Spurs Of The Moment

posted in: Country • Features

“Spurs of the Moment” is your up-to-date source for all happenings in the country music community. Make sure to check in bi-weekly to see just what’s going on with your favorite country singers and stars!

For the most part, January 2010 has been pretty low-key for many country music stars. However, the devastating effects of Haiti’s earthquake brought out their power in force for the victims and their families. These humanitarian efforts come as no surprise to those of us who know that country stars readily flock to the aid of others, no matter where or for whom, at the first sign of distress. Now, as the world anxiously watches, the giving hearts of millions is truly showcased. America’s sweetheart Taylor Swift, and apparently Haiti’s too, represented the country community during MTV’s Hope for Haiti Now telethon that aired Friday on MTV. Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow also joined T. Swift to raise funds to aid the relief efforts of the disastrous effects from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti on January 12th.

As donations pour in it’s evident that, no matter the amount, people around the world felt personally touched by the destruction in the small country. Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley himself donated to the Red Cross within days of the tragedy, and this type of pure-hearted giving (without benefit of the camera) is truly inspiring. Country music has always boasted songs of giving a helping hand, and this month the all too common lyrics came to life as stars rode in on their mighty steeds to save the struggling people of Haiti.

In an interesting turn of events, sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison of the Dixie Chicks joined forces to record Court Yard Hounds” due out in May ” as well as play Austin’s South by Southwest concert series in March. Attempting a project without outspoken lead singer, Natalie Maines, is a big move for the sisters but the two are adamant about the continued unity and future of the group. Still, it makes country fans wonder if success for this group is  feasible without the infamous mouth, both musically and ehem¦otherwise, of Maines.

Other notable “spurs” this month include the release dates for upcoming 2010 albums. Gretchen Wilson is releasing a Greatest Hits album, which seems a little premature for a singer who has only peaked in the last 5 years. We’ll see if her success during this short time span is enough for CD buyers on March 30th. Gretchen faces stiff competition because the legendary Alan Jackson is releasing his next album, titled Freight Train on that date as well.  Jo Dee Messina is also releasing a new album, Unmistakable, on April 13th. And last but not least, recent chart topper Easton Corbin will debut his self-titled first album in early March.

This month has been marked by both tragedy and promise. The promise for a better tomorrow for the people of Haiti, the promise to revive the dying career of the Dixie Chicks and the promise that 2010 will be a year unlike any other in terms of amazing album releases for country music fans. Make sure to check back in with Spurs of the Moment for all the country music news you need ” it’ll be well worth it, I can promise you that.