DISClaimer Single Reviews (11/14/12)

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King's Bullet, Lee Brice

As we get deeper into the fall, the sounds of country music grow warmer.

On the holiday drives to friends and relations that lie ahead, I’m going to welcome hearing Kix Brooks and Lee Brice coming over those car speakers. I’m taking along some left-field CDs, too, like the new one by Lindi Ortega and the duets of Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale.

You’ll find all four of them discussed in this week’s column. Lee Brice has my heart as the Disc of the Day.

There was a little surprise tucked into today’s listening session. Singer-songwriters Trey Bruce and Loni Rose have become King’s Bullet, and in so doing win this week’s DisCovery Award.

LINDI ORTEGA/The Day You Die
Writer: none listed; Producer: Colin Linden; Publisher: none listed; Last Gang (track) (www.lindiortega.com)
—I’m still crazy about this gal. This super hooky, neo-rockabilly, speedy romp has mordant wit as well as echoey twang and thump. It’s produced with verve by her fellow Canadian in Nashville, Colin Linden.

DAVID KROLL/Little Soldiers
Writer: David Kroll/Arlos Smith; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (www.davidkrollmusic.com)
—This being the week of Veteran’s Day, this ballad is certainly timely. It concerns the families left behind when soldiers go off to war, and it is very well written. In addition, Kroll sings it with real feeling. Proceeds from downloads of the single this week go to the Code of Support Foundation.

LIZZIE SIDER/Butterfly
Writer: Lizzie Sider/Jamie O’Neal/Jimmy Murphy/Lisa Drew; Producer: Jamie O’Neal; Publisher: none listed; Blue Steel (www.lizziesider.com)
—Wildly upbeat and catchy as all get out. The pulsing production rings with repeated guitar riffs and notes of steel. She sings with confidence and volume, riding atop the sonic excitement like a pro.

CARRIE ZARUBA/Woman on a Mission
Writer: Carrie Zaruba/Kent Wells; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CZ
—Her vocal is almost swamped by the busy-sounding instrumental track. But there’s real talent here, in songwriting as well as singing.

BUDDY MILLER & JIM LAUDERDALE/I Lost My Job of Loving You
Writer: Lauderdale/B. Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: Ginger Dragon/Songs of Bug/West Bay/Julie’s Freaking Out, SESAC/ASCAP; New West (track) (www.buddymiller.com / www.jimlauderdale.com)
—Talk about a dream team. Individually, these two men are among the best country singers and songwriters in this whole city. Their Buddy & Jim collection together is a banquet of audio delights. This opening-track twang fest is drawling and haunting, with plenty of alt-country production touches. Most of the CD is original material by them. But they do take side trips to Johnnie & Jack (”South in New Orleans”), Joe Tex (”I Want to Do Everything for You”), Jimmy McCracklin (”The Wobble”) and to a pair of traditional tunes.

CLAY WALKER/Jesse James
Writer: Kyle Jacobs/Joe Leathers/Ben Glover; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Curb/JacobsongFortune Favors the Bold/Mike Curb/Ghermkyle/WB/Screaming Norman, ASCAP/BMI; Curb (track)
—He dreams of being a free-and-easy, wild outlaw in the Wild West. It’s a battle between the dark and the light, the good and the wicked, sung high up in his range while chanting men, screaming electric guitars and a plunking banjo surround him. Too noisy for these ears.

KING’S BULLET/Watermelon Sun
Writer: none listed; Producer: Trey Bruce; Publisher: none listed; KB (track) (www.kingsbullet.com)
—Hit Nashville songwriter Trey Bruce spent part of his summer months collaborating on songs with Loni Rose. While working in the studio, they “accidentally” created an album, a new sound and an identity as King’s Bullet. Her sweet soprano takes the lead, while he provides a dusky harmony part. This opening track wafts across like a dry prairie breeze in late afternoon. Refreshingly different.

LEE BRICE/I Drive Your Truck
Writer: Jessi Alexander/Connie Harrington/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Kyle Jacobs, Matt McClure & Lee Brice; Publisher: none listed; Curb (track)
—This man is turning into a star with every successive disc. He smacked homeruns right out of the ballpark with “A Woman Like You” and “Hard to Love.” The third single from Brice’s CD is immensely evocative, as a son recalls his deceased dad by driving his truck and listening to their favorite country station. If this doesn’t punch you in your heart, you haven’t got one. Another homer.

KIX BROOKS/Moonshine Road
Writer: Kix Brooks/Leslie Satcher; Producer: Kix Brooks; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Buffalo Prairie/Leslie Satcher, BMI; Arista (track)
—The drawling country boy promises the fancy lady a wild and wooly time in this moody, minor-key “outlaw” slab of sound. Very, very cool, with a “heartbeat” rhythm track that is irresistible and a production that gets right under your skin.

J.D. SHELBURNE/Grandma & Garth
Writer: J.D. Selburne/Bob Stewart; Producer: Greg Cole; Publisher: J.D. Shelburne/Giraffekey, BMI; Star BLase (CDX) (www.jdshelburne.com)
—He cleans out his late Granny’s house and finds a guitar. It leads him to a life as a country singer. Along the way, the lyric quotes the Garth song titles she loved. As a song, it’s certainly unique.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (11/07/12)

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Toby Keith, Phoenix Stone

What a sonic harvest we have this week.

Good luck, radio programmers. You’re going to have to make room for a heaping helping of new sounds. The Zac Brown Band has the most beautifully produced single of the week. The Band Perry has the most refreshingly original sound. Amy Rose turns in the finest vocal performance. Kelly Clarkson has the coolest groove. And Tim McGraw is playing at the top of his game. All of these folks deserve massive airplay.

For the Disc of the Day, I am going with the masterful new effort by Toby Keith. He’s playing the part of a bartender with a big shoulder to cry on in “Hope on the Rocks.” And he makes you believe every word of it.

Like Toby, Phoenix Stone writes and produces his own single, as well as singing it well. So he’s taking home this week’s DisCovery Award.

PHOENIX STONE/100 Proof Moonshine
Writer: Phoenix Stone; Producer: Phoenix Stone; Publisher: Stonelib, ASCAP; Stonehall (www.phoenixstoneofficial.com)
—Very nicely produced, with a crashing drum sound, banjo grace notes, a ringing electric guitar and some hearty shouting chorus boys. Stone sings with southern gusto, and the song has loads of memorable hooks. Play it.

TIM McGRAW/One of Those Nights
Writer: Luke Laird/Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Universal-Careers/Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks/Big Loud Songs/Angel River, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine
—The sound of young love. He and his babe head for the party, dance to a slow tune and get it on later. The whole thing is wrapped up in echoey, wistful nostalgia. Superbly listenable.

LOVE AND THEFT/Runnin’ Out of Air
Writer: Matt Jenkins/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Josh Leo; Publisher: Songs of Bims/Kobalt/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; RCA (track)
—It has a glossy-pop sound, a galloping beat and rich vocal harmonies. It’s not exactly my cup of tea, but there’s no denying the polished craftsmanship at work here.

TOBY KEITH/Hope on the Rocks
Writer: Toby Keith; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco, BMI; Show Dog Universal (track)
—Forget what I implied last week. I still do dearly love “Cold Beer Country,” and the label did send it out as a tune to be listened to, but it is NOT the new single. This is. It is the moody, meditative title tune of Toby’s album. The disillusioned and downtrodden find their way into the bartender’s establishment to drown their sorrows. It is superbly written, and he sings the fire out of it. This man is a hoss.

KELLY CLARKSON & VINCE GILL/Don’t Rush
Writer: Blu Sanders/Natalie Hemby/Lindsay Dawn Chapman; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Lindsay Dawn Chapman, BMI/ASCAP; 19/RCA
—With Vince supplying heavenly harmony, Kelly sways through this groove-a-minute tune with an old-school R&B vibe. Wonderfully rhythmic.

AMY ROSE/I Just Want You to Know
Writer: Gottwald/Sandberg; Producer: After Tuesday Productions; Publisher: Kasz Money/Universal, ASCAP; Wild Rose (www.amyrosemusic.com)
—This was a 2006 hit for The Backstreet Boys, and her version doesn’t countrify the song all that much. That said, her sultry, range-y singing voice is beyond excellent.

THE BAND PERRY /Better Dig Two
Writer: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Tunes of Bigger Picture/Vista Loma/Songs of Bigger Picture/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/ReHits/Unfair Entertainment, ASCAP; Republic Nashville
—Very cool. The crisp little banjo licks, thumpy percussion and sonic crashes give it a super dramatic sound. The dark, threatening lyric and the energetic vocals are pluses as well. Innovative and ear catching.

ZAC BROWN BAND/Goodbye in Her Eyes
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RPM Entertainment (ERG)
—When they hit those chorus harmonies, I rose right out of my chair. Man, these guys can sing. This is one thrilling, gorgeous and deliciously melodic little record.

SMOKEY RIVER BOYS/All Pure Country
Writer: Robert Metzger; Producer: Robert Metzger; Publisher: Aim High/Universal, ASCAP; Platinum Plus (CDX) (www.smokeyriverboys.com)
—As you might guess from the title, this a for-real hillbilly-cornball outing. Country with a capital “K.”

JOSIE BRANDON/Crazy Week
Writer: Josie Brandon; Producer: Ian Spanic & Josie Brandon; Publisher: Josie Brandon, ASCAP; Tiger (CDX) (www.josiebrandonmusic.com)
—The song won’t win any contest prizes, that’s for sure. She sings it as loud as she can, but there’s no getting around its lameness.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/31/12)

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The Mann Sisters, Brad Paisley

Trick or Treat!

It’s Halloween, and no one knows how to craft a topical tune like a country artist. In this case it’s a duo, The Mann Sisters. They have a song called “Halloween Night” that’s good enough to be played any time of the year. I’d love to hear what they can do with a non-holiday song. In the meantime, give them a DisCovery Award.

Regionalism isn’t especially valued in a musical genre that aims for national appeal. But I don’t care where you’re from, “Southern Comfort Zone” will make your heart beat faster and your emotions swell up. It is also, sonically speaking, an amazingly well-produced record. It earns Brad Paisley a richly deserved Disc of the Day prize.

DUSTIN LYNCH/She Cranks My Tractor
Writer: Dustin Lynch/Brett Beavers/Tim Nichols; Producer: Brett Beavers & Luke Wooten; Publisher: Big Music Machine/Super 98/Golden Gears/Chrysalis One/BMG/Chestnut Barn/Warner-Tamerlane/Contentment/Made for This Music, BMI; Broken Bow (track)
—The starter motor of the tractor starts things, then it’s off to the races with a spirited bopper. His warm baritone delivers the country-boy lyric with elan, and the lightning licks on fiddle and electric guitar provide the rest of the considerable energy in the track.

MELISSA BROOKE/Texas Rubye
Writer: Leslie Satcher/Vince Gill; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Vinny Mae/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; BGM (www.melissabrooke.com)
—She sings with such verve that she veers off pitch here and there. But she means well.

TOBY KEITH/Cold Beer Country
Writer: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Marc Fortney; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco Tunes/Bobby’s Lyrics & Livestock/Cold Beer Country/Do Write, BMI; Show Dog Universal (track)
—What with “Beers Ago,” “I Like Girls That Drink Beer,” “Red Solo Cup,” and now this, Toby seems to be in a bit of a rut in the lyric department. Melody-wise, however, he’s refreshingly creative, because this jazzy swinger laced with clarinet is as delightful a track as I’ve heard all year. Deserving of massive airplay.

SCARLETTA/Right Here, Right Now
Writer: none listed; Producer: Paul Taylor; Publisher: none listed; Average Joe’s (track) (www.scarlettamusic.com)
—This trio consists of Aubrey Collins and her partners Benji Harris and Nathan Stoops. I’d have mixed the boys’ contributions a little louder, since they sound kinda muffled on this debut single. The interwoven fiddle player is a plus.

MARK COOKE/Stay With Me Tonight
Writer: Pete Sallis/Mark Carson/Kris Bergsnes; Producer: J. Gary Smith & John Smith; Publisher: Cherry Heart/Mark Carson/Cauley Orleans/BMG/English Ivy/Chrysalis One, BMI/SESAC; CVR (www.markcooke.com)
—They’re both brokenhearted, so why not shack up? The accompanying piano is a overwhelmingly loud, whether he’s softly seductive on the verses or pleading on the choruses.

JOSH TURNER/Find Me a Baby
Writer: Josh Turner/Frank Rogers; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Songs of Universal/J. Otis/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—Pleasant, gently bopping and inoffensive, but not exactly gripping listening.

BRAD PAISLEY/Southern Comfort Zone
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed; Arista (CDX)
—This manages to be both anthemic and splendidly rocking at the same time. Even if you’re not a Southerner, you’ll get caught up in the lyrics evoking a Dixie homeland. The throbbing undertow backbeat is just as inspirational. The sound collages that ebb and flow throughout the track are brilliantly mixed. A total home run, right down to the finale “Look away, look away.”

THE MANN SISTERS/Halloween Night
Writer: Alexandra Mann/Lauren Mann; Producer: Alexandra Mann, Lauren Mann & Derek Cintron; Publisher: Tanner Boy, BMI; Tanner Boy (CDX) (www.themannsisters.com)
—Tonight’s the night! These gals have the soundtrack for trick-or-treaters. It’s appropriately spooky and minor key. Here’s even better news: it’s quite well written, and they sing it splendidly.

HANNAH McNEIL/I Gotta Leave You for Me
Writer: Hannah McNeil/David Hansen/Rob Higgins; Producer: Rodney Good & Rob Higgins; Publisher: Positively Platinum/Hansen/Nilknarf, ASCAP/BMI; RED/Spinville (CDX) (www.hannahmcneil.com)
—A woman leaves a domestic violence situation. The country-rock track rumbles along splendidly, and she delivers the range-challenging melody with vocal assurance. Well done.

JOE BACHMAN/Small Town Rock Stars
Writer: Mark Irwin/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins; Producer: New Voice Entertainment & Arlis Albritton; Publisher: Oceans One/Year of the Dog/Darth Buddah/Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Songs, ASCAP; JPB (CDX) (www.joebachman.com)
—The local band covers Springsteen, Skynyrd, Hank Jr., Buffett and Rick Springfield, basking in the good-time glow of being big fish in a small pond, getting the girls and free beer. They know they’re going nowhere, but they’re having a ball. You’ll smile and rock along.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/24/12)

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Paul Sikes, Tim McDonald, A.J. Downing, Jana Kramer

Last week, I couldn’t find any newcomers to like, and this week the opposite is true.

No DisCovery Award was handed out when the pickins were slim. Now, I have three of them to bestow. They go to Sony-ATV writer Paul Sikes, rootsy Texan A.J. Downing and suburban Nashvillian Tim McDonald. Congratulations, fellows.

By contrast, all of the Disc of the Day contenders are women — Kathy Mattea, Sarah Darling, Holly Williams and our winner, Jana Kramer.

JANA KRAMER/Whiskey
Writer: Catt Gravitt/Sam Mizell; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Ink Pen Mama/Songs of Max/Tunes of R&T Direct/Razor & Tie/Be My Lamb/On Like a Neckbone/Simpleville, SESAC/BMI; Elektra/Warner Bros.
—At times, I had to strain to hear the lyric clearly, but there’s no denying the ultimate listening pleasure. She regrets the bad boy she fell for while harmony singers, fiddles, guitars, steel and mandolins chime and echo all around her.

A.J. DOWNING/My Wagon Just Won’t Roll
Writer: A.J. Downing; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Charkansas (track) (www.ajdowning.com)
—Downing’s CD is titled Good Day, and it kicks off with this ragged-but-right thumper. His country drawl is instantly engaging, and when you tune into his talent as a lyricist, you’ll be as hooked as I was. Sure, the instrumentation lacks Music Row polish, but sometimes a sound that is a little rough around the edges is just what the doctor ordered.

PAUL SIKES/My Epitaph
Writer: Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys, ASCAP; 7-Layer (track) (www.paulsikes.com)
—The Sikes CD — titled Craft — isn’t due until January, but he has already created a stir with this tune from it. When Today show co-host Hoda Kotb was in town, she caught his set at The Bluebird and invited him to perform this on national TV. It is a moving, delicate elegy, a tender message to a loved one that says, basically, that after he’s gone the only thing that needs to be remembered about him is the love he gave.

HOLLY WILLIAMS/Drinkin’
Writer: Holly Williams; Producer: Charlie Peacock & Holly Williams; Publisher: none listed; HW (track) (www.hollywilliams.com)
—The forthcoming Holly Williams CD will be called Highway. On it, she is moving in an Americana direction with her talented co-producer Charlie Peacock. She is also even more startling as a singer-songwriter than she was before. This lead track spotlights her aching vocal delivery as well as her knife-sharp talent as a wordsmith. This is what modern country music ought to be doing.

STEVE LUSCOMBE/I’m a Natural
Writer: Alex Smith/Rock Carroll; Producer: Dan Drilling; Publisher: none listed; Taytown (track) (www.steveluscombe.com)
—The song is well constructed, and he sings it well. But the tempo is taken way, way too slowly. It sounds like he is trying to swim in molasses.

KATHY MATTEA/Hello, My Name Is Coal
Writer: Larry Cordle/Jenee Fleenor; Producer: Gary Paczosa & Kathy Mattea; Publisher: Wanderchord/NayerPuddingPie, BMI/SESAC; Sugar Hill (track) (www.mattea.com)
—Mattea’s latest CD, Calling Me Home, is a song cycle about her Appalachian homeland. This latest emphasis track couldn’t be more timely as it both reveres and reviles “black gold.” “Some say I’m a savior; some say death is what I bring,” rings out over a minor-key acoustic melody. Haunting.

SARAH DARLING/Home To Me
Writer: Caitlyn Smith/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Music of Stage Three/Songs of Carrman/BMG/EMI Foray/Turning Twenties/Dollarsandpense, BMI/SESAC; Black River
—This endearing, lilting love song compares her beau to the some of the best of America’s states. As always, her delivery is as sweet as sugar. Radio ready in the extreme.

AARON LEWIS/Forever
Writer: none listed; Producer: James Stroud & Aaron Lewis; Publisher: none listed; Blaster (track)
—The former Staind rock singer continues his bid for country acceptance with this midtempo, moody meditation on a fading romance that just might rekindle. Abundant steel guitar is a big plus here.

TIM McDONALD/Livin’ Breathin’ Havin’ Fun
Writer: Tim McDonald; Producer: Tim McDoanld & Bill Warner; Publisher: none listed; TM (track) (www.timmcdonaldband.com)
—The title tune to McDonald’s CD is a lovely, nostalgic trip down memory lane. To the accompaniment of rippling guitars and gentle keyboard work, he sings of his days of youth and innocence while visiting the Arlington grave of a buddy. His songwriting skill is outstanding, and his gently persuasive vocal is perfectly delivered. Elsewhere on the disc are such enticing titles as “Beer’s Good Food,” “I’d Be Screwed,” “Every Song Sounds the Same” and “Shit List.” Take my word for it, the guy can definitely write and sing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/17/12)

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This week, creativity trumps commerciality.

The folks with the most radio-ready tunes this week include Brantley Gilbert, Love and Theft and Uncle Kracker. But the artist with the single that is truly ground breaking and fresh sounding is Jerrod Niemann. For outstanding creativity and class, give that man a Disc of the Day.

None of the newcomers flipped my lid. So we have no DisCovery Award to present in this edition of “DisClaimer.”

JERROD NIEMANN/Only God Could Love You More
Writer: Jerrod Niemann/Lee Brice/Jon Stone; Producer: Dave Brainard & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: Writers of Sea Gayle/Ozworth/Words & Music/Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria/How Bout That Skyline/Songs From Ferry Street/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Arista/Sea Gayle (track)
—This man is so creative. As if the songwriting wasn’t cool enough, the production is a brain-filling delight, full of tender percussion rumbling, vocal echoes, keyboard droplets and haunting silences. Essential listening.

BOBBY DEAN/You Can’t Drink ‘Em All
Writer: Culpepper/Culpepper/Neil; Producer: Dave Moody; Publisher: Songs from Americana Street/CDT Productions, BMI/ASCAP; Lamon (track)
—Country with a capital “K.” He has a drawl you can cut with a knife, and the band lays the fiddle and steel on thick. Not for the faint of heart.

BRANTLEY GILBERT/More Than Miles
Writer: John Eddie/Brantley Gilbert; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: WB/John Eddie/Warner Tamerlane/Indiana Angel, ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music (track)
—Driving away won’t cure his heartache, no matter how far he goes. The track has a rolling, churning quality that propels the song forward. His soft-yet-earnest vocal performance is perfectly shaded to the lyric. Very radio worthy.

ROY SOLIS/Sippin’ on a Six Pack
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Ave. 1  (www.roysolismusic.com)
—Thin sounding. I like the accordion, but the rest of the instrumental backing could use some oomph. His singing lacks lung power and hits the high notes flat. Pass.

LOVE AND THEFT/Runnin’ Out of Air
Writer: Matt Jenkins/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Josh Leo; Publisher: Songs of Bims/Kobalt/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; RCA (track)
—This is a change of pace from their “Angel Eyes” hit. It is a pop bopper with rhythm to spare. The compressed-sounding, rapid-fire vocal delivery is ear catching as well.

BILL McALISTER & I-57 SOUTH/Between Silver & Gray
Writer: William Alaric McAlister; Producer: Patrick T. Doody & Bill McAlister; Publisher: Palos Orland, ASCAP; Lane (track) (www.lanerecords.net)
—Very much is the shadow of Waylon Jennings, from the “outlaw” backbeat to his baritone vocal delivery. The lyric refers to the fact that he’s on the far side of 50. That’s okay. Music keeps you young.

COLT FORD/Answer to No One
Writer: C. Ford/S. Houchins/N. Gordon/M. Hartnett; Producer: Shannon Houchins, Noah Gordon & Mike Hartnett; Publisher: Average JZS/Mike Hartnett, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes (track) (www.coltford.com)
—Name your poison: rap or rock. This has both, plus a dash of right-wing politics.

ANGEL MARY & THE TENNESSEE WEREWOLVES/Cowboy
Writer: Jean Picard-Ami/Angel Mary Picard-Ami/Christian Picard-Ami; Producer: Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Verado (CDX) (www.angelmary.net)
—Ya gotta love their name. The sound is rebel rocking with plenty of attitude. It would work a little better if she had more moxie in her delivery.

UNCLE KRACKER/Nobody’s Sad on a Saturday Night
Writer: M. Shafer/Shane McAnally/J.T. Harding; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/Gaje/Universal/Smack Ink/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/SONGS/Mighty Seven/Songs of SMP/Heavy Metal Disco, BMI/ASCAP; EMI/Sugar Hill/Vanguard (CDX) (www.unclekracker.com)
—Infectious. Energetic. Cleverly written and sung with joyous abandon. Play it.

CHRIS COX/December in the Snow
Writer: Walt Wilder; Producer: Walt Wilder; Publisher: Taloga Leedy/Pactow, BMI; CMM (CDX) (405-751-2140)
—A vocal tremelo to drive a truck through.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/10/12)

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Ingram Hill, Hunter Hayes

Progress is our most important product.

Young Hunter Hayes continues his march to stardom with “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” a track that shows his continued growth as an artist. It is also the Disc of the Day.

Both Bonnie Bishop and Lindi Ortega continue to impress. Both women seem to improve and deepen with each album. Which means that both are on the path to becoming the stars that destiny intends for them to be. Again, progress.

On the songwriting front, give kudos to Jerry Salley for continuing to polish his gift. He’s still a model of country craftsmanship, and despite what the title to his CD implies, he only improves with age. So that’s progress, too.

This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Ingram Hill. This trio is comprised of Justin Moore, Phil Bogard and Zach Kirk. They cowrote all the songs on their CD.

THE WASHERS/Like a Gypsy Should
Writer: Todd Janik; Producer: Billy Jo High & Adam Odor; Publisher: none listed; W (www.thewashersmusic.com)
—Muffled and muddy sounding, with the lead vocal buried deep in the mix. Find a better producer.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/I’ll Keep the Kids
Writer: Eddie Montgomery/Ira Dean/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Plowin’ Ground Music/Average ZJS Music/EMI Blackwood Music, Inc./Tune Pang Music/Sixteen Stars Music/Rooster Pecked Music (BMI); Average Joe’s (ERG)
—She wants everything in the divorce, and he’s willing to give it to her. Except for one thing, and it’s in the title. Well written, and probably Eddie’s best vocal performance ever.

BONNIE BISHOP/Bad Seed
Writer: Bonnie Bishop/Al Anderson; Producer: Bonnie Bishop; Publisher: none listed; BB (track) (www.bonniebishop.com)
—Bishop had a major breakthrough this year when Bonnie Raitt recorded her co-written “Not ‘Cause I Wanted To.” Bishop’s new Free CD is Kickstarter funded and includes this sizzling country-rocker featuring her soulful, slightly raspy, smokin’ hot vocal delivery as well as killer piano and electric guitar work. The title character’s behavior might be a little too raw for mainstream country radio, but those of you who listen will be richly rewarded. Unreservedly recommended.

HUNTER HAYES/Somebody’s Heartbreak
Writer: Andrew Dorff/Luke Laird/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Universal Careers/High Powered Machine/Happy Little Man, BMI; Atlantic/Warner
—Very nice and classy, with a seductive groove and a gently jazzy vocal vibe. Confused in romance, he asks her, “If you’re gonna be somebody’s heartbreak, be mine.” As cool as the breeze.

JERRY SALLEY/Paper & Pen
Writer: Jerry Salley/Allison Mellon; Producer: Jerry Salley; Publisher: W.B.M./Beach Nut/Bases Loaded, SESAC/ASCAP; Very Jerry (track) (www.jerrysalley.com)
—This veteran country tunesmith (Reba, Toby, Brad, Loretta etc.) is back with a collection of self-penned tunes titled Showing My Age. This aching, waltzing ballad concerns a broken hearted gal who gets the last word by writing a revenge note to the man she thinks wronged her. How country is this? In response, he hits the bottle and ends his life. Salley sings it like a honky-tonk master in full barroom cry.

WAYLON JENNINGS/Goin’ Down Rockin’
Writer: Tony Joe White/Leann White/Waylon Jennings; Producer: Robby Turner; Publisher: none listed; Saguaro Road (track) (www.saguroroad.com)
—Not long before he died in 2002, Waylon recorded a batch of demos, believing that his band would turn them into full recordings one day. That day is now. The collection’s title tune is vintage “outlaw,” with a thumping backbeat and stinging guitar lines. Co-writer Tony Joe White adds a ghostly second voice to the minor-key track. An intriguing, involving final testament from one of our true country legends.

LINDI ORTEGA/Cigarettes & Truckstops
Writer: none listed; Producer: Colin Linden; Publisher: none listed; Last Gang (track) (www.lindiortega.com)
—I am already a huge fan of this lady’s musical charms. She sings like a hillbilly angel, managing to be simultaneously as tremulous as young Dolly and as tough as vintage Patsy. Her echoey, alt-country backing is mesmerizing and perfect on this languid trucker title tune to her new collection. Also check out its neo-rockabilly tracks. Look for Ortega opening for the rock band Social Distortion this fall. In the meantime, BUY THIS.

MARTY STUART/Tear the Woodpile Down
Writer: Marty Stuart; Producer: Marty Stuart; Publisher: Marty Stuart, BMI; Sugar Hill/Superlatone (track) (www.martystuart.net)
—When in doubt, record some real country music. That’s Stuart’s attitude on his new Nashville, Volume 1: Tear the Woodpile Down. It kicks off with this lickety-split romp featuring Buck Trent on electric banjo and call-and-response vocals from the Fabulous Superlatives. As always, the rest of the collection is similarly ear-cleansing magic.

MIKE CULLISON & THE REGULARS/Wish I Didn’t Like Whiskey
Writer: Cullison/Neel; Producer: Mark Robinson; Publisher: Cullison/Real Deal, BMI/ASCAP; Joedog (track) (www.cullisonmusic.com)
—Nashville singer-songwriter Cullison’s CD is titled The Barstool Monologues. It’s a thematically-linked collection of characters’ songs, interspersed with comments from a bartender named Hollis. Sorta like a hillbilly Canterbury Tales. Anyhow, it leads off with this two-step, honky-tonk lament that sets the tone for what follows. He doesn’t set the world on fire as a singer, but sincerity carries the day.

INGRAM HILL/Behind My Guitar
Writer: Ingram Hill/Benjy Davis/Lisa Goe; Producer: Ingam Hill; Publisher: Eager Bill/Lashar/Goe Fight Win, BMI/ASCAP; Rock Ridge (track) (www.ingramhillmusic.com)
—This male trio’s self-titled CD begins with this driving country-rocker featuring a kinda stuttering, nervous instrumental track that gives it an exciting edge. The countryboy vocals flow smoothly over the lyric of a traveling musician watching the world unfold from his spot on stage. I dig these guys.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/03/12)

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Sweetwater Rain, Taylor Swift

This stack of platters has exactly the mix I like — superstars, unknowns, chart favorites and wanna-be’s.

Among the chart favorites are Chris Young and Steel Magnolia, both of whom have radio-ready new efforts. Among the wanna-be’s are the Josh Abbott Band and Bill Gentry, who have the two best indie singles of the week.

The finest of this week’s unknowns is the band Sweetwater Rain. Give that four-piece a DisCovery Award.

And then there is the superstar. That would be Princess Taylor. Yes, once again supreme writer-artist Taylor Swift has the Disc of the Day. I say this not because she is our sales queen, but because she simply has the best written and performed song.

JOSH ABBOTT BAND/I’ll Sing About Mine
Writer: Keane/Hood; Producer: Erik Herbst; Publisher: Zuzusita/Tiltawhirl, SESAC/BMI; PDT (track) (www.joshabbottband.com)
—I remain an enormous fan of this group. Its celebration of small-town life and culture rises above the rest by virtue of a head-to-the-skies melody, brilliantly pointed lyrics, hearty lead singing and super-tight instrumental work. The stuff that country dreams are made of.

CHRIS YOUNG/I Can Take it From There
Writer: Chris Young/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Runnin’ Behind/EMI April/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (track)
—There’s nothing particularly memorable about the paint-by-numbers instrumental track, but when you have a vocalist this outstanding, that’s all you need. Besides, the song is cute, and, as always, Chris oozes country baritone charm.

JENNY SIMMS/Girl of a Gun
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JS
—Much better than its unprofessional packaging would lead you to expect. The song is a decent “outlaw” piece of material, but it’s her ferocious, range-y vocal command of the track that is truly ear opening. Promising.

TAYLOR SWIFT/Begin Again
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Dann Huff, Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony ATV Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine
—This intimate ballad whispers of the warm, wafting winds that carry a disillusioned heart into the climate of new romance. Marvelously evocative and expressive. Not to mention extraordinarily well written.

ASHLEY FORREST/Pourin’ Over Me
Writer: Kacey Coppola/Kate Coppola/Danny Myrick/Jeff Spence; Producer: Mark Moffatt; Publisher: EMI April/Soulride/BPJ/EMI Blackwood/Sophieopi, ASCAP/BMI; Truro (www.ashleyforrestmusic.com)
—She yearns for the sunny countryside while the happy instrumental track bobs and weaves around her. Innocent sounding.

BILL GENTRY/Hell and Half of Georgia
Writer: Tim James/Doug Johnson; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (www.billgentrynation.com)
—The lazy, bluesy tune is super dreamy. The heartache, lonely-boy lyric is a model of finely penned details. The singer’s delivery nails every blue-eyed soul note, and the production is a terrific example of less-is-more taste. A total winner from an artist who has long been a fave in this column.

JAMEY JOHNSON & ALISON KRAUSS/Make the World Go Away
Writer: Hank Cochran; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (track)
—The Nashville Sound lives! This exquisite production recalls the classic work of Chet and Owen, right down to the bell-like guitar notes, rippling piano and sighing steel. The vocalists are both at their pluperfect best, with Jamey harmonizing flawlessly behind Alison’s precise diction. And it goes without saying that the song is a masterpiece.

LIVEWIRE/Lies
Writer: Andrew Eutslre; Producer: Justin Woods; Publisher: Real Man/Parrot Island, BMI; Way Out West (track) (www.livewirecountry.com)
—Punchy country-rock propulsion backs a honky-tonk wailer who seems to simultaneously both demand and plead for the truth. Well worth your spins.

STEEL MAGNOLIA/Maybe I’m Amazed
Writer: Paul McCartney; Producer: Sir Paul McCartney; Publisher: Sony ATV, ASCAP; Revivermusic (CDX) (www.steelmagnoliamusic.com)
—This track first saw the light of day as part of a women’s cancer benefit effort in memory of Linda McCartney. Despite the credit given here, I don’t believe Sir Paul was actually involved in Meghan and Joshua’s recording of his iconic song. Whatever the case, the performance is stellar. That’s because both of these kids can sing their faces off.

SWEETWATER RAIN/Starshine
Writer: Anthony Smith/Robbie Harrington; Producer: Anthony Smith; Publisher: GMG/Rowandale, BMI; Curb (CDX)
—Very cool. It starts simply, with a heartfelt tenor urgently promising romance and destiny with a stark, throbbing, bass-and-guitar accompaniment. A soul-piercing female harmony voice adds to the excitement while the track builds in intensity and volume. This grabbed my attention from the first note and held onto it to the last. So nice I played it twice.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/26/12)

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Buffy Lawson, The Abrams Brothers

Every dog has his day, and this day belongs to the underdogs.

I am happy to report that we have plethora of contestants for this week’s DisCovery Award. Branch & Dean’s “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone,” Alex Flanigan’s “Diesel, Guns and Rust,” and Gideon’s Daughter’s “Ain’t Got Nothin’” are all essential listening. So is our winning artist, The Abrams Brothers.

The Disc of the Day prize also goes to an indie act. You won’t find as superb a performance on any major as Buffy Lawson gives us with “I’m Leaving You for Me.”

BUFFY LAWSON/I’m Leaving You for Me
Writer: Buffy Lawson/Angie Russell/Eric Pittarelli; Producer: Walt Aldredge; Publisher: Buffster/Angelinalou/Little Painters, ASCAP/SESAC; Wrinkled (track) (www.wrinkledrecords.com)
—Magnificent. The throbbing production puts every sonic punctuation in its perfect place. The wounded-woman lyric of the power ballad is superbly crafted. Her vocal delivery is a wall of emotional fire. A star-making performance.

THE ABRAMS BROTHERS/Northern Redemption
Writer: John Abrams/James Abrams; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bug/Rogues Writers Circle/Granite Hall, no performance rights listed; UFO (track)
—There are three of them — John, Elijah and James — and they hail from Canada. This is the title track of an album that’s a banquet of neo-Everly harmonies, percussive energy, folk charm, acoustic thump and sunshine-bright production. What a discovery: This one’s staying in the play-me stack for some time to come.

FAITH HILL/American Heart
Writer: Jonathan Singleton/Jim Beavers; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Faith Hill; Publisher: BMG Gold/Glassbean/We Jam/Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—She remains one of our vocal treasures. Her soulful delivery of this well-crafted anthem gives even its most rah-rah lines believability.

CHRIS DANIELS/South Carolina
Writer: Chris Daniels; Producer: Chris Daniels, Jim Ratts, John McVey & Bradley Kopp; Publisher: none listed; CWD444 (track) (www.chrisdaniels.com)
—This singer-songwriter has a hearty vocal delivery and definite style as a composer. This lively track from his Better Days CD features jaunty, Cajun flavored accompaniment. The album’s cast should give you an idea of its overall quality– Sam Bush, Richey Furay, Mollie O’Brien, Bela Fleck, Lloyd Maines, John Cowan, Tim Goodman, plus sidemen from The Punch Brothers, Joe Walsh, The Subdudes and more. Play on.

BRANCH & DEAN/Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone
Writer: Steve Branch/Marion Dean/Michael Huffman; Producer: Michael Huffman, Jeff Silvey & Marion Dean; Publisher: Shootin’ Straight/Huffstuff, BMI/ASCAP; Spinville (www.branchanddean.com)
—This ode to Hank is loaded with wit and panache. From the yodel to the steel solo, this must be heard to be believed. Absolutely great.

HEARTLAND/The Sound a Dream Makes
Writer: Shana Canada/Gary Duffey/Gordon Mote; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; R&J (www.heartlandband.com)
—The “I Loved Her First” fellows from 2006 have weathered label and personnel changes, as well as a self-imposed hiatus, over the past few years. Their comeback single is a sweet ballad of becoming a father (and then a grandfather) that tugs at the heartstrings and sounds just like a hit.

WANDA JACKSON/Tore Down
Writer: Sonny Thompson; Producer: Justin Townes Earle; Publisher: ARC/Carbert, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
—Her last CD had Jack White in the producer’s chair, and it rocked. This time around, Miss Wanda has enlisted another alt-Nashvillian, Justin Townes Earle, for a collection titled Unfinished Business. Its lead-off single finds her in a stripped-down, urban-blues, rockin’ roots groove. Solid.

GIDEON’S DAUGHTER/Ain’t Got Nothin’
Writer: Gideon’s Daughter; Producer: Brad Petit; Publisher: none listed; Gideon’s Daughter (track) (www.gideonsdaughter.com)
—This trio from the Pacific Northwest features a slamming, slapping rhythm track and alternating male-female vocal leads that are equally sassy. A stomping surprise. Delightfully in-your-face.

MATT NATHANSON/Modern Love
Writer: Matt Nathanson/Mark Weinberg; Producer: Mark Weinberg & Matt Nathanson; Publisher: Little Victories/Stage Three/BMG Chrysalis/Rogue Leader/EMI April, ASCAP; Vanguard (track)
—This guy’s “country” connection comes via his outstanding duet with Sugarland on his album track “Run.” The collection’s second single and title tune confirms him as one of the great vocal newcomers of the year. If you don’t mind a few little horn blasts here and there, it could really liven your country playlist with its completely catchy tune, bopping rhythms and stellar production.

ALEX FLANIGAN/Diesel, Guns and Rust
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; AF (615-329-1032)
—She sings from the dark side of town, where the prison gates are. The song is just this side of Johnny Cash perfection. The production snarls and spits and rocks. She owns it vocally, from start to finish. An outlaw queen is born.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/19/12)

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Brent Cobb, Kenny Chesney

King Kenny fends off all challengers to win a Disc of the Day award this week.

Kenny Chesney has been topping the charts for more than 15 years now, and “El Cerrito Place” demonstrates why he continues to be so relevant. Despite the best efforts of Lonestar, Little Big Town, Wade Hayes, Gary Allan and Kix Brooks, he leads the field.

But the big news is our DisCovery Award winner, Brent Cobb. I can’t remember the last time a new singer-songwriter so delighted me with a debut disc.

BILLY RAY CYRUS/Change My Mind
Writer: Billy Ray Cyrus/Michael J. Sagraves; Producer: Brandon Friesen; Publisher: Sunnageronimo/Two Beats Down, BMI; Blue Cadillac (www.billyraycyrus.com)
—Pretty darn “big” sounding, with Cyrus’s processed voice practically buried in a cacophony of electric guitars, banjo and production what-not. Simultaneously muffled sounding and irritating.

LONESTAR/The Countdown
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; 4 Star (www.lonestarnow.com)
—Very catchy and bright. The upbeat ode of a returning lover, who can’t rush home fast enough, is appropriately rocking. The interjecting “ticking” effects are a nice touch, too. Highly programmable.

KENNY CHESNEY/El Cerrito Place
Writer: Keith Gattis; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Gattis, BMI; Columbia/Blue Chair
—Dreamy. He searches for his love along the beaches, on the desert and in the neighborhoods of the pretty people while echoey guitars and harmony vocalists cushion him in loneliness. One more reason why Kenny is king.

THE CIVIL WARS/I’ve Got This Friend
Writer: none listed; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed; Sensibility (track)
—The Gold-selling, double Grammy winning Barton Hollow CD offers up a third single/video, and it is a change-of-pace to a more lilting, melodic and relaxed sound. As captivating as their intense, soul-wailing tracks are.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Tornado
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Delta Maid; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Wruckestrike/San Remo Live/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—LBT continues its quest for world domination with this marching, crunchy, relentless vow to destroy any man who gets in Karen’s way. As before, the Joyce injection has completely revived this group’s sound.

WADE HAYES/Is It Already Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Don Cook; Publisher: none listed; RPM Entertainment
—As the country radio world knows by now, the team that made Hayes a Columbia Records star of the 1990s, has reunited to promote the autobiographical song about his harrowing ordeal with colon cancer. Beautifully written and powerfully moving.

KIX BROOKS/Bring it on Home
Writer: Kix Brooks/Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Kix Brooks; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Buffalo Prairie/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck, BMI; Arista (track)
—A reformed honky-tonker puts on the brakes and decides to head for the homefront. Ultra commercial.

GARY ALLAN/Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)
Writer: Gary Allan/Matt Warren/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Gary Allan & Greg Droman; Publisher: Crystal Beach/Third Tier/Always Alone/Kobalt/Raylene/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—Very cool and fevered sounding. Gary’s edgy growl offers odd comfort as he advises that tough times never last. Guitars chime around him and the rhythm track crashes in the background in this super compelling performance.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD/Last of a Dyin’ Breed
Writer: Gary Rossington/Johnny Van Zant/Ricky Medlock/Mark Matejka/Dan Sarafini/Bob Marlette; Producer: Bov Marlette; Publisher: Sleeping Indian/L&K/Bug/BobNal/Black Lava/Kobalt/Matejkamusic/Jaris, ASCAP/BMI; Roadrunner (track) (www.lynyrdskynyrd.com)
—Whether you’ve noticed it or not, rock music has completely disappeared from the mainstream pop chart. Everything is dance music or hip-hop there. That’s why a rock band like Jason Aldean is a “country” artist. Following this logic, lend these Southern-rock vets your ears on the rocking title tune of their latest CD. These old pros show the kiddies how its really done.

BRENT COBB/Love On Me
Writer: Brent Cobb/Jason Saenz; Producer: Matthew Miller & Oran Thornton; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Sony ATV Tree/Songs for My Good Girl, BMI; Carnival (CDX) (www.carnivalrecording.com)
—Now here’s a refreshing change: A country vocalist who isn’t afraid to put real personality on disc. This is easily the most charming performance of today, full of drawling, country-boy humor in a jaunty, sly come-on ditty. Absolutely essential listening.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/12/12)

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Shawn Colvin, Drew Womack, the World Famous Headliners

Welcome, Americana conventioneers.

This week’s edition of “DisClaimer” is full of your favorites as well as some folks who want to be. As you might expect, there’s an awful lot to like.

The Disc of the Day award is being divvied up. Our Female winner is Shawn Colvin. The Male prize goes to the comeback-bound Drew Womack. And ya gotta love the Group awardee, the completely charming World Famous Headliners.

Shel

Our newcomers include troubadours Sam Lewis, Jesse Terry and Eric Silver, plus the winners of this week’s DisCovery Award, Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza Holbrook, collectively known as Shel. Not since the heydays of the McGarrigles and Roches have I been so captivated.

CHRIS KNIGHT/Little Victories
Writer: none listed; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Publisher: none listed; Drifter’s Church/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.chrisknight.net)
—It has been four years since we’ve had an album from this gritty Kentucky song poet. The title tune to Knight’s newest remains true to his dedication to telling the stories of the “other” America. That’s a place of small-town desperation, working-class blues, hard times and resilience. The guy in this song has some firewood, a half a deer in the freezer and enough to survive on, so he thinks he’s doing pretty okay. John Prine joins in on the last chorus, by the way.

MINDY SMITH/Don’t Mind Me
Writer: Mindy Smith; Producer: Jason Lehning & Mindy Smith; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Big Yellow Dog/In the Tin Can, BMI; Giant Leap/TVX (track) ()
—This downbeat track from her self-titled current collection finds our heroine drinking, blue and lonely amid grinding electric guitars. Pairing her lilting, countryfied soprano with this thudding, echoey backing track is somewhat jarring at first listen, but I’ve always maintained that different is good. Elsewhere on the CD, she’s in her more familiar, folkish mode.

SAM LEWIS/I’m a River
Writer: Sam Lewis; Producer: Sam Lewis & Matt Urmy; Publisher: Sammy Sings, BMI; SL (track) (www.samlewistunes.com)
—Lewis has enlisted some stellar cast member for his CD, including guitarist Kenny Vaughan. On this r&b and gospel flavored ballad, he’s joined by Jonell Mosser on harmony vocals. Clearly, this is a blue-eyed soulman worth a listen. Or two or three.

WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS/Give Your Love to Me
Writer: Al Anderson/Shawn Camp/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Justin Niebank & The World Famous Headliners; Publisher: International Dog/Bucked Up/Scamporee/Hammer Arm, BMI; Big Yellow Dog (track) (www.worldfamousheadliners.com)
—For lovers of Nashville music, the name of this group is no idle boast. The World Famous Headliners are Pat McLaughlin, Big Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, Michael Rhodes and Greg Morrow. The group’s CD kicks off with this rumbling rocker where everybody’s singing with hearty gusto. This train is moving with a steady roll. Get on board for the ride of your life.

SHEL/Freckles
Writer: Shel; Producer: Brent Maher & Shel; Publisher: Songs of Moraine, BMI; Moraine/Mad King(track) (www.shelmusic.com)
—Shel is comprised of the four Holbrook sisters on violin, mandolin, drums and piano, plus wafting vocals. Their cool, quirky sound is equal parts jaunty pop, sideways folk and sly humor, especially on this ear-tickling track. Delightful.

SHAWN COLVIN/All Fall Down
Writer: Shawn Colvin/John Leventhal; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: Colvinsongs/Lev-A-Tunes, ASCAP; Nonesuch (track) (www.shawncolvin.com)
—Now 15 years on since her Grammy awarded “Sunny Came Home,” Colvin continues to make compelling records. She came to Nashville’s Buddy Miller to help her craft her latest. The title tune has a rambling, careening, jumbling and utterly fascinating audio texture and a gripping lyric of failure and redemption. Essential listening.

JESSE TERRY/Let the Blue Skies Go to Your Head
Writer: Jesse Terry; Producer: Neilson Hubbard; Publisher: Jackson Beach, SESAC; JT (track) (www.jesseterrymusic.com)
—He sings in a relaxed, easy-going tenor, and his songs are highly pleasing folk constructions. The cello-and-viola backing on this emphasis track are extra cool touches. The CD is titled Empty Seat on a Plane. It’s the kind of listening that makes a Sunday afternoon glide by.

TIM O’BRIEN & DARRELL SCOTT/Long Time Gone
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Famous/Chuck Wagon Gourmet, ASCAP; Full Light (track) (www.darrellscott.com)
—Separately, these two troubadours are both mighty forces to be reckoned with. Together on the live CD We’re Usually a Lot Better Than This, they are double dynamite. O’Brien’s mandolin provides the propulsion on this track while Scott’s expressive lead vocal makes you listen to this Dixie Chicks hit in a whole new way. Dazzling.

ERIC SILVER /When You’re Here
Writer: Eric Silver; Producer: Eric Silver; Publisher: none listed; Midas (track) (www.ericsilvermusic.com)
—Silver is a Nashville session musician who has written tunes for Diamond Rio, Reba, the Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith, Donna Summer, Neal McCoy and others. This title ballad from his own CD shows he’s been saving some choice songs for himself. It unveils a lush, luxurious and lovely texture as he spins its soft yarn of spending time alone with his guitar, cabernet and moonlight. The disc is being released in Brazil, where Silver has a side solo career.

DREW WOMACK/Sunshine to Rain
Writer: Drew Womack; Producer: Clayton Corn; Publisher: Native Stone, ASCAP; Blue Lightning (track) (www.drewwomack.net)
—The former Sons of the Desert leader has shifted into the Americana field for his comeback solo CD. Forced by spinal surgery to take a nine-year career hiatus, he took a clutch of well-polished songwriting gems into an Austin studio and emerged with a collection that will really grab you by the ears. The title tune is the tale of an alcoholic who returns to the poison that has already ruined a life. Womack has always had one of my favorite singing voices, and something as potent as this really lets him soar.