There are many things to write about as far as Country Music Memories are concerned.  This week, Part 2 of Desert Island Country Albums.  The ones you would choose if you were marooned on a desert island to listen to, (ALA - Tom Hanks In Castaway).  I'll list some of mine, and I will pick one for each article from each decade starting with 1980, up until 2019, and a Wild Card album which can be from any decade. So each installment, there will be 5 to list. I'll do four parts, so 20 should about cover it. 

If your favorite doesn't make the list this week, chances are it will make future lists on this subject, so let's have some fun.  (Here's Part One)  if you missed it!

Desert Island Country Island Albums - Part  2

The 1980's -  (1989)  Clint Black - Killin' Time

This album is terrific and was pivotal in starting the huge groundswell of 1989.  This multi - multi-platinum album had five big songs off of it, with four going number one. What fans really loved about this album was he and his sound reminded people of a young Merle Haggard with an absolute contemporary flair.  Black was charismatic, had a big smile and fans gravitated to him and his sound right away. This album had Nashville buzzing before and after its release, and sent shock waves through the format in general that gigantic things were on the way.  This amazing album to me is mandatory owning not simply because of how great it is, but how important it was leading off the class of 1989.

Singles - Better Man #1  /  Killin' Time #1  /  Nobody's Home #1  /  Walkin' Away #1 /  Nothings News #4

Walkin' Away - Fourth Single From This Incredible Album

The 1990's -  (1997)  Shania Twain  - Come On Over

Whether you are aware of this or not, this is on the list as one of the largest selling albums of any kind of all time. This is in the 40 million range. For context, its ninth all time, and has sold more than any single Beatles album and more than the Eagles, Hotel California.  Her third album -  this really defied the odds and showed us all she was here to stay.  I always think when you have a breakthrough album like hers, The Woman In Me (1995) which was a big, big hit, the next album decides if you hang around or not.  This album in every way was way bigger.  She also proved the point that you need to cut through to really get noticed.  When Shania was on the radio, or in a video, there was no doubt who it was. She had a sound, a style, a way, and arrangements that were distinct and unique. This album had a ton of hits of of it, ten of the sixteen songs charted, and had three number ones. Simply incredible and the zenith of her remarkable career!

Singles  - Love Gets Me Every Time #1  / Don't Be Stupid #6  /  Still The One #1  /  From This Moment On #6  / Honey I'm Home #1  /  That Don't Impress Me Much #8  /  Man, I Feel Like A Woman #4  /  You've Got A Way #13  /  Come On Over #6  / 

Big Hit -  This Video Has Been Viewed 262 MILLION Times!

The 2000's -  (2001)   Brooks And Dunn - Steers And Stripes

This album to me is the best Brooks And Dunn Album ever, and they have had a few great ones. I just came to WQMX when this came out, and there are great memories about that here. There were three number ones off this album, and the biggest single they ever had, (Ain't Nothin' About You). This was their seventh album and they had racked up tons of big songs and sold out shows, but this album kept a great thing going and to me, signaled a change in them that they continued to develope for the next number of years.  It was a six week number one album. Only In America, the lead cut on this album to me, is the best song of their career.  They were so great for so long, they may have been a bit taken for granted, but make no mistake, they were fantastic and were and are still universally loved.  Terrific project.

Singles -  Ain't Nothin' About You #1   /  Only In America #1  /  The Long Goodbye #1  /  My Heart Is Lost To You #5  /  Every River #1

Hard Not To Love This Gem!

The 2010's  -  (2016)   Jon Pardi -  California Sunrise

For a guy who stumbled out of the box with really no chart success with his first album, this made up for it.  I always say the second album decides if you are gonna stay around for a while, and this is further proof. It is puzzling how sometimes something just clicks and it all falls into place. Pardi is a traditionalist and his fans love him for that. I love every song on this album and the singles are among the best that were on the radio for those couple of years.  To me, not only is this mandatory owning, but this is a very important album too.  It really spoke to and energized the traditional fans as a successful new hat act in a time when we needed one. Still today, Pardi and Luke Combs really identify with our deep country fans and listeners.  In a time where there were some newer acts that were  "pop country" or "sorta country"  - Jon Pardi left no doubt where he stood on that subject with this project.  One of the best albums of this new century.

Singles  -  Head Over Boots #4  /  Dirt On My Boots #2  /  Heartache On The Dance Floor #5  /  She Ain't In It #23  / Night Shift #8

This Song Is So Good - Should Have Been A #1

Wild Card  -  (1994)  David Ball -  Thinkin' Problem

He was a bit older and somewhat different than the other big stars of that time, and this album was a country masterpiece.  David Ball (my article on him) only really hit with this album, but he certainly knew his way around a country song. (Private Malone came a number of years later) .  When I (or you) want to really hear some pure, deep country this is the album to go to.  This is multi-platinum and is a flat out work of art.  Five singles from this album, and a signature song that virtually every person that has ever listened to country knows by heart with Thinkin' Problem, which leads the album off.  This album does not get enough credit for being one of the real great "rooty" country albums of its era, or any era.  This album is sort of a forgotten gem of the 1990's and it's terrific!

Singles  - Thinkin' Problem #2  /  When The Thought Of You Catches Up With Me #7  (very underrated song)  /  Look What Followed Me Home #11 /

Browns training camp opens next week, and we are all getting ready for what we hope will be a great season. Since the Browns returned in 1999, there has been no off season excitement like this. They have done many things on paper that look great, now it's winning time and time to stay healthy.

I hear all these ESPN peeps and local sports radio and TV peeps talking about the great season the Browns will have and we are only gonna lose 3 games, 4 games and go to the Superbowl.  And hey, that might be right.  But this is writing is not about that. If any of the above is going to happen, one other thing has to happen. The Browns MUST beat the Steelers TWICE this season.  All of the above are so confident that the Steelers are going to stink. And they just might.

Whether we as Browns fans like it or not, the Steelers are the best organization in all of pro sports.  50 years of real winning says so.  They have great owners, are coached well, and know how to win, plus they have a style that is uniquely theirs. They will not be phased by adversity, and on the Browns game days with them, they will let the Browns shoulder all the pressure. I know they are old, they say Ben is broken down, and have salary cap issues and blah blah blah.... All of the same peeps are saying they are done for this season and you can just mark up two Browns wins against them.

I hope that's true, because that's what you have to do. The Steelers in essence have only played a 14 game schedule the past 20 years, because they had two guaranteed wins a year against the Browns. Beating the Steelers twice helps in every way. Helps you win the division, playoffs, helps get home field advantage, and all that stuff.  The Browns can have no more moral victories against them. We are surging, and they are seemingly ripe for the picking.  There is no other acceptable outcome.  If not now - when?

The Steelers are in a very unfamiliar position.  They are here to be the spoilers, the underdogs.  They are a proud bunch with a GREAT coach, and winning is what they know. I wish everyone would stop telling this incredibly strong franchise they can't win this year, that's like jet fuel with an open flame.  The Browns are in a position to help them stink by beating them, like they have beaten us for 20 years.  There is only one way to get where you want to go this year.  Win the games you're supposed to win, and beat these guys twice!  I'll tell you this. The Browns are going no further than they went last year unless they beat them twice this year. It's good for the record, the standings and most importantly, for the mindset.  The mindset is the key for the team and the fan base.  So go do it!

Will the Browns be very good? Yes!  Will the Steelers stink? I'll believe that, when I see it.

OK, I think I've heard everything now, but here comes a new life hack.  I have done my own laundry my whole adult life. I'm not saying I'm any good at it, but it gets done.  I've ruined a number of pieces of clothing in various ways, and shrinking them, well that's just one of them.

But now there seems to be a way to fix even that debacle.  Who knew?

Helpful hints. Let me know it this works!

Click Here To Un-shrink Clothes!

About Half – Of us feel good about returning to a movie theater (Cinamasafe)

Box Office Results - Black Widow 80 Million in USA

New This Week - Space Jam 2

Legally Blonde - Turns 20 this week. Also the first choice to play Elle Woods was Cristina Applegate  (Story)

Wellington - There is a movie being filmed there this week, a Netflix movie called White Noise - 2^nd time in 2 years! (movie is about a train wreck)  (Story) 

Cedric the Entertainer - Will host this year's Emmy Awards, which will take place September 19th.  (Story)

Jordin Sparks - Will star in The Christmas Treasure, a new addition to the Hallmark Channel's ever-growing library of holiday movies.  (Story)

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

We are always trying new things, and this year we introduce to you, and invite you to play in the First Annual WQMX Charity Golf Outing.  It'll be at Rain Tree.

Click on this link to sign up and it is incredibly affordable at only $90 per golfer with tons of fun and food included.

Money raised goes to Bosom Buddies and The WQMX Tree Of Lights (NEOPAT)

I'll be hosting, and so will the rest of the WQMX crew, so we will see you there!

Golf Outing Link!

I have mentioned the Class Of 1989 here many times.  You may know about it, or you may be hearing about it for the first time.  That year was huge for country, but it also set the stage for the next two or three years that followed, that then became a decade, and in turn became way more.  It made it possible for a whole lot of new artists to be introduced and make the 1990's a decade like this format has never seen. We are still enjoying he success of 1989.

1989 - Happened Because Of What A Few Started Early In The 80's

It actually was a year of about 1,500 days, or so it seemed, above the normal 365.  I was doing mornings at KLIK in Jefferson City, Missouri, solidly number one in 1989, and spent the 1990's doing mornings at WPCV in Lakeland, Florida where we were the 5th highest rated radio station in America for a lot of it. And the music was a big part of it, so new and exciting at the time.  What a time!

Travis Tritt Was Instantly Loved With This Gem

1989 brought us these artists.  Garth Brooks, Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt at its nucleus.  Countless number ones between them, and they brought a whole new image to country.  But as magical as this class and year was and is, what happened before them set the stage for them, and what happened after their arrival was a result of them.   They took what had been started and gave it a new and real image, plus a shot of adrenaline and made us all take notice. We now had stars who were the total package.  Country music is a series of doors that a group of artists opens  - that leads to other doors being opened, and so on. That's part of its evolution and history.

Garth - Took All That Had Been Started And Made It Bigger

I have always felt how 1989 happened, actually started in 1981 when a seismic music shift was just beginning.  Country was older, and in a pop country phase that was not overly friendly -  or really liked by "real country" listeners. Alabama was accepted by all kinds of fans, George Strait was loved as was Hank Jr. , John Anderson, Ricky Skaggs and Reba.  Earl Thomas Conley was quietly influencing many future stars with his new brand of country.  The Judds too around 1983 were very popular.  These artists opened a new door to a new sound that listeners were starting to respond to.  But there was still a big presence of Urban Cowboy style, and pop in the format that I felt was really holding us back.

Alabama -  Helped Start A Big Shift In Country Early 80's

Then came the class of 1986. I have always felt this class deserves a whole lot more credit than they get and for the class of 1989. Randy Travis, Dwight Yoakum, Keith Whitley, Patty Loveless, and Holly Dunn became stars. They were all traditionalists and joined Strait, The Judds, Reba, Conley and Alabama and now the stage was set.  We were now selling millions of albums, not thousands, and the door was about to be kicked in.  Mainly because the "real country" fans were now becoming energized, especially with the youth of Travis and Yoakum, and we started to say good bye to many older country icons and pop country artists from the charts as their doors started to close, the Neo-Traditionalists were opening newer doors. The shift was on.

Randy Travis Was Still Riding High In 1989 With This

Then, 1989, a boom that no format had really ever seen. Garth, Clint, Alan and Travis.  Newer and more exciting and powerful stage shows, record album sales, millions of new fans, great videos, more TV than ever and a popularity boom that was as fast as a rocket.  It was all started off with Clint Black's first single, Better Man from his Killin' Time album in February, and Garths, self titled album in April.  Alan and Travis followed very late in the year into 1990.  Clint Black was highly instrumental in the rapid forward motion of the genre.  Killin' Time is a very important album in our history.  Not only did it sell a ton, it is flat out great, it really was an accelerator for country.   Every country fan should own it.  Garths debut album too.

Killin' Time - An Important Song And Album In Our History

The gift these artists gave us was a door kicked open so wide that a flood of new artists stampeded through at an unbelievable pace. This class was so influential on new acts, on the Nashville brass, and on long time and newer listeners, we had never had this before.  The early albums by these icons of 1989, are among the best country albums ever recorded. They expanded the groundwork that had been laid for them and took it all to the next level. This was the moment we had all been waiting for, but it was going to be even better than we could have hoped.

Alan Jackson - This Song And Album Made Him A Star In The Blink Of An Eye!

Think about the 90's for a second  - and who followed the incredible 1989 class in the early to mid 1990's.  Brooks And Dunn, Tim McGraw, Shania, Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Mark Chesnutt, Doug Stone, Martina McBride, Lonestar, Trisha Yearwood, Blackhawk, JoDee Messina, Billy Dean, Deana Carter, Tracy Byrd, and countless others that gave us a remarkable and much loved decade.  Artists with great careers that had tons of really big songs for a long time.  They joined the class of '89 and some from '86, and some still from '81, and now we were THE force in music.  And we still are.

Shania - The 1990's!

The class of 1989 forever changed the image of country and were a pivotal puzzle piece finally found and made us popular and accessible to all music lovers.  The gift they gave all of us was the further unleashing a remarkable musical evolution that had been a long time in the making.  The door they opened is still open and our popularity has never looked back.

It was the most magical of musical years.

I ran across this article a few days ago, and I thought it was for the most part interesting, and possibly helpful.

Even though things are getting better, there are still many who are spending a ton of time at home. I think most of us are still to a degree.  And there are some helpful hints to being happier there.  And there are some silly ones on this list as well, but there are some nice reminders here.

Be Happier At Home

A thing or two that really worked for me were:

1/  Still practiced my passions - played golf - ate well - cooked better

2/  Understood this was/is temporary, as most bad things are

3/  Stayed in touch with my friends as best we could.

OK, I'm eating this! There are lots of ways to make and eat grilled cheese, and almost all of them are GREAT! Here's  a recipe for one that's off the beaten path, but It's really good.

GRILLED CHEESE RECIPE - NEW!

And then there's mine, and I made both this weekend

My recipe:

Two slices of Texas Toast Bread - Butter them up and sprinkle on some cayenne pepper or Cajun pepper on each side

Two cheese slices (favorite) AND some shredded cheese

Some Jalapenos from a jar

Three pieces of thin salami

1.  In a skillet, pour some olive oil and sprinkle in some garlic powder

2.  Assemble as you would any grilled cheese including the salami and the J peppers

3.  Toast first side, then press after flipping

4.  Make sure all is melted

5. EAT!  And get ready to make another one~!

About Half – Of us feel good about returning to a movie theater (Cinamasafe)

Box Office Results - F-9 brought in 30 more million - Two Weeks #1

New This Week - Black Widow - In theaters Today!!

Nintendo - Is gearing up to make movies based on their video game characters. Mario, Luigi, Bowser -- and others   (Story) 

Mariska Hargitay – Broke her ankle at a screening of Black Widow last weekend  (Story)

Harry Connick Junior  - Will play Daddy Warbucks in the upcoming Annie Live! special on NBC.  (Story) 

This Weekend – Check out my Country Music Memory Lane (link)

Check out my Song Of The Week - (Link)

Check out my other articles this week -  Shopping Carts  

It's a holiday week and you may have a few extra minutes, so let's get you caught up on some of my Country Music Memory Lane articles from the last few weeks

So, grab a coffee and a comfy chair, put your earbuds in and let's talk talk Country Music

Great Debut Country Songs - Part 1

Great Debut Country Songs - Part 2

Songs That Changed Everything - Part 1

Songs That Changed Everything - Part 2

What Is THAT Song - Part 1

What Is THAT Song - Part 2

Desert Island Albums - Part 1

Great Country Duets - Part 1