Nerves of Fall....

Jimmy Carter in his homebase Nashville

Talk to almost anyone and they will admit the month of October was stressful. Maybe the most stressful in a long, long time.

There had to be something you were concerned about. The nasty politics and the screwy economy were certainly on the front burner.

Journalism certainly has not been at its best this political season. The bias is the worst in my lifetime on both sides. The layoffs ... the blink of AllAccess Net News can't keep up with reality. The Cumulus layoffs were widespread and some of those out of jobs were popular people. There are also few to no new jobs available as the industry keeps downsizing.

The college kids looking at life after graduation are understandably concerned. The labels are gasping for air with sales figures on the Row stinking. Down, what, 18% ... depending on how the books are cooked. Regardless, the sales are not up; with radio consolidation and folks having a money shortage, these are unsettling times.

Know of any road tours planning on getting bigger and charging more in 2009? If so, they are nuts! I saw the economy in full bloom at the NASCAR truck race in Atlanta last weekend. The Sunday race was better, but the money tightening was certainly felt.

The big boys are going out with a few fewer tractor-trailers in '09. They have to find a away to get more sponsors and more money.

CD sales are off. Downloads are the ever-whipping boy. Brad Paisley's "Play" is out Election Day and is really good. I think I love the Paisley/Steve Wariner duet, "More Than Just A Song." They salute their guitar teachers and mentors. Not sure if it's a single, but it sure is heartfelt and great. You folks who can play Classic Country will love the Paisley/Buck Owens hit, "Come On In." That's a must-play for the fans.

With no end in sight, it's a scary time. Life still goes on. Ronnie Gilley broke ground on a Branson-like shopping/music venue near Dothan in Southeast Alabama. Some folks still have the dollars to spend.

Gas prices are way down and all the artists/road folks are happy at that. Still, the local recording students aren't as busy. The business seems off in term of excitement and mission.

Maybe the CMA show will reinvigorate everyone. It's a rallying week, so maybe it will be a jumping off point for the Fall/Winter.

Right now lots of wonder and speculating about Tuesday and the election. Nerves on the extreme ... partisans are shot!!

At least Mindy is out of jail. Toby has told the CMA to kiss his ass again. Tim spread some of his dad's ashes on the Phillies' baseball field. Nicole is in love with Keith ... some things are well in the world.