Thursday, December 30, 2010

The Inspiration




2nd post of the day.... I realized I never mentioned my first true inspiration that sparked my love for country music. I share one of the same "first loves" as my personal role model, Taylor Swift - I owe it all to the Dixie Chicks. At 6 years old I would be up on my bed putting on a concert for my collection of Barbie dolls. The album Fly won't even play anymore because it's so worn out. I idolized Natalie Maines and still to this day consider her one of the best female country vocalists of all time, I'd spend hours singing along and trying to sound just like her.

So there you have it, the Dixie Chicks were my first country music love, I owe my obsession and love for the industry to these girls, particularly Ms. Maines. They always pushed the limit, and when they fell of the wagon they'd just hop back on stronger than before. I'd love to see them give another tour.
But for now enjoy these links....

Long Time Gone

Cowboy Take Me Away

There's Your Trouble

Travel: Wilmington, NC

In April 2010 I took a trip to Wilmington, North Carolina. I've gotta say, I am captivated by it. It was a beautiful city full of history. I went shopping at The Cotton Exchange (highly recommended, future travelers!) and for a walk by the water. Check out the website for the Cotton Exchange, trust me it's so worth it. Every store was so unique! Also, I ate at Paddy's Hollow, a little pub that looks straight out of Ireland, and it was delicious and the waiters were sweet. Among my favorite stores were Caribbean Amphibian, Ping's Tibet, Revolution 9, and Something Wilmington.

Seriously, if you're in the area, check it out. Here are a few of my pics from the trip:


Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Best of 2010

Hey y'all,
2010 is drawing to a close, so I'd like to take this opportunity to list my picks for the top 10 country hits of the year.

10. If I Die Young - The Band Perry
It's got sad lyrics, but the singer's voice is angelic and it's awful catchy.

9. Hard Hat and a Hammer - Alan Jackson
Alan's done it again, written a true country song about the working American. Love it.

8. She Won't Be Lonely Long - Clay Walker
The very beginning of this song is my favorite. His voice has such a deep tone - sexy!

7. The Boys of Fall - Kenny Chesney
This song reminds me of watching my high school's homecoming football games, ah the nostalgia.

6. Way Out Here - Josh Thompson
This one reminds me of my father, who loves John Wayne John Deere, and Johnny Cash (but c'mon now, who doesn't?)

5. Til Summer Comes Around - Keith Urban
Love Keith. This is my personal favorite by him, which is why it's on the list. "The words came out, I kissed your mouth, no fourth of July has ever burned so brightly..." Those lyrics! Not to mention it's slow, but catchy.

4. Mean - Taylor Swift
Love Taylor, too. I know she gets crap for not really being country, but I love her. She sparkles. This song is her most country sounding, and my fave track on her latest album Speak Now.

3. My Kinda Party - Jason Aldean
Jason sings about things that people can relate to - you can find me in the back of jacked up tailgate, too.

2. Toes - Zac Brown Band
ZBB is one of my all time favorites. I love every single song on both albums. This song makes me wish I was soakin' up the sun in Florida under a palm tree.

1. Colder Weather - Zac Brown Band
Zac said this was the song he was most proud of, and I can understand why. If you haven't heard it, get off this right now and go listen to it. It's amazing, just simply amazing. That's why it's my number one.

Zac Brown Band


Get on iTunes or to your local CD shop and check out ZBB's new album You Get What You Give, it's worth it I promise!

Some Old Favorites

Everyone knows that George Strait is one of the classic artists of true country music.
Though I have many favorites by him, including I Can Still Make Cheyenne, Write This Down, and Run, I recently re-discovered this tune a few days ago - absolutely love it!

It's called It Just Comes Natural. Re-discover it for yourself or take a listen for the first time :)

Click here to listen!!

Welcome!

Hi everyone,
I created this blog to keep my followers updated about what is new and exciting in the world of country music, to share my travel experiences, and to simply discuss my journey in pursuing my goals. I am currently an 18 year old college student in Boston, MA and I aspire to work in the music industry (particularly the country industry) as a public relations specialist for artists and bands. I am fascinated by this industry and I know that I could contribute to making it sparkle. I also play piano and (try to) sing, for fun...so maybe I will post videos in the future. I have a lot of big dreams about what I could do in this industry, if I make it, I swear I'm gonna change the world. There's something about the simplicity of a country song that holds hope and promise for the future. Join me for the adventure.


Please follow! 

Peace, Love, & John Deere,

Sarah Ally