Cut Out The Light On 2005

Reflection is a good thing unless you dwell, second guess, and pick things apart. 2005 was not the best or worst of times overall, but it was busy and, at times, crazy. The word "exhausting" comes to mind. "Frustrating," too. But we made it, and here's looking ahead a little before a look back.

In 2006, Keith Urban's women will freak a little with his marriage to Nicole. Rumors are everywhere on this with New Year's Eve the most-rumored date. Garth and Trisha got hitched and we didn't expect his return this year, so who knows what his plans are for 2006. You know he/they will do SOMETHING!

Kenny Chesney is in the islands and in East Tennessee over the holidays. His year was truly the best and worst of times. You feel bad for him, but he's going to be fine. Bigger tour in 2006 and hopefully some peace of mind. We are hear Sugarland is out and Dixie Chicks are coming back in June of 2006 with a tour and CD. Who knows how all that will go over. Hard to predict.

Toby Keith has a CD called "White Trash with Money" on the way, and his first major movie is out in 2006. This could be really big or a really bad idea, but Toby's a talented man and will be great regardless.

One of the great singers of country music is saying farewell in 2006. Don Williams is doing his last tour in 2006. What an unsung guy. There has just not been enough praise for Mr. Williams. Where are you CMA?

Brooks & Dunn just keep rolling and will continue to do so in 2006. They've had an amazing career that's not unlike Alabama.

Satellite radio with Howard Stern will be the big broadcast story one way or the other in 2006. If he makes it (and I think he will), can he stay around long enough to see satellite radio really succeed as a mainstream item like FM? Howard is very rich and getting richer. Burnout is inevitable. Howard says he's thinking of retiring in 5 years. Is that enough to insure the success of Sirius? Could the smut man back fire on them? I know one of the things he wants on his channels is for a guy to weigh his bowel movements! Whew!! XM happens to be my sat carrier and it seems a little dull right now with NO Howard, but we shall see how that all shakes down.

So ... the stars of 2006? Sugarland for sure. Dierks Bently probably. Keith Urban should be. Kenny will be back. As for the ladies, it's harder to say. Faith is back. Trisha, too. I hope Jamie O'Neal keeps going. Reba will be doing Vegas.

The guys? The old dudes are still the best. Keith Anderson seems real. I love Blake Shelton. Trace Adkins picks the craziest songs. Little Big Town might be happening.

So, radio needs to stay on track in 2006. Be local. Toss these syndicated shows in the creek. They do NOTHING for your station but save money. You saw where all those stations were left post Stern. You need a GREAT local morning show. St. Louis with morning syndication is NUTS!

The music is pretty good right now. The games radio plays may be fewer in 2006 due to the NY Attorney General. I hope it is a GREAT and even better year for all of us. May we all keep our health. Take care of all our kids. Let's win in Iraq so our men and women in uniform can come HOME! Happy New Year and, yes, politically incorrect as it may be, Merry Christmas!!!