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.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/31/12)

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The Mann Sisters, Brad Paisley

Trick or Treat!

It’s Halloween, and no one knows how to craft a topical tune like a country artist. In this case it’s a duo, The Mann Sisters. They have a song called “Halloween Night” that’s good enough to be played any time of the year. I’d love to hear what they can do with a non-holiday song. In the meantime, give them a DisCovery Award.

Regionalism isn’t especially valued in a musical genre that aims for national appeal. But I don’t care where you’re from, “Southern Comfort Zone” will make your heart beat faster and your emotions swell up. It is also, sonically speaking, an amazingly well-produced record. It earns Brad Paisley a richly deserved Disc of the Day prize.

DUSTIN LYNCH/She Cranks My Tractor
Writer: Dustin Lynch/Brett Beavers/Tim Nichols; Producer: Brett Beavers & Luke Wooten; Publisher: Big Music Machine/Super 98/Golden Gears/Chrysalis One/BMG/Chestnut Barn/Warner-Tamerlane/Contentment/Made for This Music, BMI; Broken Bow (track)
—The starter motor of the tractor starts things, then it’s off to the races with a spirited bopper. His warm baritone delivers the country-boy lyric with elan, and the lightning licks on fiddle and electric guitar provide the rest of the considerable energy in the track.

MELISSA BROOKE/Texas Rubye
Writer: Leslie Satcher/Vince Gill; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Vinny Mae/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; BGM (www.melissabrooke.com)
—She sings with such verve that she veers off pitch here and there. But she means well.

TOBY KEITH/Cold Beer Country
Writer: Toby Keith/Bobby Pinson/Marc Fortney; Producer: Toby Keith; Publisher: Tokeco Tunes/Bobby’s Lyrics & Livestock/Cold Beer Country/Do Write, BMI; Show Dog Universal (track)
—What with “Beers Ago,” “I Like Girls That Drink Beer,” “Red Solo Cup,” and now this, Toby seems to be in a bit of a rut in the lyric department. Melody-wise, however, he’s refreshingly creative, because this jazzy swinger laced with clarinet is as delightful a track as I’ve heard all year. Deserving of massive airplay.

SCARLETTA/Right Here, Right Now
Writer: none listed; Producer: Paul Taylor; Publisher: none listed; Average Joe’s (track) (www.scarlettamusic.com)
—This trio consists of Aubrey Collins and her partners Benji Harris and Nathan Stoops. I’d have mixed the boys’ contributions a little louder, since they sound kinda muffled on this debut single. The interwoven fiddle player is a plus.

MARK COOKE/Stay With Me Tonight
Writer: Pete Sallis/Mark Carson/Kris Bergsnes; Producer: J. Gary Smith & John Smith; Publisher: Cherry Heart/Mark Carson/Cauley Orleans/BMG/English Ivy/Chrysalis One, BMI/SESAC; CVR (www.markcooke.com)
—They’re both brokenhearted, so why not shack up? The accompanying piano is a overwhelmingly loud, whether he’s softly seductive on the verses or pleading on the choruses.

JOSH TURNER/Find Me a Baby
Writer: Josh Turner/Frank Rogers; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Songs of Universal/J. Otis/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—Pleasant, gently bopping and inoffensive, but not exactly gripping listening.

BRAD PAISLEY/Southern Comfort Zone
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Brad Paisley; Publisher: none listed; Arista (CDX)
—This manages to be both anthemic and splendidly rocking at the same time. Even if you’re not a Southerner, you’ll get caught up in the lyrics evoking a Dixie homeland. The throbbing undertow backbeat is just as inspirational. The sound collages that ebb and flow throughout the track are brilliantly mixed. A total home run, right down to the finale “Look away, look away.”

THE MANN SISTERS/Halloween Night
Writer: Alexandra Mann/Lauren Mann; Producer: Alexandra Mann, Lauren Mann & Derek Cintron; Publisher: Tanner Boy, BMI; Tanner Boy (CDX) (www.themannsisters.com)
—Tonight’s the night! These gals have the soundtrack for trick-or-treaters. It’s appropriately spooky and minor key. Here’s even better news: it’s quite well written, and they sing it splendidly.

HANNAH McNEIL/I Gotta Leave You for Me
Writer: Hannah McNeil/David Hansen/Rob Higgins; Producer: Rodney Good & Rob Higgins; Publisher: Positively Platinum/Hansen/Nilknarf, ASCAP/BMI; RED/Spinville (CDX) (www.hannahmcneil.com)
—A woman leaves a domestic violence situation. The country-rock track rumbles along splendidly, and she delivers the range-challenging melody with vocal assurance. Well done.

JOE BACHMAN/Small Town Rock Stars
Writer: Mark Irwin/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins; Producer: New Voice Entertainment & Arlis Albritton; Publisher: Oceans One/Year of the Dog/Darth Buddah/Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Songs, ASCAP; JPB (CDX) (www.joebachman.com)
—The local band covers Springsteen, Skynyrd, Hank Jr., Buffett and Rick Springfield, basking in the good-time glow of being big fish in a small pond, getting the girls and free beer. They know they’re going nowhere, but they’re having a ball. You’ll smile and rock along.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/24/12)

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Paul Sikes, Tim McDonald, A.J. Downing, Jana Kramer

Last week, I couldn’t find any newcomers to like, and this week the opposite is true.

No DisCovery Award was handed out when the pickins were slim. Now, I have three of them to bestow. They go to Sony-ATV writer Paul Sikes, rootsy Texan A.J. Downing and suburban Nashvillian Tim McDonald. Congratulations, fellows.

By contrast, all of the Disc of the Day contenders are women — Kathy Mattea, Sarah Darling, Holly Williams and our winner, Jana Kramer.

JANA KRAMER/Whiskey
Writer: Catt Gravitt/Sam Mizell; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Ink Pen Mama/Songs of Max/Tunes of R&T Direct/Razor & Tie/Be My Lamb/On Like a Neckbone/Simpleville, SESAC/BMI; Elektra/Warner Bros.
—At times, I had to strain to hear the lyric clearly, but there’s no denying the ultimate listening pleasure. She regrets the bad boy she fell for while harmony singers, fiddles, guitars, steel and mandolins chime and echo all around her.

A.J. DOWNING/My Wagon Just Won’t Roll
Writer: A.J. Downing; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Charkansas (track) (www.ajdowning.com)
—Downing’s CD is titled Good Day, and it kicks off with this ragged-but-right thumper. His country drawl is instantly engaging, and when you tune into his talent as a lyricist, you’ll be as hooked as I was. Sure, the instrumentation lacks Music Row polish, but sometimes a sound that is a little rough around the edges is just what the doctor ordered.

PAUL SIKES/My Epitaph
Writer: Paul Sikes; Producer: Paul Sikes; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys, ASCAP; 7-Layer (track) (www.paulsikes.com)
—The Sikes CD — titled Craft — isn’t due until January, but he has already created a stir with this tune from it. When Today show co-host Hoda Kotb was in town, she caught his set at The Bluebird and invited him to perform this on national TV. It is a moving, delicate elegy, a tender message to a loved one that says, basically, that after he’s gone the only thing that needs to be remembered about him is the love he gave.

HOLLY WILLIAMS/Drinkin’
Writer: Holly Williams; Producer: Charlie Peacock & Holly Williams; Publisher: none listed; HW (track) (www.hollywilliams.com)
—The forthcoming Holly Williams CD will be called Highway. On it, she is moving in an Americana direction with her talented co-producer Charlie Peacock. She is also even more startling as a singer-songwriter than she was before. This lead track spotlights her aching vocal delivery as well as her knife-sharp talent as a wordsmith. This is what modern country music ought to be doing.

STEVE LUSCOMBE/I’m a Natural
Writer: Alex Smith/Rock Carroll; Producer: Dan Drilling; Publisher: none listed; Taytown (track) (www.steveluscombe.com)
—The song is well constructed, and he sings it well. But the tempo is taken way, way too slowly. It sounds like he is trying to swim in molasses.

KATHY MATTEA/Hello, My Name Is Coal
Writer: Larry Cordle/Jenee Fleenor; Producer: Gary Paczosa & Kathy Mattea; Publisher: Wanderchord/NayerPuddingPie, BMI/SESAC; Sugar Hill (track) (www.mattea.com)
—Mattea’s latest CD, Calling Me Home, is a song cycle about her Appalachian homeland. This latest emphasis track couldn’t be more timely as it both reveres and reviles “black gold.” “Some say I’m a savior; some say death is what I bring,” rings out over a minor-key acoustic melody. Haunting.

SARAH DARLING/Home To Me
Writer: Caitlyn Smith/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Music of Stage Three/Songs of Carrman/BMG/EMI Foray/Turning Twenties/Dollarsandpense, BMI/SESAC; Black River
—This endearing, lilting love song compares her beau to the some of the best of America’s states. As always, her delivery is as sweet as sugar. Radio ready in the extreme.

AARON LEWIS/Forever
Writer: none listed; Producer: James Stroud & Aaron Lewis; Publisher: none listed; Blaster (track)
—The former Staind rock singer continues his bid for country acceptance with this midtempo, moody meditation on a fading romance that just might rekindle. Abundant steel guitar is a big plus here.

TIM McDONALD/Livin’ Breathin’ Havin’ Fun
Writer: Tim McDonald; Producer: Tim McDoanld & Bill Warner; Publisher: none listed; TM (track) (www.timmcdonaldband.com)
—The title tune to McDonald’s CD is a lovely, nostalgic trip down memory lane. To the accompaniment of rippling guitars and gentle keyboard work, he sings of his days of youth and innocence while visiting the Arlington grave of a buddy. His songwriting skill is outstanding, and his gently persuasive vocal is perfectly delivered. Elsewhere on the disc are such enticing titles as “Beer’s Good Food,” “I’d Be Screwed,” “Every Song Sounds the Same” and “Shit List.” Take my word for it, the guy can definitely write and sing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/17/12)

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This week, creativity trumps commerciality.

The folks with the most radio-ready tunes this week include Brantley Gilbert, Love and Theft and Uncle Kracker. But the artist with the single that is truly ground breaking and fresh sounding is Jerrod Niemann. For outstanding creativity and class, give that man a Disc of the Day.

None of the newcomers flipped my lid. So we have no DisCovery Award to present in this edition of “DisClaimer.”

JERROD NIEMANN/Only God Could Love You More
Writer: Jerrod Niemann/Lee Brice/Jon Stone; Producer: Dave Brainard & Jerrod Niemann; Publisher: Writers of Sea Gayle/Ozworth/Words & Music/Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria/How Bout That Skyline/Songs From Ferry Street/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Arista/Sea Gayle (track)
—This man is so creative. As if the songwriting wasn’t cool enough, the production is a brain-filling delight, full of tender percussion rumbling, vocal echoes, keyboard droplets and haunting silences. Essential listening.

BOBBY DEAN/You Can’t Drink ‘Em All
Writer: Culpepper/Culpepper/Neil; Producer: Dave Moody; Publisher: Songs from Americana Street/CDT Productions, BMI/ASCAP; Lamon (track)
—Country with a capital “K.” He has a drawl you can cut with a knife, and the band lays the fiddle and steel on thick. Not for the faint of heart.

BRANTLEY GILBERT/More Than Miles
Writer: John Eddie/Brantley Gilbert; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: WB/John Eddie/Warner Tamerlane/Indiana Angel, ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music (track)
—Driving away won’t cure his heartache, no matter how far he goes. The track has a rolling, churning quality that propels the song forward. His soft-yet-earnest vocal performance is perfectly shaded to the lyric. Very radio worthy.

ROY SOLIS/Sippin’ on a Six Pack
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Ave. 1  (www.roysolismusic.com)
—Thin sounding. I like the accordion, but the rest of the instrumental backing could use some oomph. His singing lacks lung power and hits the high notes flat. Pass.

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)
—This is a change of pace from their “Angel Eyes” hit. It is a pop bopper with rhythm to spare. The compressed-sounding, rapid-fire vocal delivery is ear catching as well.

BILL McALISTER & I-57 SOUTH/Between Silver & Gray
Writer: William Alaric McAlister; Producer: Patrick T. Doody & Bill McAlister; Publisher: Palos Orland, ASCAP; Lane (track) (www.lanerecords.net)
—Very much is the shadow of Waylon Jennings, from the “outlaw” backbeat to his baritone vocal delivery. The lyric refers to the fact that he’s on the far side of 50. That’s okay. Music keeps you young.

COLT FORD/Answer to No One
Writer: C. Ford/S. Houchins/N. Gordon/M. Hartnett; Producer: Shannon Houchins, Noah Gordon & Mike Hartnett; Publisher: Average JZS/Mike Hartnett, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joes (track) (www.coltford.com)
—Name your poison: rap or rock. This has both, plus a dash of right-wing politics.

ANGEL MARY & THE TENNESSEE WEREWOLVES/Cowboy
Writer: Jean Picard-Ami/Angel Mary Picard-Ami/Christian Picard-Ami; Producer: Angel Mary & The Tennessee Werewolves; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Verado (CDX) (www.angelmary.net)
—Ya gotta love their name. The sound is rebel rocking with plenty of attitude. It would work a little better if she had more moxie in her delivery.

UNCLE KRACKER/Nobody’s Sad on a Saturday Night
Writer: M. Shafer/Shane McAnally/J.T. Harding; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Warner-Chappell/Gaje/Universal/Smack Ink/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/SONGS/Mighty Seven/Songs of SMP/Heavy Metal Disco, BMI/ASCAP; EMI/Sugar Hill/Vanguard (CDX) (www.unclekracker.com)
—Infectious. Energetic. Cleverly written and sung with joyous abandon. Play it.

CHRIS COX/December in the Snow
Writer: Walt Wilder; Producer: Walt Wilder; Publisher: Taloga Leedy/Pactow, BMI; CMM (CDX) (405-751-2140)
—A vocal tremelo to drive a truck through.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/10/12)

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Ingram Hill, Hunter Hayes

Progress is our most important product.

Young Hunter Hayes continues his march to stardom with “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” a track that shows his continued growth as an artist. It is also the Disc of the Day.

Both Bonnie Bishop and Lindi Ortega continue to impress. Both women seem to improve and deepen with each album. Which means that both are on the path to becoming the stars that destiny intends for them to be. Again, progress.

On the songwriting front, give kudos to Jerry Salley for continuing to polish his gift. He’s still a model of country craftsmanship, and despite what the title to his CD implies, he only improves with age. So that’s progress, too.

This week’s DisCovery Award goes to Ingram Hill. This trio is comprised of Justin Moore, Phil Bogard and Zach Kirk. They cowrote all the songs on their CD.

THE WASHERS/Like a Gypsy Should
Writer: Todd Janik; Producer: Billy Jo High & Adam Odor; Publisher: none listed; W (www.thewashersmusic.com)
—Muffled and muddy sounding, with the lead vocal buried deep in the mix. Find a better producer.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/I’ll Keep the Kids
Writer: Eddie Montgomery/Ira Dean/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Plowin’ Ground Music/Average ZJS Music/EMI Blackwood Music, Inc./Tune Pang Music/Sixteen Stars Music/Rooster Pecked Music (BMI); Average Joe’s (ERG)
—She wants everything in the divorce, and he’s willing to give it to her. Except for one thing, and it’s in the title. Well written, and probably Eddie’s best vocal performance ever.

BONNIE BISHOP/Bad Seed
Writer: Bonnie Bishop/Al Anderson; Producer: Bonnie Bishop; Publisher: none listed; BB (track) (www.bonniebishop.com)
—Bishop had a major breakthrough this year when Bonnie Raitt recorded her co-written “Not ‘Cause I Wanted To.” Bishop’s new Free CD is Kickstarter funded and includes this sizzling country-rocker featuring her soulful, slightly raspy, smokin’ hot vocal delivery as well as killer piano and electric guitar work. The title character’s behavior might be a little too raw for mainstream country radio, but those of you who listen will be richly rewarded. Unreservedly recommended.

HUNTER HAYES/Somebody’s Heartbreak
Writer: Andrew Dorff/Luke Laird/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Universal Careers/High Powered Machine/Happy Little Man, BMI; Atlantic/Warner
—Very nice and classy, with a seductive groove and a gently jazzy vocal vibe. Confused in romance, he asks her, “If you’re gonna be somebody’s heartbreak, be mine.” As cool as the breeze.

JERRY SALLEY/Paper & Pen
Writer: Jerry Salley/Allison Mellon; Producer: Jerry Salley; Publisher: W.B.M./Beach Nut/Bases Loaded, SESAC/ASCAP; Very Jerry (track) (www.jerrysalley.com)
—This veteran country tunesmith (Reba, Toby, Brad, Loretta etc.) is back with a collection of self-penned tunes titled Showing My Age. This aching, waltzing ballad concerns a broken hearted gal who gets the last word by writing a revenge note to the man she thinks wronged her. How country is this? In response, he hits the bottle and ends his life. Salley sings it like a honky-tonk master in full barroom cry.

WAYLON JENNINGS/Goin’ Down Rockin’
Writer: Tony Joe White/Leann White/Waylon Jennings; Producer: Robby Turner; Publisher: none listed; Saguaro Road (track) (www.saguroroad.com)
—Not long before he died in 2002, Waylon recorded a batch of demos, believing that his band would turn them into full recordings one day. That day is now. The collection’s title tune is vintage “outlaw,” with a thumping backbeat and stinging guitar lines. Co-writer Tony Joe White adds a ghostly second voice to the minor-key track. An intriguing, involving final testament from one of our true country legends.

LINDI ORTEGA/Cigarettes & Truckstops
Writer: none listed; Producer: Colin Linden; Publisher: none listed; Last Gang (track) (www.lindiortega.com)
—I am already a huge fan of this lady’s musical charms. She sings like a hillbilly angel, managing to be simultaneously as tremulous as young Dolly and as tough as vintage Patsy. Her echoey, alt-country backing is mesmerizing and perfect on this languid trucker title tune to her new collection. Also check out its neo-rockabilly tracks. Look for Ortega opening for the rock band Social Distortion this fall. In the meantime, BUY THIS.

MARTY STUART/Tear the Woodpile Down
Writer: Marty Stuart; Producer: Marty Stuart; Publisher: Marty Stuart, BMI; Sugar Hill/Superlatone (track) (www.martystuart.net)
—When in doubt, record some real country music. That’s Stuart’s attitude on his new Nashville, Volume 1: Tear the Woodpile Down. It kicks off with this lickety-split romp featuring Buck Trent on electric banjo and call-and-response vocals from the Fabulous Superlatives. As always, the rest of the collection is similarly ear-cleansing magic.

MIKE CULLISON & THE REGULARS/Wish I Didn’t Like Whiskey
Writer: Cullison/Neel; Producer: Mark Robinson; Publisher: Cullison/Real Deal, BMI/ASCAP; Joedog (track) (www.cullisonmusic.com)
—Nashville singer-songwriter Cullison’s CD is titled The Barstool Monologues. It’s a thematically-linked collection of characters’ songs, interspersed with comments from a bartender named Hollis. Sorta like a hillbilly Canterbury Tales. Anyhow, it leads off with this two-step, honky-tonk lament that sets the tone for what follows. He doesn’t set the world on fire as a singer, but sincerity carries the day.

INGRAM HILL/Behind My Guitar
Writer: Ingram Hill/Benjy Davis/Lisa Goe; Producer: Ingam Hill; Publisher: Eager Bill/Lashar/Goe Fight Win, BMI/ASCAP; Rock Ridge (track) (www.ingramhillmusic.com)
—This male trio’s self-titled CD begins with this driving country-rocker featuring a kinda stuttering, nervous instrumental track that gives it an exciting edge. The countryboy vocals flow smoothly over the lyric of a traveling musician watching the world unfold from his spot on stage. I dig these guys.