DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/6/11)

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Superstars Taylor Swift and Shania Twain are in the mix this week, but both were trumped by lesser lights.
Challenging the two divas for supremacy were excellent new sounds from Craig Morgan, Robin Meade, Royal Wade Kimes and Jody Jenkins. Kasey Chambers and Billy Ray Cyrus were so good that they finished in a dead heat for Disc of the Day.
Atlantic/Warner newcomer Ty Stone sings in a soulfully strangulated tenor voice. But his real reason for earning a DisCovery Award is his remarkable, truth-telling song, “American Style.”
TY STONE/American Style
Writer: Ty Stone/Marlon Young; Producer: Marlon Young; Publisher: Ty Stone/Jo Ray Dean/Sony-ATV, BMI; Top Dog/Atlantic/Warner
—This solid little blue-collar rocker echoes the classic work done by folks like John Mellencamp, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen. Stone chronicles the hard times faced by working-class Americans, yet concludes that we’re still all standing together. Sing it, brother.
MARTY McINTOSH/The American Night
Writer: Dennis Knutson/Roger Alan Wade; Producer: David Frizzell; Publisher: Major Bob/Rio Bravo/Castle Bound, BMI/SESAC; Nashville America (CDX) (615-654-4909)
—The well-produced track packs plenty of punch, and the song is very well written. The vocalist has a two-note range.
CRAIG MORGAN/This Ole Boy
Writer: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Rhett Akins; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/EMI Blackwood/Song Stretcher/Rhettneck, ASCAP/BMI; Black River (CDX)
—This Grand Ole Opry star remains one of the finest pure-country singers of ‘em all. This toe tapper celebrates hillbilly love with joy poured into every note. Absolutely radio ready.
ROYAL WADE KIMES/500 Miles Away From Home
Writer: Bobby Bare/Charlie Williams/Hedy West; Producer: George Bradfute & Mike Noble; Publisher: EMI/Warner-Unichappell/Central Songs, BMI; Wonderment (CDX) (www.royalwadekimes.com)
—This 1963 Bobby Bare pop-crossover smash now serves as Royal’s finest single in recent memory. Like Bare, he lets the song’s inherent sadness carry the day rather than engaging in any vocal histrionics. His hang-dog delivery, the note-perfect instrumental support and the sweetly retro backing vocalists are all audio delights.
SHANIA TWAIN/Today Is Your Day
Writer: Shania Twain; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Shania Twain; Publisher: Loon Echo/Songs of Universal, BMI; Mercury (CDX)
—The lyrics of this ballad sound cribbed from the self-help-book cliche encyclopedia. But the memorable melody, crystalline production and vocal performance are all sterling.
ROBIN MEADE/Dirty Laundry
Writer: Don Henley/Danny Kortchmar; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Publisher: Woody Creek/Warner Tamerlane/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Robin Meade/Somerset Entertainment (track)
—How deliciously ironic that this HLN TV newswoman’s country single debut is Don Henley’s famed 1982 screed against TV journalism. Bo Bice, Kix Brooks, Gary Burr, Sarah Buxton and Victoria Shaw join her on the choruses, but this is Robin’s feisty vocal showcase all the way. This gal has moxie.
BILLY RAY CYRUS/Runway Lights
Writer: Josh Kear/Mark Irwin/Jameson Clark; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Big Purple Dog/Universal/MGB, ASCAP; Buena Vista (track) (www.billyraycyrus.com)
—Billy Ray’s new I’m American CD is dedicated to our men and women in uniform. Its lead-off single is the stirring saga of a Navy flier overseas who yearns for the sights, sounds and sensations of home. Brilliantly written and performed with sincerity and passion.
JODY JENKINS/Brings Back Amarillo
Writer: Bart Butler/Frank Solesbee; Producer: Bart Butler; Publisher: Bill Butler, BMI; Zone 7 (210-497-7908)
—Very dusty and western sounding. The track has a wide-open-spaces vibe, but the song is almost claustrophobic in its yearning misery of lost love. Very echoey and evocative.
TAYLOR SWIFT/Sparks Fly
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—Delirious pop romance. As usual with this artist, the hooks are impossibly catchy.
KASEY CHAMBERS/Little Bird
Writer: Kasey Chambers; Producer: Kasey Chambers & The Millionaires; Publisher: Essence/Mushroom, no performance rights listed; Essence/Sugar Hill (track) (www.kaseychambers.com)
—This gifted Aussie seems to grow more creative with each release. The title tune to her latest offers a birdie’s lilting advice about how to win him back. She retorts in a sweetly snarky soprano that she doesn’t want him that badly anyhow. The twinkling production, her layered vocals and the swirling mood are all ear tickling in the extreme. Play it again.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/29/11)

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This listening session was dominated by hit makers of yore.
Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence, Sawyer Brown, Michael Martin Murphey and Roy Head with Jeff Chance are all on board with new sounds. Ricky and Tracy, in particular, are audio delights.
For those of you of a more contemporary mindset, I present this season’s top two finalists from the 2011 edition of American Idol. Ironically, it’s the number-two finisher who finishes first in this column. Give Lauren Alaina a Disc of the Day.
My DisCovery Award winner has been knocking them dead at folk festivals, bluegrass conventions, cowboy poetry gatherings and Lone Star State gigs for several years now. Not to mention having guested on the Grand Ole Opry, appeared on Marty Stuart’s TV show and at The Kennedy Center, The Birchmere, The Ernest Tubb Record Shop’s Midnight Jamboree and fiddle contests galore. It is The Quebe Sisters Band. This group swings, western style. It is acoustic and cool. Listen and believe.
SCOTTY McCREERY/I Love You This Big
Writer: L. Ronnie/E. Dean/B. James; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed; 19/Interscope/Mercury (CDX)
—This debut single by the American Idol champ is well sung, beautifully produced and unmistakably country. But the ballad is simplistic, predictable and ultimately dreary.
GEORGE STRAIT/Here For A Good Time
Writer: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: Day Money/HoriPro/Living for the Night/Sixteen Stars/Tenorado, ASCAP/BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—George Strait goes uptempo! And with words to live by: “I ain’t here for a long time/I’m here for a good time.”
THE QUEBE SISTERS BAND/Along The Navajo Trail
Writer: Dick Charles/Larry Markes/Eddie DeLange; Producer: Joey McKenzie; Publisher: Scarsdale/Universal MCA, ASCAP; Fiddletone (track) (www.quebesistersband.com)
—The Quebe Sisters Band is anchored by three sisters—Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe–who hail from the Fort Worth suburb of Burleson, Texas. They have two CDs to date, an all-instrumental effort from 2003 called Texas Fiddlers, and a newer one titled Timeless. The latter includes this track that demonstrates their dazzling instrumental prowess, their lovely trio harmony vocals and their total swing-ability. The band (which also includes guitarist/producer Joey McKenzie and upright bass man Drew Phelps) is occasionally featured on Marty Stuart’s RFD-TV show. It draws loads of fan mail whenever it does.
SAWYER BROWN/Smokin’ Hot Wife
Writer: Mark Miller; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Travelin’ Zoo, no performance rights listed; Beach Street
—Country music’s upteen-millionth rip off of Jimmy Buffett’s groove.
TRACY LAWRENCE/The Singer
Writer: Rick Huckaby/Kenneth Wright; Producer: Tracy Lawrence & Flip Anderson; Publisher: 13thAve/I-40/Songs of Nicholson/Kenneth Wright, BMI; LMG (CDX) (615-347-9563)
—His voice is more resonant and rich than ever. The well-constructed song reflects on a life that isn’t perfect—all the narrator wishes to be remembered for is the fact that he is/was simply a fine singer. And this man certainly is.
ROY HEAD & JEFF CHANCE/Can’t Turn ‘Em Down At All
Writer: Sam Lee/Luther Goff; Producer: Sam Lee & Roy Head; Publisher: Stages@Players, ASCAP; Music Master (CDX) (979-849-5131)
—Head was a steady presence on the country charts in 1974-85. Although never a major hit maker, he generally turned in genial, upbeat, lightly rocking fare. This comeback single, recorded with fellow Texan Jeff Chance, is very much in his classic style.
MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY/The James Gang Trilogy
Writer: Michael Martin Murphey, plus Hal Ketchum/Gary Burr; Producer: Ryan Murphey & Pat Flynn; Publisher: Rocking 3M, BMI, plus Universal, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.michaelmartinmurphey.com)
—For the past several years, Murphey has been combining his love of western songs with bluegrass instrumentation. His third CD in this vein is titled Tall Grass & Cool Water. In addition to a clutch of standards (”Cool Water,” “Way Out There,” “Blue Prairie”), it includes a number of the singer’s reworkings of public-domain cowboy numbers. Two of the songs in this trilogy—“The Ballad of Cole Younger” and “The Ballad of Jesse James”—are Murphey’s versions of folk songs that tell the story of the Missouri/Kansas outlaws of the James Gang. The third, a lilting ballad called “Frank James Farewell,” comes from highly respected Nashville singer-songwriters Hal Ketchum and Gary Burr. Frank James was the gang member who survived, and in this lyric he wistfully recalls his colorful past.
RICKY SKAGGS/Don’t Get Above Your Raising
Writer: Lester Flatt/Earl Scruggs; Producer: Ricky Skaggs; Publisher: APRS/Peer, BMI; Skaggs Family (track) (www.skaggsfamilyrecords.com)
—Speaking of bluegrass, Ricky’s latest CD is titled Country Hits Bluegrass Style. It recasts his own singles of the 1980s as bluegrass tunes. But, hello, songs like this (plus “Uncle Pen,” “Crying My Heart Out Over You” and “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could”) were originally bluegrass tunes that he turned into mainstream country, so he’s just taking them back to where they were in the first place. That said, the whole album is brilliantly performed. Something like eight out of his last 10 projects have been oldie remakes of one sort or another. Can we please have a set of new bluegrass songs from this top-tier artist?
TEEA GOANS/Letter From God
Writer: Angela Kaset/Rob Crosby; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Ten Ten/Friday Records/Evergreen/Palmetto Moon, ASCAP/BMI; Crosswind (CDX) (615-467-3860)
—I am an enormous fan of this sublimely country vocalist. As usual, she nails every note of the performance. She dreams she gets a letter from the Almighty that tells her to live right. I have that dream all the time. Only it’s an email.
LAUREN ALAINA/Like My Mother Does
Writer: Nathan Chapman/Liz Rose/Nicole Williams; Producer: C. “Tricky” Stewart; Publisher: none listed; 19/Interscope/Mercury (CDX)
—The second-place finisher on this year’s edition of American Idol stages her disc debut with a power ballad. It tugs at the heart strings as it celebrates the strength, love and guidance of a beloved mom. Hang on for the soaring, goose-bumpy key change at the finale. You’d have to be made of stone to resist this. Coincidentally, this song appeared as a track on the debut CD by Kristy Lee Cook, an Idol alumna of 2008. (It was also a single for Atlantic newcomer Jesse Lee last year.)

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/22/11)

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Let’s hear it for the little people.
Our three contenders for this edition’s DisCovery Award can all be found on independent labels. Jason Cassidy sounds totally authentic on “Honky Tonk Heaven.” LiveWire has a stirring backwoods rocker with “Tater Fed.” I have reviewed the Oz trio The McClymonts once before, but a change of producers has led to an entirely new and improved sound for this group. Give those gals and their “Wrapped Up Good” single the nod.
The Disc of the Day goes to the combo of Rascal Flatts with New Zealand born and Britain-created pop warbler Natasha Bedingfield. Their “Easy” is an easy choice.
Returning to indie artists for a moment: Can I get a witness for Keith Bryant? Here is a guy who has been toiling in the indie trenches since at least 2001, and who has shown awesomely consistent taste in finding great songs and performing them with immense country soul. The fact that this man is not a regular fixture on the charts is an enormous injustice.
THE McCLYMONTS/Wrapped Up Good
Writer: Brooke McClymont/Samantha McClymont/Mollie McClymont/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; BSM ([email protected])
—Attractively minor key, with cool dobro backing and a punchy rhythmic thump. The trio’s vocal arrangements are quite imaginative, alternating between straightforward harmonizing and Greek-chorus “answering” passages. Smartly bopping, maddeningly catchy and insanely listenable.
BRAD PAISLEY & CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Remind Me
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: none listed; Arista (track)
—They recall how passionate they used to be with one another and yearn for the return of romance. Both Brad and Carrie sing splendidly on this slightly over-produced, busy-sounding ballad.
LACY GREEN/For The Summertime
Writer: Heather Lynn Morgan/David Thomson; Producer: Ronnie Bowman; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sony-ATV Tunes, no performance rights listed; Swangate (www.lacygreen.com)
—As sweet as cotton candy, and just about as nourishing. Pleasant and lilting, if ultimately lightweight.
KEITH URBAN/Long Hot Summer
Writer: Richard Marx/Keith Urban; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: Richard Marx/Mary Rose/Songs of Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Warmly romantic. Back to his rollicking, upbeat, relentlessly rhythmic style following the lovely side road that the marvelous “Without You” was.
JASON CASSIDY/Honky Tonk Heaven
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; A-Blake (www.jasoncassidymusic.com)
—Darkly bluesy, with superlative, grassy vocal harmonies. Talk about a bolt out of the blue, I have no idea who sent this to me, but for a total unknown it is a jaw-dropping performance. According to his website, he is a Texan, and this is his second single.
RASCAL FLATTS & NATASHA BEDINGFIELD/Easy
Writer: Katrina Elam/Mike Mobley; Producer: Dan Huff, Brian Kennedy & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Kreative/Final Final Songs of Elevation/Wapakonetta, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine (track)
—Brit pop gal Natasha holds her own amid the crashing-guitars production and Gary’s powerhouse singing. It may be titled “Easy,” but the thundering sound of this is anything but. Unmistakably hit bound.
LIVEWIRE/Tater Fed
Writer: Andy Eutsler; Producer: Bart Pursley, Bobby DeGonia & Justin Woods; Publisher: Bellhouse, BMI; LiveWire (615-319-1863)
—He grows up on homegrown vegetables. The other kids called him “husky.” To the accompaniment of shuddering electric guitar and pounding drums, he becomes a man who is afraid of no one. Tough sounding.
DONNA ULISSE/Hand Me Down Home
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Pop ‘N Paw, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.donnaulisse.com)
—Former country starlet Ulisse continues on her bluegrass odyssey with a new CD titled An Easy Climb. This gentle, acoustic ode to country living has the stellar backing of folks like Scott Vestal, Viktor Krauss and, especially, fiddler and mandolinist Andy Leftwich. The picking is dazzling and the sentiments are genuine.
CJAYE LEROSE/The Porch
Writer: CJaye LeRose/Dwight A. Baker; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Publisher: Tattooed Pinkies/Matchbox Studios/Sony-ATV, BMI; Tattooed Pinkies Entertainment (track) (www.cjayelerose.com)
—What are you, 12? Is that really your grown-up singing voice?
KEITH BRYANT/Can’t Tell Somebody Who To Love
Writer: Wendell Mobley/Mike Mobley/Shane Minor; Producer: Chris Utley; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Shane Minor/Universal/Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby, BMI; Jordash (www.jordashrecords.com)
—This guy is a stand-up country singer, and I’ve always liked him. This time around, he has a dandy tale of a strict daddy who tries to stand in the way of True Love. So the kids sneak around behind papa’s back to that stretch of road, “Where the moon is willing, and the river don’t mind.” The song soars like an eagle, and so does its vocalist. Absolutely and definitely a winner.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/15/11)

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You can tickle my dancing feet or dazzle my brain with word play, but if you really want to get my attention, pierce my heart.
That’s what Ronnie Dunn did this week with “Cost of Livin.’” Not since Shenandoah’s “Hey Mister I Need This Job” has a country song so directly addressed the pain of our times. Give that veteran a Disc of the Day.
We have some sophomore singles this week, notably from Brett Eldredge, DJ Miller and The Dirt Drifters, but there are no disc debuts. So instead of a DisCovery honor, how about a re-DisCovery Award for Dolly Parton?
It would appear that in the wake of the CMA Music Fest, we have a star shower on our hands. In addition to Ronnie and Dolly, we suddenly have stellar product from Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes and Alan Jackson. And all of them are playing at the top of their games.
LEANN RIMES/Give
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb (MPE)
—Her voice has never sounded more powerful or womanly. The “golden rule” message is right on and so is the production of this majestic power ballad. In a word, gorgeous.
ALAN JACKSON/Long Way To Go
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; EMI (MPE)
—Entirely lovable. It has plenty of summertime bounce and a merry little lyric to make you smile. He’s got a bug in his margarita, a woman he’s trying to drink off his mind and a long, long way to go. Hang on for the happy mariachi trumpets at the finale.
RONNIE DUNN/Cost Of Livin’
Writer: Phillip Coleman/Ronnie Dunn; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Publisher: Tractor Radio/Sony-ATV Tree/Showbilly, SESAC/BMI; Arista (track)
—Doing what country music does best, giving a voice to the powerless. In this case, a man who aches for a job. Understated and immensely moving.
TOBY KEITH/Made In America
Writer: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Gregory Scott Reeves; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco Tunes/Bobby’s Lyrics/Land and Livestock/Do Write/Sweetwater Jams/Reynsong, BMI; Show Dog Universal
—Heartland sentiments, from a man who is a master at them. The stirring, pounding production underlines every straight-from-the heart lyric. My favorite: “He won’t buy nothin’ he can’t fix/With WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench.”
COLT FORD/She Likes To Ride In Trucks
Writer: Thom Shepherd/Colt Ford/Noah Gordon; Producer: Jayson Chance; Publisher: Bourbon Street French Quarter/Words and Music/Average ZJS/New Millennium, SESAC/ASCAP; Average Joe (CDX) (615-733-9983)
—He’s losing his little girl to womanhood. The rapping is actually soft and gentle. The sung chorus is a wafting and wistful. Surprisingly effective.
DOLLY PARTON/Together You And I
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; Dolly/Warner (www.dollypartonmusic.net)
—Strikingly contemporary sounding. The surging pop production values, relentless rhythm, keening guitars and deft electronic touches are all just yummy. It goes without saying that her voice remains a thing of wonder. And talk about a positive, uptempo love song…
BRETT ELDREDGE/It Ain’t Gotta Be Love
Writer: Brett Eldredge/Ben Daniel/Wayd Battle; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: FSMGI, English Ivy/Brett Eldredge/Chrysalis One/Bug, IMRO/BMI; Atlantic/Warner
—This whole song is one big ol’ pick-up line. Everything from, “Can I bum a light?” to “Is that seat taken?” to “What’re ya drinkin?’” and “Do you wanna dance?” Also, the track seriously rocks.
THE DIRT DRIFTERS/Always A Reason
Writer: Ryan Fleener/Jeff Middleton/Justin Wilson; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Buddy Lloyd/Music of Stage Three/Jersey South/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Warner Bros.
—You can go to the bar to dance, fight, celebrate, drown your sorrows or have a ball. As this righteous, blue-collar rocker says, “There’s always a reason to drink around here.” I like these guys.
DJ MILLER/Between Sundays
Writer: Richard A. Alves/Gary Duffy/John Colgin/Reid Brannon; Producer: Johnny Morris; Publisher: Big Hitmakers/Magic Penny/Rainy Graham/Three Bar/Christopher Scott, BMI/ASCAP; Evergreen/9 North/Spinville (615-327-3213)
—His voice isn’t very memorable here, kind of a generic honky-tonk baritone performance. But the song is a solid winner about life lessons learned at the foot of a wise mechanic.
KATIE ARMIGER /I Do, But Do I
Writer: Rhean Boyer/Greg Jones; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: Major Bob/Rio Bravo/Castle Bound, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; Cold River
—The extra “bottom” in the production competes with her curiously “dry” sounding vocal. A little echo on her high end would have pulled it together, sonically. Tune-wise, it is undeniably catchy.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/8/11)

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We have a mixed bag of sounds on tap today.
The listening session was dominated by indies. Some of them were quite listenable (Stephanie Urbina Jones, Aaron Einhouse), others not so much. The one who stood out as a DisCovery Award winner was Drake Jensen. Other than the fact that he is managed out of Ottawa, I know next to nothing about him.
Lady Antebellum was, as always, a luscious listening experience. But the Disc of the Day belongs to Kellie Pickler. “Tough” is the perfect song for this personality-packed performer.
I don’t have an awards category for this, but maybe I should honor someone each week who reminds us all what hardcore country music really sounds like. If I did, I would certainly polish a statuette for the supremely soulful stylings of Gene Watson & Rhonda Vincent. Their album is called Your Money and My Good Looks. It dropped this week. Get it.
JIMMY LEHOUX/Twenty Toes In The Sand
Writer: Liz Miller/Tom Stipe; Producer: Tom McBee; Publisher: Check to Rex/Pen, ASCAP; Ruby (www.jimmylehoux.net)
—Half of this town has been ripping off Jimmy Buffett for years.
DRAKE JENSEN/Wash Me Away
Writer: M. Narmore/M. McGuire; Producer: Kim Copeland; Publisher: Oven/Avalon Avenue, BMI/ASCAP; Soaring Eagle (track)
—Very dramatic. Unmistakably country, but with a certain sonic majesty and terrific, multi-layered production finesse. Not only is the song finely crafted, he sings with open throated confidence and clear conviction. A winner.
KELLIE PICKLER/Tough
Writer: Leslie Satcher; Producer: Frank Liddell & Luke Wooten; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Leslie Satcher, BMI; BNA
—At last! The giant hit that Pickler has always deserved is finally here. This rumbling, romping rhythm number has a lyric with real moxie, and she delivers it with just the right amount of sass.
T.J. BROSCOFF/Pillow
Writer: T.J. Broscoff; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: Bill Green, BMI; BGM (www.tjbroscoff.com)
—Take vocal lessons to learn how to hold a note longer than a nanosecond.
CLAUDIA NYGAARD/His Left Side
Writer: Claudia Nygaard; Producer: Claudia Nygaard; Publisher: Cattlelog, BMI; Bet the Ranch (track) (www.claudianygaard.com)
—This one’s a story song on the folkie side of things. His wife has passed away, and he wants to come back to work the land as soon as he recovers from a stroke. Instead, he comes home to die, holding the reins of his old horse standing by his bedside on the front porch.
GENE WATSON & RHONDA VINCENT/Gone For Good
Writer: Jimmy Melton; Producer: Herb Sandker; Publisher: Castle Street/Bughouse/Bug, ASCAP; Upper Management (track) (www.geneandrhonda.net)
—The first duet album by these two superb country vocalists features chestnuts like “My Sweet Love Ain’t Around,” “Sweet Thang,” “Til the End,” “Out of Hand” and “You Could Know as Much About a Stranger,” plus three Rhonda originals. Among the new tunes by others, this lost-love weeper is the awesome single/video. If you yearn for a real honky-tonk ballad with emotion-soaked harmony and moaning steel, this will smack you right between the eyes. A match made in hillbilly heaven.
LADY ANTEBELLUM/Just A Kiss
Writer: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Paul Worley & Lady Antebellum; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/DWHaywood/Radiobulletspublishing/EMI Foray/Hillary Dawn/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI/SESAC; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—A delirious dream of harmony vocalizing. It is, indeed, the audio equivalent of a romantic kiss.
AARON EINHOUSE/The Cougar Song
Writer: Aaron Einhouse; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed, BMI; AE  (www.aaroneinhouse.com)
—Three husbands down, the lady at the bar is waiting for you to light her cigarette, if you catch my drift. Bouncy, and sung with drawling good humor.
CONNIE KIS ANDERSEN/Steamy Dreams
Writer: Connie Kis Andersen; Producer: Doug Wayne; Publisher: Kismana, APRA; Kismana (track) (www.conniekisandersen.com.au)
—This has reportedly already been a top-5 country hit in Australia. She sings capably in a slightly bluesy way, and the swampy guitar work is exemplary. But the whole thing is just too “white” for my taste.
STEPHANIE URBINA JONES/I’m Not A Pinata
Writer: Stepahnie Urbina Jones/Mark Marchetti; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Casa Del Rio/Baby Z, SESAC/BMI; Texican Entertainment (www.stephanieurbinajones.com)
—The instrumental single is a snappy country rocker with a whiplash beat. The vocal version has a husky alto intro before the smoking track catches fire. I have long been a fan of this performer, and this time around she’s really kicking tail.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/1/11)

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When the Americana Music Association announced its 2011 awards contenders recently, it jolted me into awareness of how long it has been since I penned an Americana review column.

How long has it been? Well, let’s just say that in the elapsed time, Todd Snider, David Olney and Those Darlins have issued two albums apiece. Ouch.
There is much to like in this week’s overview. So much, in fact, that I’m dividing the Disc of the Day prize into Female, Male and Group awards. The Female disc belongs to 2011 AMA nominee Elizabeth Cook. The Male award goes to the enduringly great David Olney. And the Group prize belongs to the ultra listenable Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors.
ELIZABETH COOK/El Camino
Writer: Elizabeth Cook; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: Agent Love, SESAC; 31 Tigers (track) (www.elizabeth-cook.com)
—He picks her up in a deadbeat’s vehicle. She has a few snarky words for that while the band clomps along rhythmically. This rollicking little thumper is nominated for this year’s Song of the Year by the AMA, and Elizabeth’s brilliant Welder CD from which it comes is a well-deserved Album of the Year nominee.
DAVID OLNEY/Sunset on Sunset Boulevard
Writer: David Olney; Producer: Jack Irwin; Publisher: David Olney/Bug, BMI; Deadbeet (track) (www.davidolney.com)
—Olney has two current projects—his Dutchman’s Curve CD of last year and a new five-song collection called Film Noir. Both are among the best produced discs of his career. This spooky tune closes the latter set with its dark tales of coldly ambitious Hollywood wanna-be’s, faded liquored-up stars and phonies. By the way, you can watch this gifted troubadour perform live every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at TinyUrl.com/DavidOlneyTV.
JOE ELY/Satisfied at Last
Writer: Joe Ely; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Tornado Temple, BMI; Rack ‘Em (track) (www.ely.com)
—The title tune to this timeless Texas treasure’s latest album finds him singing with vigor over an echoey, chiming guitar track. He’s singing of mortality, but he’s mighty robust and vital about it. Heartily recommended, as always.
TODD SNIDER/Money, Compliments, Publicity
Writer: Todd Snider; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: Nobody’s Collecting on These Songs/Bug, BMI; Aimless/Yep Roc (track) (www,toddsnider.net)
—You really should own every CD this guy’s ever made. The two current ones are a live album and a studio set titled The Excitement Plan. The latter contains this wonderfully sardonic ode from the funniest East Nashville loser’s voice ever. Genius is not too strong a word.
HAYS CARLL & CARY ANN HEARST/Another Like You
Writer: Hayes Carll; Producer: Brad Jones; Publisher: Highway 87/Bug, SESAC; Lost Highway (track) (www.hayescarll.com)
—Speaking of funny, this man tickles folks everywhere he goes. He won last year’s AMA Song of the Year award with “She Left Me for Jesus.” He’s nominated this year for the title tune to his “KMAG YOYO” CD. But for a real treat, check out this mutually insulting—and profane—duet on the collection.
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT/Go It Alone
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit; Publisher: Fame, BMI; Lightning Rod (track) (www.jasonisbell.com)
—Jason is Hayes Carll’s sometime touring partner this year. His current Here We Rest collection contains this ominous rocker. His tenor vocal fronts some smart, crunchy chops by the tight 400 Unit.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS/Blessed
Writer: Lucinda Williams; Producer: Don Was, Eric Liljestrand & Thomas Overby; Publisher: none listsed; Lost Highway (track) (www.lucindawilliams.com)
—Lucinda’s Blessed is a contender for AMA Album of the Year in 2011. Its emotional title tune finds truth and beauty in a blind man, a battered wife, a fallen soldier, a neglected child, a homeless man, a prisoner and more who teach us about grace and forgiveness. Heartfelt.
DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS/Live Forever
Writer: none listed; Producer: Andy Hunt; Publisher: none listed; Dualtone (track) (615-320-0620)
—When this aired on the soundtrack of an NBC Parenthood episode last season, a firestorm of downloading reportedly ensued. It’s easy to hear why. This is a majestic, ethereal audio landscape. By the time Drew gets to its inspiring chorus of hope and strength, your heart is in your throat. I have made no secret of my admiration for this artist, and now he’s reached me even more deeply. The album is titled Chasing Someday. Buy it at once.
THOSE DARLINS/Red Light Love
Writer: Those Darlins; Producer: Jeff Curtin & Those Darlins; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Oh Wow Dang (track) (www.thosedarlins.com)
—This bashing, neo-punk trio has a new CD called Screws Get Loose with a video, “Be Your Bro.” The latter is a direct descendent of this thrashy, Ramones-like track from the original Those Darlins album.
GREG TROOPER/They Call Me Hank
Writer: Greg Trooper; Producer: Stewart Lerman, Kevin McKendree & Greg Trooper; Publisher: 52 Shakes, BMI; 52 Shakes (track) (www.gregtrooper.com)
—This track from Greg’s Upside-Down Town collection is being hailed as a Song of the Year contender by many. His raspy, resigned vocal is perfect for this moving portrait of a wino who sells catfish he catches for the bucks to buy his booze. This is what real song writing is, people.
 

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/24/11)

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It’s John Rich’s world, we just live in it.

On Sunday, he won this season’s Celebrity Apprentice championship. He’s a publisher on the No. 1 hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” He has two new Warner “Six Pak” albums, Rich Rocks! and For the Kids. And now he has two tunes in the same “DisClaimer” column, the St. Jude’s fund-raiser, “For the Kids,” plus his romping Big & Rich reunion with Big Kenny, “Fake ID.”
Nevertheless, it’s Ladies Day here at MusicRow. How can you deny a Disc of the Day award to Taylor Swift after “The Story of Us” zips through your ears?
And among our four newcomers—Glen Templeton, Whitney Mann, Jessica Ridley and David Adam Byrnes—there is no doubt about who is the strongest vocalist. Glen might have a mighty winning song, but Jessica Ridley has the performance, and therefore the DisCovery Award.
JOSH KELLEY/Gone Like That
Writer: Josh Kelley/Clint Lagerburg/Nicole Galyon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville (track)
—His pop/rock background shows in the vocally compressed mix and the overall dominance of production over lyric. A little more audio clarity would be welcome. That said, it’s a very cool, hooky song and a compelling, well-phrased performance.
JOHN RICH/For The Kids
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (ERG)
—Little kids face grim medical conditions while their parents pray. The chorus is an overt plea for donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. But it’s still catchy as all get out.
KID ROCK & SHERYL CROW/Collide
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Roadrunner (ERG)
—The most “country” outing yet for both of these artists. The simple tune and spare accompaniment, plus sincere and straightforward vocal performances make this a solid winner. Not to mention the sexy “hook-up” lyric.
TAYLOR SWIFT/The Story Of Us
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony-Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—Her Speak Now CD is a really special collection, full of delightful hooks and dandy textures. This frothy rocker is one of its high-energy pleasures. The sizzling, fizzy guitar work, relentless rhythm and her personality-packed vocal are all fabulously infectious. Love this.
SARA EVANS/My Heart Can’t Tell You No
Writer: Simon Climie/Dennis Morgan; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Kobalt/Little Shop of Morgan Songs, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (track)
—Sara’s limp remake of this 1989 Rod Stewart pop smash adds little to the song. And let’s face it, there are very, very few—in any genre—that are as gripping a vocalist as he is.
BIG & RICH/Fake ID
Writer: John Rich/John Shanks; Producer: John Shanks & John Rich; Publisher: Reservoir/WB/Sony ATV, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—Rousing and spirited, this has “good times” written all over it. The kid in his daddy’s Caddy is buying a fake ID in a back alley, and he’s in a rush. Extremely likable.
DAVID ADAM BYRNES/She Only Wanted Flowers
Writer: David Adam Byrnes/Jay Brunswick/Adam Fears; Producer: Rob Rappaport; Publisher: Canalco/Byrnes Country/Better Angels/Croton U/Faverett Tracks/LRB, ASCAP/BMI; Better Angels (track)
—She didn’t care about all of the material things he bought her, so now he’s lost her. He has a sturdy, if limited, country vocal range, but the ballad never really grabbed me.
GLEN TEMPLETON/I Could Be The One
Writer: Jay Knowles/Tom McHugh; Producer: Mark Lambert; Publisher: none listed; Capstone (615-686-8344)
—Glen has pleasing vocal confidence on this easy-going toe tapper. The track is mixed to perfectly showcase what a cleverly written song this is. Spin it.
JESSICA RIDLEY/Flaming Red
Writer: Bob Carlisle/Dennis Patton; Producer: Michael Lee & Don Somerville; Publisher: Jacque’s Retirement Fund/McHouse/Fun Attic, SESAC; EMG/Fontana (track) (www.jessicaridley.com)
—This lilting pop-country confection has a wafting, breezily bopping production. Her rapid-fire vocal is bursting with optimism and sunny self-assurance. Highly promising and recommended.
WHITNEY MANN/Home
Writer: Whitney Mann; Producer: Whitney Mann; Publisher: 100 Fake Kisses, SESAC; Mud Dauber (track) (www.whitneymannmusic.com)
—She wrote all the tunes on her seven-song outing titled The Western Sky and sings them in an appealing, down-home drawl. The backing is a jaunty, O Brother, string band that sounds as comfy as a living-room couch. Rootsy and charming.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/18/11)

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Five newcomers, four up-and-comers and one Hall of Fame member—those are the ingredients for this edition of “DisClaimer.”
The McClymonts, Keenie Word, Justin Haigh, J.T. Hodges and Jesse Keith Whitley are the names in the first category. In photo finish, Justin Haigh edges out Hodges for the DisCovery Award.
Billy Currington, Thompson Square, Jerrod Niemann and The LoCash Cowboys comprise the second category. My money is on the always entertaining Jerrod Niemann. He has the Disc of the Day.
The Hall of Famer is Charley Pride, who deserves a better song.
JUSTIN HAIGH/All My Best Friends Are Behind Bars
Writer: J. Haigh; Producer: Lew Curatolo; Publisher: Apache, ASCAP; Apache Ranch (track) (www.justinhaigh.com)
—He has a really cool voice, full of drawled resonance and honky-tonk authority. The drinking song is as cool as its title implies, and the band is country, country, country. An absolute winner.
JERROD NIEMANN/One More Drinkin’ Song
Writer: Jerrod Niemann/Richie Brown; Producer: Jerrod Niemann & Dave Brainard; Publisher: New Songs of Sea Gayle/Ozworth/Words & Music, BMI; Arista/Sea Gayle (track)
—The boy is on a roll. This time out, he’s rolling through a swaying, lilting, beach-vibe tune that has its tongue firmly in cheek. Care to sing along? I think so.
J.T. HODGES/Hunt You Down
Writer: J.T. Hodges/Mark Collie/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Mark Wright, Don Cook & Mark Collie; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Adeline 29/Sing Station/Boomer Sooie/Collie Dawg/Alex Bridge/Memphianna, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—I love the bubbling, bobbing production. This fizzy little outing is about a casual sexual hook up that has a dozen built-in smiles. Jaunty and irresistible.
BILLY CURRINGTON/Love Done Gone
Writer: Shawn Camp/Marv Green; Producer: Carson Chamberlain & Billy Currington; Publisher: International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Scamporee/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Mercury (CDX)
—I’m not crazy about brass in country music, but this single’s melody is so incredibly catchy that you could arrange it with any instrumentation in the world and still have a winner. Billy, as usual, sings with warmth and sincerity.
LOCASH COWBOYS/You Got Me
Writer: Chris Lucas/Preston Brust/Eric Halbig; Producer: Jeffrey Steele; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Sony-ATV Tree/Vibrating String/Cherry Heart, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious (www.locashcowboys.com)
—Sunshiny bright, with a totally positive, happy lyric and a breezily rocking tempo. Very summertimey. These guys seem to go from strength to strength with each release.
THOMPSON SQUARE/I Got You
Writer: Shawna Thompson/Keifer Thompson/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producer: New Voice Entertainment; Publisher: This Is Hit/Fibber & Molly/Big Loud Bucks/Magic Mustang/Mack 2/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Becky’s Boy/Sony-ATV Tree, ASCAP/BMI; Stoney Creek (CDX) (615-320-1372)
—The LoCash Cowboys are rocking to “You Got Me.” Thompson Square is rocking to “I Got You.” Equally well, I might add. Take your pick.
JESSE KEITH WHITLEY/Kentucky Thunder
Writer: Sonny Lemaire/Sam Tate/Annie Tate; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed, BMI/SESAC; Octabrook (CDX) (615-426-1786)
—The title refers to moonshine whiskey, as well as to fire-and-brimstone preaching and wild country singing. Appropriately, the performance is laced with snarling guitar work and minor-key “outlaw” menace. This well-written song is the debut single from the son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley.
THE McCLYMONTS/Wrapped Up Good
Writer: Brooke McClymont/Samantha McClymont/Mollie McClymont/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; UMA/Fontana (CDX) (615-269-7071)
—Creamy harmonies and a slick production are the calling cards here. A smooth-tasting audio beverage.
CHARLEY PRIDE/America The Great
Writer: Larry Mercey/Edward Allen Gowens; Producer: Charley Pride; Publisher: Larry Mercey, SOCAN/BMI; Music City (CDX) (www.charleypride.com)
—“Are we losing family values/Did we push God aside?” this asks. The big concerns are that the 10 Commandments aren’t in the courthouses and “The Lord’s Prayer” isn’t in the classrooms. In other words, Buddhists need not apply.
KEENIE WORD/The New Girl
Writer: Billy Aerts/Caroline Deloache; Producer: Billy Aerts; Publisher: Stormey, BMI; KW (track) (www.keenieword.com)
—The title tune to this youngster’s five-song EP is plaintive and youthful sounding. Well written. It’s kind of surprising that no songwriter before now has addressed this universally felt experience of a kid moving to a new place.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/10/11)

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You remember albums, don’t you?

They are collections of songs that ask you to experience several of a favorite performer’s thoughts of the moment. Mind you, there aren’t a whole lot of folks in Music City that you want to spend that much time with. But one of them most certainly is Emmylou Harris. So for album achievement, her Hard Bargain is a Disc of the Day.
Country music is, was and probably always will be centered on hit singles. With that in mind, hand a Disc of the Day to the fun, catchy “Take It Off” by the always listenable Joe Nichols.
I am happy to report that there are three brand-new faces in this stack of platters. One of them, Jason Jones, wins our DisCovery Award with “Ferris Wheel.”
RIDIN’ HIGH BAND/Go Crazy With My Heart
Writer: M. Jason Greene/Chris Cagle; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Anjelito/Do Write/Sony-ATV Tunes, BMI/ASCAP; Centennial Records of Texas (409-296-2953)
—There’s talent here: The lead vocalist has personality and the band plays well. My suggestion is that they hire someone to actually MIX the sound the next time they record.
DARIUS RUCKER/I Got Nothin’
Writer: Darius Rucker/Clay Mills; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Universal/Cadaja/MXC/Still Working for the Woman/EverGreen, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Very cool. In a sea of happy-happy ditties, Darius puts out a defeated, dejected heartache song that captures loss beautifully. The steel playing and his soaring voice on the choruses are particularly gripping.
SHAWNA RUSSELL/Get Right Or Get Left
Writer: Shawna Russell/Keith Russell/Tim Russell; Producer: Julian King, Clif Doyal & Tim Russell; Publisher: Blue Buckaroo, BMI; Way Out West
—She’s a wailer. And this take-a-hike-buddy attitude is perfect for her rocking vocal chops.
ZAC BROWN BAND & JIMMY BUFFETT/Knee Deep
Writer: Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/Coy Bowles/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publisher: Weimerhound/Lil’ Dub/Angelika/Poppsolotamus/Jeffrey Steele/BPJ, BMI; Atlantic (track)
—As breezy as a ride on Buffett’s boat. It takes you straight to that wave-washed beach in your mind. In other words, pretty darn irresistible.
DEBORAH ALLEN/Anything Other Than Love
Writer: Deborah Allen/Gary Burr; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Delta Rock (615-476-4086)
—She’s singing as soulfully as ever. The song and production are straightforward and sturdy.
THE LUNABELLES/A Place To Shine
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Angela Lauer; Producer: Jeff Coplan; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Bluewater/Sophie Park/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; BNA
—It somehow manages to be both acoustic/rootsy and pop/crunchy simultaneously. The banjo licks, percussion thump and feathery femme harmonies are all ear catching. I’m in.
JASON JONES/Ferris Wheel
Writer: Kyle Jacobs/Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: Curb/Jacobsong/Fortune Favors the Bold/Kohaw/Dudeski/Bicycle/Little Champion/Dream Rock, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—The delicate instrumental track practically twinkles. His boyish tenor vocal matches the innocent-romance lyric perfectly. Dizzy and captivating.
JOE NICHOLS/Take It Off
Writer: Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher/Songs of Southside Independent/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/EMI April/Didn’t Have to Be, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Unversal
—It’s not exactly life changing as a song. But this man’s superb voice can make even the trivial sound important. And the whole lovable thumping country thang is absolutely the Sound of Summer. I remain an enormous fan.
EMMYLOU HARRIS/Six White Cadillacs
Writer: Emmylou Harris/Will Jennings; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Poodlebone/Almo/Will Jennings/Irving, ASCAP; Nonesuch (track)
—Hypnotic. Electric guitars stutter and shuffle while percussion patters steadily behind her hushed, ghostly vocal delivery of a funeral lyric. This is the tune she chose to perform on Letterman to introduce her new Hard Bargain CD. But it could just as easily have been any of its other dozen shining gems. Jay Joyce’s minimalist sonic approach keeps you hanging on every line of this largely self-penned collection. Check out her moving odes to Gram Parsons (”The Road”) and the recently deceased Kate McGarrigle (”Darlin’ Kate”).
PHIL VASSAR/Let’s Get Together
Writer: Phil Vassar/Tony Mullins; Producer: Phil Vassar & Ross Copperman; Publisher: Phylvester/TMullins, ASCAP; Rodeowave
—Hey, everybody. There’s a party at Phil’s house, and we’re all invited.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/04/11)

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Charlie Sizemore


It’s high time we checked in with country music’s kissin’ cousins in bluegrass.
A look at the current Bluegrass Unlimited chart shows that there are lots and lots of new faces popping up with popular tunes. Alongside the field’s superstars such as Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss and Peter Rowan are a number of up-and-comers. In fact, there are several on the BU chart who are there with debut CDs, including The Boxcars, who win this column’s DisCovery Award.
Lonesome River Band is still doing excellent work. Balsam Range is demonstrating promised fulfilled with its second outing. The amazing and legendary Bobby Osborne can still lift the top of your skull off.
But for sheer vocal class, superb instrumental backing and superior song selection, you simply cannot beat Middle Tennessean Charlie Sizemore. He has the peerless Disc of the Day. If you buy just one bluegrass platter, this is absolutely the One.
JUNIOR SISK & RAMBLERS CHOICE/Train Without a Track
Writer: Tom T. Hall/Dixie Hall; Producer: Wes Easter & Ramblers Choice; Publisher: Good Home Grown Music, BMI; Rebel (track) (www.juniorsiskandramblerschoice.com)
—This tune is perched at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart. Junior is a big ol’ boy with a big ol’ tenor voice, and he uses it well on this uptempo, busted-heart tune. His Heartaches and Dreams CD actually has two songs on the chart, the other being the scampering “Working Hard Ain’t Hardly Working Anymore.”
LONESOME RIVER BAND/Record Time Machine
Writer: Marvin E. Clark; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publisher: Whoville, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.lonesomeriverband.com)
—I’m a big fan of this band. Its flawless harmony singing and deft instrumental work simply flow over this nostalgic song about the sounds from an old phonograph record player. The evocative performance is lodged at No. 2 on BU’s chart. The Still Learning CD also includes covers of Merle Haggard’s “Red Bandana” and Mel Tillis’s “Goodbye Wheeling” done bluegrass style.
BALSAM RANGE/Trains I Missed
Writer: Walt Wilkins/Gilles Godard/Nicole Witt; Producer: Balsam Range; Publisher: Garage Door/Mike Curb/Curb Congregation, BMI/SESAC; Mountain Home (track) (www.balsamrange.com)
—In the No. 3 slot is the title tune of the second album by Balsam Range. It’s a perfectly lovely, mellow, lilting performance. Lead singer Buddy Melton has a heart-tugging, folkie quality that I find immensely appealing. The band’s instrumental chops are also outstanding.
STEVE GULLEY & TIM STAFFORD/How Did That Turn Into My Problem
Writer: Tim Stafford/Steve Gulley; Producer: Steve Gulley & Tim Stafford; Publisher: Daniel House/Gulley’s Curve, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.ruralrhythm.com)
—This team cowrote all the songs on their Dogwood Winter CD. This wry, bitter, bluesy ditty is a top-10 success in the bluegrass world.
BRAND NEW STRINGS/Merry Go Round
Writer: Alan Johnston; Producer: Steve Gulley; Publisher: Weaver of Words, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) ()
—This new band is on the BU chart with this snarky, zippy performance. Vocally, Brand New Strings has that classic, pinched, nasal, high-lonesome sound. Hard core hillbilly.
THE BOXCARS/December 13th
Writer: William Keith Garrett; Producer: The Boxcars; Publisher: Setacoo, BMI; Mountain Home (track) (www.theboxcars.com)
—The Boxcars are also new on the scene, although several of its members have had high profiles in other bands. Lead singer Garrett has a real flair for story telling, based on this debut bluegrass hit by the group. Murder with a banjo beat.
FRANK SOLIVAN & DIRTY KITCHEN/Driftin’ Apart
Writer: Frank Solivan; Producer: Frank Solivan & Brent Truitt; Publisher: Fiddlemon, BMI; Fiddlemon (track) (www.dirtykitchenband.com)
—Lead singer and mandolinist Solivan wrote all but three of the songs on his band’s third album for his indie Fiddlemon imprint. This lickety-split outing features his strong tenor singing plus dazzling banjo runs by Mike Munford.
VALERIE SMITH/Blame it on the Bluegrass
Writer: Elizabeth Shrum/Becky Buller; Producer: Becky Buller; Publisher: Goodnight Sparky, BMI; Bell Buckle (track) (www.valeriesmithonline.com)
—As her label name indicates, Ms. Smith is a native of Bell Buckle, TN, which is southwest of Murfreesboro. She’s one of the up-and-coming female voices in bluegrass because of her yearning delivery. The lonesome sound of the title tune to her current, six-song collection comes largely from her emotional vocal plus the fiddling of producer and co-writer Buller. The CD is the first to be recorded at the International Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, KY.
CHARLIE SIZEMORE/No Lawyers in Heaven
Writer: Paul Craft/Billy Edd Wheeler; Producer: Charlie Sizemore; Publisher: Paul Craft/Dennis Morgan/Blue Duck, BMI/ASCAP; Rounder (track) (www.charliesizemoreband.com)
—Sizemore IS a lawyer, which makes this all the more delightful. The dobro of Matt DeSpain drawls right along with Charlie’s tongue-in-cheek delivery of this divorce ditty. If this ain’t a hit, I’ve never heard one. It’s a track from his Heartache Looking for Home album, which I heartily recommend.
BOBBY OSBORNE & PATTY LOVELESS/Memories
Writer: Bobby Osborne; Producer: Glen Duncan, Bobby Osborne & Bobby Osborne Jr.; Publisher: Sure Fire, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.ruralrhythm.com)
—This is the title tune of a CD that celebrates Bobby’s 60th anniversary as a professional entertainer. At age 79 (80 in December), this Bluegrass Hall of Famer still has a breath-taking, pitch-perfect, arrow-of-truth tenor delivery. Fellow Grand Ole Opry star Patty packs a punch as his harmony foil, too. In a word, awesome.