DISClaimer: CMA Awards Spotlight New Tracks

I thought country music offered America a pretty good representation of what it’s all about on last week’s CMA Awards Show.

Salutes to Glen Campbell, Troy Gentry and Don Williams were all well placed, as was a tribute to the 58 country fans slain in Vegas. I could have done without the ABC-TV non-stars as presenters and the gratuitous product-placement ads. But the singing and the instrumental tracks were consistently fine.

The four new songs introduced on the show (by Urban, Tim & Faith, Church, Miranda) are spotlighted in this week’s DisClaimer column. Of them, the Tim McGraw & Faith Hill enduring-love duet easily wins the Disc of the Day award.

The two closest competitors are Miranda Lambert’s honky-tonk ballad and a song that wasn’t on the telecast, Jerrod Niemann’s delightful toe tapper.

The DisCovery Award goes to a duo called Stranger Friends. It is comprised of John Martin and Jamie Floyd. He has penned songs recorded by Garth Brooks. She has had cuts by Ronnie Dunn and Ashley Monroe and is a former Disc of the Day winner as a solo artist. Together, they are terrific.

STRANGER FRIENDS/Country Song
Writers: Jamie Floyd/John Martin; Producer: Stranger Friends; Publisher: none listed; Voxhall (track)
– Everly harmonies. Slappin’ backbeat. Fabulous steel-guitar picking. Instantly catchy tune with a happy rhythm. I love, love, love this.

TIM McGRAW & FAITH HILL/The Rest Of Our Life
Writers: Ed Sheeran/Amy Wadge/Johnny McDaid/Steve Mac; Producer: none listed; Publishers: 2017 Sony/ATV Songs LLC (BMI) o/b/o Sony/ATV Music Publishing (UK) Limited (PRS)/Cookie Jar Music LLP (PRS). All rights on behalf of Cookie Jar Music LLP administered by WB Music Corp./Spirit B-Unique Polar Patrol administered by Spirit B-Unique Polar Patrol Songs (BMI)/Rokstone Music (ASCAP); Sony
– A beautifully performed power ballad with a supremely romantic lyric about growing old gracefully together. These two truly are “Mr. and Mrs. Country Music.”

 

LONNIE SPIKER/Love Would Have Wanted It That Way
Writer: Curt Ryle; Producer: Curt Ryle; Publisher: Big Matador, BMI; Megalith (track)
– Booze and the Bible mix it up in this very slowly paced barroom heartache lament. Best line: “It’s a long way from Hell to Step Number 12/But I’m gonna make it there one day.” Old-school country.

JERROD NIEMANN/I Got This
Writers: Luke Dick/Rodney Clawson/Josh Osborne; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas/Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Little Louder/Emilon/Round Hill Works/Big Loud Proud Crowd/Shirt At Work/Anderson Fork in the Road/Smackville/Smack Songs/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Curb (track)
– I’ve always liked this guy a lot. This snappy bopper promises a gal some tunes, a pleasure drive, a drink and an open-ended evening. Irresistible.

LAURA BENITEZ & THE HEARTACHE/Whiskey Makes Me Love You
Writer: Laura Benitez; Producer: Laurea Benitez; Publishers: none listed; Copperhead (track)
– Recorded in the Bay Area, this lacks Nashville polish. But there’s plenty of guitar twang and a dandy lyric to compensate. I wonder if lowering her key would make her a more effective vocal communicator.

KEITH URBAN/Female
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally; Producers: Urban, Ross Copperman, Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; Capitol
– Almost immediately after introducing this on the CMA telecast, Urban was derided. Late-night TV host Stephen Colbert parodied the performance on his show as “She Person” and mocked the lyric as, “the first song ever written by dumping out a bin full of inspirational throw pillows.” Last weekend, some hipster NPR panelists who only knew Urban as “the guy who is married to Nicole Kidman,” also looked down their noses at it. The fact of the matter is that the production echoes and throbs and sparkles brilliantly. Keith’s performance rings with sincerity. And what the heck is wrong with a guy identifying with feminist issues anyway?

RE MATTEI/Bump Bump Bump
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Trinity Girl (CDX)
– She is sings in a throaty alto. The song is about drowning out his memory with loud music. Pass.

 

ERIC CHURCH/Chattanooga Lucy
Writers: Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: 2015 Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Longer and Louder Music; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Little Louder Songs/Mammaw’s Friend Okra Music; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Little Louder Songs/Harold’s Purple Heart Music (BMI); EMI (track)
– This has an appealingly nervous energy level, as well as some very cool soul-sister wailing in the background. Country rock with a decided edge.

TRAILERHAWK/Car
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Hundred Proof
– The rocking track rumbles with a simple, repeated, deep-twang guitar lick. Her spitfire lead vocal should have been mixed a little hotter.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/To Learn Her
Writers: Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Waylon Payne; Producers: Frank Liddell/Glenn Worf/Eric Masse; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Monroe Suede/Songs of Kobalt/Tiltawhirl, BMI; RCA (track)
– Hallelujah. Stone country from start to finish. Miranda gives it a classic honky-tonk vocal performance while the track seethes with pent-up intensity behind her. This is the right stuff.

 

DISClaimer: The Tried And The True

Country music charges into the fall season, still pretty much sticking to the tried and true.

That means rock, pop and hip-hop influences in the sounds of Lewis Brice, Eric Chesser, Tyminski and Jackson Michelson. Among the brightest spots in this edition of DisClaimer are the David Lee Murphy/Kenny Chesney duet and the Blake Shelton track.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Lady Antebellum, who have apparently returned from wandering in the pop wilderness. Bopping Susan Shann wins the DisCovery Award, partly because heaven knows we need more female voices in this format.

SUSAN SHANN/Rhythm of the Road
Writer: Susan Shann; Producer: Bil VornDick; Moose Lodge, ASCAP; SS (track)
– The band is cooking with gas in a taut, punchy, bopping arrangement punctuated by stinging guitar licks and fluid piano lines. The song’s toe-tapping, “traveling” groove is perfect for a sunny afternoon drive. Promising.

TYMINSKI/Bloodline
Writers: Tyminski/Barlowe/Frasure; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Broad Banz/Dan Tyminski/Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/Spirit/Songs of Roc Nation/Telemitry Rhythm House/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI/SESAC; Mercury (track)
– His album Southern Gothic‘s lead single is a meditation on heritage, music and memory with a choppy backbeat and an r&b feel. Haunting and hooky.

LEO EIFFERT Jr./Blue Crawfish Cup
Writers: Lwo J. Eiffert Jr.; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Young Country, BMI; Young Country
– Amateur Hour at the bar and grill.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Heart Break
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
– Breezy and charming. Hillary takes the lead on this tuneful, mid-tempo ditty about healing from a bad relationship. The layered track shuffles and echoes beautifully.

BLAKE SHELTON/I Lived It
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Ross Copperman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– He is such a superb country singer, and this dreamy, nostalgic song is a perfect vehicle for him. Can’t wait for the new album.

NED LEDOUX/We Ain’t Got It All
Writers: Ned LeDoux/Chris LeDoux/Mac McAnally; Producer: Mac McAnally; Publishers: Rusty Spur/Mad Cracker, BMI
-The late rodeo champ, country singer and Garth Brooks fave Chris LeDoux left behind scraps of paper with song ideas on them. With help from Mac McAnally, his son has polished several of these into finished works. They’re included on Ned’s new CD Sagebrush. This one is a sturdy, home-folks outing with a steady backbeat that pumps right along. Recommended. By the way, the CD also includes a duet with Chase Rice on the elder LeDoux’s 1991 single “This Cowboy’s Hat.”

JACKSON MICHELSON/Rollin’
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (CDX)
– Please stop talking and sing, for pete’s sake. Also, please lose the rock guitars.

LEWIS BRICE/Best Ex Ever
Writers: L. Brice/M. Walker/B. Davis; Producers: Lewis Brice/Brian Bunn; Publishers: none listed; Pump
– She rescues him when he’s drunk. He knows they’ll never get back together, but he sure likes her then. Very cute. Especially when the whole band shouts the title.

DAVID LEE MURPHY & KENNY CHESNEY/Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Chris Stevens/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Buddy Cannon/Kenny Chesney; Publishers: none listed; Reviver/Blue Chair
– This has a steady groove that’s enormously pleasing. The feel-good message is certainly one we can use right now. I’m in.

ERIC CHESSER/Yes
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Big (CDX)
– I liked his last single quite a bit. This one not so much, largely because the production seems needlessly busy and noisy. He still sings splendidly.

DISClaimer: Shenandoah Makes A Comeback, Ashley McBryde Makes Classic Country Debut

A couple of comebacks and a whole lot of debuts characterize this edition of “DISClaimer.”

Returning after a 20 year absence are both Shendandoah and the late John Denver. The reunion of Shenandoah is particularly welcome. So welcome, in fact, that the band wins the Disc of the Day award with “Noise.”

Now for the newcomers. First timers in the column today include Sabin Sharpe and Michael Lee, both of whom I sincerely hope to hear more from. Our new group entries are Gal Friday and Scooter Brown Band.

Our top debut contenders are both females, singer-songwriters Jenny Tolman and this week’s winner of the DisCovery Award, Ashley McBryde.

MICHAEL LEE/Ain’t That Just Like Jesus
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Hen (CDX)
-Wow. This Southern-fried baritone glows with warmth, depth and kindness. The song’s lyric is extraordinary, describing how every selfless gesture, act of compassion, thought of forgiveness and charitable effort illustrates us at our best. He avows that loving your neighbor and being color blind are the truly Christian ways to behave. A honky-tonk ballad with a message we should all take to heart.

SHENANDOAH/Noise
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: none listed; BMG
– They sound as good as ever. Marty Raybon’s torrid tenor is still packed with heart and soul, and the reunited band is cooking with gas on this simmering slab of sound. The pace is a churning, burning, stately, mid-tempo march to glory. The noise of the world outside is obliterated by the power of her love. Amen from this corner, boys.

SABIN SHARPE/Empty Bottles
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Twisted Rooster
– I like the soulful little rasp in his voice. The production adds deep bass twang, steel embellishments and steady, slow, thumping rhythm in all the right proportions. And I’ve always been a sucker for a heartsick drinkin’ song. This pushes all my buttons.

 

IRLENE MANDRELL/Thanks To You
Writers: none listed; Producer: Pat Holt; Publishers: none listed; Reviver (download)
– I always thought she was the non-singing Mandrell sister. This doesn’t change my mind.

ASHLEY MCBRYDE/A Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Nicolette Hayford/Jesse Rice; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Songs of Song Factory / Veranda Music (SESAC) / Little Falcor Music (BMI); Warner Bros.
– Stupendously cool. The guitars echo from deep in a coal mine, the lyrics rise from the heart of blue-collar America and the voice evokes classic-country immortality. I live for musical moments like this. The woman is a stone bad-ass. Go to YouTube right now and check out her singing “Bible and a .44” on stage with Eric Church.

GAL FRIDAY/Scrapyard
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rundies (CDX)
– It’s a female trio with a cool, bluesy “attitude” song. But the too-busy track has so much going on it’s hard to hear it.

BRAD PAISLEY/Heaven South
Writers: Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Publishers: New House of Sea Gayle Music (ASCAP) adm by ClearBox Rights., ASCAP; Arista (track)
– This lively, joyful toe-tapper celebrates the everyday pleasures of being in love in Dixie. As usual, there’s a dandy guitar break in there. A smile from beginning to end.

 

SCOOTER BROWN BAND & CHARLIE DANIELS/American Son
Writers:Scott Brown; Producer: Casey Wood; Publishers: VAlor Ranch, BMI; BFD/Audium
– Despite the dark, relentless, bluesy, doom-y, Southern-rock track, the lyric is meant to positive and uplifting. I think. Charlie’s participation is limited to a snarling, spoken-word passage about working-class men.

JOHN DENVER/The Blizzard
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Soundcloud
-The John Denver Estate is commemorating the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing with this previously unreleased performance. It is a somewhat arty, wintertime song, daintily embroidered with rippling piano and flute notes. It also seems to go on forever.

JENNY TOLMAN/Stripper For A Week
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publisher: none listed; Jennyville (track)
– When you’re so dead broke that you’re gasping to pay the bills, and you’re young and fit…..what the heck? Saucy, winking and endearing. Her debut Jennyville collection of songs will floor you — Her creativity compares favorably with Brandy Clark’s (whom Brainard also produced). A&R talent scouts, let a word to the wise be sufficient: Sign this woman before somebody else does. Even as an unknown, she’s already surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify with this just-released gem.

 

DISClaimer: Hunter Hayes & The Shadowboxers Team For “Charming” New Track

Fall is in the air, and that means get ready for a flood of new releases from Music Row.

If anyone’s still buying records, they’re buying them for holiday gifts, right? So this week, we have Luke Bryan, Billy Currington, Dolly Parton, Hunter Hayes, the Josh Abbott Band and more testing the season with new sounds.

The Disc of the Day award goes to Hunter Hayes. His cool tune is embellished by The Shadowboxers, who are protegees of new Nashvillian Justin Timberlake. The resulting sound is a delight.

It’s a contest between Robert Stowell and Tyler Jordan for this week’s DisCovery Award. Both are admirable singers, but Tyler’s everyday-guy sincerity as well as his songwriting ability give him the edge.

ROBERT STOWELL/I’d Die For You
Writers: Rick Tiger/Adam Dorsey; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RS (download)
– His resonant baritone delivers this throbbing, romantic ballad with hillbilly conviction and impressive power. Well written and nicely produced.

JOSH ABBOTT BAND/Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Reviver (download)
– Drawling hilarity. I have always liked this bunch, and now that they’ve gone full-on goofy, I’m even more of a fan. The gist of it is that he’s sloppy drunk and dunderhead confused. Give yourself a smile and spin it.

 

TYLER JORDAN/Why Her
Writers: Tyler Jordan/Stephen Kirk; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publishers: Just In Case/Swear By It, BMI; Silverado (track)
– The echoey-guitar production is super ear catching, and his assured-yet-downhome vocal is very likable. A power ballad with a friendly sounding heartache. Promising, to say the least.

DOLLY PARTON/I Believe In You
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producer: Tom McBryde; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; RCA/Dolly (track)
– The title tune of Dolly’s first children’s album is inspired by the eternal kiddie book The Little Engine That Could. The chug-chug, train-whistle and woo-woo sounds are adorable. Tots will love it.

MILLER CAMPBELL/All Summer’s Breaking Loose
Writers: Miller Campbell/Bill DiLuigi; Producer: Geoff Ott; Publishers: none listed; MC (track)
– This gal hails from the Pacific Northwest. I guess they don’t have Auto-Tune up there.

HUNTER HAYES & THE SHADOWBOXERS/You Should Be Loved
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Sam Ellis/Blair Daly; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Atlantic (download)
– It has retro-sounding, doo-wop harmonies, piano triplets, a finger-popping beat and a bopping, boyish, innocent mood. Charming.

 

LUKE BRYAN/Light It Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol (ERG)
– He’s waiting for her to light-up his screen with lipstick pictures or whatever. Is this the first country song lyric completely devoted to a cell phone?

GWEN SEBASTIAN/Quicksand
Writers: Gwen Sebastian/Chris Harris/Terri Jo Box; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; GS (download)
– It has a mysterioso vibe with darkly rumbling percussion; keening, echoey, spaghetti-western guitars and a minor-key melody. It’s about being helplessly drawn into a bad relationship despite misgivings. Naturally, this haunting sound drops on Friday the 13th.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Wake Me Up
Writers: Josh Osborne/Jimmy Robbins/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (track)
– He’s always had knack for finding catchy songs. This one urges an absent lover to interrupt him at any time of the day or night. The nervous rhythms and rapid-fire lyric delivery both underline the song’s yearning, jittery uncertainty. Billy scores again.

MIKE RYAN/Sad Song
Writers: Mike Ryan/Clint Lagerberg/Brent Anderson; Producer: Brent Anderson; Publishers: none listed; MR (track)
-It’s a cool, slow, heartbroken waltz in the verses that bursts into a full-throated, wailing-tenor shout in the choruses. This man is a singer. Essential listening.

 

DISClaimer: Maren Morris, Travis Meadows Rise Above With New Singles

Maren Morris, Travis Meadows

This is a week of thoughtful ballads.

Kellie Pickler, Delta Rae, Taylor Hicks and Maren Morris all check in with lyrics to make you stop and listen.

In collaboration with Vince Gill, Morris has the unquestioned Disc of the Day. It’s a song to help heal us from what we’ve been through this week.

The DisCovery Award goes to Travis Meadows. This isn’t his first record, but it’s the first time he has appeared in this column. He has a heckuva back story as well as a heckuva record. Check him out.

DANIELLE BRADBERY/Sway
Writers:Danielle Bradbery/Johan Fransson/Emily Weisband; Producer: Josh Kerr; Publisher: Songs of Universal, Inc. / One Voice Global Publishing / Canal Music Publishing BV. All rights for One Voice Global Publishing and Canal Music Publishing BV controlled and administered by Songs of Universal, Inc./ Warner/Chappell Music Scandinavia AB (STIM)./ WB Music Corp. / Thankful For This Music (ASCAP). All rights o/b/o itself, Warner/Chappell Music Scandinavia AB, and Thankful For This Music administered by WB Music Corp.; Big Machine
– She was just 16 when she won on The Voice, and it has been a long dry spell since then. This sweet ditty celebrates the innocent joy of hearing a spirit-lifting tune on the radio. Lilting and listenable.

BILLY BURNETTE/Oh Well
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BB
-Billy salutes his rockabilly heritage with a mighty assist from slapping, stand-up bass player Mark Winchester. Rocking.

MAREN MORRIS ft. VINCE GILL/Dear Hate
Writers: Maren Morris/Tom Douglas/David Hodges; Producer: Brad Hill/Maren Morris; Publisher: International Dog Music (BMI) a division of Big Yellow Dog, LLC, adm by Words & Music, a Division of Big Deal Music, LLC.  Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Tomdouglasmusic (BMI). All rights adm by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; 3 Weddings Music (BMI). All rights adm by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing.; Columbia
– Very, very moving. The song addresses a variety of national tragedies involving blind violence and concludes that love will always win in the end. Deliberately released in the wake of the Las Vegas massacre, it could not come at a better time for our community. Well done.

 

TRACE ADKINS/Still A Soldier
Writers: Phil O’Donnell/Wade Kirby; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publisher: ole Purple Cape Music (BMI) admin by OLE, Paw and Pamaw Music (BMI), admin by OLE, Round Hill Works (BMI), Fat Pony Music (BMI) admin by Round Hill
Works.; BBR/Wheelhouse

– Trace has always been a huge supporter of our enlisted folks, and he makes it explicit in this chesty, proud anthem.

DUSTIN LYNCH/I’d Be Jealous Too
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BBR
– I fail to see what is “country” about this recording. Why don’t we just put a cowboy hat on Justin Bieber?

TRAVIS MEADOWS/Pray For Jungleland
Writers: Travis Meadows/Drew Kennedy; Producer: Jeremy Spillman; Publisher: none listed; Blaster (track)
– As you might guess from the title, this channels Bruce Springsteen. But this guy’s voice carries its own special charisma. Audio excitement.

 

DELTA RAE/No Peace In Quiet
Writers: Eric Hölljes /Tiffany Goss/Adam Wood; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: 2016 WB Music Corp. / Eric Hölljes Music (ASCAP). All rights o/b/o itself and Eric Hölljes Music administered by WB Music Corp./ Curb Congregation Songs (SESAC)./ Curb Songs (ASCAP); Valory
– Everything this band does is deliciously melodic and oh-so catchy. This gorgeous ballad is another perfect gem. Make room for this on your playlists, please.

KELLIE PICKLER/If It Wasn’t For A Woman
Writers: Kellie Pickler/Kyle Jacobs/Brian Bunn; Producer: Kyle Jacobs/Matt McClure; Publishers: Pickle Butt Publishing/I Hope Mamma Likes This Song Publishing/Kyroll Music (ASCAP/BMI); KP
– She is such a doll. This touching ballad is for the grandma who raised her.

TAYLOR HICKS/Six Strings and Diamond Rings
Writers: Jason Deer/Jo Smith/Don Rollins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sony RED/Modern Whomp
– This American Idol alumnus can sing, sing, sing. This well-written outing gives him plenty of space to phrase masterfully. The lyric tells the familiar saga of a traveling musician whose lifestyle wears on his marriage. Steel guitar star Robert Randolph provides superb instrumental support.

 

ADAM DOLEAC/Whiskey’s Fine
Writers: Adam Doleac/Monty Criswell; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Publishers: none listed; 287 (track)
– “Come on in, the whiskey’s fine,” he says to the old flame who knocks on his door in the dead of night. The lyric is sexy and his vocal delivery has plenty of passion. Judging by the EP’s jacket, I’m assuming that fiery electric guitar work is his, too.

DISClaimer: Montgomery Gentry Wins Disc of the Day

Click to read Eddie’s note about the song.

The pattern today seems to be downloads from established stars and physical product from newcomers. Of those downloads, the outstanding submission comes from Montgomery Gentry. “Better Me” wins the Disc of the Day prize. R.I.P. Troy.

Newcomer Russell Dickerson seems to have it all going on. His “Yours” is not only a winning love song, he sings it with enormous power and passion. Give that man a DisCovery Award.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Better Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes (download) 
—Very, very stirring. He’s trying to turn a page on his wilder days and live right. The track cooks with gas, and Troy sings his butt off. How sad and aching that one of the finest recorded performances of the duo’s career comes as a swansong. Play this, and then play it some more.

SARAH ANNE/Tammy Wynette
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; SA 
—It has the tempo of a dying mammoth, but her languid, heartsick performance is on the money. She seeks comfort and solace from a singer who has cried as hard as she does. Who better than the Heroine of Heartbreak, herself?

CHRIS YOUNG/Losing Sleep
Writers: Chris Young, Josh Hoge, Chris DeStefano; Producers: Corey Crowder, Chris Young; Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Goodbye Pants Music, EMI Foray Music, Write 2 Be Free Music, EMI April Music Inc., CDS Words and Music, BMI, SESAC, ASCAP, Adm by Sony/ATV; RCA (download) 
—Golly, this guy can sing. This power ballad exudes sensuous desire, whispered secrets and midnight intimacies. I remain an enormous fan.

CALICO THE BAND/The 405
Writer: K. Proffit; Producer: Steve Burns & Kristen Proffit; Publisher: none listed; California Country (track) (CALICOTHEBAND.com)
—The group is led by a female duo, Manda Mosher and Kristen Proffit. This breezy outing from its Under Blue Skies CD boasts wafting harmonies, sunny steel licks and a gently shuffling tempo. Who knew that traveling on an L.A. freeway could sound so pleasant?

BLAKE SHELTON/I’ll Name the Dogs
Writer: Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Round Hill Songs/Big Loud Proud Songs/WB Music/Thankful For This Music/Big Music Machine, BMI, ASCAP; Warner Bros. (download) 
—Totally cute and totally country. A hillbilly proposal that comes with a wink and a smile. Love it. He remains one of the finest honky-tonk singers on today’s scene.

SMITH & WESLEY/Superman for a Day
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Dream Walkin’ (CDX) 
—The vocals lack oomph. The song is kinda sappy.

COLE SWINDELL/Stay Downtown
Writer: Cole Taylor, Matt Dragstrem; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (CDX) 
—Extremely well written, slice-of-life lyrics. Minimal melodic qualities.

HOME FREE/In the Blood
Writer: John Mayer; Producer: Darren Rust; Publisher: John Maye/Milky Boy, GMR; Columbia (track) 
—The quintet has always been billed as country’s a cappella ensemble, yet the lead single from its new Timeless collection is a John Mayer tune. But stripping it down to its lyric reveals just how poetic and “country” the song really is. And there’s no getting around the fact that these guys are mighty, mighty singers. Well done.

KELSEA BALLERINI/High School
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Black River (download) 
—He refuses to grow up beyond a teen mentality. Her superb performance of this wooshy ballad is extraordinarily expressive, subtle and shaded. The sonic background effects are well placed and the soft, shimmering overall audio pallet is just lovely.

RUSSELL DICKERSON/Yours
Writer: Russell Dickerson/Casey Brown/Parker Welling; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers (track) ()
—The album with this title tune isn’t due until next month, but the song is already a streamed and video hit. It soars on the winds of new love and promise. The ballad is evidently becoming a wedding favorite, and I can hear why.

DISCovery winner Russell Dickerson.

DISClaimer: Newcomers Dylan Scott, Patrick Thomas Seize The Day

We say hello to a lot of old friends this week, yet it’s the newcomers who seize the day.

Teea Goans, Mac McAnally, Kelly Lang, Terry McBride and Dan Tyminiski are all here with splendid new discs. But listen to the youngsters, too.

Chief among these is Patrick Thomas. This Nashvillian’s breathtaking performance easily earns him a DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Dylan Scott. His fifth single, “My Girl,” finally got him on everbody’s radar. His sixth, “Hooked,” sounds like an even bigger winner.

PATRICK THOMAS/Katy
Writers: none listed, Producer: Mark Bright/Will Bowen; Publishers: none listed; PT (track)
– This former competitor on The Voice recently made news as the composer and lyricist of the Civil War musical The Battle of Franklin. His debut EP kicks off with this monumental power ballad that begins with his voice and piano, then builds to a crashing, thunderous shout of regret and heartbreak. A mighty, mighty sound. This man gleams with star potential.

TYMINSKI/Bloodline
Writers: Dan Tyminski/Cary Barlowe/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Jesse Frasure; Publisher: none listed, Mercury (track)
– This gifted singer/songwriter has been hiding his light under a bushel for far too long — as a sideman for Alison Krauss, as the heard-but-not-seen lead voice of the Grammy winning “Soggy Bottom Boys” and as a singer on Avicii’s international pop hit “Hey Brother.” His Southern Gothic solo debut CD drops next month. In advance comes this saga of a lifetime of music making backed by an imaginative electronic soundscape of washes, echoes and layered vocal phrasing. Ear opening.

LAURA LEIGH JONES/Love Bird Can’t Find Love No More
Writers: Jones/Ronnie Bowman; Producers: Brent Rader/Laura Leigh Jones; Publishers: Laura Leigh Jones/Ronnie Bowman/RaeLynn/Never Wanted Nothing More, BMI; LLJ (track)
– Snappy and scrappy. The fiddle-dominated acoustic bed is quickly joined by a rumbling, rapid rhythm track. She sings with fiery, feisty personality, and co-writer Bowman shadows her with flawless harmony singing on the choruses. Highly recommended.

KELLY LANG/My New Obsession
Writer: Kelly Lang; Producer: Kelly Lang; Publishers: none listed; Leopard
– Perennial “DISClaimer” fave Kelly Lang returns with a new collection titled Obsession. Its lead track has a retro-vibe, doo-wop flavored feeling with instantly-catchy hooks. Her throaty alto, as usual, is captivating.

MAC McANALLY/Southbound
Writers: Mac McAnally; Producer: Mac McAnally; Publishers: Beginner, ASCAP; Mailboat (track)
– Mac’s revival of the lovely 1995 hit he wrote for Sammy Kershaw has a lush, full-bodied, beautiful, symphonic backing track. That’s because his new CD by the same name is subtitled “The Orchestra Project.” This is an album to savor at leisure with your favorite smoke and libation.

TY THURMAN/East Tennessee Girl
WRiters: Gregory Tyson Thurman/Cory Young; Producer: Dave Demay; Publishers: Leap The Creek/Life Looks Best, ASCAP; Leap the Creek
– It’s a plinky-plunky ditty with a simple melody and even simpler lyrics. Pass.

TEEA GOANS/Go Down Swingin’
Writers: Sandy Ramos/Jerry Vandiver; Producer: Terry Choate; Publishers: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/BMG Gold/Miller’s Daughter/R2M, ASCAP; Crosswind (track)
– Our western-swing heroine returns with a CD titled Swing, Shuffle & Sway. This swingin’ little tune kicks if off with steel bopping smartly, fiddle sawing sprightly and toes tapping all around. Other tracks sample the catalogs of Mel Tillis, Don Gibson, Rory Bourke & Mike Reid, Richard Leigh & Gary Nicholson, Cindy Walker, Hank Cochran and the like, which should give you some idea of how classy this set is. And let me assure you, she absolutely knows how to sing them. I love her all to pieces. Always will.

DYLAN SCOTT/Hooked
Writers: Lindsay Rimes/Seth Ennis/Morgan Evans; Producers: Matt Alderman, Curt Gibbs, Jim Ed Norman; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Curb (CDX)
– He’s a somewhat everyday contemporary country male vocalist. But with a song this tough and a production this exciting, he sounds like so much more. A star-confirming disc. Play it again.

TONY JACKSON/Old Porch
Writers: Tony Jackson/Cole Capshaw; Producer: Donna Dean Stevens/Jim Della Croce; Publishers: none listed, BMI; DDS (CDX)
– His revival of “The Grand Tour” captured 20 million Facebook views. His self-penned follow-up is a gentle, breezy, summery slice of nostalgia. It name checks a teenage repertoire that included Hank, Garth, Stevie Ray and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

TERRY McBRIDE/Hotels & Highways
Writers: Terry McBride/Matt Rogers/Tommy Cecil; Producer: Terry McBride; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; MV2 Entertainment
– It has been awhile since we heard from Mr. McBride. This big, heart-in-throat performance makes me realize how much I’ve missed him. A welcome return.

DISClaimer: The Week In Americana

It’s Americana Music week here in Music City, and this edition of DisClaimer celebrates that fact.

There is a lot to like here. So much that we’re giving Disc of the Day prizes in Male, Female and Group categories. All three of them are going to Nashvillians. The Male disc du jour belongs to Derek Hoke. The always reliable Lee Ann Womack nails the Female division. The Group award goes to The McCrary Sisters.

The DisCovery Award goes to Travis Linville. He’s showcasing tonight.

RUSTY YOUNG/Gonna Let It Rain
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Blue Elan (track)
– This longtime mainstay of Poco has recorded his first solo CD, Waitin’ for the Sun. This track from it is on a Blue Elan compilation disc that was in the Americana convention’s goodie bag. It has an inspirational/gospel vibe with organ/guitar backing, loads of vocal harmonies and a deep, pounding rhythm track. Righteous.

CHRIS HILLMAN/Here She Comes Again
Writers: Chris Hillman/Roger McGuinn; Producer: Tom Petty; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
– He’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member with a musical journey that includes The Hillmen, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Desert Rose Band and more. This “lost” Byrds tune features chiming guitar, hearty vocal harmonies and a solid, country-rock groove. You’ll find it on Bidin’ My Time, which drops next Friday. Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson will hit Music City to promote it via an Opry appearance on the 30th and a City Winery performance the next night. Be there.

JEFFREY HALFORD & THE HEALERS/Door #3
Writers: Jeffrey Halford; Producer: Adam Rossi/Jeffrey Halford; Publishers: none listed; Shoeless (track)
– This Californian has stripped down his sound to just evocative twang guitar, thumpy drum and bass on his appropriately titled lo-fi dreams CD. This moody, lonely track finds him moaning for love in a dry, dusty, drawling voice. The lyrics are super cool throughout the set. Join this songwriter fan club at once.

LOWLAND HUM/Folded Flowers
Writers: Daniel Goans/Lauren Goans; producers: Daniel/Lauren Goans; Publisher: Daniel Levi Goans/ASCAP; LH (track)
– This folky duo has a current album called Thin that features this laconic, drowsy, lulling ditty. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening.

MICHAEL JOHNATHON/The Dream
Writers: Johnathon; Producer: Johnathon; Publishers: Rachelaubreymusicinc, BMI; Poet Man (track)
– Johnathon is perhaps best-known as the NPR/PBS host of Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour. The title tune of this folk singer’s latest outing features a full orchestra and multi-lingual children’s choirs. With over-the-top sincerity, it yearns for world peace. Thus, the record is being released on the International Day of Peace, which is next Thursday. Not my cup of tea, but whatever floats your boat.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Hollywood
Writers: Lee Ann Womack/Adam Wright/Waylon Payne; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publishers: none listed; ATO (download)
– Sad and ethereal. She sings of a fading relationship while a steel guitar sighs forlornly and a soprano wafts above. Echoey and haunting. Lee Ann’s Americana Week events include her YeeHaw Tent whoop-di-do tonight (Thursday, the 14th) and a Q&A appearance at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Ford Theater at 2 p.m. on Saturday (the 16th). The party for her CD The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone was Wednesday at The Crying Wolf. The collection drops on the 27th.

DEREK HOKE/Bring The Flood
Writers: Derek Hoke/Dexter Green; Producer: Dex Green; Publishers: Slow Hoke/Made With Blank Ink, BMI/ASCAP; Little Hollywood
– This East Nashvillian has a downbeat collection of overcast, shadowy, gloomy and utterly compelling tunes. This is its title track, an unsettling slab of doom with a demonic figure threatening spiritual destruction and soul annihilation. The crunch guitars and shuddering rhythms underscore his swampy vocal. Fascinating and essential.

THE MCCRARY SISTERS/Let It Go
Writers: Deborah Person/Kevin McKendree; Producer: Tommy Sims; Publishers: Person Mac/East Fork, BMI; MCC (track)
The McCrary Sisters Live CD and DVD is a showcase for how thrillingly accomplished Alfreda, Regina, Deborah and Ann have become as songwriters. There is one cover, of The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There,” but otherwise the set’s tunes are all originals. Deborah’s shoulder-shaking rhythm rocker is about shedding yourself of trials and tribulations. It will make you want to clap your hands, shout and maybe even pick up a tambourine like Regina does during the percussion-solo breakdown. You need the music of these soul-gospel women in your life.

Travis Linville

TRAVIS LINVILLE/Wishes
WRiters: Travis Linville; Producer: Travis Linville; Publishers: none listed; TL (track)
– This Oklahoman is best known as a sideman for Hayes Carll. But with his CD, Up Ahead, he has stepped into his own spotlight this year. Its current single has a buoyant, hopeful lyric delivered in a youthful tenor. Percussion rumbles in the background while his own guitar twangs along. Highly listenable. Catch him this evening, the 14th, at The Country as an Americana showcaser.

SARA PETITE/It Was Just A Kiss
Writer: Sara Petite; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Sweet P, BMI; Sweet P (track)
– This San Diego troubadour recorded her last two CDs in Nashville but for her current Road Less Traveled collection, she relied on her road band back home in California. This country-rock track illustrates how catchy a song crafter she can be, but also reveals her vocal tendency to slide into flat notes.

DISClaimer: Chase Rice, Zac Brown Band, Brandon Lay Top This Week’s Offerings

Country music returns to form in this post Labor Day season, and that means all boys, all the time.

There are two Disc of the Day awards, and both are production triumphs. They belong to Chase Rice and to the Zac Brown Band. These are singles that will tickle your ears.

The DisCovery Award goes to singer-songwriter Brandon Lay. He’s a sports-loving preacher’s kid from Jackson, TN, as you might guess from the lyrics of his debut single.

Did you miss me when I took last week off? Our San Diego vacation was delightful. In the city’s Balboa Park they have the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, and we caught a concert there. At Eddie V’s bar in Seaport Village, we grooved to the AJ. DeGrasse jazz trio. And just so you know, the two best places to buy vintage vinyl there are Record City in Hillcrest and Folk Arts Rare Records in North Park.

ZAC BROWN BAND/Roots
Writers: Zac Brown, Niko Moon, Ben Simonetti, and Coy Bowles; Producers: Dave Cobb and In The Arena Productions; Publishers: Day for the Dead Publishing, administered by Reach Music Tunes, SESAC / Siva Moon Publishing, all rights administered by W.B.M. Music Corp., SESAC / Simonetti Music Publishing, administered by Kobalt Group Publishing, SESAC; Warner Music
– The saga of a traveling minstrel, performed with loads of rhythmic punch, filled with delightfully complex layered tracks and soaked in glorious vocal harmonies. These guys rule.

OLD DOMINION/Written In The Sand
Writers: Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally; Producers: Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/GMR; RCA (track)
– Will the relationship last? It should, if she goes for lines this clever. “Are we written in the stars, or are we written in the sand?” “Are we names in a tattoo or just a number on a hand?” “Are we just a backseat, trying to get it while we can?” “Are we last-call kissin,’ or are will we be reminiscin’ for the next 40 years?”

DAN+SHAY/Road Trippin’
Writers: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Martin Johnson; Producers: Martin Johnson, Dan Smyers; Publishers: ã2016 WB Music Corp. / Beats and Banjos (ASCAP) / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. / Shay Mooney Music (BMI) / EMI April Music Inc. / Twintipskier Music (ASCAP); Warner Music
– I remain a fan. Hold onto summer a little bit longer with this sunny, breezy, thumpy ditty about vacation joys.

MIDLAND/Make A Little
Writers: Jess Carson/Cameron Duddy/Mark Wystrach/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producers: Dann Huff, Shane McAnally & Josh Osborne; Publishers: WB/TipTop/Tropical Cowboy/Warner-Tamerlane/Kitt Cass/Smack Hits/Smack Songs/Kobalt/Anderson Fork in the Road/Smackville, ASCAP/BMI/GMR; Big Machine
– Somewhat bland, under-produced country-rock that goes in one ear and out the other.

MATT & THE HERDSMEN/Miss My Chance
Writers: Matt Castillo/Eddie Seanz; Producer: David Perecefull; Publisher: none listed; BMI/SESAC; MH (track)
– This band is five Hispanic guys from Texas stirring an old-school country-rock stew. It sounds like live, raw, sawdust-floor, honky-tonk, beer-drinking music. However, neither the lead singer nor the production values are worth much.

BIG & RICH/Smoke In Her Eyes
Writers: John Rich/Rodney Clawson/Vicky McGehee; Producers: Big Kenny & John Rich; Publishers: J Money/Rich Entertainment Group/Kobalt/Round Hill Works/Big Loud Proud Crowd/Shirts at Work/Magic Mustang/Vick Town/BMG, ASCAP/BMI; Big & Rich/Thirty Tigers
-Don’t go near her: She’s not in the bar for a good time. She’s drinking off a bad goodbye. It’s well written, but a little “busy” sounding.

STEVE AZAR & THE KINGS MEN/Down At The Liquor Store
Writers: Steve Azar; Producers: Azar, AAron Bethune; Publishers: Just Al/Jigger & Jug, BMI; Ride (track)
– This is the title tune of a CD that pairs Azar with some of Mississippi’s top-flight sidemen, musicians who have played with Elvis, B.B. King and Little Milton. It is also the soundtrack of a documentary film titled Something In the Water. The Deep South vibe here is laid back, nostalgic, conversational and atmospheric.

BRANDON LAY/Speakers, Bleachers and Preachers
Writers: Brandon Lay/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni/Brandon Lay; Publishers:2017 Mid South Mood Maker Music/WB Music Corp. (ASCAP); Universal Music Works/We Are Creative Nation/Jake & Mack Music, admin. by Universal Music Works; Smack Hits/Smack Songs LLC, admin. by Kobalt Music Group Ltd. (GMR); EMI (CDX)
– Lotsa words and not much melody. But very evocative and listenable and radio ready.

DARIUS RUCKER/For The First Time
Writers: Darius Rucker/Derek George/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: 2017 Sony/ATV Accent/GrowingMusic Publishing; WB Music Corp./Funky Friars Music, admin. by WB Music Corp.; Scrambler Music/Abbotts Creek Music Two, a div. of Carnival Music Group (ASCAP); Capitol (CDX)
– Let yourself go and do something spontaneous while the steady, stomping tempo marches along relentlessly and hands clap in time. “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” asks Darius as the electric guitars grind.

CHASE RICE/Three Chords & The Truth
Writers: Chase Rice, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: © 2017 Sony/ATV Countryside (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC, Dack Janiels Publishing (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC, EMI, Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC, Rezolant Music (BMI) admin by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC, EMI April Music, Inc. (ASCAP) admin by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Used by permission; Broken Bow (ERG)
– “All I need is you, three chords and the truth.” With an echoey, swirling, shuddering undertow of a track as a backdrop, he sings of betting on your music dreams and getting lost in song. “Ring of Fire,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Copperhead Road,” “Amazing Grace,” “Mama Tried” and “Sweet Bye and Bye” all get shout outs. Audio magic.

DISClaimer: Americana Saviors

Come and save us, please, Americana music.

Country has created a radio format that’s almost unlistenable, with faceless men singing songs about nothing. Hip-hop all sounds the same. The pop teen-queens are just for kiddies. It seems that the only real, authentic artists are plying their trade in Americana.

We have two groups that are so strong that they are sharing the Disc of the Day prize today. They are Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit and The Jerry Douglas Band. Buy them both.

The DisCovery Award contest is among Paul Childers, The Hymn River Suite and our winner, the gripping Rod Melancon.

ROD MELANCON/With The Devil
Writers: Rod Melancon; Producer: Brian Whelan; Publishers: Rod Melancon, SESAC; Blue Elan (track)
– The album is aptly titled Southern Gothic, because the songs of this Louisiana native are dark and sometimes scary. Stark drum beats and spare electric guitar licks accent this spooky, dryly-sung saga of a serial killer. Elsewhere on the collection are rage, restlessness, psychedelia, yearning and righteously rocking grunge rock. Highly recommended.

 

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT/Hope The High Road
Writers: Jason Isbell; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Southeastern, BMI; Southeastern
– Americana king Isbell returns with a collection titled The Nashville Sound. This melodic, jangling country rocker urges romantic reconciliation while conceding none of his fierce integrity and individuality. Urgent and essential. All of the musical conversations on this album will remain with you long after the speakers go silent.

HYMN RIVER SUITE/Enough
Writers: none listed; Producers: Wes Sharon, Justin Mathenia, Amy Snyder; Publishers: none listed; CEN (track)
– This is a Midwestern brother-sister duo comprised of Justin Mathenia and Amy Snyder. Its Hundred Proof CD kicks off with this rouser. They do their best to stir up excitement, but the band sounds sort of thin. More production, please.

THE JERRY DOUGLAS BAND/Hey Joe
Writers: Billy Roberts; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Publisher: Third Palm, BMI; Rounder (track)
– Just because he’s with The Earls of Leicester and Alison Krauss & Union Station, don’t expect Jerry’s new band to come out with any kind of traditional sounding CD. The dobro master leads the group through a lickety-split acoustic take on this Jimi Hendrix/Leaves/Cher classic from the ‘60s, embellished with jazzy horns, no less. Elsewhere on the album, you’ll find a soul/blues version of a Tom Waits tune, a bebop jazz outing, complex time signatures and an almost symphonic feeling. Ear tickling in the extreme.

 

AMANDA ANNE PLATT & THE HONEYCUTTERS/Birthday Song
Writers: Amanda Anne Platt; Producers: Amanda Anne Platt & Tim Surrett; Publishers: Birdie May/Asheville Forest, SESAC; Organic (track)
– I have always liked this band. Formerly known as The Honeycutters, the new billing and album title accurately reflects the fact that Platt has always been the centerpiece as its singer, songwriter and producer. This kickoff track has a laid-back, meditative, philosophical, conversational vibe that is extremely endearing. This sidles right up to you and becomes your instant buddy. I remain a fan.

PAULA COLE/God Bless The Child
Writers: Billie Holida/Arthur Herzog Jr.; Producer: Paula Cole; Publishers: none listed; 675 (track)
– The “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone” and “I Don’t Want to Wait” hit maker of the ‘90s is back with a self-produced collection called Ballads. It covers standards (”Blue Moon:”), torch tunes (”I Cover the Waterfront”), folk (”The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll”), country classics (”Ode to Billy Joe”), jazz chanteuse chestnuts (”What a Little Moonlight Can Do”) and more. This version of Billie Holiday’s 1939 gem demonstrates the clarity of tone and sure footed phrasing she brings to all 20 tunes. It’s the American songbook of the Gershwins, Jerome Kern, Johnny Mercer, Frank Loesser, Rodgers & Hart, Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Green, plus a whole lot more.

PAUL CHILDERS/Music Pulls You Through
Writers: Paul Childers; Producer: Paul Childers/Ace Lutz; Publishers: none listed; LP (track)
– This Nashville singer-songwriter is only 22, but there is striking maturity to be found on his disc debut, Naked Poetry. This jazzbo, horn-bedecked, soul goover is pop paradise. And, yes, those are his own Strat lead-guitar lines that you hear on this CD. A strikingly accomplished first-time effort.

SLAID CLEAVES/Take Home Pay
Writers: Slaid Cleaves/Rod Picott; Producer: Scrappy Jud Newcomb; Publisher: Magic Rat/Welding Rod, BMI; Candy House
– This soft-voiced Americana veteran has been in the trenches for years. He’s one of the genre’s finest songwriters, as this portrait of an aging manual laborer makes plain. You’ll find it on Slaid’s latest collection, Ghost on the Car Radio.

 

ALAN RHODY/I’ll Be True To You
Writers: Alan Rhody; Producer: Alan Rhody; Publishers: Sony/ATV, BMI; Ashwood (track)
– Music City troubadour Alan Rhody has a new CD titled Farther On. It features his songwriting collaborations with Guy Clark, Murray McLauchlan and Don Henry, as well as a feast of solo works. Not the least of the latter is this No. 1 hit sung by The Oak Ridge Boys in 1978. Rhody’s guitar-vocal version is stunning, revealing just how powerful the original, long version of the song really was/is. This fellow is one of those rare individuals who can hold you completely spellbound with just his axe and his voice.

MICHAEL HURLEY & JON NEWFELD/Pastures Of Plenty
Writers: Woody Guthrie; Producer: Jon Newfeld, Joe Seamons, Bill Murlin; Publishers: Woody Guthrie/Ludlow, BMI; Smithsonian
– On the double CD Roll Columbia, you’ll find members of R.E.M., The Decemberists and Black Prairie plus a host of Americana solo acts reinterpreting 26 Woody Guthrie songs. Among his so-called Northwest songs are some of his best known — “Hard Travelin,” “Roll On Columbia” (the state song of Washington), “Grand Coolee Dam,” “Talking Columbia,” “It Takes a Worried Man” and the like. Here, Greenwich Village folk vet Michael Hurley sings another of Guthrie’s timeless tunes. Guess what? Things aren’t much different for migrant agricultural workers today.