NASHVILLE – Country music entertainer Taylor Swift announces new album, single during live web chat. Release date for Swift’s third studio album titled, “Speak Now”, is set for October 25. New single, “Mine”, to debut mid-August.

“It’s been a three year process creating this new album,” said Swift during the webcast. “I’m really excited for October 25.”

The 20-year-old entertainer revealed that she solely wrote the entire album. “Speak Now” is Swift’s follow-up to her sophomore release, “Fearless”, which garnered the country singer a Grammy Award for “Album of the Year” and was certified 6-times platinum by the recording industry.

Swift spent most of the webcast answering fan submitted questions regarding her music, tour, new home in Nashville and questions regarding her recent film shoot in Portland, Maine. While pushing off certain personal questions, Swift cited that while she doesn’t talk about her personal life in interviews, she definitely writes and sings about it.

When asked when the next time Swift will pay in Chicago, the entertainer said her next tour will likely begin after the release of her album.

According to Ustream.com, Swift’s live video feed reached approximately 59,000 streams.

The Country Music Association, in conjunction with iTunes, released a free 5-pack new country music sampler.  Available now, the sampler includes some of country music’s hottest up-and-comers including the Trailer Choir and Ash Bowers.  iTunes users have till May 1, 2010, to download the free tunes.

Visit http://www.cmafest.com/itunes/promo for more information.

Best Music Videos Of the Year

1. Sugarland – “Keep You”

I think it’s amazing how Jennifer can take off all her makeup and slash her hair and still look AMAZING!! Keep you is a keeper.

2. Kellie Pickler – “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You”

Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You’s video is a bit simple, but powerful. The song, combined with the visuals, really shows the true power of Kellie’s vocals. Kellie, do you know how much I love you!

3. Justin Moore – “Small Town USA”

“Small Town USA” was a free music video download on iTunes several months ago. It made it’s way into my iTunes library and quickly became a favorite.

4. Gloriana – “Wild At Heart”

This new group really caught my eye with this song. It’s a great, fun song and combined with a video makes it even better.

5. Kenny Chesney – “I’m Alive”

Great simple song from Kenny and our out of the country music genre favorite, Dave Matthews.

6. Lady Antebellum – “Need You Now”

I really think this title goes both ways, We Need Lady A Now!

7. Zac Brown Band – “Toes”

What a fun song! I had to smile when I heard this playing at a McDonalds while I was eating my Angus Deluxe burger. O yeah, the video isn’t too shabby either.

8. Jake Owen- “Eight Second Ride”

Catchy song to begin with, the video makes for some better visuals.

9. Carrie Underwood – “Cowboy Casanova”

Carrie, why do you do this to me. This video made an ok song HOT!

10. Taylor Swift – “You Belong With Me”

While I really like Taylor and think she is highly talented. I’m not particularly drawn to some of her music. Maybe because I’m not a teen girl. Regardless, this music video made me smile as it brought me back to those old high school days.

Best Collaboration Video of the Year

• Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins – “Hillbilly Bone”

Oh Blake, you’re so funny….

View the Country Music Chicago Top 10 Country Music Albums of 2009.

The album, all sung by children, embodies what Christmas is all about.

The voices of the children are not those of highly-coached, up-and coming superstars, they are real children singing real music about what Christmas means.

The album is a bunch of fun-loving songs one would expect to hear from the mouths of kids.

A song from a sister wishing for rocks for her brother, siblings trying to catch Santa in the action and a tune when the rocks are delivered under the tree are mixed with classics like “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth” and “The Little Drummer Boy.”

Along with all the holiday cheer is “Bring him home, Santa.” It is a song from a little girl asking for her dad to be brought home from Iraq for Christmas that would make Scrooge tear up.

This is a must have album for Christmas this year and for years to come.

To hear “It’s Christmas Time,” “Box of Rocks” and “Bring Him Home Santa,” click here.

Download “Merry Kidsmas” on iTunes:

On the web: merrykidsmas.com

Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush have teamed up with their long trusted director Shaun Silva to create another remarkable video.   Reminiscent of the hit Sugarland song “Stay,” from a few years ago, “Keep You” follows in its footsteps as the long, sad song that the duo seems to do quite well with.

Preview the video in the iTunes Store:

For a limited time, download “Love on the Inside” for just $7.99:

Also in Sugarland news, on Tuesday, the Duo will release their first holiday album titled “Gold and Green”.
(Personal recommendation, be sure to listen to “Little Wood Guitar” on this album.)

Download Trailer Choir’s “Rockin’ the Beer Gut” music video:

Download Mallary Hope’s “Love Lives On” single:

I’m About To Come Alive
By: David Nail

Release Date: August 18, 2009

Download “I’m About To Come Alive” on iTunes:

Purchase “I’m About to Come Alive” on Amazon: I’m About To Come Alive

Label: MCA Nashville

Newcomer David Nail will release his debut album tomorrow. While Nail’s music is country, his album “I’m About To Come Alive” and its artwork have a unique urban feel to them. The album’s first release, “Red Light” was featured on iTunes as a “Single of the Week” and has been pushing its way up the country music charts.

Track Listing:

1. Mississippi
2. I’m About To Come Alive
3. Red Light – HOT
4. Again
5. Clouds
6. Summer Job Days
7. Strangers On A Train
8. Looking For A Good Time
9. This Time Around
10. Turning Home
11. Missouri

Hot Single:

Download “Red Light” on iTunes:

Music Video:

Download the “Red Light” music video on iTunes: 

On the web: davidnail.com

Brooks & Dunn – Indian Summer

By now you’ve probably heard the news that Brooks & Dunn will be wrapping up their 20 plus year music career as a duo in 2010. So while you still can, check out their new release “Indian Summer”. Like most, Brooks & Dunn have become a staple in my country music collection and I was deeply saddened by the news. “Indian Summer” seems to perfectly portray my feelings towards the breakup. 

Single: Video:

Tim McGraw – It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You

“It’s a Business Doing Pleasure With You” is the first single off of Tim McGraw’s forthcoming album titled “Southern Voice” due out this fall. It’s kind of nice to hear a fun song like this from McGraw as it seems that most of his recent singles have shown his serious side.

Toby Keith – American Ride

“American Ride” is Toby Keith doing his thing. Great song and it might just keep the American auto industry from singing another Keith hit “It’s a Little Too Late.” (Don’t hate, I drive an American car)

Lady Antebellum – I Need You Now

“I need you know” is Lady Antebellum’s first release that’s not from their debut, self-titled album. Like their current hit, “I Run To You”, this single is everything I like and expect from Lady A. Smooth sound and great vocals from Hillary Scott. I’m super excited to see Lady A is working on a second album.

Jamey Johnson – My Way To You

I’ve always been a huge fan of Jamey Johnson and for me to like this new release “My Way to You” is no surprise. Johnson seems to capture his true authenticity and really release his raw emotions in this single. His music will make a lasting impression. I’m really looking forward to a new album from Johnson.

Big Kenny – Long After I’m Gone

Better known for his half of Big & Rich, Big Kenny has released “Long After I’m Gone” which is available for free download on his Web site, bigkenny.tv Check it out!

scott@countrymusicchicago.com

Preview and Download “She’s Country” in the iTunes Music Store:

Keep an eye out for Aldean’s new concert DVD, “Wide Open Live & More,” which will be released on Aug. 25.

Pre-order Wide Open Live & More on Amazon: Wide Open: Live and More

Justin Moore

Release Date: August 11, 2009

Newcomer Justin Moore broke into the mainstream country music scene in 2009 with his chart topping hit “Small Town USA”. Following the success of debut single, Moore will release his debut, self-titled album on August 11.

Label: Valory

Download “Justin Moore” on iTunes:

Purchase “Justin Moore” on Amazon: Amazon

Track Listing:

1. How I Got To Be This Way
2. Small Town USA – HOT
3. Backwoods
4. Like There’s No Tomorrow
5. Good Ole American Way
6. I Could Kick Your Ass
7. Back That Thing Up
8. The Only Place That I Call Home
9. Grandpa
10. Hank It

Music Videos

“Small Town USA”:

One the Web: myspace.com/moorejustinmusic