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DISClaimer: A Radio Slot For The Good Ol' Boys

August 20, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Jason D. Williams

The good ol’ boys are back in full force.
With this week’s announcement that Taylor Swift’s next album is completely aimed at pop listeners, that leaves us with exactly two major female solo country stars, Carrie and Miranda. They are, coincidentally, current duet partners, so that opens up one more radio slot for a male.
How much longer can this go on?
On the plus side, we have some very worthy newcomers to report this week. One is Casper McWade. A Google search revealed that he is from Oklahoma and that his band is called The Honky Tonk Rebels. All I really know is that he is a sensational country vocalist and that his “Whiskey” song is a gem. What he needs is some first class representation, publicity and promotion.
Daniel Lee is also making his debut this week. He shows definite promise. And then there is our DisCovery Award winner, handsome, 21-year-old, Texas native Chase Bryant. Lend him your ears as well.
It has been way too long since we’ve heard from Jason D. Williams. The wild man wins the Disc of the Day prize.
BERNIE NELSON/If I Know Blue
Writers: Bernie Nelson/Jess Brown; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Dumpster Diver/Jess Brown; ASCAP/BMI; If I Know Blue
-I remain a big, big fan of this big, big talent. Nelson is best known for writing successes for others, and if you want a helping of his latest should-be hits, check out his new Blue CD. This title tune is the best George Strait ballad that superstar never recorded. Heart touching and oh-so country. If you’ve ever loved a dog, prepare to get choked up.

Chase Bryant. Photo: Justin Nolan Key

LENNY COOPER/Lights On
Writers: L. Cooper/J. Spillner/J. Sciullo/T. Wood; Producers: J. Sciullo; Publishers: Riley Payton/DJKO Phivesttarr/Average ZJS/Nettwerk Arias/Revel In It/Burn Card, SESAC/BMI; Average Joes
-Cooper is back with another stack of back-road, mud-digger ditties. The first single from his The Grind CD is this drawled drinkin’ song. In brief, he’s still rocking after “last call,” so he doesn’t care what time it is. The song is more spoken than sung, but with this guy, it’s the attitude that counts.
BILL WENCE/Songs That Make Me Think About You
Writers: Nathan Adam Johnson; Producers: Bill Wence/Joe Funderburk; Publishers: Fortunate, ASCAP; 615 (track)
-Decades after beginning his career, Wence is still out there playing piano behind Bobby Bare and Wanda Jackson. Also, in addition to being a prolific record promoter, he is still making records, himself. This title tune to his latest is a jaunty, beach-y bopper.
RAY STEVENS/Swing Down Chariot/Swing Low Sweet Chariot medley
Writers: traditional; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Ray Stevens Music (arr.), BMI; Clyde/Gaither
-At age 75, Stevens has been on a tear lately. His memoir, Ray Stevens Nashville, is selling well, and he’s back on disc with a gospel collection. The latter kicks off with this toe-tapping arrangement of two standards that are already lively. One of the most remarkable things about it is the fact that the chorus that backs him and adds so much to the arrangement is evidently comprised of his own, multi-tracked self.
PHILIP CLAYPOOL/Come On Back Home
Writers: Philip Claypool/John Swatner; Producer: Michael Lloyed; Publisher: Heyday/Swat, BMI; Heyday (track)
-The title tune of Claypool’s latest is an uptempo country bopper. The song might be lively, but the lyric is a yearning plea for a lover to return. Listenable.
JASON D. WILLIAMS/Hillbillies and Holy Rollers
Writers: Jason D. Williams/Dale Watson; Producer: Dale Watson; Publishers: none listed; Rockabilly (track)
-Considering how much this charming ball of energy’s sound harkens back to the classic days of rockabilly music, it comes as a surprise to learn that his new CD is the first he has recorded at Sun Studios in Memphis. The title tune is a rollicking honky tonker embellished by his Jerry Lee -style piano flourishes and confident, echo-chamber vocals. As the title suggests, it is equal parts church and barroom. Ya gotta love this guy.
CASPER McWADE/Whiskey
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Cabin Creek
-I like his resonant baritone delivery, and the song is well crafted. The pace drags just a little. But the release’s biggest problem is its lack of information. I’d like to know who this guy is and who wrote the song, and the packaging offers zero about either one.
DANIEL LEE/Backwood Tobacco
Writers: Daniel Lee/Lynn Hutton/John Henderson; Producer: Shannon Houchins & Noah Gordon; Publishers: Daniel Lee/House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Bug/Murrah/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes
-Like everything else on this label, this rocks strenuously. For a change, however, the label’s disc features someone who can actually sing. An extremely promising debut. Keep it up.
SILO ROAD/4 Quarters
Writers: Broome/Swindle; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed, BMI; Cabin Creek
-Incompetently recorded. Find a producer.
CHASE BRYANT/Take It On Back
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Red Bow (ERG)
-I am told this youngster put on a fine show during CMA Music Fest. At any rate, he’s now being featured in Teen Vogue and is making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday. His single is an upbeat, nostalgic ditty that recalls young love to the accompaniment of a catchy rhythm track, rippling banjo, snazzy electric guitar breaks, occasional electro effects and some harmonizing backup singers. Clap hands and sing along.

DISClaimer: Joe Nichols Wins Disc of the Day

August 13, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

The story today is told by the newcomer females.
Three of them are vying for the DisCovery Award—Ashley Barron, Olivia Lane and our winner, Risa Binder. She may be a newcomer, but she’s a smart cookie. Her 5-track Nashville EP contains songs penned by Matraca Berg, Lauren Lucas, Marc Beeson and other top-drawer talents. And Luke Wooten has given her the best-produced recording of this entire listening session.
Last week, we had one of my favorite male country singers in our spotlight, Chris Young. This week, we have another, the equally splendid Joe Nichols. He takes home the Disc of the Day prize.
Another trend of the day was folks doing double duty by working in different departments. You’ll find Ilya Toshinsky here producing Olivia’s disc and playing guitar on Risa’s. Tyler Farr is present as both a singer and as the co-writer of the Brushville single.
BRUSHVILLE/Baby’s Got Her Boots On
Writer: Tyler Farr/Houston Phillips/Cole Taylor; Producer: Kyle Lehning ; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Make It a Bucket/Mount It/Universal/No Bridge, BMI/ASCAP; Brushville (track) (www.brushville.com)
—This Illinois five-piece band was smart enough to enlist one of Nashville’s finest producers when it came to town to record. But I don’t know that I’d have chosen this word-y song for a single.
TEA GOANS/Nobody Wins
Writer: Kris Kristofferson; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Resaca, BMI; Crosswind (CDX) (615-467-3860)
—Goans remains one of my favorite current female country singers. She gives this a fine, moaning, honky-tonk balladeer interpretation. But Brenda Lee’s throaty 1973 version remains definitive.
RHETT WALKER BAND/Here’s to the Ones
Writer: Rhett Canipe/Kenny Davis/Joe Kane/Paul Moak; Producer: Paul Moke; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Ships in a Bottle/Give Me Analog/Grizzly Blue/Universal/Brentwood Benson/Paul Moak, SESAC/ASCAP; Essential (CDX) (www.therhettwalkerband.com)
—I think it’s meant to sound stirring and inspirational. Despite its earnest, blue-collar intentions, the country rocker never seemed to connect with me. This sort of thing has been done better by others in the mainstream rock field.
CLINTON GREGORY & IRA DEAN/You Can’t Hide High
Writer: Tommy Curry/Jayce Hein/Dennis Knudson; Producer: Larry Beaird; Publisher: Chubu/Busy at Play/Melody Roundup/Bluewater, BMI; Melody Roundup (CDX) (www.melodyroundupmusic.com)
—He’s secretly growing weed at home. But as soon as he fires it up, “You can’t hide high.” Your eyes are red, you’re laughing like a loony, and you’ve got the munchies. Goofy fun for stoners everywhere. Stay tuned for the ad libs at the end: “I feel like we’re smoking Willie Nelson’s brain” and the like.
T. GRAHAM BROWN & VINCE GILL/He’ll Take Care of You
Writer: Dan Penn/Gary Nicholson/Donnie Fritts; Producer: Mark L. Carman & T. Graham Brown; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Dan Penn, BMI; MCM (CDX) (www.tgrahambrown.com)
—As you might guess from those writer credits, this has a Southern-soul vibe. And of course, blue-eyed soulman Brown is just the singer for this kind of song. Gill proves to be just as bluesy during his turn at the mic. Groove soaked and audio seductive. Get down with it.
ASHLEY BARRON/It Might Get Loud
Writer: Pat Kelley; Producer: Bobby Zoppi; Publisher: none listed; AB (track)
—The title tune to this gal’s CD is just barely produced. She sings okay, but it sounds like a demo.
TYLER FARR/A Guy Walk Into a Bar
Writer: Melissa Peirce/Jonathan Singleton/Brad Tursi; Producer: Bill Catino & Julian King; Publisher: Platinum Molly/East Pass/Nashvistaville/Disney/Super Big/Jett/Big Machine/Songs of Big Deal/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia
—Nicely written, with a catchy chorus that loops back on itself. I could have done without the inappropriate, arena-rock guitar solo, but as long as you focus on Farr’s distinctive, furry-rasp vocal, this is a dandy effort. Hit bound.
OLIVIA LANE/Steal Me Away
Writer: Olivia Lane/Lee Thomas Miller/Ilya Toshinsky; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publisher: Liv Write Play/Warner-Chappell/It, SESAC/BMI/ASCAP; Big Spark (www.olivialane.com)
—Rousing. She’s a filly breaking out of the starting gate at a full gallop. Both her vocal and the production are super sunny. Well worth your radio spins.
JOE NICHOLS/Hard to Be Cool
Writer: Rob Hatch/Jason Sellers; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publisher: Legends of Magic Mustang/Big Loud Bucks/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Becky’s Boy, SESAC/ASCAP; Red Bow (track) (www.joenichols.com)
—This guy gets me every time. On this outing, he’s tearing it up on an asphalt track, roaring with the throttle wide open. “She’s so hot, it’s hard to be cool,” he sings while the rhythm track pounds away relentlessly. Get up and dance!
RISA BINDER/Gotta Have You
Writer: Phil Barton/Emily Shackelton/Victoria Banks; Producer: Luke Wooten; Publisher: HoriPro/Liz Rose/Rare Spark Media Group, no performance rights listed; Warehouse (track) (www.risabinder.com)
—She sings with striking country clarity, and the superb production mixes her up front and center. The propulsive, gripping arrangement is an arrow pointed straight at the sun. The melody is beyond hooky. Prepare to fall in love.

DISClaimer: What's In A Name?

August 6, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Chris Young

I think I’ll make a record and bill myself as Garth Brooks.
That’s kind of what our DisCovery Award winner is up to. Here’s the story. Nashville’s Brian Collins is an established country singer who has recorded for Mega, ABC/Dot, RCA, Primero and other labels. He made the charts 15 times between 1971 and 1984. He had a top-10 hit in 1974 with his version of “Statue of a Fool,” and his top-25 hit version of “That’s the Way Love Should Be” became an even bigger hit song for Dave & Sugar in 1977.
He also wrote and originated “Hello Texas,” which Jimmy Buffett sang on the multi-million selling soundtrack of Urban Cowboy. This Brian Collins is a previous ACM nominee for New Male Vocalist of the Year, is known as a Texas “Ambassador of Good Will” and recorded a CD as recently as 2013.
I imagine he’ll be quite surprised to learn that there is a man from Georgia who is launching his country career as, that’s right, Brian Collins. THAT Brian Collins can keep his DisCovery Award, as long as he agrees to alter his billing. You see, his name is already spoken for in the world of Country music.
There is no controversy about my choice for the Disc of the Day prize. Chris Young RULES.
J. MICHAEL HARTER/Holy Cowgirl
Writers: J. Michael Harter/Scott Harter/Earl Bud Lee/Scott Laurent/Bruce Wallace; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Anozira/Caroline Lane/We’re Working/2121/Ole, ASCAP/BMI; GMV/Anozira
-This rocks. The track has a serious bass undertow and a snarling guitar line. This super propulsive single also has a dance remix, which I totally understand. I only wish his white-boy vocal had more grit or passion.
THE SECRET SISTERS/Rattle My Bones
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanserorth/Phil Hanserorth; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publishers: Southern Oracle/WB, ASCAP; Cracker
-The album’s title is Put Your Needle Down, and it grabs you from the first notes of this opening track. It’s a rockabilly romp with “Everly Sisters” harmonies and a chugging, joyous bed of rhythm. Normally consigned to the backwaters of Americana, this duo takes a major step forward by getting Cracker Barrel distribution. So kudos to the Sisters, as well as to the retailer for gaining instant hip cred. As cool a sound as you’ll hear this year.
EILEEN CAREY/Bottle Your Crazy Up
Writers: Eleen Carey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: RolleyCstr, BMI; RoleyCstr
-It’s feisty-female ditty with a bopping arrangement. She isn’t an earth-shattering vocalist by any means, but gets points for energy, effort and good intentions.
CHRIS YOUNG/Lonely Eyes
Writers: Johnny Bulford/Jason Matthews/Laura Veltz; Producer: James Stroud; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/3JB/Fresh Baked Cookies, BMI; RCA (track)
-What a dreamboat. He watches her walk into the bar, sit down next to him, give him a look and he’s off and flirting. Chris turns the charm meter up to 10 on this throbbing roadhouse romance. He also sings his fanny off.
JAKE WARD & MELISSA BROOKE/Hit The Road
Writers: Jake Ward; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JW
-He sings well, in a pleading Texas tenor. She shadows him in flawless harmony, then takes a soulful verse on her own. The breezy arrangement and gentle pace contrast nicely with the heartache-to-hope lyric. You waft along with it, but alas it ends too abruptly.
MARTINA McBRIDE/All My Friends
Writers: Charles Scott Boyer, Jr.; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: Chappell, ASCAP; Rounder (track)
-Rounder’s resident rock legend Gregg Allman is the subject of a multi-artist tribute CD and DVD. The lone country female in the cast is Martina. Maybe that’s why they gave her the title tune, this soulful, bluesy ballad. Recorded live in Atlanta earlier this year, the discs also feature country’s Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Zac Brown, Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church, plus Nashvillians John Hiatt, Jimmy Hall, Keb Mo and Warren Haynes. The whole package sounds like warmth and love.
KELSEA BALLERINI/Love Me Like You Mean It
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini/Josh Kerr/Lance Carpenter/Forest Glen Whitehead; Producer: Forest Glen Whitehead; Producer: none listed; Black River (track)
-She has a sweet, pert vocal delivery that’s endearing. Her song bops in all the right places, and the lyric rattles rapidly. Catchy and promising.
JOHN COWAN/Things I Haven’t Done
Writers: none listed; Producer: John McFee; Publishers: none listed; Compass (track)
-His seering, soulful tenor voice defined an era with Newgrass Revival. Then he embarked on a series of always-gripping solo efforts. Cowan sings lead for The Doobie Brothers now, and the band’s John McFee is behind the board for the singer’s Sixty CD. It leads off with this rhythmic slab of nostalgia and contemplation that rolls along smartly. The album includes guest spots by Leon Russell, Rodney Crowell, Chris Hillman, Bernie Leadon, Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, Huey Lewis, Bonnie Bramlett, Ray Benson, Jim Messina and more. Plus, Cowan interprets such fantastic classics as “Devil Woman,” “Run for Your Life” and “Miss the Mississippi.” Get in line pronto for its Aug. 26 street date.
BRIAN COLLINS/Never Really Left
Writers: B. Collins/T. Buppert; Producers: Mills Logan/Brian Collins; Publishers: Blue Light, SESAC; Blue Light (track)
-Not to be confused with the Texan Brian Collins who charted 15 times in the 1970s and 1980s, this Georgia boy has a confident, ultra-youthful, splendidly airy, superbly listenable country-rock approach that is just about irresistible. Dynamic and driving. Welcome to the party. Change your name.
OLD DOMINION/Shut Me Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; OD
-Members of this band are noted for writing tunes for Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, The Band Perry (”Chainsaw,” “Better Dig Two”), Keith Urban, Scotty McCreery, Craig Morgan (”Wake Up Lovin’ You”), Jake Owen, Steve Holy, Chris Young (”Neon”) and others. But they have the goods to become stars, themselves. This fizzy, guitar-driven, relentless sizzler deserves to become a massive radio favorite. Sign this band. Now.

DISClaimer: The Summer Doldrums

July 30, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Thomas Rhett

Is this what they mean by the summer doldrums?
I found nothing today that you can’t live without. Sure, there are plenty of pleasant prospects. But there’s precious little that will stop you in your tracks.
The most beautifully sung record in today’s stack of platters is unquestionably the Ray Price/Martina McBride duet. If you must have a major-label effort on the front row of your playlist, make it the Thomas Rhett single. Those two can share the Disc of the Day award.
We have encountered almost everyone in this column before. I was particularly glad to hear from Mark McKinney, Lucas Hoge and Ray Scott again. All three of them continue to impress. Our new faces are Native Run, to whom we present a DisCovery Award.
RAY SCOTT/Drinkin’ Beer
Writers: Ray Scott/Tony Mullins; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Rayality/T. Mullins, BMI/ASCAP; DeciBel (CDX)
-His deep-macho delivery remains riveting. The hopping, bopping, dobro-laced track is a merry, grinning delight. Eminently programmable.
MONTGOMERY GENTRY/Headlights
Writers: Wendell Mobley/Tony Martin/Bob DiPiero; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Fonde Mountain/Sony-ATV Tree/Casa Jaco/Love Monkey, BMI; Blaster
-Bro-country, delivered with the volume turned up to 10. Headache inducing.
CANAAN SMITH/Love You Like That
Writers: Canaan Smith/Brett Beavers/Jim Beavers; Producers: Brett Beavers/Jimmy Robbins; Publishers: BMG Gold/Skinny Fat Nashville/BMG RM/BMG Platinum/Music of Big Deal/Stalefish/Sony-ATV Tree, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (CDX)
-Listenable and engaging. His youthful tenor is a perfect fit for the ultra-romantic lyric.
RAY PRICE & MARTINA MCBRIDE/An Affair To Remember
Writers: Harold Adamson/Harry Warren/Leo McCarey; Producer: Fred Foster; Publishers: Twentieth Century/EMI Catalog/EMI Feist, ASCAP; AmeriMonte (CDX)
-The lush string section, clear keyboard notes and glistening harp playing create a cloud-like setting for these two heavenly voices. Taken from Price’s farewell CD, this is ballad singing at its finest. The song was the lustrous theme of a 1957 Cary Grant/Deborah Kerr cinema romance and a pop hit for its soundtrack singer, Vic Damone.
THOMAS RHETT/Make Me Wanna
Writers: T.Rhett/Bart Butler/Larry McCoy; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Bill Butler/Hondo Creek, BMI/SESAC; Valory Music
-A sexy Southern summer sound with forward momentum to spare.
JODY LYNN/The World’s Out Dancin’
Writers: Ian Golightly/Alan Fender; Producers: Jack Gale/Jim Pierce; Publisher: Lovey, BMI; Playback (track)
-She’s country, country, country. The sprightly track scampers along on its tippy toes while her slightly-flat, belting delivery gasps to keep pace.
DOLLY PARTON/Lay Your Hands On Me
Writers: Jon Bon Jovi/Richie Sambora; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: Universal PolyGram/Bon Jovi, ASCAP; Dolly/Sony/WEA
-Dolly covers Bon Jovi! Her sanctified vocal performance of the 1989 rock hit is solid and almost manages to vanquish a too-busy, too-electrified track.
LUCAS HOGE/Flip Flops
Writers: Lucas Hoge/J.D. Wood; Producer: none listed; Publishers: House of Hoge/Different Day/ASCAP; Reviver
-Innocent, small-town kids head for their first time at the beach in this charming and bubbly ditty. In case you were wondering, “flip flops” rhymes with “bikini tops.”

Native Run

NATIVE RUN/Good On You
Writers: Rachel Beauregard/Bryan Dawley/Steve Moakler; Producers: Luke Laird/Native Run; Publishers: Internal Combustion/Songs of Creative Nation/Warner-Tamerlane/Rachel Beauregard/Dawley/Nan Jam/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; Show Dog
-The voices of this male-female duo are somewhat colorless, but the overall vibe is unmistakably jaunty, happy, sunny and warm. The track mixes acoustic instruments with beefy rhythm effectively.
MARK McKINNEY/Maybe We Should
Writers: Mark McKinney; Producers: Mark McKinney/Eric McKinney; Publishers: none listed; MM
-I like his husky, ingratiating and personable singing a lot. He sounds like somebody you’d like to share a beer with. His romantic come-on in this song is equipped with smiles and gentle persuasion. This boy has the goods.

DISClaimer: A Session Full of Surprises

July 23, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Disc of the Day winners Florida Georgia Line

Hats off to Maddie & Tae for delivering a feisty female romp that slaps down the “bro-country” genre. A salute to Jake Owen for making a left turn into soulful ballad territory. A nod to rocking newcomers The Cadillac Three.
The Disc of the Day award goes to Florida Georgia Line for taking on a song of surprising substance.

DISCovery winner Danika Portz visits MusicRow.

And speaking of surprises: The DISCovery Award belongs to Danika Portz. I can’t remember the last time I heard a new artist with this much creativity at her fingertips.
THE CADILLAC THREE/Party Like You
Writer: Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins/Jaren Johnston; Producer: Dann Huff & Justin Niebank; Publisher: EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/Universal/Extraordinary Alien/Sony-ATV/Texa Rae, ASCAP; Big Machine
–Rocking and Southern sexy. Getting loaded in the bar with a dancing doll driving him wild. The relentless track drives like there’s no tomorrow.
JAMES HOUSE/Everytime It Rains
Writer: J. House/M. Bradford; Producer: James House & Michael Bradford; Publisher: none listed; Victor House
–House’s new CD includes his versions of hits he’s written for others—“Ain’t That Lonely Yet” (Dwight), “A Broken Wing” (Martina) and “In a Week or Two” (Diamond Rio)—plus new gems like this dramatic, brooding outing. He still sings like a bird.

Maddie and Tae

MADDIE & TAE/Girl in a Country Song
Writer: Aaron Scherz/Maddie Marlow/Taylor Dye; Producer: Dann Huff & Aaron Scherz; Publisher: Big Music Machine/Super Big/Big Machine, BMI/ASCAP; Dot
–Fabulous. They have the guts to sass every “bro-country” cliche out there. She hates her tight cut-offs, her bikini top and being called pretty little thing, hottie or baby. Not to mention being whistled at, shaking her money maker and being invited to ride along in the pickup truck. Bonus points for the lively tune, the catchy track, the saucy harmonies and the overall wit. I guarantee you will smile.
DUSTIN LYNCH/Where It’s At
Writer: Cary Barlowe/Zach Crowell/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Publisher: none listed; Broken Bow
–The “Cowboys and Angels” man is back. The lead single from his forthcoming CD is a bopping romance ditty with a sunny disposition.
DANIKA PORTZ/Greatest Show on Earth
Writer: none listed; Producer: Steve Mitchell, Danika Portz & John Willis; Publisher: none listed; DP
–The imaginative “circus” production touches are matched by terrifically inventive songwriting and a highly accomplished, sweet/tart vocal. There’s a bonanza of creativity on parade here. Essential listening.

Jake Owen

JAKE OWEN/What We Ain’t Got
Writer: Travis Jerome Goff/Travis Meadows; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Red Vinyl/Words & Music/Songs of Universal, BMI; RCA
–Jake tries on a ballad for a change. His aching delivery of its lovelorn lyric is right on the money. The simple piano accompaniment emphasizes what an expressive performance this is. Love it.
SCARLETTA/That’s Where You’re Gonna Find Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: TheTimeKeepers (Stefon Hamulak & Eric Torres); Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
–Congratulations. Scarletta lead singer Emilie Allan becomes the first female to sing a bro country song. She’s even volunteering to wear her Daisy Dukes for ya.
SHOOTER JENNINGS/Don’t Wait Up
Writer: Shooter Jennings; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Publisher: none listed; BCR
–Shooter’s new five-song EP is a salute to George Jones. His vocal delivery of its title tune is garbled, muffled and mush-mouthed, but has a certain quasi-psychedelic charm, thanks to a twinkling, trippy track.
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Dirt
Writer: Chris Tompkins/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Big Loud Songs/Play Animal/Big Red Toe/Farm Town, ASCAP/BMI; Republic Nashville
–Swirling, atmospheric and completely involving. The song is marvelous, and their delivery of it drawls and soars. Play it again.
BRINLEY ADDINGTON/Middle of Nowhere
Writer: Ryan Hurd/Joey Hyde/Aaron Eshuis/Matthew McGuin; Producer: Phil O’Donnell & Aaron Eshuis; Publisher: none listed; BA
–For such a simple sentiment, it sure is a busy production.

DISClaimer: An Americana Review

July 16, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

With master song craftspeople David Olney and Mary Gauthier celebrating new record releases in these past few days, the signs are right for an Americana review session.
We’re breaking the Disc of the Day into three parts. In our female division, we crown Mary Gauthier, of course. It is also a given that David Olney wins the male sweepstakes. The group award goes to Dualtone’s esteemed Shovels & Rope.
I have never before heard of David White. But what a talent. He takes home this week’s DisCovery Award.
REAGAN BOGGS/On A Bad Note
Writers: R. Boggs/Producers: Eric Fritsch/Reagan Boggs; Publishers: Reagan Boggs, BMI; Reckless Bess
-The Reagan Boggs CD Quicksand leads off with this slow-burning neo-soul groover. She delivers its earthy lyrics of failed romance with a sultry sigh. She is backed by The Coal Men and co-producer Eric Fritsch, who sound as good or better as any band in town. Recommended.
DAVID OLNEY/When The Deal Goes Down
Writers: David Olney; Producers: David Olney/Mark Robinson; Publishers: Red Lilly, ASCAP; Deadbeet (track)
-The title tune of Olney’s latest collection is one of his passionate, darkly intense creations that manages to rock your body as well as stimulate your brain. If this man’s works aren’t already in your record collection, your Nashville songwriting education is remedial. You will not find a finer story teller about the mysteries of love, life and death. On Tuesdays, visit his website for his weekly “You Never Know” streams of singing and musing.
NORTH OF NASHVILLE/Eyes For Me
Writers: Jay Basiner; Producers: Jonathan Wyman & North of Nashville; Publishers: none listed; NON (track)
-Like, way-way north. “North” all the way to Portland, Maine, where this duo is headquartered. Their style has an “outlaw” country thump, yet is firmly rooted in acoustic fiddle music. Intriguing, if a little thin sounding.
MARY GAUTHIER/Another Train
Writers: Mary Gauthier/Ben Glover; Producers: Marty Gauthier/Patrick Granado; Publishers: none listed; ASCAP/PRS; In The Black (track)
-This is the tune Gauthier sang at her recent Grand Ole Opry debut (backed by Marty Stuart, Kathy Mattea and Radney Foster, no less). On her new Trouble & Love CD, the sad, languid ballad features Guthrie Trapp, Darrell Scott, Viktor Krauss and Beth Nielsen Chapman. Scott is also prominently featured on the brilliant, atmospheric, gospel-flavored “Oh Soul,” and Chapman co-wrote two of the collection’s songs. The McCrary Sisters and Ashley Cleveland (plus Scott) are singing on the stately heartbreaker “Walking Each Other Home.” Gauthier co-wrote that with newly anointed Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters, as well as the stunning “When a Woman Grows Cold” and “How You Learn to Live Alone” (which was sung by Jonathan Jackson on Season 2 of Nashville). In addition to the Opry, Gauthier’s album has recently been in the spotlight on NPR’s “Fresh Air.” Buy this record.
DAVID WHITE/Midnight Shift at the Maplewood Methodist Church
Writers: David White/Ashley Gorley; Producers: David White; Publishers: Everytown/Music of Windswept/Bug/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; Footpath (track)
-White is a Brentwood-based pediatrician with a style of vocal delivery that echoes James Taylor and a grasp of story-telling song craftsmanship that is right up there with the best of Music City. He also has one heckuva address book, for his self-produced opus features a cast that includes Chris Thile, Stuart Duncan, Dan Tyminiski, Bryan Sutton, Paul Franklin and Jerry Douglas. This Long Roots CD is an awesome disc debut.
SHOVELS & ROPE/The Devil Is All Around
Writers: Shovels & Rope; Producer: Michael Trent; Publishers: Famous Nightclub/Noberta Jean, BMI; Dualtone (track)
-The duo’s new Swimmin’ Time album comes out on Aug. 26, but you can hear this preview of its opening track now on its website. They shout this journey of the soul in thrilling twin harmonies while backed by a punching rhythm section. Be among the first to get on board.
THE STATESBORO REVUE/Huck Finn
Writers: J. Mann/S. Mann; Producers: The Statesboro Revue; Publishers: none listed; Shalley/Vision
-The Mann brothers recorded their new CD in Nashville as well as back home in Texas. Its single is a loose-limbed, rambling outing that recalls a vintage track by The Band. Jaunty and highly listenable.
PETER COOPER/Opening Day
Writers: Peter Cooper; Producer: Peter Cooper; Publisher: Well Known, SESAC; Red Beet (track)
–Tennessean music writer Cooper also pursues a side career as a singer-songwriter. The title tune of his latest evokes the promise and hope that come with a new baseball season. The fact that we Pirates fans so often come to the fall in disappointment goes without saying. Sweetly sad and wonderfully evocative.
THE HANDSOME FAMILY/Spider
Writers: Brett Sparks/Rennie Sparks; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Carrot Top (track)
-Sloppy, simplistic string-band music for children.
BRIGITTE DeMEYER/Savannah Road
Writers: Brigitte DeMeyer/Will Kimbrough; Producer: Brigitte DeMeyer; Publisher: Brigitte DeMeyer; BDM (track)
-The title tune of DeMeyer’s disc is a bluesy Southern backwoods lament that raises goosebumps and lives in steamy nostalgia. Her supporting cast on this collection includes Jeff Coffin, Will Kimbrough, Guthrie Trapp, Michael Rhodes and The McCrary Sisters. Let a word to the wise be sufficient.

DISClaimer: Championing The Underdogs

July 9, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Old Crow Medicine Show

Yes, Luke Bryan has a new single, and, yes, it sounds good, and, yes, it is a hit. Nevertheless, my Disc of the Day award is going to the underdog Grand Ole Opry stars Old Crow Medicine Show. The real story du jour is the battle for the DisCovery Award. Dean Alexander, Kristian Bush, Chris Lane and Ben Rau are all worthy contenders. In a close call, I’m giving it to Chris Lane.
BEN RUE/I Can’t Wait (Be My Wife)
Writers:Ryan Ogren/James Bailey/Jon Berry/Peter Munters/James Ulrich; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP/BMI; Arista (CDX)
-This pretty ballad has lyrics that are woven with vivid details. His singing voice is sincere, if a little generic sounding. I think I hear a hit.
DYLAN SCOTT/Mmm, Mmm, Mmm
Writers: Dylan Scott/Forest Glen Whitehead; Producer: Jim Ed Norman; Publishers: Curb/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; Sidewalk (CDX)
-A little swampy. A little funky. A little saucy. A whole lot Southern.
LUKE BRYAN/Roller Coaster
Writers: Cole Swindell/Michael Carter; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/243 Music, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol
-This rolls with verve and spirit. I like it that the vocal is mixed up bright and high, while the percussion is kept simple and steady. Very, very summer-y.
KRISTIAN BUSH/Trailer Hitch
Writers: Kristian Bush/Brandon Bush/Tim Owens; Producers: Kristian Bush/Tom Tapley; Publishers: Songs of the Architect/Another Song of the Architect/Archuleta, ASCAP; Streamsound
-I have always maintained it’s a shame that this fine singer was so consistently overshadowed in Sugarland. This bopping, percolating disc reveals a performer with jaunty personality to spare. The bonus is that there’s a nifty message beneath the happy rhythm: You can’t take it with you when you go.
AMERICAN YOUNG/Wasn’t Gonna Drink Tonight
Writers: Lee Brice/Billy Montana/Jon Stone; Producers: Jon Stone/Justin Niebank/Lee Brice; Publishers: Mike Curb/Dandon Ranch/Hears That Skyline/Adios Pantalones/BMG, BMI/SESAC; Curb (CDX)
-The jittery rhythm track is nervous sounding. It doesn’t go with the smooth singing. And that gliding vocal performance doesn’t match the downbeat lyric.
SARA EVANS & ISSAC SLADE/Can’t Stop Loving You
Writers: Victoria Banks/Phil Barton/Emily Shackleton; Producer: Mark Bright & Sara Evans; Publishers: Chrysalis/45th Parallel/Sixteen Stars/Horipro/Liz Rose/Songs of Kobalt, ASCAP/BMI; RCA
-Duet partner Slade is the lead singer of the pop/rock band The Fray. Evans dominates the track, which is loudly busy and bombastic. They try to redeem it by repeating the title over and over and over again as the noise crashes around them. Pass.

Chris Lane

CHRIS LANE/Broken Windshield View
Writers: Rodney Clawson/David Lee Murphy/Shane Minor; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Big Red Toe/Big Loud Bucks/Old Desperados/N2D/Sony-ATV Tree/Code Six Charles, BMI/ASCAP; Big Loud Mountain
-This backwoods rocker packs a punch. Lane’s passionate vocal rides atop a churning track and delivers a dirt-road anthem with panache. Ear catching.
JUSTIN MOORE & VINCE NEIL/Home Sweet Home
Writers: Nikki Sixx/Tommy Lee/Vince Neil; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publishers: Sixx Gunner/Downtown/Tommyland/Safe N Sound/WB/Mars Mountain/Cherry Lane, ASCAP; Valory
-The song wasn’t even a hit when Motley Crue sang it. Pointless.
DEAN ALEXANDER/Live a Little
Writers: Dean Alexander/Laura Veltz; Producers: Justin Weaver/Dean Alexander; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Get Along/Hits of Parallel, BMI; Elektra
-Hooky. The title is interjected with stacked harmonies throughout the performance. The choppy rhythms, sunny guitar solo, urgently boyish vocal and overall groove all scream summer. Irresistible.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW/Sweet Amarillo
Writers: Dylan/Secor/Fuqua; Producer: Ted Hutt; Publishers: Special Rider/Blood Donor, SESAC/BMI; ATO (track)
-Old Crow Medicine Show had a Gold Record with “Wagon Wheel” long before Darius Rucker covered the tune. Can lightning strike twice in the same place? I think so, especially when there’s a performance this charming, propulsive, thumpy, rootsy and earnestly relentless. The Dylan/Secor combination repeats its winning ways.

DISCLAIMER: Twin Towers of Talent

July 2, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

This listening session starred two twin towers of talent.
The two best records of the week belong to Craig Morgan and Brett Eldredge. Both of them are superb country singers. They have the two best-written songs of the day. And Craig’s “We’ll Come Back Around” and Brett’s “Mean to Me” are both produced perfectly.
I love these two singles so much that they are going to have to share this week’s Disc of the Day award.
We have two feisty female acts this week — Erica Nicole and The Pfeiffer Twins. But the DisCovery Award goes to a tender-hearted male outing by the Johnny Orr Band.
THE PFEIFFER TWINS/Nobody’s Puppet
Writers: C. & L. Pfeiffer/A. Krizan; Producer: Anthony Krizan; Publishers: Pfeiffer Twins/Krizan, ASCAP; Pfeiffer Twins
-Bluesy, with a Southern-rock edge and definite lady-sass attitude. Caution: strong language occurs.
BRETT ELDREDGE/Mean To Me
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Luke Laird; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Countryside/Paris Not France/Scrambler/Abbotts Creek/Carnival, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
-Completely enchanting. If the essence of songwriting is coming up with new ways to say, “I love you,” then this is at the beating heart of our art. A lovely song deserves a soul-saturated vocal performance and a beautiful confection of a production, and this one has them both. An out-of-the-park home run.
JOHNNY ORR BAND/We’ll Get By
Writers: J. Orr; Producer: Johnny Orr; Publisher: none listed, BMI; JOB
-Subtitled “The Autism Song,” this moving ballad is sung from the point of view of a child affected by that condition. If it doesn’t bring a tear to your eye and a lump in your throat, you’re made of stone.

Craig Morgan

SAMMY KERSHAW/Do You Know Me
Writers: Johnny Holland/Billy Lawson; Publisher: Sammy Kershaw; Producer: House of Fame/Cal IV, ASCAP; Bit Hit
-Throughout his career, Sammy has made no secret of his emulation for George Jones, and he can sound eerily exactly like his idol. This is the title ballad to Sammy’s tribute album to George. It offers effective, vivid vignettes from the life and career of the late Hall of Fame member. Elsewhere on this collection of 12 revivals of the legend’s greatest hits, check out Sammy’s version of “Near You” with Georgette Jones singing the part of her late mother, Tammy Wynette.
ERICA NICOLE/I Listen To My Bad Girl
Writers: Debbie Pascarella/Dani Jamerson; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Wrapped in Songs, ASCAP; EN/PCL
-Despite her better judgment, she gets tangled up with the nothing-but-trouble guy. Drums slam and guitars scream.
JERROD NIEMANN/Buzz Back Girl
Writers: Lee Brice/Kyle Jacobs/Phillip Lammonds; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas & Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: Mike Curb/Curb Songs/Jacobsong/BrainTwang, BMI/ASCAP; Arista (track)
-As usual, the backing track is ultra cool, with ear-catching percussive effects, electro voices and quirky guitars. His bopping vocal carries a song about a fellow falling hard. Groovy.
DEBBIE COCHRAN/Everything Changes
Writers: Debbie Cochran; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: DMC Anniston, BMI; GTR
-Her singing voice has resonance, but the song’s lyrics are riddled with cliches.
COLT FORD/Workin’ On
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-It begins as a fairly routine hick-hop outing, name checking various blue-collar thangs. But the choruses find Ford actually kinda singing. In his own way, mind you. Hooky and listenable.

Johnny Orr

CHANDLER MARIE/Breaking Down
Writers: Chandler Marie Picerne/Kris Bergsnes/Angie Broberg/Grant Austin Taylor; Producer: Sorted Noise; Publishers: CMP/SB21/Bluewater/Splendiferous/DHM /Grant Austin Taylor, BMI/ASCAP; CMP
-You’d think one of those four writers could have come up with a melody.
CRAIG MORGAN/We’ll Come Back Around
Writers: Trevor Rosen/Brandy Clark/Jessi Jo Dillon; Producer: Craig Morgan & Phil O’Donnell; Publishers: ReHits/Smacktown/Smack Blue/Wrensong/Nettwerk One B/Revelry/Jay Gatsby/Limited Songs of Parallel/Amplified/Vista Loma, ASCAP/BMI; Black River
-They scrap and fight, but in the end they really love one another and will wind up back together again. This fiery vocalist is the just the guy to sell this well-written throbber. I got so into it, I played it twice in a row. You will too.

DISClaimer: Messina, Houser Deliver Solid Songs, Superb Vocals

June 25, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Cowboy Up! Randy Houser

When you get right down to it, I’m still a sucker for a great singer and/or a well-crafted song.

These are the things that made me a country fan in the first place, and they are still what I love about the genre. They are also the things that power the two best singles of this week’s listening session.
Both Jo Dee Messina and Randy Houser powered past the major-label releases with efforts that are both solid slabs of songwriting and superb vocal performances. Randy Houser’s flame-thrower vocal delivery, in fact, earns him a Disc of the Day.
All three of our DisCovery Award contenders are female—RaeLynn, Kayla Adams and our winner, Ali Dee. I’m all ears: Send more.
KAYLA ADAMS/Sober & Sorry
Writer: Kayla Adams/Billy Atherholt/Pete Nanney; Producer: Marlon “Dean” Scanlon; Publisher: Kayla Adams/Atherholt/Shootin Straight, BMI; SSM (615-254-2053)
—It’s another one of those modern country compositions that substitutes attitude for melody.
RANDY HOUSER /Like a Cowboy
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek (ERG)
—Randy sings his face off on this power ballad about life on the rodeo circuit. The metaphors about a relationship are well drawn, but even if they weren’t, his leather-lunged, barn-burning delivery will make you a believer. What a hoss.
MERLE HAGGARD & MARY SARAH/Fightin’ Side of Me
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Kent Wells & Freddy Powers; Publisher: none listed, BMI; 144 E (CDX) (www.marysarah.com)
—She sounds completely ridiculous singing these lyrics in that childish voice. The Hag seems comfortable riding along on the country-rock track. But there’s no escaping how “dated” the song is.
ROBBY JOHNSON/Feel Good Song
Writer: Robby Johnson/Frank Myers/Jill Spencer/Michael Gresham; Producer: Frank Myers & Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: Maleva/Ole/Contrast/Brand, BMI/SOCAN/ASCAP/SESAC; OMR (CDX) (www.robby-johnson.com)
—He’s trying awfully hard to sound rough and tough on this quasi-shouted, lead-foot stomper. I’d like it better if he would just sing.

Ali Dee

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Day Drinking
Writer: Karen Fairchild/Philip Sweet/Jimi Westbrook/Barry Dean/Troy Verges; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Little Big Town/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Country Paper/Pulse Nation/Magnolia Beach, BMI; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—From the moment the mandolin chops begin, your ears perk up. Then the whistling interjections pop in during the choruses. Audio addiction. A summer smash.
KENNY CHESNEY/American Kids
Writer: Rodney Clawson/Shane McAnally/Luke Laird; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Big Red Toe/Farm Town/Big Loud Bucks/Universal/Smack Ink/Creative Nation/Twangin and Slangin, ASCAP/BMI; Columbia/Blue Chair
—Kenny’s return to disc is a relaxed-sounding bopper with a summertime vibe. The lyric paints portraits of young folks trying to shed their innocence that most of us can relate to.
RAELYNN/God Made Girls
Writer: RaeLynn/Nicolle Galyon/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Super Big/Big Machine/Prescription/Kobalt/I Take the Bull By the Horns/Warner-Tamerlane/Songs of Crazy Girl, ASCAP/BMI; Valory
—The song is extraordinarily well written. The production is packed with catchy audio hooks. But her singing voice is so girlie and chirpy, it almost sounds like a cartoon. A fine single, albeit one that takes some getting used to.
ALI DEE/Just a Broken Heart
Writer: Maren Morris/Chase McGill/Carrie Manolakos/Ichabod; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Ali Dee (www.alidee.com)
—Her drawling accent is her charming calling card. It helps her deliver this loping, loose groover with enormous panache. “No, that knife in my back ain’t sharp/It’s just a broken heart,” she shrugs. The twanging production, whistling passages and merry instrumental support are as ear catching as her performance. A complete winner.
JO DEE MESSINA/A Woman’s Rant
Writer: Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Jo Dee Messina & Julian King; Publisher: Dreambound, ASCAP; Dreambound (track) (www.jodeemessina.com)
—I have always loved her feisty personality, and this performance is the most perfect distillation of it to date. The country-rock band cooks with gas while she spews out the lickety-split lady’s lament with a boat load of wit and sass. A super single.
MISS JEANIE/Fool Chain
Writer: David Davidson/Judy M. Rodman/Kristin Maryka Wilkinson; Producer: Lonnie Spiker; Publisher: Black Lagoon/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Miss Jeanie (track)
—You’re kidding, right? I’m expected to review this? I’m sure she’s a lovely person, but her singing, um, leaves a lot to be desired.

DISClaimer: Nashville's Pop/Rock Scene On Fire

June 18, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

The Black Keys

The Nashville pop/rock community is on fire this summer. Last month, The Black Keys’ new album debuted at No. 1 on the pop charts, ahead of Michael Jackson. This month, Paramore notches a Top 10 single, and Jack White is on the cover of Rolling Stone.
Kings of Leon, Cage the Elephant, Ben Folds and The Features continue to kick butt. Wild Cub and The Wild Feathers are buzz bands. Veterans like Leon Russell and John Hiatt are proving they still have the goods. Our honorees in this stack of current Nashville pop/rock platters are The Black Keys, who win the Disc of the Day award, and Cherub, the dance-mad kids who earn this week’s DisCovery Award.
PUJOL/Circles
Writers: Daniel Pujol; Producer: D. Shroader; Publishers: Hard Days Pete, BMI; Saddle Creek
-The sophomore album by Nashville’s PUJOL is titled Kludge, and it RAWKS. The single is a fast, frenetic, fuzz fest with a sonically processed snotty tenor vocal. It is made for fist pumping, pogo dancing, physical thrashing and all other manner of post-punk aggressive behavior. Bob your head and shake your brain.
PARAMORE/Ain’t It Fun
Writers: Hayley Williams/Taylor York; Producer: Justin Meldal-Johnsen; Publishers: WB/But Father I Just Want To Sing/FBR/Hunterboro, ASCAP; Atlantic (track)
-Paramore has had two other hit singles from its current, self-titled CD, including DisClaimer’s previously reviewed “Still Into You.” Now this choppy bopper has become a bona fide top-10 smash. You get totally hooked by its catchy pop verses, then knocked out by its breezy, vindictive-smiley choruses. Stay tuned for the group-chanted, addictive-repetitive bridge.
CHERUB/Doses & Mimosas
Writers: Jordan Kelley/Jason Huber/Nick Curtis; Producers: Cherub & Nick Curtis; Publishers: none listed; Columbia (track)
-Everybody dance now! This Nashville electro-pop duo has been signed to a major-label deal thanks to the three-million-plus views of this creamy-smooth track’s video. The word-of-mouth momentum continued with a big-stage slot at last week’s Bonnaroo Festival. Lilting, high vocals are punctuated with synth hand claps and plenty of bass undertow for a thoroughly trippy and delightful ear tickle.
JOHN HAITT/Terms of My Surrender
Writers: none listed; Producer: Doug Lanclo; Publisher: none listed; New West (track)
-This Music City rock vet previews his upcoming 22nd album with its title tune. Hiatt’s trademark, mordant, wry, gritty voice glides through this languid blues ballad with the wit and panache of the master stylist he is. If you’re not already in love with this Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, your musical education is in serious remedial trouble.
MOON TAXI/Running Wild
Writers: Bailey/Turndrup/Thomson; Producer: Spencer Thomson; Publishers: none listed; 12th South (track)
-The group’s current Mountains Beaches Cities CD kicks off with this plea for an escape into good times. The band rumbles nicely with multiple percussion licks and echoey electronic figures while the vocalists shout their desires heavenward. Pleasingly plaintive pop.
THE BLACK KEYS/Fever
Writers: D. Auerbach/D. Carney/B. Burton; Producer: Danger Mouse & The Black Keys; Publishers: none listed; Nonesuch (track)
-The lead single from The Black Keys’ new Turn Blue album is a neo-’80s, new-wavey track with a relentless beat and goofy-cheesy-cool keyboard flourishes in a herky-jerky tune sung with a winsome pop vocal and wacky, twangy guitar touches. In other words, fantastically listenable.
CLEAR PLASTIC MASKS/So Real
Writers: Clear Plastic Masks; Producer: Andrija Tokic; Publishers: Clear Plastic Masks, ASCAP; Serpents & Snakes
-This Nashville combo’s CD is titled Being There. Its single is a jumbled rocker with jangly ‘60s guitars and a simple, blues-based chord progression. Garage rock for moderns.
JACK WHITE/High Ball Stepper
Writers: Jack White III; Producer: Jack White III; Publishers: Third String, BMI; Third Man (track)
-The first single from White’s just-released Lazaretto is a squawking, time-shifting, spazzy-guitar, instrumental workout. Being different is good. Being perverse, not so much.
CLAY McCLINTON/Stories We Can Tell
Writers: Clay McClinton/Gary Nicholson; Producer: Gary Nicholson; Publisher: none listed; Red Chili (track)
-The shadow of Clay’s dad, Delbert McClinton, looms large over the Nashville blues-rock landscape. Perhaps that’s why the son plies his trade in Austin. He calls his blues-rock-country sound “Texas gumbo,” which is pretty accurate. This righteous, rollicking “outlaw” sounding country-rocker appears on Clay’s Bitin’ at the Bit CD. The disc includes reworkings of such classics as “Poison Love,” “Just Dropped In” and his pop’s “Victim of Life’s Circumstances,” as well as a clutch of excellent originals like this. Nashville luminaries in on the sessions include Dan Dugmore, Guthrie Trapp, Bob Britt, Kenny Vaughn and Colin Linden, as well as producer/writer Nicholson and Delbert, hisself.
ED FITZGERALD & CIVIC DUTY/Left Handed Gun
Writers: Ed Fitzgerald; Producer: Gary Laney & Ed Fitzgerald; Publisher: none listed; Telephone (track)
-Return with us now to those thrilling days of the Nashville pop/rock scene of the 1980s. Bands like Warm Dark Pocket, Government Cheese, The Thieves, Jet Black Factory, Factual/Actuel, The Royal Court of China, Raging Fire, Dessau, Chagall Guevera, Velcro Pygmies, The Bisquits, Fur Trade, Valentine Saloon, The Movement, The Grinning Plowmen, Bedlam, The Nerve, Radio One, The Questionnaires, Little Saints, In Pursuit, Clockhammer, Guilt and more filled our clubs. One of them is still putting out records, Ed Fitzgerald & Civic Duty. This guitar groover kicks off a CD titled Shelter. It has echoes of Talking Heads or Television with a doomy dash of Lou Reed, but infused with Fitzgerald’s special vocal personality and his undeniably gripping guitar style. Recommended without reservation.