Let the march to stardom begin. It has been so, so gratifying to watch the world fall in love with Kacey Musgraves. [MusicRow Publisher] Sherod [Robertson] and I rejoiced together when she introduced “Merry Go Round” at the 2012 CRS convention. It took a full year, but that song finally entered the top-10 in time for CRS 2013. All of that is a preamble to stating that Kacey’s follow-up, “Blowin’ Smoke,” is the Disc of the Day. It’s a good idea to populate a new band with seasoned vets. That’s the way the Texas Jamm Band won a DisCovery Award. Special kudos go to the group for keeping real country music alive.

Billy Currington/Hey Girl
Writers: Rhett Akins/Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dan Huff; Publishers:EMI Blackwood/EMI April/Sugar Glider/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP, Mercury
-A bit of a disappointment. In the past, he has shown such unerring good taste in material, so I was startled by how lackluster this pick-up ditty is. Back to the drawing board.
Danielle Car/Turn You On
Writers: Danielle Car; Producer: Chuck AlKasian, Danielle Car and Brian Lord; Publisher: none listed, BMI; DC
-I have liked this Detroit diva in the past. This time around, she’s rocking a boozy, saucy, sexy roller with more than enough backbeat to kick you in the rear end. Rock on, sister.
Kacey Musgraves/Blowin’ Smoke
Writers: Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird & Shane McAnally; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/351/Universal Careers/Crazy Water/Smack Songs/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt,BMI/ASCAP; Mercury
-I am totally smitten with her conversational vocal drawl. The fact that she’s such a brilliant songwriter is another reason I hang on every line. Buy this woman’s record right now.
Tyler Barham/It’s Valentine’s Day
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/John Griffin; Producers: Dave Flint and John Griffin; Publisher: none listed, YN (track)
-He has a sincere, warm singing style that is extremely engaging. The meandering, lovelorn ballad, however, does nothing for me. Find him a hit song.
Little Big Town/Your Side of the Bed
Writers: Lori McKenna/Karen Fairchild/Kimberly Schlapman/Phillip Sweet/Jimi Westbrook; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Hoodie/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Capitol
-Love has died in this gorgeous, harmony-soaked ballad. Jimi Westbrook, who is one of our finest male vocalists, swaps lines with wife Karen Fairchild during the group’s spectacular performance. In a word, superb.
Joni Rae Jack/Wild Side
Writers: none listed; Producer: Shayne Morrison and Greg Hunt; Publisher: none listed; Rockin Moon
-She’s in church, daydreaming about the not-so-holy things she was up to the night before. He catches her eye from a pew and gives her a grin. A naughty-but-nice rocker.
Johnny Rivers/My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It
Writers: traditional; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Publisher: public domain; Soul City
-Pop legend Rivers refashions this Hank Williams/Ricky Nelson oldie into an acoustic romp. There’s still plenty of thump in the rhythm, but it also has a definite bluegrass vibe. By the way, why isn’t this guy in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame?
Jeremy Steding/Lyin’
Writers: Jeremy Steding; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Smith
-The track works up a lather with its double-time, rumbling tempo while the baritone vocalist drawls languidly atop the audio excitement. Quite listenable.
Carrie Underwood/See You Again
Writers:Carrie Underwood/Steve Hodges/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher:Carrie-Okie/EMI Blackwood/1206/Raylene/BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Arista/19
-It would be hard to top the drama in either “Blown Away” or “Two Black Cadillacs.” Instead, Carrie opts for a big, beefy, pop power ballad. Loaded with melodic hooks and heart-tugging, love-eternal lyrics, it’s pretty hard not to get completely caught up in it.
Texas Jamm Band/Drinkin’ Doubles
Writers: none listed; Producer: Texas Jamm Band and Tommy Detamore; Publishers: none listed; Glad/MDM
-This eight-man group contains members of George Strait’s Ace in the Hole band. So it’s no surprise that its debut single is country, country, country all the way. The members settle into a slow two-step groove, and super-tasteful steel guitar lines dominate the arrangement. Excellent work, fellas.

For me, it’s a good day when most of the new music I hear is as good as this stack of platters is. I was particularly smitten with the Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison duets package, the Ron Davies tribute album and Erica Nicole, Gretchen Wilson and Justin Moore. Lend all of them your ears. The Disc of the Day honor belongs to the always superb Pistol Annies for “Hush Hush.” The DisCovery Award goes to the surprisingly accomplished newcomers of Missouri Mile.
PHILIP CLAYPOOL/I’m Gonna Lie
Writers: Gary Hannan/Ira Dean/Aaron Baker; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publishers: Gary James Hannan/Little Biscuit/Chobe/Sony-ATV Tree/Hillbilly Rich/Skymonkey, BMI
-The grinding, distorted, screaming rock guitars are hugely irritating, but his vocal performance is solid, and the song’s a winner.
GRETCHEN WILSON/Still Rollin’
Writers: Gretchen Wilson/Vicky McGehee; Producer: Gretchen Wilson; Publishers: On Cloud 27/Calhoun Enterprises/peermusic/February 4, ASCAP/BMI
-The rumbling, gently rocking track has a vaguely Bob Seger vibe, which makes me automatically predisposed to love it. Gretchen remains a vocalist of immense personality, and she gives the “survivor” lyric warmth and likeability. Stay tuned for the cool instrumental coda at the song’s end.
ERICA NICOLE/Better Beer
Writers: Kevin Fisher/Darby Orr; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publishers: Stone Poet/Surface and Dream, BMI/ASCAP
-It’s a happy handclapper about a working girl raising her glass and toasting to a brighter future. Totally catchy and addictive, as well as irresistibly good-natured. This is this artist’s second consecutive delightful disc.
PISTOL ANNIES/Hush Hush
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley; Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell and Glenn Worf; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Reynsong/Ayden/Angaleena Presley/Ten Ten/EMI April, BMI/ASCAP
-Miranda, Ashley and Angaleena try on some country-rock slippers, and they fit just fine. The ultra witty lyric about a dysfunctional family with secrets is delivered with winks and sly smiles all around. A total hoot from start to finish.
SARA BETH/Kickin’ and Screamin’
Producer: Dean Sams
-Lonestar’s Dean Sams has formed his own record label, and this gal is his first project for it. She sings with winning assurance. His crisp production is utterly contemporary. The song is about holding onto your good times, no matter what.
KELLY WILLIS AND BRUCE ROBISON/Cheater’s Game
Writers: Bruce Robison/Liz Foster/Savannah Welch; Producer: Brad Jones; Publishers: Bruce Robison/W.B.M./Dueling Poets/Shimmy Shake, BMI/SESAC
-Their new duets album has been out for awhile, but I can’t get it out of my head. This is the title tune to a collection that ranks as one of the best of the year so far. Kelly’s lead vocal on the ballad about a woman hitting the bottom aches with emotion, and Bruce’s harmony work is pitch perfect. The rest of the CD is packed with equally dandy tunes by the likes of Robert Earl Keen, Hayes Carll and Dave Alvin (plus chestnuts from Don Williams and Razzy Bailey), as well as originals by the oh-so-talented Bruce. Buy this record.
MAKKY KAYLOR/A Little Sentimental
Writers: Joseph Babcok; Producers: Mark T. Jordan and Makky Kaylor; Publishers: Noma/Unichappel/Elvis Presley, BMI
-Makky is a top Music Row session singer, jingle vocalist and songwriter. The idea behind his album is to recapture the class and style of the classic Nashville Sound of the 1960s. To that end, he reinterprets classics by Don Gibson, Eddy Arnold, Dottie West and Jim Reeves, as well as offering some of his own compositions in the style. The album’s title tune is a 1961 Marty Robbins song. Makky gives the shuffle ballad a warm reading with just a teardrop touch of vibrato. Co-producer Mark T. Jordan’s deft acoustic piano filigrees anchor the lustrous arrangement. Recommended.
MANDY BARNETT/Long Hard Climb
Writer: Ron Davies; Producer: Gail Davies
-The late Ron Davies wrote more than 600 songs, including the Three Dog Night favorite “It Ain’t Easy,” also covered by David Bowie, Mitch Ryder, The Raconteurs and others. Twenty-two of Ron’s tunes are revived on Unsung Hero, an excellent all-star collection featuring John Prine, Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, John Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Bramlett and more. Helen Reddy had success in the 1970s with Ron’s ballad “Long Hard Climb,” which is also associated with Maria Muldaur. Mandy sings it in a languid, dreamy, jazzy fashion. Soft strings cushion the arrangement. Produced by Ron’s younger sister Gail Davies, Unsung Hero is consistently terrific. Sales benefit Nashville’s W.O. Smith Community Music School.
MISSOURI MILE/Exit 214
Writers: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Producer: Byron Hill; Publishers: Song Source/Triage/Byron Hill, ASCAP/BMI
-Songwriters Sheena and Sheila are sisters who comprise the duo Missouri Mile. They harmonize as only siblings can. The lilting title tune to their seven-song EP reveals them to be simply audio awesome. The song is completely captivating as both a melody and a lyric, and Byron Hill’s production frames their vocals with a lovely, luscious mix of mandolin, bass and acoustic guitar. In a word, enchanting. Producers and A&R folks take note: All of these songs are worth cutting, pronto.
JUSTIN MOORE/Point at You
Writers: Ross Copperman/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Ross Copperman/4 Tunes/WB/Tar-Cam-Knox/Get a Load of This, BMI/ASCAP
-He drawls his tale with gusto. He has a wild side, but if you want to see his soft, sweet, best side, look at his gal. Sonically, it’s a jumbo joyride that romps along with all the goofy best of intentions. This will sound splendid on the radio.

You’ll find a few unusual names in this week’s country reviews, namely The Lumineers, Sheryl Crow and Mumford & Sons.
That’s because I think that the format should expand to include people like this. Just look at the good that embracing folks such as Darius Rucker and Aaron Lewis has done. Besides, they are a lot more “country” than half of what is passed off on the public from the Music Row factory system. So that’s my speech for the week.
The Disc of the Day is the triumphant outing by Ashley Monroe. I have been in this lady’s corner for years and it warms my soul to hear her arrive with something so beautiful as “Like a Rose.”
Give a DisCovery Award prize to JB & The Moonshine Band. I think they’re onto something.

AMBER DIGBY/It’s A Long Way From Heaven
Writers: Jimmie Helms/Sharon Higgins, Producer: Amber Digby, Randy Lindley and Justin Trevino. Publisher: none listed, BMI
–Amber’s new CD opens with this steel-soaked, twin fiddled two step, and I was instantly in heaven. For my money, she remains the finest female country vocalist in the entire state of Texas. The World You’re Living In is, I believe, her fifth studio album, and word is steadily spreading about this gifted singer-songwriter. Her cowriters on the collection include such Nashville heavyweights as Vince Gill, Dale Dodson and Bill Anderson, and Pete Wade, Hargus “Pig” Robbins and Lloyd Green are in the backing band. If you aren’t already, get on board, people. Her versions of the classics “We Loved it Away,” “How Can I Unlove You” and “If It Ain’t Love,” alone, are worth the price of admission.
SHERYL CROW/Easy
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Chris DuBois/Jeff Trott; Producer: Sheryl Crow and Justin Niebank; Publisher: Old Green Barn/House of Sea Gayle/Cyrkllikc Soup/Wixen;
BMI/ASCAP
–Pop princess Sheryl goes country with this lilting, sweet ode to making a romantic vacation right in your own backyard. Very pretty and very enjoyable.
JB AND THE MOONSHINE BAND/The Only Drug
Writers: JB Patterson; Producer: JB Patterson; Publisher: JBMB, BMI
–He sings in a robust, warm baritone that instantly communicates, “buddy.” In the song, he’s giving up all his bad habits by embracing her love. Promising.
THE BAND PERRY/Done
Writers: Reid Perry/Neil Perry/John Davidson/Jacob Bryant; Producer: Dan Huff; Publisher: When I Go To The Moon/Famdamily/Rio Bravo/Castle Bound, BMI/SESAC
–He’s done her wrong one too many times. This hit-bound, ultra-rhythmic, tongue-tripping, punchy outing has just one word in its chorus kiss-off finale. Done.
JJ LAWHORN/Stomping Grounds
Writers: JJ Lawhorn/Jamie Paulin/Brian Maher; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: EMI April/Songs of Hanover Holler/Tunes of Bigger Picture/EMI Blackwood/Pawpaw Paulin, ASCAP/BMI
–He has a vocal drawl you can cut with a knife. And since the focus is almost entirely on his voice, its a good thing that the down-home, back-roads lyric is as strong as it is. Even so, a little more creativity and finesse in the production would have been welcome.
BILLY DEAN/I Can’t Leave A Good Thing
Writers: Billy Dean/Tommy Cecil; Producer: Ray Barnette and Billy Dean; Publisher: Billy Dean/Lost River/Mow Money Lawn, BMI/ASCAP
–I dig the deep thump in the backbeat and the sizzling fiddle work. His chesty vocal is sexy-hillbilly in an outlaw kinda way. Recommended listening.
THE LUMINEERS/Stubborn Love
Writers: none listed; Producer: Ryan Hadlock; Publisher: none listed
–With the inescapably catchy “Ho Hey” still on everyone’s lips, these hearty folkies are following it up with this equally upbeat ditty of a love that won’t give up. Nominated as Best New Artist at the Grammys, this rollicking acoustic band definitely deserves some country attention.
THOMPSON SQUARE/If I Didn’t Have You
Writers: Keifer Thompson/Shawna Thompson/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producer: NV; Publisher: none listed
–Chosen as Vocal Duo of the Year by both the CMA and the ACM, this married couple returns with a new album titled Just Feels Good later this month. In the meantime, here’s a rousing, catchy, power-ballad ode to fidelity sung with immense energy by both Keifer and Shawna.
ASHLEY MONROE/Like A Rose
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Jon Randall/Guy Clark; Producer: Vince Gill & Justin Niebank; Publisher: Reynsong/Ayden/Wha Ya Say/EMI April, BMI/ASCAP
–Openly autobiographical and honestly heartfelt, this title tune to Ashley’s album is like having a comforting blanket wrapped around your shoulders. Her clear-as-country-rain voice and the rippling production are both simply awesome. Right now, she’s best known as “Hippie Annie” in The Pistol Annies. With songs like this mini masterpiece, that is all about to change, my friends.
MUMFORD & SONS/I Will Wait
Writers: Mumford & Sons; Producer: Marcus Dravs; Publisher: none listed
–I find it amusing that the leading “Americana” act is British. Country radio could do itself a big favor by programming this banjo-bubbling bundle of energy with its wildly catchy harmonized choruses and plea for forgiveness. It belongs right alongside Darius’s “Wagon Wheel” and the Zac Brown Band. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it appears on the Grammy Album of the Year.

With the Grammy Awards showcasing both Jack White and the multi-honored Black Keys, Nashville music was superbly displayed earlier this month.
Both of those artists’ nominated discs were highlighted in this column, as have been efforts by Kings of Leon, Ben Folds, Paramore, Tommy Womack, The Features and many more. But this recent burst of publicity means that it is way past time to shine a spotlight again on our non-country music makers. So today’s column includes electric blues, folk-pop, heavy metal, classic r&b, political pop/rock and other styles.
For the Disc of the Day, I’m going with old-school r&b. That would be the Andy T-Nick Nixon Band. Their just-released collection is a total charmer. Give a DISCovery Award to Angel Snow. Yes, that’s her real name. And, yes, she is a mesmerizing stylist.

JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Sixpack
Writers: JEFF The Brotherhood; Producer: Dan Auerbach & JEFF The Brotherhood; Publisher: Automatic Bzooty/Otissery/WB; ASCAP
These enduring Nashville Infinity Cat indie faves have made the step up to the major leagues with their Warner Bros. contract. The resulting Hypnotic Nights album retains the fizzy, dense, loopy style of their prior work with perhaps a touch more pop catchiness, especially on this single. Collaborator Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys was named non-classical Producer of the Year at the Grammys. So there. Buy the collection on vinyl and you get a full CD version included with it, plus an autographed photo of the Orrall brothers, Jake and Jamin.

ANGEL SNOW/Holiday
Writers: Angel Snow; Producer: Viktor Krauss; Publisher: Emmett Till, ASCAP
Producer Krauss is notable as a record maker, himself, as well as being a longtime Lyle Lovett sideman. It’s easy to hear why he chose to work with newcomer Snow. She sings in a lustrous, compelling alto, weaving easily through the complexities of the dreamy melody. Acoustic pop washed with an echoey, electronic soundscape. In a word, haunting.

RED/Perfect Life
Writers: Anthony Armstrong/Michael Barnes/Randy Armstrong/Joe Rickard/Jasen Rauch/Jason McArthur; Producer: Howard Benson; Publisher: Logansong/Morning Harbor/Eden’s Lullaby/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Schminigan, BMI/ASCAP
Some of the hardest rock in Nashville is made by our CCM brethren, most particularly this four piece, goth-sounding outfit. The lead single from Red’s new Release the Panic CD is soaked in guitar thunder, shouted vocals and frothing drumming.
BOOMTEMPLE/Soul Job
Writers: Kyle Frederick; Producer: Dyle Frederick/Marc Owens; Publisher: Vandermont/Cry Angels/Melody Chef, BMI
This is the title tune of what I am told is Boomtemple’s second album. It is a percussive rocker with loads of quirky sonic effects and a somewhat psychedelic vibe. For even more psychedelia, check out “The Girl at the Pork Store.” And for more outright rock, spin “Yes I Will.” Talent on parade.
CHARLIE PEACOCK/Ghost of the Kitty Cat
Writers: Charlie Peacock; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed
Peacock has been contributing songs and pop production expertise in the CCM world for decades. His current CD, No Man’s Land, contains 12 songs inspired by his Louisiana ancestors. It’s an all-star affair, with a cast including Bryan Sutton, Ruby Amanfu, Bruce Bouton, Jeff Coffin, Andy Leftwich, Jerry McPherson and more. It also rocks smartly, particularly on this bubbling, bopping, Cajun-flavored jewel of a tune. It goes without saying that the production work is beyond brilliant. Highly recommended.
ANDY T-NICK NIXON BAND/Drink Drank Drunk
Writers: Thomas Hambridge/Gary Nicholson; Producer: Anson Funderburgh; Publisher: Tom Hambridge/Gary Nicholson/Sony-ATV, ASCAP
James “Nick” Nixon is a Nashville r&b institution who gigged up and down Jefferson Street back in the day. His sidemen have included Jimi Hendrix and Billy Cox, and he charted in the 1970s in the group Past, Present and Future. He toured with the New Imperials, produced The Fairfield Four and performed in the 2011 film Redemption Road. Guitar hotshot Andy T (Talamantez) came of age in Southern California, but is now Nashville based. Nixon’s deep-blues vocal delivery and Andy’s stinging guitar chops are fabulous together throughout their CD, including on this title tune. They will rock your world.
SHANNON LABRIE/I Remember A Boy
Writers: Shannon Labrie; Producer: Zodlounge; Publisher: none listed
This Music City resident was named one of the “Best Unsigned Artists of 2012” by Music Connection. Her debut album, Just Be Honest, was issued two weeks ago. She sings with aching authenticity, accompanying herself on guitar and/or piano. The sound harks back to the classic singer-songwriter era, yet is thoroughly contemporary with touches of jazz and soul in spots, along with plenty of thump. Labrie will be showcased alongside such talents as Brooke Waggoner, Matthew Perryman Jones, Katie Herzig and Mindy Smith via the iTunes “Nashville Indie Spotlight.”
WILL HOGE/The Ballad of Trayvon Martin
Writers: Will Hoge; Producer: Will Hoge; Publisher: Will Hoge, BMI
Veteran Nashville pop-rocker Hoge has lately been collecting award nominations for co-writing the country hit “Even If it Breaks Your Heart.” But his current Modern American Protest Music collection demonstrates he still has his grit, passion and fire for compelling alt rock. He howls and grinds this timely, torrid cautionary tale like a man possessed.
THE VESPERS/Lawdy
Writers: Phoebe Cryar; Producer: Anderson East, Daniel Scobey & The Vespers; Publisher: Poodle Head, SESAC
The Vespers comprises two Cryar sisters and two Jones brothers, the latter of whom are that musical rarity, Nashville natives. The sound is folk-pop with an acoustic base overlaid with a variety of punchy rhythm instruments, claps and stomps, plus fey, gentle vocals. Enchanting. And in these Lumineer and Mumford times, quite contemporary and in step. The band’s current album is titled The Fourth Wall. Miss this gem at your peril.
MARK ROBINSON/Drive Real Fast
Writers: Mark Robinson; Producer: Mark Robinson; Publisher: Dogs in Trouble, SESAC
This blues-rock Nashvillian has titled his CD Have Axe — Will Groove, which is appropriate since he’s a guitar hoss. The sweat-soaked roadhouse set kicks off with this blistering number. It might be light on subtlety in the lyrics department, but in any case, he speaks most eloquently with his fingers on the frets. The album is entirely self penned except for three tunes, including a cover of the Ray Charles standard “Lonely Avenue.”
(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MusicRow)

The narrative this week belongs to the baby acts. I can’t remember any prior listening session when there were so many promising newcomers. Vying for attention this week were Chris Janson, The Henningsens, Danny Griego and Shelly Fraley. I’m giving the DisCovery Award to Texan Danny Griego, but it could just as easily have gone to any of the others.
Longtime Music Row tunesmith Jimbeau Hinson has recorded only sporadically over the years. His Strong Medicine CD and its “Distant Vision” track are ample evidence that he should do so more often. Give the man a Disc of the Day award.
DEBBIE COCHRAN/Honky Tonk Yourself Right Out of Heaven
Writer: Debbie Cochran, Producer: Kent Wells, Publisher: DMC Anniston, BMI
-It’s a fiddle and steel-soaked two-step. Country, country, country all the way.
THE HENNINGSENS/American Beautiful
Writers: Aaron Henningsen/Brian Henningsen/Clara Henningsen/Brett Beavers, Producer: Paul Worley, Publisher: none listed, BMI
-The chunky, choppy sonic bed contrasts with a smooth lead vocalist and a catchy, tuneful chorus. Solidly written and sung. I’m intrigued. Send more.
DANNY GRIEGO/I Wear My Own Kind of Hat
Writers: Merle Haggard, Producers: Danny Griego, Ed Seay, Publisher: Sony Tree, BMI
-This 1979 Haggard oldie is given a classy update with a rockin’ “outlaw” backbeat and a gritty, soulful, slightly raspy, baritone vocal performance. I dig it.

KATIE ARMIGER/Playin’ With Fire
Writers: Katie Armiger, Ricky Davis, Micol Davis, Producer: Chad Carlson, Publishers: Purple Monkeys/Hits of Tom Lies/Go Ahead On/Dorvin and Bubba/Squeeze Me
-Armiger continues her winning ways with this bluesy attitude number that sounds as dangerous as a hissing sidewinder. The kid rocks.
CHRIS JANSON/Better I Don’t
Writers: none listed, Producer: Keith Stegall, Publishers: none listed
-It’s a snappy country rocker with a well written lyric about a reformed wild man who knows better than to tempt fate with booze or babes. Promising.
KENNY CHESNEY/Pirate Flag
Writers: Ross Copperman, David Lee Murphy, Producers: Buddy Cannon and Kenny Chesney, Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Ross Copperman/4 Tunes/Old Desperados/N2D; BMI/ASCAP
-He kicks normal living aside for “a pirate flag and an island girl.” In other words, familiar Chesney territory, and extremely well produced.
SHELLY FRALEY/Wastin’ Time
Writer: Waylon Jennings, Producer: Ian Fitchuk, Publisher: none listed
-The deep echo-chamber effect is ear catching. She sings in a drowsy, world-weary sigh. The ballad’s love-is-gone lyric and wafting melody are both terrific. Extremely inventive and well worth your spins.
JIMBEAU HINSON/Distant Vision
Writers: Jimbeau Hinson, Producer: Kim Tribble, Publisher: American Romance; ASCAP
-Veteran hit songwriter Hinson really packed ‘em in at his album-release party last week. If you want to hear what all the excitement was about, check out this free download on the Wrinkled Records website. It’s a textbook example of blue-eyed soul singing, gospel-tinged lyric writing and shoulder-shaking-rhythm production. The CD is titled Strong Medicine. You need it in your life.
TYLER & THE TRIBE/Heaven and Hell
Writers: none listed, Producer: none listed, Publisher: none listed
-The band plays okay, in a quirky kinda way, but is poorly mixed. Also, the too-wordy songwriting could use some tightening up.
B.J. THOMAS & STEVE TYRELL/Rock and Roll Lullaby
Writers: Barry Mann/Cynthia Well, Producer: Kyle Lehning, Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Summerhill, BMI
-The upcoming The Living Room Sessions CD by B.J. Thomas features many of his classic hits reworked as duets with the likes of Keb Mo, Vince Gill, Richard Marx and Lyle Lovett. The noteworthy thing about this track is that Tyrell produced Thomas’s 1972 original version. He proves to be a worthy vocalist, although nowhere near the still-thrilling pipes of the iconic star. The label, Wrinkled, is off to a splendid start with consistently excellent platters from Buffy Lawson, Etta Britt, Jimbeau Hinson and Thomas. It’s great to know there’s still a company in town that’s all about the music.