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DISClaimer: Veterans Vs. Youngsters

June 11, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Lucy Hale

Today’s column pits veterans against youngsters. In the former column are such established talents as Craig Bickhardt, Alabama and Gene Watson. In the latter, we have Rachele Lynae, Lucy Hale, and Mickey & The Motorcars. So I’m giving two Disc of the Day awards. The first goes to the enduringly great Gene Watson. The second goes to today’s red-hot Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood.
The DisCovery Award goes to Lucy Hale. TV stars have had a hit-or-miss history of translating their fan followings into country-singing success. Here’s hoping she’s in the “hit” column.
LUCY HALE/You Sound Good To Me
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Luke Laird/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Mike Daly; Publishers: External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent/Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Twangin and Slangin/BMG Gold, ASCAP/BMI; DMG Nashville
-The Pretty Little Liars TV star delivers the goods with this ultra-catchy toe tapper. The song is super well crafted, and her vocal is full of verve and confidence. Make room for her on your playlists.
JAY JOLLEY/High and Mighty
Writers: Sarah Majors/Phillip Lammons/Matt King; Producer: Chuck Alkazian; Publishers: Tazmaraz/KadaLaNa/Motochez/Brain Twang, BMI/ASCAP; Double J (CDX)
-I have liked this guy several times in the past. As before, he sings with passion and grit here. The production on this country rocker is a little messy sounding, but there’s definite propulsion.
GENE WATSON/Turn Out the Lights (The Party’s Over)
Writers: Hank Craig/Willie Nelson; Producer: Dirk Johnson; Publishers: Glad/Pappy Daily, BMI; Fourteen Carat
-Gene’s new My Heroes Have Always Been Country CD dropped yesterday. On it, he revives songs associated with Lefty Frizzell, Dottie West, Merle Haggard, George Jones and the like. Mostly, they’re not overly familiar songs, which is cool. This Willie Nelson chestnut, for instance, sounds wonderfully fresh in the throat of this master stylist. Here’s my advice: Put this record on, put your feet up, close your eyes and let this awesome voice roll over you, bathing you in country-music greatness.
DAVID LOVING/Potato in Rio
Writers: David Loving; Producer: David Loving; Publisher: Tender Wolf, BMI; Tall Horse (track)
-He can just barely sing. Accompanying his weak, lung-less vocal attempt is a band that seems incapable of locking into a groove.

Lambert and Underwood debut “Somethin’ Bad.”

MIRANDA LAMBERT & CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Somethin’ Bad
Writers: Chris DeStefano/Brett James/Priscilla Renea; Producers: Frank Liddell/Chuck Ainlay/Glenn Worf; Publishers: EMI April/Sugar Glider/EMI Blackwood/WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion, Keep It Simple Stupid, ASCAP; RCA (track)
-Country’s two reigning divas team up on a Thelma-and-Louise stomper that will make you reach for a drink and turn up the jukebox. Attitude with pizzazz. Miranda’s entire Platinum CD is a mini masterpiece. Buy it.
MICKEY & THE MOTORCARS
Writers: Mickey Braun/Willy Braun; Producer: Willy Braun with Mickey & The Motorcars; Publishers: none listed; MB
-This has a wide-open-spaces sonic quality that’s attractive. Mickey’s voice isn’t a powerhouse, but has a pleasing drawl. I would have mixed it up above the band more. The way it is now, the guitar playing and drumming are as prominent as the singing, so he sounds like he’s drowning.
WADE BOWEN & BRANDY CLARK/Love In The First Degree
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Lightning Rod
-This track from last fall’s High Cotton tribute CD to Alabama has become a hit on the Texas charts, and I can hear why. The excellent song has been slowed to a pulsing throbber, and these two voices are perfectly matched. They alternate verses beautifully, and on the choruses Brandy sings lead while Wade provides flawless harmony. Fascinating listening.

Gene Watson

LUKE BRYAN/Love In The First Degree
Writers: Tim DuBois/Jim Hurt; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publishers: none listed; Show Dog-Universal
-The High Cotton tribute CD is comprised of Americana artists. Alabama & Friends is its mainstream-country tribute counterpart. Luke Bryan essays the same song as Brandy and Wade, demonstrating by contrast how pedestrian a Nashville approach can be. It’s speeded up slightly, but otherwise apes Alabama’s original arrangement faithfully. For a more creative outing, try Rascal Flatt’s version of “Old Flame.”
CRAIG BICKHARDT/It Opens
Writers: Craig Bickhardt; Producers: Glenn Barratt & Craig Bickhardt; Publishers: Stone Barn, ASCAP; Stone Barn (track)
-Country hit writer and former Schuyler-Knobloch-Bickhardt member (1988’s “Givers and Takers,” etc.) now makes simply produced, singer-songwriter solo CDs. This track from his latest, The More I Wonder, illustrates how thoughtful and enriching his composing continues to be. Persevere through life, it says, and press on because often, “It don’t look like a door, but it opens.”
RACHELE LYNAE/Touch The Stars
Writers: Rachele Lynae/Danick Dupelle/Patricia Conroy; Producer: Jamie O’Neal; Publisher: none listed
-The latest from this ingenue is a rippling, upbeat celebration of young love. Her sunny vocal rides atop a punchy, percolating track. O’Neal’s production touch is just right for this bopping youngster.

DISClaimer: The "Unstoppable" Hunter Hayes

June 4, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Hunter Hayes

The trend in today’s column is female singer-songwriters on self-made, indie discs. Cyndi Harvell, Nora Collins, Michael-Ann and Maddie Deneault are all promising in various ways. But it’s Michael-Ann who waltzes off with this week’s DisCovery Award.
The Disc of the Day prize unquestionably belongs to Hunter Hayes. The boy is unstoppable.
CYNDI HARVELL/Flood
Writers: Cyndi Harvell; Producer: Jim Greer; Publishers: Yellow Door, ASCAP; CH (track)
-Artfully done, with darkly chiming piano chords, Everly-sisters harmonies, a drama-infused string section, nervous percussion and poetic lyrics. Americana programmers, take special note.
JIM LAUDERDALE/I’m A Song
Writers: Jim Lauderdale; Producer: Jim Lauderdale; Publishers: Wudang Mountain/Bug, SESAC; Say Crunch (track)
-Next up for this oh-so-country hit songsmith is a 20-track showcase of his talents that includes his own version of his Strait smash “The King of Broken Hearts.” Guest harmonizers include Patty Loveless, Lee Ann Womack and Buddy Miller, and his songwriting collaborators include Bobby Bare, Elvis Costello and John Oates. The set’s title tune is a gently swaying, super-melodic sing-along that will have you nodding in time with a smile on your face. To know him is to love him.
HUNTER HAYES/Tattoo
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Barry Dean/Troy Verges; Producers: Hunter Hayes/Dann Huff; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Ogden Avenue/Magnolia Beach/Creative Nation/Country Paper/Pulse Nation, BMI; Atlantic (track)
-Jaunty and endearing, this bubbly romance tune is as bright as summer sunshine. “Your name would be a good tattoo,” he croons to his honey.
BYRON HILL/Red Leather Couch
Writers: Byron Hill; Producer: Byron Hill; Publishers: Byron Hill, ASCAP; BHP (track)
-The title tune of hit songwriter Hill’s new, 15-track showcase has an easy-going, loping tempo with a “beach-y” vibe. It’s a charming ode to loafing, creating, thinking, sleeping, relaxing and having fun on a well-worn item of living-room furniture. Listening to this record might make you fall in love with Music Row song craftsmanship all over again.
TRENT TOMLINSON/Come Back to Bed
Writers: Trent Tomlinson/Ashe Underwood/Terri Jo Box; Producers: none listed; Publishers: Big Spaces/Big Mosquito/Geormac/Songs of Merf, no performance rights listed; Gluseppe
-Tomlinson’s comeback single is a moody, feverish outing that finds him beckoning for S-E-X. The throbbing beat, swirling melody and suggestive lyrics all work together spectacularly. Play it.
NORA COLLINS/Only The Beginning
Writers: Nora Collins/Willy Porter; Producers: Kenn Fox; Publishers: Don’t Slow Down/Terra Perfuma; SESAC/ASCAP; NC (track)
-Collins is a Wisconsin teen who has won numerous “rising star” awards in her home state. Her debut CD is an acoustic effort (guitar and fiddle only) that showcases six of her original compositions, plus four covers. On its title tune, her lyrics are solid, if a mite wordy. Her soprano vocal delivery is very, very young sounding. You’re on the right path: Keep at it.
TIM MENZIES/His Way of Loving Me
Writers: Tim Menzies; Producer: Ben Isaacs; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Wind in My Sails, ASCAP; By Grace (track)
-Tim Mensy has reverted to the original spelling of his name for his billing on his first country-gospel collection. Its title ballad is a terrific message song about the different ways that love reveals itself. As always, he is a spectacular country baritone with immense reservoirs of feeling. Apart from the standards “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “I’m Working on a Building” and “I Surrender All,” he wrote or co-wrote all of these moving tunes. I remain an enormous fan.
MICHAEL-ANN/Heavy Load
Writers: Michael-Ann; Producer: Randy Ray Mitchell; Publisher: November Phoenix, ASCAP; MA (track)
-This L.A. singer-songwriter emotes beautifully on the title tune of her CD. Her moaning alto breaks in all the right places while dobro, fiddle and her own acoustic guitar drawl along in a bluesy river of sound. The rest of the album proves this track isn’t a fluke: These are all first-rate songs. Extremely promising.
RASCAL FLATTS/Payback
Writers: Aaron Eshuis/Neil Mason/Ryan Hurd; Producer: Howard Benson; Publishers: WB/Nevada House/Revelry/Nettwerk One/Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine (track)
-The beefy rock guitars are perfect for this thumper about a lady who’s out on the town trying to get over a broken heart. He’s offering to be her payback to get even with the old boyfriend. Rousing and inescapably catchy.
MADDIE DENEAULT/She Don’t Play Guitar
Writers: Mason Douglas/Courtney Cole; Producer: Kim Copeland; Publishers: Wild Cataclysm/Chobe/Little Biscuit/Words & Music/Songs of Black River, BMI/ASCAP; MD (track)
-This teenage Texan displays plenty of moxie on her sassy single. She dishes a rival by admitting her good looks, but telling the boyfriend, “She can’t carry a tune in a bucket.” Yes, she has a “pretty good chest,” knows how dance, wears tight jeans and is blonde. But that gal, “don’t play guitar.” Sprightly and lotsa fun.

DISClaimer: Enduring Stars and Charming Newcomers

May 28, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

With the CMA Music Fest right around the corner, it’s no surprise that this week’s stack of country releases is packed with star power.
Despite the presence of so many marquee names, there are really only two selections here that make headlines. One of them belongs to the enduringly fine Tim McGraw, with a vocal assist from his better half, Faith Hill. The other is more of a surprise, a maybe-smash charmer from left field by up-and-comer Jana Kramer. These two share the Disc of the Day award.
There’s only one newcomer here, so by default, Sarah Davidson takes home a DisCovery Award.
SARAH DAVIDSON/Drink You Up
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Gordie Sampson/Steve McEwan; Producer: Brian Kolb/Dino Paredes; Publisher: none listed; Suretone
-Since she was on the Private Lives of Nashville Wives reality TV show, I was prepared to loathe this. But the mid-tempo outing is actually pretty well done. Catchy and romantic.
THOMPSON SQUARE/Testing The Water
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-Funk rhythm, wah-wah guitar and spoken-word passages are not things we generally associate with these two. So this definitely perks up the ears. A nice and nifty change of pace.

Sarah Davidson

TIM McGRAW & FAITH HILL/Meanwhile Back at Mama’s
Writers: Tom Douglas, Jaren Johnston, Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore; Publishers: none listed; Big Machine (ERG)
-Rippling acoustic guitars set the stage, then Tim comes in with a beautifully nuanced delivery of this lovely paean to passing pastoral pleasures. Faith’s harmony vocals on the choruses shadow him note for note. A gorgeous little single.
ZAC BROWN BAND/All Alright
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Southern Ground
-Stately and majestic. It’s a heartache song, but the heavenly chorale harmonies make it sound almost celebratory. Blue-eyed soul is the overall vibe here. Still in this fan club.
BREELAN ANGEL/Double Standards
Writers: Breelan Angel/Lacy Green; Producer: Ray Barnette; Publishers: Breelan Angel/Lacy Green, BMI; MisBhavin’
-Her pert, girlish voice hardly sounds old enough to drink, fight and cuss, never mind complain about double standards for women that tell them not to. Still, it sounds sprightly and is well written.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/Small Town Throwdown
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/WB/Get a Load of This/EMI Blackwood, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
-Featuring vocal contributions from Justin Moore and Thomas Rhett, this rocker is otherwise a routine bro-country thang. You know the drill: keg of beer, babes in cutoffs, tailgates, party in the country, blah blah blah.

Jana Kramer

JANA KRAMER/Love
Writers: Catt Gravitt/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Ink Pen Mama/Tunes of R and T Direct/Extraordinary Alien, SESAC/ASCAP; Elektra
-This superbly written single has “hit” engraved on it. In fact, this could be her career record. Beautifully constructed, perfectly produced and sung with intense, sunny believability.
KEITH URBAN/Somewhere In My Car
Writers: J.T. Harding/Keith Urban; Producers: Dann Huff/Keith Urban; Publishers: SONGS/Mighty Seven/Songs of SMP/Heavy Metal Disco/Songs of Universal/Mary Rose, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-It’s a pulse-quickening, toe-tapping, upbeat sound. But all of his singles sorta sound the same, don’t they?
LADY ANTEBELLUM/Bartender
Writers: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Rodney Clawson; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Lady Antebellum; Publishers: Beards and Bullets/3OA Getaway/Hobbs Hill/Kobalt/Big Red Toe/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-She wants to get lost in the booze and the noise and the lights so she can get over him. But don’t get any ideas, boys, ‘cause this is a night to dance with the gal pals. Rousing, if not quite up to the standards of their greatest works.
J.T. Hodges/Already High
Writers: J.T. Hodges/Kevin Griffin; Producer: Kevin Griffin; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Adeline 29/Sing Station/Boomer Sooie, BMI; Show Dog-Universal
-Cool and thumping, with plenty of beats and boom. He name-drops brands of drinks and smokes to get to the point: He doesn’t need any outside stimulation, because he’s already stoned on love. Very, very listenable. I remain a big fan.

DISClaimer: Americana Offers Overflow of Musical Riches

May 21, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Rosanne Cash

Americana music is much in the news this month.
Its organization announced its 2014 award nominees two weeks ago. This week, the AMA issued a press release stating that its annual convention has a $5 million impact on Nashville’s economy. Next week, it stages a one-day festival in Franklin that shines a spotlight on some of its greatest artists (see the Parker Millsap review for more details).
And so we turn our attention to Americana platters in this edition of DisClaimer. There’s an awful lot to like. Vying for places of honor are collections by Radney Foster, Leon Russell, Paul Burch and John Oates.
Amid a field of outstanding efforts, endearingly serene Rosanne Cash wins the Disc of the Day award. There’s an embarrassment of riches in today’s list of newcomers. So much so that I’m giving DisCovery Awards to one male, Parker Millsap; one female, Hannah Aldridge and one group, the pop delight that is Johnnyswim.
BLUE MOTHER TUPELO/Only Sunshine
Writers: Micol Davis/Ricky Davis; Producer: Ricky Davis; Publisher: Go Ahead On/Squeeze Me Tight, BMI/ASCAP; Juke Tonk (track)
-The title tune of this Hendersonville based duo’s new CD is a haunting pastiche of their unusual, folk-ish harmonies, electric guitar noodling and shimmering washes of violin. I think “kookie” is the word I’m looking for.
RADNEY FOSTER/Everything I Should Have Said
Writers: Radney Foster/Darrell Brown; Producers: Justin Tocket/Radney Foster; Publishers: Alamo Lounge/Kobalt/BMG Gold/We Jam Writers Group/Black Dragonfly, ASCAP; Devil’s River
-With his awesome songwriting ability and ringing, warm singing voice, this guy should have been a country superstar. As it is, he remains one of Nashville’s finest record makers. This ballad of regret and self recrimination anchors a stunning collection that has a gem around every corner.
HANNAH ALDRIDGE/Howlin’ Bones
Writer: Hannah Aldridge; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Bar, ASCAP; Trodden Black
-Hannah is the daughter of songwriting great Walt Aldridge. Her debut CD is proof of the old adage that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. On this track from her Razor Wire collection, she demonstrates a talent for gripping song craft as well as a searing, soulful vocal style. While electric rock guitar screams, she wails a warning to an intimate. Fantastic listening. Get on board.
JOHN OATES/Stone Cold Love
Writers: John Oates/Ryan Tedder; Producers: Ryan Tedder/John Oates; Publishers: Oates Shui/Primary Wave/Write 2 Live, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra (track)
-This pop great has been coming in and out of Nashville for the past couple of years assembling the three-disc set of tunes that is titled Good Road to Follow. It leads off with this groove-soaked stomper that wouldn’t be out of place on a classic Hall & Oates record. This super catchy thump fest shows you just why he’s a new Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee. The collection includes contributions from such notables as Hot Chelle Rae, Bekka Bramlett, Jim Hoke, Tommy Sims, Vince Gill, Colin Linden, Dan Dugmore and lots of other Music City names you know. Recommended.
PARKER MILLSAP/Truck Stop Gospel
Writers: Parker Millsap; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publishers: Northwentz, BMI; Okrahoma (track)
-I totally dig this guy. Nominated as an Emerging Artist at this year’s upcoming Americana Music Awards, Millsap’s superb, self-titled CD includes this cool fusion of trucker ambiance and gospel revival. His raspy vocal hooks you, and the joyous, country-rock track chugs relentlessly. Millsap is on the bill of the Americana festival taking place on May 31 in Franklin at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on Franklin Road. Headliners include John Hiatt and Patty Griffin, not to mention Brandy Clark and Ashley Monroe. Sounds good, don’t it?
JOHNNYSWIM/Heart Beats
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Big Picnic (track)
-You’ll find this as the title track of a highly promising seven-song EP. The sound here is loaded with dance-happy shouting, poly rhythms and catchy pop song craftsmanship. Johnnyswim is a strikingly attractive duo comprised of Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano. She is the daughter of the late, great Donna Summer, and he sings with just as much yearning and fire.
LEON RUSSELL/Down in Dixieland
Writers: Leon Russell; Producers: Tommy LiPuma; Publishers: Young Carney, ASCAP; Universal (track)
-The latest from this living legend is titled Life Journey. The repertoire consists of songs that influenced the Master of Space and Time such as “Georgia on My Mind,” “That Lucky Old Sun,” “Fever,” “I Got It Bad and That’s Ain’t Good” and “The Masquerade Is Over.” There are two Leon originals on the album, including this set closing New Orleans piano romp embellished with Dixieland horns. He still sings with more soul than thousands who are half his age.
NIKKI LAKE/All Or Nothin’
Writers: Nikki Lane/Dan Auerbach; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Publishers: Cannily Freeload/BMG Platinum/Iamsound/Hour Box, BMI; New West (track)
-Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys produced this gal’s album. On the title tune, she’s a languid chanteuse with a bluesy lilt fronting a neo-soul track. Kenny Vaughn’s lead guitar work is outstandingly inventive. Elsewhere, MVP’s The McCrary Sisters offer backing vocals.
PAUL BURCH/Sagrada
Writers: Paul Burch; Producers: Paul Burch/Fats Kaplan; Publishers: Borrowed and Broke, BMI; Plowboy (track)
-Paul is one of my perennial favorites. His new CD, titled Fevers, includes this charming, lo-fi, Latin-flavored, bopping ode to fleeting romance in Barcelona. As always, his jaunty tenor veers just this side of jazzy.
ROSANNE CASH/A Feather’s Not A Bird
Writers: Rosanne Cash/John Leventhal; Producer: John Leventhal; Publishers: Chlcait/Measurable Music/Lev-A-Tunes, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Note (track)
-Rosanne is one of the most nominated artists at this year’s Americana Music Awards. Her The River & the Thread is an Album of the Year contender, and this track from it is competing for Song of the Year. It is a swampy evocation of Memphis and the Mississippi River. The rhythmic undertow is as compelling as her poetic lyric. This is one reason why she is also up for Artist of the Year.

DISClaimer: Day of the Duos

May 14, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Duos rule in DisClaimer today.
The Disc of the Day prize goes to Dan + Shay, who are headed directly for stardom, in my opinion.
As far as having perfect vocal harmonies, that prize goes to the twin sisters who comprise Ward Thomas. They nailed down the DisCovery Award with ease.
Honorable mentions this week go to Sheryl Crow, Eric Church and Sawyer Brown. Play and believe.
WARD THOMAS/The Good and the Right
Writers: Lizzy Ward Thomas/Catherine Ward Thomas; Producers: Chris Rodriguez/Bobby Blazier; Publishers: WTW/Matt Greaves/Copyright Control/Ann Bailey/Bambino, no performance rights listed; WTW (track)
-Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas are British twins who came to Music City to record their A Different Country EP. I met ‘em at the Grammy Block Party, and they gave me a copy. Its fizzy single is a sprightly, uptempo, carbonated ditty wherein their perfectly matched voices shout and soar in search of higher meaning. Bonus points for songwriting talent. Promising in the extreme.
MIKE AIKEN/Put a Sail on It
Writers: Mike Aiken/Tim Buppert; Producers: Dan Baird/Ben Strano/Mike Aiken; Publishers: Big Boat/Saddle Blanket/Buffrin Boy, SESAC; Northwind (CDX)
-The old guy at the seaside bar has this advice: “Put a sail on it/Let your troubles catch the wind.” And, “Put a sail on it/Let your troubles float away.” And, “Doncha dwell on it.” Relaxing and reggae-fied.
SAWYER BROWN/Walk Out of the Rain
Writers: Harley Allen; Producer: Mark A. Miller; Publisher: Coburn, BMI; Beach Street (CDX)
-Sweetly lulling and summer-sun kissed. This cleanly recorded, mid-tempo delight features sighing steel and a lovely lyric that invites a loved one out of her blues and into romance. Very, very nicely done.

Ward Thomas

BLACKHAWK/Brothers of the Southland
Writers: Henry Paul/Dave Robbins/Jim Peterick; Producers: Dave Oliver/Henry Paul/Dave Robbins; Publishers: Henry Paul/Dave Robbins/Jim Peterick/Penny Farthing/Bicycle, BMI/ASCAP; Loud & Proud/Tenacity (CDX)
-It’s a stately salute to the Southern-rock brotherhood, name checking The Marshall Tucker Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers, complete with twin-guitar playing.
ERIC CHURCH/Cold One
Writers: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Lynn Hutton; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Longer and Louder/Bug/Mammaw’s Cornbread/Little Louder/House of Sea/Vestal Boy, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (track)
-Loose-limbed and funky, this cool romp concerns a southern boy left high and dry by a gal who splits, leaving him “one beer short of a 12 pack.” I could have done without the rapid-fire electric guitar solo in the middle, but otherwise it’s a groove-o-matic.
SHERYL CROW/Shotgun
Writers: Sheryl Crow/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace/John Shanks; Producer: Sheryl Crow & Justin Niebank; Publishers: Old Green Barn/House of Sea Gayle/EMI April/Didn’t Have to Be/Imagine Sounds, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Sheryl puts pedal to the metal on this stomping, driving song of escape. My favorite line: “Drive it like it’s stolen/Park it like it’s rented.” Get up off your fanny and dance.
LIVEWIRE/Drivin’ You Outta My Mind
Writers: Andrew Eutsler/Daniel Bell/Landon Rolfe/Johnny Bulford; Producers: Paul Carabello/Justin Woods/Clif Doyal; Publishers: Real Man/Parrot Island/Warner-Tamerlance/3JB, BMI; Way Out West
-Performed with drama and passion, this has a doom-y, minor-key vibe. On the Southern-rock side of country.
JOHNNY RIVERS/By Your Side
Writers: Johnny Rivers; Producer: Johnny Rivers; Publisher: none listed; Soul City
-This pop legend continues his quest for country acceptance with this mellow dab of romance. It is smooth, lovely and lilting, but it takes forever to get to the title.
WAYLON SPEED/Until It All Ends
Writers: Waylon Speed; Producers: Mark Spencer/Waylon Speed; Publishers: Crow on Ten, ASCAP; Crow on Ten
-This Vermont-based, country-rock band evidently didn’t get the “keep it bland” memo from Nashville. They are full-speed-ahead and headed straight for the wall on this outing.
DAN+SHAY/Show You Off
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Danny Orton; Producer: Dan Smyers; Publishers: WB/Beats and Banjos/Warner-Tamerlane/Shay Mooney/50 Toes, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
-This densely packed production includes “Hay-oh” shouting, perfect vocal harmony, thumping percussion and whistling (!). Not to mention a fabulously catchy melody and a charming, love-struck lyric. I really like these guys.

DISClaimer: Gentlemen and a Lady

May 7, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

Just about everyone’s rocking this week, so summer must be just around the corner.
The contest for the Disc of the Day prize was a three-way battle of the rockers among Brad Paisley, Jerrod Niemann and our winner in a very close call, Kip Moore.
I am happy to report that there are loads of newcomers in this week’s stack of platters. So many, in fact, that I’m handing out two DisCovery Awards. Our male winner is the Casey Donahew Band, and our female honoree is Ally Lindeen.
MISTY RAE CARSON/Woke Up One Day
Writers: Misty Rae Carson/Robert Ellis Orrall; Producers: Jeff Savage/Jason Carson; Publishers: Higilly Pigilly/Orrall Fixation, ASCAP; LLR (CDX)
-Housewives and mothers leading dead-end lives dream of what might have been. Her soprano grates a little in its upper register, but the song is so well put together that it scarcely matters.

DANNY GRIEGO/The Coast Is Clear
Writers: Scotty Emerick/Red Lane; Producers: Scotty Emerick, Ed Seay & Danny Griego; Publishers: Big Yellow Dog/Florida Cracker/Redairlane/Sony-ATV, BMI; Amerimonte (CDX)
-Lost on a deserted beach with tropical breezes wafting over your face while you dream of a love to come. Simply gorgeous. A heavenly little record.
ALLY LINDEEN/Teardrops Dry
Writers: Ally Lindeen/Mark Dowdy/Joie Scott; Producer: Mark Dowdy; Publisher: Audio Illusion, BMI; Rivercrest (CDX)
-She is a solid vocalist, using her throaty lower register with great emotional effect. The imaginative production supports her effectively at every turn of this mid-tempo message of encouragement. Recommended.

Casey Donahew Band

JERROD NIEMANN/Donkey
Writers: Kyle Jacobs/David Tolliver/Fred Wilhelm; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas/Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: Curb/Jacobsong/StyleSonic/Meaux Mercy/Float/CapitolCMG, ASCAP/BMI; Arista (track)
-This will have you smiling from ear to ear, plus dancing your butt off. Hee-haw!
JOHNNY ORR BAND/Down South
Writer: Johnny Orr; Producers: Johnny Orr/Shale Martin; Publishers: Johnny Orr, BMI; John and John
-The truck, the girl, the beer, the cooler full of ice. Ho hum.
COREY KANE BAND/Cheating on a Country Girl
Writers: Corey Vanderhoof; Producer: Corey Vanderhoof; Publishers: none listed; Sagi-Ta-Rus (CDX)
-Under produced by a country mile. It takes more than a fiddle and a drum, son. Also: stop trying to sound like Garth Brooks when you sing.

Ally Lindeen

CASEY DONAHEW BAND/Lovin’ Out of Control
Writers: Matt Fleener/Brandon Lynn Kinney/Trent Summar; Producer: Casey Donahew; Publishers: Songs of Universal/EMI Blackwood, no performance rights listed; Almost Country
-This big and beefy rocker is packed with electric guitar and slamming rhythm. Donahew sings with country-boy authenticity. A winner.
BRAD PAISLEY/River Bank
Writers: Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley/Kendal Marcy/Luke Wooten; Publisher: none listed; ASCAP/BMI; Arista (CDX)
– The crunchy, punchy production touches are an audio delight. As usual, the guitar work is stellar. Brad gets vocal support from a “gang” choir. The sound of summer.
KIP MOORE/Dirt Road
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Westin Davis; Producer: Brett James; Publishers: Warner-Tamberlane/Against the Wind/Songs Of the Corn/Songs From the Couch/Magic Mustang/Reefer Road/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; MCA Nashville
– Gripping, intense and soulful, this is anchored by throbbing bass work and heart-attack drumming. The bro-country subject matter is hardly revolutionary, but when it is delivered with this much passion, it sounds extraordinary.

Brad Paisley

BUZZ CASON/That’s What I Love About the South
Writers: Buzz Cason; Producer: Buzz Cason; Publisher: Buzz Cason, ASCAP; Plowboy (track)
-Buzz formed Nashville’s first rock ‘n’ roll band, had a pop smash called “Look for a Star,” formed the Berry Hill entertainment district with his Creative Workshop studio (now Blackbird), published Jimmy Buffett and co-wrote “Everlasting Love,” “Love’s the Only House,” “Timeless and True Love,” “Soldier of Love” and more. Decades down the road, he’s still at it with a self-produced CD titled Troubadour Heart. Its single is a funky, rocking delight with dandy, Dixie-fied lyrics.

DISClaimer: Using Country's Not-So-Secret Weapon

April 23, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

There wasn’t a dud in this week’s stack of platters, which is unusual.
Faced with a uniformly good smorgasbord of flavors, I’m falling back on songwriting quality as the deciding factor. That means that Ronnie Dunn has the Disc of the Day and that Kira Isabella is the DisCovery Award winner. They both have songs that tell a story. And that’s the not-so-secret weapon of country music.
CARLENE CARTER/Little Black Train
Writer: A.P. Carter; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: Peer, BMI; Rounder (track)
-Carlene’s Carter Girl CD is a former Disc of the Day winner in this column. Now it has a single and video. This apocalyptic Carter Family classic from 1935 becomes a rumbling, atmospheric rocker in her dramatic re-imagining with producer Don Was. Exciting, to say the least.
LEVI RIGGS/I’m Good
Writers: Mark Nesler/Marty Dodson; Producer: Matt McClure; Publishers: Songs of Universal/ole Black in the Saddle/Romantic Fiction/ole, BMI/ASCAP; Windridge (track)
-A bopping pleasure. All he’s asking the Lord for is a girl. Which makes me smile.
RONNIE DUNN/I Wish I Still Smoked Cigarettes
Writers: none listed; Producers: Ronnie Dunn/ Jeff Balding; Publisher: none listed; Little Will-E (track)
-Yearning for lost innocence, lost freedom, lost youth, lost love. No one can make you feel a lyric like this awesome singer. What a mighty, mighty country-music man.

Kira Isabella

KIRA ISABELLA/Quarterback
Writers: Rivers Rutherford/Marti Dodson/Bobby Hamrick; Producers: Mark Liggett/Jerry Lane; Publishers: Universal/Memphianna/Painted Desert/EMI April, ASCAP; HitShop
-Ear opening. She takes her first drink, has date-rape sex and winds up with her compromising photos on the internet. She’s a freshman, marching-band, no-name nerd and he’s the town’s football star, so she winds up carrying the blame. A brilliant piece of songwriting, delivered with pitch-perfect emotion.
RODNEY CROWELL/Fever on the Bayou
Writers: Rodney Crowell/Will Jennings; Producers: Rodney Crowell/ Steuart Smith; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tunes/Irving/Will Jennings, ASCAP/BMI; New West (track)
-The slapping snare and deep bass form the base of this ode to Louisiana romance. Cool backing vocals, a sawing fiddle and a French-language verse are all pluses. Highly recommended.
DAKOTA BRADLEY/Won’t Be Young Forever
Writers: Dakota Bradley/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Byron Gallimore/ Tim McGraw; Publishers: Red Vinyl/EMI Blackwood/Farmlove/Sagequinnjude/Songs of StyleSonic/Melvin’s Bullets/Melvin’s Pistol, BMI/SESAC; Streamsound
-The nifty choppy rhythm propels him forward as he sings of a life lived well. “I’ll try never to say never: I’ll be forever young, but I won’t be young forever.” Amen to that, bro.
BUCKY COVINGTON/Buzzin’
Writer: Brad Hull; Producers: Bucky Covington/Dale Oliver; Publishers: Offer You Can’t Refuse/Black River, BMI; Bare Footin’ (CDX)
-A languid pace, banjo droplet notes and a dreamy vibe create a heat-wave, summertime mood here. Seasonally perfect.
JOSH THOMPSON/Wanted Me Gone
Writers: Josh Thompson/Brett Warren/Brad Warren; Producers: Mark Wright/Cliff Audretch III; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Songs of Better Angel/Blank Sheet/EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Farmlove, BMI; Show Dog-Universal
-This upbeat ditty is characterized by babbling, repetitive, rapid-fire lyric delivery in the choruses. Catchy as all get out.
DIERKS BENTLEY/Drunk On A Plane
Writers: Chris Tompkins/Josh Kear/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Publishers: Big Loud Songs/Play Animal/Big Loud Bucks/Global Dog/Lunelight/Big White Tracks, ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
-He’s wasted, traveling and missing her on a trip to Mexico they were supposed to take together. Best line of this roaring rocker: “Kiss my ass.” Actually, I think there are FAA regulations against over-serving airline passengers.
LEAH TURNER/Pull Me Back
Writers: Leah Turner/Jon Nite/Jimmy Robbins; Producers: Jim Catino/Cary Barlowe/Jesse Frasure; Publishers: WB/Rockin T/Thankful For This/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite/Universal/Extraordinary Alien, ASCAP; Columbia
-There’s something kinda cool about her vocal’s liquid, throaty quality. The stomping production keeps steady time while she emotes about her conflicting emotions. Even when she pushes him away, she wants him to pull her back. Super listening.

DISClaimer: Baby Acts Steal The Musical Thunder

April 16, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

John King

The baby acts stole the thunder from the established stars this week. As much as I loved the performances by Jamie O’Neal, Blake Shelton and Johnny Cash, my heart was captured by record makers who have far less experience than those three. Blake looked like he was sailing straight for a Disc of the Day prize, until he was trumped by his label-mate, Frankie Ballard. And then Frankie got the award snatched from him by the even newer Brothers Osborne.
And just as delightful was a total unknown, John King. He wins this edition’s DisCovery Award.
BROTHERS OSBORNE/Rum
Writers: John Osborne/T.J. Osborne/Barry Dean; Producers: Brothers Osborne & Brad Hill; Publishers: WB/All the Kings Pens/Universal-Careers/Barrytones, ASCAP/BMI; EMI Nashville
-Can I have the hands of everyone who’s ready for beach weather? That’s what I thought. Brothers Osborne have a single that will take you there in your mind. Everything is right about this: the hearty singing, the crunchy rhythms, the cool lyric, the vibe, the good-time mood. Play this massively.
COLE SWINDELL/Hope You Get Lonely Tonight
Writers: Cole Swindell/Michael Carter/Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley; Producer: Michael Carter; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/243/Big Loud Mountain, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
-Swindell’s sophomore single is a torrid invitation to romance with a roaring track backing a fierce tenor vocal performance. Radio ready.

Brothers Osborne

CARISSA LEIGH/Bad Boy
Writers: Carissa Leigh/Marty Dodson/Andrew Fromm; Producer: ToneDef; Publisher: none listed, BMI; 9 North/Little
-The production is messy with too much going on. The melodically weak song does nothing for me.
JOHN KING/Tonight Tonight
Writers: Marshall Altman/Dylan Altman/Andy Cortes; Producer: Marshall Altman & Doug Johnson; Songs of the Galt Line/Razor & Tie/Music of Cal IV/Andy Cortes, BMI; Black River
– Working for a paycheck, but looking forward to nighttime fun. EVERYBODY can relate to this. Especially since it is ridiculously hooky and completely ebullient. Love the guitar-crazy production, frothing rhythm and little electro touches. Who is this guy?
FRANKIE BALLARD/Sunshine & Whiskey
Writers: Luke Laird/Jaren Johnston; Producer: Marshall Altman; Publisher: Songs of Univeral/Creative Nation/Twanging and Slangin/Sony-ATV/Texa Rae, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-This one gets bonus points for being sung in a super catchy, slightly raspy, country soulman style. Plus, the lyric is super clever: “Every time you kiss me/It’s like sunshine and whiskey.” Ain’t that cool?
SCOTTY MCCREERY/Feelin’ It
Writers: Frank Rogers/Matthew West; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/External Combustion/Songs for Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent, ASCAP; Mercury/19 (CDX)
-The burbling, bubbling production is an audio delight and his vocal is totally assured. I’m even willing to overlook the fact that this is the one millionth summer-country-party lyric.
JAMIE O’NEAL/Wide Awake
Writers: Jamie O’Neal/Jimmy Murphy; Producer: Rodney Good & Jamie O’Neal; Publishers: EMI Pakimo, ASCAP; Shanachie (CDX)
-Jamie’s Eternal CD is mostly reinterpretations of country classics. It’s lone original tune starts out as a dreamy ballad, then takes a hard left turn into a honky-tonk lament about her guy who snores in bed. Wonderfully country-humorous, extremely listenable and sung like a hillbilly goddess.
BLAKE SHELTON/My Eyes
Writers: Josh Osborne/Tommy Lee James/Andrew Dorff; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Want a Fresh One/Black River/Pretty Woman/Super Phonic/BMG/Songs of Universal/Endorffin, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
-Introduced on the ACM telecast this month, Shelton’s latest is an ultra sultry, swaying, sensuous delight. Gwen Sebastian provides the harmony vocal.
DANIELLE BRADBERY/Young In America
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Kylie Sackley/Whitney Duncan; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Texa Rae/BMG Gold/We Jam Writers Group, ASCAP; Big Machine
-As long as we’re young, what do you say that we see the country and enjoy being in love? Sounds like a plan to me.
JOHNNY CASH/She Used To Love Me A Lot
Writers: Rhonda Fleming/Dennis Morgan/Charles Quillen; Producers: Billy Sherrill, John Carter Cash & Steve Berkowitz; Publishers: none listed; Columbia Legacy
-Johnny is in fine voice on his “lost” album, Out Among the Stars. Originally recorded in 1984, this dark saga of lost love has a burning, driving quality that is super engaging. The album also includes two June Carter Cash duets, a duet with Waylon Jennings and a remix/production “bonus” track of this song by Elvis Costello. All in all, a fine listening outing.

DISClaimer: Americana Serves Up Irresistible Tunes

April 9, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

There’s a lot to like in today’s survey of current Americana records. Both of the bands here, The Devil Makes Three and Reckless Kelly, sport terrific graphics on their CD jackets and inserts. Reckless Kelly even includes a tiny flashlight (moonlight?). It is also the Disc of the Day. Of the singer-songwriters, my favorite recordings were by Rod Picott, Jimmy Webb (of course), Jeff Black and our DisCovery Award winner, Dan Cohen.
THE DEVIL MAKES THREE/Stranger
Writers: Pete Bernhard; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: none listed
-This Vermont punk/folk/old-time trio traveled to Music City to record its fourth and best album, I’m a Stranger Here. It kicks off with this echoey, wailing, toe-tapping ditty. It’s like old-time string band music on acid. These three have played festivals from Bonaroo to Lollapalooza, from Newport to Austin, and along the way they’ve opened for stars like Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson and Rodney Crowell. Get on board.
ROD PICOTT/I Might Be Broken Now
Writers: Rod Picott/Amanda Shires; Producer: R.S. Field; Publishers: Welding Rod/Little LambsEatIvy, BMI; Welding Rod
-This former New England welder is now six albums into a widely heralded career as a singer-songwriter. His latest, Hang Your Hopes on a Crooked Nail has yielded this atmospheric track as his latest video offering, plus a free download on his website. Its beautifully produced sound almost obscures how bleak and dark the lyric is. Highly recommended. He writes like no one else: I remain an enormous fan.

Dan Cohen

DAN COHEN/Bluebird
Writers: Dan Cohen/Matt King; Producer: Dan Cohen; Publishers: Weston Boys/BME, BMI; Weston Boys
-Cohen has worked as a hotshot guitarist backing folks like Steve Wariner, Tracy Byrd, T. Graham Brown, Andy Griggs and others. But he’s also been making solo records since 2007. This is the title tune of his latest collection. It builds from a hushed, quasi-whispered beginning to a throbbing, bass-heavy shout of exultation. Cohen plays most of the instruments heard in this fabulous mix.
RECKLESS KELLY/Long Night Moon
Writers: Willy Braun; Producers: David Abeyta, Cody Braun, and Willy Braun; Publisher: FAH-Q, BMI; No Big Deal (track)
-Long Night Moon is the eighth album by these longtime Americana favorites and the first Reckless Kelly CD since 2011’s Grammy-nominated Good Luck & True Love. The new record’s title tune is a moody, Texas-drawled saga of traveling homeward while yearning for the touch of a lover. The album’s singles include the airy country-rocker “The Last Goodbye,” the twanging “The Girl I Knew” and the melodic invitation “Be My Friend.” Even if the music wasn’t as spectacular as it is, the record would be worth having for its gorgeous packaging.
KEB’ MO’/Rock Me on the Water
Writers: Jackson Browne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Music Road (track)
-Nashville’s Keb’ Mo’ joins an all-star lineup on Looking Into You: A Tribute to Jackson Browne. Others with saluting tracks include Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Springsteen and J.D. Souther (who is also a Nashvillian). The neo-bluesman’s interpretation of this iconic 1972 hit is taut, simple and punchy. He brings a cool, soul-gospel groove to the familiar classic.
JEFF BLACK/Rider Coming
Writers: Jeff Black; Producer: Jeff Black; Publisher: Lotos Nile, BMI; Lotos Nile (track)
-This Nashville troubadour’s 11th album is his most stripped-down, hence its title, Folklore.The collection begins with this haunting guitar-vocal that has become Black’s latest video. As always, his almost-hoarse, emotionally compelling singing keeps you fully involved and hanging on every line.
JASON EADY/Daylight & Dark
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kevin Welch; Publisher: none listed; 4D2 (track)
-This Texan’s current album title tune is about a laconic loser with no direction home. The loping track follows his downcast, dusty vocal at a respectful distance. Listenable.
WYATT EASTERLING/A Shot in the Dark
Writers: Wyatt Easterling/Robbie Hecht; Producers: Bill McDermott/Wyatt Easterling; Publishers: Considerable/Old Man Henry; ASCAP/SESAC; Phoenix Rising
-Nashville songsmith Easterling has had cuts by Dierks Bentley, Joe Diffie, Neal McCoy, Sons of the Desert and others. His current Goodbye Hello CD contains this ballad about a guy who had no future until a lady took “a shot in the dark” at kindling romance. Its melody meanders somewhat, in a pleasing, almost jazzy way.
JIMMY WEBB/Still Within The Sound of My Voice
Writers: Jimmy Webb; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publishers: none listed; entertainmentone
-One of my favorite Jimmy Webb songs is the title tune of his current CD. He performs the lilting, soaring song with British female singer Rumer. Other guests on the album include Keith Urban, Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, Amy Grant, Kris Kristofferson and Art Garfunkel.
ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS/On and On
Writers: Robin & Linda Williams; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publishers: Songs for Dixie/Southern Melody; BMI; Red House (track)
-These Prairie Home Companion regulars are celebrating 40 years of being on the road together with a new collection titled Back 40. Recorded in Music City, it revives songs that have appeared on their 23 prior albums, many of which are vinyl and out of print. Covers of Hank Williams, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell are interspersed with their original folkie/bluegrass tunes. The new Robin & Linda composition of the album is this jaunty, upbeat ode to the endless roadwork they still do to this day. As ever, their harmony singing is a delight.

DISClaimer: The Dueling Divas

April 2, 2014/by Robert K Oermann

It’s Dueling Divas Day!
Unquestionably the two best records in this stack of platters belong to Martina McBride and Carlene Carter. Ironically, both are produced by Don Was and both are due for release next Tuesday, April 8.
Carter’s comeback finds her touching home with her family’s distinguished musical roots. It earns her a Disc of the Day prize. Honorable Mention nods go to Ray Price and the Brian Lavender Band, as well as the divine Martina.
I have no earthly idea who Cody Jinks is. His single doesn’t contain any clues. But he is still the DisCovery Award winner today.
BRIAN LAVENDER BAND/Good Ole Country Boy
Writer: Joe Vulpis; Producer: Steve Pope; Publisher: none listed; Lavender (track)
-The song is strictly generic, but his cool, raspy vocal and the kickin’ band elevate it well beyond what it deserves. There’s a cool, processed-vocal interlude that perks it up, too. Very listenable.
LONESTAR/Just The Rain
Writers: Richie McDonald/Jeremy Bussey; Producer: Lonestar; Publisher: NuState/Buzzcutt; BMI/SESAC; 4Star (track)
-It’s a power ballad of emotional loss. Richie’s vocal is, as usual, a thing of wonder. The song could use a chorus melody with more hooks.
ALLISON VELTZ/Bright Side
Writers: Allison Veltz/Jess Cates/Dan Muckala; Producers: Mark Bright & Dan Muckala; Publishers: Sony ATV Cross Keys/My Good Girl/EMI April/Very High/Wintergone/Kobalt, ASCAP; Blaster
-The poppy production is crunchy and catchy. Her youthful-sounding singing voice needs some seasoning and experience.
GARTH BROOKS/Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree; BMI; BBR (track)
–Working Man’s Poet is a tribute to the titanic Merle Haggard that includes contributions from Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen and more. Garth drops by to offer a steel-soaked two-step rendition of this classic honky-tonk tune. Country, country, country.
RICK DROIT & SARA HICKMAN/Wild Mustangs
Writers: none listed; Producer: Rick Droit; Publisher: none listed; MoonGarden
-Perplexing. It has a certain throwback, hippie vibe with its quasi-poetic lyrics. The track is kinda bouncy. Their voices are ultra-white and bland-ish. But it is oddly listenable.
CARLENE CARTER/Me and the Wildwood Rose
Writers: Carlene Carter; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
– Carlene’s Carter Girl CD features seven Carter Family classics, modernized, plus tunes from Helen, June and Maybelle. Her own songwriting contribution is this lilting piece of nostalgia for her lost girlhood and her sister who died too young. The album, which is lovely, drops next week. Be there or be square.
CODY JINKS/Alone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Codyjinks
-He definitely has vocal “presence.” This resonant, baritone performance arrives backed by equally ringing steel and electric-guitar riffs. The lonesome song is pretty cool, too. Who is this guy?
RAY PRICE/Beauty Lies in the Eyes
Writers: Rich Grissom/Jon P. Gray; Producer: Fred Foster; Publishers: Life’s a Pitch/Pitch Pitch/It’s a Matter of Music, ASCAP/BMI; AmeriMonte (track)
-How many of us get to leave this world doing what we love the most? Ray Price knew he was dying when he came back to Nashville to record his final album. This lovely ballad leads off a collection that showcases one of the music world’s most iconic and legendary voices. Vince Gill provides the harmony singing, but it’s Ray who tugs at your heartstrings all the way. Essential.
JEFF MADDOX/Running
Writers: Jeff Maddox; Producer: Robert Metzgar; Publishers: Bobby & Billy/Sony-ATV, BMI; Platinum (CDX)
-This guy has definitely listened to his fair share of Haggard and Jennings. The peppy, hillbilly track keeps him on his toes, pushing him forward even though he doesn’t have a rockin’ bone in his body.
MARTINA MCBRIDE/Suspicious Minds
Writers: Mark James; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI; Vinyl (track)
-The mark of a great interpreter is the ability to own a song, even a familiar one. McBride’s Everlasting CD showcases this peerless stylist reviving hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s, making you hear them afresh. Tackling this Elvis classic, she brings out the essentially “female” nature of the lyric, what with its references to crying and male jealousy. The honking baritone sax is the perfect underscore. The album drops next Tuesday, when you can catch her and her blue-eyed soul band performing this on the Today show. Actually, she’ll be pretty much inescapable next week, since she’s also appearing on VH-1, GAC, Arsenio Hall and on the cover of Country Weekly.