DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/13/10)

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Variety is the spice of life, they say.

It’s certainly true in this week’s stack of platters. We have an electronic dance record, a comedy disc from a Country Music Hall of Famer, a pop/folk outing by a Russian country performer, a homespun ditty from a husband-and-wife team, a group re-naming, an Oz man’s cowbell-backed guitar rocker and a Texan with singer-songwriter grit to spare.

Where to turn?

Well, there’s no denying the pull and potency of the Tim McGraw single. So it is an obvious favorite for a Disc of the Day award.

But I don’t think I’d be out of line by suggesting that he could share it with the Oz man, Keith Urban.

KRYSTI WORLEY/Cowman
Writer: Paul Cook; Producer: Terry Mashburn; Publisher: Turtle on a Fencepost, ASCAP; Electric Cactus (www.krystiworley.com)
—More redneck rock, with the usual verbal cliches strung together (drankin,’ torn blue jeans, Skoal rings, tattoos, belt buckles, jacked-up trucks, lovin’ all night, blah, blah, blah) over thundering drums and guitars. Pass.

TIM McGRAW/Felt Good on My Lips
Writer: Brett Warren/Brad Warren/Jim Beavers/Brett Beavers; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: StyleSonic/Bilzuzz  & Bilzuzz/Buzz & Buzz/Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime/FSMGI/Chestnut Barn/Chrysalis One, BMI/IMRO; Curb
—Droning electronica pulses steadily beneath Tim’s delivery of the tumbling-into-love lyric. Madly rhythmic. Insanely catchy. Everybody on the dancefloor!

ADAM CRAIG BAND/Nothin’ Wrong
Writer: Adam Craig/Keesy Timmer/Jon Nite; Producer: none listed; Publisher: InTune Nashville/Cowboy Timmer/Zavitson, BMI/ASCAP; Quarterback/American Roots (www.adamcraigband.com)
—Formerly billed as TelluRide, the group is now named after its solid lead vocalist. As usual, he delivers the goods, as do his ultra-accomplished band mates. Lively and engaging.

JOEY+ RORY/That’s Important to Me
Writer: Rory Feek/Joey Martin/Tim Johnson; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: Giantslayer/Black in the Saddle/ole/Rufus Gold/Tim Johnson/Warner-Tamerlane/Marathon Key 2, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Sugar Hill/Vanguard/Roar(track) (www.joeyandrory.com)
—Simple truths, delivered with Joey’s customary emotional pull. The sweet song is wonderfully memorable, and the Rob Ickes dobro lines that echo the vocal are sheer poetry.

RIDIN’ HIGH BAND/Too Well to Go to Work
Writer: M. Jason Greene/Chris Cagle; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Son Daddy/Anjelito/Mark Hybner/WAMA, BMI/ASCAP; Centennial (www.ridinhighband.net)
—Recorded at the bottom of an empty grain silo. And I guess they didn’t have any pitch-correction machines down there.

KEITH URBAN/Put You in a Song
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (ERG)
—Radio magic. Joyous, rocking, melodic and utterly uplifting. Plus, it has a cowbell!

BLEU EDMONDSON/No Room for Mercy
Writer: none listed; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Publisher: none listed; American Saint (track)
—I was completely smitten with this guy’s first record. The new one (titled The Future Ain’t What it Used to Be) has all the hallmarks of its predecessor. He writes with supremely poetic confidence and sings with gritty, gripping passion. This lead-off single is a tuneful, mid-tempo thumper with a chorus that goes straight for the heart. Somebody make this 2008 DisCovery Award winner a star.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/The Way I Feel
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (ERG)
—As gorgeous a track as she has ever recorded. It is a grand and glorious road song about heading South alone on a midnight highway, listening to “I Won’t Back Down.” She is still just so totally great.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Balancing Act
Writer: Natasha Borzilova; Producer: Natasha Borzilova; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; HMG (track) (www.natashaborzilova.com)
—She was formerly the front woman for the Russian country band Bering Strait. On the title track to her second solo CD, she carries a lilting acoustic tune along with her gentle soprano. It’s very pretty, but probably too pop for most country programmers.

MEL TILLIS/You Wouldn’t Believe It
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog Universal (track) (www.meltillis.com)
—Despite winning six consecutive Comedian of the Year awards from Music City News back in the day, Mel has never recorded a comedy album. Until now. Titled You Ain’t Gonna Believe This, it features three new songs (”Huntin’ Buddies,” “Who’s Gonna Wear the Dress” and “Slowing Down”). but the other 20 tracks are monologues. Including this little rib tickler about the lady finding the escaped elephant in her backyard garden. When she phones the police, she is asked what the animal is doing. “He’s pulling up my cabbage with his tale,” she replies. “What is he doing with it?” inquires the cop. “If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me!”

“Pure Country 2” Out Friday

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Pure Country 2—The Gift, the sequel to the hugely successful Pure Country film, will hit theaters Friday (10/15). Katrina Elam stars as a rising country singer, and George Strait, who lead the cast in the original, returns for the follow-up. Dean Cain appears in Pure Country 2, under the direction of Chris Cain who worked on the original and Young Guns.

Black River is releasing the movie’s soundtrack. “We were privileged to get to be involved with the movie on so many levels that it seemed only natural for us to release the soundtrack,” stated Black River President Jimmy Nichols. “This project represents a return to family values and the power of faith. Katrina is a well-deserved star. We’re thrilled to be a part of it all.”

The Steve Dorff-produced soundtrack mainly features Elam, and also includes a bonus track written for the movie and performed by Jonathan Cain (of Journey fame), Nichols, and Sarah Darling.

Dorff remarked, “This soundtrack is loaded with great songs performed by one of the most talented vocalists I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, Katrina Elam! I’m also very proud of having elements of the score included on this CD. Chris Cain has once again set a wonderful example of how film and music can work so well hand in hand.” More at www.purecountry2thegift.com.

Marty Stuart Show Begins Season Three

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Marty Stuart, Grammy winner and country traditionalist will soon begin taping season three of his TV show, The Marty Stuart Show. Previous guests on the show have included Earl Scruggs, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Old Crow Medicine Show and others over the past two seasons. Stuart’s show also received a 2010 Telly Award.

“I grew up watching shows like the Porter Wagoner show on TV, and I want to be able to provide people in America with a place to find that type of program again,” explains Stuart. “We try and highlight the best of what’s happening in the way of traditional country music. We get to work with old friends and some real music legends and also help introduce our audience to some new singers in the new wave coming up now….and it sure is fun!”

Stuart’s latest album Ghost Train was recently released. For more info visit www.martystuart.net

Kingsley Hosts Swift’s New Album Premiere

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Swift at the Grand Ole Opry 85th Birthday Celebration (10/9)

Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, in association with TARGET, will present a 90-minute album premiere with Taylor Swift and her new CD Speak Now, hosted by Kingsley. The CD release date is set for October 25th.

“Just when you think the career of Taylor Swift can’t get any more amazing, she finds a way to top herself,” says Bob Kingsley. “‘Speak Now’ is a terrific record, highly melodic, both fun and thoughtful, with youthful energy and great songwriting. I’m very glad to be able to present the CD and Taylor’s insights into it to our radio audience.”

Market exclusive broadcast rights are available for the special. Stations airing it will gain exclusive access to the Target version of Speak Now for on-air giveaways. Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 is the number one syndicated country countdown, airing on over 360 stations across the U.S. and Canada. It is produced by KCCS Productions in Weatherford, TX, and is represented by Dial Global Radio Networks.

IEBA Celebrates Record Breaking 40th

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(L-R) Barry Jeffrey, David Corlew, Steve Hauser, Charlie Daniels, Gayle Holcomb, Paul Moore. Photo: Kevin Kennedy Photography

IEBA’s 40th Anniversary conference enjoyed a record-breaking 600 registrants at its Oct. 3-5 event in Nashville. “This year’s conference exceeded our wildest expectations not only in attendance, but in talent and educational content,” says IEBA Executive Director, Tiffany Davis. “We are thrilled so many of our members turned out to celebrate this tremendous milestone in IEBA’s history. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!”

In addition to agency showcases, seminars and special events the following were honored with International Entertainment Buyers Association Awards.

Entertainment Buyer of the Year
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group

Promoter of the Year
Live Nation

Talent Agent of the Year
Kevin Neal – Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA)

Venue of the Year
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, Tenn.

Event of the Year
CMA Music Festival – Nashville, Tenn

Industry Achievement Award
Jim Morey – Morey Management Group

Chairman’s Award
Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group

Industry Gains Leiper’s Fork Venue

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The barn loft can accommodate up to 75 guests for a seated dinner and up to 125 guests for less formal mixers, while the venue itself can accommodate groups of 250 plus.

Southall Eden located in the artsy Leiper’s Fork community about 30 minutes from Music Row will soon have a new venue for music industry events. “Everyone knows and loves Puckett’s and Green’s Grocery,” says owner Shannon O’Kelley. “But there is a demand for a venue with a larger capacity. Having five acres and several structures on the property allows us to cater to larger crowds, as well as offer an outdoor atmosphere for those who want it.” Southall Eden features a historic barn with open renovated loft and more. www.southalleden.com

Lady A Ties For Lead In American Music Awards Nominations

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Lady Antebellum scored five nominations for the American Music Awards when they were revealed this morning (10/12). The group shares the most nominations with Eminem going into the Nov. 21 show at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live.

Showing the true cross-genre diversity of the Capitol Nashville trio, Lady Antebellum is up for Favorite Band, Duo or Group in the Pop/Rock, and Country categories; Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist; Favorite Country Album; and T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist.

Other multiple country nominees include Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood with two apiece. Following the lead is Justin Bieber with four nominations, and B.o.B., Katy Perry, Ke$ha and Usher with three each.

For the fourth year, winners will be determined by online voting at www.amavote.com and ama.abc.com. Fans will be able to vote for the T-Mobile Breakthrough Artist Award via T-Mobile text messaging or at ama.abc.com.

dick clark productions will air a live red carpet digital pre-show hosted by Danny Gokey, Jennette McCurdy, Lance Bass and Whitney Port from the 2010 AMA Coke Red Carpet available on ABC.com and USTREAM.tv.

American Music Awards® nominees were selected from BigChampagne’s Ultimate Chart which accounts for sales, media, internet streaming, social network activity and more.

COUNTRY MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley
Favorite Female Artist: Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts
Favorite Album: Jason Aldean Wide Open; Lady Antebellum Need You Now; Carrie Underwood Play On

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL
Favorite Artist: Casting Crowns, MercyMe, TobyMac

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry

POP or ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Justin Bieber, Eminem, Usher
Favorite Female Artist: Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry
Favorite Band, Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum, Train
Favorite Album: Justin Bieber My World 2.0; Eminem Recovery; Katy Perry Teenage Dream

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: B.o.B., Drake, Eminem
Favorite Album: B.o.B. B.o.B. Presents; Drake Thank Me Later; Eminem Recovery

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC
Favorite Male Artist: Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Usher
Favorite Female Artist: Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Sade
Favorite Album: Alicia Keys The Element of Freedom; Sade Soldier of Love; Usher Raymond v. Raymond

SOUNDTRACKS
Favorite Album: AC/DC Iron Man 2; Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers; The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Muse, Phoenix, Vampire Weekend

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Michael Buble, Lady Antebellum, Train

LATIN MUSIC
Favorite Artist: Daddy Yankee, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira

T-Mobile BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST NOMINATIONS
B.o.B
Justin Bieber
Taio Cruz
Jason Derulo
Ke$ha
Lady Antebellum
Travie McCoy
Mike Posner

Loretta Lynn Saluted

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A young Loretta Lynn. Click to read more about her from the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The 50th anniversary of Loretta Lynn’s musical career continues this evening with an all-star concert at the Ryman Auditorium.

Billed as a “Grammy Salute to Country Music Honoring Loretta Lynn,” the gala is being staged by The Recording Academy. The organization will present her with its President’s Merit Award during the event.

Scheduled to appear are Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Kid Rock, Gretchen Wilson, Jack White, Lee Ann Womack and others. Reba McEntire will also perform, as well as host the show.

Loretta Lynn’s first single was issued in 1960. The 50th anniversary celebration of that event began on January 31st when the Recording Academy presented her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In June, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was chosen for preservation within the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

Loretta Lynn

On July 3, she reopened her Hurricane Mills tourist attraction in Dickson County, TN. It had been damaged by May’s flood. On September 24, an invitation-only audience traveled there for a “home town” 50th anniversary celebration. At it, both the Academy of Country Music and Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. presented her with their Lifetime Achievement awards. BMI gave the icon an award commemorating her 50 years in the country-music industry.

The year-long celebration will be capped with a Columbia Records tribute CD, to be issued on November 9. Titled Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute to Loretta Lynn, the CD features McBride, Womack, White, McEntire, Wilson and Kid Rock, as well as recordings of her songs by Faith Hill, Lucinda Williams, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Steve Earle & Allison Moorer and Paramore. Loretta Lynn recorded the title tune as a trio with Miranda Lambert and Sheryl Crow. It is the collection’s first single.

Dierks Bentley, Trace Adkins Plan Nashville Fundraisers

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Dierks Bentley

The talent keeps piling up for Dierks Bentley’s “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and benefit concert, taking place Sunday, Oct. 17 in Nashville. Joining already announced Miranda Lambert and Jerrod Niemann, are Luke Bryan, Heidi Newfield, Del McCoury and Laura Bell Bundy.

The hour-long motorcycle ride will kick off at the Harley-Davidson of Columbia, TN, and end at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville for the star-studded concert.

Tickets for the family-friendly event are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Tickets for the ride, concert and commemorative T-shirt are $50, or $20 for the concert only. Special VIP packages are also available. Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, proceeds from the Nashville event will benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

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Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins will perform an intimate concert at Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe to benefit Musicians On Call (MOC), a nonprofit organization that brings live music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. The show on Mon., Oct. 25 is part of MOC’s Month of Music initiative, a series of events in New York, Nashville, and Miami during the month of October. Tickets are on sale at www.TicketAlternative.com. Tickets start at $25 and VIP packages are available.

Adkins also has plans to travel to the Middle East to visit and perform for troops on his third USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour.

Industry Items: Signing, Hiring, Lifenotes

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Pictured l to r: Due West’s Brad Hull, Catapult’s Scott Whitehead, DW's Tim Gates, DW's Matt Lopez, and Nancy Tunick of Catapult Management and GrassRoots Promotion.

Emerging group Due West has signed with Catapult Management, in a co-venture with GrassRoots Promotion, for artist management. The Black River Music Group band is currently working its debut single for the label, “The Bible and the Belt.”

Also at Black River, Emily Hungate has joined the team in the newly created position of Director of Business Operations. She will oversee financial operations, accounting, royalty and licensing administration, and mechanical licensing for film and television. She will report
directly to the Chief Operating Officer, Gordon Kerr. Hungate previously worked as the Manager for Finance and Business Affairs at Dualtone Music Group. She also coordinated special events for Festival Miami and holds a Masters of Music in Music Business and Entertainment Industries from the University of Miami.

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Condolences to Sony Music Nashville Promotion Vice President Skip Bishop and his family on yesterday’s (10/11) unexpected passing of his mother Grace Bishop. She was a resident of Alabama. No further information is available at this time. Services are pending, and we will share additional information as it becomes available.

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