DISClaimer Single Reviews: Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe Team For Disc Of The Day

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Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe

The country veterans show the kiddies how it’s done in this edition of DISClaimer. 

Hall of Famers Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Ricky Skaggs set the pace, and the new stars scamper to keep up. The Disc of the Day belongs to the groovy Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe collaboration.

Riley Green’s tour mate Hannah McFarland earns this week’s DISCovery Award.

PARKER McCOLLUM & LEE ANN WOMACK / “Killin’ Me”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Parker McCollum/Randy Rogers; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA
– Honky-tonk romance with steam heat. The unexpected duet is a worthy and marvelous country-music surprise. Drawn from the deluxe edition of Parker’s ACM Album of the Year.

RILEY GREEN & HANNAH McFARLAND / “Go Again”
Writer: Riley Green; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– McFarland has an ear-catching singing style with lovely, delicate, heart-in-throat vocal curlicues and catches. It’s a nice, contrasting compliment to Green’s plain-spoken country delivery. The ballad is simply produced with plenty of open space to showcase their sexy story.

JESSE WELLES / “Masks Off”
Writer: Jesse Welles; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: JW
– This road warrior, neo-folk troubadour introduces his new album with its title tune. He cranks his acoustic style up with electric guitar as he spits a political/poetic lyric about the bald-faced, shameless effrontery of America’s right-wing leadership. The Arkansan continues to be our closest modern torch bearer of the legacies of Woody Guthrie and early Bob Dylan. Welles is nominated as Artist of the Year in this year’s Americana Music Awards, to be presented in Nashville on Sept. 16.

RICKY SKAGGS / “Say a Prayer”
Writers: Ben Cooper/Gordon Kennedy; Producers: Gordon Kennedy. Ricky Skaggs; Label: Skaggs Family Records
– Skaggs looks around him and doesn’t like what he sees is happening to America. Amidst a nicely arranged contemporary instrumental stew, he sings an upbeat anthem of hope. This is the first new music from this Country Music Hall of Famer in more than a decade and is a welcome return to form.

JESSE & NOAH / “Lina Rose”
Writers: Jesse Bellamy/Noah Bellamy; Producers: Jesse Bellamy, Noah Bellamy; Label: Usonia
– David Bellamy’s sons have all it takes to achieve independent stardom. Their new LP The Sunshine Shop features this power-drill, twang-soaked country rocker with a doom-y lyric about a scary wife bent on murderous mayhem. Highly recommended. The collection also includes collaborations with Tess Frizzell (”On Again Off Again”) and Riders in the Sky (”Old Cowboys”).

ELLA LANGLEY / “Loving Life Again”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Ella Langley/Ernest Keith Smith; Producers: Ben West, Devin Dawson, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
– Sweet, gentle, sentimental and peaceful. When she gets down in the dumps, music and memories bring her back to loving life. Tuneful, wistful.

GAVIN ADCOCK & HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Cheap Thrills”
Writers: Gavin Adcock/Hudson Westbrook/Reid Haughton; Producers: Jay Rodgers, Ryan Youmans; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– A party-hearty stomper with jerky shifts in tempo and loads of attitude.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Who Told You That”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– His vocal might be some kind of accelerated country, but this sounds like a pop-rock song to me.

RAELYNN & RHETT AKINS / “We’re American Made”
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/Pat McManus; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Red Van Records
– Sunny and lively. They took the Oak Ridge Boys “American Made” hit from 1983 and rewrote the lyrics to be a celebration of the country. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Akins has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast, and you can bet I’ll be there when they induct him. Meanwhile, RaeLynn is kicking up her heels of the Luke Bryan tour this summer.

THE BAND PERRY & KAITLIN BUTTS / “You Lie”
Writers: Aaron Henningsen/Brian Henningsen/Clara Henningsen; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Kimberly Perry updates her 2011 hit by duetting with Butts on it. The original was better.

RANDY TRAVIS / “Fish On”
Writers: Randy Travis/Ron Avis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Perfect for summer listening. This lickety-split bopper is previously unreleased. Which is amazing, since it has more hooks than a tuna boat and Travis never sounded better than he does on this merry, breezy, octave-spanning performance. Absolutely play this.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & ASHLEY MONROE / “Sucker for a Sad Song”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Karen Fairchild/Shelby Lynne; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Groove-saturated, bluesy/moody, wafting heartbreak. Sad country song titles whisper in and out of the lyric while the sensuous rhythm swirls.

REBA McENTIRE / “Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin’”
Writers: Brett Beavers/Connie Harrington/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records
– Roll down the windows, put the car in highway drive and crank up this delightfully bright country rocker. Rolling audio pleasure.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: New Jelly Roll Tune Is ‘An Instant Classic’

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Jen Rosenstein

As we head into the holiday weekend, the country superstars are singing our steamy-hot soundtrack.

Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, Shania Twain, Tanya Tucker, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan are all on board today. Also flavoring the listening session were outstanding performances by Margo Price, Russell Dickerson and our Disc of the Day winner, Jelly Roll.

Nashville singer-songwriter Bennett Woolsey stages his DISClaimer debut and earns a DISCovery Award for his effort.

ALAN JACKSON / “Still the One”
Writers: Johanna Hall/John Hall; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: EMI Records Nashville
– An eternally great song in the throat of an eternally great artist. Jackson takes the 1976 Orleans oldie and country-fies it with fiddling and hillbilly vocal charm. He’s celebrating the 50th anniversary of both the song and his marriage to Denise.

TIM McGRAW / “Song for America”
Writers: JT Harding/Tom Douglas; Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: Turbo Tonk Records
– Perfect for Independence Day. The lyric splashes poetic images across an anthem-like tune to convey joy and hope.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “Carolina Rain”
Writers: Dirk Powell/Rhiannon Giddens; Producers: Dirk Powell, Rhiannon Giddens; Label: Nonesuch
– The spare, stripped-down production features acoustic, banjo/fiddle, instrumentation backing her folk soprano. The vibe is wistful and nostalgic. The soul-sister vocal flourishes at the finale weaken the mood. 

BRAD PAISLEY / “Treading Whiskey”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: Brad Paisley
– The honky-tonk ballad wallows deliciously in heartache and self-pity. Country music with its stomping boots on and twang a-plenty. 

MARGO PRICE WITH JOAN BAEZ & MEMPHIS MARIACHI / “Deportee (Plane Wreck At Los Gatos)”
Writers: Martin Hoffman/Woody Guthrie; Producer: Matt Ross-Spang; Label: Loma Vista Recordings
– Baez and Price sing with aching emotion on this dynamite revival of a social-justice classic. The video makes it explicit that this is an anti-ICE statement. The lilting mariachi track appears on Price’s Days of Unrest collection, which drops tomorrow (July 3), just in time for her appearance at Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic in Austin.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & FETTY WAP / “Boots”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Matt Dragstrem/Russell Dickerson/Willie Maxwell; Producers: Josh Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
– The rap icon’s appearance with Dickerson was one of the highlights of this year’s CMA Fest. All 50,000 fans were on their feet, and the Tennessee Titans cheerleaders danced along. Now the tune is a bopping, rhythm-happy music video.

GUSTAVO MIOTO / “Last Goodbye”
Writers: Andrew Capra/GIANA/Gustavo Mioto/James Slater/Josh Dorr; Producer: Andrew Capra; Label: Universal Music Ltda
– Mioto is a Brazilian star with zillions of streams. To create his first English-language recording, he spent months in Music City immersing himself in the town’s songwriting culture. The result is a debut country single that’s marvelously melodic, infused with sincerity and packed with authenticity. Play this.

SHANIA TWAIN & TANYA TUCKER / “Little Miss Twain”
Writers: Shania Twain; Producer: Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– “According to my mother/I’m the next Tanya Tucker/I’m gonna be a star,” sings Twain in this moving autobiographical outing. The song recalls her upbringing as a child singing in bars and idolizing Tanya. Amid a lovely swirl of echoey production, the voice of Tucker, herself, emerges in a smoky duet. A terrific single from an international superstar and a Country Music Hall of Famer.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Til the Going’s Gone”
Writers: Brendan McLoughlin/Jesse Frasure/Josh Osborne/Miranda Lambert/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert; Label: MCA
– Breezy, silky and dreamy. She’s a ramblin’ gal who doesn’t let grass grow under her feet. Wafting, celestial strings soar high above. Cool and refreshing.

LUKE BRYAN / “Made It a Memory”
Writers: Jamie Paulin/Matt Alderman/Shane Profitt; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– “Country and She Knows It” remains the current single. Bryan releases this love ballad as another advance of his ninth studio album, Signs, due this fall. In the soaring tune’s lyric, she turns an ordinary night into a romantic memory.

KALIKO / “Whiskey Nights”
Writers: Robin Williams; Producers: Daniel Ramirez, Deangelo Khonaisser, Sigh Griffin; Label: Soundgame Supreme
– Mixed messages of heartbreak, perseverance and resilience wrapped up in a wildly catchy and infectious groove. His jaunty tenor vocal draws on soul and honky-tonk influences in equal measure.

JELLY ROLL / “Hands Up”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jason DeFord/Joe Fox/Michael Hardy/Rocky Block; Producers: Ben Johnson, Charlie Handsome; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– Throbbing and uplifting. He goes to a concert and “gets religion” in the communal experience. Now he urges us all to raise our imperfect souls up toward heaven. An instant classic.

BENNETT WOOLSEY / “Cigarettes and Alcohol”
Writer: Bennett Thomas Woolsey; Producer: Tone Def; Label: Third Generation Music Group
– There’s something wonderfully mysterious and graceful about this echoey production. His soothing, laid-back delivery settles into its groove as he muses about leaving his misspent youth behind and growing up with a heartache. Very promising. Send more.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Midland & Clint Black Team For Disc Of The Day

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Midland & Clint Black

DISClaimer features an invasion of Texans this week.

The listening session featured Angel White, the late Waylon Jennings, La Energia Nortena, Sammy Sauceda, Keith Nieto, and Rico Gonzalez. And then there’s Houston homeboy Clint Black collaborating with Midland on our Disc of the Day, the Lone Star State salute “Up In Texas.”

The DISCovery Award goes to native North Carolinian Blake Proehl. He’s a former NFL player and American Idol contestant who now calls Nashville home.

JASON SCOTT & THE HIGH HEAT / “Shit Show”
Writers: Jason Scott/Taylor Johnson; Producer: Chad Copelin, Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson; Label: Leo33
– Raucous, rowdy and rocking, this record froths and foams like a mad dog on the loose. The wildly energetic Oklahoma City band has a video for this that is most definitely PG rated.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore”
Writers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman/Jessi Alexander/Jon Randall/Kenneth B. Edmonds/Tanya Trotter; Producers: Babyface, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, The War And Treaty; Label: War and Treaty/ATL Outpost
– Country heartbreak lyrics masterfully married to an old-school r&b ballad track. Righteous singing, as usual. This couple is the best thing that has happened to roots music in years.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Dear Big City”
Writers: Jamie Paulin/Matt Alderman/Nate Kenyon; Producers: Matt Alderman, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– A country boy leaves home and heads for the bright lights of town. His folks are worried about what will become of him, so they write a letter asking the big bad world to treat him gently. The letter is signed, “sincerely, Small Town.” Stirring, sweet, and plaintive.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Lowlife”
Writers: Evan Novoa/Jack Wharff/Joe Clemmons/Neil Medley; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Machine Records
– Strummy acoustic guitars, sawing fiddle, and jaunty, youthful vocal harmonies. He’s a nobody in love with a hot babe. “I might be a lowlife, but I’m on a high road tonight,” he warbles.

MACKENZIE CARPENTER / “Heart That Don’t Break”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Machine Records
– With all the wonders we have created, why can’t we invent a heart that doesn’t break when he says goodbye? The tune is a juicy one, and she sings the heck out of it. This recent ACM nominee also has a current track called “High Pony” that bops smartly. Stardom awaits.

MIDLAND & CLINT BLACK / “Up in Texas”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne; Producers: Cameron Duddy, Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach, Trent Willmon; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Now this is what I call country music. Texans love to brag, but it’s hard to argue with the assertion that the Lone Star State has “the best songs, the best bars.” Highly engaging and sung with enormous aplomb.

ANGEL WHITE / “LONESTAR GIRL”
Writers: Angel White/Charlie Heat/Jeffrey East; Producers: Angel White, Joseph Holguin; Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– This fifth-generation Texas cowboy struts his way through this back-to-basics blues stomper. It is the theme song for Wrangler’s new line of shirts, and White stars in the ads. American Dogwood is Shaboozey’s new label.

CARLY PEARCE / “She Don’t”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Matt Rossi; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG
– Her Riley Green duet is still rocking the charts, but Carly’s Honest Woman album-release announcement this week is accompanied by this lilting portrait of a femme free spirit. The upbeat sound of blissful innocence.

EXILE / “Look Out, Heart”
Writer: JP Pennington; Producers: JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire; Label: StarVista
– This veteran band still knows how to craft a hook-y performance. This country rocker  is ridiculously catchy, from the guitar riffs to the harmonized choruses. Tap yer toes and sing along.

BLAKE PROEHL / “She Got It”
Writers: Blake Proehl/Connor McCutcheon/John Spencer Jordan/Joseph Tounge/Lydia Sutherland/Todd Tran; Producer: Todd Tran; Label: MCA
– He can’t put his finger on whatever it is that makes her so lovable. But he’s rocking out while trying. Bopping and summer-flavored.

GABBY BARRETT / “In On It”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Nicely done. It has just the right amount of thump and drive as she conveys hope and perseverance. As it heads into the home stretch, her performance gets kinda triumphant sounding.

WAYLON JENNINGS / “Diamonds”
Writers: Glen Campbell/Waylon Jennings; Producers: Richie Albright, Shooter Jennings, Tony Joe White, Waylon Jennings; Label: Son of Jessi
– This is the title tune of an album of previously unreleased tracks by Country Music Hall of Fame member Jennings. It’s a basic, too-simple country rocker that rumbles along, but pauses for two sizzling guitar solos by Glen Campbell.

LA ENERGIA NORTENA / “Friends in Low Places”
Writers: Dewayne Blackwell/Earl Bud Lee; Producers: Adrian Zamarripa, Carlos H. Alvarez; Label: Azteca Records
– This rollicking norteno production features scampering, sizzling squeezebox licks. The vocals are appropriately hearty and the track is much more peppy than Garth’s original. While you’re exploring this, you might also want to sample “Dios Bendijo Texas (God Blessed Texas)” in a bi-lingual “Texican mix” by Sammy Sauceda, Keith Nieto and Rico Gonzales. Both of these zippy tracks are big fun.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brothers Osborne ‘Rock Out’ On Tom Petty Cover

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Brothers Osborne

This week’s country-music stew is about groups and collaborations.

One of those groups, Brothers Osborne, nails down a Disc of the Day prize. Matt Stell & Ne Yo, LoCash & Parmalee, Brad Paisley & Miranda Lambert, Ryan Bingham & The Texas Gentlemen and Elizabeth Cook & Evan Felker (of the Turnpike Troubadours) are also vying for your ear attention today.

Hand a DISCovery Award to Julianna Rankin.

ELIZABETH COOK & EVAN FELKER / “Razorwire Wall”
Writer: Elizabeth Cook; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Label: Agent Love Records
– Snarling, Dixie-fried country rock, complete with super-twang guitar grinding. Whiplash energy and down-home outlaw charm. Cook plays at The Hermitage on June 26 in an Americana-artists’ salute to the music of Steve Earle.

WARREN ZEIDERS / “Days of My Life”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Jon Robert Hall/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Ben Johnson; Label: Warner Records
– Swirling, giddy romance with a frothy, churning rhythm track. An ultra-hooky song.

RYAN BINGHAM & THE TEXAS GENTLEMEN / “Let the Big Dog Eat”
Writer: Ryan Bingham; Producers: Grant Jackson Wilborn, Ryan Bingham; Label: The Bingham Recording Co.
– Loads of rocking energy. The song is just barely there.

BRAD PAISLEY & MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Someone Else’s Arms”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: BP
– Both stars excel on this instant-classic honky-tonk cheatin’ song. The twist is that the cheaters can’t bear the thought of being cheated on themselves.

DAVID NAIL / “Riverbank”
Writers: Anderson East/David Nail/Lori McKenna; Producer: none listed; Label: DN
– Soothing, sensuous and soft, this ballad of enduring love lingers long after the final notes echo away. Nail has always been an exquisite country voice. Co-writer McKenna provides gentle harmony on the poetic choruses.

LOCASH & PARMALEE / “Let the Country Music Play”
Writers: Brinley Addington/Matt Thomas/Rupert Holmes/Tommy Cecil; Producers: Jacob Rice, Tommy Cecil; Label: Galaxy Label Group
– Bopping and joyous. The song’s hook salutes ‘90s country by replacing the original lyrics of the 1979 pop smash “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” with the names of country stars and songs. A must listen.

JACKSON DEAN / “My Cross to Bear”
Writer: Julian Raymond; Producer: Julian Raymond; Label: Blue Highway Records
– This is the theme song of a new documentary film about Rock Hall of Famer Gregg Allman. Dean’s vocal on the ballad is appropriately wailing, soulful and bluesy. The string arrangement is gorgeous, as is the entire production. Greg Allman: The Music of My Soul was released to theaters this week. Dean’s current single remains the dynamic “Make a Liar,” whose video also dropped this week.

BROTHERS OSBORNE / “Runnin’ Down a Dream”
Writers: Jeff Lynne/Mike Campbell/Tom Petty; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
– The brothers rock out on their cover of this Tom Petty classic. Robust, roaring, ripping and rambunctious. Toss out your energy drink and play this instead.

RAELYNN / “Come On Cowboy (Giddy Up)”
Writers: Geoff Warburton/Racheal Lynn Davis/Zach Abend; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Red Van Records
– Get out on the dance floor and stomp those boots. This flirty, fun tempo tune features her saucy vocal over a monster-propulsive percussion track that screams summer party.

CHARLIE WORSHAM / “Powers That Be”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/James McNair/Jaren Johnston; Producers: Charlie Worsham, Jaren Johnston; Label: CW
– This brilliant, guitar-slinging troubadour is one of Nashville’s greatest hidden treasures. His new single is a poly-rhythmic delight with a personable vocal and some stinging, six-string work. Stay tuned for a star-studded new album in August.

JULIANNA RANKIN / “XYZ71s”
Writers: Chase McGill/John Pierce/Jon Decious/Micah Wilshire; Producers: Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Don’t let the drawling, laid-back vibe fool you: She’s a habitual heartbreaker on a Chevy-truck roll. Highly promising. And dig those celebrity producers.

MATT STELL & NE-YO / “Better Angels”
Writers: Brett Aaron Truitt/Erik Dylan/Matt Stell/Shaffer Smith; Producer: Anthony Olympia; Label: Black River Entertainment
– These guys both sing up a storm on this r&b heartbreak tune. Stell’s robust baritone contrasts nicely with Ne-Yo’s falsetto.

BILLY RAY CYRUS / “You’re Not Here”
Writer: Billy Ray Cyrus/Braison Cyrus; Producer: Braison Cyrus; Label: Billion Streams Entertainment
– Billy Ray is the cover boy of this week’s People magazine. The article within describes the life-threatening health condition that took his voice. He now sings in a dramatically lowered range, somewhere between spoken-word and melodic. The dark, foreboding song features sighing steel over a deep-blue ambiance that mourns a dearly departed one. Haunting and poetic. It is drawn from his new album, The Hill, which dropped this week.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wynonna’s Comeback Single Nabs Disc Of The Day

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Wynonna. Photo: Thomas Crabtree

Kenny Sharp was in the running for the DISCovery Award, as was folkie STELLA LEFTY. But the prize was claimed by a retro-country newcomer from Down Under, Mack Geiger.

The Disc of the Day award goes to the comeback single by the always compelling Wynonna.

BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Sober Thoughts”
Writers: Brittney Spencer/Luke Laird/Sasha Alex Sloan; Producer: Jarrad K; Label: MNRK Music
– Enchanting. An echoey instrumental bed, some tasteful harmony vocals and a languid mood swirl through this meditation on tipsy romance making. Lovely work all around. If she doesn’t have a hit with this, someone should.

BRANTLEY GILBERT / “F****D ME UP”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Cole Taylor/Randy Montana; Producers: Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Deserted, devastated and defeated. His gripping, broken vocal on this ballad grabs ahold and doesn’t let go. In the end, she saves him from his alcoholism. There is also a G-rated version titled “Messed Me Up.’ In either guise, it’s a powerful thing.

STELLA LEFTY & VINCENT MASON / “Something to Lose”
Writers: Grace Enger/Jon Decious/Luke Dick/STELLA LEFTY; Producers: Brett Truitt, Joe Reeves; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Wistful folk-country with a spare production and softly conversational vocals.

SHABOOZEY / “Cowgirl”
Writers: Abas Pauti/Collins Chibueze/Jared Cotter/McKay Stevens/Nevin Sastry/Sean Cook/Whit Kane; Producers: Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook; Label: American Dogwood/EMPIRE
– Rousing, catchy and infectious. Fiddles saw and guitars strum away on this Wild West fantasy. The track comes from a forthcoming western concept album titled The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales.

MACK GEIGER / “String By”
Writer: Mack Geiger; Producer: Jared Adlam; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia
– It looks like this Aussie newcomer is going to have a breakthrough hit with this gentle heartbreaker. His vocal style rings with country authenticity on the honky-tonk ballad. She’s trying to reel him back in, but he resists, because he’s been burned one too many times. Also check out the toe-tapping EP title tune “Walk a Straight Line.” Wildly promising. Geiger stages his Opry debut on June 23.

LAINEY WILSON & JOHN MAYER / “Phone, Keys, Wallet”
Writers: Dallas Wilson/Dan Pellarin/Jon Decious/Kid Harpoon/Lainey Wilson/Summer Overstreet/Trannie Anderson; Producers: John Mayer, Kid Harpoon; Label: Broken Bow Records
– In this groove-soaked, mid-tempo ditty, she lives in nutty chaos, but his love keeps her grounded. The guitar solos are courtesy of pop superstar John Mayer.

KENNY SHARP / “Amy”
Writers: Josh Ronen/Kenneth M. Sharpless/Tolan Shaw; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: Brown Liquor Music
– Nashville’s Kenny Sharp calls his sound “Brown Liquor Music.” It mixes elements of funk, hip-hip, r&b and neo soul that fits easily into the Americana music mix. This bass-and-steel-backed steady thumper is a heartache moaner that’s hard to resist. Sharp is playing Bonnaroo tomorrow (June 12).

WYNONNA / “Kentucky Queen”
Writers: CACTUS MOSER/Justin Weaver/Sarah Siskind/Wynonna; Producer: CACTUS MOSER; Label: Anti/Epitaph
– Brilliantly produced. A funky, acoustic, poly-rhythmic, rump-shaking, gospel-blues-hillbilly pastiche that she sings the fire out of. This Country Music Hall of Fame member has a rootsy new sound that pushes all the audio pleasure buttons.

MAREN MORRIS / “Hard Liquor and Soft Rock”
Writers: Busbee/Maren Morris/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Jon Green, Maren Morris; Label: Columbia Nashville
– There’s something muffled and muddy about this bopping sound. It’s hooky and listenable, but her vocal is almost buried in the production.

LEE BRICE / “What You Know About That”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Brian Davis/Lee Brice; Producer: Ben Glover, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Brice; Label: Curb Records
– A blue-collar, rockin’ summer anthem, mostly shouted rather than sung.

VINNY TOVAR / “Tequila Told Me”
Writers: Sam Tuten/Vicente Andres Tovar/Walker Tuten; Producers: Christopher Mora, Vinny Tovar; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– It’s a tuneful, flirtatious ditty about a barroom hook-up. The mood is jaunty with an underlying tone of loneliness, and it’s country to the core. As far as I know, the Texas-based Azteca Ranch is the only label devoted to Latino country artists.

KIP MOORE / “The Darkness”
Writers: Andrew DeRoberts/Kip Moore/Luke Preston; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts, Kip Moore; Label: KM
– Righteous, fiery, passionate and oh-so rocking. This steadfast individualist blazes with apocalyptic energy. Moore is booked for a Grand Ole Opry performance this evening (June 11).

KEB’ MO’ / “Fussing and Fighting”
Writers: Arthur Adams/Kevin Moore; Producers: Keb’ Mo’, Zach Allen; Label: Concord Records
– Nashville’s greatest blues man strips it down to just his voice and acoustic guitar on his forthcoming album The Breakdown. On its lead single, he swings lightly over a chunky, six-string riff while mourning a crumbling relationship. Ear tickling and addictive.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green Delivers ‘Summer Party Anthem’

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

It’s an upbeat day here at DISClaimer.

The listening session was dominated by tempo tunes, none of them more charming than the new track by shooting star Riley Green. It is the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to Bizz Bigsby, from whom I hope to hear more.

MAGNOLIA RISING / “Bet On Me”
Writers: Andrew Millsaps/Devynn Hart/Leo Brooks/Treauna Swindle; Producer: Jason Haag; Label: MR
– Our story so far: A trio from Mississippi called Chapel Hart stormed the country-music world in 2020, earning acclaim on America’s Got Talent, garnering rave reviews and touring to wild applause. Then lead singer Danica Hart quit last year and the remaining two, Devyn Hart and Trea Swindle, formed Magnolia Rising. This is the duo’s sophomore single. It’s a forceful, loud country rocker with the two women swapping snappy lines and harmonizing on a lyric sassing an ex.

TIM McGRAW / “Pawn Shop Guitar”
Writers: Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Label: Turbo Tonk Records
– McGraw draws on his autobiography to craft this compelling portrait of a struggling picker in Music City. A snarling production, hypnotic rhythms, and a soaring vocal combine to create a dynamic listening experience.

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW & MOLLY TUTTLE / “Last American Waltz”
Writers: Critter Fuqua/Ketch Secor; Producer: Morgan Jahnig; Label: Hartland Records
– Gorgeous. A dizzying, pastel swirl of acoustic picking frames a lovely waltz with quasi-apocalyptic lyrics. Tuttle and Secor harmonize brilliantly as everyone surges together on the driving melody. The band is having a release party for its superb new album Union Made on Sunday (June 7) at the American Legion in Inglewood. Showtime is 7 p.m.

RILEY GREEN / “Think As You Drunk”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jessi Alexander/Riley Green/Scott Emerick/Toby Keith/Wyatt McCubbin; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– This clever, rollicking honky-tonker is a tipsy ode to being wasted, complete with slurred and garbled lyrics and a melodic quote from Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was.” The rowdy single sounds like a summer party anthem.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Raining Whiskey”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton/VWillz; Producer: Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records
– Since he left her, “There’s a 100-proof chance it’s raining whiskey in this bar” and “Them Lynchburg clouds are hangin’ low in this neon sky.” A crunchy production percolates beneath a pert vocal in this well written bopper.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Over and Over”
Writers: Ashley Ray/Johnny Simpson/Karen Fairchild/Madi Yanofsky; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
– Obsessive love is the theme of this tempo tune. She’ll stalk him down wherever he goes. Yikes.

INGRID ANDRESS / “All the Best”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Kear; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Records Nashville
– This lively goodbye tune is laced with sarcasm and irony. If the best roses have thorns, then, yes, she wishes him roses. And so on. Feisty and fun.

BIZZ BIGSBY / “Proud”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: BB
– Bigsby is a Nashville native who is the son of R&B star Jimmy Church. He calls his sound “Urban Americana.” It sounds like gentle country-pop to me, at least on this lilting, aspirational, wafting expression of a son’s love. Breezy, summer-y and pleasing.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN / “Streets of Minneapolis”
Writers: Bruce Springsteen; Producers: Bruce Springsteen, Jon Landau, Ron Aniello; Label: Columbia
– The spirits of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash infuse this stirring, folkie, anti-Ice protest song. Over an audio bed of acoustic guitar and harmonica, the Boss praises the citizens who stood for the Bill of Rights and memorializes those who lost their lives. Strong stuff.

BRADLEY GASKIN / “Alabama Rain”
Writers: Bradley Gaskin/Michael White/Robert Keith Stegall; Producer: Robert Keith Stegall; Label: 30a Life Records
– Hardcore country, with plenty of twang and drawl. Stretched notes, swaying fiddle, yearning heartache, wailing steel — this gem has it all.

KELLY LANG / “This Too Shall Pass”
Writers: Kelly Lang; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Leopard Entertainment
– Lang’s lustrous alto has seldom sounded better than on this resonant, uplifting ballad of hope, strength and perseverance. Cherish every day, even when you are facing hardship and defeat. Beautifully done.

JON PARDI / “How Did You Know”
Writers: Bart Butler/Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins; Producers: Bart Butler, Jon Pardi, Ryan Gore; Label: MCA
– She turns him on, then turns him down. The gently rolling tempo and everyman vocal style both go down smoothly.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Steve Earle ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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Steve Earle. Photo: Danny Clinch

There’s a lovely display of the various sounds of country music in today’s DISClaimer.

For ballad lovers, Little Big Town and Zach John King have the goods. In the mood for a country rocker? Brad Paisley and the Charles Wesley Godwin/Luke Combs collab have just the ticket. R&B is represented by Devon Gilfillian. For innovative production touches and world-class singing, check out Kameron Marlowe. Lyric craftsmanship is the hallmark of Megan Moroney.

We have two fine newcomers on hand, Jacob Hackworth and the Discovery Award winning Kenny Whitmire.

Adding to the sonic diversity, the Disc of the Day has some Latin rhythm. It belongs to Steve Earle.

KENNY WHITMIRE / “One Foot in the Grave”
Writers: Kenny Whitmire/Max Martin/Thomas Mirels; Producer: Lee Starr; Label: MCA
– Hillbilly ecstasy. Everyone is twangin,’ and the song is a honky-tonk delight. The gist of it is, forget about the hearse and the flowers when he dies. Just bury him under a roadhouse stage. This guy has my complete attention. Send more.

SCOTTY McCREERY & JOSH TURNER / “Your Man”
Writers: Chris DuBois/Chris Stapleton/Jace Everett; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– This is a “full circle” moment for Scotty, because 15 years ago, he aced his American Idol audition by singing this 2005 Josh hit. The song’s originator takes over vocally toward the end of this remake. 

ZACH JOHN KING / “Beneath the Pines”
Writers: Michael Lawson/Rodney Clawson/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This is a lovely, romantic waltz, sung with great heart. Forget about the hereafter, he’s found heaven right here on earth, holding his lover out in nature shaded by tree limbs.

MEGAN MORONEY / “Traitor (Roles Reversed)”
Writers: David “Messy” Mescon/Emily Weisband/Hillary Lindsey/Megan Moroney; Producers: Kristian Bush, Megan Moroney; Label: Columbia Nashville/Columbia Records
– I love the way this woman uses such conversational language in her lyrics. This throbbing, stately melody takes a cheating plot in a totally fresh direction. Have I mentioned that I adore this artist?

BRAD PAISLEY / “This Town Ain’t Small Enough”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producers: Brad Paisley, Luke Wooten; Label: MCA
– It’s a snappy country rocker driven by Brad’s “chicken pickin’” stuttering guitar tickling. Imagine all the ills of big-city life, and you’ll know why he yearns for a slower pace and some wide open space. An audio carnival ride.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Running”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Gideon Klein/Kameron Marlowe/Philip Morgan; Producer: Austin Goodloe; Label: Columbia Nashville
– Heartache on the hoof. The track is dreamy and meditative. His vocal is a tender, expressive lament for lost love. Beautifully produced and performed. Applause, applause.

DONNA FARGO / “Small Town Hillbilly Good-Time Saturday Night”
Writers: Robert Thames/Steve Popovich/Yvonne Silver; Producers: none listed; Label: Primadonna Records
– The legendary Fargo kicks up her heels on this country party tune. She still sings with plenty of moxie and spunk.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Hey There Sunshine”
Writers: Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey/Jon Nite; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Layered with gorgeous strings, the deliciously melodic ballad is about surviving the blues and finding the strength to carry on. It’s pretty much a Karen solo performance with the other three providing soft background vocal harmonies.

STEVE EARLE / “City of Immigrants (with Forro in the Dark)”
Writer: Steve Earle; Producer: none listed; Label: New West Records
– Earle’s coolest single in years is a bopping, merry, rhythm-happy, Brazil-flavored salute to the multi-ethnic stew that is New York City. A listening pleasure from opening notes to closing cheers. The new Grand Ole Opry star has never sounded better. Also check out the vivid, celebration-of-diversity music video, directed by Steve Buscemi.

JENNA PAULETTE / “High Noon”
Writers: Jenna Paulette/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds/Mark Trussell; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– She’s madly in love on this languidly paced two stepper. The endearing Paulette has both boots planted firmly in country, now and always.

CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN & LUKE COMBS / “Better That Way”
Writers: Al Torrence/Charles Wesley Godwin/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Al Torrence; Label: Big Loud Records
– Uplifting, hearty and honest, this breezy country rocker is an insanely catchy ear worm. Both men sing from the chest as the track churns along. Highly recommended.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “Moonflower”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Melissa Fuller/Ran Jackson/Tim Rahman; Producer: Devon Gilfillian; Label: Fantasy
– Unlike the others gathered for this edition of DISClaimer, Gilfillian is not a country artist. Rather, he is Nashville’s finest neo-soul music maker. On this gently persuasive, synth-y outing, he performs in his seductive, falsetto range to paint a pastel-toned romance that recalls the era of “Quiet Storm” records. I remain a huge fan

JACOB HACKWORTH / “What Took You So Long”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Jacob Hackworth/Jaxson Free/Steph Jones; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: MCA
– Sweetly aching. They were in love for such a long time, so why did she wait so long to dump him? He has a really attractive tenor voice that he deploys here to tug at the heartstrings. A super promising debut.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: ERNEST & Lukas Nelson Team For Disc Of The Day

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ERNEST & Lukas Nelson

Old friends dominate this roundup of current country tunes.

Reaching out with audio handshakes are such long-established hit makers as Luke Bryan, Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, Vince Gill, Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain. It’s a crowded roster, but a few newer acts peaked in, too.

Leading the pack are our Disc of the Day winners, Lukas Nelson and ERNEST. I caught Nelson’s set on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was reminded of what a terrific singer and guitarist he has become. His duet with ERNEST is country music poetry.

The DISCovery Award goes to another new duo, Backbeat Troubadours, which features yet another veteran, Mark Collie.

BACKBEAT TROUBADOURS / “True American Racer (500 Miles)”
Writers: Billy Bob Thornton/Mark Collie/Scott Borchetta; Producers: Julian Raymond, Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine Records
– This duo is country veteran Mark Collie and Hollywood’s Billy Bob Thornton. The debut single is a barn-burning rocker featuring Slash on guitar. Hang on for a thrill ride. The song is featured on the soundtrack of a new documentary film about racing champ Bobby Rahal.

SHANIA TWAIN / “Dirty Rosie”
Writer: Shania Twain; Producers: Michael Shuman, Zach Dawes; Label: Republic Records
– The electronically processed vocal does nothing for me. Muddy sounding, incomprehensible and not remotely country.

ERNEST & LUKAS NELSON / “Time Is a Thief”
Writers: Jimmy Yeary/Matt Mckinney/Rivers Rutherford; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Nelson’s rippling guitar work floats throughout this eloquent duet performance. Both men sing with gentle assurance. The thoughtful lyric is deeply touching. Essential listening.

KENNY CHESNEY / “Carry On”
Writers: Chase McGill/Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins; Producers: Buddy Cannon, Kenny Chesney; Label: HEY NOW Records
– A single with a built-in smile. Kenny says to keep on rockin’ because life is short and fun is what we should do. Jaunty and endearing.

ZACH JOHN KING / “Backwoods”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Michael Lotten/Rhett Akins/Zach John King; Producers: Ryan Wilson, Zach John King; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In praise of deer hunting, a country girl, his truck, his t-shirt, pine trees, yadadda, yadadda, yadadda.

LUKE BRYAN / “Fish Hunt Golf Drink”
Writers: Chase McGill/Luke Bryan/Matt Dragstrem; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– The title says it all. The rhythm track is cool.

WAYLON PAYNE / “Holding on to Lonely”
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Waylon Payne; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: Big Loud Texas
– Decidedly downbeat, facing a dark night of the soul. Instead of phoning for solace, he shuts himself in, alone. Guitars chime gently, drums shuffle softly, bass twangs deeply and his voice is marvelously aching.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Crisco”
Writers: Aaron Raitier/Chill Fellacheck/Jesse Frasure/Miranda Lambert; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– Refreshing and delightfully different. Country lyrics married to a retro ‘70s disco-ish track. A real ear opener from a truly creative superstar.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Don’t Say Goodbye”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Atlantic Outpost
– Old-school, “quiet storm” soul with a slow, sensuous, seductive track and the duo’s usual vocal mastery. Immerse yourself in this luxurious, midnight-blue pool of dreamy sound.

VINCE GILL / “Nobody Held Her Like Me”
Writers: Jmmy Nalls/Joe Glaser/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Gill showcases his bluesy side with this aching, mournful, lovelorn ballad. It’s the key song on his seventh in a series of monthly EPs titled 50 Years From Home. Love this. Love him.

DAN MARSHALL / “Middle Man”
Writers: Dan Marshall/John Stevens/Walker Wilson; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Red Van Records
– A blue-collar anthem for the average working man who puts his shoulder to the wheel and one foot in front of the other just to survive and persevere.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Can Anybody”
Writers: Ethan Hulse/Jo Dee Messina; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– This woman is singing better than ever, and this power ballad is the soaring proof. It’s a cry for recognition and deliverance that is potent and soul piercing. Charismatic and highly recommended.

CARTER FAITH / “Let’s Go to Vegas”
Writers: Karen Staley; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– This sprightly, peppy remake of Faith Hill’s 1995 hit is the official theme song of this year’s ACM Awards. The show will stream exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music Twitch channel this Sunday evening (May 17). Shania Twain hosts.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Hudson Westbrook Claims Disc Of The Day

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Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh

Country music groups and collaborations vie for our attention today in DISClaimer.

The Red Clay Strays, Midland and 49 Winchester are representing country bands in this week’s column. Our collabs include Russell Dickerson with Fetty Wap, Rodney Crowell with the late Guy Clark, and this week’s DISCovery Award winners ALeeN Rose with Willie Nelson.

The Disc of the Day is “Backwards” by Hudson Westbrook.

Sunday is Mother’s Day. I have four suggestions for the holiday’s soundtrack. Danny Kensy offers “Mama’s Recipe.” Camille Harrison is issuing “I Miss You, Mother.” Alex Miller has “Just a Mom.” Canadian Abigail Lapell has an entire collection with the day’s theme. Her Shadow Child is “an album about motherhood whose nine songs each represent a month of gestation,” or so it says here.

McCOY MOORE / “Not Even Close”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/McCoy Moore/Sam Ellis; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Cervidae Records
– Dishing out compliments to his lover. In his eyes, she’s the ultimate best.

THE RED CLAY STRAYS / “Demons In Your Choir”
Writers: Brandon Coleman/Dakota Coleman/Matthew Coleman; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: RCA Records
– It’s a slow-burn, gospel-flavored anthem with moody, minor-key drama about spiritual deliverance. An absolutely searing lead vocal, righteous piano chords and an uplifting church choir. Somebody say, “Amen.”

ALYSSA MICAELA / “Born In Boots”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Olivia Rudeen/Tori Tullier; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Bouncing and bubbly. She’s a proud cowgirl who chose boots over dolls and never looked back. Innocent fun.

RODNEY CROWELL & GUY CLARK / “Are You One of Us?”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producers: Rodney Crowell, Steuart Smith; Label: New West Records
– Crowell explores the “us-versus-them” attitudes of today with the late Clark interjecting fatherly wisdom. It starts off with a hushed series of statements underscored by insistent electric guitar, then builds to a rocking crescendo. The whole thing is utterly haunting and poetic. The song (and the previously reviewed “Go Light a Candle”) will appear on Crowell’s long-lost Then Again LP, which drops June 26. I’m buyin’ a copy.

ALeeN ROSE & WILLIE NELSON / “They’re There”
Writers: Amy Lee Nelson/Tina Rose Bridges/Willie Nelson; Producers: ALeeN Rose, Jeff Klein, Matt Hubbard; Label: Luna Wolf
– This duo is comprised of Willie’s daughter, Amy Nelson, and Tina Rose Bridges, who is Leon Russell’s daughter. Their country ballad invokes Amy’s late brother Billy and Tina’s late father, stating that their spirits walk alongside them every day. Willie provides his distinctive guitar as the instrumental solo, then chimes in with a third harmony part. Lovely listening.

MIDLAND / “Shooting Memories With Tequila”
Writers: Joe Clemmons/Mike Walker/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Give these guys a gold star for singing songs with actual melodies. Breezy heartaches, laced with creamy vocal harmonies and lilting steel guitar characterize this one. Riffs and lyrics in the production lend the track a Latin accent. Wonderfully tuneful and effortlessly engaging. By all means, play it.

JENNY TOLMAN / “Show Pony”
Writers: Dave Brainard/Jenny Tolman/Matt Willis; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: Old Sol Records
– Tolman gallops a sprightly country rocker around the track at a lickety-split pace. The lyric warns a guy that his gal “ain’t nothin’ but a show pony you been trotting around” and not the thoroughbred he thinks she is.

DON WILLIAMS / “How Can I Miss What I Never Had”
Writer: Bob McDill; Producers: Garth Fundis, Tim Williams; Label: Craft Recordings
– Previously unheard performances by Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams will be issued next month on a collection titled Epilogue: The Cellar Tapes. This one is a sad, resigned ballad about a dead relationship that’s infused with his trademark vocal warmth. Tunesmith McDill was also behind such Don Williams classics as “Amanda,” “It Must Be Love,” “Love Me Tonight” and, unforgettably, “Good Ole Boys Like Me.”

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Backwards”
Writers: Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Klingensmith/Nicolette Hayford/Reid Haughton; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youman; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– Her leaving turned his world upside down. ACM New Male Vocalist nominee Westbrook delivers the midtempo meditation in a plaintive, expressive, softly aching fashion that’s mighty affecting.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & FETTY WAP / “Boots”
Writers: Dylan Marlowe/Matt Dragstrem/Russell Dickerson; Producer: none listed; Label: Triple Tigers
– Top showman Dickerson lights up Ascend Amphitheater tomorrow (May 8). Don’t have tickets? Party-on anyhow by listening to his latest, a country-trap mash-up with million-seller Fetty Wap. The bopping singer sees a gal on the dance floor wearing boots and a sundress and is smitten. Beats abound.

49 WINCHESTER / “Slowly”
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Isaac Gibson/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: New West Records/Lucille Records/MCA
– I caught these guys on a recent Opry TV broadcast and was stunned by what a tight band they are. From organ sighs to steel-guitar pinpricks, from note-perfect harmony vocals to acoustic ripples and taut drumming, 49 Winchester has it all goin’ on. The band’s latest single is a strummy country toe tapper about moving forward despite feeling like crap. Highly recommended.

KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Middle of Nowhere”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Kacey Musgraves; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves; Label: Lost Highway
– Shifting time signatures, moaning steel and a male duet harmony vocal characterize the title tune of Musgraves’ new album. Like the rest of the collection, the wafting sound leans back toward her Texas country roots.

ERNEST / “What’s a Little Rain”
Writers: David Garcia/Ernest Keith Smith/Rodney Clawson; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– An airy, beach-y production paints this as a watercolor wash while the singer exudes romance and dreamy relaxation. Irresistibly pretty.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kassi Ashton ‘Has Never Sounded Better’

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The country stars are swinging into spring in wildly diverse ways.

In this edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find flavors ranging from hip-hop to reggae, from rockabilly to pop.

You might think that one of the big star contenders would rule the listening session — Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Lee Brice or Dylan Scott. But you would be wrong. The Disc of the Day belongs to Kassi Ashton. She’s been musically all over the map during the past five years, but it sounds like with “Bitches” she has found her groove.

The DISCovery Award goes to Kelli Belles, who is billed with her last name only. She’s an old-school country singer duet-ing with a Living Legend. More power to her.

THE HEATHERLYS / “Maybe Baby”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: American Love Affair
– What a complete and utter blast. Merriment simply leaps out of the speakers as Eric and Lindsey strut their stuff on this deliciously retro rockabilly tune. Everly harmonies, stinging guitar, slappin’ bass, rollicking rhythm. What more could you want from a springtime single?

LEE BRICE / “Truck Bed Mixtape”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Brian Davis/Lee Brice; Producers: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– He vows to make love to her in his truck all night. Which doesn’t sound all that comfy. The production of this love anthem is somewhat muddy.

LAUREN LUCAS / “Bringing Me Home”
Writer: Lauren Lucas; Producer: none listed; Label: LL
– Moody and contemplative. She has been wandering lost, but now she has found her way, thanks to the power of love. Lucas dips into her low alto range here, which adds to the languid atmosphere.

JASON ALDEAN / “Don’t Tell on Me”
Writers: John Morgan/Kurt Allison/Lydia Vaughan/Tully Kennedy; Producer: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
– The track rocks mightily as he wails. His well-hidden secret is that he’s still in love with his ex. No one knows, but he’s afraid his heart will give him away. The new album is Songs About Us, and the title tune is a duet with Luke Bryan.

KASSI ASHTON / “Bitches”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles/Ryan Tyndell; Producers: Kassi Ashton, Oscar Charles; Label: MCA
– This is a wonderfully cool sound. A spare, thumping rhythm track features twang guitar and a splendidly drawled lyric. Ashton has never sounded better as she lays on the sass and admits that every gal in her family is as big a spitfire as she is. This delightfully refreshing track deserves massive exposure.

KEITH URBAN & MICHAEL McDONALD / “We Go Back”
Writers: BRELAND/Keith Urban/Sam Sumser/Sean Small; Producers: Dann Huff, Keith Urban; Label: MCA
– Urban’s forthcoming album is a collection of yacht-rock oldies (”Summer Breeze,” “How Much I Feel,” “Baby Come Back,” “I Just Wanna Stop,” etc.). Its lone original song is this collaboration with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer McDonald. The breezy ode appropriately recalls an old love from the 1970s. McDonald’s velvety voice shines on the choruses.

SMOKIN’ OTIS / “Trail Ride”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: TS
– Also known as Tennessee Slick, handsome Smokin’ Otis is a Clarksville, TN native who stirs together his country raps, cowboy imagery and gang-sung choruses on this stoner anthem. Hooky and listenable.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Slow Down Ol’ Son”
Writers: Dylan Scott/Matt Alderman/Will Weatherly; Producers: Andrew Baylis, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– The inevitable passage of time and the fleeting hours we have to live are the themes of this powerfully delivered, thoughtful power ballad. Heartily recommended.

RAY BENSON / “Highway 61 Revisited”
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: none listed; Label: Tafari Records
– And now for something completely different. Durable Asleep at the Wheel leader Ray Benson is releasing a collection titled Swingin’ and Skankin’ that fuses western swing with reggae. Guitarist Warren Haynes joins him on this funky reworking of the Dylan classic. Believe it or not, the musical melange works. Also on board on the album are Willie Nelson, jazz legend Stanley Jordan and reggae superstar Sly Dunbar. Ear opening.

BELLES & DOLLY PARTON / “Son of Jolene”
Writers: Dolly Parton/Dan Harrison/Kelli Belles/Tyler Bank; Producers: Austin Luther, Johnny Gates, Kent Wells; Label: East Music Row Records
– The song that answers the musical question, “What would happen if Dolly’s jezebel Jolene had a child?” No surprise: He’s a wicked heartbreaker. The scampering track and Dolly’s pinpoint harmony singing are tingling delights.

BELLAH MAE / “Salt and Sugar”
Writer: Bellah Mae; Producers: Brett Truitt, JANEVA; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– In this pop-country ditty, she regrets her romantic decisions. He seemed like a nice guy, but then she got to know what he was really like. So she goofed, but can you blame her? After all, “salt and sugar both look the same.’

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS / “50 Years On”
Writer: David Bellamy; Producers: Randy Hiebert, The Bellamy Brothers; Label: Bellamy Brothers Records
– The legendary duo is marking its golden anniversary with this lilting, swaying reflection of music and memories. They’ve accomplished so much, so a little name-dropping in the lyric is only natural. Loggins & Messina, Merle Haggard, The Rolling Stones, George Jones, Queen and Conway Twitty are name checked, and the video shows many other compatriots who have passed on. Their innumerable international tours, Opry appearances, war-zone USO shows, youthful pop stardom and country classics are referenced, in case you need any reminders about Howard and David’s extraordinary career.

ALEX MILLER / “Just a Mom”
Writers: Steve Williams/Wood Newton; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Just in time for Mother’s Day (coming on May 10), Alex lists the multitude of multi-tasking jobs that being a mom entails. She’s embarrassed to be applying for work when her only experience is being “just a mom.” But she gets the gig anyhow. As usual, Alex delivers the goods as an expressive vocalist. Also as usual, Salley’s production is understated perfection.