Taking Charge by Mandy Baggot Blog Tour

 I was really pleased to be asked to take part in Mandy Baggot's blog tour for her new release with her new publishers, Sapphire Star Publishing, and when I saw the book had a country music soundtrack I was interested to know more about Mandy's thoughts on Country Music, as I for one am a great fan and spent alot of time in the past at Country and Western evenings with both my dad and my husband! I will be reviewing this book on my blog later this week.  

Thank you for taking part in the Taking Charge blog tour Sarah, it’s great to be back on your website!

Well, as with Strings Attached, Taking Charge also has a playlist. A list of songs to help readers establish the theme of the novel and draw them into the world of Robyn, Cole and all the people living in Portage, Michigan. This time, instead of the rock/pop feel of Strings Attached, the vibe of the songs are very much country!

So, why country? Well, firstly, country music is absolutely huge in America. There are literally hundreds of radio stations dedicated to it and it was the genre of music I heard the most when I was in Portage back in 2010. Secondly, it is one of my favourite types of music. I was brought up with the sounds of Glen Campbell, Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette around me and those heartfelt lyrics and the country guitar twang has stayed with me ever since. Lame or not, I could tell you where I was the first time I heard Lonestar ‘Amazed’.

But country music now isn’t all about the banjo and the fiddle. Oh no, let’s take a look at some of the songs on the playlist and try to introduce you all to country!

Git Yer Cowboy On – Sean Patrick McGraw

This is the perfect country party anthem. A kick-ass beat and lyrics that urge you to dig into your closet, find that checked shirt and pull your Wranglers on. Here I am trying to sing it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwgXfQ8xFuA

Play Something Country – Brooks and Dunn

A song to get the girls up dancing and a song that proves country is still very now! Brooks and Dunn are a legendary country duo who has written some fantastic songs! Check this one out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQML3jIC_9I&ob=av2e

Light The Fuse Up – Raintown

Raintown are an amazing UK duo writing and performing contemporary country music. They have been likened to Lady Antebellum and I LOVE THEM! Their debut album Hope In Troubled Times has had excellent reviews and last year they took Nashville by a storm. Paul and Claire are firm Facebook and Twitter pals of mine and they are brilliant, so if you haven’t checked them out yet visit their website http://www.raintownmusic.com/

Keep Your Hands To Yourself – The Georgia Satellites

Now this song was in the set of both bands Mr Big and I watched when I visited America and everyone in the bar knew the words – except us! When we got back to the UK I looked it up on Itunes and have been playing it on my iPod ever since! It’s very bluesy! Have a listen! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdpAop7gp0w

So there we have it – my top five tunes from the Taking Charge playlist! I hope that’s made you want to find out more about the novel and turned you into a country music fan!

Mandy

www.mandybaggot.webs.com

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 Thank you for taking the time to visit me on my blog Mandy. I will be checking at these tracks and hopefully will be finding new music to listen to. I wonder if  Sean Patrick McGraw is a relation to famous Tim McGraw - one star I enjoy listening to! I was surprised not to see my favourite, Garth Brooks, on there though!