2012 CMA Nominations

They’re out!  What are your thoughts on this year’s CMA nominations?  Discuss in the comments section.

Entertainer of the Year 

Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Brad Paisley
Blake Shelton
Taylor Swift

Female Vocalist of the Year

Kelly Clarkson
Miranda Lambert
Martina McBride
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year

Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban

Vocal Group of the Year

The Band Perry
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

Big & Rich
Love and Theft
Sugarland
The Civil Wars
Thompson Square

New Artist of the Year

Lee Brice
Brantley Gilbert
Hunter Hayes
Love and Theft
Thompson Square

Album of the Year (Awarded to artist and producer)

Luke Bryan, Tailgates and Tanlines – Produced by Jeff Stevens and Mark Bright

Eric Church, Chief – Produced by Jay Joyce

Miranda Lambert, Four the Record – Produced by Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, and Glenn Worf

Dierks Bentley, Home – Produced by Brett Beavers, Luke Wooten, and Jon Randall Stewart

Lady Antebellum, Own the Night  – Produced by Paul Worley and Lady Antebellum

Song of the Year (Awarded to songwriters)

Eli Young Band, “Even if It Breaks Your Heart” – Will Hoge and Eric Paslay

Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You” – Dave Barnes

Dierks Bentley, “Home” – Dierks Bentley, Dan Wilson and Brett Beavers

Miranda Lambert, “Over You” – Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton

Eric Church, “Springsteen” – Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell

Single of the Year (Awarded to artist and producer)

Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem” – Produced by Michael Knox

Blake Shelton, “God Gave Me You” – Produced by Scott Hendricks

Dierks Bentley, “Home” – Produced by Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten

Little Big Town, “Pontoon” – Produced by Jay Joyce

Eric Church, “Springsteen” – Produced by Jay Joyce

Musical Event of the Year

“Dixie Highway,” Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band

“Feel Like a Rock Star,” Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw

“Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die,” Willie Nelson featuring Snoop Dogg, Kris Kristofferson and Jamey Johnson

“Safe and Sound,” Taylor Swift featuring the Civil Wars

“Stuck on You,” Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker

Music Video of the Year (Awarded to artist and director)

Eric Church, “Springsteen” – Directed by Peter Zavadil

Kenny Chesney, “Come Over” – Directed by Shaun Silva

Miranda Lambert, “Over You” – Directed by Trey Fanjoy

Little Big Town, “Pontoon” – Directed by Declan Whitebloom

Toby Keith, “Red Solo Cup” – Directed by Michael Salomon

Musician of the Year

Sam Bush
Paul Franklin
Dann Huff
Brent Mason
Mac McAnally

 

The Band Perry – “Postcard From Paris”

Songwriters:  Jeff Cohen, Kara DioGuardi, Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry, Reid Perry

In a mere two years since their country radio debut, The Band Perry has quickly developed their own established signatures – big hair; twangy production; raw, unpolished vocals; and – perhaps most notably – quirky, left-of-center lyrical material.  This has often resulted in songs that are unique and interesting, but that lack clear focus and cohesion, of which the group’s signature mega-hit “If I Die Young” was a foremost example.

With that in mind, “Postcard From Paris” stands out as a moment in which the trio is able to marry their lovable quirkiness to a lyrical concept that is clear and understandable.  Just imagine:  You’re with your significant other when you happen to run into your former lover.  That brings upon the realization that the love you now have is nothing compared to the one you lost.  Or, to hear Kimberly Perry tell it, “It’s like a postcard from Paris when I’ve seen the real thing/ It’s like finding out your diamond is from her old promise ring/ A call back from your fortune-teller – she read your cards upside-down.”  The chorus utilizes figurative language that comes across as fresh and creative, but still effective in furthering the song’s overall purpose.  The narrator then laments “The meanest thing you ever did was come around… and now I’m ruined.”  Now that really cuts to the chase.

In typical Perry fashion, “Postcard From Paris” is backed by an instantly likeable musical arrangement that all but maxes out country radio’s allowed amount of fiddle and mandolin.  We thus get a single that is easily accessible both on a sonic and lyrical level, which has become far too much of a rarity on country radio, making this particular single feel like a real breath of fresh air.

Of course, The Band Perry still has plenty of room to grow as an artistic force.  But in their journey toward the realization of their lofty potential, “Postcard From Paris” is a definite step forward.

THE BAND PERRY’S SCORE:  9
(Scores are given on a scale of 1 to 10)

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