DISClaimer: Sister Sadie, Appalachian Road Show Top Bluegrass Offerings

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Let’s have a quick look today at what’s going on in the bluegrass world.

The stack of platters boasts two excellent live collections, one from Hot Rize and one from The Earls of Leicester. NewTown and Balsam Range have both returned with dandy sets.

The Disc of the Day award goes to the all-female group Sister Sadie, now marketing its second collection.

One of the most consistently enjoyable discs came from Appalachian Road Show, which earns it a DisCovery Award.

LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD/True Grass
Writers: David Stewart; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Pinecastle (track)
– This has been sitting at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart for months. It is unadulterated ‘grass, stacked with high-lonesome harmonies and stately picking. The head-scratching premise of the song is that “Murder on Music Row” now extends to the bluegrass sound. You see, they’ve killed country music, and now they’re killing bluegrass, too. That’s news to me.

HIGH FIDELITY/The Hills and Home
Writer: John Duffy; Producers: Jeremy Stephens, Corrina Rose Logston Stephens and Brad Benge; Publisher: Fort Knox/Trio;BMI; Rebel
– This band’s debut CD has yielded a tune that’s at No. 5 on the bluegrass chart this month and is rising fast. The highlights are splendid runs on mandolin, fiddle, acoustic guitar and banjo. The group’s vocal blend is smooth and a trifle bland. More excitement, please.

SISTER SADIE/Losing You Blues
Writers: Tina Adair/Doug Barlett; Producer: Sister Sadie; Publisher: Tina Adair, BMI; Pinecastle
-This band has an all-star female lineup — Dale Ann Bradley, Deanie Richardson, Tina Adair, Gena Britt and Beth Lawrence. Tina takes a fiery lead vocal on the CD’s lead-off tune, which is rising rapidly on the bluegrass chart at No. 12. Deanie’s fiddle sizzles throughout this minor-key gem about rising above a heartbreak. Essential.

LARRY CORDLE/Yardbird
Writers: L. Cordle/L. Shell; Producer: Larry Cordle; Publisher: Wandachord/Not Her Money, BMI; Mighty Cord (track)
– This Nashville songwriting treasure has just entered the Bluegrass Unlimited top-20 with this lively ode to pecking chickens. The album is titled Tales From East Kentucky. Like everything Cordle does, it’s a keeper.

APPALACHIAN ROAD SHOW/Dance, Dance, Dance
Writers: B. Cooper/J. Cooper/S. Miller; Producers: Barry Abernathy, Darrell Webb, Ben Isaacs; Billy Blue
– Clocking in at No. 20 on the bluegrass hit parade is this scampering, ear-opening acoustic treatment of a Steve Miller Band rock tune. The cornerstones of this group are lead singers Barry Abernathy (banjo in Mountain Heart, Doyle Lawson’s Quicksilver, IIIrd Tyme Out) and Darrell Webb (mandolin in Lonesome River Band, J.D. Crowe’s New South, Rhonda Vincent’s Rage). Also doing outstanding work here is fiddler Jim VanCleve. The track comes from a highly diverse and immensely enjoyable collection. Buy and believe.

BALSAM RANGE/Get Me Gone
Writers: Walt Wilkins/Jim McBride/Jon Randall Stewart; Producer: Balsam Range; Publishers: Curb Congregation/Reynsong/Rightfield/Songs of Daniel/Tanasi Island/Wha Ya Say/Rezemblance, SESAC/BMI; Mountain Home
– Entering the bluegrass chart this month at No. 25 is this travelin’-man ditty. The lickety-split tempo and ultra cool song craftsmanship are the calling cards here. Balsam Range is the reigning IBMA Entertainer of the Year, and its new Aeonic CD is a clear demonstration why. The set, due on Jan. 4, also includes its proven hit, “The Girl Who Invented the Wheel” and a breakneck-speed cover of The Beatles’ “If I Needed Someone.”

THE EARLS OF LEICESTER/Long Journey Home
Writers: traditional; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Publisher: public domain; Rounder
– This all-star band’s goal is to keep the classic sound of Flatt & Scruggs alive. Its debut in-concert CD is Live at the CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame, recorded over a two-night stand last February. Its lead single gives Jerry Douglas’s dobro, Charlie Cushman’s banjo and Johnny Warren’s fiddle room to dazzle the ears. Shawn Camp’s guitar and voice set the pace. This band totally rules.

NEWTOWN/Heart of Stone
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producer: Barry Bales; Publishers: Hickman Holler/BMI; Mountain HOme
-NewTown prides itself in painting a little outside the bluegrass lines. Drawing from the catalog of Americana/country sensation Tyler Childers for three of the tunes on its Old World CD is one illustration of this. The tart/sweet lead voice of fiddler Kati Penn takes us through the haunting melody of his hillbilly heartache lament about a wicked temptress. Highly listenable, as is the entire collection.

HOT RIZE/Wichita Lineman
Writer: Jimmy Webb: Producer: none listed; Publisher: Universal PolyGram International, ASCAP; Ten In Hand
– The band celebrated its 40th anniversary this year with a bash in Boulder that featured such celeb guests as Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan and Jerry Douglas. For a bluegrass group (heck, any group) to endure that long is practically unheard of. Even more impressive is the fact that Hot Rize still sounds so scintillating. This cover of the 1968 Glen Campbell classic is just one of many super moments on this outstanding, 26-track live recording. Amazing band. Enduring love from this longtime listener.

TELLICO/Courage For The Morning
Writers: Anya Hinkle; Producer: John Doyle; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Organic
– Released last month, this group’s Woven Waters CD leads off with this inspirational tune about perseverance and strength of character. Anya Hinkle’s slightly bluesy, behind-the-beat phrasing is quite ear catching. The dobro accents by the group’s Aaron Ballance are nifty, too. Don’t have a cow, but there’s an electric guitar in the mix.

DISClaimer: Toby Keith Releases “Stunning” Ballad “Don’t Let The Old Man In”

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There’s a reason they are stars.

It boils down to simply making better music than mere mortals. One listen to the new singles by George Strait and Toby Keith this week is all you need as proof.

”Don’t Let the Old Man In” by Toby Keith was inspired by and written for Hollywood superstar Clint Eastwood. But its powerful message will resonate with millions of others. It is the Disc of the Day.

A West Coast female trio billed as Honey County wins this week’s DisCovery Award. They have something special, so lend them your ears.

HONEY COUNTY/Los Angeles
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Attique
– Swirly and sensuous. The trio’s harmonies are flawless, and the cool-spooky song is a total ear worm. He’s hot and dangerous, kinda like the City of Angels. Play this.

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GEORGE STRAIT/Codigo
Writers: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; MCA
– Now here’s a delightful toe-tapper to warm your winter. Western-swing fiddling accents a bopping little tequila drinking song. Smiles of authentic country music.

JOE SCHMIDT/Audience Of One
Writers: Schmidt/Sherry Schmidt/Tim Daley/Bruce Burch; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JS
– I remain a huge fan of this vocalist. As always, he delivers in a deep, throaty and powerful baritone that’s capable of great range and emotion. The song is an inspirational tempo tune about making the most of your time on earth by giving back. Proceeds go to the AO1 Foundation established by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz.

TOBY KEITH/Don’t Let The Old Man In
Writers: Toby Keith; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TK
– Stunning. It’s an acoustic ballad about facing old age gracefully, and it will hit you smack in the middle of your heart. Exquisitely written and performed, this is an illustration of country-music greatness drawn by a master of the genre.

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CHRIS LANE/I Don’t Know About You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud
– It’s a sexy come-on with a hip-hop vibe. His brushed-velvet vocal nicely camouflages the fact that the song barely has a melody.

THE LACS/Kickin’ Up Mud
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-Country-rap trash.

SEAFORTH/Talk To Me
Writers: Tom Jordan/Mitch Thompson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; RCA (download)
– This is an Aussie country duo with a sweet, catchy, romantic, highly repetitive tune. RCA’s answer to Dan + Shay?

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ERIC & LINDSEY HEATHERLY/Somethin’ Stupid
Writers: none listed; Producer: Eric Heatherly; Publishers: none listed; NashVegas
– These two are celebrating their recent marriage with a lovely, lush, lilting remake of the Frank & Nancy Sinatra duet hit of 1967. Fittingly, they released it on Dec. 12, which was Frank’s birthday. Highly recommended.

LEWIS BRICE/Blessed
Writers: none listed; Producers: Lewis Brice and Lee Brice; Publishers: none listed; Pump House
– Ya got family, faith, health and love. Ya got it all.

LEVI HUMMON/I Still Do
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Iconic
– Tuneful heartache pop. Very engaging and listenable.

DISClaimer: Karen Waldrup, Lori McKenna Lead A Banquet Of Ballads

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Karen Waldrup

It’s a banquet of ballads today at DisClaimer.

Rita Wilson, Brett Young, Josh Gracin and Blue Honey are checking in with slow songs. That’s okay, because it’s also a ballad that wins the Disc of the Day. That would be super country vocalist Karen Waldrup delivering an awesome Lori McKenna song.

The DisCovery Award goes to a charming, up-and-coming Music City singer-songwriter with the one-named billing Hardy.

BLUE HONEY/Can You See Me
Writers: Kassie Jordan-Brooks/Troy Brooks/Rob Klerkx; Producers: Kassie Jordan-Brooks/Troy Brooks; Publisher: none listed; BH
– It has an echoey, spooky atmosphere. Kassie’s lead vocal has a hushed intimacy. Decidedly left field, but undeniably intriguing. I look forward to more from this team.

BRETT YOUNG/Catch
Writers: Brett Young/Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Super Big/Caliville/Big Machine/Songs of Black River/Wordspring/Memory Days/WBM/The Best I Could Do/WB, ASCAP/SESAC; Big Machine (track)
– This new track from Brett has an acoustic tracked, video version. The lyric terrain is familiar territory for this artist — dreamy and romantic and lost-in-love.

JIMMY CHARLES/I Am Not Alone
Writers: Jimmy Charles/C.J. Garton/Rich Fehl; Producer: Paul David; Publishers: Hook, Line and Singer, BMI; JC (track)
– This former American Idol contestant has issued this thumping rouser that tells the stories of folks impacted by cancer. Its inspirational vibe encourages us to remain strong and hopeful in the face of such a diagnosis.

JOSH GRACIN/Good For You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed: Publisher: none listed; Sixteen 08 (track)
– This romantic ballad has a blue-eyed soul vocal performance that’s quite attractive. The drawbacks are a tempo that plods and its four-minute length.

RITA WILSON/Bigger Picture
Writers: none listed; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publisher: none listed; Sing It Loud/The Orchard
– The title tune of Wilson’s album is a gently strummed acoustic ballad. She has a sweet, lilting pop soprano voice that’s recorded crisply and clearly. The actor/singer/songwriter and hubby Tom Hanks recently attended the annual BMI awards banquet in Music City. Plus, she was a presenter on the CMA Awards, and she she staged her debut on the Opry.

KAREN WALDRUP/Sometimes He Does
Writer: Lori McKenna; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; KW (download)
– This gal is a Real Deal country singer. The stunning ballad is loaded with terrific visual details and emotional truths. A minor masterpiece. Listen and believe.

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TUCKER BEATHARD/Leave Me Alone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TB (download)
– Intensely painful heartache, with a touch of rage. His anguished vocal is gripping, and the track pounds with repressed fury on the choruses. Highly recommended.

WALKER MONTGOMERY/Just Say When
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; WM (download)
-This Kentucky boy is “to the manner born,” as they say. He’s the son of John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Eddie Montgomery. His country-boy vocal on this churning, lovelorn tune is right on the money. The gist of it is, he’s right here waiting when she finally comes back. Exactly in contemporary country music’s center lane.

HARDY/This Ole Boy
Writers: Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Publsher: none listed; Big Loud/Tree Vibez Music
– Hardy has cowritten hits for Morgan Wallen (”Up Down”) and FGL (”Simple”), the latter of whom collaborate with him on this catchy, cute and country rompin’ stomper. Its rock-ish tone can’t disguise the cleverness in his phrases. Lively, drawling and endearing.

DYLAN SCOTT/Nothing To Do Town
Writers: Dylan Scott/John Taylor/Matt Alderman; Producers: Matt Alderman, Curt Gibbs & Jim Ed Norman; Publisher: none listed; Curb
– The track is punchy and groovy. His vocal is just fine. But haven’t we completely worn out this song idea? Drinking in a field with your gals and guys on the weekend while celebrating your small-town, country ways? Really? Again?

DISClaimer: Robbie Fulks, Linda Gail Lewis, Adam Hood Top Americana Tracks

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We are way overdue for an Americana overview.

Today’s listening stack includes a number of favorites in this genre — John Prine, Lori McKenna, Dana Cooper, Will Hoge. The Disc of the Day belongs to a pair of other longtime faves, Robbie Fulks & Linda Gail Lewis.

From our handful of newcomers (Granville Automatic, Love Canon, Tyler Childers, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band) emerges our DisCovery Award winner, singer-songwriter Adam Hood.

ROBBIE FULKS AND LINDA GAIL LEWIS/Wild Wild Wild
Writers: R. Fulks; Producer: Fulks; Publisher: Lorne Rail, ASCAP; Bloodshot (track)
– As she has proved so often, Linda Gail is a first-class piano-pounding rocker in league with big brother Jerry Lee. For a demonstration, check out the album opener, “Round Too Long,” the romping “Boogie Woogie Country Gal” or this this blazing title tune. And if you miss George and Tammy as much as I do, let this pair remind you of what a barroom lament is supposed to sound like (”That’s Why They Call It Temptation,” “I Just Lived a Country Song”). Robbie cares about Real Country Music, and it shows in every groove of this delightful disc.

TYLER CHILDERS/Feathered Indians
Writers: Tyler Childers; Producers: Sturgill Simpson/David Ferguson; Publishers: none listed; Hickman Holler/Thirty Tigers
– When he was named Americana’s Emerging Artist award winner, Childers insisted that he’s a country artist. He’s right. Not only that, he’s the freshest sounding young male singer-songwriter working in country music today. The album is called Purgatory. It is essential.

LORI McKENNA/People Get Old
Writer: Lori McKenna; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Creative Nation; CN/Thirty Tigers
– I am so in love with this woman’s music. Her current The Tree LP contains her own version of “Happy People” (popularized by LBT). And there are plenty of other tunes just as captivating, including this striking meditation on aging. Her conversational, just-folks vocal delivery draws you in, and her extraordinary lyrics take your breath away.

GRANVILLE AUTOMATIC/Radio Hymns
Writers: Elizabeth Elkins/Vanessa Olivarez/Matraca Berg; Producers: Elizabeth Elkins & Vanessa Olivarez; Publishers: BMG Platinum/Songs of Adams and Strahl and Granbury/Songs of the Ribbon/Jeff’s Wife/Songs of Sally Sue’s Medicine Show, BMI; GA (track)
– This female duo has an ear-opening concept album. Its various songs tell tales of Nashville’s history, ranging from a Music Row hanging (”Black Avenue Gallows”) to a millionairess taking a body home (”Adelicia”), from Jimi Hendrix (”Marbles”) to Timothy Demonbreun (”Summer Street”). The echoey, atmospheric title tune relates the near-demise of The Ryman Auditorium. Throughout, their production skills are as impressive as their performances. Guests include Jim Lauderdale, Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra) and Ben Fields.

DANA COOPER/Making A Killing
Writer: Dana Cooper; Producers: Thomm Jutz and Dana Cooper; Publishers: Dog Eared/Bluewater, SESAC; travianna (track)
– Dana has a new video from his Incendiary Kid CD. It’s this bluesy lament about how tough it can be to simply make a living. The protagonist is jobless, loveless and hopeless. He’s also in a terrifically relentless groove. Active since the 1970s, this singer-songwriter is a perennially impressive folk talent. If you don’t know his music, you should. “Dance Toward the Light,” “Flat Made Round,” “My America,” “Maybe Tomorrow” and the rest collected here will make a believer out of you.

WILL HOGE/Gilded Walls
Writer: Will Hoge; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: Julia’s Husband, BMI; Edio/Thirty Tigers
– I love it that Will can be both commercially successful (”Strong,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”) and politically outspoken. This wailing blues rocker is a thinly veiled attack on Donald Trump. To wit: “I work two jobs to raise a family/While you’re living on everything your daddy left behind” and, “Another group of kids in high school dead/But you’re still at your golf course teeing off at nine” and, “You sit around spouting more bullshit online.” His blue-collar singing voice and ace rock band accompanists add urgency to every lyric. The album is pointedly titled My American Dream.

ADAM HOOD/Downturn
Writers: Adam Hood/Jason Eady; Producer: Oran Thornton; Publishers: none listed; Southern Songs
-He’s an Alabama troubadour who sings of good people facing hard times. His warm drawl on this mid-tempo lament is supported by an exquisite production of gently twanged guitars. The album is titled Somewhere In Between, and it is a stunner. Hood’s songs have been recorded by Miranda Lambert, Anderson East, Little Big Town, Brent Cobb and Lee Ann Womack. Based on what I hear here, the whole town should be lining up to grab his works.

LOVE CANON/Kyrie Eielson
Writers: Steven Park/John R. Lang/Richard J. Page; Producer: Love Canon; Publishers: Ali-Aja/Indolent Sloth/Panola Park/WB, ASCAP; Organic (track)
– The concept behind this quintet’s Cover Story CD is doing acoustic/bluegrassy treatments of rock staples such as “Graceland,” “Islands in the Stream,” “Tempted” and the like. This Electric Prunes cover is a good example of how accomplished the band is at this. The writer credits, however, are incorrect. This song was written by David Axelrod.

JOHN PRINE/Summer’s End
Writers: John Prine/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Tommy Jack/Corn Country, BMI; Oh Boy
– Prine’s The Tree of Forgiveness CD has been featured in every music mag in existence since its release last spring. He has issued a string of singles/videos from it (”Knockin’ on Your Screen Door,” “Crazy Bone,” etc.), of which this is the most recent. It’s a laconic, loping sideways look at Southern quirks and goofy apocalyptic notions. Underlying it all is a poignant invitation to the comfort of home. The album is Prine’s first collection of new original tunes since 2005. And that, alone, calls for a celebration.

REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND/Poor Until Payday
Writers: Reverend Peyton; Producer: Reverend Peyton; Publishers: 26F/Family Owned, SESAC; Family Owned/Thirty Tigers
– He’s a hoarse screamer and a slide-guitar demon. The rest of the band consists of drummer Maxwell Senteney and Washboard Breezy Peyton. As his wife’s name indicates, she plays the washboard. She also reportedly sets it on fire a la Hendrix. His YouTube videos feature him playing guitars made out of a shotgun and an axe. I am not making this stuff up. The title tune of the CD is monotonously repetitive blues-rock. I think that’s wholly intentional. It goes along with the whole minimalist aesthetic that’s going on here.

DISClaimer: Charlie Daniels, Beau Weevils Top New Tracks

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Heritage artists made up half of this listening session, and they provided many of its highlights.

Three Country Music Hall of Fame members are here — Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks and our Disc of the Day winner, Charlie Daniels. Also contributing to the tally are Joe Diffie and Gary Morris.

Gary and Garth are both crooning ballads with solo-guitar accompaniment. Add Toby Keith, Whispering Bill and Kacey Musgraves to the mix, and you’ll see that slow songs were the order of the day. Despite the peppy efforts of Kelsea Ballerini and Brad Paisley.

The DisCovery Award goes to Tim Williams. It turns out that when he’s not a TV spokesperson, he’s a marvelously traditional country singer.

KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More
Writers: Brett McLaughlin/Kelsea Ballerini/David Hall Hodges; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Kobalt/Sony-ATV/Audiam, no performance rights listed; Black River
– This is a feisty pop-rocker with a groovy, empowerment lyric. The relentless rhythm drives home the message of female independence, and the little echoey-electro vocal “comments” are way cool. I’m in.

GARY MORRIS/Sense Of Pride
Writers: none listed; Producers: Gary Morris/Michael Bonagura; Publisher: none listed; Spirit (track)
– The title tune of Gary’s new CD is the tale of a WWII military veteran whose medal for valor lies in a seldom-opened drawer. The old soldier keeps his feelings locked inside himself. But a note he leaves behind speaks volumes. This is a solo-guitar ballad, but it’s just as potent as any full-bodied production.

BRAD PAISLEY/Bucked Off
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista;
– The grinding twang of the main guitar riff is worth the price of admission, alone. The rollicking spirit and personable vocal are first-rate. Toss in a few shout-outs to George Strait and his tunes, and you have a blue-ribbon winner.

JOE DIFFIE/Quit You
Writers: Danny Bell/Jeffrey East/Andy Autsier; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: none listed; Silverado
– This ballad is backed by echoed hand claps, throbbing bass and rifled drumbeats. Diffie’s passionate delivery of the addictive-love lyric is electrifying. He’s still a mighty, country-music hoss.

TOBY KEITH/I’ll Still Call You Baby
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Show Dog
– In case you’ve forgotten, Toby is one of the finest country singers of modern times. This power ballad gives him plenty of expressive room. Sing on, brother.

TIM WILLIAMS/Magnolia City
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Wewax
– Tim is that handsome, silver-haired guy who’s the spokesman for Trivago on TV. His debut country CD kicks off with this solid, steel-soaked honky-tonker. He’s a teensy bit pitch-y in spots, but he definitely gets the job done. Play him.

BEAU WEEVILS/Bad Blood
Writers: Charlie Daniels/Chuck Jones; Producers: James Stroud/Casey Wood; Publishers: Miss Hazel/Songs of Universal/Music of Stage Three/Warner-Tamerlane/Mike Curb, BMI; Blue Hat (track)
– The band is a new foursome comprised of Charlie Daniels, drummer James Stroud, Allman slide guitarist Billy Crain and Charlie’s longtime bass player Charlie Hayward. This sidewinding, swampy blues rocker is just one standout on a CD that’s full of audio delights. A revelatory reinvention of a living legend. The collection is called Songs in the Key of E, and you need it in your life.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Slow Burn
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Ian Fitchuk/Musgraves; Producers: Fitchuk/Tashian/Musgraves; Publishers: none listed; MCA (track)
– I still say that Golden Hour is a very pretty pop record. But now that it’s the 2018 CMA Album of the Year, celebrate the languid, ethereal beauty of its lead-off track. Kacey’s wafting vocal glows with Texas charm. I bought the turntable version, which is pressed on clear vinyl.

BILL ANDERSON & JAMEY JOHNSON/Everybody Wants To Be Twenty-One
Writers: Johnson/Anderson; Producers: Anderson/Thomm Jutz/Peter Cooper; Publishers: none listed; TWI (track)
– Anderson is this Country Music Hall of Famer’s 72nd album. At age 81, he can still cast a spell with his astonishing storytelling skills. Jamey trades verses and harmonizes with him on this contemplative ballad. It muses on the facts that youngsters wish to be older, and seniors wish to be younger. It’s easily the best written song of this listening session.

GARTH BROOKS/Stronger Than Me
Writers: Matt Rossi/Bobby Terry; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bedroll Music/Tom and Terry Music; ASCAP; Pearl Records
– This tender ballad was a heart-tugger as a solo performance on the CMA telecast. Best lines: She lifts the weight of this whole world off my shoulder/With nothing but the touch of her hand. And the finale: I pray God takes me first/‘Cause you’re stronger than me.

DISClaimer: Blake Shelton Tops New Tracks With “Tequila Sheila” Remake

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This is evidently a week for song craftsmanship.

There are a number of releases here that go way beyond wallpaper music. Joy Williams’ “Canary,” Tim McGraw’s “Gravity,” Devin Dawson’s “Dark Horse” and Ty Herndon’s revival of “Walking in Memphis” are all songs that command respect.

Topping them all is Blake Shelton, reminding us how many clever rhymes there are for the word “Sheila,” thanks to Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Shel Silverstein and Mac Davis. This audio tickler is our Disc of the Day.

Blake is closely trailed by labelmates Dawson and Cale Dodds, the latter of whom brings a bucket load of happy in his bopping tune.

JOY WILLIAMS/Canary
Writers: Joy Williams/Caitlyn Smith/Angelo Petraglia; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Eleven Eleven, no performance rights listed; JW
– Formerly a CCM artist and half of the acclaimed Americana duo The Civil Wars, Williams has a haunting new track. Over rippling guitars, she soars into her upper soprano while delivering a lyric of singing strongly, even when you’re shadowed with the cold chill of being the canary in the mine.

CARLY PEARCE/Closer To You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
-Sweetly romantic. Sunny and bright.

CHUCK WICKS/Better Than Flowers
Writers: Chuck Wicks/Jeffrey East/Michael Lotten; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; CW
– Sexy pop country. He’s promising love for hours and something that’s more than an overnight fling while guitars ring in an echo chamber.

BLAKE SHELTON/Tequila Sheila
Writers: Shel Silverstein/Mac Davis; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BS
– We all hail the greatness that is Bobby Bare. Penultimate country vocalist Blake Shelton has the ideal pipes to show his love on this toe-tapping remake of Bare’s rowdy 1980 classic. A delightful song, delightfully delivered. Love the Latin guitar licks, too.

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TY HERNDON/Walking In Memphis
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; TH
– The Marc Cohn pop classic from 1991 gets a revved-up, dance-floor remake. Ty’s still a country singer, and his vocal is mixed front and center. Although the track is rhythm happy, it’s not so electronic that you couldn’t spin it alongside most other pop-country outings. Catchy, to say the least.

TIM MCGRAW/Gravity
Writers: McGraw/Lori McKenna; Producers: McGraw/Byron Gallimore; Publisher: none listed; Columbia/Tim McGraw
– Created for the soundtrack of the film Free Solo, this ballad is an uplifting orchestral ode to perseverance and belief. Luxuriously produced. I remain an enormous fan, all these years later.

CALE DODDS/Where I Get It From
Writers: Cale Dodds/Sarah Buxton/Corey Crowder/Jared Mullins; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– A down-home, Southern frolic with a stuttering beat and rapid-fire lyrics. Fun with a capital “F.” This fellow has charm to spare.

COLE SWINDELL/Love You Too Late
Writers: Brandon Lynn Kinney/Michael Carter/Cole Swindell; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Peermusic/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Warner Bros.
– She’s out having a blast while he’s wallowing in misery. Nevertheless, the track rocks ridiculously.

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DEVIN DAWSON/Dark Horse
Writers: Dawson/Andy Albert/Andrew DeRoberts; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Atlantic
– A song for outsiders everywhere. The echoey atmosphere and his affecting voice are both superb vehicles for the message of alienation. Poignant and potent. Give this your undivided attention.

DOLLY PARTON/Girl In The Movies
Writers: Dolly Parton/Linda Perry; Producer: Perry; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– This is from the soundtrack to the forthcoming film Dumplin.’ It’s a wistful, soft ballad about dreaming big, shiny dreams. The woman is an American Treasure. She’s been nominated for a best-song Oscar twice before (for “9 To 5” and “Travelin’ Through”). Could the third time be the charm?

DISClaimer: Walker McGuire, Mitchell Tenpenny, William Michael Morgan Are Three Stars On The Rise

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Walker McGuire, MItchell Tenpenny, William Michael Morgan

This week’s country edition of DisClaimer belongs to the up-and-comers.

Our three top tunes in this stack of platters belong to three stars on the rise. They are Walker McGuire, Mitchell Tenpenny and William Michael Morgan. They finish in a trio photo finish to share the Disc of the Day award.

MATT ROGERS/Peaches and Pecans
Writers: Matt Rogers/Justin Dukes; Producer: Matt Rogers; Publishers: Richest Place on Earth, No performance rights listed; MR
– An ode to Georgia. “If you ain’t from here, then you don’t understand.” You’re so right. I don’t.

BRETT YOUNG/Ticket To L.A.
Writers: Brett Young/Zach Crowell/Jon Nite; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BMLG (download)
– The title tune to Brett’s forthcoming album is a zippy, trippy fantasy about an airport pick-up. The irresistible rhythm track disguises the totally unrealistic lyric.

BRANDON RATCLIFF/Rules of Breaking Up
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good/A.J. Babcock/busbee; Producers: Shane McAnally/Pete Good; Monument
-His voice is spindly and thin. Which I guess really doesn’t matter, since there’s no melody in his composition to sing.

JUSTIN MOORE/The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home
Writers: Justin Moore/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Scott Borchetta/Jeremy Stover; Valory
– Veterans’ Day is Sunday, Nov. 11. Here’s a super stirring eulogy for the armed forces who won’t be with us.

ERIN ENDERLIN/These Boots
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Scott Stepakoff; Producer: Alex Kline; Publisher: none listed; 117 Entertainment
-She’s a for-real country singer and writer. A good one, too. This is why I love her. You should, too.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Brokenhearted
Writers: Rhett Akins/J.T. Harding/Marv Green; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– This is a real cool honky tonker. Two-step across the dancefloor as he sings about the lack of heartache in today’s party-hearty country sound.

PISTOL ANNIES/Got My Name Changed Back
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley; Producer: Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf, Eric Masse; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Monroe Suede/Songs of Kobalt/Mountain Girl, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track)
– Get up off your fanny and dance around the room. The dizzy, lickety-split tempo of this — and its hot picking — are matched by its funny, feisty lyric. Check out its cute video on YouTube.

MITCHELL TENPENNY/Walk Like Him
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Justin Ebach/Steven Dale Jones; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Riser
– This confirms his rising star. His hushed, soulful voice draws you in magnetically. The song about carrying on his departed father’s legacy is profoundly touching. Listen and believe.

STEPHANIE URBINA JONES/Jolene
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producer: Patterson Barrett; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; Soundly/Casa Del Rio (track)
– Genius. Marrying country songs to Latin rhythms and Mariachi horns is an idea that should have been hatched years ago. She makes this classic sound like a torrid Mexican telenovella. Elsewhere on her Tularosa CD you’ll find equally ear-opening new arrangements of “Walking After Midnight,” “Seven Spanish Angels,” “Cold Cold Heart,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” “Tiger By the Tail” and more. Both “Jolene” and “Ring of Fire” have bonus, Spanish-language tracks.

WALKER McGUIRE/Growin’ Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Stoney Creek
– Richly rewarding. The layered harmonies, dense production and driving energy punch home the nostalgic, wistful lyric about the passage of time. Nicely done, boys.

DISClaimer: Willie Nelson, Delta Rae, Billy Ray Cyrus Edge Political On New Tracks

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This week’s stack of country tunes features a trio of political statements.

Willie Nelson is campaigning against Ted Cruz. Delta Rae is speaking out about sexual harassment. Billy Ray Cyrus is standing up for democratic principles.

Three others are in a more romantic mood. Florida Georgia Line barely edges out Michael Tyler in that arena to claim this week’s Disc of the Day honor. Noe Palma is also staking a claim in this vein.

The DisCovery Award goes to Rachel Reinert. Evidently, things didn’t go so well when she left Gloriana for a solo career. But her music about that experience is splendid.

CYPRESS SPRING/White Trash
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– Hick hop. This particular banger has a roaring electric-guitar track. As you might guess from the title, the rap is about being blue-collar proud. Not my cup of tea, but this whole label seems to be succeeding with an entire roster made up of this type of act. Whatever….

DELTA RAE/Hands Dirty
Writers: Brittany Holljes/Ian Holljes; Producer: none listed; Publshers: none listed; Big Machine
– Strong and tough. This rockin’ stomper is country’s first single that directly addresses the #MeToo movement. The message is righteous, and the delivery is fierce. It’s empowering, and it is also as catchy as all get out.

WILD FEATHERS/No Man’s Land
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– The group’s new album is Greetings From the New Frontier. This is my favorite band working in country music today, so naturally I’m all ears when it issues anything new. This is an acoustic track recorded live at the Ryman that spotlights the ensemble’s stirring vocal harmonies and spot-on guitar chops. The get-back-to-basics lyric is as timeless as country music, itself.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Talk You Out Of It
Writers: Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rogers/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
– It’s a very sexy, r&b slow jam that should sound just dandy on yer playlist or on your radio station. You see, he loves that dress she’s got on, now he just wants to talk her out of it.

RACHEL REINERT/Dark Star
Writers: Rachel Reinert/K.S. Rhoads/Joe Pisapia; Producer: Davis Naish; Publisher: none listed; RR
-Rachel left Gloriana and embarked on a solo adventure. She found out that it’s a cold world out there when you’re starting over alone. This melodic, mid-tempo tune chronicles that journey. It’s lovely. She soars out of despair into shiny optimism. Highly recommended pop-country.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Drink Along Song
Writers: Jenee Flenor/Wade Kirby/Phil O’Donnell/Buddy Owens; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Star Farm/Average Joes
– This is exactly why we love these guys. Full of good will and party pleasure. Tap your foot, sing along and turn that bottle up. Toast to the memory of Troy while you’re at it. A winner.

NOE PALMA/I’ll Be Your Whiskey
Writers: Ryan Griffin/Jason Matthews/Emily Shackleton; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Mae Capitol Label
– I dig this guy’s voice. In the verses, he’s warm, soft and intimate. On the choruses, he leaps into a forceful tenor wail. Send more, please.

BILLY RAY CYRUS & THE SNAKEDOCTOR CIRCUS/Goddess of Democracy
Writers: Billy Ray Cyrus/Don Von Tress/John Brennan; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BRC
– His new band is pretty cool. The song is kinda muddled — it seems to be about reclaiming freedom of speech and social justice or something like that. He sings it in an urgent, strangulated rasp. Odd and intriguing.

MICHAEL TYLER/Remember These Words
Writers: Michael Tyler/Jaron Boyer/Alexander Palmer/Luke Pell; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Reviver (CDX)
– Nicely done. It has a rhythm-happy, infectious charm that’s quite irresistible. He’s singing about keeping him in her heart even when he’s not there. Sweet and super commercial. Play it, then play it again.

WILLIE NELSON/Vote ‘Em Out
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; WN
– This YouTube clip introduces a new song by Willie that’s timed to the Midterm Elections. During a Beto O’Rourke Texas senatorial campaign appearance, he channels his inner Woody Guthrie while the audience sings along.

DISClaimer: Brothers Osborne, Lauren Jenkins Offer Top Tracks

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Brothers Osborne, Lauren Jenkins

It’s Star Time here at DISClaimer.

Sorry, indies, but the major labels and established names rule the roost today. And with artists like Lauren Alaina, Tim McGraw and Morgan Wallen in the mix, that’s a good, good thing.

Big Machine newcomer Lauren Jenkins nails down the DisCovery Award.

But what is even more exciting is the latest in an unbroken string of audio triumphs for Brothers Osborne. Their new tune easily captures the Disc of the Day prize.

MORGAN WALLEN/Whiskey Glasses
Writers: Ben Burgess/Kevin Kadish; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: 2016 Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp./Mr. Buck Lucky/Bump Into Genius Music (BMI), Sony/ATV Allegro/Over-Thought Under-Appreciated Songs (ASCAP); Big Loud
– A bodacious, boozy. boyish delight. His drawl is completely endearing. The track burbles along with verve. The tongue-in-cheek, heartache lyric is splendid. I have liked just about everything this fellow has dished out. Keep ‘em coming. I hope you become a big star.

RASCAL FLATTS/Back To Life
Writers: none listed; Producer: Rascal Flatts; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine
– A positive power ballad about how much he loves her. Tuneful. Well produced.

CALE DODDS/What We Gonna Do About It
Writers: Cale Dodds/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Corey Crowder; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Infectiously rocking. The track is a little “busy” sounding, but the spirit of the thing is so full of bright optimism that it’s hard to resist.

TIM MCGRAW/Neon Church
Writers: Ben Goldsmith/Ben Stennis/Ross Ellis; Producers: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Publishers: none listed; Columbia
-Echoey and atmospheric, this is an ode to the warm glow of a barroom where you can go to heal a broken heart. Tim’s vocal is processed in a cool kinda way, and the track swirls around it like a smoky halo. I’m in.

LAUREN JENKINS/Give Up The Ghost
Writers: Jenkins/Emily Shackelton; Producer: Julian Raymond/Lauren Jenkins/Scott Borchetta; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine
– It has a peppy rhythm track laid under a minor-key melody, which makes for ear-catching listening. Her slightly bruised vocal begs him to leave the memory of a previous lover behind and cling to her instead. A promising debut.

YouTube video

 

LAUREN ALAINA/Ladies In The ’90s
Writers: Alaina/Jesse Frasure/Amy Wadge; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
– It’s a big ol’ bounce party with Lauren recalling growing up in the ‘90s, when there were so many more female role models on the radio. She name checks tunes by Shania, Faith, Britney, Deana, TLC, the Chicks, Reba, the Spice Girls and more as she romps through this audio delight. “I want to feel like ladies in the ‘90s,” she rejoices, remembering when “females were unstoppable.” There are millions of country listeners who feel this way, despite the pseudo-science of radio programming that disenfranchises them.

WALKER HAYES/’90s Country
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– More nostalgia for the ‘90s. The track is strictly cheesy, contemporary country hip-hop, and he doesn’t really sing (does he ever?). But what he’s name checking is reminiscence all the way — titles made famous by Kershaw, Chesney, Strait, Mary Chapin, Ricochet, Shania, John Michael, Shenandoah, David Lee, Deana, Lonestar and the like. Each line is a country flashback, even if it’s a pop single. Jaunty and engaging.

BROTHERS OSBORNE/I Don’t Remember Me (Before You)
Writers: John Osborne/TJ Osborne/Shane McAnally/Matt Dragstrem; EMI
– This change-of-pace ballad confirms the fact that this duo is one of the most creative record makers in country music today. TJ’s vocal here is a masterpiece of subtle shading. In the song’s lyric, he doesn’t recall what a wild man he used to be, because he’s found true love. Exquisite listening. Proud to be a huge, huge fan of these boys.

YouTube video

 

WATERLOO REVIVAL/Wonder Woman
Writers: George Birge/Cody Cooper/Marv Green/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jason Massey; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– Bland pop. Soft rock that went out of favor 30 years ago.

DOLLY PARTON/A Woman’s Right
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; WNYC
– This single is drawn from an album of songs celebrating the 27 amendments to the Constitution. The other participants are alt rockers, but there’s our Dolly chirping about women winning the right to vote (the 19th amendment, adopted in 1920, thanks to the state of Tennessee). Naturally, being Dolly, she adds wit and humor to her lyrics. Lively fun, and it will become ever more timely as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Suffrage Amendment.

DisClaimer: Carrie Underwood, Adam Hambrick Lead With Soaring, Sensitive New Tracks

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Adam Hambrick, Carrie Underwood

It’s a Capitol Nashville day here at “DisClaimer.”

The label has both the Disc of the Day with Carrie Underwood’s glory-hallelujah sound and the DisCovery Award winner with sensitive new troubadour Adam Hambrick.

But they’re not exactly resting on their laurels over there at BMLG. That label group has two of today’s strongest challengers, Thomas Rhett and Brett Young.

Toss in winners from Mercury’s Billy Currington and the independently released Thompson Square and you have the makings of a fine listening session.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Bring It On Over
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: Round Hill/Natalia’s Music Money/Warner-Tamerlane/Ritten By Rettro/WB/Thankful For This/Pinetucky Road/Telemitry RHythm House/Songs of Roc Nation, BMI/ASCAP; Mercury
– This guy has a seemingly unerring gift for hearing a hit. This crunchy, catchy ditty is like an ear worm. And as if the song isn’t cool enough, there’s a layered, multi-voice production, an echoey atmosphere and a bubbling rhythm track. Crazy good.

WATERLOO REVIVAL/Wonder Woman
Writers: George Birge/Cody Cooper/Marv Green/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Jason Massey; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog
– Generic, routine country-pop.

LINDSAY ELL/Champagne
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Walker Hayes/Fred Wilhelm; Producer: Kristian Bush; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek/BBR
– I fail to hear what this has to do with country music.

THOMAS RHETT/Sixteen
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Sean Douglas/Joe Spargur; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure/Thomas Rhett; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket On the Line/Sony-ATV Ballad/Eastman Pond/Big Deal Beats/Brodsky Spensive/Nice Life/Words & Music, BMI; Valory Music
– Single #5 from the Life Changes CD is a slice of teen-age life with some dandy turns of phrases and truthful vignettes. Naturally, it ends with a look back from adulthood. But on the way there, your ears will fall in love with the lilting honesty and warm approach. Richly rewarding.

MORGAN EVANS/Day Drunk
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Lindy Robbins/Morgan Evans; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Warner-Chappell/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; Warner Bros.
– Fall might be upon us, but Morgan has a summer song that’s as bright as sunshine. The video features footage of him with Kelsea, frolicking in tropical splendor.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Love Wins
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Brett James; Producers: David Garcia/Underwood; Publishers: Carrie-Okie/Universal/Brentwood Benson/D Soul/CapitolCMG/Songs of Brett/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
– A full-throated, inspirational shout to the heavens about the ultimate victory of brotherhood over violence, prejudice, madness and hatred. I’m in.

ADAM HAMBRICK/Rockin’ All Night Long
Writers: Adam Hambrick/Kelly Archer/Pete Good; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Publishers: ole Red Cape/RED Like the Sunset/Stars and Stripes and Maple Leaf/Crack the Glass/Downtown DMP/Garda/King Pen/Songs of Downtown, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Capitol/Buena Vista
– Sweet and charming. His yearning tenor recalls the innocence of youth on a spree, “drinking up every moment ‘til it’s gone.” Hambrick has a reputation as a songwriter for others on Music Row. This debut puts a spotlight on him as a performer. Welcome to the winner’s circle, buddy.

BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight
Writers: Brett Young/Ben Caver/Justin Ebach/Charles Kelley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: none listed; BMLG
-Sexy. A romantic swoon. A crooning come-on.

THOMPSON SQUARE/Masterpiece
Writers: Keifer Thompson; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; T2
– I am so fond of these two. This lovely song compares the creation of their love to the great works of Shakespeare, Beethoven, Da Vinci and other one-of-a-kind geniuses. An anthem for all lovers, everywhere. Truly uplifting — it will make you want to hold tightly to whoever is dear to you.

TEGAN MARIE/I Know How To Make A Boy Cry
Writers: Tegan Marie/Nathan Chapman; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– This is loaded with hooks and personality. I could have done without the “na-na-na” passages, but otherwise it’s enormously listenable.