickly break it down for you. As Always, SPF read more...
38 Special and Trace Adkins Join Forces
Country superstar Trace Adkins' new music video finds him live in duet with 38 Special on their classic
New Johnny Cash Recording & Documentary Set For Release
New Documentary Airs October 23 9/25/08 A new read more...
Tuesday Tastings (Week 3): We're Dolphin-safe now, but the Goat, er Ram, is Smoked
After getting a full-sized Sunday helping of SPF games, some things have improved while others took a turn for the worse. "Finger Lickin' Good" Yum, yum. These teams served it up on Sunday leaving their fans hungry read more...
The Sunday Slate (Week Three): The NFC South Goes North While the AFC South Faces Off
Week 3 doesn't feature as many interesting games as last week, but the AFC South faces off and the NFC South heads up north. As Always, SPF teams in CAPS with (Week 2's T.I. Poll Ranking) Here's a read more...
Saturday's Slate: Barometer Games (Intra- and Inter-Conference)
This weekend marks the beginning of some classic early season rivalry games inside the SEC. TF has a rundown of all the key games. BEST INTRA-CONFERENCE GAMES
Our Week Two SPF Tastings: Give Us Some Panther, but Steer Clear of Ram and Bengal
After getting a full-sized Sunday helping of SPF games, not everything we sampled was up to par. Let's do a quick break down in hopes that maybe some of the team cooks can get their wares "Finger Lickin' Good" Although read more...
The SPF Week 2 Slate: Pretender/Contender Separation Begins
It's only Week 2, but many of today's games determine how seasons will unfold for our SPF teams. One game may mean nothing, but two games often represents a trend. Let's start with our inter-SPF matchups. SPF teams in CAPS with (
Amanda Martin is The Real Deal
I first heard Amanda Martin sing earlier this month when we shared a stage while appearing at the High Lonesome Saloon in Rome, Georgia, and I knew then that she is a star in the making. She is bursting read more...
Another MuzikMafia Star is About to Go Supernova - James Otto
James Otto is the bomb. He's Donnie and he's Marie. He's a read more...
New Candy Coburn Video Pays Tribute to George McCorkle
Up and coming country music sensation Candy Coburn has released a new music video of her version of "Fire On The Mountain," and the great thing about it is that it is a duet with the late
The SEC Upgrades To College Football 2.0
The nation at large now sees what the Footprint has long known - SEC Football is dominant and truly in its own league. Despite the hue and cry against it, the BCS has allowed sports fans to see top teams, by and large, go against each other on the field. Since read more...
Memories of Jerry Reed
Sadly, we have lost another old friend of GRITZ. Country music star, songwriter and actor Jerry Reed died on August 31, 2008 at the age of 71 of complications from emphysema. I first discovered Reed as a teenager when I was dreaming of being the next superstar disc read more...
Jerry Reed RIP 1937-2008
Georgia Legend Dies At 71 9/2/08 Legendary Georgia musician Jerry Reed passed away over the Labor Day weekend. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Reed read more...
Gamecocks Destruction of Wolfpack Serves Notice to Clemson and the ACC
Last night was the glorious kick off to the 2008 college football season. Teams from almost every conference had games allowing us some very early previews of what might be coming in the weeks ahead. Everyone now knows about the
From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler
From Athens, Georgia To Jerry Wexler: A Feast of Friends… 8/16/08 There’s not much time to write this read more...
Southern Music's Best Friend, Jerry Wexler Has Died at 91
Jerry Wexler was rock and roll. He was also rhythm and blues. Oh, and Southern rock. Oh, yeah, Wex was a huge fan of Southern music of all sorts, and of the key architects in the history of music over the past 50 years. He was instrumental in helping Phil Walden read more...
Fun Music Videos: Winters Brothers, Danny Joe Brown, Charlie Daniels Band and Drive By Truckers with Kelly Hogan
Just for fun, I thought I'd post some very cool YouTube videos. I hope y'all dig 'em. Keep it Real. Keep it Southern. Buffalo
A Humorous Comparison of College Football Between the South and the North
As our beloved college football season nears, we at Tribal Fever thought everyone should read this comparison between college football in the South versus our Northern counterparts. (This has been making the rounds via email so many of you might have already seen it - read more...
Is 8 Wins The SEC's New Over/Under For Coaching Success?
An interesting debate was sparked last week when the University of Tennessee announced it had extended Coach Phillip Fulmer’s contract: What is an read more...
Bonnie Bramlett's Favorite Southern Rock Albums
Just a quick heads up. We have added Bonnie Bramlett's Top Ten Southern Rock albums to the list of favorites of the stars. Check out Bonnie's list and let us know what you think. Buffalo
Rare Bonnie Bramlett Video
Every Bonnie Bramlett fan knows that Bonnie was a regular on the old Roseanne TV show during the eighties, but how read more...
The Beautiful Bonnie Bramlett: The GRITZ Interview
We are proud to present an all new interview with Southern Soul Sister Number One, the only ever "Allman Sister," the magnificent Bonnie Bramlett, our first interview with her in over eight years. Bonnie talks about her great new album Beautiful, as well as read more...
Booker T & The MGs, The Memphis Horns and The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section Inducted Into Musicians Hall of Fame
Musicians Hall of Fame Announces 2008 Inductees 7/2/08 Yesterday I interviewed the great
Winters Brothers Band Summer Jam : A Photo Retrospective
Well, judging from all reports, it was another extra special Winters Brothers Band Southern Summer Jam up in Tennessee last weekend. Everyone had a great time. I sure wish I could have been there, but I plan on being at next year's big 30th Anniversary Jam to be sure. Donnie read more...
The Cities That Gave Us Southern Rock
I find it interesting just how many of our greatest Southern Rockers come from the same cities. Especially our number one city for Southern Rock, Jacksonville, Florida. Check out our list of the Top Ten read more...
GAC Contest, Vote for The Southern Boys Band
Greetings from South Carolina. I just heard about this contest that our friend
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist Volume Seven: Neil Young
Mystery And Manners Honorary Southern Artist: Volume Seven—Neil Young 6/18/08 “I’m a vampire Sucking blood from the read more...
Will Jags' Fans Respond?
An interesting question was asked last week in the local Jacksonville paper regarding the Jaguars and their fans: “What has this team not done to legitimately pursue a Super Bowl read more...
Tift Merritt Mystery And Manners Interview
Tift Merritt: A Poetric Songbird Chirps To Mystery And Manners 6/16/08 I'd like to say it was great fun to interview the soulful North read more...
Bingham, Merritt and Emmylou In Today's Camera Eye
Bingham's Nomination & Harris-Merritt Television Appearance 6/12/08 In Nashville today Ryan Bingham received a nomination for the New read more...
With Leadership In Flux, the BCS Proves Its Worth to the Big East
Tribal Fever will never stop its defense of the greatest sport in our Footprint - college football. How a sport that has record ratings and revenue would ever be under scrutiny is beyond us, but we believe the heart of that line of criticism lies in its "limited" read more...
Overrated? Let's Start with Sal Paolantonio and other "National" Sports Analysts
Here we go again. I guess ESPN has nothing better to feed NFL fans during the offseason than more of Sal Paolantonio’s “Overrated/Underrated” drivel. read more...
Duke Over Notre Dame: College Sports Are Still The King Down South
Since the SEC just wrapped up its meetings down in Destin, Tribal Fever thought it would be a good time to check in. College sports are the glory of The Footprint, and the rest of the nation is taking notice. The significance of yesterday's news that Notre Dame's AD read more...
Random Notes: Bo Diddley, MTV Awards, Boxmasters, Winters Jam
Well, summer has made it to South Carolina, and it's hotter than Angelina Jolie in a sweat lodge. But I ain't complainin’ none. I am pretty tired of the cold.
Winters Brothers Annual Jam is On The Way
It’s almost time again for one of our favorite events of the year. The Winters Brothers Band will host their 29th Annual Southern Summer Jam on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at the family's farm in read more...
South Dominates College Baseball
by Patrick Snow There is one more week of college baseball before the conference tournaments, and the teams in our Swampland footprint are looking very strong. I had the pleasure this past weekend to attend a great 3-game series between Vanderbilt and Georgia. The Bulldogs read more...
Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland Movie Looks Great
Growing up in Spartanbrg, SC, I was always running into people who were under the misconception that guitar legend Hank Garland was dead. The truth was, Hank had been read more...
Southern Gospel Icon Dottie Rambo Dies in Crash
Southern Gospel singer-songwriter Joyce "Dottie" Rambo died early this morning (May 11, 2008) when the bus she was in ran off a road in southwest Missouri and struck an embankment.
Eddy Arnold Dead at 89
Eddy Arnold died this morning (May 8, 2008) in Tennessee. The Country Music Hall of Famer was 89 years old. Growing up in Spartanburg, SC, I recall Eddy read more...
Charlie and Hazel Daniels Honored by Cumberland University
Nashville, Tennessee - May 5th, 2008 Cumberland University recently honored Wilson County resident and country music icon Charlie Daniels read more...
SEC Football Update, Memphis Style!
Ron Higgins was on fire over the weekend. He's one of the best writers about SEC football newspaper writers outside of Tony Barnhart. (For those of you just finding out about Ron, please
Why Swampland Sports Loves the BCS
Despite winning back to back national titles in football, the SEC susre seems to hate the BCS. Lately, this hatred has been reaching a new level. It all started when University of Georgia President Michael F. Adams announced a proposal for
Post - NFL Draft Newspaper Wrap Up
We found this article from a week or so back that is about NFL Network being the tail the wags the dog for that league. Swampland Sports has long written now about the ways read more...
New CD Reviews: Jackson Rohm, Beat Daddys and Mighty Handful
Well, it's 50 degrees at 6:15 PM here in Greenville. Tell me again what the date is? Of course, it was almost 80 degrees yesterday, so... I hope you will check out our three new CD reviews just posted today. All three are really good discs. Singer songwriter
Emmylou Harris Inducted Into Country Music Hall of Fame
Emmylou Inducted Into The Country Music Hall of Fame 4/29/08 Last Sunday, April 27,
SPF's NFL Draft First Round Log (Live All Day!!)
read more...
Why I Love Bonnie Bramlett
I remember reading about Delaney and Bonnie a lot back in high school, during those days when I was constantly read more...
Snowflakes: What Are SEC Football Critics Going To Do Now?
With spring football in full gear, it’s never too early to look ahead to the upcoming season. We at Swampland have focused many times on the ongoing theme of the SEC “arms race” in America’s toughest conference schedule to navigate. With Florida and LSU read more...
Ex-Trick Pony Singer Heidi is Back to Rock Your World
I always loved Trick Pony, and had the chance to see them up close and personal several times during the annual Angelus concerts in Tampa, Florida. One night during the 2006 show, somewhere after read more...
Outward Bound
“The eye and mind would be functioning as a camera. The writing would be selective and necessarily interpretive—but once the image was written the words would be final.” --Hunter read more...
Billy Bob Thornton's Boxmasters Signed to Vanguard
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters have signed a deal with Vanguard with a 2-CD set due out June 10. The Boxmasters, who we first wrote about after attending their
Montgomery Gentry Have a Hot New Album On the Way
"Back When I Knew It All" has been Montgomery Gentry's fastest rising single to date, and on June 10th, they will release the album of the same name. This will be their seventh read more...
The Lost Shooter Jennings Interview
Shooter Jennings rocks. There's no doubt about it. Shooter represents everything GRITZ is about, blending classic Southern read more...
Lady Antebellum Rocks Their Country with Free Download
In keeping with our mission to bring together the best of Southern rock and the best of the new country music, I want to highly recommend a new country act by the name of
Snowflakes: Why SEC Hoops is No Longer Just Kentucky
With Mississippi and Florida both dropping first round games in the conference tournament, the SEC contingent for the Big Dance seems to be set at five (TN, UK, VU, Ark., MSU). While there’s an outside chance the Rebels could get an at-large berth, the rest of the weekend will read more...
Snowflakes: Small Conference Hoops Does the Footprint Proud
It’s the most exciting time of the year for many of the smaller schools around our region. Their conferences tournaments have become an extension of the NCAA Tourney as winning the automatic bid fulfills their dream of having a shot at the big boys. Many pundits feel it would read more...
Midnight in the Garden of Good Southern Rock: Late Night Tea & TV
I love it when things like this happen. I was sitting up late tonight writing, as I often do. Beside me a nice hot cup of ralaxation tea that tasted as good as it smelled. My wife had brewed it up for me before she headed off to bed. She's good that way. What would I do read more...
The Dickinson's Mojo & The Black Crowes' Voodoo
Mystery & Manners Investigates The Mojo of The Dickinson Family & The Black Crowes' Voodoo 3/11/02 "Don't bring down the read more...
John Rich is Recording a Big Solo Album
I am really intrigued with John Rich. I just finished watching the finale of his CMT reality show Gone Country, and while I disagree with his choice of winner (Julio Iglasias, Jr., whereas I was just sure Bobby Brown was going to win) I am read more...
Snowflakes: SEC Hoops
* I’ve written all season about the banner year for basketball in the state of Tennessee. The two best teams in the league appear to be from the Volunteer State in Tennessee and Vanderbilt (although detractors would qualify the Commodores inclusion as long as they are playing read more...
Snowflakes: Small Conference Hoops
* We still have a great two-horse race in the Sun Belt Conference as both South Alabama and Western Kentucky try to prove they are Big Dance worthy. Many bracket
Little Richard Gets Standing Ovation at Ryman
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- It's a standing ovation for rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard -- and he didn't even perform. He was seated at the rear of the Ryman Auditorium Sunday night attending a concert by 1960s Motown stalwarts The read more...
Snowflakes: SEC Hoops
* After attending the Vanderbilt-Kentucky game Tuesday night in Nashville, all I can say is ‘Wow’. The Commodores are always tough at home (15-0 this season), and they handed the Wildcats the worst loss in their SEC history, 93-52. Vandy scorched the nets at over 55% for read more...
Snowflakes: Small Conference Hoops
We often focus on teams that reach the dream of an NCAA tournament or special players who make the NBA, but sometimes it’s just about playing for the love of the game. That thought takes us to tiny Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. The Blue Hose
New CD's from Delaney, Bonnie and Whitlock
This may be the only time in history that the stars have lined up like this. Literally. If you check out the GRITZ CD reviews, you'll see that our three latest reviews have a common thread. The artists were all members of the legendary Delaney Bonnie read more...
Snowflakes: Big East Hoops
Louisville got a monster win last Saturday night when they knocked off first place Georgetown. The Cardinals are playing much better ball of late, having won 5 of 6, and looking solid for a good run in the postseason. However, I’ve got to give at least an assist to Rick read more...
A Night to Remember at The Bluebird in Nashville
It was a night to remember at Nashville's famed Bluebird Cafe on February 1st as Tim Krekel performed songs from his acclaimed new release, Soul Season, at the famed Bluebird Cafe in Nashville recently with noted songwriter / artists Bill Lloyd,
Ryan Bingham Gets Help From Ford
Marc Ford & Son Join Texas Songwriter Ryan Bingham In the South 2/9/08
Weekend Notes and Tom Dowd On Ronnie Van Zant
I really hope everyone is enjoying the new look of GRITZ, as well as our “Mothership” Swampland.com. The powers that be have worked really hard for months on the redesign, and I for one am very pleased with the results. I hope you feel the same. We at read more...
John Rich to Release Big Solo Album
John Rich, who along with Big Kenny Alphin makes up genre-bending duo Big & Rich, will release a solo album later this year on Warner Bros. There's no read more...
Snowflakes: SEC Hoops
* The Kentucky Wildcats finally look to be playing the kind of winning ball that Big Blue fans expect. It took a while to adjust to new coach Billy Gillispie (and his gameday practices), but now the ‘Cats are sitting only one game behind SEC East leader Tennessee. In a recent read more...
Snowflakes: SEC Hoops
by Patrick Snow * Someone forgot to tell 2-time National Champion Florida that they were supposed to struggle this season. After winning their second NCAA title in a row, the Gators lost the top six players off their depth chart and lost their coach for a day or two. read more...
John Rich Hosts "Gone Country" On CMT
Nashville star John Rich (Big & Rich) hosts Gone Country, a new show on CMT that brings musicians from the world of rock and r&b to Nashville to have a go at becoming country performers. The show is quite a lot of fun. Read a Blog about the show by
Skynyrd and Hank Return with Rowdy Frynds Tour 2008
(Nashville, TN)- Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best music imaginable when Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, Lynyrd Skynyrd join country music icon, Hank Williams, Jr. for another round of their Rowdy Frynds Tour hitting cities nationwide beginning April read more...
Video is Uniquely George McCorkle
On January 29th it will be seven months. Seven months since we lost one of Southern Rock's true greats. A man I was lucky enough to call my friend. A man I was lucky enough to share stages with and read more...
A True Jewel of Country Music
I have been a Jewel fan since her first video. I love her voice, her songwriting and her cuteness. That is why I was thrilled to get word from her people today that Jewel's next album will be a country record.
Charlie is in The Opry, and the Ryman was Rockin' !!
It’s 9:45 PM on Saturday night January 19th, 2008. I just dropped an e-mail to our friend Charlie Daniels telling him how proud I was watching him on
Garfeel Ruff Guitarist Ready to Return to Southern Rock Roots
I was talking to my old friend Ricky Godfrey on the telephone yesterday. Rick is living in Nashville, but he still returns home to Greenville, SC very often to play gigs. Rick was telling me that after many years as a succesful beach music guitarist and singer, he is read more...
Charlie Daniels Grand Ole Opry Induction Airs Friday
On Friday, January 19th, the Opry Live broadcast on GAC will feature the induction of it's newest member, the legendary Charlie Daniels. Charlie and his band along with
SPF T.I. Poll (Week 19, Part 4): Down By The River
12. Cincinnati Bengals and 13. St. Louis Rams - Our final Poll spots are held by two teams that have a connection via the river culture from which they arose. Like railroad tracks in towns across the south, rivers often appear to be a cultural divide, but they read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week 19, Part 3): Teams at the Crossroads (aka the NFC South)
We've now gone through the first 7 teams in the T.I. Poll. So far, the entire AFC South has been covered as well as the traditional big market teams in Dallas, DC, and Miami. This leaves us with a group that the NFL has neatly placed in a division they call the NFC read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week 19, Part 2): Teams "On the Verge"
This is SPF's group of teams that are "On The Verge" of reaching elite status. They all have challenges, but they are clearly heading in the right direction. 4. Washington Redskins - A lot can happen in a week. The Redskins' read more...
SPF's Divisional Playoffs Pre-Pregame Show (or T.I. Poll Week 19)
There are three SPF teams left in the Super Bowl hunt, but the news doesn't stop with them. Of the 4 current coaching vacancies, SPF has three of them (Miami, Atlanta, and Washington). Signs point to a year of great transition. The SPF footprint has some of the read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Wild Card Weekend Edition)
We're mixing it up again going into the playoffs. In an up and down year, six of the 13 SPF teams made the playoffs. Two, Washington and Tennessee, made it in the final weekend. SPF is rooting for an all-Footprint Super Bowl, and this isn't out of the realm of read more...
SPF's Week Seventeen Pre-Pregame Show
Playoffs and draft slots. It's all on the line in a strange season-ending weekend in the Footprint. EARLY GAMES Jacksonville (11-4, 5-2 away) Houston (7-8, 5-2 home)
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Seventeen)
It's the last week of the NFL season. There isn't much left to be decided. Two SPF teams (Washington and Tennessee) can get in the postseason fun if they win. We expect them to do so if only because they are playing two other SPF teams (Dallas and Indy) who are read more...
SPF's Week Sixteen Pre-Pregame Show
SATURDAY NIGHT Dallas (12-2, 6-0 away) Carolina (6-8, 2-5 home) NFL Films Video Preview This is a much better read more...
Charlie Daniels Grand Ole Opry Induction Set for January 19th
Charlie Daniels will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on January 19, 2008 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Daniels was surprised with the invitation from Opry member Martina McBride during his annual Christmas For Kids benefit show in November. read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Sixteen)
SPF laid down the gauntlet before last weekend's games. Many teams answered the bell. With two games left in the regular season, teams out of the playoff picture may have as much to play for as those that are in. Don't sleep SPF fans, there is still much to be read more...
New Willie Nelson Album Out January 29, 2008
New Nelson CD, Moment of Forever, Hits Streets Early 08 12/19/07 Great American read more...
SPF's Week Fifteen Pre-Pregame Show
It has been a largely disappointing season for SPF, but these final weeks can redeem or further decimate a team's momentum for 2008. There are three shoe-in playoff teams in the Footprint - Dallas, Indy, and Tampa. Two others (Jacksonville and Tennessee) have to keep read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Fifteen)
SPF will say it - this has been a very tough year for pro football in the Swampland Footprint. Of our 13 teams, more than half of them have been in serious disarray. At best only 5 or 6 teams will have a clear direction heading into 2008. Most will be going back to read more...
Brothers of the Southland Advance CD Download Available Now
The Brothers of the Southland with Bo Bice CD is now available for a limited time as an advance download of the CD. The Download is available exclusively thru www.SouthernAlliance.org
SPF's Week Fourteen Pre-Pregame Show
SPF has been beating a few drums this year, but one is about letting players play. Coaches coach systems. GMs find players to fit into these systems (or in the case of special players, systems are designed for their talents). Except for read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Fourteen)
SPF has looked at the coach/QB relationship. Now, it's time to look at the owner/coach relationship. When this relationship is good, everything clicks for the fans. The fans want to see the coach as an extension of the owner, an extension that helps build a bridge read more...
Like Father, Like Son: John Carter Cash Speaks with GRITZ
John Carter Cash, son of famed country music couple Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, took some time out of his extremely busy schedule to speak with us about the new Johnny Cast TV Show DVD set, the Cash Cabin Recording Studio and of course, his legendary parents. For me, read more...
SPF's Week Thirteen Pre-Pregame Show
While Tribal Fever nation witnessed their conference championships this weekend, SPF has found a few of their own. There are four key head to head matchups in the SPF footprint this week - two of which will probably decide the winner of the AFC and NFC South. Our other read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Thirteen)
Coaching changes. They happen every year even though it seems as though jobs are more than safe. Changes are usually made because the coach no longer has the confidence of the fans. Once that occurs, the owner is left with little choice. As long term, one read more...
SPF's Week Twelve Pre-Pregame Show
Leadership. Is it there? The leader(s) of each SPF team define that team to their fans. Already, Thanksgiving solidified a sense of leadership between coach and QB with both the Colts and their Manning/Dungy duo and the Cowboys with their Wade/Romo combination read more...
TF Rivalry Week Preview
Rivalry games define college football. More than bowl games or even conference championships, a win against your rival means bragging rights for a year. That is why this weekend's game can often be the hardest to call. A team with a losing record can suddenly make read more...
Swampland Salutes Great Southern Writer Paul Hemphill
Mystery & Manners Highlights Writer Paul Hemphill 11/21/07 I'd like to take this opportunity to direct everyone's attention to the read more...
Charlie Daniels to Join the Grand Ole Opry
Our friend Charlie Daniels has been asked to become a member of the legendary Grand Ole Opry. GRITZ correspondent Rick Broyles was in attendence last night, November 20, during Daniels’ read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Twelve)
SPF often talks a team's style when it comes to identity. Style, though, is kind of a catch all. Dig a little deeper and it comes down to coaching and, of course, a team's QB. This week seems like a good one to put the QB position under the read more...
SPF's Week Eleven Pre-Pregame Show
This week, more than any other this NFL season, the fan will find out who their teams are. Are teams going to the playoffs? Will they be Super Bowl contenders? Are they on the rise even if playoffs aren't likely? We shall see.
TF Saturday Preview: The Year of Transition Nears An End
The wild year continues. In many ways this was just a sign of the transition college football around the Footprint has experienced. In some ways, it shouldn't be as surprising as it has been. Nick Saban's arrival lit a fire under everyone. The ante was read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Eleven)
Week Ten was a very weird football weekend. Many of the SPF teams lost games. Few had important wins. It just seems like this was a week to stumble. Desperation might be the biggest factor in any NFL game. The teams that are desperate have an edge read more...
Loretta Lynn Returns To The Ryman
Loretta Lynn Returns To The Ryman 11/12/07 On Thursday, November 15, Loretta Lynn returns to perform at the fabled Ryman Auditorium. The read more...
Picture of the Day: Jimmie Van Zant at CMA Awards
Jimmie Van Zant and his wfe Zohra at CMAs talking about his new upcoming CD My Name is Jimmie.
Coen Brothers Adapt Cormac McCarthy's Book No Country For Old Men Into Film
Coen Brothers Adapt Cormac McCarthy's Book No Country For Old Men Into Film 11/11/07 A new Coen Brothers movie, based read more...
SPF's Week Ten Pre-Pregame Show
SPF will stick by this point - no team set the NFL back more than the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. This "champion" brought the worst part of hip-hop's "thug" culture to NFL through the real life violence of Ray Lewis, whose murder acquittal and read more...
TF Saturday Preview: Everything's Still To Be Decided
Patrick Snow has it right. This year's season of college football has shown that it is one of the most compelling sports to follow as a fan, especially in the Footprint.
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Ten)
Everyone knows that football is the dominant sport in the Footprint, but it has always been college dominating the pro variety. The goal of SPF's "Team Identity Poll" is to gauge the connection of each team to their fans. This week, two different studies were read more...
SPF's Week Nine Pre-Pregame Show
It's it the "Clash of the Titans!" The Colts-Pats game deserves the hype that it is getting. Both teams have built long term consistently excellent football teams in the "salary cap era " - something that is supposedly impossible. This read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Eight)
Things continue to settle out in the SPF Footprint. This week's big question is whether the South's best is the NFL's best. The Colts were just that last season, but their old New England nemesis seems to have stolen their thunder again. Here's last week's read more...
Porter Wagoner Dead at 80
Porter Wagoner died Sunday in Nashville. He was 80 and lived in Nashville. He had been hospitalized with lung cancer earlier this month. Mr. Wagoner had 81 singles on the country charts, including read more...
SPF's Week Eight Pre-Pregame Show
Much like yesterday's college slate, this week's SPF schedule features teams looking towards the season's end and where they want to be at that point. Teams know that the season is half over at this point and they need to be making their final pushes. The best teams read more...
TF Saturday Preview: Pole, er.. Bowl Position
If you aren't a Florida or Georgia fan, this weekend might be a good one to spend with the kids. This is a pretty thin weekend for good games in the Footprint. That's why Athlon's college football preview spends most of its time previewing games outside our read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Seven)
SPF's season previews are looking pretty good so far. The teams we singled out like the Jags, the Texans, and the Dolphins have shown themselves to be in hot water with their fan base. The Jags and the Texans suffered "must win" losses that neither could read more...
One of My Heroes, Porter Wagoner Has Lung Cancer
October 24, 2007 I was really taken aback to hear Country Music Hall of Famer Porter Wagoner has been diagnosed with lung cancer. To me, Porter is one of the last of the true country music superstars. He hangs right in the same category as Merle Haggard, read more...
SPF's Week Seven Pre-Pregame Show
Getting on the same page. Coaches and players that have the same sense of urgency signify teams that are winning. The NFL is a business, and like all business deals - interests must align. This is the reason that ownership, the front office, and the coaching read more...
TF's Saturday Preview: Act Like You've Been There Before!
It's the old saying when a player celebrates a little too much - act like you've been there before. This rules seems to also hold true to some of our Footprint's winning neophytes. When programs are new to winning, they don't know how to handle themselves. That's read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Six)
Here we are again for SPF's weekly Team Identity Poll. Things have shaken up a bit. We are much closer to how we saw things at the beginning of the season. Let's start with a look at last week's Poll: 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Indianapolis read more...
George McCorkle To Be Honored by Memorial Concert November 3rd
Spartanburg, SC - George McCorkle, an original member of The Marshall Tucker Band, will be memorialized read more...
SPF's Week Six Pre-Pregame Show
It's week 6 for the SPF teams. Four teams are basically done, but the rest have critical games that will go a long way to determining how the rest of the season will play out for them. Here's this week's slate (video links courtesy of read more...
TF's Saturday Preview: The History Behind SEC Dominance
Tribal Fever would like to start this weekend's festivities by directing everyone to a fantastic series on ESPN.com about the SEC. Which leads us to this week's focus - the historical read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Five)
The rich seem to be getting richer (and the poor, poorer) in the SPF Footprint. There is happiness at the top, confusion in the middle, and desperation at the bottom. Let's start with last week's T.I. Poll 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Indianapolis read more...
SPF's Week Five Pre-Pregame Show
It's week five in the NFL season. Overall, the SPF Footprint is shaping up to be a year of the haves and have-nots. The Footprint contains two of the NFL's winless teams (Dolphins and Rams) and several other struggling squads. However, we also have two of the best read more...
Tribal Fever's Weekend Slate (10/6/2007)
Let's start with this week's College Football Preview from Athlon. Swampland's own Patrick Snow hosts each week. (Read Patrick's new column on the state of baseball in read more...
SPF T.I. Poll (Week Four)
Just like in the college ranks, it was a bit of a crazy week in the SPF Footprint. Right now, there are more bad teams than good, but the good teams are pretty darn good so we guess that evens things out a little. Here's last week's "Team Identity" read more...
Upset Saturday, or not?
Patrick Snow mentioned in his last column that he was looking ahead to next week's games. Based on yesterday's game result, so were too many top 25 teams in the Footprint. TF Upsets read more...
SPF's Week Four Pre-Pregame Show
Welcome SPF fans! Here's today's slate. (SPF teams in BOLD) Early Games Dolphins v. Raiders preview Rams @ read more...
Swampland welcomes Tribal Fever!
It was only a matter of time before Swampland Sports starting covering the colleges in earnest. Today marks the start of Tribal Fever, Swampland.com's dispatch dedicated to college sports in the South. We have new features up including Patrick Snow's latest read more...
An Urgent Message from John McEuen about George Grantham
We here at Swampland want to let everyone know about a message that John McEuen is trying to get out to the public at large regarding Oklahoma native and Poco drummer George read more...
SPF T. I. Poll (Week Three)
Back to our weekly gauge of how each SPF team is resonating with its fans. First, let's take a look back at last week's Team Identity Poll: 1. Dallas Cowboys 2. Washington Redskins 3. Indianapolis Colts 4. Tampa Bay Bucs
SPF 's Week Three Pre-Pregame Show
Here we are again. Let Week Three begin! SPF Teams in BOLD Early Games Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (
SPF Friday Fishwrap-up: the Cowboy/Redskin paradigm
We've just posted a new analysis of the Wayne issue in Florida, Weaver in Jacksonville and Huizenga in Miami. Team Identity is our focus as always. That's why we start our Friday dispatch with read more...
Dylan Plays The Ryman
BOB DYLAN PLAYS THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 9/21/07 Thursday Bob read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of September 18, 2007
New Releases Doyle Bramhall Is It News (Yep Roc) Jim Dickinson
SPF T. I. Poll (Week Two)
Time for our Week Two "Team Identity" Poll. Things keep getting interesting, and that's how we like it. Let's start off with a recap of last week's T.I. Poll: 1. Dallas 2. Indianapolis (tie) 2. read more...
SPF's Week Two Monday: Playmakers making plays
THE "BEATING THE DEAD HORSE" THEME Our theme for this week is similar to last week's - the importance of playmakers. In the Footprint, we all love great coaches. We all love great schemes. However, it usually comes read more...
SPF 's Week Two Pre-Pregame Show
Each week, it will be SPF's pleasure to bring you the best pregame show on the Net. We provide our audience with clips from NFL.COM mixed in with our commentary and insight. Let's run down today's slate of games: Early games (SPF Teams in read more...
SPF Friday Fishwrap-up: LeBatard vs. Galloway
Another great southern tradition is writing. We have a whole section called Discourse that is dedicated to this pursuit. Newpapers (aka fishwraps) around the Footprint have great sportswriters that deserve to be read, and sometimes needled.
Long Time CDB Road Crewman Jackie Williams Dies
Jackie Williams passed away on September 8, 2007 at the age of 50, following a single car accident in Nashville. Jackie was Lighting Designer/Production Manager for The Charlie Daniels read more...
Picture of the Day: The Winters Brothers
Dennis and Donnie Winters of The Winters Brothers backstage in Macon recently. Check out the archived interview I did with Dennis. The Winters Brothers will appear at the Jam for George read more...
SPF's T. I. Poll (Week One)
Team Identity. This is our constant gauge for the success or failure of NFL teams in the South. College football reigns because people see themselves as part of the team. In the Swampland footprint, allegiances don't change at the college level. Coaches read more...
J4G: The Jam for George (McCorkle) Set for November 3rd
SPARTANBURG, SC - The highly anticipated Jam for George: A Concert Honoring The Memory of George McCorkle, will take place in beautiful Barnett Park in George's hometown of Spartanburg, SC on Saturday, November 3, 2007, beginning at 1 PM. The list of performers is being read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of September 11, 2007
New Releases Billy Joe Shaver Storyteller: Live At The Bluebird (Sugar Hill) Kane read more...
SPF Week One Game Log
Thursday's game didn't do nearly what yesterday's college slate did to pump us up here at SPF. Our own James Calemine is a little distraught about his Bulldogs going down to the dreaded read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of September 4, 2007
New Releases Collective Soul Afterwords (Handleman) Sterling Harrison
CD and DVD releases for week of August 21, 2007
New Releases Galactic From the Corner to the Block (Anti) Joe Nichols read more...
Swampland Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 8/19/07
Your weekly filter for the top sports stories around the South 1. Although college athletics has become (mega) big business, there are a few reminders every now and then that it’s still a game for ‘kids’ and that the best coaches tend to be read more...
Welcome Back!
Greetings to all you football fans around the Swampland footprint! Southern Pro Football is back to cover another NFL season. Patrick Snow and I will be making sure that SPF covers the NFL from a Southern perspective. For all of you that didn't tune into
CD and DVD releases for week of August 14, 2007
Darren Kozelsky Let Your Mind Fly (Smith Entertainment) Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds
Swampland Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 8/12/07
Your weekly filter for the top sports stories around the South 1. Well the inevitable happened last week when Barry Bonds finally hit Home Run 756. It turns out the Orlando Sentinel’s Mike Bianchi, just like Hank Aaron and many others in our region,
CD and DVD releases for week of August 7, 2007
New Releases Bruce Hornsby/Christian McBride/Jack DeJohnette Camp Meeting (Sony read more...
All Star Southern Rock Benefit in Macon This Weekend
A Benefit for a Brother, Sid Yochim, will take place in Macon, Georgia this Saturday, August 4th. Tickets are on sale now. Many of you know Sid Yochim, a member of the Charlie Daniels Band family for many years driving the trucks and buses. Sid’s father read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 31, 2007
New Releases 10 Mile Crossing 10 Mile Crossing (Smith Entertainment) Chris Duarte read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 24, 2007
New Releases Billy Bob Thornton Beautiful Door (New Door) Billy Ray Cyrus
Swampland Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 7/22/07
Your weekly filter for the top sports stories around the South 1. What a messy story. The news of Michael Vick’s federal indictment seems to have split fans in the city of Atlanta, and probably has given Falcons owner Arthur Blank a splitting headache. The read more...
Big & Rich Have Top Song of The Week
Big & Rich and Brad Paisley enjoyed having the top country song and album on Billboard for the week ending July 21 with "Lost In This Moment" and " 5th Gear" respectively. On the song chart, Big & Rich notched their first career number one read more...
CD and DVD releases for week of July 10, 2007
New Releases Chris & Rich Robinson Brothers Of A Feather [Live] (Eagle)
07-07-07
Isn't seven the most powerfully magical number? -- Tom Marvolo Riddle to Horace Slughorn Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Whether you are superstitious, mystical, fascinated by numerology, or simply curious, you have to be just read more...
Swampland Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 7/1/07
1. The NBA Draft was this week’s big sports story. The Draft is all about hope for the future. Despite recent expansion in the Swampland footprint, the NBA has struggled to find an audience down South. The problem starts with the NBA’s inability to connect with the read more...
Funeral for a Friend
It was slightly overcast in Spartanburg, SC this morning and a bit cooler than it has been. Well, at least until about halfway through the graveside service, when hundreds of cardboard church fans came out and my sweat soaked black blazer was peeled off and tossed over my shoulder. read more...
McCorkle Memorial in Nashville, Funeral to Be Held in Spartanburg
A memorial service and visitation for George McCorkle will be held on Sunday July 1, 2007 from 4:00-8:00PM.at Carthage United Methodist Church (Church George Attended) 608 N. Main Street, Carthage, TN.This will be a service for George's Friends, read more...
George McCorkle Dead at 60
George McCorkle of the original Marshall Tucker Band died this morning, Friday, June 29th at 11:30 in a Nashville Hospital. He was 60. He had entered the hospital two weeks ago following an accident, and examination revealed terminal cancer. George was a founding read more...
Guitarist McCorkle Remains Critical, Spartanburg Newspaper Features Article
Marshall Tucker Band guitarist George McCorkle remains in critical condition in a Nashville hospital with terminal cancer. An article read more...
Swampland Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 6/24/07
Swampland’s Sports Six-Pack for the week ending 6/24/07 Your weekly filter for the top sports stories around the South
CD and DVD releases for week of June 26, 2007
CDs New Releases Charlie Daniels Live From Iraq (Koch) James Burton read more...
Winters Brothers Summer Jam Was a Blast
It was a perfect weekend for a festival. Just ask anyone who attended Bonaroo, and if they can remember the weekend, they will agree. As for those of us who have been making the trek to Nashville yearly for many moons to attend The Winters Brothers Southern Summer read more...
Winters Brothers Summer Jam This Weekend
NOLENSVILLE, TN - The Winters Brothers Band will host their 28th Southern Summer Jam this weekend on June 16th on the family farm just out side of Nolensville, TN. The event has become a favorite for read more...
The True Adventures of Stanley Booth
6/10/07 THE TRUE ADVENTURES OF STANLEY BOOTH As I wrote in the intro to my Charlie Louvin
Nashville - the NHL's Waterloo?
News arrived last week that owner Craig Leopold is selling the Nashville Predators to Canadian businessman (and Blackberry tycoon) Jim Balsillie. This development has Nashville hockey fans in a desperate state. The thought is by many in mid-Tennesee, including Tennessean read more...
Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Harlan Howard Honored by Academy of Country Music
The Academy of Country Music has announced that country music movers and shakers Harlan Howard, Waylon Jennings, Jack Lameier, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton and Don Williams will be honored at a special ceremony on Wednesday, June 20 in Nashville. Howard, Jennings, read more...
Emmylou's Animal Shelter
4/16/07 Emmylou Harris opened a new animal shelter in Nashville, Tennessee. Harris started the humane shelter in memory of her own pet, Bonaparte. James Calemine
Nashville Super Group Pays Tribute to Classic Albums
4/14/07 Long Player, a Nashville super group gathers every several months to perform classic music by musicians like Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and the Beatles. It appears more performances are on the horizon. James Calemine
Johnny Cash's Tennessee Home Destroyed By Fire
NASHVILLE, Tennessee-- The Hendersonville, Tennesse home of the late Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash has been destroyed by a fire that broke out at appoximately 2pm CST on Tuesday, April 10. The house was immortalized in the movie Walk The Line. The 13,000 read more...
Bluebird Cafe Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, long a mainstay for singer/songwriters in Music City, will kick off a year-long celebration commemorating its 25th anniversary in May through a nationwide "Bluebird on the Road" tour to 12 cities later this year, a private birthday bash read more...
Former Alabama Member Jeff Cook Signs Record Deal
Former Alabama member and Country Music Hall of Famer Jeff Cook and newcomer Mitch Glenn inked with Lofton Creek Records. Cook and Glenn's first single will be "Shining Star" and ship in April. Label head Mike Borchetta was on the promotion team that promoted Alabama's first read more...
Montgomery Gentry Gives Swampland an Exclusive Interview
They are the baddest boys in country music, and I am including Big and Rich, Hank III, and even Kid "Sometimes I Want to Be Country" Rock in that list. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are bad to the bone, All-American, Southern (rock) fried and country and western read more...
Get Front Row Seats For Skynyrd and Hank, Jr.
STUBHUB FORGES NEW PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE FANS EXCLUSIVE FRONT ROW ACCESS TO LYNYRD SKYNYRD, HANK WILLIAMS JR. SPRING TOUR StubHub Designated as the “Rowdy Frynds” Tour Official Premium Ticket Provider SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. read more...
Collector May Be Allowed to Keep Hank Williams' Notebook
Collector could keep Hank's notebook Theft case brought by Sony thrown out A notebook containing 17 songs that Hank Williams wrote but never recorded may wind up in the hands of a collector who bought it from a janitor who found it in a read more...
Willie Nelson Partners To Launch Label
Willie Nelson has partnered with longtime manager Mark Rothbaum and veteran producer/label exec James Stroud on Pedernales Records. The first act on Austin-based Pedernales will be the band 40 Points, which features Nelson's sons, guitarist and singer Lukas and drummer Micah.
New Gretchen Wilson Disc Coming in May
Gretchen Wilson will release her third album, "One of the Boys," May 15. Wilson produced the disc with Mark Wright and John Rich, both of whom produced Wilson's first two discs. She also had a hand in writing 9 of the 11 songs. Rich helped write 4 read more...
Montgomery Gentry To Host Bike Rally
Montgomery Gentry will host the Academy of Country Music Celebrity Motorcycle Ride to be held May 13 in Las Vegas. After the ride, a concert will feature past and present ACM nominees. "I love that this is me and Troy's fourth year to host this event," said read more...
Willie Nelson Records Anti-War Song
Willie Nelson may oppose war in Iraq, but also supports the troops with his recently released single, "Whatever Happened To Peace On Earth"" available as an online download. The song features Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons of The Doobie read more...
Hank Jr. Assault Charges Dropped
Memphis prosecutors dropped assault charges against Hank Williams Jr., citing lack of evidence about the 2006 incident. A hotel cocktail waitress alleged that Williams yelled obscenities and grabbed her in the March 18, 2006 incident. Williams was in Memphis because two read more...
Porter Wagoner Rocks Hollywood With Billy Bob, Marty and Dwight
HOLLYWOOD, Ca. - Porter Wagoner played in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 17 for the first time in over 40 years. Wagoner was celebrating his 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry (coming this Friday, Feb. 23.)
Alan Jackson, George Strait, Jimmy Buffett Together Live
NASHVILLE -Alan Jackson, George Strait and Jimmy Buffett performed together for the first-time ever May 29, 2004, at Texas Stadium in Dallas. That concert is now set for release, and features all three artists. Among the highlights of the CD is "Seven Bridges read more...
Hank Williams, Jr. Files For Divorce
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Country star Hank Williams Jr. has filed for divorce from his wife, Mary Jane, claiming she has a problem with addiction, he said in a statement Friday, according to The Tennessean, "Today is one of the toughest days in my life. My read more...
June Carter Cash Tribute Album, Biography Coming This Summer
The life of the late country music legend June Carter Cash will be celebrated this June 19, four days before her birthday, with the simultaneous release of an all-star tribute album and a memoir/biography written by her son, John Carter Cash. "Anchored In Love: A read more...
Del Reeves RIP
Del Reeves, a Grand Ole Opry star who sprinkled his performances with humor and hit No. 1 on the country charts in 1965 with the song "Girl on the Billboard," has died. He was 74. Reeves died Monday, New Year's Day, read more...
Tony Joe White Releases "Uncovered" on Swamp Records
1/1/07 On Tony Joe White's latest CD, Uncovered, he renders new versions of "Rainy Night in Georgia", "Did Somebody Make a Fool Out of You", and "Taking the Midnight Train", as well as seven new compositions. Musicians such as Elvis read more...
Volunteer Jam Ready to Hit the Road Again
NASHVILLE- Charlie Daniels, leader of the Charlie Daniels Band, has announced the legendary Volunteer Jam Tour will, once again, hit cities all across America. The Volunteer Jam started back in 1974 when Charlie wanted to record "Fire On The Mountain" in front of a read more...
Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam Returns, CDB To Perform with Symphony Orchestra
After a few summers without a Jam, the famous Charlie Daniels Band Volunteer Jam returns in the summer of 2007. So far, the line up includes The CDB, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Outlaws. Yes sir! The first show will be May 31st in Denver… In recognition of the read more...
Porter Wagoner Signs New Deal, Marty Stuart to Produce
Los Angeles based Anti Records announces the signing of Country Music Hall of Famer, Porter Wagoner in celebration of his 50th year with The Grand Ole Opry in 2007. The project entitled “Wagonmaster” will be produced by Marty Stuart and is the first in a series read more...
Lucinda's Latest
12/10/06 Lucinda Williams' new CD, West, hits the street on February 13, 2007 on Lost Highway. West, Lucinda's eighth CD, resonates an enduring collection of songs which may be among her finest. We anticipate her return. JC