DisClaimer: Superstar In The Making?

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Chris Young

Chris Young


Happy New Year. For the first time in history, I believe, the first “DisClaimer” column of the year actually includes a song that references that moment in time. It is a marvelously written number called “December Thirty One” that earns its writer and singer, Levi Lowrey, a big ol’ DisCovery Award. It is also a free download. Get it.
There no question at all who has the Disc of the Day this week. That honor goes to Chris Young. Now, will somebody please tell me when this format is going to make him the bazillion-selling mega-superstar he deserves to be?
WINK KEZIAH/When I Get Paid
Writer: Wink Keziah; Producers: Wink Keziah/Dale Meyer; Publisher: Nuagatone, ASCAP; Great South (track)
-The lead-off track of Cowbilly, this Texan’s fourth CD, is a toe-tapping trucker’s blue-collar lament. He not only has the coolest name, but he is SO beyond backwoods country that it’s frightening.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/Bottoms Up
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brett James/Justin Weaver; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Music of the Corn, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music
-Okay, it’s the same old lyric — the pick-up truck, the girl in the blue jean cut-offs, the radio turned up, the keg of beer blah, blah, blah. The differences are that this guy has a truly gripping, husky, charismatic singing voice and the tuneful production really rocks. Bro-country dressed up with a little more class than usual.
COLBY DEE/Missed The Exit
Writers: Colby Dee/Jake Etheridge/Lena Stein; Producers: Daniel Dennis/Colby Dee; Publisher: none listed; CD (track)
-She’s tired of playing nice: “I was gonna take the high road, but I missed the exit.” The lyric is better than the monotonic melody, and the rock production style does nothing for me.
CHRIS YOUNG/Who I Am With You
Writers: Marv Green/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producer: James Stroud; Publishers: Warner-Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly/Made for This/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Becky’s Boy, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
-This guy is arguably our finest young Country vocalist. This powerful love song gives him plenty of room to emote. I remain an enormous fan. Play this now.
levi lowrey

Levi Lowrey


LEVI LOWREY/December Thirty One
Writers: Levi Lowrey/Travis Hill; Producers: Matt Mangano/Clay Cook; Publishers: Southern Ground/Abbot’s Creek/Scrambler, BMI/ASCAP; Southern Ground
-Lowery is the co-writer behind the Zac Brown Band hits “Colder Weather” and “The Wind.” In advance of his album’s release, you can get a free download of this song at his website. It’s an evocative ode to romantic optimism sung in an engaging folkie tenor. The production is somewhat busy, but there’s real promise here.
RAY BENSON/A Little Place
Writer: Ray Benson; Producers: Lloyd Maines/Sam Lightnin’ Siefert/Ray Benson; Publisher: Asleep at the Wheel, BMI; Bismeaux (track)
-Ray Benson’s solo outing is quite a departure from the western-swing music he makes as the leader of Asleep at the Wheel. This title tune, for instance, is a tender ballad that is downright philosophical. A gentle and supremely listenable revelation.
MARK MCKINNEY/Lonely Bones
Writer: Mark McKinney; Producer: Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; CTK Entertainment
-It is well written, but the arrangement plods like a crippled mule.
CHUCK WICKS/Us Again
Writers: Chuck Wicks/Andy Dodd/Tiffany Vartanyan; Producers: Chuck Wicks/Andy Dodd/Ilya Toshinsky; Publishers: WB/CEW/Shady Hill/Seven Peaks/Dodd/Not Your Average Girl/Silva Tone, ASCAP; Blaster
-Wicks rose to fame with 2007’s “Stealing Cinderella.” This comeback single has wistful verses that softly yearn to recapture romance, alternated with quasi-shouted choruses that are just a little too loud. Even so, the thing has polish, panache and professionalism overall.
BRANDON RHYDER/That’s Just Me
Writer: Brandon Rhyder; Producers: Matt Powell/Brandon Rhyder; Publisher: Dogwood Hill, BMI; BR (track)
-The title tune to this fellow’s CD is relaxed and jaunty in praise of the simple things in life. It’s pretty basic, but every now and then, less can be more.
RICK BABB/Startin’ From Scratch
Writers: Rick Babb/J.M. Taylor; Producer: Milo Deering; Publisher: Royal T (no performance rights listed); Old Hat (track)
-The songwriting is fairly simplistic and his voice isn’t particularly distinguished, but the instrumentation surrounding him is an audio wonderland of echoey, ringing guitars and chiming steel.

DISClaimer: Music With Heart

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blake shelton 2013

Blake Shelton


Even as the days of 2013 draw to an end, the sounds of Music Row keep on coming. Isn’t it lucky that one of our biggest current male stars is also a real Country music artist? In a world of pop-country, hick-hop, imbecile bro country and rock tracks containing banjos, Blake Shelton still stands for music with heart. Give that hero a Disc of the Day award. For some reason, I didn’t expect to find a DisCovery Award winner this late in the year. But I did. His name is Dallas Smith, and he is refreshingly different.
CRAIG CAMPBELL/Keep Then Kisses Comin’
Writers: Dallas Davidson/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Keith Stegall/Matt Rovey; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/WB/TarCam-Knox/Get A Load of This; BMI/ASCAP; Bigger Picture
-Sprightly and loaded with romantic verve. The steady beat is irresistible, and his warm, boyish vocal delivery radiates sincerity. Recommended.
BLAKE SHELTON/Doin’ What She Likes
Writers: Phil O’Donnell/Wade Kirby; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Sixteen Stars/Rooster Pecked; BMI; Warner Bros.
-What she likes turns out to be Mexican food he brings home, speeding in his car, singing silly songs and, most of all, making love all night. The dreamy, rhythmic, midtempo song is expertly written and — it goes without saying — sung by a country-music master.
TOMMY CASH/The Greatest Voice is Gone
Writers: Tommy Cash/Clayton Claxton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMI; TC
-This veteran clocks in with a George Jones tribute tune that’s laced with steel and twin fiddles. The simplistic melody isn’t much, but the lyric cleverly incorporates several of the Possum’s hit titles.
DEAN MILLER/’Till You Stop Getting Up
Writers: Dean Miller/Sean Patrick McGraw; Producers: Dean Miller/Brian Eckert; Publisher: none listed; Off The Verge
-Dean is back with a set of 10 new originals. Its title tune is the tale of a boxer who becomes a metaphor for life’s lessons. “You ain’t a loser/Until you stop getting up.” Very cool.
KELLEIGH BANNEN/Famous
Writers: Sara Haze/Troy Verges/Gordie Sampson; Producers: Jason Lehning/Jedd Hughes; Publishers:Songs of Universal/Comp and Circumstance/Songs From the Engine Room/Dash8/Bughouse/Bug/BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
-The bubbling, percolating production is quite ear catching. Her vocal performance sounds somewhat processed and compressed. Catchy pop-country.
BERNIE NELSON/Scarecrow
Writers: Bernie Nelson/Rob Beringer; Producer: Bernie Nelson; Publisher: Robert Beringer/Dumpster Diver; ASCAP; Fikvow Blue (CDX)
-Nelson is a successful, durable Music Row songwriter who also has vocal charisma to spare. This moody, bluesy outing is a gripping saga about dreams that die hard. There is a weird electric guitar part in the middle that interrupts the overall tone.
JASON ALDEAN/When She Says Baby
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
-She inspires him to keep going on days when he feels like giving up. There seems to be a lot going on in the rocking instrumental background, but fortunately his vocal is mixed up front.
Dallas Smith
DALLAS SMITH/Tippin’ Point
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Republic Nashville
-Nicely done. I like the highly imaginative, slapping, punching production as well as his personality-packed vocal. Wildly catchy and engaging. Who is this guy?
RESTLESS HEART/Santa’s Prayer
Writers: Steve Tittle/Connie Tittle/Aaron Bosewell; Producers: Paul Gregg/Dave Innis/Harry Smith; Publisher: Cal4; no performance rights listed; Red River (track)
-This reunited group has a new holiday collection titled A Restless Heart Christmas. The band’s performances remain captivating, whether on “The Christmas Song,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Little Drummer Boy” or on Nashville chestnuts such as “Tennessee Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” The new songs are the stirring toe-tapper “Season of Harmony” and this sweet ballad wherein Mr. Claus aims to remind us about the reason for the season.
SHERRY LYNN/Christmas on my Mind
Writers: Sandy Ramos/Carmen Logan; Producer: Christos Gatzimos; Publisher: none listed; Steal Heart
-She has a pert, bright vocal style on this sprightly, bouncy tune. I love it that the lyric name drops Brenda Lee and Nat King Cole as icons of the holiday season.

DISClaimer: Christmas Offerings

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brandon heath111This is the season that validates what Christian music stars espouse all year long. Fittingly, our CCM performers take the spotlight in this Christmas column. Our Disc of the Day goes to Brandon Heath. The DisCovery Award belongs to Andrew Greer.
BRANDON HEATH/Just A Girl
Writers: Brandon Heath/Lee Thomas Miller; Producer: Ben Shive; Publishers: Haidaway/Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby; BMI; Provident (track)
-This CCM star’s holiday CD is titled Christmas Is Here. It mixes half traditional songs with half originals. Of the latter, this gentle, folk-pop jewel shimmers with sincerity. Underscored by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, he sings the saga of Mary seeking shelter to give birth from the point of view of the innkeeper.
JULIE INGRAM/Joy To The World
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; LongShot (track)
-Some songs lend themselves to country rearrangements. And some don’t.
JOHNNY MATHIS, VINCE GILL AND AMY GRANT/I’ll Be Home For Christmas/White Christmas
Writers: Irving Berlin; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (track)
-This legendary crooner recorded his last pop CD in Nashville, and he returned to Music City to craft Sending You a Little Christmas. It’s loaded with collaborations with the likes of Susan Boyle, Billy Joel, Natalie Cole, Gloria Estefan and Jim Brickman. On these two Irving Berlin classics, his lustrous vocal partners are Vince and Amy. Johnny’s iconic tenor leads the way on the first title while Amy sings lead weaving “White Christmas” into the lovely arrangement. Kristin Wilkinson’s string section is fabulous.
THE HAGEES/God With Us
Writers: James Philip Bryson/Nathan F. Cochran/Barry E. Graul/Bart Marshall Millard/Michael J. Scheuchzere/Robin Troy Shaffer; Producer: Michael Sykes; Publishers: Simpleville/Wet as a Fish, ASCAP; Difference/Capitol
-This family quartet has a gloriously melodic collection titled, simply, Christmas. They sing their faces off on this throbbing, inspiring, opening number. The pleasures continue as they trade lead vocals and harmony parts throughout the rest of the album. Eight of the 13 selections are familiar chestnuts.
THE ROBERTSON FAMILY/Duck The Halls
Writers: none listed; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publishers: BMG Gold/Run Slow/Sony-ATV Tree/Team Jase/Korie R/Missyrob, BMI; EMI (track)
-Yes, the Duck Dynasty cast has a Christmas album. And, yes, it is titled Duck the Halls. And the title tune does, indeed, feature duck calls. Fortunately, it is brief. Celebrity guests elsewhere on the collection include Josh Turner, Alison Krauss, Luke Bryan and George Strait. But the real surprise is that some of the Robertsons sing quite well, themselves.
LEGACY CHRISTMAS/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Writer: traditional; Producer: Melissa DuPuy; Publisher: public domain; Living Waters For
-Treasured Carols of the Kirk is a mostly instrumental collection featuring Deanie Richardson (fiddle, mandolin), Sam Levine (flute, whistle), Russell Davis (keyboards) and producer DuPuy (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, banjo, bodhran) with three vocals by Alyth McCormack. As the title implies, the repertoire is drawn from some of our oldest Christmas songs. The lovely arrangements generally have an Irish lilt, and the listening is easy. Proceeds benefit Living Waters for the World.
andrew greer11ANDREW GREER/Do You Hear What I Hear
Writers: Noel Regney/Gloria Shayne Baker; Producer: Chris Kimmerer; Publishers: Regent/Jewel, ASCAP; M’AM (track)
-Middle Tennesssean Greer sings in a simple folkie tenor with a slight vibrato and is surrounded by sympathetic acoustic instrumentation. He doesn’t overwhelm you, but gradually wins you over on The Christmas Sessions. Guests include Sandy Patti, The McCrary Sisters, Phil Medeira and Cindy Morgan.
SAWYER BROWN/Just One Night
Writer: Mac McAnally; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Beginner, ASCAP; Curb (CDX)
-This pretty ballad is one of the best of the new Christmas songs I’ve heard this year.
TEEA GOANS/Christmas Time Is Here
Writers: Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Lee Mendelson Film Productions, BMI; Crosswind (CDX)
-This lady continues to impress. Previously noted for true-blue country stylings, she proves she can easily handle jazz chord changes on this sterling outing. Lend her your ears. Highly recommended.
PAUL LOVELACE/Christmas Every Day With You
Writers: Doug Wayne/Kyle Wyley; Producer: Doug Wayne: Publishers: Handover Fist/Kylo/Side Car, BMI; Star Base (CDX)
-Mr. CDX, himself, offers a lilting ditty for the holiday season. Sweetly romantic.

DISClaimer: Good Things Come In Threes

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kip moore1

Kip Moore


Today, good things come in threes. Amid a sea of mediocrity, three discs stand tall as potential winners. They belong to Steve Wariner, Chase Rice and the winner of our Disc of the Day, the esteemed Kip Moore. There are three newcomers who show promise, too. They are Ronnie Fauss, bluegrassers Feller & Hill and our DisCovery Award winner, Anthony Orio.
MIKE BECK/Work Together
Writer: Wilbert Harrison; Producer: Mike Beck; Publisher: EMI; BMI; MB (track)
-This 1959 Wilbert Harrison r&b classic has been revived by Canned Heat, John Mayall and Bryan Ferry, among others. Beck takes it out for a country spin, sticking closely to Canned Heat’s arrangement. I think he might be attracted to it because its ultra simple melody doesn’t demand much vocal ability, so his barely-there singing voice can handle it.
STEVE WARINER/It Ain’t All Bad
Writers: Steve Wariner/Allen Shamblin; Producer: Steve Wariner; Publishers: Built On Rock/Steve Wariner, ASCAP/BMI; Selectone (track)
-This guitar man is still toiling away in his Brentwood home studio. Like a mad scientist, he keeps coming up with cool new sounds on his six string. What’s more, the title tune to his new collection has nifty, timely lyrics about our hard times, as well as a kick-butt beat. Wonderful in the extreme.
RONNIE FAUSS/I Don’t See You
Writer: Ronnie Fauss; Producers: Sigurdur Birkis/ Ronnie Fauss; Publisher: MOL Jr.; BMI; Normaltown (track)
-Somewhere Gram Parsons is smiling. This is as close to classic California country rock as I’ve heard in years.
KIP MOORE/Young Love
Writers: Kip Moore/Dan Couch/Westin Davis; Producer: Brett James; Publishers: Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/Roll Through Music/Songs From the Couch/Magic Mustang/Reefer Road/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; MCA Nashville
-It has a moody elegance that attracts like an audio magnet. He recalls a boyhood romance like it was a fevered dream. Get caught up in it.
TYLER HAMMOND BAND/Little Bit Crazy
Writers: Tyler Hammond/Thomas Archer; Producer: Chris Jones; Publisher: Molly’s Music, no performance rights listed; Jackleg (CDX)
-The singing and the song are okay. The production could use a little more clarity and precision.
JORDAN ANDERSON/Please Don’t
Writers: Jordan Anderson/Caleb Maitland; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: Mary’s Poppin/Maitland; BMI; GTR (CDX)
-She’s falling and fearing a heartbreak. A well written tempo tune.
FELLER & HILL/The Government Blues
Writers: Dixie Hall/Tom T. Hall; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BMI; Blue Circle
-This topical bluegrass ditty takes a wry look at the ongoing, quasi recession. “Lord have mercy, got the government blues/You can read the paper through the holes in my shoes.” “I heard a rumor we were starting a war/I guess that’s all the government’s for.”
HUB REYNOLDS, JR./Hell I’m Just Me
Writer: Hub Reynolds, Jr.; Producer: Hub Reynolds, Jr.; Publisher: Hub Reynolds, Jr.; BMI; HRJ
-He’s aiming for an “outlaw” vibe. His singing and songwriting are up to snuff, although his production lacks some finesse. For a “homemade” outing, it ain’t half bad.
anthony orioANTHONY ORIO/Freight Train
Writers: Anthony Orio/Christopher Griffifths; Producers: Christopher Griffiths/Kelly Schoenfeld/Anthony Orio; Publisher: none listed; AO (track)
-This guy and his Goodfellers band regularly rock Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Lower Broadway (yes, they’ll be there on New Year’s Eve). They’ve won The Tennessean’s poll as “Best Local Band” two years in a row. I don’t know about that, but they certainly kick up some dust on their CD Between Home & The Bright Lights. This rocker leads off the collection fiercely. Orio wrote or co-wrote all but one of the 13 tunes.
CHASE RICE/Ready Set Roll
Writers: Rhett Akins/Chase Rice/Chris DeStefano; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/EMI April/Sugar Glider/Sony-ATV Countryside/Dack Janiels, BMI/ASCAP; CR (track)
-This is the title tune to Rice’s album. It’s a guitar-stuttering country rocker that beckons a gal to embark on a night to remember. It’s also addictive as all get out.

DISClaimer: Giving Thanks For Good Music

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brad paisleyHappy Thanksgiving. Today, I’m giving thanks for the discovery of a new duo, Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay. Also for a group, Parmalee. And also for an all-star collection called Divided & United: Songs of the Civil War. All of these things brightened my day. The Disc of the Day comes from that dependable super talent, Brad Paisley. The DisCovery Award goes to Big Machine’s latest launch, The Cadillac Three.
JOSEY MILNER/Cowgirls
Writers: H. Lindsey/A. Petraglia/R. Rygmyr; Producers: Micah Burdick and Matthew Russo; Publishers: Soy-ATV/Universal PolyGram/Green Wagon/Fat Cactus/Animal Fair, ASCAP; MTS
-Busy and noisy. All rocked up with no place to go.
PARMALEE/Carolina
Writers: Matt Thomas/Scott Thomas/Josh McSwain/Barry Knox/Rick Beato; Producer: NV; Publishers: 27861 Music/Revelry/Gallo & Landers/EMI Blackwood/Lonely Runner, BMI; Stoney Creek
-Tuneful and accomplished. Extremely radio friendly.
JASON DANIELS/You’re An Angel
Writers: Jason Daniels; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jason Mark Daniels; BMI; JD (track)
-He is the nephew of the late country songwriters/producers George Richey and Paul Richey. His own style seems to be more beach-y than hardcore hillbilly, featuring as it does both horns and organ. Listenable if unexceptional.
BRAD PAISLEY/The Mona Lisa
Writers: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publishers: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music; ASCAP; Arista (track)
-Celebratory, to say the least. He’s so in love he feels like the frame that gets to hold the Mona Lisa. The bopper includes whoa-oh sung-shouted mass singing, pulsing percussion and, natch, stinging guitar work. Also, I love how he produces the records so that no matter how much is going on, you can understand every word he sings.
BRENNEN LEIGH & NOEL MCKAY/Before The World Was Made
Writers: Brennen Leigh/Noel McKay; Producer: Gurf Morlix; Publishers: Footprints in the Snow/Noel McKay; BMI/ASCAP; Erdphysik (track)
-The title tune to this Texas twosome’s CD is a slow, languid waltz. The lyric is super romantic, and every note of their twin-harmonized vocal is absolutely perfect. An utterly enchanting sound.

Cadillac Three

Cadillac Three


THE CADILLAC THREE/The South
Writers: Jaren Johnston; Producers: Dann Huff and Justin Niebank; Publishers: Sony-ATV Harmony/Texa Rae/ASCAP; Big Machine
-These three guys drawl their way through this bluesy Dixie anthem with great verve. It has a little rawk attitude, but not enough to ruin its pluperfect country credentials. Dierks Bentley, Florida Georgia Line and Mike Eli add their voices to the finale chorus. I say Big Machine has another hit on its hands.
AUDREY AULD/Lonely Town
Writers: Audrey Auld; Producers: Kenny Vaughn and George Bradfute; Publishers: APRA; ASCAP; Reckless (track)
-This Australian calls Nashville home now. Her current Tonk album includes this aching ballad that salutes greats like Tammy, George, Loretta and Hank. She is unapologetically Country. Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives back her with sublimely tasteful instrumental support, abetted by the likes of Chris Scruggs and Andy Leftwich. For more samples of Auld’s songwriting talent, check out tracks such as “Sweet Alcohol,” “Siren Song” and “Drinking Problem.”
LORETTA LYNN/Take Your Gun and Go, John
Writers: Hiram T. Merrill; Producer: Randall Foster; Publisher: public domain; ATO (track)
–Divided & United is an extraordinary, ambitious, 32-song, concept double-CD that tells the story of the Civil War via authentic compositions from the period. Loretta Lynn begins the yarn by mournfully vocalizing the tale of a farm wife who bids her husband adieu as he goes off to fight. She performs with only banjo and fiddle accompaniment, and that’s all this masterful vocalist needs. Others who make this collection so special include Old Crow Medicine Show, Vince Gill, Lee Ann Womack, Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury, Chris Stapleton, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Jamey Johnson, Ashley Monroe, Taj Mahal and the late Jack Clement.
JIMMY EUGENE/Eyes Can and Do Lie
Writers: Jimmy Eugene; Producers: Steve Tveit and Pat McGrath; Publisher: JPollardMusic; BMI; Whiss (CDX)
-It has a ‘70s rock vibe, like Ace or The Average White Band or Boz Scaggs or Player. Bluesy betrayal set to a seductive back beat.
WAYNE MILLS BAND/Last Honky Tonk
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; WMB
-Mills was shot to death last Saturday. For a glimpse of how good the big Alabama guy was, check out this video on his website. He sounds like the long lost cousin of both Bocephus and Waylon. Also available on the site is a download of his single, “She Knows the Words.” Rest in peace, bro, you did country-music proud.

DISClaimer: Unchaperoned Women Need Not Apply

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Charlie Worsham

Charlie Worsham


Unchaperoned women need not apply. That’s evidently the message in today’s column and, indeed, in all of contemporary country music. The state of solo female artists is a sorry one. If you’re not blonde, pretty and named Carrie, Miranda or Taylor, you can pretty much forget it.
The CMA and the ACM are hard-pressed to even field five female-vocalist nominees these days. The voices of Kimberly Perry, Hillary Scott, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Shawna Thompson and Jennifer Nettles have been allowed airtime on country radio, but evidently only because they’ve been accompanied by male escorts.
And so we find ourselves today with an all-male column. It was bound to happen. Charlie Worsham easily wins Disc of the Day. Indie artist Robby Johnson has the DisCovery Award.
LUKE BRYAN/Drink A Beer
Writers: Jim Beavers/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/House of Sea Gayle/Small Fish, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
-Fortunately for Bryan, most listeners won’t have heard songwriter Stapleton sing this with far more soul. Also fortunately for him, the song is a tender gem that has “hit” written all over it.
KENT BLAZY/My Best Days
Writers: Marv Green/Kent Blazy; Producer: Kent Blazy; Publisher: Warner Bros./Marv Green/I Want to Hold Your Songs, BMI; KB (track)
-Songwriter Blazy includes his own versions of some hits he’s written for others on his new CD, as well as a clutch of fine first-time songs. As he has demonstrated before, he is just about the stars’ equal as a vocal performer. The collection kicks off in splendid style with his urgent, passionate delivery of this pulse-quickening rocker. It was previously a single for Danny Gokey, and is now the Blazy album’s title track. Buy this record.
BILLY CURRINGTON/We Are Tonight
Writers: Marc Beeson/Josh Osborne/Sam Hunt; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: WB/Erin’s Dream/Crazy Blue Egg/Smack Blue/Want a Fresh One/Twang Tractor/Wrensong, ASCAP; Mercury (CDX)
-Anthemic party music. Uptempo and celebratory.
ERIC CHURCH/The Outsiders
Writers: Eric Church/Casey Beathard; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Sony ATV Tree/Longer and Louder/Sony ATV Acuff Rose/Six Ring Circus, BMI; EMI (CDX)
-It starts with recitation, shifts gears into arena rock, includes a shouted chorus and cranks it up and down with a stuttering, double-time instrumental passage. Not exactly my cup of tea.
TOBY KEITH/Shut Up And Hold On
Writers: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson; Producer: Toby Keith; Publishers: Tokeco Tunes/Bobby’s Lyrics Land & Livestock/Do Write, BMI; Show Dog
-It has both rock stomp and hillbilly banjo. Cool vocal effects and relentless rhythm carry the day. Melodically reminiscent of 2011’s “Made in America.”
HANK WILLIAMS, JR./Angels Are Hard To Find
Writers: Hank Williams, Jr.; Producer: Barry Beckett; Publisher: Bocephus, BMI; Curb (CDX)
-This steel-drenched honky tonker previously charted for Bocephus in 1974 (#19) and 1991. It remains a country masterpiece. And I do mean Country.
robby johnson south of me111SETH HOPKINS/Till The Town Burns Down
Writers: Ronnie Rogers/Seth Hopkins; Producer: Ronnie Rogers; Publisher: none listed; Harvest
-He has a burly delivery that perfectly suits the lyric about struggling to make it. Simply put, he’s not giving up in Guitar Town until he gets a break.
THE GRASCALS & DIERKS BENTLEY/American Pickers
Writers: Jamie Johnson/Susanne M. Johnson/Jeffrey East; Producer: The Grascals; Publishers: Asheville Forest/Zaviston, SESAC/BMI; Mountain Home
-This scampering ditty is the new theme song of the hit History Channel TV show. Bentley’s voice fits in surprisingly well with the bluegrass picking. Highly listenable. Drawn from the group’s album When I Get My Pay.
ROBBY JOHNSON/South of Me
Writers: Robby Johnson/Frank Myers/Anthony Smith; Producer: Frank Myers & Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: none listed; SMG
-Sultry and simmering. It conjures memories of a feverish summer romance with a simply dreamy production.
CHARLIE WORSHAM/Want Me Too
Writers: Charlie Worsham/Ryan Tyndell/Quinn Loggins; Producers: Charlie Worsham & Ryan Tyndell; Publishers: ole Purple Cape/Dad’s Retirement/Wanted Woman, BMI; Warner Bros.
-As addictive as a homemade chocolate-chip cookie. This sprightly bopper just might be the most delicious country single of 2013.

DISClaimer: The Best of Sounds, The Worst of Sounds

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gordon mote

Gordon Mote


It was the best of sounds; it was the worst of sounds. There were some real stinkers in this week’s stack of platters. But there were moments of true bliss as well, notably from Mandy Barnett, Natalie Stovall & The Drive, Thomas Rhett and Aaron Watson. The best of the bunch are, naturally, our award winners. Gordon Mote captured my complete affection with “All Things New,” the title tune of his excellent new collection. It earns him the Disc of the Day honor. The album by Sundy Best has been sitting in my to-be-listened-to pile for weeks. I am so sorry I didn’t give it a spin before today, because these guys really, really have the goods. Toss a well-deserved DisCovery Award at those Kentucky boys.
MITCH GOUDY/Blow These Speakers Out
Writers: Mitch Goudy/Justin Hill; Producer: Justin Hill; Publishers: Mitch Goudy/Bread n Pants, ASCAP; Third Floor (track)
-His voice is thin and pitch-y. The production is junky sounding.
AARON WATSON/July in Cheyenne
Writers: Aaron Watson; Producer: Sam Seifert and Wes Hightower; Publishers: Sonnet/Aaron Watson, BMI; HTK
-It’s an upbeat, sweet elegy to the late rodeo cowboy Lane Frost. Well sung and well produced. The timing seems odd, since the famed professional bull rider died at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo 24 years ago.
THOMAS RHETT/Get Me Some of That
Writers: Cole Swindell/Michael Carter/Rhett Akins; Producer: Luke Laird; Publishers: Sony-ATV/243 Music/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck, BMI; Valory
-He’s got the hots for the girl in tight shorts that he spots dancing, drinking and tossing her hair. Youthful and bopping.
Sundy Best

Sundy Best


SUNDY BEST/These Days
Writers: Kris Bentley; Producer: Coleman Bear Saunders; Publisher: Almar, BMI; Entertainment One
-I dig this Eastern Kentucky duo (Kris Bentley & Nick Jamerson). The singing has just the right blend of drawl, rasp and soul. The song is a splendid country rocker with dandy rhythmic thump. What’s just as nice is the fact that you can get it as a free download from their website. The album is an 18-track delight titled Door Without a Screen. It also contains “Home,” which inspired a hit CMT video.
THE JIMMY RAY GUNS/Company’s Comin’
Writers: Jimmy Permenter; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JRG (track)
-The band includes such notables as Lloyd Maines (guitar), Earl Poole Ball (piano) and Herb Remington (steel). Considering the talent involved, this is a real sonic disappointment.
MANDY BARNETT/Blue Blue Day
Writers: Don Gibson; Producer: Mandy Barnett; Publisher: Sony ATV Acuff Rose, BMI; Cracker Barrel
-Barnett’s Don Gibson tribute CD now has a single. She transforms the singer-songwriter’s toe-tapping 1958 chart topper into a languid, aching ballad. Her lustrous voice is cushioned by silky strings, keening harmonica and gently plucked gut-string guitar notes. Exquisite.
DOUG BRINEY/Super Country Cowboy
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Tate (track)
-The title tune to Briney’s CD name checks his dad’s country favorites and his mom’s rock records. Which is why he’s a “hybrid super country evangelic, rockabilly, psychedelic cowboy.” Nevertheless, he can just barely sing.
STEVE SCOTT COUNTRY/Those Tears I’ve Cried
Writers: Steve Scott; Producer: Steve Scott; Publisher: Bona Vista; SSC (track)
-The auditions for amateurs are through that door right over there.
GORDON MOTE/All Things New
Writers: Gordon Mote/Michael Puryear/Kenna Turner West; Producers: Frank Rogers, Gordon Mote; Publishers: Slicky/Gordon James Mote/Horse and Hawk/Christian Taylor/Daywind, BMI; New Haven (track)
-Known up and down Music Row for his superlative work as a session keyboardist, Mote also moonlights as a country-gospel record maker. His singing of the thrilling, inspiring, pile-driving title song of his new album will lift your heart, pierce your soul and dazzle your spirit. What an anthem. Play it again. Guests on the collection include Trace Adkins, Sheryl Crow, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, The Gaither Vocal Band and Scotty McCreery. And as you might expect, his fellow A-Team session players are beyond flawless as they back him.
NATALIE STOVALL & THE DRIVE/Baby Come On With It
Writers: none listed; Producers: Paul Worley and Clark Schleicher; Publishers: none listed; HitShot (track)
-This high-energy quintet performs 200 shows a year and has been named College Entertainer of the Year by Campus Activities Magazine. Lead singer and fiddler Stovall is a vocal dynamo on this rocking kick-off track of the group’s debut 6-song EP. Promising in the extreme.

DISClaimer: It's Country Music Week

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George Strait


It’s Country Music Week: Take naps in the daytime and schmooze all night with your music-biz pals.
Appropriately for this season, our Disc of the Day belongs to an undisputed country-music king. That would be George Strait.
Also appropriate is the fact that our DisCovery Award winners made their debut at one of the awards banquets. That would be John & Jacob.
AMY ROSE/Sunshine
Writers: Christopher Alan Young/Phil O’Donnell/Tim James; Producers: Marty Beecroft, Glenn Coulson, Amy Rose; Publisher: none listed; Wild Rose (track)
-This slow, sad ballad of loss is ultra melodic. The production is solid. But the best thing about it is her wonderfully expressive, powerfully range-y and sublimely countrified vocal delivery. This gal has the goods.
SAMMY KERSHAW/Can’t Put My Finger On It
Writers: Tony Mullins/Blair Daly; Producer: Sammy Kershaw; Publisher: Songs of Windswept Pacific/Bless the Bikini/Southside Independent/Almo/Mullintone, BMI; Big Hit (track)
-Sammy’s new CD features re-recordings of his biggest hits, plus a smattering of new tunes. This swampy, funky ditty is one of them. Swerving fiddle work, stuttering guitar and catchy burbled audio effects underscore his light-hearted vocal delivery. Very enjoyable.
ALEX MEIXNER/Three Ring Circus
Writers: Alex Meixner/Ed Klancnik; Producer: Alex Meixner; Producer: none listed, BMI; Meixner (track)
-This hippie-haired guy and his two bandmates opened the Brave Combo polka fest at 3rd & Lindsley last week, and you’ve never heard three people make so much joyous noise. This is the title tune to a 23-tune CD that showcases his musicianship on accordion, trumpet, bass, keyboards and flugelhorn, as well as good-humored vocals. Many of the songs are self-composed. This is proof positive that polka is being reinvented by the next generation.
GEORGE STRAIT/I Got A Car
Writers: Keith Gattis/Tom Douglas; Producers: Tony Brown/George Strait; Publishers: Sony-ATV Tree/Pioneer Town/Tomdouglasmusic, BMI; MCA Nashville
-I have loved this ever since I first heard it on George’s current Love Is Everything collection. He can’t offer his girl much more than the car he’s driving. But that’s enough to start a saga of lasting romance. You’ll fall in love with this lyric, and the rolling, irresistible tempo will take you home.
CHARLIE MAJOR/Friday Nights and You
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG)
-Canadian superstar Major takes a thumping working-man tune out for a spin. His conversational vocal isn’t exactly powerful, but it certainly sells this effectively, particularly with the production’s emphasis on percussion and some shouting background folks. Very catchy.
JERROD NIEMANN/Drink To That All Night
Writers: Derek George/Lance Miller/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producers: Jimmie Lee Sloas and Jerrod Niemann; Publishers: WB/Funky Friar/Songs of Style Sonic/Melvin’s Bullets/Melvin’s Pistol/EMI Blackwood/Sagequinnjude/Farmlove, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Sea Gayle/Arista
-This man continues to make some of the most imaginative sounding country music of our day. On this party rocker, he mixes straightforward chorus singing with processed vocals on the verses and a densely produced, layered electro track. I remain a fan, and my hat’s off for audio innovation.
John&Jacob

John&Jacob


JOHN & JACOB/Be My Girl
Writers: John Davidson/Jacob Bryant/Derrick Southerland; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Major Bob/Castle Bound/Derrick Southerland, ASCAP/SESAC; Major Bob (track)
-These guys sang their co-written hit “Done” at the SESAC banquet, and Mike Doyle introduced us. Their five-song EP kicks off with this sunny, bopping, Everly-esque duet. It has already been featured on the Nashville TV series and picked up airplay in their hometown of Birmingham and elsewhere. Crunchy, infectious and unstoppable, this little thing is a programmer’s delight. Get on board now: This is an act to watch.
BUSH HAWG/More Than Corn
Writers: Shaun Ames/Ben Hayslip/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: Music of Cal IV/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This Music/EMI Blackwood/Beattyville/Great Day at This Music, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
-It’s something loud and rocking about living rural, raising hell, acting religious and being patriotic. Ho hum.
LILLY OF THE WEST/My Window Faces South
Writers: Bob Wills; Producer: Lilly of the West; Publisher: none listed; Musicauter (track)
-Lead singer and fiddler Lilly Drumeva is visiting Nashville and studying country music. She aims to write the first Bulgarian-language book about the genre. Back home, she hosts her nation’s only country radio show and fronts this hot-picking band. This western-swing track appears on the group’s ninth CD, Swings and Heartaches. She got the thrill of her life when she got up to sing it on stage with The Time Jumpers late last month. By the way, in addition to seven country classics (Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, etc.), the album includes “Malka Moma si se Bogu Moli” and “Brala Moma Ruzha Cvete,” which are traditional Bulgarian songs given acoustic-country arrangements.
BILL ANDERSON & WILLIE NELSON/Bubba Garcia’s
Writers: Bill Anderson/Buddy Cannon/Jamey Johnson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TWI (track)
–Life!, the new CD by living legend Anderson, drops digitally a week from today. Whispering Bill’s guests on the collection include Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Joey + Rory, John Anderson and Willie Nelson. The last named merrily duets on this lively, Mexicali-flavored ditty about a guy who’s half redneck and half hispanic and his “barbecue cantina & moonshine margarita” roadhouse. One of its TVs shows NASCAR races and the other one shows bull fights.

DISClaimer: A Nashville Treasure and a Fresh New Talent

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12 stories11On days like today, I love this job. The thrill of discovery was around every corner, with G.B. Leighton, Chris Carmack, Logan Brill and Brandon Hamilton all popping up with dandy new sounds. Mandy Barnett is a Nashville treasure, one of our very finest voices. So it comes as no surprise that she has the Disc of the Day. But the real story here is our DisCovery Award winner. Song for song, the new album by Brandy Clark is among the finest of this or any year. She had me spellbound and breathlessly happy about finding her talent. Buy her record right now.
WILD PONIES/Things That Used To Shine
Writers: Doug & Talisha Williams; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Publisher: none listed; BMI; Ditch Dog (track)
-It has a homemade, slightly goofy simplicity. Nobody sings particularly well, the production is practically nonexistent, and the song is like a nursery rhyme. But there is still something oddly charming about it.
WYATT EASTERLING/Right Before My Eyes
Writer: Wyatt Easterling; Producers: Bill McDermott & Wyatt Easterling; Publisher: Considerable; ASCAP; Phoenix Rising
-The lyric is about someone who inspires and leads by example. Easterling sings it with immense warmth and heart. Lisa Brokop adds a sturdy, sure harmony vocal. His folk-flavored CD is titled Goodbye Hello, and it is worthy.
CHRIS CARMACK/What If I Was Willing
Writers: Randy Montana/Brian Davis/Billy Montana; Producer: Michael Knox; Publishers: Sony-ATV/Mike Curb/Dandon Ranch, BMI; Valory
-Carmack portrays up-and-comer “Will Lexington” on the Nashville TV show, and this tempo single has already been featured on the series. It’s an instantly catchy toe-tapper with a groovy guitar solo and a solid tenor vocal. A winner.
JOHN COWAN, ALISON KRAUSS & SAM BUSH/Nights in White Satin
Writer: Justin Hayward; Producer: David Harvey; Publisher: TRO-Essex; ASCAP; Bunny Rae/Red
-This comes from Moody Bluegrass: A Nashville Tribute to The Moody Blues. Cowan’s yearning lead vocal gives the familiar song new wings. Krauss and Bush harmonize brilliantly on the choruses. Other talents on the double-disc set include Vince Gill, Lionel Cartwright, Larry Cordle, Ricky Skaggs, Peter Rowan, Jon Randall and Tim O’Brien. The original Moodys — Justin Hayward, John Lodge, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder — also make appearances.
GORD BAMFORD/When Your Lips Are So Close
Writers: Gord Bamford/Byron Hill/Brent Baxter; Producers: Gord Bamford & Byron Hill; Publishers: Ole Red Cape/Pretty Paisley/Byron Hill/Writer’s Infinity; SOCAN/ASCAP; Cache (track)
-Bamford is a big deal north of the border, with five Canadian Country Music Association awards to his name. His new Country Junkie CD includes this stirring, driving, sexy tune. It is ultra romantic, wonderfully melodic and completely commercial. Deserving of massive airplay.

mandy barnett

Mandy Barnett


MANDY BARNETT/I Can’t Stop Loving You
Writers: Don Gibson; Producer: Mandy Barnett; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Acuff-Rose; BMI; Cracker Barrel
-Barnett previously scored on Cracker Barrel with a Christmas CD last year. Her new one is a salute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Gibson. Like many of her recordings, it is deliberately “old school,” with classic-sounding Nashville Sound arrangements. Her sterling, soulful voice makes this familiar standard seem shiny and new. The I Can’t Stop Loving You CD also includes “Legend in My Time,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Oh Lonesome Me” and all the other favorites created by the legendary singer-songwriter.
G.B. LEIGHTON/Get Up
Writers: none listed; Producer: Tommy Harden; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
-This invitation to dance has a crunchy beat, a hooky chorus and an admirably earnest vocal performance. An audio good time.
LOGAN BRILL/Scars
Writers: none listed; Producer: Oran Thornton & Matthew Miller; Publisher: none listed; Carnival (track)
-“Your love is like a loaded gun/Should’a put it down before you hurt someone.” She’s surviving a broken heart amid a swirling production and a thumping backbeat. Highly listenable.
BRANDY CLARK/Stripes
Writers: Brandy Clark/Matt Jenkins/Shane McAnally; Producer: Dave Brainard; Publishers: Songs of Parallel/Vista Loma/Amplified/Black Ink/Songs of BIMS/Universal/Smack Ink/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt, ASCAP; Slate Creek (track)
-Everything you’ve heard about this lady’s album 12 Stories is true. Its single is a twang-guitar fiesta with an earthy, everywoman vocal and a dynamite set of lyrics. The only reason she isn’t bumping off her cheating man is, “orange ain’t my color, and I hate stripes.” This is just one of the dozen delights on an absolutely extraordinary record. Clark is the co-writer of the powerful hits “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Better Dig Two.” This collection introduces her as a powerful record maker, too. Sign me up for the fan club.
BRANDON HAMILTON/You Give Me That
Writers: Bryan Todd/Brandon Hamilton; Producer: Bryan Todd; Publishers: Universal/HamBone, ASCAP; Nine North
-His boyish tenor rides atop a buoyant, rocking track that doesn’t let up for a second. Get up and twirl around the room.

DISClaimer: Musgraves, Rogers Get The Kudos

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Kacey Musgraves


The upstarts rule the roost at DisClaimer today. The new Lady Antebellum single is super. Veterans Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan are singing their faces off on a powerful new female anthem. Vince Gill is a jazzbo delight on the Buddy Emmons tribute album.
But the kiddies got the kudos. The Disc of the Day goes to Kacey Musgraves. For having originality, sonic splendor, wit and for daring to be different, she captures my heart. The DisCovery Award goes to Chris Rogers. I have no idea who his producer Sorted Noise is, but my hat’s off to him/her/them.
AMY ALLEN/Someday Is Today
Writer: Amy Allen; Producer: Denny Martin; Publisher: 8th Street Blues, ASCAP; Wormwood (track)
-The well-written tune has an r&b vibe. She sings with lots of power, and definitely on the pop side, stylistically.
TYLER FARR/Whiskey In My Water
Writers: Tyler Farr/Philip Larue/John Ozier; Producers: Jim Catino/Julian King; Publishers: Sony ATV Tree/Let the Road Pave Itself/Maxx/Razor and Tie/Curb/Over the Bar, BMI; Columbia (track)
-“Redneck Crazy” launched this fellow, big time. The follow-up single is a groove-soaked love song with the payoff line, “She’s the moon in my shine, the whiskey in my water.” As before, his singing voice is a raspy, soulful listening pleasure.
IRENE KELLEY/Pennsylvania Coal
Writers: I. Kelley/T. Jutz; Producer: Mark Fain; Publishers: Shiny Stuff/Thomm Songs/Bluewater, BMI/SESAC; Patio (track)
-I have long been a huge fan of this gal. The title tune to her new collection is a bluesy, minor-key miner’s lament that haunts you. On the CD, Kelley is surrounded by bluegrass instrumental stars such as Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan and Adam Steffey and celebrity harmony vocalists such as Trisha Yearwood, Rhonda Vincent, Claire Lynch, Dale Ann Bradley, Carl Jackson and Darren Vincent. The whole project is simply sublime.
KACEY MUSGRAVES/Follow Your Arrow
Writers: Kacey Musgraves/Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally; Producers: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (track)
-This woman gives me hope for the future of country music. This brilliantly hilarious song will definitely perk up your ears. I defy you not to grin. In a word, genius.
HANNAH BETHEL/Medicine
Writers: H. Bethel; Producers: Andy Sheridan/Hannah Bethel; Publisher: Hamywyn, BMI; Freedom (track)
-Jaunty, bopping, good-natured and sung with verve. The jazzy fiddle solo is cool, too.
LORRIE MORGAN & PAM TILLIS/I Am Woman
Writers: Mary Sue England/Thom Shepherd; Producers: Pam Tillis/Lorrie Morgan; Publishers: Janesparade/Oxford Drive; BMI/SESAC; Red River (track)
-Dos divas, indeed. These two Grand Ole Opry stars are a double dose of vocal soul. This ballad from their Grits and Glamour CD is one of the most powerful female anthems I’ve ever heard. Listen and believe.
THE SINS COUNTRY/Muscadine
Writers: Joe and Kristen Sins; Producer: Kent Wells; Publishers: Merordo/Twobillygoats/Kristen Welch Sins; ASCAP/BMI; GTR Nashville
-I have enjoyed the couple’s music in the past. The new single has a lilting, dreamy quality that conjures the feeling of summer romance. As before, they harmonize together beautifully.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/Compass
Writers: Tor Erik Hermansen/MIkkel Storleer Eriksen/Amar Malik/Ross Golan/Daniel Omelio/Emile Haynie; Producers: Nathan Chapman and Lady Antebellum; Publishers: EMI April/Maru Cha Cha/Lotza Ball Soup/Where Da Kasz At/Songs of Kobalt/Warner-Tamerlane/Back In Djibouti/BMG Gold/Robopop/Heavy Crate, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
-The layered track is splendid, as is the vocal mix. The upbeat song is beyond catchy.
rollin wheelCHRIS ROGERS/Rollin’ Wheel
Writers: Chris Rogers/Jay Brunswick/Josh Dunne; Producer: Sorted Noise; Publisher: none listed
-The title tune to this guy’s EP is a moody, self-reflective meditation set in a sterling, evocative audio bed. His laconic, softly ingratiating vocal delivery draws you in, and the brilliant production work does the rest. Extremely promising.
VINCE GILL, PAUL FRANKLIN & TOMMY WHITE/Country Boy
Writers: Felice and Boudleaux Bryant; Producer: Steve Fishell; Publisher: House of Bryant, BMI; MPI (track)
–The Big E is an all-star tribute to steel-guitar great Buddy Emmons. This essential-listening collection kicks off with a version of a Jimmy Dickens oldie that’s soaked with jazzy licks. Dickens, himself, makes an appearance on the album, as do Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Duane Eddy, Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Raul Malo, John Anderson and a who’s-who of steel players. A collection that’s a thorough delight, from start to finish.