London does country

The international appeal of American country music has never been greater, writes the London Times. Once regarded as “a minority sport for sad urban cowboys from Romford, who got their kicks dressing up at weekends like extras from a John Wayne movie,” country music has hit the top of the British pop charts. But in Nashville there is a fight for the soul of the music. – The Times (UK)

ALLY BACKLASH

This morning TV critics everywhere are bashing Ally McBeal Lite – the half-hour version of “Ally” that bows tonight. It’s a cynical rip-off calculated to grab more money, they say. Plus, they’re just getting sick of her. The Globe and Mail puts it succinctly.  The Globe and Mail