DISClaimer: It's Country Music Week

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george strait1

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.

DISClaimer: A Nod To the Songwriters

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Lori McKenna


It’s Songwriter Day here at DisClaimer. Both my favorite overall performance and my favorite newcomer are Nashville singer-songwriters. Actually, now that I think about it, those are usually my favorite Music City music makers.
The Disc of the Day goes to Lori McKenna. You won’t find a better representation of contemporary song craftsmanship than you will on her Massachusetts collection.
The DisCovery Award goes to country newcomer Erin Enderlin. Remember that name.
RANDY HOUSER/Goodnight Kiss
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek
-Chesty-voiced Houser has been on a roll lately, but mostly with songs that don’t display his real singing prowess. This upbeat romance changes that, since the beefy, range-y choruses give him plenty of chances to turn on the flame throwers. Love it.
LOCASH COWBOYS/Best Seat in the House
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
-The sentiment is super sweet. His dad yelled from the 50-yard line, beamed at the wedding, grinned at his baby steps, taught him to drive, held his hand, cheered during graduation and tied his tie for the senior prom. Now, just above the clouds, Dad still has the best seat in the house.
JO DEE MESSINA/Peace Sign
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Dreambound (ERG)
-Her singing is still packed with personality, and the break-up song has lots and lots of wit (”saying goodbye, one finger shy of a peace sign” and “you put the ‘f.u.’ in ‘fun,’” for instance). The overall production seems rather thin, however.
BLACKJACK BILLY/Get Some
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Flying Island (ERG)
-The singers all sound like they’re trying to hard. The “shake your money maker” party song is trite.
ROSEHILL/The Bible and the Gun
Writers: Radney Foster/Jay Clement/Tim James; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Rosehill
-Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in America, and this superbly written song portrays a man trying to choose between life and death. The two Rosehill boys sing the fire out of it.
CLINT BLACK/Samantha
Writers: Clint Black; Producer: Clint Black; Publishers: Blackened, BMI; Cracker Barrel
-Clint’s Cracker Barrel collection When I Said I Do contains crisp remakes of 10 of his hits (including two Lisa Hartman duets) and three new tracks. This rolling, mid-tempo outing comes from the soundtrack of a forthcoming movie called Aussie Adventure. It has lots of what I love about Clint — his excellent sense of melody, the craftsmanship of his lyrics and the instantly catchy way he puts a record together.
LORI MCKENNA/Salt
Writers: Lori McKenna; Publisher: Mark Erelli; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Hoodie; BMI; Liz Rose Music
-We’ve been seeing McKenna’s name on songwriting credits a lot lately (Alison Krauss, Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes, Faith Hill, etc.). Her current Massachusetts CD is a stirring reminder of what a gripping record maker she is, herself. Its lead-off track and debut single throbs with truth and conviction. She leaves a no-good lover with a bitter spit, and you’ll hang on every brilliantly penned line.
Erin Enderlin

Erin Enderlin


ERIN ENDERLIN/I Let Her Talk
Writers: Erin Enderlin/Leslie Satcher; Publisher: Alex Kline; Publishers: none listed; Erin Enderlin
-Enderlin’s songwriting collaborators on her debut CD are a stellar lot. The record’s title tune, single and video is a complex portrait of a wronged woman spilling her guts. Joey Martin of Joey + Rory is the harmony singer behind Enderlin’s riveting country delivery. Strong stuff.
KELLY LANG/The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
Writer: James Weatherly; Producer: Kelly Lang; Publishers: Universal PolyGram International, HFA; Leopard
-It takes a lot of moxie to cover a song that master vocalists such as Gladys Knight (1974) and Ray Price (1973) have previously made their own. But the dulcet alto of Kelly Lang is more than up to the task. She dips and soars in all the right places and knows just how to phrase this Jim Weatherly song classic. The piano and string arrangements are heavenly, too. It comes from her fine collection, Shades of K.
WESTERN AVENUE/Wherever You Are
Writers: Nikki English/Dave Woods; Producers: Adam Newcomb & Western Avenue; Publishers: none listed; Western Avenue
-Western Avenue is a Canadian trio comprised of Nikki English, Keith Robertson and Matt Williams. She sings a smoky low lead vocal on this stately, thumping ballad, and the guys chime in with perfectly placed harmonies. All three are song writers on their fine, eponymous titled debut CD. Recommended.

DISClaimer: Day of Duets

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keith urban fuse album cover1Superstars ruled the day in this edition of “DisClaimer.” The duets by Kenny & Dolly and Keith & Miranda are as good as it gets. Sheryl Crow is back, stronger than ever. Hit maker Justin Moore returns. The stellar pop/rock group Little River Band is knocking on country’s door.
All of these folks have platters that deserve your attention. The best of them belongs to the hottest of them. Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert’s “We Were Us” is undeniable as the Disc of the Day. Three of the four newcomers in today’s listening session were women. And one of them, the excellently named Breelan Angel, is our DisCovery Award winner.
TIM ASH/Broke
Writers: none listed; Producer: Tim Ash; Publisher: none listed; SMG (track)
-It’s that typical “modern country” sound, a rock track with a banjo on it. He sort of half-sings on the verses, but it’s not exactly hick-hop. He does open up with a convincing tenor vocal on the broken-hearted choruses. Another plus is the fact that the track is imaginatively produced.
SHERYL CROW/Callin’ Me When I’m Lonely
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Brent Anderson; Producers: Sheryl Crow and Justin Niebank; Publishers: Big Red Toe; Big Loud Bucks; Amarillo Sky; House of Sea Gayle; BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Crow’s second country single is just about as lilting and catchy as her debut was. It is also further proof that she is as good as any established country artist, and maybe better. I think the thing I like best about this track (and indeed her whole album) is the fact that you can hear what a superb singer she is, now that she’s not buried in pop/rock volume.
KENDALL BEARD/Drinkin’
Writers: Kendall Beard/A.J. Vallejo/Alex Vallejo; Producer: A.J. Vallejo; Publisher: none listed; VMG (track)
-The production lacks polish, and her vocal is recorded too dry. The wordy song takes forever to get to the hook.
JUSTIN MOORE/Lettin’ The Night Roll
Writers: Justin Moore/Jeremy Stover/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: none listed; Valory (track)
-Another solid, straight-ahead county performance by this dependable fellow. He’s driving his gal around aimlessly, waiting to see what romantic adventures await.

Breelan Angel

Breelan Angel


BREELAN ANGEL/Halfway To Wasted
Writers: Breelan Angel/Clay Mills; Producer: none listed; Publishers: Breelan Angel/Hit Me Again, BMI/ASCAP; MisBHavin’
-She has an instantly gripping, penetrating, slightly sharp delivery that perks up your ears. The lyric is about drinking away a heartache while listening to honky-tonk tunes, and who can’t relate to that? Well written, well produced and well sung.
KEITH URBAN & MIRANDA LAMBERT/We Were Us
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Nicole Galyon/Jon Nite; Producers: Nathan Chapman and Keith Urban; Publishers: Universal/Extraordinary Alien/Warner-Tamerlane/EMI April/Jon Mark Nite, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol
-This exciting, crunchy country rocker gives both performers plenty of space to strut their stuff vocally. They both phrase brilliantly, and the stunning production cooks with gas.
KENNY ROGERS & DOLLY PARTON/You Can’t Make Old Friends
Writers: Ryan Hanna King/Caitlyn Smith/Don Schlitz; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Hanna/Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/House of Sea Gayle/Yorick, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Immensely tender and heart tugging. The ballad ponders the irreplaceable loss of someone close, and both of these master storytellers draw out every ache. Beautifully done.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW/Dixieland Delight
Writers: R. Rogers; Producer: Ted Hutt; Publishers: Keats and Shelly/Sony-ATV Tree; BMI; ATO (CDX)
-The Grand Ole Opry’s newest members are in the cast of High Cotton, one of two current CDs saluting Alabama. The string band’s take on Alabama’s 1983 smash is jaunty, acoustic and stripped down. Things really take off when OCMS rips into the fiddle hoedown finale, complete with whoops of joy.
LITTLE RIVER BAND/You Dream, I’ll Drive
Writers: Jack Williams, Thomas Conners, Troy Johnson; Producers: Rich Herring & Wayne Nelson; Publishers: Hopportunity/Bluebonnet Tattoo/Yacht Haven, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Frontier (CDX)
-This Aussie group scored lots of big pop hits in the ‘70s and ‘80s with “Lonesome Loser,” “Cool Change,” “Man on Your Mind” and the like. Its catchy, ultra-melodic, harmony-laced sound hasn’t changed all that much, they’re just pitching it to a different audience. Highly listenable.
KASEY LANSDALE/Sorry Ain’t Enough
Writers: Kasey Lansdale/Derek George/Tim Owens; Producer: Kasey Lansdale; Publishers: Big Spaces/Panda Red/Pedal Down/Lux Et Veritas/Trejuilla/Amplified Administration, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Siren
-It’s a cool, bluesy, female “attitude” number. He’s begging to come back, but she’s not buying what he’s selling. Very promising.

DISClaimer: When The Stars Come Out To Shine

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Little Big Town


I like any listening session when the stars come out to shine, and we have no shortage of them today. On hand is new music from Gary Allan, Neal McCoy, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Josh Gracin and Susan Ashton, among others. Many of their singles are quite good, but no one shines brighter than Little Big Town. Give those sure-’nuff singers the Disc of the Day prize.
Warner Music Nashville has been making a habit of introducing excellent new talents in recent seasons. Brett Eldredge, Charlie Worsham, Ashley Monroe, Frankie Ballard, Hunter Hayes and Jana Kramer would be welcome additions to any company’s artist roster. This week, you can add Dan + Shay to that list and give them a DisCovery Award to boot.
JOSH GRACIN/Drink It Gone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Private Label
-This rocks. And here’s what the well-written party tune says: surrender yourself to the weekend and live for today. After all, tomorrow could go wrong. So drink it gone. Eminently playable.
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Stay
Writers: Joey Moi/John Fred Young/Chris Robertson/Jon Lawhon/Ben Wells; Producer: Joey Moi; Publishers: Moi/Hyvetown/Robot of the Century/WB, SOCAN/BMI/ASCAP; Republic Nashville
-There are five writers on this. No wonder it seems so word-y.
CHRIS JANSON/Cut Me Some Slack
Writers: Chris Janson, Kelly Roland, Tiffany Goss; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publishers: © 2013 Red Vinyl Music (BMI) / Buckkilla Music (BMI), Curb Songs (ASCAP) / Kelly Roland Music (admin. By Curb Songs) (ASCAP), Curb Congregation Songs (SESAC); Bigger Picture
-In this amiable, harmless bopper, all he’s asking for is a chance, lady. Give the boy a break.
LITTLE BIG TOWN/Sober
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Liz Rose; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Hoodie/Raylene/BMG Rights Management/Liz Rose/Songs of Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
-The harmonies are beyond delicious. The production throbs and sparkles. The lyrics are terrific. Is there anyone today making better contemporary country records than these folks? I think not.
KAYLA CALABRESE/Kiss Me
Writers: Kayla Calabrese/Tami Hinesh; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Kayla Calabrese, BMI; GTR
-It’s not the most original song idea, but the conviction in her straight-arrow vocal gives it plenty of oomph nonetheless.
NEAL MCCOY/Kaw-Liga
Writers: Fred Rose/Hank Williams; Producer: Garth Fundis; Publisher: Sony-ATV; ASCAP/BMI; Slate Creek (track)
-McCoy’s tribute album to Charley Pride has lots of memorable moments. He’s singing in a lower register to match his idol’s baritone keys, and as a result the performances are among the most natural sounding of his career. The selection of this track as its single is a bit of a head scratcher, since Pride cut it as a tribute to Hank Williams and now McCoy is reviving it as a tribute to Pride. Setting aside the layers of meaning, the crisp production is totally cool and McCoy’s vocal is right on the money. Definitely play it.
dan+shay11DAN + SHAY/19 You + Me
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Danny Ortin; Producers: Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney & Scott Hendricks; Publishers: WB/Beats and Banjos/Shay Mooney/Danny Ortin, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-Soaring summer romance, accompanied by lilting vocals, precision percussion, fizzy guitars, rippling mandolin and delicate piano work. A lovely confection.
GARY ALLAN/It Ain’t The Whiskey
Writers: Greg Barnhill/Jim Daddario/Cole Degges; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publishers: Second Note/ION/Green City/Green Wilderness/Calhoun/Jim Daddario/Songs of Universal/Specklebelly, SESAC/BMI; MCA Nashville
-Hillbilly heartache, done to perfection. On this ballad, Allan’s downcast rasp tells the tale of a man who’s dying over a lost love, instead of from booze or cigarettes. Let the sadness wash over you.
THE LACS/She’s Runnin’
Writers: Clay Sharpe/Brian King/Jared Sciullo/Justin Spillner; Producers: J. Sciullo & Justin Spillner; Publishers: Average ZJS/Riley Payton/DJKOPhivestarr, BMI/SESAC; Average Joes
-These drawling fellows alternate singing a laid-back country melody — “she’s running with a piece of my heart” — with spoken-word passages about how she made off with everything else, too. I ordinarily don’t like country rap, but I have to admit that this has an undeniable backwoods charm.
SUSAN ASHTON/Moonshine
Writers: Susan Ashton/Wayne Kirkpatrick/Gordon Kennedy; Producer: Wayne Kirkpatrick; Publishers: Susan Ashton/Be Original/GlennJoy/Mad Mother, ASCAP/BMI; Be (CDX)
-In this case, the title actually refers to the light from the moon, rather than to illegal hooch. Amid minor-key acoustic picking, she moans of being irresistibly drawn into the dark side of romance. Atmospheric and artsy.

DISClaimer: Ladies Have the Best Sound

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Ashley Monroe

Ashley Monroe


It’s a girl-power day.
Males dominate the releases this week – what else is new? – but the ladies have most of the best sounds. The finest vocal comes from Bekka Bramlett. The most refreshing new production approach belongs to Heidi Feek. The Disc of the Day is by Ashley Monroe. And the DisCovery Award goes to Leah Turner.
Meanwhile, such fellows as Robby Armstrong and George Ducas remain stuck in that endless country-party loop. The male highlights include Rodney Atkins with his stirring song and Brett Eldredge with his equally stirring groove.
PETE ANDERSON & BEKKA BRAMLETT/Rock In My Shoe
Writer: Pete Anderson; Producers: Michael Murphy and Tony Rambo; Publisher: Jesse Lee, BMI; Little Dog (track)
-Swamp country, with a heaping load of bluesy guitar groove answering Bekka’s every soul-sister vocal lick. Beyond cool. Pete’s just-released CD is titled Birds Above Guitarland. If you have even a passing acquaintance with a six string, you need this record.
THE GOOD INTENTIONS/Hank’s Last Ride
Writer: R Peter Davies; Producer: Rick Shea; Publisher: none listed; Drumfire (track)
-It’s sung from Hank’s point of view, as he contemplates getting into that fateful Cadillac. Unfortunately, the vocalist sounds like he’s at a tea party with his pinky finger raised.
BRETT ELDREDGE/Beat of the Music
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Ross Copperman/Heather Morgan; Producers: Ross Copperman & Brett Eldredge; Publishers: Paris Not France/Smith Wiles/EMI Blackwood/Ross Copperman/4 Tunes/Sony-ATV Tree, BMI; Atlantic
-Pretty dang irresistible. Falling in love has seldom sounded so catchy and so much fun. Also, he’s singing his lungs out on every one of the soaring choruses. You know what? You’ll sing along.
BOBBY ARMSTRONG/Birthday Happy
Writers: Robby Armstrong/Darrell Brown; Producers: Darrell Brown and Robby Armstrong; Publishers: Robby Armstrong/Grey Ink/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; Strong Arm
-All rocked up and no place to go.
RODNEY ATKINS/Doin’ It Right
Writers: Jay Knowles; Producers: Ted Hewitt & Rodney Atkins; Publishers: Dean-Parnell/Acme Nashville/BMI; Curb
-His greatest effort since “If You’re Going Through Hell” in 2006. The production makes my heart beat faster. The lyric fires my brain. His performance rings with heartfelt country honesty. I believe in everything about this record. Play it over and over again. Make it a No. 1 hit.
Leah Turner

Leah Turner


LEAH TURNER/Take The Keys
Writers: Leah Turner/Cary Barlowe/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Jim Catino, Cary Barlowe and Jesse Frasure; Publishers: WB/Rockin T/Thankful For This Music/Castle Bound/We Be Pawtying/Rio Bravo, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Columbia
-Head for the open road, sing along to the radio and fall back in love. Sounds like a plan to me. Especially when it has such a lovely, airy, rushing production and such a winning, confident vocal performance.
ASHLEY MONROE/Weed Instead of Roses
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Sally Barris/Jon McElroy; Producers: Vince Gill and Justin Niebank; Publishers: Reynsong/Ayden/Wrensong/Vista Larga/Songs of Mighty Isis, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
-A twangin’ hoot. The saucy song has a few sexy suggestions about how to spice up a relationship. Hilariously hillbilly, complete with galloping piano and stuttering steel. In a word, brilliant.
TJ BROSKOFF/This Is The Moment
Writers: TJ Broskoff; Producers: Bill Green and TJ Broskoff; Publisher: Bill Green, BMI; BGM (track)
-His slightly hoarse tenor vocal style draws you in. The barely-there production is simple and straightforward, embellished by tidy fiddle and steel licks. The song is a toe tapper that goes down easily.
GEORGE DUCAS/CowTown
Writers: J. Beavers/G. Ducas; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Loud Ranch (track)
-The Ducas disc comeback is a rockin’ party song with plenty of guitar and attitude. Relentlessly rhythmic.
HEIDI FEEK/Someday Somebody
Writers: Heidi Feek/Rory Feek; Producer: Heidi Feek & Rory Feek; Publishers: Western Pinup/Milkbarn, SESAC/BMI; Western Pinup
-The production has a bottomless, bassy echo. Her performance of the bluesy, languid tune is sultry and lushly harmonized. The deep-twang guitar solo only adds to the track’s cool, mysteroso vibe. Highly inventive and intriguing. Heidi is gifted singer-songwriter Rory Lee Feek’s offpring. Like father, like daughter, it seems.

DisClaimer: Americana In The Spotlight

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jason isbell southeasternIt’s Americana Music Week in Nashville. During the past few months, DisClaimer has shone its spotlight on such 2013 Americana awards contenders as Rodney Crowell & Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale, and Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison. Today, let’s look at a few other prominent folks this genre boasts as its own. The DisCovery Award this week goes to The Lone Bellow. They’re Georgia natives who are Brooklyn-based and members of the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy. They are also spectacularly listenable. The Disc of the Day prize is a little more difficult to pin down. All of these writer-artists are so deserving. Guy, Kim, Will and Iris are all familiar names to anyone who follows Nashville music. I love them all immensely, but am tossing the honor to one of our city’s newer residents, Jason Isbell.
THE LONE BELLOW/You Never Need Nobody
Writers: Zach Williams/Sam Ashworth; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publishers: Zachary Ray Williams/Patron and Profit/ASCAP/BMI; Descendant (track)
-This trio’s Americana fest showcase is at The Mercy Lounge Wednesday night (Sept.18). If you missed The Lone Bellow at the Grammy Block Party earlier this year, go and become a believer. The calling cards here are wondrous harmony singing, superbly soulful songwriting by member Zach Williams and instantly catchy melodies. Unreservedly recommended. This track is from their eponymous titled debut album. Buy it.
SARAH JAROSZ/ 1,000 Things
Writers: none listed; Producers: Gary Paczosa and Sarah Jarosz; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (track)
-Sarah’s Build Me Up From Bones CD and her fall tour both launch next week. This moody track from it finds the singer-songwriter swooning among strings and gentle percussion. Dreamy.
THE CIVIL WARS/The One That Got Away
Writers: Joy Williams/John Paul White/Charlie Peacock; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publishers: Here’s To Me/Sony-ATV/Shiny Happy/BMG Rights Management/Patron and Profit/BMI; Columbia (track)
-These two — Joy Williams and John Paul White — have made almost as many headlines with their on-again, off-again musical partnership as they have for their actual music. Somehow, they’ve pulled together a second collection. It kicks off with this minor-key, mid-tempo lament about being trapped and lost in a feverish, unwanted, addictive romance. Compelling and captivating.
KIM RICHEY/Angels Share
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Yep Roc (track)
-Kim’s Americana convention show is Friday at 8:00 p.m. at The Rutledge. This achingly slow ballad appears on her current Thorn In My Heart collection. She mourns a lost love under a lonely moon while drowning her sorrow. Produced with languid, eloquent, perfect clarity, this is a brilliant showcase for her lustrous voice. On tracks such as “Come On,” you’ll find Kim in her soaring, ultra-melodic, country-rock mode. This gal should be crowned an Americana Queen.

The Lone Bellow

The Lone Bellow


WILL HOGE/Strong
Writers: Will Hoge/Ashley Gorley/Zach Crowell; Producer: Will Hoge; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs of Southside Independent Music/Out of the Taperoom Music/Who Wants to Buy My Publishing/2013 BMG Platinum Songs/ Will Hoge Music; BMI/ASCAP; Cumberland Recordings (track)
-Will’s new CD is titled Never Give In. It comes out next month, but is available for pre-orders now at a discounted price. Meanwhile, he has a video available of its stirring first single, “Strong.” It’s about a salt-of-the-earth guy who’d give you the shirt off his back and who’ll love one woman all his life. I understand that it has been tapped as the 2014 theme song of the Chevy Silverado truck campaign, so get ready to hear it a bunch. Raspy voiced Will has been a rocker and a swamper who now seems to be morphing into a blue-collar country boy. In any guise, he’s a soul man.
LINDA ORTEGA/Tin Star
Writers: L. Ortega; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Last Gang (track)
-Her album doesn’t drop until Oct. 8, but its title tune is already streaming. Its an echoey ballad that’s for every unknown, back-alley singer who dreams of making it big someday. “I wrote this song for those who are like me/Lost in the shining stars of Nashville, Tennessee,” she sings with winning sadness. I remain a fan.
JASON ISBELL/Flying Over Water
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Songs of Emchant/Fame, BMI; Southeastern
-Jason’s new Southeastern CD has been showcased on NPR, featured on CBS This Morning, performed on Conan and praised in many other media outlets. This urgent ode to love and distance has a rocking, electric track, but elsewhere on the collection he is more in a folk mode with simpler accompaniment. Either way, he’s one helluva poetic communicator. Troubadour triumphant.
CAITLIN ROSE/Only A Clown
Writers: G. Louris/C. Rose; Producers: Jordan Lehning, Caitlin Rose and Skylar Wilson; Publishers: Pearl Tower/Absinthe/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; ATO (track)
-This snappy country-rocker puts a solid backbeat behind her fragile-rose soprano vocal. It’s one of the many delights to be found on her second album, The Stand-In. The collection is somewhat more fully produced than her debut. Caitlin is the daughter of top Music Row tunesmith Liz Rose. In a just universe, she would be a huge mainstream country success like her mom. As it is, we’ll accept her and cherish her as one of our city’s most literate and lilting alt-country artists.
GUY CLARK/My Favorite Picture of You
Writers: Guy Clark/Gordy Sampson; Producers: Guy Clark, Chris Latham and Shawn Camp; Publishers: EMI April/BMG Chrysalis, ASCAP; Dualtone (track)
-The tender title tune of this master song craftsman’s current CD is about his wife Susanna, who died last year. No one, but no one, can tell a story in song like this man can. His rumpled, well-worn vocal delivery is just as affecting as his extraordinary lyric. Last week, Guy was presented with an ACM Poet’s Award. In 2004, he was named to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Americana Music Association gave him a Lifetime Achievement honor in 2005. This collection, his first in four years, presents 11 new reasons why he deserves these and whatever other accolades we can bring him.
IRIS DEMENT/Go On Ahead and Go Home
Writer: Iris Dement; Producers: Bo Ramsey, Richard Bennett and Iris Dement; Publisher: Songs of Iris, ASCAP; Flariella (track)
-Backed by organ, guitar and rippling piano, this gospel anthem welcomes the “homecoming” that belongs to the faithful when they pass on. As usual, she sings with ringing, homespun authority. Produced in Music City, the entire Sing the Delta album will restore your faith in the power of country music. Much of it is informed by meditations on our mortality, but death has never sounded more inspirational.

DISClaimer: Rock 'n' Soul In Music City

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Matthew Perryman Jones

Matthew Perryman Jones


I think the day is nearing when national media outlets will finally stop voicing surprise when a major pop, r&b or rock record emerges from Nashville. We have been reminding them with The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Ke$ha, Paramore, Jack White, Hot Chelle Rae, durable Delbert McClinton and John Hiatt, Ben Folds, Los Straightjackets, Lambchop, The Evinrudes, JEFF the Brotherhood, Bela Fleck, Larry Carlton, Take 6, Keb Mo, Will Hoge, Ruby Amanfu and many more for years now.
Several of our established stars have discs in this week’s column. Even more exciting is the presence on our non-country scene of such new faces as Wild Cub, Cooper and Ed Sheeran. The soul-singing Cooper wins the DisCovery Award. The Disc of the Day belongs to Matthew Perryman Jones.
BELA FLECK & THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY/The Impostor Concerto
Writers: Bela Fleck; Producers: Bela Fleck, Blanton Alspaugh and Jesse Lewis; Publishers: Juno Jasper, no performance rights listed; Mercury/Decca
-After somewhat ominous woodwind and string sections’ opening remarks, Fleck’s banjo enters with a surprising soft and gentle tone. While the strings continue to underscore him, the instrumentalist’s playing becomes a bit more intense. As the concerto unfolds, Fleck alternates lilting solo passages with full-bodied orchestral ones. He often introduces a melodic line, and then has the orchestra play and build on it. He uses the ensemble well, employing its emotional dynamics and volume to contrast with his solo playing. I like this piece. It is the jazzman’s first significant work in this idiom, and perhaps this is why it is so beautifully restrained and conservative. Don’t expect any atonality or radically shifting tempi. Melody rules here.
TIM EASTON/Troubled Times
Writers: T. Easton; Producers: Brad Jones and Robin Eaton; Publisher: Campfire, ASCAP; Campfire
-This Nashville singer-songwriter-guitarist adopts a delightful neo-rockabilly mode on this track from his new Not Cool CD. The whole thumpy collection has a Sun Records ‘50s vibe, albeit with an up-to-date, super audio gloss of echo, twang and urgency. It is impossible not to like this record.
TRAIN & ASHLEY MONROE/Bruises
Writers: Pat Monahan, Espin Lind, Amund Bjorklund; Producers: Butch Walker and Espionage; Publishers: EMI April/Ptimon/Stellar, ASCAP; Columbia (track)
-Our own Appalachian Ashley has been out on the road with Train this summer, playing for crowds of 15,000 to 20,000 fans a night. “Bruises,” her duet with the band and its lead singer Pat Monahan, became a decent-sized A/C hit during that time. Its crunchy, story-telling charms are so numerous I don’t know where to start. His pleading tenor and her mountain soprano sound great together, and the lyric of lost loves is just terrific. You’ll find it on Train’s dandy, pop-pop-pop CD California 37: Mermaids of Alcatraz Tour Edition.
MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES/Waking Up The Dead
Writers: Matthew Perryman Jones; Producer: Cason Cooley; Publisher: Smoldering Wick, ASCAP; Cante Jondo
-Notable recently for his participation on the marvelous Ten Out of Tenn tours and recordings, Jones now has his fifth solo CD on the market. Titled Land of the Living, it contains this stirring, celestial, driving, propulsive rock track. He sings above a furiously frothing track like a man possessed. Get up and DANCE, people.
ED SHEERAN/Lego House
Writers: Ed Sheeran, Jake Gosling, Chris Leonard; Producer: Jake Gosling; Publishers: Sony-ATV/The Movement/BDi, no performance rights listed; Elektra (track)
-This 2012 Grammy nominee (for “The A Team”) and Taylor Swift tour opener is residing in Music City these days. The British singer-songwriter has had an outstanding year with his international-sales-phenomenon debut CD titled +. This latest single from it continues to mine his breathy, youthful singing style and sweetly melodic songwriting. His performances on the Grammys (with Elton John) and recently on the MTV Music Awards don’t begin to reflect how well crafted his album is.
BEN FOLDS FIVE/Sky High
Writers: Darren Jessee; Producer: Leo Overtoom; Publisher: Hair Sucker; BMI; Ima Vee Pee/Sony
-Folds remains one of Nashville’s most intelligent and witty pop craftsmen, as well as one of its major studio owners. His reassembled trio Ben Folds Five collects 15 concert performances from 2012-2013 for its just-released debut live album. This airy, lilting bit of nostalgia is the current video from the set. As always, his compelling piano work and resigned vocal tone completely capture your ears. Unlike many live albums, this one sounds extremely, extremely good.
WILD CUB/Wild Light
Writers: none listed; Producers: Dabney Morris and Wild Cub; Publishers: none listed; Big Light (track)
-Nashville’s Wild Cub played at Bonaroo and is widely regarded as an indie band to watch. Its 2012 Youth CD has yielded several highly danceable tracks, including this quirky bopper. Overall, the sound has an ‘80s, synthy “new wave” quality crossed with dense, rave-ish contemporary electro-pop. The group’s Keegan DeWitt is the singer-songwriter. But I became aware of Wild Cub because of “band mom” Kay West. Her son, Harry, is the group’s bass player. The group recently released “Blacktide” as a teaser track from its forthcoming sophomore set, so look for that online as well.
DELBERT & GLEN/Been Around a Long Time
-Writers: none listed; Producers: Gary Nicholson, Glen Clark and Delbert McClinton; Publishers: none listed; New West (track)
-Delbert McClinton and Glen Clark were musical partners way back in the early 1970s. Their reunion CD, Blind Crippled & Crazy, has an old-buddies feeling. Considering Delbert’s subsequent reign as one of our greatest blues rockers, it comes as no surprise that this lead-off track is soaked in backwoods soul.
Cooper. Photo: Alan Messer

Cooper. Photo: Alan Messer


COOPER/Tell Me To Stay
-Writers: Cooper/Norris; Producer: David Norris; Publisher: Cooperjam Works; BMI
-This new diva could be Nashville’s answer to Adele. Except she’s even more neo-soul, right down to the horns, organ and backup singers. Think classic Muscle Shoals replanted on Music Row. Think female Percy Sledge (”When a Man Loves a Woman”). Cooper has been playing occasionally at the Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar in Printers Alley. Let a word to the wise be sufficient: If you see her name in the club listings, go and become a believer. Also: You gotta love a gal who introduces herself with a vinyl, 45 r.p.m. single.
DIARRHEA PLANET/Kids
Writers: Diarrhea Planet; Producer: Kevin S. McMahon; Publisher: none listed; SESAC; Infinity Cat (track)
-These durable Music City thrashers recently took a big leap forward with a write-up in Rolling Stone. Mind you, this isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but there’s something endearing about their punky, snotty, good-humored attitude. This track isn’t as frantic as most of the rest of the LP I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams. But due to the multiple-guitar attack, it’s still plenty messy and loud enough.

DISClaimer: Summer Turns Up The Sizzle

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hunter hayes new photo

Hunter Hayes


Hot enough for you? This week’s stack of platters contains a few that turn up the temperature even more. The Jennifer Nettles solo single is one of them. Steve Holy’s is another. Newcomers Dave Hangley, Colby Dee and Danielle Bradbery have three more. Snappiest of all is our Disc of the Day by firecracker Hunter Hayes. The free-spirited singing style of pop Grammy nominee Jason Mraz compliments Hunter’s perfectly on their collaboration. The DisCovery Award goes to a female band comprised of Texas sisters Meagan, Madeline and Mallory Michaelis. I haven’t seen the group live yet, but I’m told that Michaelis is just as cool on stage as it is on CD.
MORGAN FRAZIER/Hey Bully
Writers: Morgan Frazier/Tiffany Coss/Sherrie Veronica Austin; Producers: Buddy Cannon, Bill McDermott; Publishers: Curb/Curb Congregation/Magic Mustang/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Sidewalk
-Her plaintive, heart-in-throat, emotive delivery of the timely lyric is so effective that it sounds like she’s lived it. Give this one a shot.
STEVE HOLY/Radio Up
Writers: Bruce Wallace/Ben Glover/Brian White; Producers: Matt McClure, Kyle Jacobs; Publishers: ole Purple Cape/ole 9t One/Ariose/Capitol CMG/Universal/Brentwood Benson/Songs From the White House, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; MCC/Curb
-She’s going to leave him, so he goes into denial by turning up the music. Holy’s vocal delivery of the melody ranges from hushed and private to full-throated and piercing. The bonus is that the track is crisply and expertly produced. Nice job.
Michaelis

Michaelis


MICHAELIS/Shoot Straight
Writers:Michaelis/Dave Brainard/John Goodwin; Producers: Dave Brainard; Publisher: ASCAMP/Lucky 21 Publishing/SECAMP/Mallory Michaelis Music/Universal Music Corporation/Dave Brainard Songs/Queen’s Knight Music; ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; AMP
-This sister trio debuts with a bluesy, groove-soaked number that worms its way right into your brain. Hooky in the extreme, this is a fabulous listening experience. Play, play, play it. Again, again, again.
LYNN ANDERSON/Sweet Memories
Writers: Betty Swain/Jim Paul; Producers: Craig Brandwynne, Timothy Daher, Robin Ruddy; Publishers: Center Sound/Sure Babe, ASCAP; Center Sound
-The back story is that Betty Swain was an 85-year-old, part-time North Carolina country performer in 2010 with a batch of lyrics she’d written years before. Her relatives got together and hired a group of local musicians to turn them into songs. She died not long after hearing the result. Two years later, a group of Nashville artists was assembled to make a professional CD of the songs for Betty’s cancer-stricken daughter. Legendary Lynn Anderson kicks it off with a lively reading of the late Swain’s live-for-today lyric and Jim Paul’s toe-tapping tune.
ANN MARIE/Cowboy Up
Writers: Danny Myrick/Ann Marie; Producer: Danny Myrick; Publishers: none listed; AM
-Rocking and danceable. She’s looking for a real stud: “I need a man, man enough to handle my love.” Step right up if you think you can fill the bill.
HUNTER HAYES & JASON MRAZ/Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me
Writers: Hunter Hayes/Dave Brainard/Jennifer Zuffineti; Producers: Dann Huff and Hunter Hayes; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Happy Little Man/Dave Brainard/Big Red Tractor/Big Loud Bucks; BMI/ASCAP; Alantic (track)
-Lovely, lilting, youthful and delightfully bopping. Audio enchantment.
DAVE HANGLEY/Runaway Angel
Writers: Jim Allison, Todd O’Neill; Producer: Jim Allison; Publisher: NNS Publishing, BMI; NNS
-Nashville songwriter Jim Allison has relocated to Linwood, NJ (near Atlantic City) and established his Nashville North studio and label. Hangley is his first project, and he’s a worthy one. The uptempo song is superbly melodic, the production is taut, and the confident, hearty tenor vocal is right on the money. Well worth spinning.
DANIELLE BRADBERY/The Heart of Dixie
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Brett James/Troy Verges; Producer: Brett James; Publishers: Music of Stage Three/Songs of Cornman/WB/Songs of Brett/External Combustion/Songs of Universal/Songs From the Engine Room, BMI/ASCAP; Republic Nashville
-She has a dead-end job and a dead-beat husband. So she hits the road and finds out that she’s a lot tougher than she thought she was. Bradbery’s soprano has just enough fire and spunk to sell this thumping female-empowerment ditty.
JENNIFER NETTLES/That Girl
Writers: Jennifer Nettles/Butch Walker; Producer: Rick Rubin; Publishers: Jennifer Nettles/EMI April/I Eat Pub For Breakfast, ASCAP; Mercury (CDX)
-Moody and kinda nervous sounding, it’s a darkly confessional tale of an attempt at man stealing. Nettles emotes well, and the production is refreshingly distinctive, although I could have done without the jarring, irritating studio applause in the finale.
COLBY DEE/He Don’t Know
Writers: Colby Dee/Karleen Watt/Lisa Torres; Producer: Daniel Dennis; Publisher: none listed; CD
-It’s a ringing, jingle-jangle country rocker with plenty of vim. Her vocal sparkles. The thinly written, barely-there song is quite repetitive, not to mention grammatically incorrect.