It feels good to be back in the blogosphere, I don't know what got into me, but I just haven't updated the past few days. Shame on me! Today is a very special day in country music, because it is Tuesday, and Albums are being released.

Today on The Afternoon Drive, I will talk about Diamond Rio and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's New Albums. This is the first release from the guys of the The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in the last five years. Speed of Life is getting a lot of good reviews out there, including from The 9513, who had this to say about the new album:

These four men are incredibly talented music veterans with nearly two centuries of experience among them, and it’s reflected in the effortless, freewheeling earthiness of the album, from the first harmonica blast (courtesy of Jimmie Fadden) on opening track “Tulsa Sounds Like Trouble to Me.” From there, it’s an excellent adventure through Americana as the band blends elements of country, bluegrass, folk, and rock with harmonies that are reflective of the Band’s influence on the Eagles and subsequent groups like Little Big Town.

Diamond Rio's new album, titled "The Reason," is this top notch group's first attempt at contemporary christian music. Marty Roe, the lead vocalist of Diamond Rio says that the transition has been easy, because everyone in the band, that has remained the same group of guys for 25 years, shares the same type of faith.

“We’re all believers. We always have been. I think a lot of our songs reflected that part of who we are, but this was different to actually able to say in a stronger voice what our hearts are about.”

Should make for another great album from one of the best groups in Country Music history.

Also on the show today:

• GM is bringing back 3,000 jobs already to stimulate it's business? I will have the details on the hirings, and how GM expects to grow.
  

• Carrie Underwood's Cowboy Cassanova continues to climb charts! We will check in on the latest numbers on the latest Underwood tune.
  

• Wednesday Web Pick of the Week: This Week I take a look at a local video production that keeps you updated on Northern Michigan University Athletics.
  

• The Latest Road Closures and Marquette Updates as you prepare to drive home

Can't wait to here from you! Get your requests in for the Five O'Clock Traffic Crunch by emailing me: joeyd@wjpd.com.

Also remember to follow me on twitter, if you want to read more heated debates between Iain Black and myself!

Hey guys and gals! Coming you tonight after the show for some links.....


I Told you how Lee Ann Womack is trying to get traditional. Here is the article I referenced today during the show today. Womack making more traditional country music should be rather interesting. I look forward to hearing it.

---Carrie's Single is Here!



--Jason Aldean Gets....you guessed it.. Big Green Tractors. His latest continues to climb the charts. His Album Label wanted to congratulate him. So how did they do it? They lined up 9 Big Green Tractors near his home. Here are Aldean's thoughts:

"I can definitely feel the love." But the whole thing definitely took him by surprise. "I actually came downtown for a few meetings, which I wouldn't normally do on a Monday because I try and spend those days off with my family at home. I was driving down 17th, and was totally caught off-guard by the tractors parked up and down the street. I guess the record label and publishing companies and everyone had set it up ... but no one told me about it so I almost wrecked trying to read the signs on them to see if they were there for me. I have dreamed about having a few big No. 1 hits back-to-back for a very, very long time, so it just feels really good to have the Nashville music community supporting me."

Since the first time I heard "The Game of Love" with Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch, I have been in love with what I consider one of the most beautiful voices in music. In a genre that I am not particularlly a fan of, Branch continued to show that she belonged.... At least talent wise.

Then in 2005, Branch made the move to Nashville. The Wreckers, consisting of Jessica Harp and Michelle Branch took the country music scene by storm. Their debut single, "Leave the Pieces," was the first song by a duo to go to number one on the Billboard country music charts since 1991.

Then in July of 2007, The Wreckers seperated for solo careers. And Now Branch is about to release her latest country album. One that she says was not forced and rather natural.

"I said, 'Let's just make the record, and it's going to sound country
because that's the instrumentation I'm in love with and I'm writing with
people here in Nashville. Let's not overthink it.'"

The album is titled "Sooner or Later" and will be released this Fall. I can't wait to hear what she has in store. And of course, I'll let you know when we get it in here at the station!

Today is officially my father's birthday! He turns a young 49 today. We have a lot for you coming in the show today. Let's take a look at what is in store for today's show.

Sunday Country News- Alan Jackson has a song coming out about Bologna? Only in true fashion can Mr. Jackson pull off a song like that. We have the details about the song in the Sunday Country News.

Artist Profile- This weekend our artist profile focuses on Craig Morgan. We will take a look at the star's roots and what he is up to these days in the Artist profile.

Cash For Clunkers- Have you heard the term and have no idea what it is about? Coming up on Today's show we look at the now popular way to receive a rebate on your next car purchase.

Local Event Calendar- We will take a look at some events going on in the upcoming week in the Marquette Area.

I can't wait to step in later today! It's going to be a lot of fun. Until 3 PM, have a great Sunday Morning!