DISClaimer: Blake Shelton Is At The Top Of His Game

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coolI love country duets. There is just something so pleasing to my ears hearing two splendid voices singing in harmony with both parts mixed like lead vocals. No other musical format has anything like this. So it comes as no surprise that two of my favorite records in this listening session belonged to Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell and to Mark McKinney & Bri Bagwell. These are records that tell me that real country music is alive and well.
That said, I’d be a fool not to honor Blake Shelton with a Disc of the Day award. The man is at the top of his game.
Although the duo of McKinney & Bagwell is new, he has been in this column many times before as a solo. And none of the other newcomers knocked me out. So, alas, there is no DisCovery this week.
ANSON CARTER/All About the Music
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rusted Truck Ranch  
—The track copies Waylon’s old Waylors sound and, sure enough, the lyric waxes nostalgic about the old “Outlaw” days. Then he veers off into praising Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen for not appearing on talk shows. Whatever. It rocks.
LONESTAR/Maybe Someday
Writer: Frank Myers/Dean Sams/Billy Montana/Richie McDonald; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Meleva/Last Song Standing/Clearbox Rights/Mike Curb/Dandon Ranch/NuSlate, BMI; 4Star
—The reunited Lonestar (Richie McDonald, Dean Sams, Keech Rainwater and Michael Britt) still sounds super great. This power ballad has a big, majestic sound that revels in regret and heartache. Hooks a-plenty.
THE CLAY WILSON BAND/Tomorrow
Writer: Clay Wilson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; CWB 
—Crisply produced, this has tasty electric guitar licks, throbbing rhythm, bopping energy, handclaps and a lead vocal that chews on the lyric with gusto. I’m totally digging it. These guys are batting a thousand in this column with their singles. Send an album!
BLAKE SHELTON/Sure Be Cool If You Did
Writer: Rodney Clawson/Jimmy Robbins/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks/Big Loud Songs/Play Another/Extraordinary Alien, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros. 
—He’s swooning over her in a barroom. Best line: “You don’t have to shoot me down, ’cause you’ve already knocked me dead.” An echoey, mid-tempo, finger-snapping production perfectly frames his countryboy vocal performance.
KELLY PARKES/As Good As Me
Writer: Doug Bryson/Dee Briggs; Producer: Mike Borchetta, Darran Smith & Mark Lambert; Publisher: Cross Bayou/Songs South/Perleejo/Songscape/Lullabye Blue, ASCAP; Ocala 
—The track is full of energy, which contrasts with her somewhat languid, slightly pitchy vocal delivery. Intriguing, if not exactly flawless.
JAKE OWEN/Anywhere With You
Writer: Ben Hayslip/David Lee Murphy/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Joey Moi & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/Old Desperados/N2D/Carol Vincent/EMI Blackwood/Beattyville/Great Day at This, ASCAP/BMI; RCA 
—Handsome Jake’s star-making album yields its fourth single. It is the collection’s lead-off track, an escape/road song with lots of wailing electric guitars and his customary vocal warmth.
JOSEY MILNER/Not Pretty Enough
Writer: Kasey Chambers; Producer: Micah Burdick & Matthew Russo; Publisher: Gibbon PTY, ASCAP; MTS 
—Ms. Milner’s bland interpretation of Aussie Americana star Kasey Chambers’ song drains all the blood and soul out of it.
EMMYLOU HARRIS & RODNEY CROWELL/Hanging Up My Heart
Writer: none listed; Producer: Brian Ahern; Publisher: none listed; Nonesuch  
—Old Yellow Moon, the highly anticipated duets album by Emmylou and Rodney isn’t due until Feb. 5, but I couldn’t resist a sneak listen. This lead off track two-steps its way right across your heart with its jaunty vocals and clear, straightforward country production. A pre-order of the CD on Emmylou’s website gets you a free download of this charming number. Roger Miller’s “Invitation to the Blues” is also on the collection, as are Allen Reynolds’ “Dreaming My Dreams with You,” Matraca Berg’s “Back When We Were Beautiful” and several Rodney tunes. Every track is a glittering gem.
MARK McKINNEY & BRI BAGWELL/She Ain’t Leavin’
Writer: none listed; Producer: Eric McKinney & Mark McKinney; Publisher: none listed; MM 
—They’re broke, blue, overworked and disgusted. But they’ve got each other. Not to mention the best song of the listening session, and a rollicking, cool-as-brew production. Absolutely country and absolutely wonderful.
JOHN CORBETT/Steal Your Heart
Writer: Jon Randall/Gary Nicholson/Paul Overstreet; Producer: Gary Paczosa & Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: Reynsong/Wha Ya Say/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Gary Nicholson/Scarlet Moon, BMI/ASCAP; Funbone 
—From Sex and the City to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Corbett has long since proved himself as an actor. But don’t let that color your opinion of him as a music maker. He’s no moonlighting dilettante. He’s a real-deal country rocker. I loved his last CD, and Leaving Nothin’ Behind only fulfills its promise. This bluesy lead track romps splendidly. Of the collection’s 10 songs, Jon Randall Stewart co-wrote seven. He also co-produced. Corbett calls him “my favorite songwriter.” You can’t argue with the man’s taste.

DISClaimer: The blue grass grows all around

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Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out

Disc of the Day winners Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out


The blue grass grows all around.
And so does the musical style that bears its name. In this week’s stack of platters, we find such stars of the idiom as Rhonda Vincent, Del McCoury and The Steeldrivers.
The Disc of the Day goes to Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. This band has long been known for its clever, bluegrass rearrangements of hits from outside the genre. Now it has a whole CD full of them. Goody.
Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers already have a 2012 IBMA Award as Emerging Artists of the Year. Now they also have a DisCovery Award from DisClaimer.
RUSSELL MOORE & IIIRD TYME OUT/Only You
Writer: Buck Ram/Andre Rand; Producer: Barry Bales; Publisher: Hollis/Screen Gems-EMI, no performance rights listed; Cracker Barrel (track)
—Having trouble finding a record store these days? Drop into your nearest Cracker Barrel restaurant, because this chain always carries plenty of CDs in its gift shops. Bluegrass stars Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out are the latest act with a Cracker Barrel CD. Timeless Hits from the Past Bluegrassed consists mostly of new versions of pop and country favorites. When you get to their doo-wop, a cappella performance of this 1955 golden goodie by The Platters, the only proper response is, “Wow.” Sonya Isaacs drops by to harmonize on “Golden Ring.” Pam Tillis guests on the lone Moore co-write “John & Mary.”
Joe

DisCovery Award: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers


JOE MULLINS & THE RADIO RAMBLERS/Bottom of a Mountain
Writer: Don McKinnon; Producer: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Publisher: Sony/ATV-Tree, BMI; Rebel (track)
—Winners of the bluegrass association’s 2012 Emerging Artist of the Year award, Mullins and his band hail from southwestern Ohio, where they also recorded their latest CD, They’re Playing My Song. Its first single is this rolling, mid-tempo coal miner’s plea. It’s extremely well written, with plenty of hooks both lyrically and melodically. And it doesn’t hurt that Mullins has a wonderfully restrained, effortlessly mournful vocal style, and that both he and his band mates pick brilliantly. Enthusiastically endorsed.
THE STEELDRIVERS/I’ll Be There
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
—The new Steeldrivers CD comes out the first week in February, but if you go to the Nashville band’s website now, you can get a free download of this track. It’s a splendidly languid, mournful lament of a lover left behind. The mandolin work is simply poetic, and the group harmonies have never sounded better. The album is titled Hammer Down. Look for it.
DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE/Lonely Ends Where Love Begins
Writer: Billy Austin/Don Pfrimmer/Lisa Shaffer; Producer: Darin & Brooke Aldridge; Publisher: Songs of Platinum Plow/Don Pfrimmer/KLMS, ASCAP; Mountain Home (track) 
—This North Carolina couple and their band have been a steadily rising force on the bluegrass scene for the past few seasons. Their newest CD is a live record that kicks off with this upbeat Music Row toe tapper. The Aldridge’s hearty harmonies remain the central focus, but the band gets its licks in during the romping performance. The concert also contains versions of the country classic “Making Plans,” Neil Young’s “Powderfinger,” and Phil Spector’s “To Know Him Is to Love Him.”
ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS/Storms Never Last
Writer: Jessi Colter/Bo Jan Erik Andersson; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publisher: Universal Songs of Polygram, BMI; Red House (track)
—I am a big, big fan of these Prairie Home Companion regulars. Now celebrating their 40th anniversary of entertaining, lustrous vocalists Robin & Linda have a dandy Nashville-recorded CD titled These Old Dark Hills. It includes a heaping helping of their original tunes, plus this standout rendition of the much-loved Waylon & Jessi 1981 duet. The pedal steel of Al Perkins underscores every sentiment in the lyrics. As far as I’m concerned, all musical couples should have this beautiful song in their repertoires. A standing ovation from this corner.
AUDIE BLAYLOCK & REDLINE/A Natural Thing
Writer: Harley Allen; Producer: Audie Blaylock; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Song Island, no performance rights listed; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.audieblaylock.com)
—Their current CD is titled Hard Country and includes this cool single. It’s a bracing, bouncy tempo tune led by lightly bowed fiddling. What Blaylcock’s voice lacks in passion is more than made up for by the band’s breathtaking instrumental abilities.
RHONDA VINCENT/Joshua
Writer: G.A.A. Thacker; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bridge Building, BMI; UM (track)
—The Queen of Bluegrass went back home to her Missouri church to record her live Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ CD. It includes this heart pounding, exciting, thrilling, frothing slab of call-and-response fervor. With more than 80 honors, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage are the most honored act in bluegrass. Performances like this are why.
BILL EMERSON & SWEET DIXIE/My Baby Thinks He’s a Train
Writer: Leroy Preeston; Producer: Bill Emerson; Publisher: Bug, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track)
—The co-founder of the legendary Country Gentlemen, banjo player Emerson now leads his own band, Sweet Dixie. The instrumental contributions on this Rosanne Cash/Asleep at the Wheel oldie are all simply outstanding. You’d think with its leader’s experience and connections, he’d be able to find a more soulful lead singer than this.
DAVID GRISMAN & THE DEL McCOURY BAND/ 20/20 Vision
Writer: none listed; Producer: David Grisman; Publisher: none listes; Acoustic Disc (track) 
—Grisman’s mandolin playing can be all over the map, everywhere from jazz to new age. But teamed with Nashville’s McCoury bunch, he clings closely to bluegrass tradition on chestnuts including “John Henry,” “A Good Woman’s Love,” “Hit Parade of Love,” “Tennessee Waltz,” “I’m Sitting on Top of the World” and this 1955 Jimmy Martin oldie. It may be billed as a “Dawg” disc, but this is Del’s show all the way.
JIMMY GAUDREAU & MOONDI KLEIN/New Morning
Writer: Casey B. McPherson; Producer: Jimmy Gaudreau, Moondi Klein & Stuart Martin; Publisher: AlphaRev/Seven Peaks, ASCAP; Rebel (track) 
—The team’s new disc is titled Home from the Mills. Despite the presence of more familiar fare such as “Close the Door Lightly When You Go,” “If I Needed You,” and “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie,” it’s this lilting, melodic song from the repertoire of a band called Alpha Rev that gets the emphasis. Whatever. I could listen to these guys sing the phone book.

DISClaimer: It’s a day of dueling divas

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divas3It’s a day of dueling divas. Both LeAnn Rimes and Miranda Lambert have terrific new singles this week. Since one is a ballad and one is a tempo tune, I don’t want to compare apples to oranges. So they are sharing the Disc of the Day award.
I have never done this before, but I am giving a repeat DisCovery Award. Singer-songwriter Charlie Worsham won it last June, and I am bestowing it again, for the same song, no less. If you seek a complete unknown, give a second DisCovery prize to another singer-songwriter, Max Gomez.
LEANN RIMES/Borrowed
Writer: LeAnn Rimes/Darrell Brown/Dan Wilson; Producer: Darrell Brown & LeAnn Rimes; Publisher: Curb/Lucky in Love/Grey Ink/Chrysalis, ASCAP; Curb
—Enchanting. Softly strummed guitars, brushed drums and sighing steel back a delicately shaded vocal performance. Cheating has never sounded so lovely. Her finest single in years.

Charlie Worsham

Charlie Worsham


JOHN LOWELL/I Am Going to the West
Writer: Connie Dover; Producer: John Lowell & Fred Baker; Publisher: Taylor Park, BMI; JL (track) 
—The title tune of this flattop guitarist’s debut solo CD has a pleasant, languid, folky quality. The lyric seems to recall the Lewis & Clark Expedition in its evocation of American scenic splendor.
RASCAL FLATTS/Changed
Writer: Gary LaVox/Neil Thrasher/Wendell Mobley; Producer: Dann Huff & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: Sony-ATV/BMG Gold/We Jam Writers Group/BMG Chrysalis/Songs of Peer/Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine
—The stately rhythm track gives low, undertow power to the track, which contrasts nicely with Gary’s high-tenor vocal performance. The lyric’s Christian imagery should make this attractive to CCM broadcasters as well as to the group’s country constituency.
JILLIAN KOHR/What You’ve Done
Writer: Kohr/Cirimelli/Kohr; Producer: Gary Cirimelli; Publisher: Jillian Kohr, BMI; HMG Nashville 
—Her soulful, raspy vocal is ear catching, but the instrumental track just lays there.
MIRANDA LAMBERT/Mama’s Broken Heart
Writer: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Kacey Musgraves; Producer: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay & Glenn Worf; Publisher: Tunes of Bigger Picture/Vista Loma/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Warner-Tamerlane, ASCAP/BMI; RCA 
—Very cool. The production is loaded with little audio tricks and unexpected turns. As usual, Miranda sings her face off. The sassy lyric outlines a feisty response to a breakup, and she delivers it with pounds of personality.
Max Gomez

Max Gomez


JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS & BALSAM RANGE/Daylight
Writer: John Driskell Hopkins/Sean McIntyre; Producer: John Driskell Hopkins & Balsam Range; Publisher: Brighter Shade, BMI; JDH (track)
—Hopkins is a founding member of the Zac Brown Band. On this CD, he is teamed with bluegrass headliners Balsam Range, plus several guest stars. In the cast are Joey + Rory, Jerry Douglas, Zac Brown and on this title tune, banjo master Tony Trischka. It meanders melodically, but is consistently listenable, as is the whole project. Recommended.
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Get Your Shine On
Writer: Tyler Hubbard/Brian Kelley/Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: Big Loud Mountain/Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks/Big Loud Songs/Angel River, BMI/ASCAP; Republic (track) 
—Country rock with big echoey guitars and stomping percussion. He’s cuddling up to his honey with some ‘shine in the bright sunshine, and the sound is appropriately ebullient.
RICH MAHAN/Mama Found My Bong
Writer: Rich Mahan; Producer: Brian Harrison & Rich Mahan; Publisher: Rich Mahan, BMI; Snortin’ Horse (track) 
—Ya gotta love a title like this. Elsewhere on the CD, you’ll find “Rehab’s for Quitters,” “Overserved in Alabam” and “I’ll Get Off the Booze.” Mahan’s singing voice is an almost strangulated wail and the production is minimal, but he keeps you listening. The album is titled Blame Bobby Bare, since he was inspired to write these songs by listening to “Tequila Sheila” and “Drop Kick Me Jesus.”
CHARLIE WORSHAM/Could It Be
Writer: Charlie Worsham/Ryan Tyndell/Marty Dodson; Producer: Charlie Worsham & Ryan Tyndell; Publisher: Purple Cape/Dad’s Retirement/Black to Black/I Hope Mama’s Listening, BMI; Warner Bros. 
—I reviewed this when it was an ole Publishing EP tune last summer. Now it’s a real single, so here we go again: This guy sings with immense warmth and personality. The production is an ear-tickling, acoustic-with-a-thump delight. The harmony work is flawless. And the song is a melodic wonder. Make this man a star.
MAX GOMEZ/Run From You
Writer: Max Gomez/Jeff Trott; Producer: Jeff Trott; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Marveltone/New West Independent/Cyrillic Soup/Wixen, BMI/ASCAP; New West (track) 
—The song is super rhythmic and catchy. So much so that it really doesn’t matter that his vocal performance of it is somewhat laid back. The punch in the production helps, as do a splendid steel solo and some echoey background singing. Promising. The CD is titled Rule the World. Lend it your ears.

DISClaimer: CCM Leads Holiday Season

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Point of Grace

Despite some Country star power, it’s the CCM artists who had the goods this holiday-music review session.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Point of Grace. Along with “Walking Through Bethlehem” by Billy Smith and Dixie & Tom T. Hall, Andrew Peterson’s “Labor of Love” gets my vote as the best new Christmas song of the year.

The DisCovery Award also goes to an artist from the CCM genre. Lincoln Brewster‘s hits on the Christian charts include “Everlasting God” and “Love The Lord.” This singer-guitarist rocks. Buy his album.

DAUGHTERS OF BLUEGRASS/Walking Through Bethlehem
Writer: Dixie Hall/Tom T. Hall/Billy Smith; Producer: Ben Isaacs; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Circle 
—Featuring the lovely voice of Sonya Isaacs, this bluegrass waltz is an awesome audio gem. When her sister Rebecca and mother Lily join in as harmony singers, it soars straight to hillbilly heaven.

TOBY KEITH/Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Toby Keith & Randy Scruggs; Publisher: St. Nicholas Music, ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—Toby turns this rockabilly oldie into a honky-tonk two step. As always, few modern country vocalists are as thoroughly steeped in the tradition as this man is.

JAIDA DREYER/I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Writer: Tommie Connor; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Streamsound
—And speaking of two stepping, Ms. Dreyer takes this classic out onto the country dance floor while down-home fiddles and steel back her solid vocal performance.

SAWYER BROWN/Joseph’s Prayer
Writer: Mark A. Miller/Gregg Hubbard; Producer: Mark Miller & Dale Oliver; Publisher: Travelin’ Zoo/Myrt & Chuck’s Boy, ASCAP; Beach Street
—Tender and touching, this new holiday lyric finds Joseph addressing God about the newborn baby in his care. Softly persuasive.

TOBI GORDON/Follow the Star
Writer: Tobi Gordon & Rob Thorson; Producer: Robert Metzger; Publisher: Bobby & Billy/Sony-ATV, BMI; Platinum Plus
—She doesn’t seem to have much lung power, but the nicely arranged track keeps her wispy, lightweight performance afloat.

LORRIE MORGAN/Wrapped Up in Love
Writer: Oliverius/Cole/Linville; Producer: Mark Oliverius & Kelley Corbitt; Publisher: none listed, BMI; LM
—Merry and bright, with plenty of good-natured fun. The sprightly track bops along, and her vocal performance is splendid. You country kiddies out there ought to check out Lorrie’s Christmas events at Opryland for a tutorial about how a real pro puts on a show.

LINCOLN BREWSTER & KJ-52/Little Drummer Boy
Writer: Catharine Davis/Henry Onorati/Harry Simeone; Producer: Lincoln Brewster & Colby Wedgeworth; Publisher: EMI Mills/International Korwin, ASCAP; Integrity
—Brewster is a highly regarded worship leader at a church in Sacramento. If his music there is anything like this, those services must seriously rock. The drum track is outstanding and his voice fits into the groove perfectly. When the guest rappers kick in, the rhythms explode. The CD is titled Joy to the World. It is essential listening.

SHERRI GOUGH/Cold December Night
Writer: Sherri Gough/Bill DiLuigi; Producer: Sherri Gough; Publisher: Steel Train, ASCAP; SG 
—Gough’s locally recorded Merry Christmas Believe CD is dominated by her well written original holiday tunes. She sings them in an earnest soprano that occasionally veers off pitch when she reaches into her upper register. Lower your keys, and you’ll be fine.

POINT OF GRACE/Labor of Love
Writer: Andrew Peterson; Producer: Stephanie Chapman & Nathan Chapman; Publisher: New Spring, ASCAP; Word
—This appears on the group’s Home for the Holidays album, as well as on a 16-track Word artists compilation titled A Very Special Christmas. The ballad is beautifully embellished with delicate mandolin, piano and fiddle notes, not to mention their celestial vocal harmonies. Breathtaking.

NATALIE GRANT/I Believe
Writer: Natalie Grant; Producer: Bernie Herms; Publisher: Nat-in-the-Hat, ASCAP; Word
—Her airy soprano aches while keyboards tinkle and strings sigh throughout a hookless, meandering melody. It’s all very fey.

DISClaimer: Nashville owns Christmas music

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Michael Bublé and Blake Shelton during "Michael Bublé: Home for the Holidays." Photo: Chris Large/NBC

Nashville owns Christmas music.

For one thing the CCM genre resides here, and Christmas is the time of year that endorses what those artists do all year long. Country performers are also unafraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, which is what Christmas music asks you to do. So they annually turn in some of the best holiday albums. This sterling crop of platters even includes one from our pop/rock community.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Blake Shelton. But draw nigh unto Steven Curtis Chapman and Donna Ulisse as well. The DisCovery Award goes to Marie Miller for her creative take on “Silent Night.”

Marie Miller on the monitor from her "Silent Night" video shoot.

GORDON MOTE/Go Tell it on the Mountain
Writer: traditional; Producer: Gordon Mote, Ben Fowler & Michael English; Publisher: public domain; New Haven 
—Session keyboardist extraordinaire Mote has had quite a year, performing at both the Country and Gospel Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. On his holiday CD, The Star Still Shines, he tickles the ivories rapidly on this traditional spiritual while singing lead fronting a rocking gospel choir. Recommended, as is the album’s super-rollicking “Hay Baby.”

BLAKE SHELTON & MICHAEL BUBLE/Home
Writer: Michael Buble/Alan Chang/Amy Foster; Producer: Brent Rowan & Scott Hendricks; Publisher: I’m the Last Man Standing/Ihan Zhan/Songs of Unversal/Almost October, SOCAN/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Country’s Entertainer of the Year has Cheers It’s Christmas as his holiday offering. On it, he teams with pop crooner Buble on this lilting, wistful ballad for those who are far from home during this season. Soft strings underscore two beautifully tender vocal performances.

MARIE MILLER/Silent Night
Writer: Marie Miller/Seth Jones; Producer: Seth Jones; Publisher: Curb Songs/Magdalen Spring/Tunes of R and T Direct, ASCAP/SESAC; Curb
—It’s the traditional carol, but this arrangement pretty much jettisons the original melody in favor of a cool, inventive pop tune. She sings in a wafty soprano with ear-catching flips up into falsetto notes. Strings sigh, guitars ripple and the rhythm section serves softly choppy backing while her vocals become ever more layered. Absolutely lovely.

JOHN ANDERSON/Christmas Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Shannon Houchins; Publisher: none listed; Average Joes
—John Anderson is back! He can be found on the compilation An Average Joes Muddy Christmas alongside Montgomery Gentry, Colt Ford, Bo Bice, Josh Gracin and the label’s other stars. John is in fine voice on this simply produced country ditty. It’s just him, acoustic guitar, fiddle and some harmony singers, so it sounds like a demo. But it’s just great to hear his voice again.

DONNA ULISSE & RICK STANLEY/All the Way to Bethlehem
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Kerry Chater/Lynn Gillespie Chater; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Chater Songs/ASCAP/BMI; Hadley Music Group
—The title tune to Ulisse’s holiday CD is performed as a duet between Mary and Joseph as her time draws near. The bluegrass accompaniment is sterling, as are the perfectly matched voices. The reason this album is such a welcome gem is that all of its 11 songs are new country Christmas compositions by her. Future country Christmas record makers ought to mine this collection for repertoire.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/A Holly Jolly Christmas
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Paul Worley & Lady Antebellum; Publisher: St. Nicholas, ASCAP; Capitol
—Lady A’s holiday offering, On This Winter’s Night, kicks off with my least favorite Christmas song of all time. The big-band arrangement and the group’s flawless harmonies are mighty efforts toward making it listenable. Indeed, the whole CD is inventively arranged. It also features the whitest interpretation ever of the r&b chestnut “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”

SUPE & THE SANDWICHES/I’m Gonna Be Santa Claus for Christmas
Writer: Michael R. Granda; Producer: Michael Supe Granda; Publisher: Missouri Mule/Bug, BMI; Missouri Mule
—This pop Nashvillian performs a truly autobiographical tune on his CD Cool, Cool Yule. The former Ozark Mountain Daredevil now has a white beard and is, indeed, appearing as Santa in the community this year. The quasi-Dixieland romp is full of good humor and cheer. Recommended.

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN/Christmas Time Again
Writer: Steven Curtis Chapman/Caleb Chapman; Producer: Steven Curtis Chapman & Brent Milligan; Publisher: Chappy Campers/Primary Wave/Wixen, BMI; Provident
—CCM superstar Chapman has a new CD titled Joy that is half familiar favorites and half original tunes. Its single is one of the latter. It’s a soulful bopper with a nicely raspy vocal, a dandy drumming backbeat and some chesty male backup singing. This guy simply doesn’t know how to make a bad record. Splendid work…again.

FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI/O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Writer: traditional; Producer: Ian Eskelin; Publisher: public domain; Fervent/Curb
—Her version of this traditional is taken at a stately pace with her aching voice fronting a string section and piano. As the track progresses, extra voices enter, the strings swell louder, the piano becomes more elaborate and the overall texture becomes grander. You’ll find it on her CD titled, simply, Christmas.

SCOTTY McCREERY/Santa Claus Is Back In Town
Writer: none listed; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed; Mercury/19
—Most of the Christmas with Scotty McCreery CD is comprised of familiar fare. He is surprisingly soulful on this blues chestnut, giving it oomph, rasp and growls in all the right places. He ends it with a “C.C. Rider” rave-up, Elvis style. The whole project is a Gold-selling pleasure.

DISClaimer: Train Teams With Ashley Monroe

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Train's Pat Monahan and Ashley Monroe in video for "Bruises."

How interesting: The two best country platters of the week both come from bands who are considered to be outside the country format.

The British folk-rock combo Mumford & Sons has definitely earned its acoustic bona fides while rising to Platinum and Grammy-nominated status. Now it is knocking on country music’s door with “I Will Wait.” I, for one, would open it.

The San Francisco pop rockers Train have also attained Platinum and Grammy recognition. They’ve also appeared on CMT with Martina McBride. They perform super catchy songs and lead singer Pat Monahan blends fantastically well with mountain soprano Ashley Monroe. All of that is why “Bruises” is the Disc of the Day.

And since Mumford & Sons have never appeared in this column before, that qualifies them for a DisCovery Award.

Mumford and sons

HANNAH BETHEL/No Where Left to Roam
Writer: Hannah Bethel; Producer: Andy Sheridan & Hannah Bethel; Publisher: Hamywyn, BMI; Hannah Bethel (CDX) 
—She sings splendidly, with just the right blend of sweetness, ache and hillbilly heart. The softly brushed drums, scampering fiddle, plaintive dobro and stacked vocal harmonies are all pluses, even if the title seems buried in the lyric.

RANDY HOUSER/How Country Feels
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek (track) 
—The title tune to Houser’s upcoming CD is a solid stomper that places his bruiser voice right up front, where it belongs. The man can sure-nuff sing. Play it.

CLAYTON BELLAMY/Straight Into the Sun
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG) 
—I think it’s meant to sound slow and sultry. It put me to sleep.

TRAIN & ASHLEY MONROE/Bruises
Writer: Pat Monahan/Espen Lind/Amud Bjorklund; Producer: Espionage & Butch Walker; Publisher: EMI April/Ptimon/Stellar, ASCAP; Columbia 
—Train writes such catchy tunes. No wonder it has a shot on country playlists. Especially when collaborating with a hillbilly angel like Hippie Annie. This little sparkler is an addictive audio delight.

JASON KIRKNESS/Leavin’
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MDM (ERG)  
—This Canadian has a slightly folkie bent, but with all the earnest “heart” that good country singing requires. The mid-tempo song is loaded with hooks, and the production is stellar. In short, come on down.

MUMFORD & SONS/I Will Wait
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Glassnote (ERG) 
—It’s a frothy, banjo-and-guitar driven track with loads of energy. Their haunting vocal harmony work captures your full attention. I have been smitten with this folk-rock band for quite some time and think this format could do itself a big favor by inviting the Mumfords to the party.

WAYNE WARNER/The Journey
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; B-Venturous (ERG) 
—His quivering, quavering vibrato is either a welcome novelty or an audio irritant. Take your pick.

PAT GREEN/Even the Losers
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (ERG) 
—His voice sounds as urgent and rousing on a semi-ballad like this as it does on his crowd-pleasing rockers. I remain a fan.

ELVIS BEFORE NOON/Best Year
Writer: Daylon Greer; Producer: Eric Racy; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; EBN (track) 
—This Arizona four-piece jangles like The Byrds, twangs like The Eagles, rocks like Creedence and crafts tunes that sound as good as familiar oldies. A classic country-rock sound.

KEVIN DEAL/There Goes the Neighborhood
Writer: none listed; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publisher: Piedrero, ASCAP; Blindfellow (track)
—This perennial Texas favorite is back with a new collection this year. Its bouncy, banjo-backed title tune and lead track lets you know you’re in for a good-natured ride. Ragged but right, as they say.

 

DISClaimer: Hooked on ‘Nashville’

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Hayden Panettiere

If you’re not hooked on ABC-TV’s Nashville, you’re not watching.

On top of the addictively dishy, soapy plotlines, the music on the show is consistently excellent. Which is the perfect preamble to saying that Nashville co-star Hayden Panettiere has the Disc of the Day. Don’t forget to tune in tonight (11/28).

Galloping in out of nowhere (well, Oklahoma City) is the group Drankmore. It’s “You Got to Me” is splendid on every level. It wins those boys a DisCovery Award.

CLEDUS T. JUDD/Honeymoon
Writer: Barry Dean/Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird/Cledus T. Judd/Chris Clark; Producer: Cledus T. Judd & Rex Paul Schnelle; Publisher: Barrytones/Universal Careers/EMI Blackwood/Wruckestrike; Warner Bros./Loud Mouth (CDX)
—It’s a parody of “Pontoon.” The just-married couple decides to go to Dollywood, taking their respective children along on their honeymoon. The wacky rhymes are the best parts.

Drankmore

JONMARK STONE/Another Sad Song
Writer: Jonmark Stone; Producer: Jonmark Stone, Vic Clay & Toni Clay; Publisher: Movieville, BMI; IGO (CDX) 
—“God I feel so old today,” he sings. He sounds it, too, on this dreary ballad.

GEORGE STRAIT/Give It All We Got Tonight
Writer: Tim James/Phil O’Donnell/Mark Bright; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/T-Bird’s/Sixteen Stars/Rooster Pecked/HoriPro/Delbert’s Boy, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—Dreamy and romantic, this ballad finds Strait’s voice floating on a cushion of piano notes, steel slides and background vocals. Very pretty.

TED RUSSELL KAMP/Right Down to the Wire
Writer: Ted Russell Kamp/Logan Mize; Producer: Ted Russell Kamp; Publisher: Terys the Silver/Cal IV/Even the Losers, ASCAP; PoMo (track)
—I have always liked this guy’s work. His new Night Owl collection was recorded at studios in Santa Monica, L.A. and Echo Park, CA, as well as Claremore, OK and Nashville. This emphasis track features his wistful, raspy vocal over an easy-going, brushed-snare rhythm and lilting, high-pitched guitar work. In the engaging lyric, he follows his heart, whether it leads him to joy or sadness. Recommended listening.

HAYDEN PANETTIERE/Telescope
Writer: Cary Barlowe/Hillary Lindsay; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Castle Bound/We Be Partying/Raylene/BMG Rights Management, SESAC/ASCAP; Big Machine (track) 
—The vixen from the TV series Nashville has her first single, and it’s a dandy. The double-time, rocking track is a perfect showcase for her sassy-purring delivery. Watch out: This is a kitten with claws.

THE COLEMAN BROTHERS/Ghost Town
Writer: David Erik/Jay Cooper; Producer: Greg Cole; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Fishing Hole (track)
—These three siblings harmonize tentatively on the choruses of this lost-love ballad. It’s a more-than-okay effort, but everyone sounds a little timid.

BOBBY BARE/Farewell Angelina
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Plowboy (track) 
—Bare’s new CD, Darker Than Light, is a collection of nicely produced folk songs. And what would a folk album be without a Dylan composition? The singer gives this goodbye song a world-weary performance while a top-notch sonic track rings and weaves around him. It’s a great sound. The whole project is.

AARON WATSON/Lips
Writer: Aaron Watson; Producer: Sam Seiffert & Wes Hightower; Publisher: Sonnet/Aaron Watson, BMI; HTK (CDX)
—A country boy falls head over heels in love and tumbles along merrily. A single with a built-in smile.

CHANTAL KUEGLE/Never Alone
Writer: Chantal Kuegle/Ben Cooper; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Chantal Kuegle/Box of Strings, SOCAN/BMI; GTR (CDX) (615-327-0100)
—It is well produced, and she can sing. The song does nothing for me.

DRANKMORE/You Got to Me
Writer: Cody Hanson/Marshal Dutton/David Fanning/Kurt Alison/Rich Redmond; Producer: Marshal Dutton & Cody Fanning; Publisher: Firecrotch/Marshal Dutton/David Fanning/Magic Mustang, BMI; Back Lounge (CDX) (615-269-7071)
—Love the band name. And guess what? It’s a snappy little disc. The lead vocalist is a righteous “heart” singer, the rhythm section is cooking and the guitar playing is catchy and cool. Whoever this is, I’m diggin’ ‘em. Okay, I looked them up on Facebook, and they’re from Oklahoma City, a group fronted by Marshal Dutton and Jarrod Denton. There.

DISClaimer: Carrie Underwood Rules (11/21/12)

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Carrie revs up.

Carrie Underwood rules. The Oklahoma-bred gal who cleverly calls her publishing company Carrie Okie has absolutely no challengers this week. She stands tall with the undisputed Disc of the Day.

Jay Jolley is a Detroit-area keyboardist and singer who has opened for many big names in the Midwest. His “It’s a Friday Thing” earns him the DisCovery Award for this edition.

THE CADILLAC BLACK/Get Your Buzz On
Writer: none listed; Producer: The Cadillac Black; Publisher: none listed; TCB (track)
—The guys in this Southern-rock trio used to be in the super Nashville pop/rock band American Bang. Their debut as a country act sounds like they haven’t drifted too far from their roots. This rocks in a party kinda way. Look for The Cadillac Black in upcoming episodes of TV’s Nashville. (Did you catch Lindi Ortega doing her new single on the show last week?)BIG & RICH/Party Like Cowboyz
Writer: John Rich/Big Kenny; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: J. Money/Kobalt/Big Love, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.  
—And speaking of party, these two practically patented the country-boys-on-a-rampage thang. This is straight from their typical playbook, complete with sung/spoken passages, screaming guitars and stomping beats.

AMBER HAYES/Any Day Is a Good Day
Writer: Amber Hayes/Bill Diluigi/J.P. Williams; Producer: Paul Compton; Publisher: Okie Girl/888 Red/Rio Bravo/Blonde Leading Blind, ASCAP/BMI; AOK  
—Simply lovely. Her sweetly wistful singing voice is perfectly framed by an airy production and pristinely placed harmony vocals. Plus, it has a message to warm your soul. I could definitely get used to listening to this wafting through the radio speakers.

AARON WATSON/Real Good Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Aaron Watson, Sam Seifert & Wes Hightower; Publisher: none listed; HTK 
—Aaron Watson has rounded up a bevy of impressive guest stars on his new CD. Pat Green, Elizabeth Cook, Willie Nelson, John Anderson and Kevin Fowler all drop by. But on the set’s title tune, Mr. Watson is on his own. It’s a rapid romp with a pace that’s almost tongue tripping. Guitar and fiddle notes splatter all over the place.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Two Black Cadillacs
Writer: Carrie Underwood/Josh Kear/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie Okie/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight/Words & Music/Raylene/BMG Crysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Arista
—Very atmospheric and mysterious. The brooding, swirling production surrounds her full-throated singing of a tale about a wife and a mistress evidently teaming up to do away with the man who deceived them.

NO JUSTICE/Shot in the Dark
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; NME/Smith Entertainment 
—Country-rock music with a slightly muddy sound. I’d have upped the tempo a tad and tweaked the tuning.

BUCK NECK-ED/Backroads
Writer: Cowboy/Bad News; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Raw
—Of the song’s co-writers, “Cowboy” is Chad Kaltenberg and “Bad News” apparently doesn’t have any other name. The band sounds competent enough, but the production is dreadful. “Garage” would be a compliment. Get a studio and a producer.

JAY JOLLEY/It’s a Friday Thing
Writer: Bill Edwards; Producer: Chuck Alkazian; Publisher: Edwardsongs, ASCAP; Double J (CDX) 
—With its menacing guitar work and minor-key melody, this has a cool “outlaw” vibe. Darkly compelling. Well done.

TYLER STEPHENS/Freedom Don’t Come Free
Writer: Scott Patrick/Courtney Patrick; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Aria/Five Star Country, BMI; Big Appal (CDX) 
—He sings flat and slurs his words.

OUTBOUND ROAD/Home to Me
Writer: B. Shannon/B. Vames/A. Jannotti; Producer: Alan Stein; Publisher: Cannon Biggs, BMI; Lure (CDX) 
—It seems to take forever to get to the title line. The gist of the power ballad is that big-city life isn’t for him.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (11/14/12)

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King's Bullet, Lee Brice

As we get deeper into the fall, the sounds of country music grow warmer.

On the holiday drives to friends and relations that lie ahead, I’m going to welcome hearing Kix Brooks and Lee Brice coming over those car speakers. I’m taking along some left-field CDs, too, like the new one by Lindi Ortega and the duets of Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale.

You’ll find all four of them discussed in this week’s column. Lee Brice has my heart as the Disc of the Day.

There was a little surprise tucked into today’s listening session. Singer-songwriters Trey Bruce and Loni Rose have become King’s Bullet, and in so doing win this week’s DisCovery Award.

LINDI ORTEGA/The Day You Die
Writer: none listed; Producer: Colin Linden; Publisher: none listed; Last Gang (track) (www.lindiortega.com)
—I’m still crazy about this gal. This super hooky, neo-rockabilly, speedy romp has mordant wit as well as echoey twang and thump. It’s produced with verve by her fellow Canadian in Nashville, Colin Linden.

DAVID KROLL/Little Soldiers
Writer: David Kroll/Arlos Smith; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (www.davidkrollmusic.com)
—This being the week of Veteran’s Day, this ballad is certainly timely. It concerns the families left behind when soldiers go off to war, and it is very well written. In addition, Kroll sings it with real feeling. Proceeds from downloads of the single this week go to the Code of Support Foundation.

LIZZIE SIDER/Butterfly
Writer: Lizzie Sider/Jamie O’Neal/Jimmy Murphy/Lisa Drew; Producer: Jamie O’Neal; Publisher: none listed; Blue Steel (www.lizziesider.com)
—Wildly upbeat and catchy as all get out. The pulsing production rings with repeated guitar riffs and notes of steel. She sings with confidence and volume, riding atop the sonic excitement like a pro.

CARRIE ZARUBA/Woman on a Mission
Writer: Carrie Zaruba/Kent Wells; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CZ
—Her vocal is almost swamped by the busy-sounding instrumental track. But there’s real talent here, in songwriting as well as singing.

BUDDY MILLER & JIM LAUDERDALE/I Lost My Job of Loving You
Writer: Lauderdale/B. Miller; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: Ginger Dragon/Songs of Bug/West Bay/Julie’s Freaking Out, SESAC/ASCAP; New West (track) (www.buddymiller.com / www.jimlauderdale.com)
—Talk about a dream team. Individually, these two men are among the best country singers and songwriters in this whole city. Their Buddy & Jim collection together is a banquet of audio delights. This opening-track twang fest is drawling and haunting, with plenty of alt-country production touches. Most of the CD is original material by them. But they do take side trips to Johnnie & Jack (”South in New Orleans”), Joe Tex (”I Want to Do Everything for You”), Jimmy McCracklin (”The Wobble”) and to a pair of traditional tunes.

CLAY WALKER/Jesse James
Writer: Kyle Jacobs/Joe Leathers/Ben Glover; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Curb/JacobsongFortune Favors the Bold/Mike Curb/Ghermkyle/WB/Screaming Norman, ASCAP/BMI; Curb (track)
—He dreams of being a free-and-easy, wild outlaw in the Wild West. It’s a battle between the dark and the light, the good and the wicked, sung high up in his range while chanting men, screaming electric guitars and a plunking banjo surround him. Too noisy for these ears.

KING’S BULLET/Watermelon Sun
Writer: none listed; Producer: Trey Bruce; Publisher: none listed; KB (track) (www.kingsbullet.com)
—Hit Nashville songwriter Trey Bruce spent part of his summer months collaborating on songs with Loni Rose. While working in the studio, they “accidentally” created an album, a new sound and an identity as King’s Bullet. Her sweet soprano takes the lead, while he provides a dusky harmony part. This opening track wafts across like a dry prairie breeze in late afternoon. Refreshingly different.

LEE BRICE/I Drive Your Truck
Writer: Jessi Alexander/Connie Harrington/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Kyle Jacobs, Matt McClure & Lee Brice; Publisher: none listed; Curb (track)
—This man is turning into a star with every successive disc. He smacked homeruns right out of the ballpark with “A Woman Like You” and “Hard to Love.” The third single from Brice’s CD is immensely evocative, as a son recalls his deceased dad by driving his truck and listening to their favorite country station. If this doesn’t punch you in your heart, you haven’t got one. Another homer.

KIX BROOKS/Moonshine Road
Writer: Kix Brooks/Leslie Satcher; Producer: Kix Brooks; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Buffalo Prairie/Leslie Satcher, BMI; Arista (track)
—The drawling country boy promises the fancy lady a wild and wooly time in this moody, minor-key “outlaw” slab of sound. Very, very cool, with a “heartbeat” rhythm track that is irresistible and a production that gets right under your skin.

J.D. SHELBURNE/Grandma & Garth
Writer: J.D. Selburne/Bob Stewart; Producer: Greg Cole; Publisher: J.D. Shelburne/Giraffekey, BMI; Star BLase (CDX) (www.jdshelburne.com)
—He cleans out his late Granny’s house and finds a guitar. It leads him to a life as a country singer. Along the way, the lyric quotes the Garth song titles she loved. As a song, it’s certainly unique.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (11/07/12)

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Toby Keith, Phoenix Stone

What a sonic harvest we have this week.

Good luck, radio programmers. You’re going to have to make room for a heaping helping of new sounds. The Zac Brown Band has the most beautifully produced single of the week. The Band Perry has the most refreshingly original sound. Amy Rose turns in the finest vocal performance. Kelly Clarkson has the coolest groove. And Tim McGraw is playing at the top of his game. All of these folks deserve massive airplay.

For the Disc of the Day, I am going with the masterful new effort by Toby Keith. He’s playing the part of a bartender with a big shoulder to cry on in “Hope on the Rocks.” And he makes you believe every word of it.

Like Toby, Phoenix Stone writes and produces his own single, as well as singing it well. So he’s taking home this week’s DisCovery Award.

PHOENIX STONE/100 Proof Moonshine
Writer: Phoenix Stone; Producer: Phoenix Stone; Publisher: Stonelib, ASCAP; Stonehall (www.phoenixstoneofficial.com)
—Very nicely produced, with a crashing drum sound, banjo grace notes, a ringing electric guitar and some hearty shouting chorus boys. Stone sings with southern gusto, and the song has loads of memorable hooks. Play it.

TIM McGRAW/One of Those Nights
Writer: Luke Laird/Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Universal-Careers/Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks/Big Loud Songs/Angel River, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine
—The sound of young love. He and his babe head for the party, dance to a slow tune and get it on later. The whole thing is wrapped up in echoey, wistful nostalgia. Superbly listenable.

LOVE AND THEFT/Runnin’ Out of Air
Writer: Matt Jenkins/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Josh Leo; Publisher: Songs of Bims/Kobalt/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; RCA (track)
—It has a glossy-pop sound, a galloping beat and rich vocal harmonies. It’s not exactly my cup of tea, but there’s no denying the polished craftsmanship at work here.

TOBY KEITH/Hope on the Rocks
Writer: Toby Keith; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco, BMI; Show Dog Universal (track)
—Forget what I implied last week. I still do dearly love “Cold Beer Country,” and the label did send it out as a tune to be listened to, but it is NOT the new single. This is. It is the moody, meditative title tune of Toby’s album. The disillusioned and downtrodden find their way into the bartender’s establishment to drown their sorrows. It is superbly written, and he sings the fire out of it. This man is a hoss.

KELLY CLARKSON & VINCE GILL/Don’t Rush
Writer: Blu Sanders/Natalie Hemby/Lindsay Dawn Chapman; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Lindsay Dawn Chapman, BMI/ASCAP; 19/RCA
—With Vince supplying heavenly harmony, Kelly sways through this groove-a-minute tune with an old-school R&B vibe. Wonderfully rhythmic.

AMY ROSE/I Just Want You to Know
Writer: Gottwald/Sandberg; Producer: After Tuesday Productions; Publisher: Kasz Money/Universal, ASCAP; Wild Rose (www.amyrosemusic.com)
—This was a 2006 hit for The Backstreet Boys, and her version doesn’t countrify the song all that much. That said, her sultry, range-y singing voice is beyond excellent.

THE BAND PERRY /Better Dig Two
Writer: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Tunes of Bigger Picture/Vista Loma/Songs of Bigger Picture/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/ReHits/Unfair Entertainment, ASCAP; Republic Nashville
—Very cool. The crisp little banjo licks, thumpy percussion and sonic crashes give it a super dramatic sound. The dark, threatening lyric and the energetic vocals are pluses as well. Innovative and ear catching.

ZAC BROWN BAND/Goodbye in Her Eyes
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RPM Entertainment (ERG)
—When they hit those chorus harmonies, I rose right out of my chair. Man, these guys can sing. This is one thrilling, gorgeous and deliciously melodic little record.

SMOKEY RIVER BOYS/All Pure Country
Writer: Robert Metzger; Producer: Robert Metzger; Publisher: Aim High/Universal, ASCAP; Platinum Plus (CDX) (www.smokeyriverboys.com)
—As you might guess from the title, this a for-real hillbilly-cornball outing. Country with a capital “K.”

JOSIE BRANDON/Crazy Week
Writer: Josie Brandon; Producer: Ian Spanic & Josie Brandon; Publisher: Josie Brandon, ASCAP; Tiger (CDX) (www.josiebrandonmusic.com)
—The song won’t win any contest prizes, that’s for sure. She sings it as loud as she can, but there’s no getting around its lameness.