Gordon Lightfoot Book, Music and More!

There are more suds this year in TV’s frothiest soap opera with a twang, as rivalries heat up and relationships get even hotter. Beyond the dramatic twists and turns, music remains as strong and clear as a Tennessee church bell. Functioning almost like a record label, the acclaimed series has already generated several real-life hit songs on country radio. The first season’s soundtrack, released in two volumes, sold an impressive 2.6 million digital downloads. Now the stars of the series are back with more of the best new country music around. Connie Britton sings about love’s complications on the driving “Ball and Chain,” while Hayden Panittiere courts danger on the feisty “Trouble Is.” Duet...

The hit TV series has won fans for its great songs as much as the cast. The second soundtrack disc features strong numbers from stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere. But it’s the duets from Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen (“Fade into You”) and Canadian sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella (“Ho Hey”) that really steal the show.

One of the best new shows on television, Nashville is set in the country music capital about musicians struggling to make it or stay afloat in the industry. Connie Britton (Friday Night Lights) stars as Rayna James, an aging superstar competing with younger, sexier Juliette Barnes, played by Hayden Panettiere. The actors can really sing and the songs, woven seamlessly into each episode, have an appealing authenticity. Produced by Grammy and Oscar winner T-Bone Burnett, Nashville’s soundtrack offers fans a tasty, twangy souvenir. Some of the best tunes are those by Elvis Costello and the Civil Wars’ John Paul White, whose “No One Will Ever Love You” provides a bittersweet duet for Connie Brit...