DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/13/10)

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!”

Kingsley Hosts Swift’s New Album Premiere

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.

Weekly Chart Report (10/08/10)

Atlantic/WMN artist Brett Eldredge has visited several stations on his recent radio tour including KIZN/Boise, ID. (L-R): KIZN PD Rich Summers and Eldredge.

SPIN ZONE
CountryBreakout Chart positions 1 through 3 are a repeat with Darius Rucker’s “Come Back Song” still at No. 1 for a third consecutive week. Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue” is piling on the spins at No. 2 but short of overtaking Rucker. Taylor Swift’s “Mine” looks strong at No. 3. Big Machine Label Group has three of the Top 5 spots, as The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” gets a big push up to No. 4, and Rascal Flatts’ “Why Wait” lands at No. 5.

Chart movement is relatively slow at the moment, unless your name is Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban or Lady Antebellum. Urban’s “Put You In A Song” has rocketed to No. 19 in only four weeks, adding 337 spins in today’s chart alone. McGraw and Toby are neck and neck at No. 29 and 30, respectively. Greatest Spin Gain of the week goes to McGraw’s “Felt Good On My Lips,” which picks up 506 spins, though the 462 spin gain by Toby’s “Bullets In The Gun” is nothing to sneeze at. Right behind is Lady Antebellum’s “Hello World,” which quickly moves to No. 32 in its third week charting.

New additions include Troy Olsen’s “Good Hands” at No. 71, Rocket Club’s “One Thing Beautiful” at No. 73, Chris Heers’ “Happy Thought” at No. 76, Andy Velo’s “Hank It Up” at No. 78, and Mike Aiken’s “Love You Tonight” at No. 80.

Frozen Playlists: KNCQ, WCMS, WJVL, WKKW

Upcoming Singles
October 11
Craig Morgan/Still A Little Chicken Left On The Bone/BNA
Daniel Smith/Until I Close My Eyes For Good/DLS Records

October 18
Little Big Town/Kiss Goodbye/Capitol
Mark Cooke/Can’t Cheat In A Small Town/Cotton Valley
Christian Kane/The House Rules/Bigger Picture

•  •  •  •  •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Troy Olsen/Good Hands/EMI Records — 71
Rocket Club/One Thing Beautiful/Feather — 73
Chris Heers/Happy Thought — 76
Andy Velo/Hank It Up/Shalimar Pearl Group — 78
Mike Aiken/Love You Tonight/Aspirion — 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Tim McGraw/Felt Good On My Lips/Curb — 506
Toby Keith/Bullets In The Gun/Show Dog – Universal — 462
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol — 407
Keith Urban/Put You In A Song/Capitol — 337
Zac Brown Band feat. Alan Jackson/As She’s Walking Away/Atlantic/Bigger Picture — 269

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Sara Evans/A Little Bit Stronger/RCA — 227
Jewel/Ten/Valory — 199
Bellamy Brothers/Back In The Day/Bellamy — 178
Ken Domash/Ding Dang Darn It/Thunder Mountain/Spinville — 164
Chris Filer/John Deere, John 3:16/Lofton Creek — 164

Two Week Most Added*
Artist/song/label — New adds
Toby Keith/Bullets In The Gun/Show Dog – Universal — 22
Lady Antebellum/Hello World/Capitol — 20
Billy Currington/Let Me Down Easy/Mercury — 18
Tim McGraw/Felt Good On My Lips/Curb — 17
Lucy Angel/Only Woman Left/GForce — 14
Troy Olsen/Good Hands/EMI — 10

WGH 97.3 The Eagle Virginia Beach recently hosted a lunchtime concert with Columbia Nashville's Joanna Smith, who is out promoting her debut single "Gettin' Married." (L-R): Columbia Nashville's Cliff Blake, WGH PD John Shomby, Smith and WGH APD/MD Mark McKay.

Minneapolis based Rocket Club stopped by K-102 to deliver their new EP after a sold out (over capacity) show at the new Minneapolis location of Toby Keith's I Love This Bar. (L-R): KEEY-Clear Channel Minneapolis VP Programming/OM Gregg Swedberg; Rocket Club Members Matt Kirkwold, Chris Hawkey, Don Smithmier, and Brian Kroening; KEEY Mornings Mike Mussman

Broken Bow Records' James Wesley (L) and KMPS/PD Becky Brenner (R) take a moon walk at the Museum of Flight in Seattle on Oct. 1 as part of the 2010 USO Puget Sound Area Star Gala. The sold out event, benefitting local U.S. Troops and military familes, raised over $366,000.

Gloriana Joins sp[Oil]ed Campaign

Vocal quartet Gloriana has signed on to raise awareness and funds for oil spill relief efforts in Louisiana. The sp[OIL]ed campaign is a photographic movement created by New Orleans photographer, Matthew Arthur, to raise funds for www.protectourcoastline.org, a nonprofit organization founded to raise money to help the fishermen, shrimpers, and natural wildlife of the Louisiana Coast. Gloriana, along with several other country artists, took a picture with “oil” on their hands, symbolizing the fact that solutions to the environmental and economic impact of the oil spill are in our “hands.”

“We are proud to be a part of this campaign to try and help out the workers and wildlife affected by the oil spill,” said Gloriana’s Tom Gossin. “The possible long-term effects could be detrimental. It’s important that we continue to aid Louisiana’s recovery.” For more information on sp[OIL]ed, please visit www.nicholaslandryevents.com/spOILed and www.protectourcoastline.org

New Revolution Adds Elliot

(L-R) Andy Elliott, Jerrod Niemann, Joe Schuld

Radio promotion/artist development company New Revolution has added radio vet Andy Elliot to replace its Midwest rep Joe Schuld effective Oct. 11.

An 18-year veteran of KHKI, Elliott will be responsible for securing radio airplay for NRE clients in the same territory as Schuld, who is leaving to concentrate on his responsibilities as co-manager of break-through star Jerrod Neimann.

“I am proud to welcome Andy to our team,” said NRE co-owner Rob Dalton. “I am over-the-top impressed with his passion, enthusiasm and determination. Joe Schuld has been an intricate part of our success from the very beginning. He will be missed, but I am thrilled for him and I know he’ll do great things.” NRE is co-owned by Jeff Solima.

[wpaudio url=”https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Jeremy-McComb-Andy-Elliott.mp3″ text=”Jeremy McComb Song For Elliot” dl=”0″ autoplay=”0″]

Average Joes Entertainment Welcomes Tony Morreale

Seasoned promotion and marketing professional, Tony Morreale has been added to the staff at Average Joes Entertainment, home to Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, Matt Stillwell, Josh Gracin.

“I’ve known and been working with everyone at Average Joes for over 2 years,” says Morreale. “I love the music and all of the people involved and respect their business savvy. It’s logical for me to work more closely with them.” Average Joes will continue its tradition by not giving Morreale an official title.

Morreale began in the country music business over 20 years ago.  He has worked for CBS Records in Nashville, Columbia Records, BNA Records and Show Dog. In May 2008, he started his own promotion and marketing company.

Morreale can be reached by at 615-595-2523 or tony@averagejoesent.com.

Band Perry Woos Fans And Programmers

The Band Perry, signed to Republic Nashville in 2009, is gaining momentum with both fans and programmers as its career begins to gain solid traction.

The band’s debut self-titled album is set to launch Oct. 12 and the timing couldn’t be better. TBP has moved up to the No. 4 spot on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart and its single “If I Die Young,” has is certified Gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000. Kimberly, Neil and Reid Perry have also caught the ears of CMA industry voters who have given the sibling trio its first CMA nomination for Vocal Group of The Year.

“If I Die Young,” is currently scanning about 40k downloads every week and TBP is soon to hit the road as part of Alan Jackson’s upcoming tour. They are managed by Bob Doyle & Associates.

Opry’s New App; Gibson App Awarded

The Grand Ole Opry has launched a free mobile app for the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android. The app’s release precedes the Opry’s 85th birthday celebration which will take place this weekend. Through the free app, fans can listen to 650 WSM radio, watch videos of Opry performances, purchase tickets to Opry shows, connect through Facebook and Twitter, read country music news and blogs, sign up for the Opry Update email newsletter and more.

The Opry’s Birthday Bash Weekend is set to include appearances by Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Trace Adkins, Roy Clark, Bill Anderson, Jimmy Wayne, and Crystal Gayle, among others, including renowned CBS broadcaster Charles Osgood. The celebration continues throughout October, with shows featuring appearances by Adkins, Charlie Daniels Band, George Jones, The Judds, Blake Shelton (Opry induction Oct. 23), and more. Visit opry.com.

•••••••••

Gibson Guitar scored the award for “Best Branded Music App” at the first-ever Billboard Music App Awards.  Created in conjunction with Legacy Learning Systems, the Gibson Learn & Master Guitar app has quickly become a popular accessory for guitarists, approaching 2 million downloads since its release. Gibson Guitar and Legacy Learning Systems have also announced that the app will soon be available for Android and Intel app stores.

It is available as a free download for both the iPhone and iPod Touch and includes such features as a professional quality chromatic tuner, alternate tuning settings, a standard mode tuner, an accurate metronome with multiple time signatures, a chord library and access to free, full-length lessons from the award-winning Learn & Master course, including printable resources that accompany the lessons available through www.learnandmaster.com.

The inaugural Billboard Music App Awards were held on October 5th in San Francisco as part of Mobile Entertainment Live!: The Music App Summit.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/6/10)

This is a column full of old favorites of mine.

Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen are back, sounding as hale and hearty as ever. Dale Watson returns as well, and he is still a country singer’s country singer. The evergreen Bellamy Brothers remain the groove masters they have always been.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Little Big Town. I dig it that they are following “Little White Church” with something that shows a different sonic side.

Whenever I am asked, “What is your favorite music to listen to?” my answer is always the same. It is old-time music, sounds from before World War II, when folks in recording studios sounded like just plain folks in recording studios. I love the purity and innocence of The Blue Sky Boys, Patsy Montana, Jimmie Rodgers, Vernon Dalhart and their peers of the 1920s and 1930s. And my favorite old-time group of all is The Carter Family.

Having said that, it should come as no surprise that this week’s DisCovery Award is going to The Carter Family III.

BADHORSE/Mississippi Rain
Writer: Robert E. Walden/Adam Grant/Charlie Gilbert; Producer: Larry Blackmon; Publisher: none listed; GMR/Group 7/Pyramid (www.badhorse.tv)
—Washed up on the beach, having drowned in synth strings.

CHRIS HILLMAN & HERB PEDERSEN/If I Could Only Win Your Love
Writer: Ira Louvin/Charlie Louvin; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; Rounder (track) (www.chrishillman.com)
—Chris is one of the great survivors (The Hillmen, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, Souther-Hillman-Furay, McGuinn-Clark-Hillman, The Desert Rose Band). Herb has collaborated with him for decades, from even before their Desert Rose Band days together. Also, Herb sang on Emmylou Harris’s 1975 revival of this Louvin Brothers gem. It appears anew on At Edwards Barn, a live CD that also brings back several other tunes from this team’s past (”Eight Miles High,” “Sin City,” “Love Reunited,” etc.). The sound is sparkling throughout.

JADI NORRIS/Home Is Where The Heart Is
Writer: Jadi Norris; Producer: Jadi Norris & Otto D’Agnolo; Publisher: Jumpin’ Armadillo, BMI; Jumpin’ Armadillo (track) (www.jadinorris.com)
—Twang rock, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Pile-driving and lotsa fun.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Kiss Goodbye
Writer: Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsay/Steve McEwan; Producer: Wayne Kirkpatrck & Little Big Town; Publisher: No Such Music/Bug/Music of Windswept/Raylene/EMI Blackwood/Birds With Ears/, SOCAN/ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—In a word, gorgeous. It begins as a hushed, crystalline ballad then builds to a thundering, harmony-drenched chorus. A sonic marvel.

J.D. NEWBURY/Last One
Writer: J.D. Newbury; Producer: Lorne O’Neil; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Neches River (www.jdnewbury.com)
—A trainwreck. He can just barely sing, and the band members seem to be going off in different directions. The tempo shifting doesn’t help, either.

THE CARTER FAMILY III/Maybelle’s Guitar
Writer: Ron Short; Producer: John Carter Cash; Publisher: Lonesome Ace, BMI; Cash House (track) (www.carterfamilyIII.com)
—The group’s moniker is well earned. A.P. Carter and his wife Sara had a daughter named Janette. She is the mother of this group’s Dale Jett. After the original trio broke up, co-founder Maybelle Carter formed a second Carter Family with her daughters Helen, June and Anita. John Carter Cash is June’s son. He and his gifted wife Laura Cash form the other two thirds of The Carter Family III with cousin Dale. Are you with me so far? With Laura on acoustic guitar, fiddle and vocals and John on acoustic guitar and autoharp, the sound is beautifully folkie. Dale—who plays autoharp and acoustic guitar—sings lead on this track. “Music’s getting cold down on Music Row…They’ve traded music’s soul for a pocket full of gold,” he warbles plaintively while guitars strum “Wildwood Flower.” Charmingly Appalachian.

KELLY KENNING/Nothin’ But Smoke
Writer: Tony Ramey/Kris Bergsnes; Producer: Kelly Kenning & David Chamberlain; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Song Garden, BMI; Davis Music Group (www.kellykenning.com)
—He sings with great warmth, and the ballad is ultra melodic. Get a load of this hook: “There was nothin’ but smoke between me and my old flame.” A winner.

DALE WATSON/Carryin’ On This Way
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; E1 Entertainment(track)
—I am forever a fan. This guy remains one of our very finest neo honky-tonk vocalists. On this breezy outing, Mr. Watson manages to channel both Haggard and Glen Campbell. He phrases so beautifully that you hang on every word. Dazzling guitar and fiddle solos are the icing on the cake.

STONEHONEY/Two Years Down
Writer: Davis/Hurley; Producer: Stonehoney & Fred Remmert; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Music Road (track) (www.stonehoney.com)
—Solid country-rock, played and sung by real pros. This spirited song kicks off a CD called The Cedar Creek Sessions. It is a measure of the band’s ability that the entire record was recorded live in the studio with “no overdubs or studio tricks.” Righteous.

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS/Back In The Day
Writer: David Bellamy; Producer: David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy & Randy Heibert; Publisher: Bellamy Brothers, ASCAP; Bellamy Brothers (www.bellamybrothers.com)
—As you might expect, this has a relentlessly catchy rhythmic groove, which is what these guys have always specialized in. It chugs along like a Z.Z. Top classic while the brothers sing of French kissing in the back seat of an old Chevy and other such nostalgia.

Promo Vet Debbie Gibson Palmer Passes

MusicRow extends its condolences to family and friends of veteran record promoter Debbie Gibson Palmer, who passed away in Los Angeles Friday, October 1. She was 58 years old. She is survived by her daughter Gaylene Aparicio, also in the record promotion business, and granddaughter Cassidy Aparicio.

A native of Nashville, Gibson-Palmer’s maiden name was Demonbreun and she was descended from the founders of Nashville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 23 years, Ed Palmer, in December 2009.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Debbie Gibson-Palmer,” says promoter Jerry Duncan. “She was an outstanding promoter, business associate and friend. Since our days together at Nationwide Sound Distributors, where we promoted the first Alabama records, Debbie, and the rest of the Gibson family have been like family to me. She will be missed by all of us in the music business. My deepest sympathy goes out to her daughter Gaylene and granddaughter Cassidy.”

A memorial service is being planned for December in Nashville, to be followed by burial in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions to help with medical and other expenses be sent to:

Gaylene Aparicio (music4gaylene@aol.com)
5349 Newcastle Ave., #55
Encino, CA 91316