DISClaimer: Willie’s ‘True Love’ Wins The Day

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To reverse a common expression: Out with the new, in with the old.

At 83 years young, Willie Nelson has the masterpiece du jour with his “True Love.” Written and sung by a master, it is head and shoulders above every other disc in this week’s stack. It is easily the Disc of the Day.

Mind you, there is plenty of “new” here to like, as well. In fact, there is so much talent among today’s first timers that the DisCovery Award is split three ways.

The male winner is a fellow named Blane Howard, who has an instant wedding classic for your listening pleasure. Blane moved to Nashville from Arkansas to attend Belmont, and now it sounds like he’s on his way.

The female honor goes to Brooke Woods, who has a dandy, sunny bopper. I know nothing about her, since her website refuses to open.

The group award goes to The Buffalo Ruckus, who have the freshest and most innovative country-rock sound I’ve heard in ages. These Texas boys sound like they carry their stompin’ party with them wherever they go.

NOE PALMA/I’ll Be Your Whiskey
Writers: Ryan Griffin/Jason Matthews/Emily Shackelton; Producer: Bart Busch & Jason Matthews; Publisher: none listed
– It says here that he’s a firefighter in Kansas City. Based on this full-throated, super melodic performance, I’d say its time he lit a fire under a country-music career. Well done, son.

THE BUFFALO RUCKUS/Born To Die
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed
– Rumbling thunder rolls through this rocking track. The bass-heavy production, dramatic guitar slashes, driving percussion and howling, passionate, edge-of-the-seat vocal performance are all fantastically gripping. A wild ride that’s packed with energy, energy, energy.

WILLIE NELSON/True Love
Writers: Willie Nelson/Buddy Cannon; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Sony-ATV Countryside/Run Slow, BMI/ASCAP
– Heart tugging and utterly gorgeous. Nelson’s tender reading of this ballad is nothing short of brilliant, and Cannon’s production swirls around him like smoke. Play this and believe. The exquisite new album that contains this is titled God’s Problem Child. Buy it now.

SONIA LEIGH/Jack Is Back
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sonia Leigh & Anthony Olympia; Publisher: none listed
Her performance is quite startling and edgy. The production is even more eyebrow raising, what with its processed vocal effects and pop/rock attack. Fascinating, if not exactly straight-down-the-middle country.

BRAD PAISLEY/Last Time For Everything
Writers: Brad Paisley/Smith Ahnquist/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois/Mike Ryan; Producer: Luke Wooten & Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP
– Nostalgia has never sounded better. He looks back at his youth and realizes that so many of those experiences will never be repeated. Meanwhile, guitars stutter around him and the arrangement roars. Brad wins yet again.

JOE LASHER JR./Tap A Tall Light
Writers: Jeremy Stover/Jaren Johnston; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP
– Very sincere sounding. He sings like he’s sitting right next to you, which is the mark of a real communicator. It doesn’t hurt that the song is splendidly written.

BLANE HOWARD/Promise To Love Her
Writers: Blane Howard/Jordan Kyle Reynolds; Producer: Brad Hill & Blane Howard; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP
– It’s a power ballad sung by a resonant baritone who’s pledging true romance. A ready-made wedding anthem. What’s not to love?

BROOKE WOODS/God Bless The World
Writers: Alex Call/Robby Calvo; Producer: Mark Coleman & Brooke Woods; Publisher: none listed
– The production pumps mightily, defying you to stay in your chair. If the lyric is a little on the goody-two-shoes side, the soaring melody makes up for it.

SARABETH/I Want It That Way
Writers: Andreas Michael Carlsson/Max Martin; Producer: Glen Mitchell; Publisher: none listed
– I never understood this lyric when The Backstreet Boys sang it. I still don’t.

JOHN HORD/More Than I’m Used To
Writers: John Hord; Producer: Rosewood Studios; Publisher: none listed, BMI
– There’s nothing really wrong with it, except that it is average. And compared to the rest of what we’re hearing this week, that just won’t cut it.

 

DISClaimer: Miranda Lambert, Nora Collins Make Top Contenders

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Miranda Lambert. Photo: Becky Fluke

It’s Ladies’ Day here at DisClaimer.

All of DisCovery Award contenders are members of the fairer sex — Chandler Stephens, Kayla Calabrese and our winner, singer-songwriter Nora Collins.

The Disc of the Day prize also goes to a female artist, the peerless and justly much awarded Miranda Lambert.

CHANDLER STEPHENS/Patchwork Heart
Writers: none listed; Producer: Keith Thomas; Publisher: none listed; Patchwork Heart
– Newcomer Stephens has assembled quite a team, ranging from ace producer Keith Thomas to attorney Jim Zumwalt and marketer Paul Williams. This video/single from her This Is My Life EP soars with sincerity. Her phrasing has loads of finesse, her sense of vocal dynamics is spot-on, and her range is admirable. Extremely promising.

JIMMY FORTUNE & RICKY SKAGGS/Wake Up Little Susie
Writers: Felice & Boudleaux Bryant; Producer: Ben Isaacs; Publishers: House of Bryant/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; Gaither (track)
– Statler Brothers alumnus Fortune has a new collection titled Sings the Classics that finds this able tenor tackling everything from Nashville Sound ballads to country-rock chestnuts, from pop oldies to Louisiana odes. He and guest Ricky Skaggs sound like they’re having a ball with this rollicking 1957 Everly Brothers rockabilly gem. A guaranteed smile.

JULIA CAPOGROSSI/What I’m Thinkin’
Writers: Julia Capogrossi; Producer: Denny Martin; Publisher: none listed; JC
– Perky and pert, this gal has a saucy lilt in her delivery. The song is about falling for a charming, Southern-fried beau.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Tin Man
Writers: Lambert/Jack Ingram/Jon Randall; Producers: Frank Liddell/Glenn Worf/Eric Masse; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Beat Up Ford/BMG Platinum/SWMBGMBMI/Lonesome Vinyl/BMG Rights, BMI; RCA (track)
– Have I mentioned that I think Miranda’s double CD The Weight of These Wings is a stone masterpiece? Its third single is an airy, aching ballad with lots of open space in its simple, spare arrangement. Oh, and it is breathtakingly gorgeous. A performance to get lost in.

 
JOEY FEEK/Red
Writers: Rory Feek/Keith Hunley; Producers: Rory Feek/Bill McDermott; Publisher: ole Black in the Saddle/ole Giantslayer/Hunley, ASCAP; Gaither (track)
– She recorded the new If Not For You CD when she was still billed as “Joey Martin” in 2005. Following her tragic passing last year, widower Rory Feek dusted off these tracks and has now issued them as a memorial to her. This track even has a vintage video that keeps this stellar singer’s memory and image alive. I always thought she had one of the coolest country voices, and it shines on this feisty, lickety-split, hillbilly rocker about being a redneck.

KAYLA CALABRESE/Me Time
Writers: Steve Dorff/Frank Myers; Producer: Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Monarch
-It’s a stomper with attitude, and she delivers it with plenty of moxie. The production is big, but her vocal is even bigger. Go, girl.

COLT FORD & TAYLOR RAY HOLBROOK/Reload
Writers: Jared Sciullo/Charlie Farley/Austin Jenckes; Producer: Noah Gordon/Shannon Houchins; Publisher: Riley Payton/Farley/Nettwerk One A Music US/Songs of Revelry/Lake Gloria,SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes
– Thanks to Holbrook’s strong singing, this has more musicality than most of Ford’s hick-hop tracks. I can’t say that I’m crazy about the lyric’s mucho macho threat of violence.

NORA COLLINS/Guess I Woulda Known By Now
Writers: Collins/Kennedy; Producer: Tony Harrell; Publisher: none listed; MV2 (track)
– Love her country drawl, as well as the fact that she applies it to such a contemporary song and production. Her personality pulls you into this power ballad like a magnet. An unmistakable winner. Also check out her dynamite previous single/video “Recover.” Sign me up for the fan club.

 

TONY McKEE & ERIC LEE BEDDINGFIELD/Problem With Me
Writers: Tony McKee/Rob Crosby; Producer: Eric Lee Beddingfield; Publisher: none listed; BarFrog
– He’s sick and tired of, well, just about everything. It has some muddled jive about values, economic injustice, political correctness, religion expression, wounded warriors, wasting money overseas and “being true to what I am and what I ain’t.” Whatever that is.

ROYAL WADE KIMES/Cowboy On The Loose
Writer: Royal Wade Kimes; Producers: George Bradfute, Mike Noble, Royal Wade Kimes: Publishers: Blue Whistler, ASCAP; Wonderment
– This former Asylum Records artist is now billed as “The Gentleman Outlaw.” His new CD Love of a Cowboy kicks off with this toe-tapping country rocker. The band cooks, and his vocal rolls along with confidence. Very listenable.

DISClaimer: Americana’s Top-Shelf Stars, Sizzling Newcomers In The Spotlight

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Americana, country music’s kissing cousin, today shows that it can field a team of writer-artists that’s easily the equal of Music Row’s most commercial record makers.

Malcolm Holcombe, Sunny Sweeney, Tift Merritt and Chip Taylor all have gripping tales to tell this week.

So does singer-songwriter Matt Urmy, who hauls in the DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day is a tie between David Olney, who is a songwriter’s songwriter, and the always enthralling Rodney Crowell, who dazzles with words as well as the star power of his trio with John Paul White and Rosanne Cash.

TIFT MERRITT/Love Soldiers On
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Yep Roc (track)
– The latest collection from this outstanding writer-artist is title Stitch of the World. Its first emphasis track is smokey, bluesy, languid tune. Her soprano hesitates and drawls in all the right places as she delivers its message of believing in the ultimately healing power of love.

DAVID OLNEY/Don’t Try To Fight It
Writers: Olney/Kane; Producer: Brock Zeman; Publishers: Red Lily/Little Duck, ASCAP/SESAC; Red Parlor (track)
– The great Olney returns with this moody, groovy title track of his latest CD. His protagonist gazes into a dark, dank world and concludes that it’s best to go with the flow. The track rumbles and grumbles around him, offering its own commentary on the status quo. Elsewhere on the collection are his eclectic, eccentric characters who fulminate, lie, steal, love and think too much. As usual, the songs are fantastic. The imaginative textures added by his new producer Zeman make this the most splendid David Olney album in years.

JESSI COLTER/Mercy and Loving Kindness (Psalm 136)
Writers: Jessi Colter; Producer: Lenny Kaye; Publishers: none listed; Legacy (track)
– Colter’s new collection’s lyrics are all drawn from the Bible’s psalms. She adds distinctive melodies based on her inimitable piano style. On this track, producer Kaye mixes in mandolin, mellotron, bass and wafting backing vocals. The effect is quite lovely, in an airy, inspirational kinda way. Jessi Colter’s other current project, by the way, is a gentle, gracious memoir titled An Outlaw and a Lady.

 

MATT URMY & JOHN PRINE/Out Of The Ashes
Writers: Matt Urmy; Producers: Cowboy Jack Clement/ Matt Urmy; Publishers: none listed; Tritone (track)
– Nashville singer-songwriter Matt Urmy was thrilled when the late, legendary Jack Clement agreed to work with him. When the album was nearly completed in 2010, Clement’s studio/home burned and Urmy believed his record had literally gone up in smoke. Miraculously, its raw files were saved. To celebrate, Urmy wrote this for Clement as a phoenix statement. John Prine agreed to make it a duet, and the addition of a chorus added just the right gospel flavor. Now, it is the collection’s title tune.

THE MAVERICKS/Damned (If You Do)
Writers: Raul Malo/Alan Miller; Producer: Raul Malo/Miko Bolas; Publishers: Malo/Wixen/Miller’s Tale/Me Gusta; BMI/ASCAP; Mondo Mundo/Thirty Tigers
– The debut single from The Mavericks’ just-released Brand New Day album is relentless, low burning, torrid, midtempo track that explores the swirling conflicts of romance. The sizzling electric guitar, blazing accordion and churning percussion are particular audio delights.

SUNNY SWEENEY/Better Bad Idea
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: none listed; Thirty Tigers
– In any kind of a just universe, this woman would be a country superstar. Alas, she is too country for country. On this track from her new Trophy album, she rocks smartly with a tangy Texas twang and some snarling backing instrumentation. On the rest of this sterling collection, you’ll find booze, pills, divorce, longing, death, celebration and many other topics that make her one of our most credible and authentic roots artists. Highly recommended.

 

RODNEY CROWELL, JOHN PAUL WHITE, & ROSANNE CASH/It Ain’t Over Yet
Writers: Rodney Crowell; Producers: Jordan Lehning/Kim Bule; Publishers: Coolwell, ASCAP; New West (track)
– Crowell has just issued Close Ties as his once-more victorious return to fighting form as a writer. This track meditates on aging and experience with a track that clicks along at a sprightly pace. The dazzling lyric is made even more vivid as his guests take their turns as singers. Then the trio singing at the finale adds the icing on the cake. Mickey Raphael closes the whole thing out with a harmonica solo. P.S.: Buy this one on vinyl.

MALCOLM HOLCOMBE/Pretty Little Troubles
Writers: Malcolm Holcombe; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publishers: Gypsy Eyes, BMI; Gypsy Eyes (track)
– Holcombe’s blues-soaked, whiskey rasp makes him sound aged and barely coherent. But as he drawls his way through this lightly swinging title tune of his latest collection, you smile and nod in sympathy. Why complain? You’ll still be just as broke and busted whether you do or you don’t. Producer Scott has surrounded this ol’ boy with an awesome studio band. You’ll savor every note, as well as every lyric.

CHIP TAYLOR/A Song I Can Live With
Writers: Chip Taylor, Producers: Goran Grini/Chip Taylor; Publishers: Back Road/Sony, BMI; Train Wreck (track)
– Thanks to “Wild Thing,” “Angel of the Morning,” “Any Way That You Want Me,” “I Can Make It With You,” “Son of a Rotten Gambler” and “Try Just a Little Bit Harder,” Taylor entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame last year. After a career as a country-rock pioneer, he left music in 1980 to become a professional gambler. Since returning in 1996, he has become one of Americana music’s most prolific record makers. This slow, measured title ballad of his latest, is delivered in a whispered vocal as he vows undying love and prays for a final great musical statement. It practically makes you hold your breath as you listen.

BETH GARNER/Snake Farm
Writers: Hubbard; Producer: Beth Garner/Randy Kohrs; Publishers: none listed; The Music of Nashville (track)
– The title tune of this lady’s CD is the only song on it that she didn’t write. Its author is Ray Wylie Hubbard, who is being inducted into Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. Garner delivers it with plenty of personality. Also plenty of electric-blues guitar, since she’s an ace picker, as well as a writer and singer. Garner has paid dues in the honky tonks of Lower Broadway for years, and her experience shows in the confidence and professionalism that’s all over this collection. Blues and roots-rock programmers take heed.

 

DISClaimer: Nashville’s Sounds Of Classical, Jazz, Neo-Soul, Rock

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Muddy Magnolias

Today’s survey of Nashville’s non-country scene spans both generations and styles.

Classical works by Cristina Spinei and The Nashville Symphony sit alongside jazz by Bryan Cumming, electronic music by Lambchop and rock by The Cold Stares. Buzz Cason dates from the dawn of Music City rock in the 1950s. Olivia Newton-John won her Nashville music awards in the 1970s. Ed Fitzgerald endures from the city’s new-wave scene of the 1980s.

This week’s DisCovery Award goes to the neo soul duo Muddy Magnolias. The Disc of the Day is Liv On, by Beth Nielsen Chapman, Olivia Newton-John & Amy Sky.

ED FITZGERALD/In These Hills
Writers: J.E. Fitzgerald; Producers: Gary Laney/Ed Fitzgerald; Publishers: Muzzy Lake, ASCAP; Telephone (track)
– With his band Civic Duty, Fitzgerald was a mainstay of Nashville’s new-wave rock scene of the ‘80s. His new music has an evocative, spaghetti-western vibe. As always, his electric guitar work is exemplary and his lyrics haunt. On this lonesome-sounding CD title tune, Judi Fitzgerald takes the lead vocal. These tracks belong on cool movie soundtracks.

AMY SKY, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, AND BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN/Sand and Water
Writer: Beth Nielsen Chapman; Producers: Olivia Newton-John, Beth Nielsen Chapman & Amy Sky; Publishers: BNC, ASCAP; OBA/UMG
– Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Beth Nielsen Chapman has written one of the best meditations on mortality of all time. On the CD Liv On, she performs it with Canadian star Amy Sky and international icon Olivia Newton-John. The three also collaborate on 10 other songs of healing and grieving on the collection. This record is essential.

THE COLD STARES/Fire In The Sand
Writers: Chris Tapp/The Cold Stares; Producers: Tres Sasser/The Cold Stares; Publishers: none listed; TCS (track)
– Like the enormously popular Black Keys and White Stripes, Nashville’s The Cold Stares are a guitar-drums rock duo. You won’t believe how much sound they can coax out of just two instruments. This pile-driving track from their CD A Cold Wet Night and a Howling Wind has almost frightening fire, grit and passion. This sucker grabs you by the throat and squeezes hard.

BRYAN CUMMING/Come Out Swinging
Writers: Bryan Cumming; Producer: Bryan Cumming; Publishers: none listed; BC (track)
– The title tune of Cumming’s CD does just what its title promises. It’s a finger-snapping, jazzy hipster tune with the whole combo delivering the goods. Kelli Cox tickles the ivories. Adam Mormolstein taps the skins. John Vogt thumps the bass. Cumming sings and plays just about anything he chooses. In addition to his original tunes, the CD has versions of ditties by Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Nat King Cole, Isham Jones and other classic-era swingers.

BRIGITTE DEMEYER & WILL KIMBROUGH/Mockingbird Soul
Writers: DeMeyer/Kimbrough;Producer: Sean Sullivan; Publishers: none listed; BDM (track)
– If there is one man in Music City’s pop pantheon who can do no wrong, it is Will Kimbrough. His latest venture is a spare duet CD with fellow Nashvillian Brigitte DeMeyer. Its title tune combines her soulful, sultry, sandpapery, bluesy lead vocals with his tasty guitar licks and hushed harmony singing. There is not one false note on this entire collection, because these two are audio perfection.

BUZZ CASON/Passion
Writers: Buzz Cason; Producer: Buzz Cason; Publisher: Buzz Cason, ASCAP; ArenA (track)
– Sixty years ago, Buzz Cason was a member of The Casuals, Nashville’s first rock ‘n’ roll band. In the decades since, he’s collaborated with Jimmy Buffett, sung hits as “Garry Miles,” been a background vocalist for dozens of stars, owned a hit-making studio and co-written “Everlasting Love,” “Love’s the Only House,” “Soldier of Love” and more. He’s still bopping right along, as this toe-tapping title tune to his latest CD attests.

THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY/Metropolitan Symphony: V. Red Cape Tango
Writer: Daugherty; Producer: Blanton Alspaugh; Publisher: peermusic Classical, BMI; Naxos
– The organization just hauled in three Grammy Awards for its 2016 CD of Michael Daugherty’s “Tales of Hemingway” (It now has 11 Grammys in all). So how fitting to have a Best Of album that includes more Daugherty composing gems, plus a pair of selections by Stephen Paulus (with whom it has also been Grammy awarded) and pieces by Piazzolla, Sierra and Danielpour. Put it on, turn it up and fill your house with the sound of our very biggest band.

VOXARE STRING QUARTET/Meet Me Under The Clock
Writers: Cristina Spinel; Producer: Cristina Spinel; Publisher: none listed; Toccata Classics
-Cristina Spinei is a Nashville-based classical composer/producer whose works are characterized by minimal, yet highly rhythmic notes. Her Music For Dance CD includes this chiming, ear tickling delight that features vibes by Colleen Phelps and cello by Sari De Leon Reist, both of whom are also Music City residents. The Toccata Classics imprint is distributed by the Nashville based Naxos label.

MUDDY MAGNOLIAS/Brother, What Happened?
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Third Generation
– This female duo (Jessy Wilson & Kallie North) stirs a pot of simmering neo soul on its new Broken People CD. The single/video is an uplifting call for love and peace. Righteous sounding.

DISClaimer: Top-Shelf Melodies, Real-Life Lyrics Return To Country Music

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Delta Rae

Glory, hallelujah.

In this week’s “DisClaimer,” melodies you can sing along with, harmonies that tickle your ears and real-life lyrics that fire your brain have returned to the country music landscape. I don’t know when I’ve had a better listening day.

Around every corner is a delight, thanks to Eric Church, Steve Moakler, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Delta Rae, Bobby Bare, Angaleena Presley and Ray Scott. Whoopie.

Sorting all this out into awards categories was a problem. In squeaky-tight contests, I’m giving Disc of the Day to Eric Church and the DisCovery Award to Delta Rae. The band has been around the block a few times, but this is its first appearance in the column.

 

RAY SCOTT/Livin’ This Way
Writer: Ray Scott; Producer: Michael Hughes; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Jethropolitan
– His baritone is one of the most charismatic voices in country music. In this compelling, rampaging “outlaw” thumper, he knows full well that he’s killing himself with drink and drugs to get over her. I rode this journey all the way with him. Then I played it again. Great stuff.

BOBBY BARE/Things Change
Writers: Bobby Bare/Jeff Hyde/Roger Springer; Producers: Jimmy Ritchie/Max T. Barnes; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Hypermedia (CDX)
– Bobby drawls his way into this philosophical toe tapper with characteristic personality and warmth. Solid proof that this Hall of Famer still has what it takes to craft a winner. He might just be the World’s Coolest Human.

ANGALEENA PRESLEY/Wrangled
Writer: Angaleena Presley; Producers: Angaleena Presley/Oran Thornton; Publishers: WB/Mountain Girl/Vistaville, ASCAP; Mining Light/Thirty Tigers
– Get ready for a stunning collection from the brunette member of The Pistol Annies. Due in three weeks, it is a set of songs that touch on her hard-knocks trip through the country music business. This title tune is a sultry saga of a woman’s dissatisfaction with the everyday dullness of housewifery. Guests on the CD include Jack Ingram, Yelawolf, Morgane Stapleton and Walker County, as well as Miranda and Ashley. Her stellar songwriting collaborators include Guy Clark, Chris Stapleton and Wanda Jackson, but this gal does just fine on solo writes, too. Start saving your pennies now. This set is absolutely worth buying.

STEVE MOAKLER/Wheels
Writers: Steve Moakler/Gordie Sampson/Caitlyn Smith; Producer: Luke Laird; Publishers: Highway 76/Creative Pulse/These Are Pulse/BMG Firefly/Dash8/Warner Tamerlane/Songs of the Corn, BMI/ASCAP; Creative Nation
– The new CD by my fellow Pittsburgh native is titled, fittingly, Steel Town. He’s proved himself as an accomplished songwriter for others (”Riser” by Dierks, etc.), but Moakler’s new single is a stellar effort for himself. It’s a rushing, breezy and very cool metaphor about motion being just like life. Love it. Love him.

ERIC CHURCH/Round Here Buzz
Writers: none listed; Producers: Jay Joyce; Publishers: none listed; EMI
– I fell hard for this somber portrait of small-town, high-school, dead-end life. He’s downing beers, missing the gal who got out while he stayed behind. Eric’s vocal phrasing is always gripping, but perhaps on this ballad more than ever.

 

CORTNI BIRD/Men Don’t Have It Like That
Writer: Cortni Bird; Producer: Mark Mosley; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; C-Hawk (CDX)
– The production is alternately too bottom heavy, too thin or too jumbled. On top of that, she’s not much of a singer.

TIM McGRAW AND FAITH HILL/Speak To A Girl
Writers: Shy Carter/Dave Gibson/Joe Sparger; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Sony
– Their finest collaboration yet. Tim and Faith’s previous duets have been love songs. This one has a lyric about communication and understanding. The strong ballad is matched by excellent vocal phrasing by both. A stone smash.

JAMES ROBERT WEBB/Six Strings & The Truth
Writers: James Robert Webb; Producers: James Robert Webb/Daniel Kleindienst; Bison Creek (CDX)
– It’s the story of a guy who’s doing his best to entertain and getting “high fives from a crowd in cowboy boots.” Sorry, but you won’t be getting any hand claps from this member of the crowd.

JAKE OWEN/Good Company
Writers: Matt Alderman/Tommy Cecil/Jared Mullins; Producers: Lukas Bracewell/Jake Owen; Publishers: Curb Congregation/Sixteen Stars/Hori Pro/Big Deal Beats/Words & Music, SESAC/BMI; RCA (track)
– He’s still doing that non-stop party bop.

DELTA RAE/A Long and Happy Life
Writers: Ian Holljes/Eric Holljes; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; Valory Music
-Joyous. Celestial. A sonic celebration. It made my heart beat faster, my lips smile and my booty move. These folks sing like angels. Stardom awaits.

DISClaimer: Alison Krauss Offers Flawless New Music

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The news in country-music land is not so good this week.

At least half of the discs in this week’s column are forgettable. Plus, we have no outstanding newcomer to claim a DisCovery Award.

So here are the bright spots. The always flawless Alison Krauss wins the Disc of the Day prize. Also deserving your attention are the new tunes from LANco and Little Big Town.

That’s it.

COFFEY ANDERSON/Bud Light Blue
Writers: Jeffrey Jay/Muarizio Lobina/Massimo Gabutti/Coffey Anderson; Producers: Ilya Toshinsky & Coffey Anderson; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; Patriot Road (CDX)
– “Her eyes are Bud-Light blue?” Give me a break.

JACOB DAVIS/What I Wanna Be
Writers: Jacob Davis/Forest Glen Whitehead/Adam Hambrick; Producer: Forest Glen Whitehead; Publishers: Songs of Black River/Bent Prop/Write Me Like You Mean It/Ole Red Cape/Red Like the Sunset/Ole, ASCAP; Black River
– It lacks a melody. The production is bland. It ain’t very country.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Happy People
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hailey Whitters; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
– Merrily bopping, with a burbling rhythm track and sunshine-y vocals. Let’s face it: These folks just don’t know how to make a bad record.
 

 

ROBBIE ROBINSON/This Is The Life
Writers: Robbie Robinson; Producers: Robbie Robinson, Mark Prentice & Doug Wayne Holmquist; Publishers: none listed; BMI; GIM (CDX)
– You can produce. You can write. You cannot sing.

SMITH & WESLEY/The Little Things
Writers: Scott Smith/Todd Smith/Evan Kennedy; Producer: Shayne Hill; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Dreamwalkin’ (CDX)
– Thuddingly dull and ordinary.

LANco/Greatest Love Story
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista (ERG)
– Nicely done. She leaves him behind for college and higher aspirations. But true love eventually triumphs. I love the story. The performance is packed with sincerity. The tune is catchy. The whole thing sounds like a big ol’ hit.
 

 

ALISON KRAUSS/Losing You
Writers: P. Havet/J. Renard/C. Sigman; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publishers: Romantic/Tropicales/Universal/Music Sales Corp., ASCAP; Capitol (track)
– I have always thought that this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. The exquisitely crafted, minor-key bridge, alone, is worth the price of admission. Brenda Lee’s torchy pop 1963 original was a cry of anguish. Alison’s revival slows the song to a sad sigh of resignation. In place of the sunburst trumpet obligato in the pop version is a poetic steel passage by Mike Johnson. Heavenly listening. Also on Alison’s new Windy City LP are treatments of Brenda’s 1962 hit “All Alone Am I,” plus Willie Nelson’s “I Never Cared for You,” Roger Miller’s “River in the Rain,” Johnny & Jack’s “Poison Love,” Vern Gosdin’s “Dream of Me,” Glen Campbell’s “Gentle On My Mind” and more shining gems.

KENNY DAVIN FINE & THE TENNESSEE TEXANS/Gotta Be Good
Writers: Kenny Davin Fine; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Higher Ground (CDX)
– Old-time rock ‘n’ roll, accented with a steel guitar and a wailing female guest vocalist. Worth a listen. Once.

SARAH DARLING/Where Cowboys Ride
Writers: Sarah Ann Darling/Zach Runquist; Producer: Larissa Maestro; Publisher: Be Darling/Runquist, BMI; Be Darling (track)
– The male harmony singer nicely balances her lilting, wafting soprano tone. The delicate, acoustic-based arrangement and production are lovely. She has always made winning records. Give this gal the airplay shot she deserves.
 

 

DAN+SHAY/ When I Pray For You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Southern Ground/Warner (ERG)
– The song is solid, and the vocal performance is on the money. The production seems needlessly layered and fussy. They have done better, but this will do for now.

DISClaimer: Indies, Newcomers Top The List

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Caroline Jones

The major labels are all missing in action this week, but that doesn’t mean that we have no reviewing work to do.

There are a host of indies out there just dying to fill any vacated playlist holes. And I always think it is a healthy sign when a listening session is filled with newcomers.

In fact, all of our best entries this week come from first timers. Marty Rhone, Ty Williams, Lisa Bouchelle, National Park Radio and Caroline Jones have the finest listening experiences this week.

Lisa Bouchelle is teamed with established star John Popper, so that kind of makes her ineligible for a DisCovery Award. Instead, her duet gets the Disc of the Day prize.

Among the other four, Caroline Jones has the most innovative sound, while Marty Rhone has the most ear-catching song. They share the DisCovery Award honor.

DANNY WORSNOP/Anyone But Me
Writers: Danny Worsnop/Terri Jo Box/Randall Clay; Producer: Jim Kaufman; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; Earache (CDX)
– His tenor hurts in all the right places, but the production is pedestrian.

AARON COPELAND/Here She Comes
Writers: Aaron Copeland/Jamie Richards/Steve Helms; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; AC
– It’s a rocker that’s all revved up with nowhere to go. Both the song and his performance are simply ordinary.

CAMILLE RAE/But I Want You
Writers: Jaida Dreyer/Fred Wilhelm/Jay Knowles; Producers: Larry Beaird, Camille Rae, Amber Nicole Smith, Shawn Gough/Mikei Gray & Hunter Leith; CRM (track)
– Feisty and fierce. She’s trapped by a love she doesn’t want. The choppy, stomping track helps deliver the attitude.

BOBBY G. RICE/You Lay So Easy On My Mind
Writers: Rice/Rils/Fields; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Sony Cross Keys, ASCAP; Century II (track)
– This country veteran is back with a CD titled Then and Now that mixes new tunes with some of his oldies, such as “Freda Comes and Freda Goes,” “You Are My Special Angel” and “Woman Stealer.” Also among the latter is his biggest hit, 1973’s top-10 success “You Lay So Easy on My Mind.”

NATIONAL PARK RADIO/The Great Divide
Writers: Stefan Szabo; Producer: Derek Hames; Publishers: none listed; NPR (track)
– This Texas four-piece bursts out of the chute with this flashy tempo title tune of its new CD. Refreshing, bracing and breezy.

MARTY RHONE/Graceland On The Line
Writers: John St. Peeters/John Young; Producers: John St. Peeters/Michael Yule; Publishers: none listed; MRM (CDX)
– It’s a waltz that sung perfectly straight faced. He’s broken hearted and comforting himself by playing Elvis records when the phone rings. The King is calling to offer comforting words by using titles of some of his hits. I kept waiting for a punch line, but as goofy as it is, he means every word. Weirdly lovable.

TY WILLIAMS/Make America Great Again
Writers: Ty Williams/Stephen E. Grauberger; Producers: Paul Scholten, Stephen E. Grauberger & Michael Purcell; Publishers: none listed; Core Nashville
– It’s a deep-thunder rocker that urges us to, “do what’s right for the U.S.A.” I’m sorry, but I think that America has always been great. During the past eight years, the auto industry was saved, Bin Laden was killed and the economy was lifted out of a recession.

LISA BOUCHELLE & JOHN POPPER/Only The Tequila Talking
Writers: Lisa Bouchelle/John Eddie; Producer: Mike Rogers/Jeff Trott/Hal B. Selzer/Lisa Bouchelle; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP; InGrooves (CDX)
– She sings in a sunny, bright soprano and the tune is a bopping ditty about two boozers falling for each other. Duet partner Popper is best known as the frontman for Blues Traveler. He adds some much needed soul and grit to the proceedings. Highly listenable.

CAROLINE JONES/Tough Guys
Writer: CAroline Jones; Producers: Caroline Jones/Ric Wake; Publishers: none listed, BMI; FACTION/INTUNE
-The track has a sizzling sidewinder backbeat with hop-hop overtones. She wails and snarls quite effectively. The handclaps and whining electric guitar licks are also pluses. A very creative sound.

DISClaimer: Big & Rich, Simba Jordan Make The Cut

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Big & Rich, Simba Jordan

The big news in today’s column is that we have two young African-American country artists in our listening stack.

The even better news is that Tony Jackson and Simba Jordan are both well worth your attention and your spins. Lend them your ears. We fondly remember Tony from his dandy remake of “Nashville Cats” last year. But Simba is a newcomer to the column, so he lands a DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day prize goes to the always dependable Big & Rich. Their tightly crafted “California” wins on all levels — song, performance and production.

RACHAEL TURNER/Hurts Don’t It
Writers: Kerry Kurt Phillips/Larry Haack/Michael Higgins; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: none listed; Rustic (CDX)
– She has a great deal of vocal “presence,” with an up-close-and-personal delivery that’s married to a crystal-clear production. In addition, she nails the pain in the lyric perfectly. This aching ballad richly deserves your spins.

BIG & RICH/California
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Vicky McGehee/John Rich; Producers: Big & Rich; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Big & Rich/New Revolution
– Their vocal harmonies have never been more stellar. And this rolling country-rocker just might be the most tuneful and catchy song they’ve ever recorded. A home run.

DENNY STRICKLAND/We Don’t Sleep
Writers: Jaida Dreyer/Cole Taylor/Tommy Cecil/Jody Stevens; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: none listed; Red Star (CDX)
– It’s kinda sexy when he’s in his softer voice on the verses. The power-ballad, shouted choruses shatter the mood. But all in all, this is a performer who shows great promise.

TONY JACKSON/The Grand Tour
Writers: Norro Wilson/Carmol Taylor/George Richey; Producers: Donna Dean-Stevens/Jim Della Croce; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Pathfinder (CDX)
– Taking on this definitive 1974 George Jones classic takes courage. Jackson juts out his chin and goes for it, note for note. Well done, buddy. You gave me chills.

 

ZAC BROWN BAND/My Old Man
Writers: Zac Brown/Niko Moon/Ben Simonetti; Producers: Dave Cobb & In The Arena Productions; Publishers: none listed; SESAC; Southern Ground/Elektra
– Folkie, like a countrified James Taylor. The gentle ballad’s father-son sentiment is so warm that you’ll melt.

AUBRIE SELLERS/Liar Liar
Writers: Aubrie Sellers/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic (CDX)
– Aubrie tones down the garage-rock country roaring in favor of an accusatory female attitude tune with a sidewinder backbeat. Gripping. Compelling. Mesmerizing.

SIMBA JORDAN/Those Goodbye Eyes
Writers: Lonnie Wilson/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Lonnie Wilson; Publishers: none listed; Kinfolk (CDX)
– His pleading tenor hurts in all the right places on this heartbreak tune. The song is a winner, and the arrangement is nicely understated. Well done by all.

RACHEL HOLDER/You Only Call Me When You’re Drunk
Writers: David Lee Murphy/Rachel Farley; Producers: Norman DeVasure, Wilbur Rimes, and Rachel Holder; Publishers: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Curb (CDX)
– The song is strong. Thus, there’s no point in her trying so overly hard to sell it.

 

SARAH DUNN BAND/Figure It Out
Writers: Sarah Dunn; Producer: Larry Beaird; Publishers: none listed; BMI; 9 North (CDX)
– The song meanders around too much, and there’s nothing that is attention grabbing in her performance of it. My mind wandered off. My attention drifted away.

WHEELER BRYSON/Pour Me Out Of This Town
Writers: Stephen Dorff/Andrew Dorff/Bobby Tomberlin; Producers: Stephen Dorff/Bobby Tomberlin; Publishers: none listed; BMI; Varese Sarabande (CDX)
– “Wheeler Bryson” is the fictional star of the low-fi country movie Wheeler, starring actor Stephen Dorff as the title character. His slightly raspy, growly delivery is ear catching, and this drinking song has plenty of hooks. Stephen and his late songwriter brother Andrew are the sons of successful composer Steve Dorff (”Every Which Way But Loose,” “I Just Fall in Love Again,” “I Cross My Heart,” “Through the Years,” etc.).

 

DISClaimer: Brett Eldredge, Maren Morris Offer Vocal Power, Rhythmic Tracks

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It’s a day for second-generation music makers.

The sons of David Bellamy of The Bellamy Brothers, the cousins born to Don & Harold Reid of The Statler Brothers and Roger Miller’s gifted namesake are all here with new sounds. All of them are heartily recommended. And one of them, Wilson Fairchild (the Reid kids), takes home our DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day gets a male-female split today. Running in a dead heat are Brett Eldredge and Maren Morris, both of whom have absolutely essential additions for your playlists.

STEPHANIE QUAYLE/Winnebago
Writers: none listed; Producer: Matt McClure; Publisher: none listed; Rebel Engine
– She has some cash saved up and some groovy wheels. So why not hop on in and just go someplace on the open road? A rollicking, sunny come-on that’s hard to resist.

MAREN MORRIS/I Could Use A Love Song
Writers: Maren Morris/Jimmy Robbins/Laura Veltz; Producer: busbee & Maren Morris; Publishers: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
– Enchanting. Deliciously melodic and wonderfully thumpy as it yearns for romance. Also, she’s singing her heart out here.

LUCAS HOGE/Dirty South
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rebel Engine
– I thought bro country was over.

DEAN MILLER/’Til You Stop Getting Up
Writers: Dean Miller/Sean Patrick McGraw; Producers: Dean Miller/Brian Eckert; Publishers: none listed; Off The Verge
– He’s broken hearted, sitting next to an ex-boxer at the bar. The prize fighter’s advice is, “You ain’t a loser until you stop getting up.” Written and sung like a champ. By the way, former Golden Gloves pugilist Kris Kristofferson co-stars in the video.

MACY MARTIN/Broke Down
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed; GTR
– The relationship is busted like a vehicle that’s never gonna run again. The track is a sprightly country rocker, and her vocal has a nice bluesy, throaty quality.

WILSON FAIRCHILD/How Are Things In Clay Kentucky
Writers: H. Reid/D. Reid; Producers: Gordon Kennedy/Blair Masters; Publishers: none listed; WF (track)
– Wilson Fairchild are Langdon and Wil Reid, the sons of Don and Harold Reid, respectively. As the core of The Statler Brothers, the fathers are members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. The sons’ new CD, Songs Our Dads Wrote, is a reminder that the elder Reids are also masterful tunesmiths. It is, refreshingly, not a collection of remakes of Statler hits, but a series of lesser-known former album cuts that shine just as brightly as the better known Reid songs. The boys sing ‘em like pros, and have also included their own tribute tune “The Statler Brothers Song,” which name-checks many of the cherished Statler oldies.

 

JESSE & NOAH/This Town Was Built On Heartbreak Songs
Writers: Jesse David Bellamy/Noah Frank Bellamy; Producers: Jesse & Noah Bellamy; Publishers: Skunk Ape, ASCAP; J&N (track)
– I have liked this duo a great deal in the past. Its new CD is titled Southern Usonia. The collection leads off with this marvelously melodic, atmospheric, soaring anthem. If the boys don’t have a hit with it, somebody else sure should. Looking for a cornerstone composition for your new album? Here it is.

RICK MONROE/This Side Of You
Writers: Jason Duke / Rick Monroe / Ryan Griffin; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: Dan Hodges Music(ASCAP)/Jindo Dog Music (ASCAP); MRG  (ERG)
– Stately and potent. I have liked just about everything this guy has sung in the past. This ballad shows another side of his voice, and it’s just as chesty and solid as ever.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Somethin’ I’m Good At
Writers: Tom Douglas/Brett Eldredge; Producers: Ross Copperman/Brett Eldredge; Publishers: ©2017 Sony/ATV Countryside / Paris Not France Music (BMI) / Sony/ATV Tree Publishing / Tomdouglasmusic; Atlantic (download)
– A boatload of fun, fun, fun. He can’t cook toast, change a flat or dance. But he can make her smile with love. And with this delightful, rhythm-happy track, he can make her tap her toes, too. A blast.

TWOSHINE COUNTY/Track 9
Writers: none listed; Producer: Sean Giovanni; Publishers: none listed; Pitbull (ERG)
– I chose this one because I was intrigued by both the title and the band name. It’s a cool, swirly outing about dizzy love that comes rushing back to him every time he hears “track 9” on their favorite album. Tenor vocals with stacked harmonies, burbling rhythms and ringing guitars are the hallmarks here. Very listenable.

DISClaimer: The Stars Come Out For CRS

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Backstreet Boys with Florida Georgia Line on the set of their new video. Photo: Justin Mrusek

The stars are out for CRS week.

Among those stepping up to the plate with new sounds are Cole Swindell, Lady Antebellum, Rodney Crowell, Rascal Flatts and Kristian Bush. They all swing for the fences, but the home run hitters turn out to be Florida Georgia Line and Backstreet Boys. They earn the Disc of the Day award.

Interestingly, their closest competitors are not from the roster of any major-label team. Challenging the big boys on the field today are Presley & Taylor, the young female duo with a winning ballad performance.

The DisCovery Award goes to Philip Dain Powell, about whom I know nothing except that Fred Vail produces him.

PHILIP DAIN POWELL/I Died Today At 3
Writer: none listed; Produce: Fred Vail; Publisher: none listed; PDP (track)
– She left him this afternoon, and he is way beyond blue. The song is country cool, and his performance is super strong, range-y and emotional. This guy has the goods.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/You Look Good
Writers: none listed; Producer: busbee; Publishers: none listed; Capitol (ERG)
– Bright brass bursts and thumping beats characterize this party ditty. I fail to hear anything “country” about it.

BROOKE EDEN/Act Like You Don’t
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow (ERG)
– Well sung, if rather forgettable, song-wise.

PRESLEY & TAYLOR/This Phone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; SMG (ERG)
– The female duo’s vocal harmony work is splendid on this lovelorn ballad. Everything about this is perfection, from the swirling, fiddle-embellished production to the beautiful song craftsmanship. Play and believe.

RASCAL FLATTS/Yours If You Want It
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (ERG)
-This has a certain nervous energy that is quite captivating. The boys sing above a driving, propulsive track, delivering a rapid-fire lyric about winning a girl’s heart. Turn it up and sing along.

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COLE SWINDELL/Flatliner
Writers: none listed; Producer: None listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner (ERG)
– She’s so gorgeous she stops his heart, hence the title of this generic country rocker.

THE SCOTT BROTHERS & ERIC PASLAY/My House
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Star Farm (ERG)
– The phrase “my house” is repeated six times in each chorus, just so you don’t forget the title. Except at the end, when “my house” is chanted endlessly. Okay, okay, okay: We get it.

KRISTIAN BUSH/Sing Along
Writers: none listed; Producer: None listed; Publishers: none listed; Wheelhouse (ERG)
-Tuneful and sunny. Very pleasant, with the blush of true romance.

 

BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS & RODNEY CROWELL
Writers: Fearing/Linden/Wilson; Producer: Colin Linden; Publishers: Fearing and Loathing/Colin Linden, SOCAN; File Under Music (Canada)
-Blackie & The Rodeo Kings are a Juno-winning big deal north of the border. Their new Kings and Kings collection features collaborations with Eric Church, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller and more. It kicks off with this lively bopper featuring a plaintive guest vocal by Rodney Crowell. It’s a toe tapper with a biting  edge.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE & THE BACKSTREET BOYS/God, Your Mama, and Me
Writers: Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Year of the Dog/Champagne Whiskey/Words & Music/Hillarody Rathbone/BMG Firefly/Dash8, ASCAP (Big Machine)
– Eternal, unconditional love, expressed in luscious, layered harmonies. An audio landscape to get lost in.