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DISClaimer: Americana Takes Over Nashville

September 17, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Dana Cooper

The annual Americana convention is upon us this week, so let’s listen to some of the genre’s current offerings.

As it should be, this stack of platters is dominated by singer-songwriters. The most outstanding of these are HoneyHoney, Dana Cooper, Joe Ely, Angela Easterling and Ted Russell Kamp.

Nashville veteran Cooper wins the Disc of the Day prize. Easterling captivated me and earned the DisCovery Award.

FAIRGROUND SAINTS/Can’t Control The Weather
Writers: Mason Van Valin; Producer: Matthew Wilder; Publisher: Van Valin, ASCAP; Verve (track)
-Sweet sounding, jaunty folk-pop featuring strumming guitars, bright horn bursts and sunny vocal harmonies. Trio is based in L.A.

TED RUSSELL KAMP/Boom Boom
Writers: Ted Russell Kamp/Jennifer Gibbons/John Schreffler; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publishers: Terys the Silver/Peacock Choir/So Help Me, ASCAP; Pomo (track)
-He’s an in-demand bass player who has backed Shooter Jennings, Jessi Colter, Lee Roy Parnell, Tony Joe White and others. TRK also makes solo albums that get rave reviews, thanks to his gripping songwriting and raspy, soulful singing. His new one is titled The Low and Lonesome Sound. Like much of the collection, this track is stark and intimate, stripped down to just his heartbeat bass notes and drawling vocal. Ted will be playing all over town this week. He’s at The Tennessee Brew Works Thursday at 7 p.m., the East Side Performing Artists Co-op Friday at 2 p.m. and Drifters BBQ Friday at 9 p.m. You can also catch him playing bass with Calico at that band’s various showcases.

Angela Easterling

ANGELA EASTERLING/Hammer
Writers: Angela Easterling; Producers: Brandon Turner & Joe Pisapla; Publisher: De L’Est, ASCAP; De L’Est (track)
-This South Carolina singer-songwriter is surrounded by such Nashville talents as Will Kimbrough, Fats Kaplan and Joe Pisapia on her Common Law Wife CD. This loping, lead-off track shimmers with steel sighs and co-producer Brandon Turner’s soft harmony singing. Its lyrics were inspired by the late Pete Seeger. This lady has the goods, people.

JOE ELY/Wounded Creek
Writer: Joe Ely; Producer: Joe Ely; Publishers: Tornado Temple/BMG//Bumblebee, BMI; Rack ‘Em (track)
-The eternally great Joe Ely has a new collection called Panhandle Rambler. This is its dry, dusty first track, a story song of a ghostly roadside vision. You’ll hang on every line. The whole album is like that, evoking the desolation and solitude of his West Texas roots.

EMMYLOU HARRIS/Bury Me Beneath The Willow
Writers: traditional; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: public domain; Legacy (track)
–Orthophonic Joy is a double CD of performances reviving the songs recorded at the 1927 “Bristol Sessions” that are regarded as “the big bang” of country music. Perfectly produced by the esteemed Carl Jackson, it includes such talents as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jesse McReynolds, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Ashley Monroe, Brad Paisley, Keb’ Mo’, Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. Here, Emmylou is accompanied by lively autoharp strumming on a Carter Family classic. I could have done without the lengthy historical narration between the songs. But song for song, this fund raiser for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is a winner.

ANNE McCUE/Little White Cat
Writers: A. McCue; Producers: Anne McCue/Dusty Wakeman; Publishers: APRA; AM (track)
-I ran into this veteran Nashville folkie at a recent NARAS reception. Her latest is titled Blue Sky Thinkin’ and features this bopping, toe-tapping swing tune with the band answering her saucy vocals about a lucky day when a kitty crossed her path. The cast members — including Dave Pomeroy, Dave Alvin, Deanie Richardson, Jim Hoke and Dusty Wakeman — sound like they are having a ball. Anne’s Americana Convention showcase is at Douglas Corner on Thursday.

COLIN LINDEN/Rich in Love
Writers: Colin Linden/Janice Powers; Producer: The Rotting Matadors; Publishers: Colin Linden/Stony Plain/Button Moulder, SOCAN; Stony Plain (track)
-This electric-guitar great splits his time between Nashville and his Canadian homeland. The title tune of his latest album is an echoey ballad that moans the blues with a slow, simmering burn. He’s a soul man, for sure.

DANA COOPER/No Second Coming
Writers: Dana Cooper; Producers: Dana Cooper/Thomm Jutz; Publishers: Dog Eared/Bluewater, SESAC; DC (track)
-This Nashville singer-songwriter has been making great albums since 1973. His 25th one is just out. Titled Building a Human Being, it features this cool, lightly rocking tune wherein a fed-up Jesus informs us, “I’m not taking your calls anymore” and “I’m not bleeding for you again.” Kim Carnes and Sally Barris are among the groovy backing vocalists. Highly recommended.

STEVE RILEY & THE MAMOU PLAYBOYS/Au Revoir Grand Mamou
Writers: Steve Riley; Producers: Chris Stafford, Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys; Publisher: JSRII, BMI; SR (track)
-This Cajun accordion player and his band are celebrating their 25th anniversary of music making with a CD titled Voyageurs. It begins with the pulsing energy of this mid-tempo tune of saying bye-bye to your hometown. Go ahead. Get up and bop around the room.

HONEYHONEY/Father’s Daughter
Writers: Suzanne Santo/Ben Jaffe; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: none listed; Rounder (track)
-HoneyHoney showcases at the Americana Convention on Thursday at Mercy Lounge. The duo’s new CD is titled III. It includes this downbeat atmospheric meditation with a string section embellishing lead vocalist Santo’s penetrating, sultry, captivating, rangy and passionate vocal performance. They are former Nashvillians now based in L.A. who returned to Music City to record their third album. The thread running through it is extraordinary song craftsmanship. Essential listening.

DISClaimer: Pop Goes The Country

September 10, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Zac Brown Band

Judging by the sounds reviewed today, the country genre has officially gone completely pop.

Not one of these tracks could be described as “country” in any conventional sense of the term. One of them is white rap. Two of them are folk. The rest are all written and produced as Nashville pop. Which is evidently what “country music” is these days.

There are two young ladies named Emily in the mix. Emily Vance and Emily Haines are sharing the DisCovery Award.

The Disc of the Day goes to the always-listenable Zac Brown Band.

SUSAN HARTMAN/My Instinct
Writers: Susan Hartman; Producer: Eddie Gore; Publisher: Pink Scarf, ASCAP; Pink Scarf (track)
-Rollicking and rocking and highly involving, but perhaps a little too arty in production and song construction for country music. Pitch her pop.

ASHLEY GEARING/Train Track
Writers: Maren Morris/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Kenny Greenberg & Chad Cromwell; Publishers: International Dog/Words & Music/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/Extraordinary Alien/Universal, BMI/ASCAP; Curb (CDX)
-It’s a kiss-off, but a mighty sweet and sunny sounding one. The full-bodied production and her soaring vocal are both exactly right. Recommended.

ANDY GRAMMER & ELI YOUNG BAND/Honey I’m Good
Writers: Andy Grammer/Nolan Sipe; Producer: Mike Daly; Publishers: Ladder Soul Music / S-Curve Songs (BMI), Sony/ATV / Nolan W. Sipe Music (ASCAP); S-Curve/Valory
-Bouncy and poppy. Packed with hand claps, electronic burbles, woo-hoo backing vocals, banjo and stuttering rhythms.

EMERSON DRIVE/Til The Summer’s Gone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; TTA (ERG)
-Poor timing. This breezy, catchy, sing-along, summer-sounding song is coming out about three months too late.

THE LACS & JOSH THOMPSON/Tonight On Repeat
Writers: C. Sharpe, B. King, B. Berryhill, E. Coffman, B. Hill, J. Benson; Producers: Brock Berryhill & Evan Coffman; Publishers: Average ZJS Music Publishing (BMI), Don’t Be A Gypsy (BMI), Distinctive Third (BMI), Brothers By Fate (BMI), Joseph Benson (BMI); Average Joes
-I hate country rap.

ZAC BROWN BAND/Beautiful Drug
Writers: Zac Brown/Niko Moon; Producer: In The Arena; Publishers: Day for the Dead/Southern Ground, SESAC; No Reserve/Republic (track)
-Propulsive, driving and relentless. Hang on for the second chorus when the harmonies, rhythm, electronics and atmosphere all kick in with full force. What a rush.

SIBLING RIVALRY/Home
Writers: Butaud/Butaud/Cotten/Johnson; Producers: Shane Stevens & Neeki Bey; Publishers: none listed; SR (track)
-Singer Olivia Butaud with her acoustic guitarist older brother Mitchell Butaud on harmony vocals have a tender, touching tune about the lonely death of a homeless man. Very folkie.

EMILY HAINES/Outside In
Writers: Janine LeClair/Michael Howard/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dean Scallan; Publishers: none listed; BMI; SSM (track)
-She has a vibrato that is quite ear catching in this bluesy, minor-key little outing. Intriguing.

EMILY VANCE/Serendipity
Writers: Carolina Baldridge/Emily Vance; Producers: Zac Odom/Kenneth Mount; EV (CDX)
-Very feminine and frothy. It has a giddy, girlish quality that makes you smile.

VINCE MATTHEWS & JIM CASEY/Melva’s Wine
Writers: Vince Matthews; Producers: Shel Silverstein, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson & Jack Clement; Publishers: Universal, BMI; Delmore Recording Society (track)
-Co-producer Johnny Cash called this “the greatest contemporary American folk song I ever heard.” I don’t know if I’d go that far, but it is a nice, acoustic, sing-song-y, simple ditty. It can be found on a song cycle called The Kingston Springs Suite. It was recorded in 1972 and performed as an “opera” once in 1978, but never released until now. These are folk songs and recitations about small-town people and small-town life. Colorful songwriter Vince Matthews died in 2003 at age 63, leaving behind such gems as “Love in the Hot Afternoon” (Gene Watson), “This Is My Year for Mexico” (Crystal Gayle), “The Toast of ‘45” (Sammi Smith) and cuts by Cash, Waylon, Hank Jr., Charley Pride, Webb Pierce and Gordon Lightfoot, plus this collection. His co-writer Jim Casey saved the tapes of this conceptual curiosity.

DISClaimer: Labor Day Weekend Calls For Bonfires and a “Smoke Break”

September 3, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

As we head into Labor Day Weekend, the big country stars have our holiday soundtrack all planned.

Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, Alabama and Carrie Underwood all have new singles readymade for airplay. One of them is, appropriately, about working people. That would be Carrie Underwood’s Disc of the Day, “Smoke Break.”

The DisCovery Award goes to a Knoxville native who has the ears for a great song. Scott Stevens and “Around a Bonfire” have holiday spirit and a sensational new sound.

DARWIN MACON/Getting Over You
Writers: Darwin Macon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Tunecore Digital, BMI, DM
-In this dandy hillbilly rocker, a honky-tonk baritone boozes away her memory, but winds up with a monster hangover. This kicks butt. If you’re looking for tempo, look no further.

RASCAL FLATTS/I Like The Sound of That
Writers: Meghan Trainor/Jesse Frasure/Shay Mooney; Producers: Jay DeMarcus/Rascal Flatts; Publishers: Year of the Dog/Rio Bravo/Warner-Tamerlane/Shay Mooney, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
-Upbeat romance, complete with sunny vocal harmonies, rhythmic propulsion and plenty of melody. Joyous.

Scott Stevens

SCOTT STEVENS/Around a Bonfire
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Ryan Beaver; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Cotton Gin
-He has a relaxed, conversational, effortlessly soulful delivery that draws you into this lovely, tuneful story of young people being young. The hooky chorus is irresistible. If he doesn’t have a hit with this, somebody sure should.

MICHAEL RAY/Real Men Love Jesus
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Lance Miller/Adam Sanders; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Famlove, BMI; Atlantic
-The swirling, catchy melody and the memorable, well constructed lyric are both first rate. Very, very listenable.

ELAINA KAY/Masquerade
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jude Dyllan; Publishers: none listed; EK
-She’s trying too hard, and the incomprehensible song isn’t worth the effort.

ALABAMA/Wasn’t Through Lovin’ You Yet
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMG (track)
-Randy is singing in an attractive lower register. The production has modern, echoey mix with a stirring bottomless rhythm. The moody song is quite “different” for this veteran band. A welcome reinvention.

MACY MARTIN/Baby What Ya Doing
Writers: Macy Martin/Kent Wells; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: none listed; MMM (track)
-Bright and bopping, but little more. It seems to have a two-note range.

SCOTTY McCREERY/Southern Belle
Writers: Jason Saenz/Sean McConnell; Producer: Frank Rogers: Publishers: BMG Platinum/Gravity Gone/Warner-Tamerlane/Little Beluga, BMI; Mercury/19 (CDX)
-Oh goody. Another tuneless rocking song about a down-home country girl in blue jeans. In other words, a yawn.

LUKE BRYAN/Strip It Down
Writers: Luke Bryan/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/EMI Blackwood/Songs By Red Room, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
-A nice change of pace. Bryan tries out a softer crooning style for this seductive romance ballad. The sultry, atmospheric arrangement and production are just dreamy. Swoon worthy.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Smoke Break
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Chris DeStefano/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Carrie-Okie/EMI April/HillarodyRathbone/BMG Rights Management, BMI/ASCAP; 19/Arista
-Lotsa stomp, power and energy in this celebratory belter about hard-working folks who are just looking for a little respite. As usual, she sings her face off, especially during the wailing, rocking faded finale.

DISClaimer: Music City’s Female Pop/Rock Queens Make Some Noise

August 27, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Emily West

Nashville’s country gals are having a tough time, but their pop/rock sisters in Music City are doing just fine, thank you.

Even without the presences of Taylor Swift, Amy Grant, Hayley Williams (of Paramore), Erin McCarley, Ashley Cleveland, Bonnie Bramlett, Butterfly Boucher, Jessie Baylin, Kim Carnes, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Marshall Chapman, Bekka Bramlett, Sheryl Crow, Benita Hill, Janis Ian, Ruby Amanfu, Brooke Waggoner, Tracy Nelson, Kim Richey, Kesha or Meghan Trainor, Nashville women completely dominate this pop/rock edition of “DisClaimer.”

Two divas are at the forefront. Emily West and Kelly Clarkson share the Disc of the Day prize with entries that are showcases for their respective volcanic vocal talents.

The DisCovery Award goes to the punk-rocking Bully and its leader, Alicia Bognanno.

EMILY WEST/Bitter
Writers: Emily West/Julian Emery/Jodi Marr; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Publisher: none listed; Portrait (track)
-Former Capitol country starlet Emily West should have been the next Faith Hill. Instead, she rose to national TV fame as a reinvented, stunningly glamorous, pop singer on last season’s America’s Got Talent. Her new All For You CD features tunes she has torched on the show, including “Nights In White Satin,” “Chandelier” and “Sea of Love.” This standout original is torrid and passionate in all the right places, with an hooky chorus that gives her space to shout her fierce soprano power. Superbly done.

ANGEL SNOW/Secret
Writers: Angel Snow/Perrin Lamb; Producer: Sorted Noise; Publisher: EmmettTill, ASCAP; AS (track)
-A throbbing electronic backing frames her clear, soulful, resonant alto delivery. I love the way this is mixed with such perfect balance. Enthralling from start to finish. Snow could be Nashville’s next stealth pop weapon.

BEBE BUELL & THE NASHVILLE ACES/Secret Sister
Writers: Bebe Buell/Jon Tiven/Jimmy Walls; Producer: Jon Tiven; Publishers: Musesque/Unconrolled Composition, BMI; AmerEclectic
-Recent Nashville transplant Buell is famed in rock circles for her modeling career, relationships with superstars (Steven Tyler, Todd Rundgren, Mick Jagger, Elvis Costello, etc.), being the mom of Liv Tyler and penning the infectious 2001 memoir Rebel Heart. She has long been a music maker, as well. Her single pairs this snappy punk rocker with the autobiographical, alt-country ditty “Hello Music City.” Welcome home.

JOY WILLIAMS/Woman (Oh Mama)
Writers: Joy Williams/Matt Morris/Audra Mae; Producers: Matt Morris/Daniel James; Publishers: Here’s To Me/EMI Blackwood/Music of Big Deal/Mass Transit/BMG Rights/WB/AMAE, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track)
– Former CCM record maker and Civil Wars co-star Williams has a new solo CD called Venus. Its lead-off single is a tribal, earth-mother chant celebrating women as the cosmic center of everything. Rhythm crazed.

BUZZ CASON & STEELISM/Record Machine
Writers: Cason/Cason; Producer: Buzz Cason; Publisher: none listed; Plowboy (track)
-Back in 1955, Cason became the frontman of The Casuals, Nashville’s first rock ‘n’ roll band. Wonderfully and astoundingly, he is still at it. The title tune of his latest CD is a bluesy salute to his family’s record player. Amid dandy electric guitar work, he adds his own harmonica solo. There’s even the sound of a vinyl needle drop. A smile a minute.

Kelly Clarkson

KELLY CLARKSON/Invincable
Writers: Sia Furler/Jesse Shatkin/Stephen Mostyn/Warren Felder; Producer: Jesse Shatkin; Publishers: EMI/EMI April/Aidenjulius/Oxmod/Nana’s Hands/Sony-ATV/Crow’s Tree, ASCAP/BMI; RCA/19 (track)
-Clarkson’s new single from her Piece By Piece album is an echoey, thunderous, power ballad. She enacts a wronged woman who becomes a courageous warrior, and boy does she have the pipes for it. How refreshing to hear someone who can actually sing, in a pop sea full of autotuned, electronic drones. Sing on, sister.

LEIGH NASH/Spider and the Moth
Writers: Leigh Nash/Jesse Hall; Producer: Brendan Benson; Publishers: BMG Silver/Woman Hollering/Jesse Hall, SESAC/BMI; Thirty Tigers/One
-The former Sixpence None the Richer pop princess (”Kiss Me,” “There She Goes”) still has her charming, pixie-like soprano. But her forthcoming CD, The State I’m In (due Sept. 18), replaces some of her pop sheen with country-influenced tracks. The set kicks off with this piano-backed waltz. Her little vocal breaks are delightful. Recommended.

SHEILA LAWRENCE/Little Bit of Lovin’
Writers: Sheila Lawrence; Producer: Greg Foresman & Sheila Lawrence; Publisher: She Songs, SESAC; Fallen Tree (track)
-Lawrence tours as a backup singer with Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Brenda Lee. Here at home, we know her as part of the nuclear stage attraction Kentucky Thunder, alongside Vicki Carrico, Etta Britt and Jonell Mosser, all of whom join her for two performances on her solo CD, Down 1297. But this blue-eyed soul inferno goes it alone on this ferociously rocking album opener. Get up and dance.

Alicia Bognanno of Bully

BULLY/Trying
Writers: Alicia Bognanno; Producer: Alicia Bognanno; Publisher: Alicia Bognanno, BMI; Columbia/Star
-The Nashville four-piece Bully is nominally a band, but Alicia Bognanno is its singer, songwriter and producer. Her quasi-strangled pleas are shouted over a thrashing, punk track that is just pop enough to make her/them mainstream. This is one of two videos from the debut CD, Feels Like, the other being “Brainfreeze.” Young, scrappy and energetic.

JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Melting Place
Writers: Jeff The Brotherhood; Producers: Joe Chiccarelli & Jeff the Brotherhood; Publishers: Automatic Bzooty/Otissery/WB, ASCAP; Infinity Cat (track)
-Brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall are back with a new album titled Wasted on the Dream. Its debut single begins as a deliberately stomping audio elephant, then morphs into a nervous, buzzing, electric-guitar mosquito. Nouveau psychedelic rock.

DISCLAIMER: Big Stars and Fresh Newcomers Abound

August 20, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Little Big Town

Big stars and talented newcomers mix well in today’s DisClaimer.

In the latter category are such fresh finds as Josh Fuller, Justin Pecina and proven hit writer Joe Doyle. It might seem a little odd, but I’m giving the DisCovery Award to a white-bearded, 60-year-old music vet named Frank Martin Gilligan. His debut solo CD is captivating.

It will come as no surprise to many of you that the Disc of the Day honor is going to Little Big Town. Again. The title tune of the group’s current CD is as masterful as the rest of it. Ain’t it great when fantastic music is so commercially successful, too?

JUSTIN PECINA/Cooler Radio
Writer: Justin Pecina; Producer: Greg White; Publisher: none listed; JP
-It’s very, very country, has a dandy beat, sports a catchy tune and certainly has a subject that hasn’t been written about before. But is a cooler with a built-in radio really worth a song?

JEWEL & DOLLY PARTON/My Father’s Daughter
Writers: Jewel Murray/Lisa Carver; Producer: Jewel; Publishers: none listed; Sugar Hill (track)
-Jewel’s Picking Up the Pieces CD doesn’t come out until next month, but you can find this teaser tune on her Facebook page now. It’s a folk-flavored story song sung with heart-tugging sincerity by both of these lovely sopranos. Highly recommended listening.

MIKE RYAN/Girls I Date
Writers: Ryan/Anderson/DuBois; Producers: Brent Anderson/Ben Phillips; Publishers: none listed; Rock & Soul (track)
-Last week’s DisCovery Award winner is already back with a new single. His drawling, everyday-guy delivery is backed by a chugging beat, some rocking guitar work and a bouncing banjo. A winner.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Pain Killer
Writers: Karen Fairchild/Jimi Westbrook/Blair Daly/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Little Big Town/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin’ Grids/HillarodyRathbone/BMG Rights, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
-Reggae country with irresistible rhythm and their usual flawless vocal harmonies. Crazy-good hooks that deserve massive airplay.

JOSH FULLER/On The Radio
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jason Rooks; Publishers: none listed; IndieExtreme
-Breakfast got ruined. The truck has a flat. Rush hour was awful. Work is a drag. But they’re playing his favorite song, so he’s tossing his troubles aside. Very groovy.

BRAD PAISLEY/Country Nation
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producers: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Making the Turn/Do Write, ASCAP; Arista (track)
-This is a shout-out to working-class America that comes armed with pride and goodwill, not to mention the names of your sports-team favorites. A celebration for all of us.

Frank Martin Gilligan

FRANK MARTIN GILLIGAN/Silver Dollar
Writers: Frank Martin Gilligan; Producer: Joe Gavito; Publishers: none listed; FMG (track)
– An 1890 coin tells of the people and places it has seen during its journeys. Terrific songwriting, delivered with a hearty, folksy voice that glows with warmth. This one’s a charmer. Gilligan was formerly in the 1980s country band Mason Dixon. His solo comeback has earned him a Best Newcomer accolade at the Kerrville Folk Festival. I can certainly hear why.

CHRIS STAPLETON/Might As Well Get Stoned
Writers: Chris Stapleton/Jimmy Stewart; Producers: Dave Cobb/Chris Stapleton; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (track)
-Stapleton showcased this on Late Night with Seth Meyers this week on NBC. It is on his widely and deservedly acclaimed album Traveller. His fierce, impassioned delivery of this blues growler will raise the hair on the back of your head. If you don’t already own this collection, drop what you are doing and go buy a copy NOW.

JOE DOYLE/Tackle Box
Writers: J. Doyle/L. Bryan; Producer: Joe Doyle/Lisa Bradley; Publishers: Joe Doyle Songs, BMI; Poplar Creek
-Doyle is the songwriter behind Alabama’s “In Pictures” and Rhett Akins’ “She Said Yes,” among many other cuts. His new Songs For Sammie CD collects compositions recorded by such stars as Jason Aldean and Tim McGraw. This one was on Luke Bryan’s debut album. The songwriter’s version is in a tender tenor voice backed by twinkling mandolin and guitar notes. This brings out every nuance of its nostalgic lines. I love songwriter albums.

DALLAS SMITH/Kids With Cars
Writers: Jesse Frasure/Brad Tursi/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Rio Bravo/Telemitry/Songs of Big Deal/BMG Rights/Universal/Lake Allegan, BMI/ASCAP; Blaster
-The track rocks loudly but cleanly. The performance has a hip-hop vibe. The party-hearty chorus is relentless. It’s sure not your daddy’s country music, but will doubtless play well with today’s audience.

DisClaimer: The Purebred Strut

August 13, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

I believe these are called the dog days of summer.

Sure enough, you’ll find some “dogs” among these new sounds. But there are some real purebred pups strutting around in this column, too. Listen to Rick Monroe, Shanna Henderson and Rusty Golden, for instance. Our DisCovery Award goes to an excellent vocalist named Mike Ryan. He has an album that’s a gem from start to finish.

Unquestionably today’s Best In Show is the classy duet record by Willie Nelson & Merle Haggard. It is the Disc of the Day.

LESLIE COURS MATHER/Hell Hath No Fury
Writer: Kelly Lang; Producer: Denny Diante
—She handles this horn-punctuated, feminist, retro-styled blues tune with aplomb. It’s a warning to a guy who hurts a woman that he’s doomed, and how. Nice work.

DEREK ANTHONY/If I Don’t
Producer: Steve Mandile; Bluant Music Group
—He sings well, but the song is pretty wordy and seems to take an awfully long time to get to its hook.

WILLIE NELSON & MERLE HAGGARD & JAMEY JOHNSON/It’s All Going to Pot
Writer: Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson/Larry Shell; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Run Slow/BMG Rights/EMI Blackwood/Big Gassed Hitties/Not Her Money
—The Willie-Hag duet CD is called Django and Jimmie. It contains a handful of classics (Willie’s “Family Bible,” Haggard’s “Swinging Doors” and “Somewhere Between”), but really comes alive when the two legends swap lines on new Music Row tunes. This one is a lively, Mexicali-flavored bopper that romps through humorous lyrics with delightfully light-hearted finesse. Jamey Johnson adds harmonies, and later on you’ll find Bobby Bare guesting on the boom-chicka-boom Haggard tune “Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash.” Buy this record.

ANITA STAPLETON & GENE WATSON/Just Someone I Used to Know
Writer: Jack Clement; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Publisher: Glad/Pappy Daily/Universal; DirkWorks
—This is such a brilliant country song. Its new revival won’t erase the memory of the 1969 Porter & Dolly original (or the fine Jeannie Seely/Jack Greene version), but these voices blend quite well, and the production is perfect. Newcomer Anita handles the melody, while the fabulous Gene shadows her in flawless harmony.

MIKE RYAN/Bad Reputation
Writer: Ryan/Anderson/DuBois; Producer: Brent Anderson & Ben Phillips
—This strong singing Lone Star State boy rocks and wails on this energetic outing, the title tune of his current CD. The accompaniment is tighter and slicker than we are used to hearing on Texas productions. Special kudos to the lead electric guitarist.

Rusty Golden

RUSTY GOLDEN/Sober
Writer: Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Scott Baggett;RGM
—I have always liked this guy’s work, from way back when he was a kid in the Nashville pop/rock groups The Boys Band, GoldenSpeer and The Goldens. The son of new Country Hall of Fame member William Lee Golden of the Oaks has since had a tumultuous life as a gospel and country songwriter, a session musician, a record producer, a survivor of heart bypass surgery and a druggie. His first solo album is a collection of songs about recovery. The title tune by Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Jeffrey Steele will touch your heart with its inspirational fervor. Whether you’ve ever been through recovery or not, this album will do you a world of good.

SARAH ROSS/Shotgun
Average Joes
—Female white rap. Pass.

RICK MONROE/Just the Same
Writer: Jason Brunswick/Josh Dunne/Rick Monroe; Producer: Steve Freeman; MRG
—I dig this fellow. His recent EP spawned the excellent “Great Minds Drink Alike” and “Fire’s Out.” Now expanded into a full-length CD titled It’s a Love Thing, it includes this new, atmospheric. romantic crooner. I like the way he goes from a whisper to a baritone swoon. A relentless touring artist, this solid citizen, talented vocalist and fine songwriter deserves some kind of major-label endorsement.

LINDI ORTEGA/Tell It Like It Is
Writer: Lindi Ortega; Producer: Colin Linden; Last Gang
—I remain a fan. Lindi’s new collection is called Faded Gloryville. It features this throbbing, echo-chamber performance that shines a spotlight on her penetrating soprano as well as her songwriting chops. Americana programmers also take note.

SHANNA HENDERSON/Hell Or Highwater
Writer: Ben Stennis/Katie Kessler; Producer: Ben Stennis & Blake Bollinger
—Banjo notes decorate this moody, sultry performance. Her forceful, laser-arrow vocal hits a bullseye with every phrase. Promising.

DisClaimer: Who Let The Dogs Out?

August 6, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Who, who, who let the dogs out?

There’s a whole pack of major label show dogs vying for our attention this week. So many, in fact, that we hardly have room for any indie acts. And all of these puppies can hunt.

In a field that includes such top dogs as Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Jennifer Nettles and David Nail, the standout, refreshing disc belongs to underdog Kacey Musgraves. She edges out the others to win Disc of the Day.

The nicest surprise is William Michael Morgan. This newcomer’s single is strong enough to beat most of his better known competitors and easily wins him a DisCovery Award. I can’t wait to hear more from this guy.

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WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/I Met a Girl
Writer: Trevor Rosen/Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey & Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Rehits/Smacktown/Universal/Three Mules/Smack Ink, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Gently persuasive. His baritone is wonderful. The song swirls with romance and pleasure. The track is an audio dream. It feels exactly like young love.

TIM McGRAW/Top of the World
Writer: Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite/Josh Osborne; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Extraordinary Alien/Universal/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/Songs of Black River/One Little Indian Creek, ASCAP; Big Machine/McGraw Music
—It seems like this guy never makes a false step. Jump on board this cruising little showboat and ride it all the way up the river. Marvelously catchy.

BLAKE SHELTON/Gonna
Writer: Luke Laird/Craig Wiseman; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Twangin and Slangin/Big Loud Shirt, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Choppy and bopping, with a rapid-fire lyric delivery, hooky guitar passages and an quasi-shouted answering chorus. Light hearted.

JERROD NIEMANN/Blue Bandana
Writer: Ben Goldsmith/C.J. Solar/Andrew Scott Wills; Producer: Jimmie Lee Sloas & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Arista
—This name checks Merlefest, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Newport and other music gatherings as it describes the ultimate fan following her favorite band. Clever and listenable.

JENNIFER NETTLES/Sugar
Writer: Jennifer Nettles/Brandy Clark/Jessie Jo Dillon; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles/Highway 508/House of Sea Gayle/ClearBox Rights/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Jaay Gatsby, ASCAP/BMI; EMI
—She’s a slightly salacious tease who won’t give the boys a taste. The rhythm patterns are the sweet spot here.

CANAAN SMITH/Hole in a Bottle
Writer: Canaan Smith/Brett Beavers/Dan Couch; Producer: Brett Beavers & Jimmy Robbins; Publisher: BMG Gold/Skinny Fat Nashville/BMG Rights/BMG Platinum/Music of Big Deal/Statefish/Songs From the Couch, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury
—After a week of hard work, he’s headed for a booze fest. Full of rocking, rolling personality.

DAVID NAIL/Night’s On Fire
Writer: Jonathan Singleton/Deric Ruttan; Producer: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell & Glenn Worf; Publisher: Super Big/Jett/Big Machine/WB/Doc and Maggie/Thankful For This, ASCAP; MCA Nashville
—I remain a fan. This time he’s applying his torrid tenor to a song about a hot date night. Banjo notes, soaring backup vocals, handclaps, stuttering guitar and burbling percussion are all perfectly placed. Be forewarned: The ending is quite abrupt.

PAT GREEN/While I Was Away
Writer: Zane Williams; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart, Justin Pollard & Gary Paczosa; Publisher: Be Original/Born Into Love, ASCAP; Thirty Tigers/Greenhorse
—Immensely tender. He croons this to his daughter, regretting missing her growing up while he’s off working for a living. He misses her. She misses him, too. Beautifully melodic and gently heart tugging.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Dime Store Cowgirl
Writer: Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producer: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird & Shane McAnally; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
—Breezy and blissful. I think someone called her this when she was growing up and competing to become Little Miss Tater Tot. Whatever the case, this lilting, totally charming ode could be her ticket to the top.

TYLER FARR/Better In Boots
Writer: Justin Wilson/Dave Pittenger; Producer: Julian King & Jim Catino; Publisher: Legends of Magic Mustang/This Is Magic Mustang, SESAC/ASCAP; Columbia
—As usual, his raspy, urgent voice is utterly gripping. This rhythmic, percolating outing finds him falling for his gal who is dressed just right.

DisClaimer: Americana Take Us In Many Directions This Week

July 30, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Our Americana friends take us in many directions this week.

Enduringly great Robert Earl Keen is on a bluegrass trip. Songwriters Richard Fagan and Jack Tempchin are on the comeback trail. Up-and-comers Della Mae and Statesboro Revue continue their marches to roots-music stardom. And we’ll follow the always dependable Darrell Scott and Kasey Chambers wherever they lead.

The sales success of Jason Isbell is making headlines. But it’s his music that earns him the Disc of the Day.

The DisCovery Award goes to Amy Helm. She has a stellar pedigree and the talent to fulfill it.

JACK TEMPCHIN/Room to Run
Writer: Jack Tempchin/Carey Ott; Producer: Joel Piper; Publisher: Night River/Long Story Short, ASCAP; Blue Elan (track) (www.jacktempchin.com)
—Tempchin initially made his mark by penning “Already Gone” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” for The Eagles. He also struck paydirt with Johnny Rivers’ hit version of “Swayin’ to the Music (Slow Dancin’)” in 1977. But he has sporadically made solo albums, too, including a fondly remembered 1978 effort for Arista. This is the title tune of an EP that’s a foretaste of his full-length CD comeback next month. His honest, open, earnest tenor voice breathes life into this nostalgic ode to his father’s guidance. Gentle, echoey instrumental support adds extra heart and warmth.

AMY HELM/Rescue Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; eOne (track) (www.amyhelm.com)
—She is the daughter of the late Levon Helm, a prominent participant in his Midnight Rambles and a member of the roots band Ollabelle. Now Amy Helm steps out with her first solo CD, Didn’t It Rain. This groovy, rhythm-happy, blue-eyed soul track has become an NPR favorite. Rolling, rollicking piano by Little Feat’s Bill Payne sure doesn’t hurt it. Also check out her version of Sam Cooke’s “Good News.” This gal has what it takes.

JASON ISBELL/Something More Than Free
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Songs of Emchant, BMI; Southeastern/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.jasonisbell.com)
—His brilliant last album, Southeastern, triumphed at the Americana Music Awards. Isbell returns this year with an equally arresting song cycle. Its title tune is the world-weary lament of a persevering working man. His plaintive, near-rasp delivery demands that you hang on every line of this and every other song he sings. The man is a Nashville treasure.

RICHARD FAGAN/Redemption
Writer: R. Fagan; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RF (track)
—Best known as the writer of the John Michael Montgomery’s “Be My Baby Tonight,” “Sold” and “I Miss You a Little,” Fagan has a new collection of 11 originals. The title tune is a gospel-flavored shout that references his hair-raising, hard-living past, including killing his best friend. Elsewhere on the set, his gifts for innovative production touches, startling lyrics and instantly catchy melodies shine brightly.

KASEY CHAMBERS & BERNARD FANNING/Bittersweet
Writer: Kasey Chambers/Bernard Fanning; Producer: Nick DiDia; Publisher: Essence/Mushroom, no performance rights listed; Sugar Hill (track) (www.kaseychambers.com)
—The title tune of this Aussie singer-songwriter’s new CD is a wistful duet ballad that burns with romantic regret. She can still break your heart with every vocal note.

ROBERT EARL KEEN/1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Writer: Richard Thompson; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publisher: Beeswing, no performance rights listed; Dualtone (track) (www.robertearlkeen.com)
—The widely beloved troubadour has built a career on his gripping songwriting. Keen has long been a bluegrass fan, and he sets aside his own catalog on his Happy Prisoner: The Bluegrass Sessions CD to sing the songs of Flatt & Scruggs, Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, A.P. Carter, Jimmie Rodgers and more. His take on this Richard Thompson tune has a dark urgency. As always, his voice is packed with personality. Only this time, it is backed by hot pickers, including Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek on fiddle. Vocal guests include Lyle Lovett, Natalie Maines and Peter Rowan. I remain an enormous fan.

DELLA MAE/Boston Town
Writer: Celia Woodsmith; Producer: Jacquire King; Publisher: Squawkbox, ASCAP; Rounder (track) (www.dellamae.com)
—This all-female Nashville ensemble scored a Grammy nomination with its prior Rounder CD. The follow-up is less bluegrassy, leaning toward an earthier, thumpy folkie vibe. It leads off with this rolling, earnest, ramblin’-gal ode. Other highlights include a cover of the Stones’ “No Expectations.” Della Mae’s accomplished picking and singing grab your ears throughout. If you aren’t already, get hip to this band.

LOWELL LEVINGER/Get Together
Writer: Dino Valenti; Producer: Ethan Turner & Lowell Levinger; Publisher: none listed; Grandpa Raccoon (track) (www.lowelllevinger.com)
—Levinger is better known as “Banana,” one of the original members of The Youngbloods. His solo CD revives that band’s favorites—”Sugar Babe,” “Darkness Darkness,” “Grizzly Bear” and the like. The title tune is The Youngbloods’ all-time hippie love-one-another classic, slowed to a shambling, affectionate shuffle. His bandmate Jesse Colin Young joins him on vocal harmony. Off in the audio distance are Maria Muldaur, David Grisman, Peter Rowan and other “Grand Chorus” friends. Smile on your brother, indeed.

STATESBORO REVUE/Undone
Writer: S. Mann/G. Quist; Producer: Scott Davis, Gordy Qust & The Statesboro Revue; Publisher: Hot Foot/Victrolacaster, ASCAP/SESAC; Vision/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.statesbororevue.com)
—This Texas ensemble took the roots-music world by storm with its debut collection two years ago. The follow-up is the appropriately titled Jukebox Revival. This lead single is a funky, rocking, soulful, swampy ode to working-class America. The album drops on Aug. 7. Get on board now.

DARRELL SCOTT/Lone Pine
Writer: Ben Bullington; Producer: Darrell Scott; Publisher: Wind Whipped, ASCAP; Full Light (track) (www.darrellscott.com)
—A formidable songwriter himself, Scott devotes his new CD to the works of the late tunesmith Bud Bullington. It is a spare recording, just an extraordinary singer accompanying himself with nimble fingers on guitar, piano, banjo, steel or bass, depending on the song. Here, he moans the bluesy, haunting lyric while his banjo notes drop around him. There is no one in this city I’d rather have sitting next to me with an instrument, singing lyrics this marvelous in my ear. A stunning recording.

DisClaimer: Review-Column ‘Virgins’ Vie For DisCovery Award

July 23, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Every dog has his day, and the meek shall inherit the earth.

Today we have six DisClaimer “virgins” who are hoping that something like that is the truth. Despite the promise shown by Tucker and the delightfully named Beka & The Gin Hall Hustlers, the one newcomer who earns the DisCovery Award is Homegrown. This band arrives fully armed with stellar vocal abilities, top-notch production and songwriting skill.

Ricky Gunn and Mary Sarah have both been here before. As have our real veterans, Sammy Sadler and our undisputed Disc of the Day winner, Ronnie Dunn. Read on.

THE STICKERS/Countrified
Writer: Neil Mason/Corey Crowder/Matt McGinn; Producer: Tony Castle; Publisher: Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Nevada House, BMI; Wodarek
—Half-spoken, half-sung verses. Shouted/screamed choruses. Twang guitar. Stomping beats. Shout outs to Conway Twitty and Randy Travis. I’m not buyin’ it.

MARY SARAH/Dress Up This Town
Writer: Mary Sarah/Melisssa Bollea/Bill DiLuigi; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; 144 Entertainment
—Pert, chirpy vocal and a sunny, upbeat attitude. Bright sounding. Summery.

BROOKE HOGAN/Girlfriend
Writer: Brooke Ellen Bollea/Drew Davis/Erik Halbig; Producer: Blake Bollinger; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; MollyDog
—Her throaty, alto delivery is ear catching. The tempo is infectious. The song is too wordy and should have been edited.

RONNIE DUNN/Ain’t No Trucks in Texas
Writer: Wendell Mobley/Tony Martin/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Fonde Mountain/Sony-ATV Tree/Casa Jaco/Songs of Peer/Team Thrash, BMI/ASCAP; Nash Icon
—This is what it’s all about: A finely written country-weeper song, a supremely brilliant honky-tonk singer and a sterling contemporary production loaded with sonic dynamics. You youngsters should be taking notes on records like this.

AUSTIN MEADE/Feeling Closer
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Austin Meade
—Muffled, muddy sound. Barely-there singing. Aimlessly wandering lyric in search of a chorus. Pass.

SAMMY SADLER/Thinking About Mexico
Writer: Bart Butler/Tony Ramey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bill Butler/O Tex, BMI
—Sammy Sadler is still best known as the survivor of the 1989 Music Row assault that murdered Cash Box chart manager Kevin Hughes (convicted Richard “Tony” D’Antonio died in prison last year). His latest floats on bobbing steel notes and echoey mariachi horns and features the strongest singing of his career to date. Solid. Listenable.

TUCKER/#Country
Writer: E. Durrance/B. Deese/J. Parsons/Tucker; Producer: Ryan Sutton; Publisher: none listed; Big Pond/CEO
—Tucker is a multi-instrumentalist who has backed Jimmy Wayne, James Otto, Michael Peterson and others. Now stepping out as a singer-songwriter, he enters the country fray with a bro-country rocker loaded with redneck cliches. He’s good, but should have chosen a debut single that stands out rather than blending in.

RICKY GUNN/Living Like Me
Writer: Ricky Gunn/Dan Hannon; Producer: Dan Hannon & Billy Hume; Publisher: Emilex/NCE, BMI; NCE
—This fellow has received good notices in this column before. His latest has several things going for it. As before, he delivers vocally. In fact, this outing sounds even more personable and Southern than before. Also as before, he is backed with a well-mixed production. The upbeat song isn’t exactly a world beater, but it will do.

BEKA & THE GIN HALL HUSTLERS/Hollywood with Cowboy Hats
Writer: Beja Bronc; Producer: Beka Bronc; Publisher: Lil Miss Rebecca, BMI; Sassy Pants
—These guys have the best band name of this session, for sure. As it promises, their twangy-bop song is a wicked-funny jab at Music City. You see, she’s going to borrow money from Taylor Swift, marry Kenny Chesney and make it big.

HOMEGROWN/Summer Song
Writer: C. Brannon/K. Brannon/Cole Ivey; Producer: Andy Bowen & The Rockporium; Publisher: none listed; Homegrown Entertainment
—Excellent brother-vocal vocal harmonies washing over a highly tuneful composition. This is perfectly produced beach music. Play and believe.

DisClaimer: Sammy Kershaw Wins Disc of the Day

July 9, 2015/by Robert K Oermann

Sammy Kershaw

Returning veterans and promising newcomers are this week’s musical recipe here at DisClaimer.

Among the former is Sammy Kershaw, who lands the Disc of the Day prize.

Among the latter are Smith & Wesley, Allie Louise and our DisCovery Award winner, Abbey Cone. Her debut CD is titled Abbey. For some odd reason, it does not contain her single. You have to go to her website to find that. Go figure.

Neither newcomers nor veterans are The Cains, Levi Riggs and Brian Collins, all of whom are making their sophomore appearances in this column. Another thing they have in common is that all three of their new singles more than affirm the promises made by their debuts.

McKENNA FAITH/Somethin’ Somethin’
Writer: McKenna Faith/Caleb Sherman/Monique Staffile/Yvette Garcia; Producer: Caleb Sherman & McKenna Faith; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Treble (CDX) (www.mckenna-faith.com)
—You mean not one of those four writers could come up with a melody?

ALLIE LOUISE/Perfect Storm
Writer: Allie Louise/Doug Kahan/Kaci Bolls; Producer: Eddie Gore; Publisher: Sixth Beat/Dug That, ASCAP/BMI; Sixth Beat (CDX) (www.allielouiseofficial.com)
—I like the little “break” in her voice, and her songwriting is pretty decent. The production rocks and rumbles. Promising.

LEVI RIGGS/Nothin’ I Don’t Love
Writer: Brett James/Steve Diamond; Producer: Matt McClure; Publisher: Spny-ATV Cross Keys/New Diamonds/BMG Gold/Stage Three/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; Windridge (CDX) (www.leviriggs.com)
—The man is a strong, strong singer. The song is a dandy. The track rocks splendidly. This one’s a winner, folks.

BRIAN COLLINS/Shine a Little Love
Writer: Brian Collins/Paige Logan; Producer: Mills Logan, Kenny Greenberg & Brian Collins; Publisher: Blue Light/Molly Jack, SESAC/ASCAP; Blue Light (CDX) (www.briancollins.com)
—At the risk of repeating myself, there already is an established country record maker with this name. He reads this column and knows about you purloining his identity. This new single is hearty and well-meaning, carrying an upbeat message, delivered vibrantly.

BLAIR MATTHEWS/Ride
Writer: Blair Matthews; Producer: Blair Matthews; Publisher: none listed, BMI; StoneyHill (CDX) (www.blairmatthews.com)
—It is a need-for-speed ode to motorcycle riding. He’s no powerhouse as a singer, so the tempo and energy try to compensate.

ABBEY CONE/Love Like Him Again
Writer: none listed; Producer: Rocky Gribble & Curtis Jojnes; Publisher: none listed; AC (track) (www.abbeycone.com)
—Kudos for launching your career with a heartbreak ballad. We need more performers with moxie (and talent) like this. She’s only 16, but there’s nothing juvenile about this vocal performance. Achingly lovely.

LYNN ANDERSON/Drift Away Gospel
Writer: Mentor R. Williams; Producer: Bil VornDick & Bruce Dees; Publisher: Almo/Rockin MW, ASCAP; Center Sound (track) (www.lynnandersonshow.com)
—Veteran Anderson returns with a religious rewriting of this much-loved pop standard. Her delivery is throaty and low, with just the right touch of devotion. The gospel album it appears on, Bridges, features guests such as The Oak Ridge Boys and The Martins, plus a supporting cast of A-list Music Row players.

THE CAINS/Journey’s End
Writer: Taylor Cain/Madison Cain/Becki Devries; Producer: Daniel Agee; Publisher: Taylor Cain/Madison Cain/Becki Devies Watsky/Kobalt, ASCAP; DayStreet (track)
—This attractive sibling trio kicks the tempo up a little to deliver this sparkling, fizzy cocktail of pop optimism. Shiny and bright, with a delightfully layered production.

SAMMY KERSHAW/Grillin’ and Chillin’
Writer: C. Beathard/S. Caruso; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Carnival, BMI/ASCAP; Cleopatra (CDX) (www.sammykershaw.com)
—He’s still one of our finest honky-tonk vocalists. This laid-back ditty sounds exactly like a relaxing summer afternoon. Beautifully under-produced for pleasing audio simplicity. Bonus points for name-checking Dean Dillon.

SMITH & WESLEY/Need Somebody Bad
Writer: Todd Smith/Randy Boudreaux; Producer: Shayne Hill; Publisher: Dream Walkin,’ ASCAP; Garage Door (track) (www.smithandwesley.com)
—Rocking twin guitars, Allman-style. Brother-duet vocals, perfectly matched. What’s not to like?