Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Lots to talk about.....and Casey James comes home?

Wow....I'm gone from here a couple days and there's all kinds of Casey news buzzing around!  I had to work an extra day, so sorry it took me so long to get back!  But I'm back now, and I've got my work cut out for me.  So yall just kick back and relax.....there's all kinds of stuff going on!!

It appears that Casey James has come home to check on and visit with his ailing grandfather.....lovingly donned as "Paw Paw"..... a name which most southerners are accustomed to, but I have seen comments that were pretty funny concerning the term.  I recently learned of "Paw Paw's" condition.  It appears the elder James has been diagnosed with cancer that has spread to his bones, and the outlook is not good.  Many fans, including myself, have been praying for him and all of the James family and will continue to do so.  It's all we can do..... and we ask God for mercy and that he not be in pain, as we also ask for strength for the whole family during this difficult time in their lives.  Death is a part of life, as much as we hate it.....it has to be, there's no way around it, but we don't have to like it.

I came across this article in the "Weatherford Democrat" newspaperIt's Debra's story of how she, herself, beat breast cancer and is now doing her part to raise awareness about this horrible disease!  Just click the link above to read her story!  I've wanted to know about this for a long time, thank you Debra, for sharing your touching story with everyone!  What a strong woman she is.....I have so much respect for her!

I  got another bit of news that is so awesome to hear!!  It appears that Billy either 'has' or 'is' moving to Nashville with Casey!!!!!!!  Do yall know what that means???  I am more than sure it means he will be the Bass player in the newly signed "Casey James Band"!!!  I am so thrilled with this news, as we've all been sooooo wishing that Billy and Jacy would get to be in Casey's band.....and it sure does look like it might be happening!!  Why else would Billy move out there??  See where I'm going with this???  Ok, if I'm wrong about this whole thing, I'll be eating crow, but for now, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!!  :D




There's a song of Casey's that's just being raved about and raved about and I'm on board with every raver!!!  I've already posted it once, but I just HAVE to post it again!!  The song is "She", a Casey James original, with backup harmony vocals by none other than his precious momma, Debra.  I know I've said it before and I'll say it again.....there's just something special about those family harmonies!!  Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful!!  Thanks so much to CLWesson for this gorgeous video complete with awesome shots of Casey and the family!  Enjoy......


"She" 


I think I'll post a picture or two.....never get tired of doing that!!  :)

Thank you daydreaminmeme for this beautiful creation!

 Thanks to missleahg for this beautiful Seattle shot!

I have this article that was posted in the "Nashville Gab", that caused quite a stir and there's a few things said by the writer that just didn't sit well with Casey's multitude of fans!  For the most part, it was not meant to be a negative review......I don't think......but.....like I said, there were some things that I even frowned on.....and even a comment that was totally uncalled for and horribly rude, and the person obviously knew nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, about Casey James!!!......but, I'll just post the whole thing here......read it and then be prepared to be blown away by the droves of Casey James Fans ready to go to bat for him!!  :D  Their comments are below the article!


Casey James good for country music?

Casey-James
Casey James is the latest in a somewhat long line of American Idol alum to announce that he's going to pin his career hopes and dreams on country music.  Unlike some of the others - those who shall remain nameless - I actually think Casey might be a good fit and may be doing it because he actually likes the music and not just because it was the first genre that he was offered a record contract in.  My only request is that he cut that hair...we already have a Bucky Covington.
That being said, I've heard some people ho and hum about his decision to go country.  Heck, I may have even hoed and hummed in the past (after all, it's my job to be cynical), but one thing is certain, Casey James may actually be good for country music in ways other than just his sexy looks and decent voice.
It's no secret that some country artists have made fun of people who use the popular television show to short-cut their way to fame and fortune, but let's face it, how many of those stars wouldn't have gave it a shot when they were just starting out if it had been available to them.  I have a feeling there would have been more than a few stars who would have loved to have been able to cut out the years and years and years of heartache and struggling and went straight to a record contract and being appreciated for their talent.  Okay, I doubt any of those stars would give up the experience and memories that years of struggling gave them, but when they were starting out I just wonder how many of them would have taken the quick route if they had the chance.
Now I can't say that Casey James will ever be successful in country music - a genre that is stuffed full to the brim with highly talented people who are scrambling to be discovered and appreciated - but I can tell you that he has one thing going for him that many of the other talents out there don't....InstaFans.
Yes, those American Idol fans.
I have to say that in the two and a half years I've been doing this there's one thing I've learned very, very well - that country music fans are a bunch of nuts....but in an absolutely wonderful and fun way!  Country fans are passionate, outspoken, loyal, fun, totally crazy, and will defend their favorite artist like a mama bear defending her young.  I've been at the receiving end of country fans who weren't happy with something I had said and let me tell you, it can be inspiring and scary all at the same time.  Why do you think I've only ever posted one or two pictures of myself on the site?  I don't want to meet any angry Carrie Underwood fan in a dark alley anytime soon and have them actually recognize me.   
But all that said about country fans, I've come across one thing in this universe that can rival even the most devoted country music fan and that's an American Idol fan.  Combine the two and you've got yourself one powerful combination that all we can do is hope they use their powers for good.  Something I've noticed in those American Idol alum who get record deals is that not every genre's fans follow them into the real world, but those who go country seem to bring a huge portion of their American Idol fans with them, whether their American Idol fans are country fans or not.
In comes Casey James.  Casey James has fans.  Casey James has a lot of fans.  Casey James has a lot of fans who weren't country music fans but he's bringing them along with him for the ride anyway.
Here's an email I got last night from a CJ fan....
Hi, I found a link to your site from countryweekly. It's nice. Countryweekly did a poll on twitter If you could only follow one person who would that be? Casey James won. He's in Nashville working on his first album, signed to Sony BNA after winning 3rd place on American Idol. When he announced he was going into country music a lot of his fans were kinda shocked. But we pretty much swang with the punches and began following all the country music news. Now I had been listening to some on the radio and I recognized a Keith Urban song when he sang it on tv for the competion. But other times I was lost. Anyway I am going to follow you and hope that you can find anything related to Casey to tweet. His name on twitter is @CaseyEJames. Even a sighting that he was at a restaurant, or who he was seen with has caused a stir in twitterland. Thanks for reading this.
Yes, this is a gal who wasn't a fan of country music but likes her some Casey James so she's giving  country music a chance.  Most people who give country a chance find that they love it.  This gal didn't know zip about country music but found that she could recognize a Keith Urban song on the radio because he sang it on American Idol.  This is a gal who is going to listen to country radio in the hopes of hearing a Casey song, who has been reading Country Weekly in the hopes of a Casey mention, who found my site because she was hoping to catch even the slightest inkling of a Casey James post.
In my book that's a good thing.
So how long before that Casey James passion turns into a Carrie Underwood love, a Toby Keith appreciation, a Keith Urban album purchase, a Sugarland concert attendance?  Oh sure, this reader may never garner an appreciation for anything other than the easy-on-the-eyes Casey James, but what about the hundreds, thousands, or even millions of fans Casey's picked up and is bringing with him from his run on American Idol?
Casey James' album may never go anywhere and he may soon disappear into that wasteland of has-beens, but I think his contribution and the contribution of others like him can't be denied - a fan is a valuable commodity to all of country music no matter where they may have originated from and I want to say one thing to all of them....welcome to the country club.
And in honor of the Casey James fans who may find this by Googling, here's a video of their quarry...

Video by twistdfrk


And here are the Comments:

The smartest thing he's doing is putting a band around him like Daughtry. He's also a pretty strong guitarist so he's not just some singer. Should be interesting.
Idols is sometimes seen as a short cut, but that certainly doesn't apply to everyone on the show. You don't learn how to play the guitar like Casey does, by just strumming a few cords over weekends, it takes time and lots of dedication to the craft, and indeed Casey has been a working musician for 10 years, and he is an amazing musician.
Record labels, executives and radio stations are overly concerned with boxing artists into genres these days, but at the end of the day the people who buys the music are sometimes just looking for good music regardless of the genre. Many artists can comfortably stretch themselves over more then one genre which is exactly what Casey can do. But Casey's biggest appeal is the simplicity, originality and authentic sound of his music. Casey doesn't need bells, whistles or tricks and that is very refreshing. He connects with the music emotionally in a honest manner that captures you and makes you feel the music. For example many people who where not fans, where memorized by Casey's Jealous Guy performance. That is what fans connect with the most, the honesty of the music, and it doesn't matter what the genre is, sometimes we just want good music whether it is pop, rock or country.
It is true that a lot of us are not country fans, as someone else above has mentioned some of us are not even American so we don't know country music, and perhaps some of us will never be fans of country music. But Casey will certainly add something original and honest to country music.
Oh grumpiestoldman.... you do stand up to your username. Casey can't sing and relies on his looks alone? Wow, did not see this coming! Do not refer to fans like we are mindless bunch who only follows after Casey cos he gives us the hots or cos we like his hair and all that crap I keep seeing on overly zealous haters. Yes, we do admit we are starting to "school" ourselves with country music since Casey delve into it. Does exploring a new genre disturb you much? I'm not particularly defending Casey, but his supporters who are NOT dumb as you see it. I may know more about music than you do, sir olde grumpy so you can now walk away slowly (yes please pickup the net, don't 4get to bring it with you)
I think we need a big butterfly net to gather up all the people who commented here and put them away in a safe place.
The guy can't sing, and is getting along on his scraggy looks alone. Another opportunist trying to cash in by clogging up our country airwaves with pseudo-country.
Funny how all these brand new country fans commented on this blog for the first time. Do you think maybe a fan club linked here?
Oh boy where do I start. You may not have meant to but you've engaged us Casey fan's in a tiff. Casey is no mediocre talent but a full blow star in the making...I have a hard time believing that you have ever been on youtube to investigate your subject before you write these things. Even so sick he could barely stand Casey brought it on the show and on tour. It's not a chose for him, he just is a musical being. I'm a long time country listener and have lived through decades of changes in the genre. Some I liked and some I didn't. And like Barbara Mandrell, "I was country when country wasn't cool". But I remember seeing Alan Jackson on cmt for the first time. He was unknown at the time. Same with Trace Adkins, Maranda Lambert,and Sugarland to name a few. They are all different but are huge in the business. May not the typical country sound, I could see they were going to be big stars and I was right. They have something undeniable about them. Star quality on top of talent. Do you remember Carrie Underwood's first video "Jesus take the Wheel? Anyone could see that she was going to be huge, even though she seemed very uncomfortable. All these are pretty people but that is not why they achieved their success. To sell a product you have to have something valuable to consumers and this label knows they have hit the motherload with Casey. This is not a charitable gester on their part. This is big business. He has fans all over the world who are waiting anxiously to hear, buy, and see him perform his music. And it's less about his AI performances and more about the one's out there on the internet that allow him to cut loose and be himself. That's when his talent shines. AI is a great opportunity but without the talent and longevity it only provides many with their 15 mins of fame and maybe a few tv appearances. Casey was right when he said that if he could just get to hollywood week so viewers could see him do what he loves that he could prove his place in the music world. His biggest challenge in my mind will be putting down his guitars long enough to have a life outside of his passion, which is obviously music,music,music...
IDK. I'm a CJ fan from AI, and was disappointed he went country, but I guess blues doesn't sell. I don't really see a difference in his background and other "gone country" singers who have gospel or pop backgrounds, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I will see what he puts out before buying.
Besides his beautiful hair,prettiest i've seen on a man and he's masculine enough to wear his hair however he wants. i'll tell you, the ladies love it though. and his beautiful family , Casey James has a beautiful soul. He's not going to 'fade' into anything because he is awesomely versatile and talented. . He doesn't put on music like people put on fakeness or makeup that can be washed away. he has a long history of music growing in his heart and soul. He's got Character. He was the music before American Idol and he will be the music long after he is gone. Anyone who loves Casey James is getting the best end of the musical deal. He wants his fans to love music, to feel it, live and breath it and to learn more about it and listen to non mainstream musicians that are awesomely talented but nobody hears much about. the gems, pearls that enrich life and spirit. That is what i Love about Casey James. and i am ready to buy whatever he creates. i have everything so far. he has not disappointed me yet. Will he be good for Country is not even a question. HE'S GOOD. He's better than good. and he will bring freshness to anything his musical soul touches.. that's my feeling!
Although I had never seen American Idol, once I saw his brand on YouTube, I just knew what we had here. Just listen. Be it bluesycountryrock or whatever, I'll find it and buy it.
I was a tad dismayed when I found out Casey was signed to a country label, but if anyone can convert me, It's Casey. I honestly don't care at this point what genre he records and performs in...I'm just anxious for his CD to come out.
I love all these comments! Yes Casey has a lot of loyal fans already, but he's gonna have even more once he gets his music out there. All the media will love his genuine humble attitude too. I've been a fan of various musicians, but I've never been as excited about one as much as I am about Casey James!!
My favorite week of Casey was country week!
We sure do love our Casey James. He is unlike any other. He is so genuine and true to himself. His guitar skills are amazing and he has a beautiful voice all his own. He is in a class by himself. I will be a Casey James fan forever!!! :)
If you know Casey's story, his whole life has been a country song. I can't wait to hear what he's bringing us with his CD and first solo tour. I, too, have learned alot about music from Casey - my favorite "find" being Jonny Lang. I was already a long time country fan. By the way, I thought the Bucky comment was funny because I've thought the same thing! Pretty sure you were just comparing their hair and not them in general. Long hair, short hair, no hair - I'm a Casey fan and can't wait for what's to come.
I certainly hope that Nashville welcomes Casey and it sounds like from feedback that I've seen from him that they are. I don't think there is as much negativity as there used to be towards a cross-over sound, though I'm sure there will be some. So much of it is more pop. I just saw Loretta Lynn on a GAC special saying that she loves the new stuff. Now that is an endorsement! Because Casey will be fresh and different, I do think it will be a little challenging for him to find exactly the right sound for him to make it as big as we all want him to be. Mainstream radio is very fickle. To really be big, I think "they" have to accept him moreso than his peers.
I've been a country fan for many years and there have been times when I've liked what was on radio more than others. I love that myspace turned me on to so much music that I never would have heard because folks signed up as friends of artists that I enjoy. I'm sorry that myspace has kind of fallen out of favor as FB or twitter don't really showcase music as well. I hope Casey comes in along the lines of Keith Urban who definitely has his own sound, but one that appeals to masses (though his latest stuff has not been my favorite). Keith also has similar humility.
Casey made the right move to country, but I think he is more blues/rock. It's gonna be tough to find the right material to stay true to himself and still be marketable. With the right co-writers, management, etc., I think he'll do great. I, among many, can't wait to hear what he comes up with and I'm sure I'll be a life time fan, regardless of his success in mainstream.
I have been a music fan of Rock, R&B, and Country for many years. What I have always like about Casey E. James is that he is by no means your typical "Country Singer". His versatile style comes out loud and clear with every song he does. He absolutely had me hooked from day one. I just can't think of anyone who can give me Rock, R&B and Country all rolled up in one! I have never been so exhilarated about a musician and his music as I am with him. I will buy every song he does. His hair I love and I must admit a was a bit upset about the "Bucky" remark! There is a big difference between the two of them!
MOST DEFINITELY. Ive always listened to everything, any and every type of music. Country being my favorite. The first time I heard Casey James sing I knew he was a one of a kind artist. Besides his amazing, and extremely unique voice, his guitar skills are out of this world. He will go far. NO doubt in my mind. I will buy any album Casey ever puts out, multiple copies. He will always have me as a forever fan.
Well let me try this again,Casey is his own person ,long hair and all, witch is "beautiful" and such a sweetheart.He is so very tallented, and he will GO FAR!!!Casey has worked very hard to get where he is now.He deserves the best because Casey is the best. Cant wait for his albums, videos on TV, concerts, fame and fortune, Casey deserves it all, hes defently earned it and Casey will get it all. Love that Casey James along with a million or 2 other fans. Linda
I can hardly wait to hear Casey's first recordings coming out of Nashville, seeing him on tour, and seeing him at the various country awards shows and venues. His deep family roots in country, his long years as a working musician, his incredible knowledge of old school country and other genres, his creativity and originality, and, above all, his no-nonsense honesty as a musician, all add up to this: he is great for country!!!!!
Based on the comments, I'm happy to see that Casey fans are very open-minded. Nice to see I'm not alone as well - I'm not from US so country music is a new and different animal for me. But this Casey James love is probably unconditional, that my ears are open to hearing any country serving he offers.

Thanks so much for this article. Much needed. Was not a country fan, but because of Casey I find myself liking more of it. Casey has so much talent.It can't be helped it's in his DNA. His Momma and family are very talented. Casey has said his Dad was teaching Billy how to play guitar and also wanted to learn.So his Dad taught him to play. He is oozing with music abilities from both sides of the family.Just let him loose and he will blow everyone away.And just to let everyone know. "HE'S HAIR IS HIS CROWN AND GLORY". Always a fan no matter what he sangs.

I HAVE always been a fan of country music. I believe Casey will fit right in, and bring a few surprises. As others have said, I was never a constant watcher of AI, nor did I ever vote for a contestant, until I heard Casey James sing. My appreciation of Casey has only grown since his homecoming and AI9 Summer Tour set. Every interview he has given has shown him to be a kind, decent, generous, and SMART person. His love of music exudes from his interviews. He is magic on stage. He has brought me back to loving music again. I hadn't been to a concert in more years than I care to think about, but I did go to the AI9 Tour just to see Casey. Now I am heading to a John Mellencamp show in March and am planning my CMA Fest trip for June. Casey's fans know it is "all about the music" with him, and most of us are way past the "good looking guy" thing. I am anxiously awaiting his first CD and tour. I'll be there!
Thank you for taking the time to discuss Casey in your blog. I'll be following you on Twitter as well!
I was not a huge country music fan until Casey came along. He is an amazing artist. I think he will definitely be good for country music. Can't wait for his first CD!
Your question, Is Casey James Good for Country Music? Absolutely--YES! He is bringing over legions of his fans to this genre. I personally like country. But now, I will be reading the mags, following sites (such as yours) and tuning into country channels like CMT and GAC.
Over last summer, Casey gave his fans "homework assignments"..artist's names (mostly blues & country) of people who influenced him. He wanted us fans to understand him and his sound. So already we were being schooled and exposed to the country genre.
Contrary to your comment that Casey's "album may never go anywhere"--I believe IT WILL GO somewhere, and all the world will soon know who Casey James is. And they will Love Him. The above comments are eloquently written and I recognize them as fellow CJ fans for life. We Are protective of him, we Do support him and we Are behind Casey James 100% whichever way his career goes.
Thank you.
BTW, thank you for featuring Casey in your blog.
Even though AI was Casey's entry point to national attention, it has not been a "shortcut to fame and fortune". Casey has supported himself as a musician for 10+ years and I don't get any sense that he's about fame -- he just wants a shot at being heard by people who are interested in his music. That's as pure a motivation as anyone could want. I'm a blues fan/Casey fan who will be listening to more country music, mainly because Casey has pointed out some country artists he admires. I've checked them out and found music I respect and enjoy, which I would not otherwise have done. There are lots of people who can say the same. How could that be anything but good for country music?
Casey James is a throwback to the "good ole days"... He's a southern gentleman and Christian who grew up listening to "everything" musically... His traditions run deep from the influences of some amazing Southern rockers, R+B, blues and many other genres. His family is amazingly talented - from him Mom to his brother B.C. James and others.
He's risen from the school of hard knocks, poverty and a near death experience to sing and play for the "pure love of music". He sings from his soul and his spirit radiates on every beat. His guitars are literally beaten bloody on some songs while Casey immerses himself so deeply into the performance - that it's an out of body experience (for him and the fans).
I've never voted for anyone on AI or any other show - never been to any AI performances before... but when I saw Casey that changed. He was especially amazing when I saw him at Keys during his HomeComing appearance. The energy that he radiates from his soul is off the charts. It is really evident when you see / hear him in person.
He is truly a very beautiful soul and tries to treat everyone with respect and honesty. Every part of him is endearing and when the country fans see and hear him - they will be flocking to him to get more of that southern delivery.
May 14, 2010 - Keys Lounge - Casey James Home Coming-Video that I shot of Casey below...(2 others at site)
"Satisfied" by Ian Moore
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N1rOCxicBo
Yes, Casey will be excellent for country music. He has a southern rocker, blues,country ...his own kind of vibe! He can go from a tender ballad that will have you sniffling to a song with such great guitar leads it will blow your hair back! He is the whole package. The real deal. Country Music might have chosen him, but he chose them right back. I really don't think Sony was the only label ready to ink him. He chose country because it is such a wide open space to do the kind of music he wants to do, not because it was a quick ride to fame. I truly believe with all my heart he is not about the fame. He is about music! I have been a fan from day one. I am not someone who has ever watched Idol before last season. But I can tell you this...Casey James is the complete package. Pull up a chair and take a listen..you'll be hooked too!
I'm also new to country music thanks to Casey James. I love the emotion and story-telling in the lyrics of the country songs, not to mention how attractive and real the musicians are.
Thanks for the great article about Casey - I absolutely can't wait for his album!
You have to admit, though, that no matter how much road work Casey has done, he will always be the guy who got a record deal because of American Idol and that is what will always be brought up when people talk about him. Carrie Underwood is one of the hugest names in country music right now, but whenever something is written about her it is brought up that she was on American Idol. It's also a fact that there will be people out there who will criticize those who get their big break from the TV show. It's unfortunate but that's the way it is. And I meant no disrespect saying Casey has a decent voice, it was just wording. If I had gushed about Casey's voice then I would have gotten the haters griping at me.
I have been a country music fan, really a fan of many different types of music! I love music and love to play my drums!!! :) My parents listened to many types of music while I was growing up but, country was the one they listened to most. I am so happy for Casey James!!! He unlike many of the others from American Idol...has PAID his dues...for 10 plus years!! This is not a short cut for him! This is a long time coming for him! He has worked his butt off in smoked filled bars, crowds where people cared more about a football game or who they were gonna take home that night! This is long overdue for him!!!!!! He is a very talented artist! He can sing and has a voice very different from the other artist out there today! Oh and yea, he can blow up a guitar like CRAZY!!! I see him up on stage playing with Keith and Brad...blowing up the guitars! I say LOOK OUT Country, cause here comes one of the BEST artist in a long time....he can defiantly hang with the best of them and he WILL trust me!! He has a genuine honest heart as BIG as Texas and he loves music and the way it makes people feel...the emotions it brings out! The way it moves peoples heart and souls!! I know that feeling he is talking about...I have that feeling too...I am just a drummer though..He also loves his fans and his fans love him and support him 100% no matter if they liked country music before or not..they are going to stick around for the long haul!! Oh and one more thing...he doesn't need to cut his hair but if he did...I have seen pics of it short and he still looks good babeeee!!! :) Most importantly...he sounds great!!!
Was not a Country fan at all until Casey arrived on the scene. He is country and a whole lot more and I found out there is more to Country Music than I had thought. Do I love all country music? No, but it is a genre that's speaks to a person's heart and soul with passion. Casey has already done an immense service to the Country genre. And I think he will be happy no matter where his career goes as long as he can just play music.
Also, have to say I find his voice more than 'decent', his guitar skills impressive (he blew me away on Idols tour), and as an added bonus, he's absolutely gorgeous.
I am now a fan of Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney and many others because of Casey James' decision to go country. I probably never would have listened otherwise. I think Casey will find success in country music. I know I'll be buying his music.

12 comments:

  1. GLENDA I POSTED TWO COMENTS ON THIS, NASHVILLEGAB PAGE AFTER CeeAnn, BOTH WERE REMOVED FOR SOME REASON. I WAS NOT RUDE. I JUST STUCK UP FOR CASEY,LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.DID NOT LIKE THE IDEA OF HIM CUTTING HIS HAIR.I TALKED ABOUT HOW HE EARNED HIS WAY TO BE WERE HES IS NOW, HOW VERY VERY TALLENTED HE IS, AND THAT CASEY DESERVES THE BEST OF WHAT THE MUSIC WORLD HAS TO OFFER. CASEY IS ONE OF THE BEST THERE IS AND WE LOVE HIM AND HIS FAMILY DEARLY.LINDA

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  2. If you used all caps, Linda, that might be the reason. Try again with lower case. I'm curious, so if you do, let us know. OK? Thanks!

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  3. Glenda,
    I wasn't offended by this woman's article. Not at all. I disagree with a few things and I have knowledge she doesn't. She admitted to being a cynic, but I think it's gong to be great fun to see her come around once his album is out - and she will.
    I'm glad the fans didn't rip into her too badly though, because that just does not help him. It only causes writers to avoid the subject. Like - example - the local reviewer here in MPLS is a crusty old curmudgeon who's been around a few decades. I'd been working on the guy for weeks, sent him videos, and background info on Casey. And when his review came out, he had some really good things to say about him in spite of the fact he disliked the whole entire concert! He said Casey was the surprise of the evening and favorably mentioned his guitar skills! Then he commented 'his voice is as generic as his name.' And we all went nuts. I admit. I commented too. Later I thought about it and I wonder - will he ever review the guy again?!
    I think we need some tough love here and suggest to fans to keep their comments brief and on subject and to be careful to try to be objective and not to be too sensitive. Perhaps we need to try to control the Mama Bear instinct. What do you think?

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  4. Casey James has such a way of connecting with his fans through his music.it's true he puts his heart and soul into it.there's always been critics and always will be.but i would rather they not critize him personally,such as his hair.he has beautiful hair,smile, eyes etc..etc.I don't want him to rush his music but yet i'm so anxious for at least his 1st single to come out.Good Luck Casey your fans are behind you all the way!!!!!

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  5. SO CYNDEE, YOU THINK ITS OK FOR SOME OF THESE WRITTERS TO SAY SUCH THINGS AS,(QUOTE)WE DONT NEED ANOTHER BUCKY COVINGTON, AND I DONT LIKE HIS HAIR ,CUT IT , OR HIS SINGING IS,DECENT, OH YEA WHAT ABOUT THIS ONE ,"HE MAY DISAPPEAR INTO TO THE WASTE LAND OF HAS BENDS." WE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT VOTED FOR HIM TO BE WERE HES AT ,BUT ,CASEY HAS WORKED SO HARD TO GET WERE HES AT, AND WELL DESERVED, BECAUSE OF HIS TALLENT, AND PERSONALITY. CASEY HAS BEEN FAITHFUL TO SHOW APPRICIATION TO US , AND YOU BETTER BELIEVE WE WILL STAND UP FOR HIM , AND BE A LIFELONG FAN, BECAUSE WE LOVE AND RESPECT HIM AND HIS FAMILY.UN LIKE SOME PEOPLE THAT DONT HAVE A CLUE OF WHO HE REALLY IS, OR JUST DONT CARE. CASEY DOES NOT NEED CRIDICS, HE NEEDS LOVE AND RESPECT BECAUSE,THATS WHAT HES ALL ABOUT , AND THE MUSIC OF COURSE. PERHAPS YALL SHOULD NOT WAKE MA MA BEAR UP!!!!!!!LINDA

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  6. I understand where all of you are coming from and I see both sides clearly. I don't want to start an all- out war between the fans either. I think it's cool when the fans stick up for Casey in a positive light! It's always better to do that, for his sake, but in a positive way! Yea, I have to agree, the Bucky Covington comment got to me, because I still do follow Bucky and he and Casey are as different as day and night! Just because Casey has the blonde wavy hair does not make him Bucky. I agree we have to try and stay positive and not take things so personally, and I know it's hard, but it does add fuel to the fire, if ya will.

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  7. Glenda - I have to agree with you about having a positive reaction to some of the comments written recently in the Nashville Gab. I too take offense about a few things, like he has a decent voice and he has decent guitar skills. And his album won't go anywhere!!!! As far as I'm concerned he has a beautiful voice (whatever he is singing) and his guitar playing is off the charts. And his album WILL go - somewhere - STRAIGHT TO NUMBER ONE!!! And the comment about his hair and Bucky Covington is ridculious. I like Bucky also but the only thing they have in common is THEIR hair. We all know that Casey is a kind an amazingly talented singer/musician who would want us take anything negative said about him and respond to in a positive and classy manner - the way he lives his life!!!!!

    Susan/St Louis

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  8. OK, time for a prediction from another Mama Bear. That Nashville Gab reporter will be just as smitten as the rest of us. Mark my words! Is that positive enough?
    jwtexaslady aka Jeanette

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  9. YEA YOU GO MA MA BEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!LINDA

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  10. Cyndee,

    Thank-you for your very thoughtful comment. I too am a big Casey fan, but I'm also a writer and I know when I touch on a subject and get a 1000 emails telling me I'm crazy... I don't touch it again. I don't think that's what we want for Mr. James.

    This has been bubbling in me for awhile. I really believe that voting for CJ as the best AI on faxo and the fav Dallas reality star, etc.... is counterproductive to his career at this point. I think, as fans, we need to drive the discussion away from AI and focus on his true talent. Not keep tying him to a TV reality show. That was his ticket. Great. Let's not mention it again.

    As Casey said in Shari's recent interview, the manager he hires will represent him. Let's be fans that represent this honorable, talented, humble and yes, courteous man as he would want. This will be important for him. And the best thing we can do for him. Gushing, rabid fans turn people off. And then they will turn him off.

    Not what I want. And I don't think... what he wants.

    God bless.

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  11. Carolyn,I totally agree;I'm with you!!!

    My favorite quotes from the comments of article:

    "Will he be good for Country is not even a question. HE'S GOOD. He's better than good. and he will bring freshness to anything his musical soul touches.. that's my feeling!"Carolyn Collyns

    "He sings from his soul and his spirit radiates on every beat. His guitars are literally beaten bloody on some songs while Casey immerses himself so deeply into the performance - that it's an out of body experience (for him and the fans)." Kathy T

    "But Casey's biggest appeal is the simplicity, originality and authentic sound of his music. Casey doesn't need bells, whistles or tricks and that is very refreshing. He connects with the music emotionally in a honest manner that captures you and makes you feel the music."Zenobia.

    God bless.

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  12. CASEY'S JUST A GIRLIE BOY AND GOT NOT ONE FOOT FROM BEEN A HASBEEN! SEATTLES ALWAYS BEEN A TOWN OF GIRLIE MEN AND BISEXUAL QUEERS. I LIKE IT WHEN PEOPLE POST IN ALL CAPS CUZ IT MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE THEY ARE BEING SHOUTEDET! COUNTRY JUST NEEDS MORE MEN THAT TRY REALLY HARD TO LOOK LIKE WOMEN! HECK, MOST OF THEM COUNTRY BOYS WEAR PANTIES ON STAGE ANYWAYS! YOU GO GIRLS! IT MAY BE HARD TO EFFEMINATE CASEY MORE THAN HE IS, BUT CASEY IS COUNTRY GAY LIBERATION! YOU GO CASEY! KEEP SUCKINET!

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