DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rhonda Vincent, Sister Sadie, Carolina Blue, The Grascals

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Rhonda Vincent

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) airs its 2020 awards show on Circle TV on Monday (Jan. 18).

What better time to catch up with some of its winners, as well as other current hit makers in the genre?

The essential-listening tracks here belong to IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners Sister Sadie, as well as Donna Ulisse, Carolina Blue, Jerry Salley and our Disc of the Day winner, Rhonda Vincent.

The IBMA’s New Artist honorees Mile Twelve, also own this week’s DisCovery Award.

The award show is a pip, with performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Brooke Aldridge, Taj Mahal, the Del McCoury Band and dozens more. Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Ronnie McCoury induct New Grass Revival, The Johnson Mountain Boys and The Station Inn’s J.T. Gray into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

SPECIAL CONSENSUS / “Chicago Barn Dance”
Writers: Becky Buller/Missy Raines/Alison Brown; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass
– This durable band is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a No. 1 bluegrass single and the IBMA’s Song of the Year winner. It’s a lyric celebrating the WLS National Barn Dance during the days of the Great Depression. The group members alternate lead vocals while the track dances with twin-fiddle work and lively mandolin and banjo breaks. A joy to hear.

CAROLINA BLUE / “Too Wet to Plow”
Writers: David Stewart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This band is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart with its Take Me Back CD. Its motto is “Traditional Yet Original,” and you can hear the band’s freshness on this quickly rising single. Between the youthful, yearning lead vocals, twinkling instrumental finesse and flawless harmony singing, this band has the future of the genre in its hands.

RHONDA VINCENT / “I Ain’t Been Nowhere”
Writers: Chuck Mead; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Upper Management
– The Queen of Bluegrass returns with a sneak peak of her upcoming album, a riotously funny update of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” explicitly written as a COVID ode to being quarantined. Previously popularized by its writer, Chuck Mead, this deserves massive airplay. Vincent will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast on Feb. 6.

MILE TWELVE / “Jericho”
Writers: Catherine Anne Bowness, David Shelton Benedict, Nathaniel Benjamin Sabat, Evan James Murphy, Browyn; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bryan Sutton; Label: Delores the Taurus Records
– This young Boston band won the New Artist award at the IBMA honors. Its current City on a Hill CD is a jewel, balancing brilliant acoustic playing with meaningful songs such as this intensely emotional account of a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. For flash, check out the whiplash track “Cold Wind.” For another ear-opener, listen to the band’s bluegrass take on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

TINA ADAIR / “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Writers: Paul Nelson/Gene Nelson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: Engelhardt Music Group
– New on the bluegrass chart this month is this gorgeous take on the 1988 Kathy Mattea goldie (a CMA Single of the Year winner then). Exemplary picking and the mountain-soprano vocal beauty we have come to expect from this artist.

SISTER SADIE / “900 Miles”
Writers: Dale Ann Bradley/Tina Adair/Deanie Richardson/Gena Britt; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson comprise Sister Sadie, the first female band to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. In addition, Sister Sadie claimed the 2020 Vocal Group of the Year bluegrass award, an honor also won in 2019. Richardson’s mournful fiddle paves the way on this minor-key Appalachian folk chestnut. Adair moans the vocal lead. Bradley chimes in on soprano harmony, and then Britt adds her stunning deep-alto part. A thrilling listening experience.

MERLE MONROE / “Hello Sunshine”
Writers: Tim Raybon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys. The single charges into the bluegrass top-10 this month.

VALERIE SMITH / “From a Distance”
Writers: Julie Gold; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Midnite Mike Pokalsky; Label: Bell Buckle
– First an international hit for Nanci Griffith (1988), then a pop giant by Bette Midler (1990), this awesome song now gets an acoustic bluegrass rendition with Claire Lynch and Irene Kelley in vocal support of Smith, the pride of Bell Buckle, TN. It’s as powerful and touching as ever.

THE GRASCALS / “Sleepy Little Town”
Writers: Jerry Salley/J.B. Rudd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Grascals; Label: Mountain Home
– This lilting lament for lost innocence makes its wistful debut on the charts this month. It’s a preview of this multiple award winning Nashville band’s next collection. The group is among the genre’s most dependable, and this does not disappoint.

DONNA ULISSE / “When I Go All Bluegrass On You”
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This is the most charming celebration of the joys of bluegrass I’ve ever heard. Every line is a delight, and so is every instrumental note. I particularly like the way the pickers “answer” her when she gives them a shout-out. A total smile.

JUNIOR SISK / “Hooked on Bluegrass”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– Bluegrass is “my drug of choice.” Because “I feel good when I hear it, so I use it as a crutch.” Addiction has never sounded merrier.

JERRY SALLEY / “Let Me Be the Bridge”
Writers: Jerry Salley/Jim Rushing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Very Jerry
– The man is so hillbilly-gifted he ought to be illegal. Not only one of the greatest hard-country writers still working today, he’s also a moving, natural singer. This barroom two-step will sway you across the dance floor while your heart rejoices that such a Country Music Great walks among us.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw, Tyler Hubbard, Dolly Parton, Barry Gibb, Mitchell Tenpenny, More

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As we begin 2021, we look at a landscape of rubble.

Music is a healing force, so let the healing begin. You can’t go wrong with Dolly, especially when she’s singing with Barry Gibb. Hailey Whitters is here with a good-time collaboration with LBT. Both the legendary John Fogerty and newcomer Mitchell Tenpenny are offering especially poignant songs for our troubled time.

But the Disc of the Day, and perhaps one of the most important country-music songs of our era, is “Undivided” by Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard. Be ready to blast this to listeners everywhere when it drops next week.

Our DisCovery Award goes to Helene Cronin, yet another example of how women are making some of our best music.

TRUNDLED / “High Water”
Writers: Ellen Braun/Joe Shea; Publishers: Trundled, SOCAN/ASCAP; Producer: D. Ledwell; Label: Indie Pool
– Echoey and dreamy. The gentle, atmospheric ballad wafts and caresses as singer-songwriter Ellen Braun delivers in a soft, comforting soprano. This is the title tune of a set of 10 Canadian gems by an ace band that has all the Americana bases covered.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Bucket List”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Chris DeStefano/Laura Veltz; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jordan M. Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
– A lovely sentiment. It’s about living life to the fullest while we’re here, and he sings it with tender sincerity. The production ebbs and swells as he loses himself in the song. Well worth your spins.

JOHN FOGERTY / “Weeping in the Promised Land”
Writers: John Fogerty; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John Fogerty/Julie Fogerty; Label: BMG
– This Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famer has touched the pulse of the nation so many times in his career. Now he takes us to church with this stirring anthem that offers a balm for these troubled times of pandemic and social injustice. Say, “Amen.”

JON PARDI / “Tequila Little Time”
Writers: Jon Pardi/Rhett Akins/Luke Laird; Publishers: Sony-ATV Countryside/Cowboy and Gus/Happy Song Factory/Ritten By Rhettro/Warner-Tamerlane/Sony-ATV Story/We Are Creative Nation/Suzanne James, BMI/GMR; Producer: Jon Pardi/Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: Capitol Nashville
– It seems like I reviewed this a couple of years ago, but here it comes again. I still think it’s utterly charming. The Mariachi horns, squeezebox and rhythms create a romantic beach vibe that goes down easy.

CARVIN WALLS / “Hippie”
Writers: Kelly Carvin Walls, Drew Green, Kyle Coulahan, Quinn Loggins; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Rossebo; Label: Carvin Walls
– A hillbilly boy falls in love with a hippie in this lively bopper. Troy Walls takes the lead with partner Kelly Carvin ad-libbing, harmonizing and adding sprightly energy. This will take you back to summertime.

BARRY GIBB & DOLLY PARTON / “Words”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Maurice Gibb/Robin Gibb; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Capitol
– The legendary Bee Gees genius teams up with Alison Krauss, Little Big Town, Jason Isbell, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Brandi Carlile, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Sheryl Crow, Olivia Newton John and more on his Nashville-recorded Greenfields CD (which drops tomorrow, Jan. 8). This gorgeous, timeless 1968 ballad finds full expression as Dolly trills the lead and Barry offers pinpoint harmony plus a taste of his inimitable, quavering solo voice on a brief lead vocal at the close. Two awesome talents at work.

PAUL BOGART / “I’m Just Sayin’”
Writers: Trent Willmon/Jenee Fleenor/Buddy Owens; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: 117 Music
– It’s a likeable string of pick-up lines with a jaunty country production. Warm and welcoming. The album is titled Won’t Have Far to Go. In addition to six Bogart originals, it features cool covers of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” This cowboy has the Strait goods.

TIM McGRAW & TYLER HUBBARD / “Undivided”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Chris Loocke; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/ Tim McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Label: BMLG
– It is wonderfully catchy. More important, it’s a call for unity….and, boy, do we need that now. “We’ve been hateful long enough,” they sing, adding that it’s time for love and brotherhood. Well done, men.

HELENE CRONIN / “Riding the Gray Line”
Writers: Helene Cronin/Davis Corley; Publishers: Smoke and Honeysuckle/Brower Avenue, SESAC/ASCAP; Producer: Matt King; Label: HC (track)
– I was captivated by her resonant alto from the first notes. The vivid word portrait of a long-distance bus ride is underpinned by deep, heartbeat bass and a sighing steel. A supremely lustrous ballad experience, and a new troubadour to keep your ears on.

HAILEY WHITTERS & LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Fillin’ My Cup”
Writers: Hailey Whitters/Nicolle Galyon/Hillary Lindsey; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Hailey Whitters/Jake Gear; Label: Pigasus/Big Loud/Songs & Daughters
– Are you hip to Hailey Whitters yet? If not, get with the program, because this is a Class A singer-songwriter. On this sprightly outing, she’s going for the gold with LBT harmonizing lustily along for the romping ride. Ridiculously hooky and packed solid with good-time vibes.

KENT BLAZY & STEVE WARINER / “Scotty Moore”
Writers: Kent Blazy/Steve Wariner; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: KB (track)
– It’s an Elvis tribute song embellished with Scotty Moore-style guitar licks. Blazy does the singing, but every instrumental sound you hear on the record was recorded by Wariner. A toe tapper, for sure.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jimmie Allen, Lee Brice, Lady A, Tim McGraw, Shy Carter, More

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The Big Week is here. Is your shopping done? Have you wrapped everything? If not, here’s a sampling of Nashville holiday music to get you in the mood.

It’s been a bonanza year for this kind of record in Music City. By my count, there are 109 new Yuletide releases by Nashville artists great and small. I can’t get to them all, but here are 13 selections.

Lee Brice has the Disc of the Day. The Shindellas, who collaborate with Jimmie Allen and Louis York on his debut Christmas single, win the DisCovery Award.

LADY A / “Christmas Through Your Eyes”
Writers: Charles Kelley/Dave Haywood/Hillary Scott; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
– As sweet as a sugarplum fairy. The gentle acoustic textures, lilting pace and soft soprano lead create a twinkling holiday mood.

NICK LOWE & LOS STRAITJACKETS / “Winter Wonderland”
Writers: Felix Bernard/Richard Smith; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Nick Lowe; Label: Yep Roc
– File this under “stocking rocking.” Lowe’s wry, droll delivery carries the arrangement with Nashville’s favorite masked band romping and twanging merrily in accompaniment. Highly recommended, as well as their equally zesty take on “Let It Snow.”

LEE BRICE / “Go Tell It On the Mountain”
Writers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Lee Brice/Cody LaBelle; Label: Curb Records
– Turn it up. Brice is in rare form here, delivering an intense, fiery vocal performance that raises the rafters. Stacked harmonies and cascading instruments pile on the emotional ride. A fabulous sound.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Down Home Christmas”
Writers: Aaron Raitiere/Mando Saenz; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers
– As the feature attraction at the Opryland Resort, the Oaks are the “official” Nashville spokesmen for the season. This bopping ditty is a toe tapping treat, sung in full four-part harmony throughout. It’s the title tune to a green-vinyl LP.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Neon Christmas”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Lindsay Rimes/Matt Rogers; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RiverHouse/Columbia
– Hey, baby, let’s head to the neighborhood dive bar, drink beer and dance to the jukebox to celebrate the season. A rollicking good time, and the title tune to Tenpenny’s new Yule-themed EP.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / “Lit This Year”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder; Publishers: none listed; Producer: FGL & Corey Crowder; Label: Big Machine
– “That Christmas tree ain’t the only thing that’s lit this year.” This light-hearted stomper is as country as grits, what with the drawled vocals, banjo notes and deep-twang guitar work. A very hillbilly good time is had by all.

SHY CARTER / “All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Writers: Mariah Carey/Walter Afanasieff; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Label: Warner
– It starts out spare, then gradually adds rhythm elements. I takes a little while to stop missing Mariah Carey’s rocking arrangement, but if you let this roll, it will get under your skin as a slow-burn jam. Carter’s soulful voice stays in the spotlight all the while. Definitely the best R&B Nashville release of the season.

DAN + SHAY / “Take Me Home for Christmas”
Writers: Andy Albert/Dan Smyers/Jordan Reynolds/Jordan Schmidt/Mitchell Tenpenny/Shay Mooney; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Dan Smyers; Label: Warner
– Wafting, rolling pop country with a winning tune and a shuffling, jaunty rhythm track. Pleasant and listenable.

ROB THOMAS & ABBY ANDERSON / “I Believe in Santa Claus”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Marshall Altman; Label: Emblem/Atlantic
– The Matchbox Twenty rock great and the country newcomer sound terrific harmonizing together on this Kenny & Dolly favorite. I missed the tempo and bounce of the original, although this slower-paced rendition does bring out the wistfulness of the lyric. Ear opening.

JIMMIE ALLEN, LOUIS YORK & THE SHINDELLAS / “What Does Christmas Mean”
Writers: Charles T Harmon/Claude Kelly; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Louis York; Label: Stoney Creek
– Allen’s first Christmas single is a collaboration with the songwriting/production duo Louis York plus the Nashville female R&B trio The Shindellas. It has a delightful retro, doo-wop soul/pop groove with plenty of shooby-dooby-doos and a snappy beat. This one is fun, fun, fun.

TIM McGRAW / “It Wasn’t His Child”
Writers: Skip Ewing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Danny Hemingson/Steve Gibson/Byron Gallimore; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is one of the most expressive vocals of McGraw’s distinguished career. The durable Nashville ballad has always been unusual as a version of the Christmas story that’s told from the point of view of Joseph. The superstar more than does it justice.

T.G. SHEPPARD & KELLY LANG / “Christmas in Mexico”
Writers: T.G. Sheppard/Kelly Lang; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: WMG/Time Life
– Kelly’s lustrous alto takes the lead with T.G. providing expert vocal harmony support here. The lively track features steel drums, mariachi trumpets, gut-string guitar and audio joy. Highly recommended.

BRETT YOUNG / “Silver Bells”
Writers: Jay Livingston/Ray Evans; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Keaton Simons/Noah Needleman; Label: BMLG Records
– This familiar holiday staple gets a highly imaginative arrangement in this release. Brett’s distinctive phrasing is accompanied by hip-hop beats, jazzy guitar work, steel accents and softly sighed backup voices. Well worth your attention.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Brandy Clark, Dolly Parton, Runaway June, Maddie & Tae, More

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Brandy Clark

This year’s Christmas parade of Nashville sounds seems never ending.

I finally bit the bullet this week and wrote down how many folks have submitted holiday tunes. The list went on for four single-spaced pages.

So I decided to narrow it down. With the year’s emphasis on reclaiming female voices, I chose to spotlight only women’s discs today. That left me with only (!) 30+ releases. This column has a baker’s dozen of them, leaving out fine efforts by Stephanie Owens, Taylor Swift, Jessica Lynn, Jessie James Decker, Caroline Jones, Tami Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, Karen Waldrup, Jamie Kyle, Paulina Jaye, Chevel Shepherd and more.

The Disc of the Day prize goes to Brandy Clark, and Scarlett Burke wins the DisCovery Award.

BRANDY CLARK / “Only Time Of Year”
Writers: Daniel Crean/Eren Cannata/Justin Tranter/Kennedi Lykken; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Daniel Crean/Eren Cannata; Label: Facet/Warner Records
– Festive and jaunty, with cute sighing backup vocals, whistling and bouncy finger snaps. Sung with a smile. This comes from the soundtrack of the Hulu Christmas movie Happiest Season. Grammy nominee Brandy’s own holiday special premieres on Circle TV on Dec. 22. It’s called Christmas From Here, There and Everywhere. She’s got some cool guests on it: Cam, Ashley McBryde, Reyna Roberts and Melissa Etheridge, for starters.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “Christmas on the Radio”
Writers: Martin Johnson/Sam Hollander; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brandon Paddock/Martin Johnson/Ron Fair; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The vocal harmonies are delicious and the tempo is boppin.’ The lyric is a dandy, too, name-checking Brenda Lee and Nat King Cole, as well as an assortment of Christmas song titles. Radio ready in the extreme.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD & JOHN LEGEND / “Hallelujah”
Writers: John Stephens/Toby Gad; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Greg Wells; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Underwood has one of this year’s standout new holiday platters, My Gift. This track features two world-class vocalists matching soulful phrasing, terrific harmonies and lustrous soaring. Her soprano leads, but the track truly takes off when Legend joins, alternating a warm, burnished harmony vocal and falsetto scatting. A fabulous listening experience.

ANA CRISTINA CASH / “Mele Kalikimaka”
Writers: R. Alex Anderson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: John Carter Cash; Label: Avondale
– Yes, Hawaii has holiday standards, too. This one was originally popularized by Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters in 1950, and the title translates as, “Merry Christmas.” With gentle, acoustic-guitar accompaniment in the Cash Cabin studio, this has a jaunty, simple, tropical vibe that is utterly charming.

DOLLY PARTON / “Holly Jolly Christmas”
Writers: Johnny Marks; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Butterfly Records/12Tone Music
– If there was ever a time and a year when we need Miss Dolly, it is here and now. She rules the season with her A Holly Dolly Christmas collection. On it, she duets with Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Willie Nelson (”Pretty Paper”) and brother Randy Parton, but goes it alone on this set opener. Only Dolly could make this old ditty sound fresh again. Here’s a bonus: the album is available on red vinyl.

MADDIE & TAE / “We Need Christmas”
Writers: AJ Pruis/Maddie Font/Matthew West/Taylor Kerr; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Robbins/Derek Wells; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Very pretty. In fact, this sweet sentiment one of the best newly composed holiday tunes of the year. On top of having their usual excellent vocals, it is a beautifully produced track. Applause for all concerned.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Christmas Always Finds Me”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis; Label: Atlantic/Warner Music Nashville
– The simple piano accompaniment gradually gives way to full orchestral accompaniment as Andress wistfully recalls the warmth of the season. Her soprano wafts and whispers equally effectively.

KELLY CLARKSON & BRETT ELDREDGE & ATLANTIC HOLIDAY / “Under the Mistletoe”
Writers: Aben Eubanks/Kelly Clarkson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Aben Eubanks/Jesse Shatkin; Label: Atlantic Records
– How about some dance-pop music for Christmas? Clarkson’s scintillating power-soprano vocal leads, with Eldredge’s contribution mixed as a somewhat muted supporting role.

KASSI ASHTON / “Hard Candy Christmas”
Writers: Carol Hall; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Kassi Ashton/Luke Laird; Label: MCA Nashville/Interscope
– This heartbreaking, melancholy song seems just right for this pandemic and economically devastating year. Ashton sings it superbly, but the pace is rather funereal.

LIZ LONGLEY / “A Little Magic”
Writers: Liz Longley; Publishers: Lukelizz, ASCAP; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: LL
– This Americana favorite has a Christmas EP with this sugar-dusted outing as its title tune. It’s a delightful composition about believing in Santa. Her folk-pop vocal is wonderfully authentic and the piano-and-rhythm accompaniment is just perfect. The set also includes a sad, pandemic-themed holiday song, “One Missing.” Longley always deserves to be at the front of your playlist of Nashville singer-songwriters.

JEWEL / “Winter Wonderland”
Writers: Felix Bernard/Richard Bernhard Smith; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Arif Mardin & Joe Mardin; Label: Craft/Concord
– Jewel’s new Christmas collection is titled Joy: A Holiday Collection. Maybe it comes from her Alaska background, but there is something kinda wintery about her voice. She takes this 1934 classic at a deliberate pace, with slight yodel accents and steel-guitar embellishments. Pretty cool.

RAELYNN / “Jingle Bell Drunk”
Writers: Racheal Lynn Davis/Corey Crowder/Ernest Keith Smith/Rocky Block; Publishers: Queens Write Hits, Songs Of Hit Vibez, and Warner Tamerlane Publishing Corp (BMI) / Georgia Song Vibez, Big Crowd Publishing, and WC Music Corp (ASCAP) / Becoming Bob Music (BMI) administered by Me Gusta Music / Songs Of Universal, Inc., Big Loud Mountain Music LLC, and Ern Dog Music (BMI); Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Round Here
– Goofy fun, with plenty of rhythm-happy beats and zany chorus shouts.

SCARLETT BURKE & HAILEY WHITTERS / “Howdy Christmas”
Writers: Jared Gutstadt/Jesse Siebenberg/Scarlett Burke/Hailey Whitters; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jared Gutstadt/Scarlett Burke; Label: Audio Up
– Country-music merriment, with a toe-tapping beat, drawling vocals, stuttering steel notes, echoey atmosphere and general hillbilly good vibes. Sing “Hee-haw.”

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, Carly Pearce, Chuck Wicks, William Michael Morgan, More

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Tim McGraw

The country stars are preaching beer, romance, church and collaborations this week.

The four collabs are Chase Rise & FGL, Kacey Musgraves & Troye Sivan, Jameson Rodgers & Luke Combs and Nick Norman & Jamey Johnson. The romance purveyors are Chuck Wicks, William Michael Morgan and Mr. Dependable Tim McGraw, who rides off with the Disc of the Day.

Three songs have the same theme this week: “Church Pew Barstool,” “Drinkin’ Beer Talkin’ God Amen,” and the excellent “Right Church Wrong Pew,” which wins Dusty Black a DisCovery Award.

HOUSE WHISKEY / “Tomorrow We Ride”
Writers: Jesse Murphy/Wally Montgomery/Michael Wilkes; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brett Beavers; Label: HW
– The sound is clear, crisp and punchy, with solid vocal harmonies and a twin-guitar attack flanking a Southern-accented lead. The songwriting is first rate, with hooks a-plenty. This country-rock trio shows enormous promise with this debut single. Lead singer Jesse Murphy is the son of hit maker David Lee Murphy.

CARLY PEARCE / “Show Me Around”
Writers: Carly Pearce/Emily Shackleton/Ben West; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Label: Big Machine
– This sweet, touching ballad was written in the wake of the sudden, unexpected death of her producer busbee (Michael James Ryan Busbee). It’s a lovely wish for a reunion in Heaven that reaches in and touches you deeply. Say “amen.”

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Sober as a Drunk”
Writers: J.T. Harding/Justin Wilson/Marv Green; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Columbia
– He bawls this bar room heartbroken stomper like a man possessed. This kind of vocal conviction is what makes a star. This is his second appearance in DISClaimer and I am more convinced than ever that this boy has what it takes. Play it.

CHUCK WICKS / “Old with You”
Writers: Chuck Wicks/Seth Ennis/Joe Fox; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Label: Verge
– For lovers everywhere, this ultra romantic ballad swoons with images of lasting love, tempered by tenderness, gratitude and joy. The “Stealing Cinderella” man returns as a new dad with a hit for the heart.

TROYE SIVAN & KACEY MUSGRAVES feat. MARK RONSON / “Easy”
Writers: Kacey Musgraves/Oscar Görres/Troye Sivan; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Oscar Görres/Picard Brothers; Label: Capitol
– Young pop star Sivan already has a dance-music smash with this tune. Musgraves co-wrote the new duet version and both of them star in its Nashville-filmed video. It remains a moody, crying-on-the-dancefloor performance, rather than a country outing.

JAMESON RODGERS & LUKE COMBS / “Cold Beer Calling My Name”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers/Alysa Vanderheym; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House/Columbia
– I originally reviewed this blue-collar duet stomper last April. Now it’s a single. Charismatic vocalist Luke Combs still takes it over every time he sings.

DUSTY BLACK / “Right Church Wrong Pew”
Writers: Michael Heeney/Kenton Bryant/Jordan Walker; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Colt Ford/Noah Gordon; Label: Black Label Country/Average Joes
– This might be the best debut single I’ve heard all year. Black sings with a sandpapery charm, the song is spectacularly well written and the production rocks with a fabulous drummed backbeat. I didn’t want it to end, and certainly not as abruptly as it does.

CHASE RICE & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.”
Writers: Chase Rice/Hunter Phelps/Corey Crowder/Cale Dodds; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Brian Kelley/Chase Rice/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Label: BBR
– You’d think that with four writers, somebody would have come up with more than two notes for a melody.

NICK NORMAN & JAMEY JOHNSON / “The Cock Crows”
Writers: Marla Cannon/Rob Hatch; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Elisha Hoffman/Lee Brice/Rob Hatch; Label: Pump House
– Exceedingly cute. The rooster might make with the “cockadoodle doo,” but the hen rules the roost. The lively tempo, clever wordplay and personality-packed vocals are all just right. Light-hearted and listenable. Pump House is Lee Brice’s label.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN / “Girl Like Mine”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Doug Johnson/Adam Wood; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Wood/Doug Johnson; Label: Phoenix
– Dreamy. The production of the ballad swirls around his gentle, rosy-glow delivery. This guy sure knows how to convey lost-in-love romance, and I can’t imagine any woman listening to this could resist it.

TIM McGRAW / “Nashville Without You”
Writers: Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs/Ruston Samuel Kelly; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/BMG Rights Management/Mike Curb, no performance rights listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine/Tim McGraw
– Wonderfully written, which is no surprise because this man is a magnet for great songs. The lilting vibe and gently shuffling beat roll along as he name-checks “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Ring of Fire,” “Crazy,” “Stand By Your Man,” “The Gambler,” “Hey Good Lookin,” “A Country Boy Can Survive,” “Mama Tried” “Smoky Mountain Rain,” “Galveston,” “Fancy,” “Jolene,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and icons from Cash to Patsy to Charlie Daniels. Absolutely essential listening.

J.D. SHELBURNE / “Church Pew Barstool”
Writers: Mark Nesler/Marty Dodson/Jennifer Hanson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: JDS
– It’s a nicely done word portrait of the sinners and saints who surround a drinkin’ man. Written by pros and sung with heart. The ultimate message is salvation for even the lowliest.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: The War and Treaty, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, And More

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The War and Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame

It’s high time we paid heed to the outstanding music that continues to be made by the Americana community.

There’s an embarrassment of riches here—Dianne Davidson, Ruthie Foster, Waylon Payne, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Suzzy Roche & Lucy Wainwright Roche and more.

Towering above them all is The War and Treaty, who has the unchallenged Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Cidny Bullens. Here’s to new beginnings.

DULCIE TAYLOR / “Easy for You”
Writers: Dulcie Taylor/George Nauful; Publisher: Raven in the Window, ASCAP; Producer: George Nauful; Label: Mesa Bluemoon (track); dulcietaylor.com
– This critically acclaimed California troubadour has culled favorites from her seven prior CDs to create Reimagined. The collection remixes, re-records and re-imagines the tunes, starting with this sweet/sad, lilting country rocker. As always, her delivery shimmers like a multi-faceted gemstone.

GREAT PEACOCK / “High Wind”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Andrew Nelson & Blount FLoyd; Label: Baldwin County (track) / greatpeacock.com
– This Nashville three-piece has been burning up the road for several years, gradually moving from folk to roots-rock. Frontman/guitarist Andrew Nelson hangs just slightly behind the beat in his smooth croon while guitarist/harmony vocalist Blount Floyd and bass player Frank Keith IV kick up some rocking dust. This track from their third CD Forever Worse Better has a Petty-like jangle that’s instantly likable. “I ain’t afraid of dying,” he sings, “I’m afraid of never being alive.” Rock on, bro’s.

THE DILLARDS & DON HENLEY / “Old Road New Again”
Writers: C.J. Watson/Rodney Dillard; Publisher: Mountain Row/Rodney Dillard, ASCAP; Producer: Bil VornDick; Label: Pinecastle
– The anthemic title tune of Rodney Dillard’s latest Dillards outing fuses sprightly bluegrass with country-rock as he and Henley trade lines amid a swirl of banjo, fiddle and bass notes. In addition to Henley, the CD’s guest stars include Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Herb Pedersen, Bernie Leadon and Sharon & Cheryl White.

DIANNE DAVIDSON / “True Believer”
Writers: Dianne Davidson; Publisher: Perigon/Jamb Kitchen, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Dianne Davidson & Larry Chaney; Label: HWCD (track) / www.diannedavidson.com
– Native Tennessean Davidson was a prodigy who recorded her breakthrough albums while still a teen (Baby in 1971, Backwoods Woman in 1972 and Mountain Mama in 1973). She became a vocalist in Linda Ronstadt’s band and also backed such names as Leon Russell, B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett and Tammy Wynette. She left the music business to become a businesswoman and mom. Perigon: Full Circle is her first new album in more than three decades. Although she covers Bob Dylan (”To Make You Feel My Love”) and Gretchen Peters (”Over Africa”), the collection is dominated by her originals. They prove that her songwriting gift is undimmed. One of many highlights is this soulful, spellbinding outing with flecks of jazz, pop and blues in her delivery. Haunting stuff, as is the whole thang.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Five More Minutes”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr.; Publisher: Downtown DLG/Downtown DMP, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Michael Trotter Jr.; Label: Rounder (track)
– Michael and Tanya Trotter, who perform and record as The War and Treaty, are among Nashville’s finest new gifts to the world. The new CD is titled Hearts Town, and I urge you to buy it. Trust me, you need these two people in your life. This super melodic, old-school soul/pop rouser will lift you out of your chair. If the blasting, brassy horn blasts don’t grab you, the power of their awesome voices will. “Five More Minutes” also has a charming music video. The whole record inspires my deepest heart and soul. Check out the soaring, throbbing “Yearning” or the stately, exquisitely harmonized “Take Me In” for further evidence.

THOMM JUTZ / “The Flood of 2010”
Writers: Thomm Jutz/Jon Weissberger/Charley Stefl; Publisher: Asheville Forest/Thomm Songs/Asheville Music/Use Your Words/Maddy Dog, SESAC/BMI; Producer: Thomm Jutz; Label: Mountain Home (track)
– Jutz picked up a bluegrass Grammy nomination this year. His current project is a two-volume opus titled To Live in Two Worlds. The second volume leads off with this vivid story song about the Nashville flood. If you lived through it, you’ll recognize all the little details in the lyric. If you didn’t, he’ll sing you a newsreel. Jutz is an able if unspectacular vocalist, but his guitar work is stunning, as is the rest of the star-studded backing band. Just as impressive is his mastery of folk and old-time country songwriting.

RAY WYLIE HUBBARD / “Fast Left Hand”
Writers: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Publisher: Snake Farm, SESAC; Producer: Ray Wylie Hubbard; Label: Big Machine (track) / raywylie.com
– I read somewhere that this was one of Spotify’s most listened to songs of 2020. It is drawn from Hubbard’s current CD, titled Co Starring. In this case, the co-stars are The Cadillac Three. They conjure a slow-burn, sultry, minor-key audio atmosphere with enough doom and mood to fuel a voodoo ceremony. The record’s other guests include Pam Tillis, Ringo Starr, Ashley McBryde, Peter Rowan, Ronnie Dunn, Larkin Poe, Joe Walsh and Elizabeth Cook. Ray Wylie rules.

CIDNY BULLENS / “The Gender Line”
Writers: Cidny Bullens; Publisher: Red Dragonfly, BMI; Producer: Ray Kennedy & Cidny Bullens; Label: Blue Lobster (track)
– In this pop/rock ballad, Bullens sings in a sandpapery, folkish fashion about his unique journey while Rodney Crowell offers soft vocal support. “Are you a boy or are you a girl?” he asks as the song draws to a close. You see, this is from Walkin’ Through This World, which is his ninth album, but his first as a transgender man. I was a fan of rocker Cindy Bullens, and this collection sounds like the work of an equally talented fellow. Other guests on the CD include Beth Nielson Chapman, Bill Lloyd and Mary Gauthier. “The Gender Line” is also the title of a movie about this artist by Nashville filmmaker T.J. Parsell which won Best Documentary Short at the Edmonton International Film Festival.

SUZZY ROCHE & LUCY WAINWRIGHT ROCHE / “I Can Still Hear You”
Writers: Lucy Wainwright Roche; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jordan Hamlin; Label: StorySound (track)
– Suzzy Roche and her recording-artist daughter traveled from New York to Music City to craft their album I Can Still Hear You. The sessions were aborted when the pandemic hit, but everyone persevered from their homes. The record’s title tune begins in an intimate, wistful soprano tone, then builds gentle layers of acoustic strumming and the unusual, lovely harmonies that this quirky, gifted family has always been so good with. The original Roches trio ended with the death of Suzzy’s sister Maggie in 2017, but one of her songs is on the collection, as is the traditional Irish tune “Factory Girl.” In every family configuration, I love these folks.

SUZI RAGSDALE / “Wildflowers”
Writers: Suzi Ragsdale/Sam Frank; Publisher: Ray Stevens Music, BMI; Producer: Sam Frank & Ray Stevens; Label: CabaRay (track)
– This singer-songwriter is the daughter of Ray Stevens, who co-produced her new EP Ghost Town. Its single and music video is this tuneful, shoulder-shaking, soul-groove outing that showcases her resonant, gospel-infused alto. Everything is impressive here, from her warm delivery to the r&b backing voices, gently insistent rhythm, rippling banjo, sighing electric guitars and brilliantly clear mixing.

WAYLON PAYNE / “All the Trouble”
Writers: Waylon Payne/Adam Wright/Lee Ann Womack; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Frank Liddell & Eric Masse; Label: Carnival (track)
– The full album title is Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me. It chronicles Payne’s harrowing journey through drug addiction and recovery, while touching on his status as a gay country-music man. It’s definitely an album to explore. Lee Ann Womack’s recording of this song earned a 2019 Grammy nomination as Best American Roots Song. Payne’s version is lighter and more intimate, with his earnest vocal and deft guitar work up in the mix. He’s not only a superb songwriter, he’s a potent, expressive singer, too.

RUTHIE FOSTER / “Ring of Fire”
Writers: J. Carter Cash; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Denby Auble; Label: Blue Corn Music (track)
– Foster has been a presence in folk, gospel and blues circles for 25 years. Her current collection is in a new mode: The Ruthie Foster Big Band. Recorded live, this ensemble has brought her a 2020 Grammy nomination. Believe me, you’ve never heard “Ring of Fire” in quite this way. The Johnny Cash classic becomes a Memphis soul ballad with horns and guitars adding slow, steamy textures beneath her languid, jazzy delivery. The album’s songwriting credit should have included the name of the song’s co-writer, Merle Kilgore.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, Chris Young, Brandy Clark, And More

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Sam Hunt

In this wildly uneven listening session, I was alternately lifted out of my seat and glued to it by dull inertia.

The triumphs here belong to The Wild Feathers, Dillon Carmichael, the collaboration between Chris Young & Kane Brown and our Disc of the Day winner, Brandy Clark.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.

SAM HUNT/”Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Ernest K Smith/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt/Zach Crowell; Publishers: Universal Music Corp./Between the Pines, LLC/BIPOD/Spirit Two Nashville/Miller Crow Music/Kyler’s Kinda Night/Songs Of Universal, Inc./Ern Dog Music/Big Loud Mountain/Tree Vibez Music, LLC/Sony/ATV Accent/Smackborne Music, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Zach Crowell; Label: MCA Nashville
-His successful formula is in place—spoken-word verse, sparse rhythm, chorus with the title phrase repeated over and over. The fact that the phrase has nothing to do with the rest of the lyric doesn’t seem to matter. I got bored quickly.

THE WILD FEATHERS/”Fire”
Writers: Ricky Young; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Wild Feathers; Label: Magnolia Record Club
-I loved these guys when they were a pop/rock band, and the quality of their output has remained completely excellent since they began marketing their sound as country. This fabulously melodic, brilliantly harmonized tune has a soaring, uplifting quality underpinned by throbbing bass, punchy drumming, sighing organ and chiming guitars. It’s an awesome listening experience that is drawn from a collection titled Medium Rarities. During the pandemic, the group reached into its vaults for unreleased, unheard tracks to assemble the collection. If something this stunning was “buried,” I can’t imagine how great the new material is going to be. I remain a massive fan.

DEVIN DAWSON/ “He Loved Her”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Nicolle Galyon/Jordan Reynolds; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: WMN/Atlantic
-It’s an homage to his grandfather, an ordinary man whose decency was extra-ordinary. But Dawson’s colorless singing voice and the generic production doesn’t rise to the occasion.

KALIE SHORR/”My Voice”
Writers: Kalie Shorr/Simon Reid/Fred Wilhelm/Skip Black; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Skip Black/Kalie Shorr; Label: TMWRK
-The sound is crashing country-punk and the lyric is a very involving look at her journey on an unconventional road. This lady is carving out her own niche, and bravo for that.

CHRIS YOUNG & KANE BROWN/”Famous Friends”
Writers: Chris Young/Cary Barlowe/Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Producer: Corey Crowder/Chris Young; Label: RCA
-Very cute. The “famous friends” of the title are people you’ve never heard of who live in Rutherford County (Chris), Hamilton County, GA (Kane) and Davidson County (both). The bopping track and the two stars’ jaunty vocals celebrate these everyday heroes. Hit bound.

BRANDY CLARK/”I’ll Be the Sad Song”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon/Chase McGill; Publishers: Highway 508/New House of Sea Gayle/ClearBox Rights/Jay Gatsby/Revelry/Kobalt/Songs of Universal/Plum Nelly, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Warner 
-It’s a happy coincidence that I was listening to this woman’s awesome album (again) over the weekend and bitching about how this blindingly brilliant troubadour was being overlooked by the country mainstream. Then, BAM, yesterday it got nominated for a Grammy Award, as did its single “Who You Thought I Was.” The collection’s title, Your Life Is a Record, comes from the lyric of this song. The haunting melody, wistful mood and sweet/sad singing pierce your heart and linger there long after the sound fades away. That’s what a masterpiece can do.

PARMALEE & BLANCO BROWN/”Just the Way”
Writers: Matt Thomas/Nolan Sipe/Kevin Bard; Publishers: Sony/ATV Countryside/JM Thomas Music/Sony/ATV Tunes LLC/Kevin Bard Music/Margetts Road Music/Nolan W. Sipe Music, ASACP/BMI; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek
-I originally reviewed this back in April. Now there’s a video that underscores its message of acceptance by showing girls and women of widely varying physical images.

STURGILL SIMPSON/”Breaker’s Roar”
Writers: Sturgill Simpson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: David Ferguson/Sturgill Simpson; Label: High Top Mountain
-He has a rock Grammy nomination this year, so of course his next step is a bluegrass album. That recording, titled Cuttin’ Grass, features an all-star bluegrass instrumental lineup backing Simpson on rearrangements of his songs from earlier albums. This one, featuring Sierra Hull, is an utter transformation. The sound is elegant, pristine and clear (which is saying something, considering the artist’s prior tendency to mumble). The COVID survivor’s Kentucky roots are definitely showing.

RUSSELL DICKERSON & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/”It’s About Time”
Writers: Casey Brown/Parker Welling/Russell Dickerson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Dann Huff/Casey Brown/Russell Dickerson; Label: Triple Tigers
-It’s a party anthem on steroids. And it is impossible not to get caught up in its energy and verve.

DILLON CARMICHAEL/”Hot Beer”
Writers: Michael Hardy/Ashley Gorley/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jon Pardi; Label: Riser House
-Hilarious. Dillon’s brawler voice sasses the lyric like a rampaging buffalo. She asks him to take her back, and he replies that he’d rather drink a hot beer and do a lot of other goofy, stupid stuff. With those songwriting credits and Pardi producing, you know it’s country, country, country. It is also Essential Listening.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini, Shania Twain, Logan Mize, Clare Dunn, And More

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Welcome to a country-music, all-duets edition of DisClaimer.

Let’s cut right to the chase. Logan Mize and Clare Dunn have the Disc of the Day with Jonathan Tyler and Nikki Lane snapping at their heels and picking up a DisCovery Award as a consolation prize for Tyler.

But the previously reviewed “Rebels and Angels” by Terry McBride and Patty Loveless is still my 2020 favorite in this sub-genre.

LOGAN MIZE & CLARE DUNN /”Get ‘Em Together”
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Mark Holman/Ben Hayslip/Justin Wilson; Publisher:Big Yellow Dog; Producer: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog
-I love male-female country duets, and this one is a sensation. It’s got tempo, smiles, thump, crunch and guitar. Not to mention two personality-packed vocal performances for the price of one. Spin, spin, spin this baby.

HONEY COUNTY/ “Cry Wolf”
Writers: Danielle Rosner/Devon Eisenbarger/Katelyn Clampett/Katie Stump/Maks Gabriel; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Maks Gabriel/Katelyn Clampett; Label: Orchard
-The vocals by this female duo are mixed beautifully—so right up close and intimate you can almost hear them breathing into the microphone. The production shifts from soft and airy to rocking, swirling and exciting. I dig this little toe tapper.

LARKIN POE/”Take What You Want”
Writers: Andrew Wotman /Austin Richard Post/Billy Walsh/Jacques Webster/John Osbourne/Louis Russell Bell; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Larkin Poe; Label: LP
-The latest collection by these two sisters (Megan & Rebecca Lovell) is a covers-only effort titled Kindred Spirits. On it, they reinterpret songs by The Moody Blues, Elvis, Lenny Kravitz, Phil Collins, Elton John and others. This track is their rootsy/acoustic version of the Post Malone number. It’s pretty dang ear opening. If you aren’t hip to these two multi-instrumental wonders, get with the program…..

PRESLEY & TAYLOR/”Everybody Sees It”
Writers: Tenille Arts/Aaron Goodvin/Adam Wheeler; Publisher: none listed; Producer: James Stroud; Label: White Mustang
-These two sisters exude confidence and elan on this goose-bumpy, close-harmony performance. A steady, throbbing beat and tasty guitar licks underscore the silky vocals. One more thing: it is as catchy as can be.

SHENANDOAH & ASHLEY McBRYDE/”If Only “
Writers: Lori McKenna/Phil Barton/Jaron Boyer; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Foundry
-The Shenandoah comeback album of celebrity duets is loaded with delights. Not the least of them is this charming collaboration with McBryde. It’s a sweetly nostalgic, gentle, lilting song that wafts along with wishes of love, hope and decency.

THE SWON BROTHERS & LEWIS BRICE/”Southern Draw”
Writers: Zach Swon/Colton Swon/Lewis Brice; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Zach Swon/Colton Swan; Label: SB
–Nashlahoma is the title of the new Swon Brothers album. This lively, highly likeable track kicks up a lot of dust with its furious drumming, stinging guitar licks and party atmosphere. And no, that’s not a typo. It’s not “drawl.” It’s “draw.” They’re inviting you to the festivities by saying, “Let that Southern draw you in.”

LENA PAIGE & TANYA TUCKER/”Joan of Arkansas “
Writers: Robert Walton Jenkins/Selena Lynn Van Wyk; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: LP
-Paige has a languid delivery that’s not particularly compelling. Tucker, on the other, hand, is vocal charisma on the hoof. The lyric they share is interesting, but the melody just lays there.

ORVILLE PECK & SHANIA TWAIN/”Legends Never Die”
Writers: Orville Peck/Duncan Hay Jennings; Publisher: Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Producer: Orville Peck; Label: Columbia
-Colorful, mask-wearing Orville and snazzy dresser Shania might seem to be a good duet idea. Alas, neither of them sings well here, and evidently neither one is capable of vocal harmonizing. Also: The song is a dud.

KELSEA BALLERINI & SHANIA TWAIN/ “Hole in the Bottle “
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Hillary Lindsey/Jesse Frasure/Kelsea Ballerini/Steph Jones; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Ballerini/Frasure; Label: Black River
-The remix of Kelsea’s current single is pointlessly busy with competing drum tracks, overlapping vocals and trainwreck mixing. Shania’s vocals add little. It’s still a very cool song, so I’m sticking with Kelsea’s solo rendition.

JONATHAN TYLER & NIKKI LANE /”Old Friend”
Writers: Jonathan Tyler; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Jonathan Tyler; Label: JT
-Funky, warm and friendly, this rhythm-happy toe-tapper is loaded with cool little acoustic touches from mandolin, harmonica, shaker, fiddle and more. Lane’s sweet soprano harmony sounds lovely up against Tyler’s folkie vocal rasp. Sweet, jaunty and utterly endearing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Ray Cyrus, Thomas Rhett, Shy Carter, Kameron Marlowe, Brittney Spencer

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Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Steven Bradley/9slash9

Radio seems bent on trying to make you believe that all country music sounds the same, but today’s listening session is abundant proof that it does not.

We have tremendous diversity on display here. Two of the best sounding discs come from from Black Nashville singer-songwriters Shy Carter and Brittney Spencer. The Mavericks are here singing in Spanish. Lacy J. Dalton is political. Shelby Lee Lowe is a traditionalist.

Four songs name-check country heroes Waylon Jennings, John Wayne, Dolly Parton and, most excellently, the late coronavirus victim John Prine.

We also have a transition from rap to country with the imaginative Billy Ray Cyrus reworking of “Mama Said Knock You Out.” It is our Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Columbia newcomer Kameron Marlowe.

CHARLIE OVERBY/”Ode to John Prine”
Writer: Charlie Overby; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Tedd Hutt; Label: CO
– This country rocker is a COVID song. Amid a rolling rhythm, Overby sings, “The higher-ups say it ain’t so/But I can read between the lines…..Take me to another place, take me to another time/Tell me that we’re going out tonight to see John Prine.” The video features shots of Prine murals in Louisville, Nashville, Raleigh, Seattle, Austin and Chicago and images of shuttered nightclubs. Proceeds from the song will benefit the NIVA Association’s Save Our Stages program.

ALEX STERN/”John Wayne”
Writers: Alex Stern/Reed Pittman/Brian Donkers; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Phil Barnes; Label: AS
– She sings this rumbler strongly, with lots of emotion and authenticity. The lyric is about a woman who acts like an outlaw and a hero, but realizes she’s vulnerable and only playing a part.

SCOOTER BROWN BAND/”Something Waylon Would Sing”
Writers: Rick Huckaby, Scott E. Brown; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Zach Farnum, Scooter Brown; Label: SBB
– It starts out semi-spoken, with a steel guitar weeping in the background. Then that familiar Waylors beat kicks in and the thumper production adds chicken-pickin’ Telecaster guitar and the audio pleasure meter goes up to “10.” Well done.

TORI MARTIN/”What Would Dolly Do “
Writers: Tori Martin/John Cirillo/Sarah Spencer; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Bill Warner; Label: LuckySky
– This bright, bouncy bopper is about following your dreams, no matter what anyone says. As she is to so many, Dolly is Tori’s empowering inspiration.

THOMAS RHETT/”What’s Your Country Song”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Rhett Akins/Jesse Frasure/Ashley Gorley/Parker Welling; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Warner-Chappell, no performance rights listed; Producer: Dann Huff, Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
– The lyrics string together the titles of country classics to create an anthem with an uplifting mood. The production is rather compressed and busy sounding. Some audio clarity would have made it more effective.

BILLY RAY CYRUS/”Mama Said Knock You Out”
Writers: Bootsy Collins, George Clinton Jr., Gregory E Jacobs, James Louis McCants, James Todd Smith, Leroy Mccants, Marlon Lu’Ree Williams, Sylvester Stewart, Walter B. Morrison, Jr.; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jaco Caraco, Tyler Hilton; Label: BBR
– It has a spooky, minor-key vibe with a ghostly banjo and a deep, dark bass line. Billy Ray’s quasi-hushed delivery makes it all the more ear catching. The original by LL Cool J in 1991 was aggressive and shouted. This totally re-imagines that million-selling rap classic.

KAMERON MARLOWE/”Giving You Up”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe; Publishers: none listed; Producers: Brad Hill; Label: Columbia
– He’s given up cigarettes and whiskey. Now he’s doing the same with a destructive relationship. Marlowe sings with a slight rasp and plenty of soul in this pulse-quickening, urgent production. Super promising.

LACY J. DALTON/”I Can’t Breathe”
Writers: Lacy J. Dalton/Jimmy Jackson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Jackson; Label: LJD
– A steady undertow of a percussion and electric guitar creates a dramatic backdrop to Lacy’s heartfelt song for the Black Lives Matter movement. It manages to be both patriotic and progressive. Proceeds benefit the Equal Justice Initiative, which the singer learned about as a teacher in the California Prison System.

SHY CARTER/”Good Love”
Writers: Shy Carter, James Slater, Micah Carter, Carlo Colasacco; Publishers: none listed; Producers: David Garcia; Label: Warner
– This is so sweet and tender and hopeful. The sentiments about lifting each other up when times are tough couldn’t be better. It sounded so uplifting I wanted to hug him.

SHELBY LEE LOWE/”Could’ve Fooled Me”
Writers: Shelby Lee Lowe/David Ross/Andrew Scott Wills; Publishers: Green Hills/Draw Four/Taxaby, BMI; Producers: Andrew Scott Wills; Label: ONErpm
– Lowe sounds like a traditionalist with his sincere honky-tonk baritone surrounded by steel guitar and slow, two-step rhythm. The heartache lyric about finding a girl getting over a romance is straight-up country, too. I like him.

THE MAVERICKS/”Poder Vivir”
Writers: Alejandro Menendez/Raul Malo; Publisher: Wixen, no performance rights listed; Producer: Raul Malo & Niko Bolas; Label: Mono Mundo/ Thirty Tigers
– The Mavericks current album, En Espanol, is the group’s first Spanish-language project. This lovely, melodic and wildly catchy single has a charming, chugging beat and lilting squeezebox/Mariachi horns/guitar accompaniment. Malo sings his face off, as always. Even if you don’t understand a word of this Tex-Mex gem, you’ll swoon over the sound.

BRITTNEY SPENCER/”Sorrys Don’t Work No More”
Writers: Brittney Spencer, Brock Human, Connor Wheaton; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Kevin Dailey, Will Reagan; Label: Merlin
– Soft, sad and wistful, this mourns the end of a relationship in the loveliest way. When Maren Morris gave a shout-out to country women of color on the CMA Awards, I was with her all the way through Rissi Palmer, Mickey Guyton, Linda Martell, Yola and Rhiannon Giddens. Until she got to Brittney Spencer, at which point I went, “Who?” It turns out that Spencer is originally from Baltimore, has sung backup for Carrie Underwood and enrolled at MTSU. Oh, and she sings splendidly. Check her out.

DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, Florida Georgia Line, And More

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The country industry is chugging into the fall with a full slate of star releases.

For your listening pleasure today, we have offerings from Kip Moore, Darius Rucker, FGL, Miranda Lambert and Eric Church. We don’t have Dan + Shay or Lee Brice, but we do have their siblings.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Tyler Braden. I have loved everything he’s put out so far, but nothing so much as “Secret.” Play and believe.

The DisCovery Award goes to Miranda’s duet partner, Luke Dick. The guy is super gifted as a songwriter, and his personality as a record maker is also abundant.

TYLER BRADEN/“Secret”
Writers: Tyler Braden; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Nashville
-Alcoholism, PTSD, pregnancy, heartache and misery can’t hide in a small town, where everyone knows each others’ “secrets.” Powerfully written and sung with gut-punch authority, this is the kind of thing that makes stars out of mortals. I remain an enormous fan of this newcomer.

KIP MOORE/”Don’t Go Changing”
Writers: Blair Daly/Westin Davis/Kip Moore; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mercury Nashville
-This mid-tempo rocker looks at a crazy world and asks love to remain something stable. Moore attacks it with his trademark vocal urgency while guitars snarl. The song’s gritty video is dedicated to all the live-venue owners who are suffering right now.

KAREN WALDRUP/”I Go By Jane Doe”
Writers: Karen Waldrup/Brandon Darcy/Dean Kreseki; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: KW
-The lady is out for a roaring good time with a take-no-prisoners attitude. When she cuts loose, she makes sure she is among strangers. She’s anonymous, and likes it that way. So there.

BILL ANDERSON/”It’s a Good Day to Have a Good Day”
Writers: Bill Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: TWI
-The production is a little thin sounding, but the upbeat rhythm matches the message perfectly. We can certainly use this sentiment these days. And the Country Music Hall of Famer is still whisperin’ as effectively as ever. He’s a treasure, for sure.

ERIC CHURCH/”Through My Ray-Bans”
Writers: Eric Church/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: EMI
-Pulsating and inspirational, this heart-touching lyric poem reaches out to the crowds he used to see beyond the footlights. Eric asks us to have faith and to hold each other in solidarity. I’m with you, bro.

JON LANGSTON/”Happy Ever After”
Writers: Blake Bollinger/Jon Langston/Brent Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: EMI/32 Bridge
-Fun, drawling and utterly countrified. She dumps the hillbilly for a trust-fund dude. So the redneck heads to a honky-tonk, downs some cold ones, plays Hank on the jukebox and meets a babe. Therefore, he’s “Happy Ever After….Her.”

NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/”Lil Bit”
Writers: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Columbia
-This is a taste of Nelly’s forthcoming “country influenced” EP The Heartland. The St.Louis rapper previously collaborated with FGL on a remix of “Cruise,” featured Tim McGraw on his hit “Over and Over” and recorded his own take on Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man.” This catchy jam is his best attempt yet to fuse twang with dope beats.

LEWIS BRICE/“Young”
Writers: Lewis Brice/Rozes/Joshua Logan Tangney; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Lewis Brice, Lee Brice & Ben Simonetti; Label: Pump House
-It’s a nostalgic look at what it was like to be youthful and carefree. Brice’s vocal has lots of warmth and personality. The production is too thickly processed.

LUKE DICK & MIRANDA LAMBERT/“Polyester”
Writers: Luke Dick/Chris Dubois; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: INgrooves
-I have always dug him as a songwriter. Who knew he was such a charming singer? His soft/fuzzy semi-spoken rasp swaps verses with Miranda’s bell-clear honky-tonk soprano while a spare little combo romps along. Luke’s documentary film that contains this on its soundtrack sounds fascinating.

TY HERNDON & KRISTIN CHENOWETH/”Orphans of God”
Writers: Joel Lindsey/Twila LaBar; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: TH
-This was originally sung by the CCM group Avalon. This duet by country hit maker Herndon and Broadway star Chenoweth drives home its message that we are equal and loved in His eyes. The over-the-top production is power-ballad pop all the way, complete with heavenly choir.

GABRIELLE MOONEY/”Come On In”
Writers: Kelly Johnson/Gabrielle Mooney/Jenna Johnson/Benjamin Joel Johnson; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: GM
-She wants her romantic partner to know who she is, a country gal. The voice has a pert quality with just a little tangy taste. Gabby is the older sister of the prodigiously gifted Shay Mooney, so I guess talent runs in the family.

DARIUS RUCKER/“Beers and Sunshine”
Writers: Darius Rucker/John Thomas Harding/Josh Osborne/Ross Copperman; Publisher: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Capitol Nashville
-What a cute line: “The only B.S. I need is Beers & Sunshine.” As usual, Rucker espouses easy-going good times and romance. No wonder radio loves him so.