Two Rebels Shake Up The Norm...

What is the norm on Country radio today? ... With that said, Eric Church ... ka-boom! You won't fall asleep listening to his new song, "Desperate Man."

Eric made that with live concerts in mind. You can easily hear it. On the radio it's a "shake out the cobwebs of the transmitter." "Ain't Going Down Til The Sun Comes Up" was one of those ... This one is not quite as fast or loud, but its 2018 production with who-knows-what kind of backing track ... it's different. New album in October and "The Chief" walks to the beat of a different drummer. It doesn't market, release songs or play the game like anyone else -- especially on the Country side of the street.

Then there's a reflection or Eric on the female side ... Kasey Musgraves will surprise you at every turn. I have always liked her music, but Country radio? Not so much. Her songs are often a little left of center. Her new song, "High Horse," is a disco record. Has a great video that goes along with it. I don't see Country radio playing it. Yet no one can tell me why they don't embrace Kasey. She does, like Eric, walk an edgy path.

Maren Morris should probably win the CMA Female Vocalist Award this year. Not one of the gals in the competition has seen a year like hers in the last 365. Maren's played Australia, South America, Mexico and all over the U.S. Her song, "The Middle," per Nielsen, is the #3 pop song of 2018. She is having a great year, but is edgy just like Eric and Kasey. Will the CMA voters agree?

The last day of voting for the November CMAs has passed. Where will Chris Stapleton land this year?

Can it get any crazier on Nashville Lower Broadway? The new Luke Bryan honky-tonk was made official. Five blocks along Lower Broadway is unlike any bar zone in ... maybe anyplace. These are not hole-in-the-wall locations like most in some bar towns. These are event spaces with most featuring rooftop bars and restaurants.

Aldean, Jackson, Bryan, Rich, Buffett, FGL, Shelton, Bentley and the others like Tootsie’s. Add The Wildhorse and The Hard Rock and dozens of other bars, museums, hotels and restaurants. Not sure this can sustain. But it is mind-splitting to see how much the downtown has changed in less than five years.

Nashville is not the same. It is better ... and worse. It is crowded. It was not ready for this type of success.

Garth Brooks announcing a one-of-a-kind, never-before concert at Notre Dame's famous football stadium. We think this year, but details are short.

2019 preview? Garth "event shows" ... Higher profile of George Strait? Eric Church tour? New Aldean baby ... 2019 is being written as we speak.
Oh yeah ... and how great is it that Loretta Lynn showed up on her official Facebook page ... shooting a music video! We thought she was gone ... She is one sweet, tough lady!

What a work ethic!