Brooks was one among the primary musicians to sign an exclusive music distribution deal with a single retailer (together with fellow country music artist Ricky Van Shelton, who issued his 1998 album Making Plans by the chain as well). Ted Plafker, "China Closes First Locally Based Dissident Web Site," Washington Post, August 9, 2000, p. A brand new Tiger," Newsweek, August 4, 1997, p.