Blogcritic's review: "With his latest single 'Seven Mile Breakdown,' Taylor Hicks is reaching out to the country market. A highlight from his recent album The Distance, the bluesy rocker has been given a twangy makeover courtesy of award winning engineer/producer Chuck Ainlay. The single mix, one minute shorter than the album version, features a prominent piano part throughout as well as some strategically placed fiddling. Ainlay managed to keep the essence of the song the same, since there was already a distinctly country feel to the album version of the song. Hicks' powerhouse lead vocal remains front and center, while the new elements blend smoothly with the original track.
"The first time I heard the entire album, "Seven Mile Breakdown" stood out as an ideal showcase for Hicks' strengths. Given the potential for a country crossover hit, it's a smart choice as follow-up single. When he delivered a rousing rendition of the song on American Idol's Top Five elimination week, it seemed like 2006 all over again. Hopefully many viewers were reminded of why they voted him winner that year.
"The song's video debuted this week, and if there's any justice CMT is paying attention. "Seven Mile Breakdown" video seems geared toward winning some new fans. As simple as it is, with Hicks playing the song in an open field to a small gathering of fans, there is a sense of fun that compliments the song's mood.
"Taylor Hicks is the greatest talent to come out of American Idol..." (The Other Chad on blogcritic.com)
"The Cone Ranger rides again!" and from the Mariners' baseball game at Safeco Field in Seattle Saturday night where he sang the National Anthem: "Go Mariners!" You can follow the cone confabs at twitter.com/TaylorRHicks
Seeing Seattle and talking to media...
Country radio host, Lola Montgomery, excitedly gave Taylor a Ray Charles doll, which he said he would keep with him on tour. He described his new album, The Distance, for her: "It is no holds bar. I own it completely. It's who I am--120%." When she asked what inspires him on a daily basis, he said "People do. People can inspire." If he could live anywhere, he would live on his OWN tour bus. One he had purchased. And she added "Seven Mile Breakdown" to the station's play list! (Lola Montgomery, KKWF TheWOLF)
Taylor Hicks and Charles Barkley--it's gotta be good!
Before the group teed off for The Regions Pro-Am tournament on Thursday, Taylor and Charles sat down with radio celebs Rick and Bubba in a wild "only Charles can do" interview. In a serious moment before Taylor arrived, Charles gave sincere accolades to Taylor saying how much he admired him and that Taylor deserved much success. Then it was on to classic Charles Barkley talk--a fun interview that is available on our media board.
"Grease" closes it's West Coast run at Seattle's Fifth Avenue Theatre on May 30th. They pack it all up and head back to the Midwest for opening in Appleton, Wisconsin on June 2!
Grease Tour Schedule
A PLETHORA OF MUST SEE VIDEOS AND PICTURES!
Taylor at the Regions.
TTHC boards have videos, pictures and a fan recap from Taylor's golf outing at The Regions and all the media from Seattle. If you haven't seen Taylor perform SMB on American Idol, it is THE must see:
CD Media blitz4
~~Taylor at the Regions photos, courtesy of The Birmingham News.
