CMT Blog: Archive

If you're walking past a newsstand this month, look for Merle Haggard's pensive face on the cover of American Songwriter magazine. The publication is spotlighting country music in its May/June issue, and they do an admirable job of conveying the current scene as well as the classics. Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton offer insight into their career, and Liz Rose talks about writing with a then-unknown Taylor Swift. Meanwhile, the Haggard piece explores his motivation as a songwriter, and it's complemented by an intriguing spread called "50 Country Songs Every Songwriter Should Know." Flip to the reviews for perspective on Shelby Lynne's new record (which is a terrific effort) as well as a look back at Mary Chapin Carpenter's landmark Come On Come On (still one of my favorites). And when you're done with the magazine, dig up some roots with a playlist of free tracks presented by CMT.