Dolly Parton's Tennessee Mountain Home

Feeling like some real nostalgic country tonight. Dolly Parton's catalogue is literally packed full of brilliant songs and it's amazing to see how she's evolved, vocally and physically. Her career has been quite incredible and having been to the part of East Tennessee where she grew up, she sure has come a long way.

Here's a performance from way back of her classic, 'My Tennessee Mountain Home'.

Review: Justin Townes Earle at Union Chapel, Islington

If you've not yet heard of Justin Townes Earle, you're in for a real treat. The most exciting musician to come out of the US in many years, he's incredible to witness - sounds and looks like he's in a time warp from the 30s, in a really really good way. He's the kind of musician and songwriter that makes you remember what it feels like to be alive.

Having wanted to see him for several years, I was annoyed that this gig, originally scheduled for a few months back was delayed due to..erm...incarceration. So to finally get to see him in such an intimate venue where the acoustics really added to his unique vocals, was well worth the wait..!

Playing a selection of tracks from his first few albums, some new ones, the brilliant 'One More Night In Brooklyn' watch it here) and covers of classic old blues standards, Replacements, Springsteen and Carter Family, it doesn't get much better than this! His finest song to date is, in my opinion, Mama's Eyes, and we were treated to a slowed down version of this brilliant song, which a very kind person has already put up on YouTube for your viewing pleasure. Check it out here and buy this guy's records; he really deserves it (and by the sound of the state of his personal life, could really need it!).

Miranda Lambert's The House That Built Me

Quite simply one of the best songs ever written...yes ever...this track quite rightly won the 2010 CMA award for best video. I wish I had written this song, that's all I can say. I'm sure the lyrics will resonate with you as much as they do with me.

Presenting Miranda Lambert 'The House That Built Me', from the album 'Revolution', performed live at the 2010 ACM awards:

Acoustic Breakdown Has Gone Country! And Introducing Emily West...

Okay okay, so the usual story about being very busy and not being able to blog in *gosh* a YEAR?! Terrible I know but Acousic Breakdown is BACK and not only that - it's GONE COUNTRY!

No longer will we hide behind the pretence that this is the home for 'acoustic' music (aka acoustic country); it is time to change the incredible FEAR people outside of the US have of country music. It is the best genre out there and counts literally some of the world's finest songwriters, singers and musicians amongst its representatives. It is also one of the most fiercely defended and adored format whilst being unceremoniously (and unfairly) ridiculed, ignored and overlooked by others, particularly outside of the United States.

So to kick things off, check out the video of 'Blue Sky' by Capitol Nashville's brightest new star, Emily West. The track features non other than West's label-mate and the current king of country, Keith Urban. Need I say more?