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Kacey Musgraves ‘Blowin’ Smoke’ Video Review

The video for ‘Blowin’ Smoke’, which is only Kacey’s second, is one that I was very much looking forward to. I hoped that Kacey would treat it with the same level of understated dry wit that she treats her music and this song in particular with, and luckily my wishes came true. The desaturation and vintage crackling film lines that we saw in the video for ‘Merry Go Round’ reappear here, flicking between color and black-and-white, with the characteristic clinks of glasses and plates that can be heard in the song elongated and emphasized. As the song tells a vivid story in itself there was not much need to deviate from that, and certainly Kacey merely builds on what she has already written.

Lady Antebellum’s ‘Downtown’ – Funny or Just Random Ridiculousness? – Video Review

The music video for ‘Downtown’, begins with a somewhat amusing 2 minute conversation (which is actually acted really well in my opinion, the naturalness of it is impressive for people who aren’t actors), in which Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood accuse frontwoman Hillary Scott of not being able to have fun. There’s some implications that it’s because she’s a woman, who enjoys watching romantic comedies and sitting in, while they’re going out on the town for yet another night in a row. Hillary wants to come, the boys leave without her. She then calls Beth Behrs (star of 2 Broke Girls), who is pitched as some crazy wildchild, and asks her for some help having fun. Apparently she wants to get arrested (I never saw that as a great end to a night out, but maybe that’s just me), and Beth is really excited by the prospect.

This whole scenario is played out well and really builds the video up to be something, fun, hilarious and crazy, a reflection of our fantasy night out that we bring up as an anecdote for years to come. Unfortunately, the whole thing quickly falls flat for me. Out of the blue Charles and Dave are suddenly playing two brand new characters, incompetent donut-loving policemen (well there’s a stereotype for you), that are never really introduced into the context of the video. Then there’s the fiasco of Hillary dressing up like a punk rocker – really? It’s not been done to look ‘cool’, it goes past that and begins to be oddly comical, especially compared to Beth’s very normal looking appearance for their night out. Girls co-ordinate; first, very basic, rule.

The first thing the girls do is go to a clothing store and Beth is very open about her shoplifting. When they get caught (who was expecting that?), they run from the store, dropping the stuff that was stolen. It seems a bizarre thing to throw in, but hey. My main issue with their scenes is the very obvious, cartoonish way of moving and acting, the excessively wide eyes and maybe it’s supposed to be funny, but it just doesn’t sit well with me. The policemen are dreaming about being in a cop show, the girls shoplift more, then go to a bar and do shots. Hillary looks terrified of this shot and pours it away, pretending she drank it. I know she’s supposed to be a good girl, but even good girls do shots (I speak from experience here). But okay, fair enough, they’re trying to push the nature of the character, wanting to break out of her shell but just not being able to.

The girls try to annoy the policemen, who just wave them away until finally Hillary gets annoyed that they’re taking no notice and smashes the police car window with a bar stool that just happens to be hanging around. Then they get arrested, Hillary is freaked out and a drunk Beth is loving it and just generally being drunk. I realize the video is meant to be funny, but to me it just isn’t. The characters of Dave and Charles just being themselves disappear from the narrative despite the implication that Hillary will go to impress them and show them she can have fun. The outfit is ridiculous. The policemen characters are over-the-top and too clichéd. The plot itself disappoints, as apart from attempting petty theft, committing final actual crime, and drinking one shot, nothing actually happens on this ‘crazy’ night out.

And last time I checked, it doesn’t have any correlation to the song or any concept of ‘Downtown’. Sorry, I wanted to like this, but I just really, really don’t.

You can watch the video for 'Downtown' here:

 

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Ashley Monroe’s ‘Like A Rose’ Makes For A Visually Appealing Video – Review

The video for Ashley Monroe’s ‘Like A Rose’ has been a long time coming. The single originally turned up on YouTube on November 1^st, 2012, but it wasn’t until 4 months later that the video was released, and I was starting to think with the imminent release of Ashley’s album of the same name, that they’d forgotten about providing visual accompaniment for the video.

I was wrong, and I’m glad. It’s not my preferred style of video, I usually like the more plot-driven narratives, but they’ve clearly put a lot of time and effort into visual aesthetics; it just looks pretty. The video is made up of 101 shots of Ashley in various outfits, places, and doing different things, ranging from staring out the window of a traveling bus, sitting on the front porch, playing guitar, swinging back and forth on a swing (indoors, strangely), and throwing rose petals everywhere. You can tell that expensive equipment has been used in order to put across the ‘arty’ ethos, that is evident in some of the blurry shots, strange angles (deliberately ‘amateur’ real-life style), and playing around with zoom and foreground/background focus. Outfit-wise there’s plenty of reds, pinks and general pastels (the rose theme), and chiffon (who doesn’t like to look at chiffon? Maybe just me). It’s gentle, slow-moving and feminine, sort of building upon the idea of Ashley traveling on the bus to a certain anonymous destination with her guitar.

This is the best stab at a plot that we have, vaguely aiming to satisfy the journey of the song whilst remaining pretty ambiguous. It’s certainly different to the rest of mainstream country videos at the moment, and encourages a serene frame of mind, but other than that there’s not a lot I can say. I’m interested to see what other kind of videos Ashley comes up with for new singles in the future, as this one didn’t quite satisfy my appetite, but equally the song is one which is probably difficult to direct a music video for.

Hopefully now she’s finally released the album, we can expect the announcement of a new single from Ashley in the coming weeks.

You can watch the video for ‘Like A Rose’ here:

 

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Miranda Lambert Gets Self-Destructive In ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’ – Video Review

This video is built upon the very simple premise of ‘pretty rich woman goes mental whilst trying to retain her dignity’. It’s one bound for success; how many network dramas show us rich people’s lives falling apart? We love to see behind the oh-so-perfect mask. That’s exactly what this video does, and is some of Miranda’s best work. From the 60s beehive hairdo and eyeliner flick, to the well-to-do Southern housewife outfits, you could mistake this video for being about high society, if you didn’t already know the content of the song.

However, interspersed with the nature of glamour and fabulous are the snappy shots of a heartbreak as a make-up smudged, messed-up hair, snarling Miranda enacts the lyrics as they appear in the song. We watch the transformation of her into a sexy lace basque and trying to keep it together while she necks whiskey in her pristine bedroom. In addition, from the second verse onwards we have shots of Miranda lying in a bath (more gorgeous clothes) and smoking, as well as a dinnertable scene, stabbing her food to death with a hysterical crazy expression on her face. The gusto she puts into the emotion and crazy-woman anger of the whole video is fantastic, and her best acting on screen to date. The editing is also flawless, with plenty of quick shots that match the rhythm of the song, showing you the schizophrenic nature of this character, and the differences between what she is attempting to project to the world, and what she is feeling inside. It’s an interesting character study apart from anything else, and gives us a juicy reminder that those perfect rich people we so envy, are, somewhat satisfyingly, going insane inside their little world (maybe that’s just me loving that?).

Eric Church ‘Like Jesus Does’ Single & Video Review

The fifth (and I’m guessing final) single from Eric Church’s award-winning (and chart staying – still #10 this week) 2011 release ‘Chief’ is ‘Like Jesus Does’. I was surprised to hear this as it’s not the most commercial song in the world, being a quiet ballad that doesn’t try to intrude upon your life if you don’t want it too. It’s easily ignored.

But that’s almost the beauty of it. Previously, the other singles from ‘Chief’ have been fairly upbeat and rock-infused, for example ‘Drink In My Hand’, ‘Creepin’’ and ‘Homeboy’. ‘Springsteen’ is perhaps an exception at times but the chorus sells it on a mass scale. ‘Like Jesus Does’ however, waits for you to come to it – it doesn’t shout you down and demand attention. In this way it intrigues me more, because its understated nature is perfect for the deep and thoughtful lyrics. It is a song of thanks, essentially; of how the narrator’s wife/partner loves him so unconditionally it is almost akin to the love Jesus has for him. That’s a powerful metaphor for love if ever I saw it. It doesn’t get bigger than that.

As I watched the new video for it on YouTube, I read the usually juvenile comments that actually raised an interesting point. People were pointing out their religious beliefs in reference to the song, for example atheists saying that they still loved the song despite not believing in Jesus. And I think that’s a valid point. From the title one would assume that it is a spiritual song, but it rather is a commentary on true love, and even if someone does not believe in Jesus, they can appreciate the sentiment with just a casual knowledge of the basics of Christianity. It is universal songs like this that are often the most successful.

‘Pirate Flag’ by Kenny Chesney Provides Intrigue For The Album – Single & Video Review

There has been much hype around this song, claiming it will begin Kenny’s move to a different terrain musically, and that the album will follow that. However, when I first listened to the track, I find it a bit odd and confusing.

The track begins with a quiet, unobtrusive organ melody, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s made the mistake of trying to turn it up to full volume due to this. Handclaps and a nicely strummed mandolin jump in, and it sounds quite nice, quite sweet. At this point I was totally thrown off base by a subtle key change in the music that happens mere milliseconds before Kenny comes in with the vocals, that are in line with this sudden key change, in a kind of pitched melodic rapping. To add to the confusion, the sweetness of the instruments already in the mix are added to by a heavier drum beat and some snappy muted distorted guitar, just hitting the bassier strings. The two ends of the sonic spectrum clashing plus this rapping in a key that to me doesn’t automatically fit with the key of the music, makes it rather a melting pot. The heavier guitar part becomes more prominent as the song progresses, and then we have its saving grace: the chorus.

The chorus launches in full pelt with the kind of country rock from Kenny that we’re more used to hearing and the melody and key parts that originally confused me begin to make a lot more sense. The chorus links the whole song together and without it I’m not sure it would work, as after that the second verse etc feels a lot easier on my ears. I can see Kenny’s trying to go for something different and off-base as country music does tend to stick to the familiar, traditional keys and melodies. Perhaps that’s why it feels a little uncomfortable to me – I’m so used to hearing what I’m expecting and what is ‘familiar’, that anything different sets me on edge. I think this one is a grower, and definitely the more I hear it the more I get used to it.

Miranda Lambert Releases Lyric Video For ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’

So Miranda Lambert has released the lyric video for her new single ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’, the fourth off her highly successful 2011 release, ‘Four The Record’. I love it - I think it captures the teenage rebellion mood of the song brilliantly – but could have done with actually timing the lyrics to come up as they’re sung. Thought that was a little unprofessional. Made it quite slow-moving too, but hey.

Either way, here’s the link, enjoy.

 

Posted by Vickye (Guest Writer).
If you want to check out my own blog it's For The Country Record, and you can follow me on twitter @planmymistake. You can email me at vickye.countrymusic@gmail.com.

Hunter Hayes’ ‘Somebody’s Heartbreak’ Is First Live Video – Review

This is a bit late, I know. Not my fault this time.

Hunter Hayes has had a pretty good year. His second single off his self-titled debut album on a major record label, ‘Wanted’, has so far garnered sales of nearly 2 million, he won a CMA for Best New Artist, and he’s just been nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist also. So maybe his record label thought it would be a good idea to release the video for his new single, ‘Somebody’s Heartbreak’ as a live video. Oh dear.

Live videos have always been a feature of music videos in all genres, as they’re cheap, easy and show the act’s live prowess, often a ‘test’ of true artist authenticity, depending on the genre of course. Generally within modern country music they feature as the video for the last single from an album, for successful acts that’s usually fourth or fifth, as with Taylor Swift, etc.

However, this is only Hunter’s third single from this album, and with ‘Wanted’ being such a big hit, it almost feels like his second. Certainly I think this was far too early in the album cycle and his career to consider a live video. He is a big artist and therefore will no doubt have about five singles, so this feels a little weird in his cinematic progress. Live videos are meant to say “I had all these songs out, they did really well, now look at my amazing tour and how good I am doing it all live, people are lapping this stuff up”. Perhaps I’m a little cynical. But I feel like I want more new visual material from someone like Hunter before I get him trying to prove his prowess in the live field. Perhaps his record company are trying to promote him as a live act, perhaps they are selling less tickets than expected. However, I find that hard to believe, as he is supporting Carrie Underwood, who is kind of a little bit popular.

Phil Vassar and Santa Take Over Hollywood

In 2011 Rodeowave Entertainment recording artist Phil Vassar presented his first ever Christmas album, "Noel" which held an impressive list of tradional and not so traditional songs:

1. Doesn't Feel Like Christmas Without You 2. Oh Come All Ye Faithful/ Angels We Have Heard On High 3. I Saved Christmas 4. Merry Christmas Darling 5. Big Ole Texas Christmas With Ray Benson 6. Away In A Manger With Kellys Collins 7. Santa's Gone Hollywood 8. I'll Be Home For Christmas 9. Lets Make A Little Christmas Tonight 10. What Child Is This

It wasn't till this year that Phil decided to release a video to the song entitled; "Santa's Gone Hollywood" which has brought the "Adult Only & Not For Kids" label to it by some.  Seriously? Really? I have not heard this type of blasting since "I Melt" by Rascal Flatts and Trace Adkins "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" videos went wild. These videos may not be "politically correct" in the over all genre but who is to say they are or are not?  I am all for fun and silliness but do these indeed cross a line on how far one can go. Or should we get a grip and be thankful there is something out there that give us a needed laugh and had no offense attached to it?

Phil has gone outside of the box before with another lighthearted fun song and video with "Bobbie With an I" which was catchy and just plain fun. Now add more half clad chics in some crazy scenes to make "Santa's Gone Hollywood" be more "risque." I will admit it was not what I was anticipating, (the Brazilian wax part was a bit much, at least for me), but I guess the video could resemble a reality of what would Santa actually do if he hit the Power Ball, or any man for that matter.  When you put it in that context it is not that far from truth.

I consider Phil to be one of the most gifted songwriters among many in country music. There are many artists who do not hold a candle to his on stage presence. So now maybe you can take an insightful look into Santa going Hollywood and see if this is just what it is meant to be: Fun, Silly, & a taste of possible reality. Happy Holidays

 

Toby Keith Portrayed "Hope on the Rocks" with Excellence

After all the "sneak peeks" and hype build up to Toby Keith's newest video, "Hope on the Rocks" it finally arrived. I will admit that when I heard the title of this song I was intrigued and thought, "Wow maybe he is finally getting away from the drinking songs of late."  Well the title was misleading because that is just the direction he went, but this time I was pleased with how this turned out. There were no "party girls" involved who felt the need to show their "girls" or guys all sloshed up and hoping to get with one of those party girls. It touched me since many years ago this was my life; the bartender part of it.

Toby brought a light to the world of being not only a bartender, but to being many things that are attached to that title. Friend, confidant, comedian, counselor, and a ray of light that can take one away from reality if only for a short time.  In the fast times clubs you will not find this type of person who will be willing to listen to you bend their ear, but in the world of smaller local bars, or taverns as they are called in some states, this video portrayed it with excellence.

The song "Hope on the Rocks" is the title track and second single from Toby Keith's sixteenth studio album. The album "Hope on the Rocks" was released on Oct. 30 via Show Dog-Universal Music and it debuted at No. 6 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The first single from that album was "I Like Girls That Drink Beer".  For now Toby has sort of "redeemed" himself with me.  I love his ballads and this is one that I can relate to and really love. The lyrics and video are good companions who match well together. Thanks Toby.

To get a better in depth look into this new video check out CMT; great coverage  http://www.cmt.com/news/country-music/1698232/toby-keith-tends-bar-for-hope-on-the-rocks-video.jhtml.