CMT Blog: Sugarland

Is there something in the Nashville water? It seems to me like more and more artists are canceling more and more shows due to voice troubles. LeAnn Rimes just postponed a couple of additional shows, Sugarland had to do so recently, as did Brooks & Dunn. Maybe it’s just me, but I can’t help wondering why so many throats are getting worn out. Are singers being forced to sing louder? Are the touring schedules packed too tight? Whatever the reason, I hope the artists will treat their voices like the intricately-crafted instruments that they are, even if it means shorter set lists and fewer tour stops.

Most artists are smart enough to stay away from backing a specific presidential candidate. But still, artists are just people. And everyone has issues that matter to them. Like Sugarland. Topping their list is the environment, which is why they performed at a concert that was part of this year’s Democratic National Convention. That doesn’t make them Obama supporters, necessarily, just concerned citizens. Jennifer Nettles is also a big believer in a woman’s right to choose. But when it comes to voting in awards shows, the duo is not shy about their picks. Both Nettles and Kristian Bush admit they will vote for themselves on every awards show ballot that comes their way.

The sound of Sugarland’s music has stayed blessedly consistent since they debuted in 2004. But their style? That has evolved. It has moved from blue jeans and T-shirts to, well, everything else. And that ever-changing fashion sense comes from Gillian Steinhardt, the stylist behind Sugarland.

It’s because of Steinhardt’s strong bond with Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush that the duo never clung too tight to the same-old, same-old uniforms of country music. Nothing against antiqued denim and $300 belt buckles. But Sugarland always seem to be one step ahead of the curve. Read more…

USA Today’s Brian Mansfield may be a brunette, but he knows the power of blonde. In his recent story about blondes taking root in country music, he points to the success of Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Julianne Hough, Jessica Simpson and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles. Don’t make the appointment with your colorist just yet, though. Mansfield admits that some not-so-hardcore fans could have trouble keeping all those cute blondes straight. Which may be a blessing for stand-out brunettes like Ashton Shepherd, Martina McBride and Crystal Shawanda. The fair-haired artists may be topping the charts right now, but there’s no law that says blondes are the only ones who have more fun.

Pretty soon, Kenny Chesney won’t even know what his fans’ faces look like. The tops of their heads, yes. But he and plenty of other big stars will be blind to their faces. Because their faces are constantly bowed down over cell phones, Blackberry devices and iPhones during shows.

Fans spend so much time texting throughout concerts, I can’t help but wonder what the artists think? Are their feelings hurt? Do they want to harass those fans and yell, “Hey, you. Yes, you, little Miss Rapidfire Thumbs. Stop texting people and watch the damn show”? Or could they care less?

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When it comes to country music and the branching sub-genres, there seems to be a line drawn between the kind of country music coming from Texas and that from Nashville. Both are noteworthy in their own right, but the rowdier, edgier and raw Texas sounds rarely find the airtime of Nashville groups like Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and so on.

Recently, I had the chance to ask popular Texas country bands like the Randy Rogers Band and Reckless Kelly for their inside views. Here’s what they had to say:

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The first time I listened to Sugarland’s Love on the Inside CD all the way through, I thought something about “Genevieve” sounded familiar. After countless plays, I realized one tiny part of it reminded me of Loggins & Messina’s “Vahevela.” So I spent a few minutes pining for my youth, when I played that album over and over and over. Then I did what any hip girl with a laptop and a credit card would do. I downloaded about 20 songs from that youth.

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Even critics get the blues sometimes. According to this Sugarland concert review from their Sunday in the Country show in Washington, D.C. Columbia, Md. the duo’s current single was so well-received it was hard for the crowd to hold back tears. But the reviewer’s night took a turn for the worse towards the end of the song. After spending more than six hours in the sun drinking beer, the fans were well on their way to a good buzz. And unfortunately, one young man slammed into her on his way to vomit up all that said beer. But the critic did not let a little barf get in the way of a very good review.

When the nominations for this year’s CMA Awards were announced last week, there was some discussion on this blog about the criteria for selecting the mother of all CMA categories — entertainer of the year. Specifically, quite a few people were surprised that Rascal Flatts didn’t get nominated in that particular category this year. Considering the success of their ambitious tour schedule this year, it’s quite likely that the three members of Rascal Flatts were as surprised as anyone by the exclusion. To refresh your memory - and mine - this year’s EOY nominees are Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Sugarland and Keith Urban. As I said last week, it’s hard to quibble with any of those choices, although there are others who are also deserving. (In addition to Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw come immediately to mind.)

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Since much of what I blog about pertains to music videos, I thought I would share my thoughts and analysis for the CMA music video of the year category. I have previously written about most of these music videos and compiled my past and present thoughts and personal breakdown for each. Please feel free to share your thoughts as well for these most deserving music videos.

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