DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/13/12)

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Some weeks, everything is completely obvious.

There’s no question but that Miranda Lambert has the Disc of the Day with “Fastest Girl in Town.” But keep your ears open for Willie Nelson and Jason Eady, too.

It’s also completely self-evident to me that Charlie Worsham is the winner of the DisCovery Award. He completely knocked me out, and his self-titled, five-song, debut EP is definitely a keeper. Listen and believe.

RACHEL HARRINGTON/Makin’ Our House a Honky-Tonk
Writer: Rachel Lyn Harrington; Producer: Evan Brubaker; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Skinny Dennis (track) (www.rachelharrington.net*)
—True to its title, it sounds like it was recorded in her living room. That said, it has a certain, slightly sloppy, homemade charm.

CHARLIE WORSHAM/Could it Be
Writer: Marty Dodson/Ryan Tynsdell/Charlie Worsham; Producer: Charlie Worsham & Ryan Tyndaell; Publisher: I Hope Momma’s Listening/Black to Black/ole/Purple Cape, BMI; ole (track) (www.charlieworsham.com)
—Wow. This guy sings with immense warmth and personality. The production is an ear-tickling, acoustics-with-a-thump delight. The harmony work is flawless. And the song is a melodic wonder. Make this man a star.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Fastest Girl in Town
Writer: Miranda Lambert/Angaleena Presley; Producer: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay & Glenn Worf; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Ten Ten, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track)
—Miranda’s back to rocking in her “bad girl” persona. She steams up the windows with this performance as a sexy vixen who goes out drinking and speeding with her beau, then ditches him for the cop who stops them. Get outta the way of those shrieking electric guitars, boys.

JAMES STORM/Longnecks & Rednecks
Writer: Serg Salinas/Dale Oliver; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; TNA Knockout
—Storm is a professional wrassler, and this is his theme song. It’s a screamer.

BRIAN MOLNAR & THE NAKED HEARTS/Some Dreams
Writer: Brian Molnar; Producer: Brian Molnar & The Naked Hearts; Publisher: Low 12, BMI; Avenue A (track) (www.brianmolnar.com)
—This lilting ballad has a wistful, sweet/sad quality that goes down smoothly. He sings with soft honesty and the piano, steel and guitar notes are perfectly placed. There’s real talent in these grooves. An instant favorite.

JENNY SIMMS/A Reason to Come Home to You
Writer: Jenny Simms; Producer: Larry Butler; Publisher: none listed; JS (track) (www.jennysimmsmusic.com)
—The late Larry Butler was behind the board for this one. It’s a Caribbean-accented ditty, delivered by a confident, throaty vocalist. She has moxie. So does the song.

JASON EADY/AM Country Heaven
Writer: Jason Eady; Producer: Kevin Welch; Publisher: Jason Eady, SESAC; Underground Sound (track) (www.jasoneady.com)
—Singer-songwriter Kevin Welch, who’s producing here, sure knows a tunesmithing talent when he hears one. Eady sings of by-gone country days when people sang about reality and didn’t necessarily look like fashion models. His vocal is hillbilly-perfect, and the steel echoes his every sentiment. Essential listening for any true country fan.

WILLIE NELSON/Just Breathe
Writer: Eddie Vedder; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Legacy/Nine North (ERG)
—Willie is the Energizer Bunny of country music. He just keeps on keepin’ on. This smoothly produced outing finds his distinctive nasal voice ruminating on life, death and reincarnation amid soft harmonica sighs, rippling guitars, supportive background singing and light steel guitar grace notes. Extremely listenable, it’s the prettiest track he has released in years. The song was a 2009 hit for Pearl Jam and was penned by frontman Eddie Vedder.

CHRIS CAGLE/Let There Be Cowgirls
Writer: none listed; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: none listed; Bigger Picture (track) (www.chriscagle.com)
—Somehow, I doubt that the Almighty commanded that there be cowgirls at the dawn of creation. But that’s the premise here. Cagle is singing with a little more subtlety than he used to, but he still favors thunderous accompaniment.

LOGAN MAC/Red Dirt Town
Writer: Logan Mac/Rick Fowble; Producer: Joe Matthews; Publisher: Oil Trash, ASCAP; TCM (www.tcmrecordsnashville.com)
—The poor thing can just barely sing. And it doesn’t help that the production practically overwhelms his little bitty voice.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/06/12)

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We went wandering off the beaten path this week to see what we could see. Or rather “hear.”

First of all, despite a plethora of unknowns, Miss Willie Brown muscled everyone aside to grab an utterly uncontested DisCovery Award. These gals are playing both Bonaroo and the CMA Music Festival, so look out, world.

The duo’s “You’re All That Matters to Me” was also in contention for Disc of the Day, as were “Crying on a Suitcase” by Casey James and Steele’s “Do You Really Have to Go.” But I went with the most stone-country performance of the week, “She Did” by veteran Clinton Gregory.

MAGGIE ROSE/I Ain’t Your Mama
Writer: Judson Spence/Candy Cameron; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Music of RPM/Dumb Dog/Dixie Stars/Sounds of RPM, ASCAP; RPM (www.maggierosemusic.com)
—Bluesy and groovy. She oozes sultry sex appeal in this performance of a come-on lyric. Sounds good. Send more.

CASEY JAMES/Crying on a Suitcase
Writer: Lee Thomas Miller/Tom Shapiro/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Chris Lindsey & Casey James; Publisher: Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby/EMI Blackwood/Little Dooey/Songs of Peer/Team Thrash, BMI/ASCAP; BNA/19 ()
—The song is quite unusual, in that it doesn’t ever really rhyme anywhere. The track is a pulse pounding delight, and Casey James one of those rare American Idol kids who sounds like he could have a real future. Recommended.

PHIL HAMILTON/Bad
Writer: Phil Hamilton/Beau Bedford; Producer: Beau Patrick Bedford; Publisher: Phil Hamilton/Beau Patrick Bedford/North Patrick, BMI; Winding Road (www.philhamiltonmusic.com)
—This has a lazy, loping quality that is quite appealing. He has a dusty, dry delivery, and the band keeps it slow, steady and simple. It will probably sound “underproduced” to some, but I think that’s part of its charm.

TONY KERR/Dig Deep
Writer: Tony Kerr/Steven Sheehan; Producer: Steven Sheehan; Publisher: Doreen/Scared Stiff, ASCAP/BMI; Barking Turtle (track) (www.tonykerrmusic.com)
—Kerr is a native of Ireland who has called Nashville home for more than a decade. He’s had a good bit of songwriting success in his homeland. This is the title tune of his second American CD. It is typical of the whole record in that it is a straightforward, acoustic-guitar-and-vocal presentation. His tenor voice is strong and supple, and Sheehan’s guitar work is exemplary. Song-wise, you could dress this up in a full Music Row production with a star warbling and easily have a hit. Also check out “Whiskey and Wood” and “The Prayer.”

MISS WILLIE BROWN/You’ve All That Matters to Me
Writer: Robert John “Mutt” Lange; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: Out of Pocket/Universal, no performance rights listed; A&M/Octone ()
—Don’t let the name throw you: Miss Willie Brown is a duo comprised of Amanda Watkins and Kasey Buckley. They’re the first artists on the new A&M/Octone imprint. Based on this throbbing bopper, I’d say they have quite a future. They harmonize perfectly, the guitars and steel chime right where they should and the song is as catchy as all get out. Play it again.

LONNIE SPIKER/You Can Go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas
Writer: Lonnie Spicher; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; LS (888-455-5504)
—This regular visitor to the “DisClaimer” column is back, singing a hard-country ode with “Lone Star State” stamped all over it. Despite the twin fiddles and shuffle beat, there’s no escaping the utter dullness of the melody. Not to mention his rather limited vocal ability.

CLINTON GREGORY/She Did
Writer: Craig Martin; Producer: Jamie Creasy & Clinton Gregory; Publisher: Melody Roundup, BMI; Melody Roundup (CDX) (www.melodyroundupmusic.com)
—We still remember him fondly for 1991’s “(If it Weren’t for Country Music) I’d Go Crazy.” This comeback single is a heartbreak ballad demonstrating how much grace, style and finesse he has retained vocally. Caution: This is real country music: “They say you can’t take it with you/But she did,” when she died, taking his love with her. Prepare to blubber.

STEELE/Do You Really Have to Go
Writer: Karen R. Staley/Timothy P. Henneberry; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: Tim Henneberry/Jake and Vegas, SOCAN/BMI; Steele (CDX) (902-221-2340)
—He’s a strong singer, with plenty of lung power, range and feeling. The “open” production of this mid-tempo outing gives him plenty of room to strut his stuff. Promising.

COREY WAGAR/Take Ya Back
Writer: Corey Wagar/Cece Dubois/Beau Fuller; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; GTR (CDX) (www.coreywagar.com)
—It’s a sprightly “party” ditty that name-checks Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and such while telling its tale about songs prompting fond memories. Hang on for the delightful vocal counterpoint at the finale.

BOBBY LEWIS/Love Me and Make it All Better
Writer: E. Rabbitt; Producer: Jim Loessberg; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Heart of Texas (track) (325-597-1895)
—Bobby’s new Then & Now CD contains recreations of his old United Artists Records hits such as 1966’s “How Long Has It Been,” 1968’s “From Heaven to Heartache” and 1970’s “Hello Mary Lou,” as well as some new material. As this revival of his melodic 1967 hit reminds us, he was also among the first to recognize the songwriting ability of future star Eddie Rabbitt. At age 70, Bobby still sings well, and the slight echo chamber, Floyd Cramer style piano and sighing vocal background singers do an excellent job of conjuring up the classic Nashville Sound recording style. Nice job.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/30/12)

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Big & Rich's "That's Why I Pray" gets the Disc of the Day Honor

This is a week of reunions and revivals.

Cerrrito & Lynn Anderson, Jason Allen, Hayes Carll, Hank Williams Jr., Bill Wence and Big & Rich are all back with us after varying periods of silence. The most welcome of these comebacks is Big & Rich, who have the Disc of the Day.

I don’t give a Song of the Day award, but if I did, it would go to Hayes Carll’s “Hard Out Here,” which is at once both downbeat and hilarious.

SHAWNA RUSSELL/Sounds Like a Party
Writer: Shawna Russell/Keith Russell/Tim Russell; Producer: Julian King, Clif Doyal & Tim Russell; Publisher: Blue Buckaroo, BMI; Way Out West (615-319-1863)
—This has a delightfully funky groove with cool guitars and a snappy backbeat. As usual, she sings with vim.

HANK WILLIAMS JR./That Ain’t Good
Writer: Hank Williams Jr.; Producer: Chris Farren; Publisher: Bocephus, BMI; Bocephus/Blaster (www.hankjr.com)
—Bluesy and blue collar all the way. He’s singing better than ever, and the new, full-bodied production style showcases him superbly. Well worth your attention.

CHANCE CODY & SPUR 503/I Don’t Want to Be Wanted Tonight
Writer: Chance Cody; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Spur 503 (www.spur503.com)
—This sits along the boundary between barroom country and blue-collar rock. His drawling vocal is right on the money, emotionally. The band is stirring up a deep sonic stew behind him. But changing the tempo in mid song (twice) probably wasn’t the best idea.

CERRITO & LYNN ANDERSON/Mexican Angel
Writer: Liz Anderson/Lynn Anderson; Producer: Bartley Pursley, Felipe de La Rosa & Cerrito; Publisher: none listed; Checo
—Mariachi trumpets, Spanish guitars, castanets and an ultra-melodic waltz are all in this recipe. Lynn’s shadowing harmony vocal and Spanish-language interjections make the disc soar.

SIX MARKET BLVD./Say It
Writer: Clayton Landua/Josh Serato/Ben Hussey/Dallas Neal; Producer: Bart Rose & Six Market Blvd.; Publisher: AADI/Grange, no performance rights listed; SMB (track) (www.sixmarketblvd.com)
—Boring electric blues with an overly indulgent guitar player.

BIG & RICH/That’s Why I Pray
Writer: Blair Daly/Sarah Buxton/Danelle Leverett; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Danelle Leverett/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin Grids/We’re Going to Maui/Tom-Leis/Songs of Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Evocative and ethereal. They harmonize perfectly together throughout the potent performance while guitars chime in and out of the mix. Essential listening.

JASON ALLEN/Goin’ Fishin’ Today
Writer: Jason Allen; Producer: Davin James & Jason Allen; Publisher: Star Marie, BMI; Smith Entertainment (track) (www.jasonallencountry.com)
—This noisy party rocker might work OK live in a honky tonk. But it doesn’t sound particularly radio worthy to me.

HAYES CARLL/Hard Out Here
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Lost Highway (www.hayescarll.com)
—This former Americana Music award winner is back with a track to remind us what a wry wit he can be. His drawling delivery of the unlucky lyric is a smile a second. The band tromps along with a sloppy shuffle and folks in the background seem to be staging their own party.

BILL WENCE/Borderline Crazy
Writer: Jeremy Stowe/Kris Bergsness/Greg Barnhill; Producer: Bill Wence & Joe Funderburk; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/WB/Platinum Plow/Green City/Calhoun Enterprises/Green Wilderness, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Six One Five (track) (www.billwencepromotions.com)
—As if being a radio promoter, Wanda Jackson sideman, producer, songwriter and Johnny Rivers booster wasn’t enough, Bill Wence also makes records. His latest, Analog Man in a Digital World, kicks off with this loosey-goosey bopper about getting loaded south of the border.

DANIEL WARREN/Lullaby
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—Despite the title, this is an uptempo outing. As was the case on his last single, he sings with wafting harmonies around him in a soft, easy-going groove.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/23/12)

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Here’s a brand-new reason why Kenny Chesney is a superstar.

It is called “Come Over,” and it is guaranteed to make every female who listens to it wishes that she could. It coasts to an easy victory as the Disc of the Day as Kenny Chesney rules anew.

I was polishing the DisCovery Award for Tommy Steele. Then I checked and found out that I reviewed two tunes from him in 2010. I liked him then, and I like him now.

So then I thought maybe Daniel Warren could be a contender. But it turns out that he, too, has been in this column previously.

That leaves us with a choice between one of our three genuine newcomers: Erica Nicole pops and bops her way into the winner’s circle.

DANIEL WARREN/Lullaby
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—Formerly a jazz artist, Warren makes the transition to country with this lilting, ultra-smooth outing lifted into the fluffy clouds with easy-on-the-ears vocal harmonies and some absolutely lovely instrumental work. Extremely accomplished.

CRAIG MORGAN/Corn Star
Writer: Shane Minor/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Code Six Charles/Jeffrey Steele, BMI; Black River ()
—This bobbing bopper will make you smile. She’s a total hottie, but strictly from the sticks, y’all.

TOMMY STEELE/My Side of the Street
Writer: Jack Williams/Travis Meadows; Producer: Dave Gibson; Publisher: Savannah/Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Triple Creek (www.tommysteeleband.com)
—Rugged and loaded with blue-collar attitude, this has plenty of chesty power. He sings with extraordinary conviction and finesse, the track throbs with suppressed energy and the song is an instant, everyman classic.

KENNY CHESNEY/Come Over
Writer: Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Twang Tractor/BPJ/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; BNA ()
—A slowly simmering fever of desire. Guitars flicker and ripple while the melody draws you into its dream trance. Kenny’s vocal is full of caressing intimacy and gentle persuasion. Echoey background vocalizing completes the enchanting spell. A swoon of a single.

ALEXANDRA DEMETREE/Just Alone
Writer: Dean Scallan/Billy Atherholt/Jennifer Morrison; Producer: Dean Scallon; Publisher: Shootin’ Straight/Atherholt/Lillaly, BMI/ASCAP; SSM (615-254-2053)
—The production on this country rocker rumbles right along. The vocalist does an adequate job of keeping up, but never really takes command of the track.

MATT GARY/City Lights
Writer: Jared Crump/Trevor Rosen/Josh Osborne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Brave Music/Resonate/Unfair Entertainment/Want a Fresh One, SESAC/ASCAP; 17/Quarterback (www.mattgary.com)
—I have liked this guy in the past, and his vocal performance here is able and assured. But the song meanders around too much and lacks a big hook.

SARA WATKINS & FIONA APPLE/You’re the One I Love
Writer: Boudleaux Bryant/Felice Bryant; Producer: Blake Mills; Publisher: House of Bryant, BMI; Nonesuch (track) (www.sarawatkins.com)
—Former Nickel Creek member Watkins teams up with pop diva Apple on this eccentric, quasi-rockabilly update of an obscure Everly Brothers tune. Full of nervous energy and echoey atmosphere, it is most definitely ear grabbing. The new CD is titled Sun Midnight Sun, and it is miles beyond its maker’s bluegrass roots.

DOUG BRINEY/More Than Just a Farm
Writer: Pat Kelley/Ed Leavitt; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DB (track) (www.dougbriney.com)
—His singing voice is a little unsteady, and the track sounds like a demo. But his heart is the right place.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Out of My Hands
Writer: Natasha Borzilova/Ilya Toshinsky/Sasha Ostrovsky/Lydia Salnikova/Alexander Arzamastsev/Sergei Olkhovskiy; Producer: Natasha Borzilova; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.natashaborzilova.com)
—This is the title tune of the second solo album from this former Bering Strait vocalist. She wrote or co-wrote all of its songs and as this mid-tempo meditation illustrates, she has evolved into a communicator of subtle strength and confessional intimacy. Her production skills are nothing to sneeze at, either. Highly recommended.

ERICA NICOLE/What You Think About Us
Writer: Biran Davis/Ashley Gearing/Ben Gloover; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publisher: Curb/Melrose/W.B., BMI/ASCAP; Heaven (www.ericanicolemusic.com)
—It’s lively and bright, kinda like a teen-pop record from the 1980s. It think it’s a combination of that wooshing/zippy guitar sound and her Go-Go’s phrasing. Or maybe it’s that it is just so ridiculously catchy. Impossible to resist.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/16/12)

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All stars, no waiting.

Music Row brings out the big guns this week with new entries by George Strait, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Randy Travis, Keith Urban and The Mavericks. And here’s the kicker: Everybody sounds good.

So much so, that we’re dividing up the DisClaimer awards this week. Little Big Town wins the Disc of the Day for group performance. The female Disc of the Day belongs to rising star Gwen Sebastian. And in an extremely tight race, Randy Travis edges out Strait and Urban to take home the Disc of the Day in the male division. But absolutely program all three.

The DisCovery Award goes the newcomers Florida Georgia Line. They’re saying, “Here comes summer” in a big way.

RASCAL FLATTS/Come Wake Me Up
Writer: Sean McConnell/Johan Fransson/Tim Larsson/Tobias Lundgren; Producer: Dann Huff & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: none listed; Big Machine (track)
—This lustrous ballad has it all — a gorgeous melody, terrific audio dynamics, emotional lyrics, towering vocals, pop-crossover potential. In short, the second single from the group’s new Changed CD is a home run.

THE MAVERICKS/Born to Be Blue
Writer: Raul Malo/James House; Producer: Raul Malo & Niko Bolas; Publisher: Big Machine/Raul Malo/Super 98/Notorious Women/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; Valory Music
—It’s in Raul’s nouveau-Orbison mode, full of throb and drama. Irresistibly hooky, if somewhat muffled sounding.

GWEN SEBASTIAN/Met Him in a Motel Room
Writer: Rory Feek/Jamie Teachenor; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Flying Island (www.gwensebastian.com)
—Longtime MusicRow indie fave Sebastian gained a much higher profile this year as a contestant on TV’s The Voice and as Blake Shelton’s opening act on the road. To capitalize, she’s chosen a superb story song. Her spirited vocal is matched by a brightly bopping track and a lyric about finding God in the strangest places. Thank the Gideons for this one.

GEORGE STRAIT/Drinkin’ Man
Writer: George Strait/Bubba Strait/Dean Dillon; Producer: Tony Brown & George Strait; Publisher: Day Money/Hori Pro/Living for the Night/Sixteen Stars/Sony-ATV, ASCAP/BMI; MCA Nashville (track)
—There’s no happy ending here: He is trapped in the vice of alcohol and finds no way out. Steel licks swirl, fiddles sigh, guitars ripple and a piano adds grace notes as Strait’s weary, sad vocal leads us through a minor masterpiece. You young people take note: This is real country music.

MARTY RAYBON/Dirt Road Heartache
Writer: Melissa Ann Peirce/Jerry Dean Salley; Producer: Marty Raybon; Publisher: Chatawa/Songs of Peer, LTD; Rural Rhythm (track)
—Marty’s hillbilly tenor fits this uptempo bluegrass romp like the proverbial glove. The fleet-fingered instrumental support is dazzling.

JESSIE JAMES/Military Man
Writer: Clint Lagerberg/Cary Barlowe/Jessie James/Nicky Chinn; Producer: Mark Wright; Publisher: Big Loud Songs/Big Loud Bucks/Extreme Freedom/Castle Bound/Bummerman/In La La Land/Nicky Chinn/Ten Ten, ASCAP/SESAC; Show Dog Universal
—She’s the daughter of a man in uniform. She sings well, but the melody just lays there, and the lyric is way too wordy.

KEITH URBAN/For You
Writer: Monty Powell/Keith Urban; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: Crane Song/Toreador/ole/Songs of Universal/Mary Rose, SESAC/BMI; Capitol (CDX)
—The intriguing, involving, minor-key melody draws you in. The lyric of a soldier willing to lay down his life speaks directly to thousands of contemporary Americans. Stirring.

RANDY TRAVIS /More Life
Writer: Mike Reid/Rory Bourke; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Publisher: Rivers and Roads/Rory Bourke, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros. (CDX)
—Two of the great voices of our time are together on this disc, with Don Henley adding high harmonies to Randy’s lead vocal. The icing on the cake is that the song is simply awesome and breathtaking. Facing the end, a man wishes only for “More Life,” to “love stronger, stay in the moment one moment longer.” This moved me to my core.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Pontoon
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Luke Laird/Barry Dean; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Wruckestrike/Universal-Careers/Barrytones, BMI; Capitol (CDX)
—The production magic of Jay Joyce gives the LBT voices renewed style. The crunchy groove and relaxed party atmosphere are right on the money for summertime. It goes without saying that the singing and harmonies are pluperfect bliss.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Cruise
Writer: Kelley/Rice/Rice/Hubbard/Moi; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: none listed; Big Loud Mountain (www.floridageorgialine.com)
—After an a cappella intro, this takes off like a speedboat on a glassy lake. The track is rushing and wooshing, and the voices are sprightly. What more do you want? Get on board.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/9/12)

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Disc of the Day goes to Lady A; and the DisCovery Award goes to Grady Skelton

It might be optimistic and springtime outside, but it’s sad-ballad day here at Music Row.

Blake Shelton, Heidi Newfield, Chris Webb and Lady A are all singing downbeat fare on their latest singles. But only one of them is essential listening. That would be Lady Antebellum, nailing the Disc of the Day award with ease.

Of our more upbeat entries, Mark Collie, Grady Skelton, the Agave Posse Band and Rodney Atkins are all worth some spins. Texan Grady Skelton wins the DisCovery Award with his “Girl I Love.”

MELISSA BROOKE/Sticky Situation
Writers: Minnie Marianne Murphy/Pat Murphy/Ted Hewitt; Publishers: Montage/Machinafree/Pakimo/Ted Hewitt, ASCAP; Producer: Bill Green; Label: BGM (www.melissabrooke.com)
—This Texas teen takes the tune at a plodding, march-like tempo. It’s about a blind date that goes wrong, thanks to a girlfriend’s mix-up. Brooke’s pert singing needs some seasoning to sound more womanly.

RODNEY ATKINS/Just Wanna Rock n’ Roll
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins; Publishers: Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Songs/Angel River/Big Loud Bucks, BMI/ASCAP; Producers: Ted Hewitt & Rodney Atkins; Label: Curb
—Despite the title, it’s a lilting, attractive invitation to party, country style. Well produced and highly listenable.

TJ BROSCOFF/Bigger, Better Than You
Writers: TJ Broscoff, Bill Green, BMI; Producer: Bill Green; Label: BGM (www.tjbroscoff.com)
—His singing and the band’s playing seem to be in different time signatures. A mess.

MARK COLLIE & HIS RECKLESS COMPANIONS/One More Second Chance
Writers: Mark Collie/T Graham Brown/Steve Schuffert; Publishers: Daniel Island/EMI Blackwood/Leipers Fork/River of Time, BMI; Producers: Tony Brown, Mark Collie & David Z; Label: Wilbanks (www.markcollie.com)
—In 2001, Collie went to the notorious Brushy Mountain State Prison with a batch of tunes about crime and punishment. His show, which also featured Kelly Willis, was recorded, but not released until this month. The Tennessee prison closed in 2009, but its energetic, in-concert album has found new life. It kicks off with this snappy, rockabilly romp that has the inmates whistling and shouting in appreciation. Alive at Brushy Mountain also includes versions of “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Why Me, Lord” and “Gospel Train,” but the bulk of the repertoire was freshly penned by Collie and his collaborators. Highly recommended.

GRADY SKELTON/Girl I Love
Writer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Producer: Clayton Corn; Label: Gamagrass (www.gradyskelton.com)
—The current single from Skelton’s Live Simply CD is a hearty, drawling, endearing and irresistibly jaunty ditty that rumbles along with such good will that you can’t help smiling. Feel-good Texas music, tailor made for summertime. Producer Corn is Pat Green’s keyboard player and Skelton has also worked with folks associated with Robert Earl Keen, Jerry Jeff Walker, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Eli Young Band and other mainstays of the Lone Star State.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Wanted You More
Writers: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Jason Gambill/Matt Billingslea/Jonathan Long/Dennis Edwards; Publishers: Warner Tamerlane/DWHaywood/Radiobulletspublishing/EMI Foray/Hillary Dawn/Songs to Make Out To/Christina Marie/Ebug/Donelson/Sussman & Associates, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Producers: Paul Worley & Lady Antebellum
—Swirling and magical, this has a deeply sensual vibe. The multi-layered percussion, midnight-hour vocal echo, super strings and full-throttle production make this one fabulous listening experience. Co-writers Gambill, Billinslea, Long and Edwards are in the Lady A band, so that’s extra cool.

CHRIS WEBB/D.J. Please
Writer: Chris Webb; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Producer: Gary Sadker: Label: Red Ridge (www.chriswebbcountry.com)
—It’s a plea to a D.J. to play a tune about romance. His smooth, baritone vocal on this ballad is solid, but the tempo is taken so slowly he’s practically having to drag his knuckles along the ground

BLAKE SHELTON/Over
Writers: Paul Jenkins/David Elliott Johnson; Publishers: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Touch My Music, ASCAP/BMI; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Bros.
—The amped-up choruses on this power ballad are thunderously over the top. He’s a country singer, so give him a country song.

AGAVE POSSE BAND/We’ll Get It On
Writer: Chad Beedy; Publisher: Agave, BMI; Producer: none listed; Label: Agave Posse (www.agaveposse.com)
—Garage country, sounding like it was recorded live in a shed made of corrugated metal. That said, the rhythm-happy band sounds like a raucous good time, and the vocalist has a slap-on-the-back friendliness that’s hard to deny. Worth a spin around the dance floor.

HEIDI NEWFIELD/Why’d You Have to Be So Good
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Jeremy Popoff; Publisher: Jeffrey Steele/BPJ/EMI April/Jagermaestro, BMI/ASCAP; Producer: Blake Chancey: Label: Sidewalk/Curb
—Her vocal performance burns the house down. The song puts a wet blanket on the blaze.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/2/12)

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(L-R): Ice Cream Sundae, Jack White

It looks like Nashville is going to continue to rule the top of the pop album charts, with Jack White predicted to replace Lionel Ritchie at No. 1 next week in the U.S. and knocking even Adele from that perch in the U.K.

Jack’s Third Man Records label is in the spotlight of this week’s pop/rock “DisClaimer” column. His debut solo disc is here, as are such company products as Jeff the Brotherhood and Karen Elson. Naturally, all of them are available on vinyl.

As good as they are, they have plenty of competition from such Music City pop-rockers as Dave Barnes, Etta Britt and our DisCovery Award winning Ice Cream Sundae.

But as for Disc of the Day? That one has to belong to Jack White alone.

ICE CREAM SUNDAE/Video Games
Writer: Zak Monnet; Producer: Bryan Clark; Publisher: none listed; Rainfeather (track) (www.icecreamsundaemusic.com)
—Ice Cream Sundae is singer-songwriter and Belmont grad Zak Monnet, aided and produced by his former college professor Bryan Clark. This track from their debut We’re Just As Sweet CD is a frothy, electro-pop chamber tune featuring synth blurps, twizzles, strings and wooshes, plus percussion hiccups and an airy, wafting tenor vocal that pleads to be allowed to play, yes, video games. Definitely different.

DAVE BARNES/Mine to Love
Writer: Dave Barnes; Producer: John Fields & Dave Barnes; Publisher: No Gang/Razor & Tie, ASCAP; Razor & Tie (track) (www.davebarnes.com)
—Fresh from his across-the-board success with “God Gave Me You,” Barnes returns with a new collection titled Stories to Tell. Its beautifully melodic lead-off single finds his engaging, earnest tenor soaring above a churning, rhythmic track with insistent, jangling guitar work, softly sighing strings and a percussive pulse that just doesn’t quit. If this doesn’t make your heart beat a little faster, you haven’t got one.

RON BRUNK/Dance Floor
Writer: Ron Brunk; Producer: Paul Allen; Publisher: Ugly Brunk Dog, no performance rights listed; RB (track) (www.ronbrunk.com)
—This veteran Nashvillian returns with a 13-tune batch called Funk the Brunk. He exhorts listeners to “let it burn” out on the dance floor while an electric guitar grinds out the repeated riff and electronic beats propel the track. It’s maniacally repetitive but somehow weirdly likable.

JACK WHITE/Sixteen Saltines
Writer: Jack White; Producer: Jack White III; Publisher: Third String Tunes, BMI; Third Man  (www.jackwhiteIII.com)
—Yes, we loved The White Stripes, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, but what we’ve wanted all along is a Jack White solo album. Now we have Blunderbuss, and lo-and-behold, it’s a chart-topping hit. Some are saying that Nashville is rubbing off on White via his incorporation of Fats Kaplan’s fiddle and steel into some of its tracks. But this kick-off single (available as a 45 rpm, just as the album is available on vinyl) rocks with as much snark as anything he’s ever recorded. Plus, it’s short and snotty, like a Ramones tune. There are actually two singles available from the new collection. The other is the haunting, minor-key “Love Interruption,” featuring Ruby Amanfu’s harmony singing.

CHRISTINA RECKARD & RAUL MALO/Each Other
Writer: Alan Miller/Raul Malo; Producer: Eddie Perez & Christina Reckard; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Toto Tunes/Winning Circle, no performance rights listed; Velvet Fusion (track) (www.christinareckard.com)
—Christina is a pop-Latin Nashville singer and dancer who puts on quite a show, I am told. Her CD is titled Kaleidoscope. The esteemed Mr. Malo offers both his vocal and composing talents on this steamy slow samba while trumpets and guitars trill along. Elsewhere on the set, the salsa beats are even more throbbing and frenetic. Music City’s diversity rules!

ETTA BRITT/Dog Wants In
Writer: Don Von Tress/John Brannen; Producer: Bob Britt; Publisher: War Pony/Savannah Son/Harry Barker, BMI/SESAC; Wrinkled (track) (www.ettabritt.com)
—Etta and her rock-guitarist hubby Bob have been heating up Nashville nightspots for years, both with her solo shows and her gigs with fellow Kentucky Thunder members Vickie Carrico, Sheila Lawrence and Jonell Mosser. Her new solo CD is Out of the Shadows. This single from it perfectly captures her blue-eyed, soul-sister style. “Out of the shadows,” my eye: This is straight outta the swamp. The album’s cast includes not only Mosser, Lawrence and Carrico, but Delbert McClinton, Bekka Bramlett, The McCrary Sisters, Jimmy Hall, Scat Springs, John Jarvis, Chad Cromwell and Tom Bukovac. Yowsah.

JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD/Whatever I Want
Writer: Jake Orrall/Jammin Orrall; Producer: Jack White III; Publisher: Infinity Cat/Automatic Bzooty/Otissery, ASCAP; Third Man (www.thirdmanrecords.com)
—After years of making their mark on the Nashville pop/rock scene on their own Infinity Cat imprint, the alt-rock Orrall brothers have been taken on by Jack White’s Third Man label. Jeff the Brotherhood’s Jack-produced single is a minimalist, buzzy  guitar grinder with the act’s typically quirky lyrics and shifting tempi.

ERISA REI/Black Ball
Writer: Erisa Rei Kopp; Producer: Mike Kyle, Neil Kyle & Trey Gray; Publisher: Pesky Fly, no performance rights listed; Pesky Fly (track) (www.erisareimusic.com)
—Erisa is showcasing her new CD on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Hard Rock Cafe. Its title tune is a dark thumper that spotlights her throaty lower register as well as her piercing upper tones. Passionate sounding.

KAREN ELSON/Vicious
Writer: Lou Reed; Producer: Jack White III; Publisher: Spirit One/Oakfield Avenue, no performance rights listed; Third Man (www.karenelson.com)
—Jack produced a surprisingly fine LP called The Ghost Who Walks for his fashion-model-turned-songwriter wife in 2010. Now amicably divorced, the couple re-teamed for this superbly rocking single as well. The band cooks with gas, and Karen has a born-to-rock voice full of attitude, elan and natural rhythm. Buy this at once at the Third Man Record Shop (623 7th Avenue South, behind the Union Mission). While you’re there, check out the label’s fine offerings by everyone from The Greenhornes and The Black Belles to Wanda Jackson and Jerry Lee Lewis.

JAS PATRICK/I Know
Writer: Jas Patrick; Producer: Jas Patrick; Publisher: Tiny Lion, BMI; Tiny Lion (track) (www.jaspatrick.com)
—This Nashvillian’s five-song EP is titled Tributaries. It seems to be a real d.i.y. affair, since he writes, sings, produces and plays drums, guitar and keyboards on it. The lead-off track features a Winwood-type, blue-eyed-soul vocal on a cool, catchy, pop/rock tune. It manages to be simultaneously relaxed and almost jazzy, yet urgent and forceful. Promising.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/25/12)

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This is the time to shine for Lee Brice.

As a singer, songwriter and record maker, he is firing on all eight cylinders. As a singer, he had Billboard’s most-played country single of 2010 with “Love Like Crazy.” As a songwriter, he had Billboard’s most-played country single of 2011 with The Eli Young Band’s rendition of his “Crazy Girl.” That same song earned him the 2012 ACM award for Song of the Year. You will recall that in 2007, he was the cowriter of “More Than a Memory” by Garth Brooks, the only song to debut at No. 1 on the charts. Yesterday, his Hard 2 Love CD hit the stores with a bang. Its leadoff single, “A Woman Like You” rules the hit parade at No. 1. In addition, this week, Lee Brice lands his first Disc of the Day award from “DisClaimer” with the album’s title tune.

And he’s not the only one with a happening track today. The Lionel Richie & Billy Currington duet, Sawyer Brown, Bucky Covington and Due West all gave Lee a run for his money.

Our DisCovery Award goes to Herrick. The four-piece band enlisted Michael Bonagura of Baillie & The Boys to produce 10 tracks of its album, plus four “bonus” tunes produced by Buddy Cannon. Not too shabby, eh? The group’s debut full-length CD is titled New Dance. It will pin your ears back.

LOCASH COWBOYS/C.O.U.N.T.R.Y.
Writer: Chris Lucas/Preston Brust/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Jeffrey Steele; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Sony-ATV Tree/Jeffrey Steele/BPJ, ASCAP/BMI; R&J
—This is not the same song that Joe Diffie had with this title in 1996. No indeedy. This one is an amped-up, super-electrified rocker that has next to nothing to do with actual country music. I’ll take Diffie’s tune any day.

CRAIG MORRISON/Fences
Writer: none listed; Producer: Mark Moffatt; Publisher: none listed; CMM (track) (www.craigmorrisonmusic.com)
—This Aussie cracks the U.S. country marketplace with a gently rolling social statement about the nature of barricades in our lives. Well written and expertly produced, it’s a mighty promising debut.

BUCKY COVINGTON/I Wanna Be That Feeling
Writer: Jimmy Yeary/Ben Hayslip; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Black to Black/Get a Load of This/Warner Chappell, BMI/ASCAP; Entertainment One (www.buckycovington.com)
—Hearty and engaging, this comeback single has plenty of melodic oomph and production excitement. With pile-driving punch a-plenty, it’s exceedingly radio friendly. A real contender.

DUE WEST/Things You Can’t Do in a Car
Writer: Brad Hull; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Hull to Pay/Offer You Can’t Refuse, BMI; Black River
—In praise of pickup trucks, this jaunty little number bubbles and bounces in all the right places.

SAWYER BROWN/Ain’t Goin’ Out That Way
Writer: Robert Ellis Orall/Stephen Barker Liles/Brad Douglas Warren/Brett Daniel Warren; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Orall Fixation/It’s a Birthday Party/Rockapop/Stylsonic/EMI Blackwood, ASCAP/BMI; Beach Street (CDX)
—The country-rock arrangement is sunny and bright, yet the gritty, poor-boy lyric is a downbeat contrast. I dig the dogged, determined message as well as the insanely catchy track.

PAT GREEN/All Just to Get to You
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (ERG)
—The song is terrific, as is his vocal delivery. He should have been surrounded with a more lustrous or muscular production instead of this somewhat spare one. But the performance and composition are so strong that they carry the day nevertheless.

MARK WAYNE GLASMIRE/I Like You
Writer: Mark Wayne Glasmire; Producer: John Albani & John Wayne Glasmire; Publisher: Traceway, ASCAP; Traceway (track) (www.markwayneglasmire.com)
—I have consistently enjoyed this artist’s releases. But this faux-beach, pseudo-Buffett style of country music is among my least favorites. Pass.

LEE BRICE/Hard to Love
Writer: Billy Montana/John Ozier/Ben Glover; Producer: Kyle Jacobs & Matt McClure; Publisher: Mike Curb/Dandon Ranch/Over the Bar/91 One/Arose/EMICMG, BMI/ASCAP; Curb (track)
—Lee is coming off a chart topper (”A Woman Like You”) and remains a strong up-and-comer, so this release is crucial to his forward momentum. I think it will do the trick just fine. The insistent tune, steady rhythm, earnest vocal and true-to-life lyric are all ear tickling. Up, up, up it goes.

HERRICK/Cry Memphis
Writer: Donna Herrick/Kerry Herrick/David Walker; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; BreakAway (track) (www.herricklive.com)
—I like it, I like it. The song has a cool, moody, minor-key tune and a dramatic, girl-gone-wrong lyric. Donna’s lead vocal is supported by the band’s ultra-haunting harmonies. Captivating.

LIONEL RICHIE & BILLY CURRINGTON/Just for You
Writer: Lionel Richie/Paul Barry/Mark Taylor; Producer: Tony Brown & Lionel Richie; Publisher: none listed; Mercury Nashville (track) ()
—The songs on Richie’s new Tuskegee CD of country duets are his familiar classics. Except for this one. Evidently, it was a hit in Europe, but it only got to No. 92 on the U.S. pop charts (in 1994). Leave it to song-magnet Currington to wind up with this deliciously melodic, hypnotically rhythmic jewel as his selection on the disc. No one, but no one, writes songs this perfectly pristine as Lionel Richie does. Music to make your heart sing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/18/12)

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Top: The Grascals; Bottom: Cumberland River

We’re overdue for an overview of what our bluegrass brothers and sisters are up to, so here’s a batch of CDs that are currently picking and grinning out there.

The Disc of the Day belongs to The Grascals. Life Finds a Way is the band’s first for Mountain Home Records, and I think it’s one of the ensemble’s best efforts ever.

This edition’s DisCovery Award goes to Kentucky newcomers Cumberland River. They’re already being featured on a television soundtrack and are hip enough to recognize the power of a music video. Go, boys, go.

JUNIOR SISK & RAMBLERS CHOICE/A Far Cry from Lester & Earl
Writer: Tim Massey/Rick Pardue/Harry Sisk Jr.; Producer: Wes Easter & Ramblers Choice; Publisher: Dixie Breeze/Mitchell River/Dreamin’ Creek, BMI; Rebel (track) (www.juniosiskandramblerschoice.com)
—This track is presently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited popularity chart. It decries how bluegrass is drifting too far away from the classic sounds of The Stanley Brothers and the men of the song’s title. “We’re way down below that high-lonesome sound” sings Junior in this lively toe tapper. Sisk’s CD is titled The Heart of a Song, and it’s hardcore bluegrass all the way.

CHRIS JONES & THE NIGHT DRIVERS/Final Farewell
Writer: Chris Jones/Jon Weisberger; Producer: Chris Jones; Publisher: Gal Sal/Use Your Words, BMI; Rebel (track) (www.rebelrecords.com)
—I’m a big fan of guitarist-singer Jones. This yearning, midtempo, romantic outing is drawn from his current Lost Souls & Free Spirits, which is a compilation of his finest work for Rebel, plus three new tracks. As always, he sings with understated warmth and unforced soulfulness. Heartfelt.

THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS/Nobody Knows You
Writer: Graham Sharp; Producer: Gary Paczosa & The Steep Canyon Rangers; Publisher: Enchanted Barn, ASCAP; Rounder (track) (www.steepcanyon.com)
—Because of backing Steve Martin last year, the Rangers won the IBMA Entertainer of the Year award with him. This title tune to the band’s just-released (4/10) new album that it kicks plenty of butt without the banjo-playing superstar. In addition to hearty harmonies, it features some wonderfully scampering fiddle work and a throbbing bass line. Fresh sounding.

THE GRASCALS/Life Finds a Way
Writer: Jamie Johnson/Dierks Bentley/Ronnie Bowman; Producer: The Grascals; Publisher: Country Gentleman/Little Johnson/Big White Tracks/Sony-ATV, SESAC/ASCAP/BMI; Mountain Home (track)
—This rolls along gently as the sweetly romantic title tune of The Grascals’ latest collection. Jamie Johnson and Terry Eldredge remain two of the genre’s finest young lead vocalists. Kristin Scott Benson’s award-winning banjo work is just stellar. I also like the way this band consistently looks “outside the box” for material. In this CD, you’ll find bluegrass reworkings of “Mystery Train” and “Sweet Baby James” alongside terrific songs by writers like Harley Allen and Jerry Salley. And get a load of the writer credits on this tune.

BRAND NEW STRINGS/Other Side of Lonesome
Writer: Randall Massengill; Producer: Preston Schmidt & Brand New Strings; Publisher: Eastern V, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.brandnewstringsband.com)
—I think the concept here is to combine traditional high-lonesome vocals with ultra-modern instrumental flash. Because these five guys can all play their fingers off. The seven-song mini-album is titled Stay Tuned. I will.

CUMBERLAND RIVER/Cold and Withered Heart
Writer: J. Dean; Producer: Steve Gulley; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.cumberland-river.com)
—It’s a brave new world out there — bluegrass groups now make music videos. This tune from this new band’s The Life We Live CD has its own clip. So does the album’s tune “Justified,” the theme song of an FX TV show by that name. From an audio standpoint, these fellows sing with urgency and abandonment here that keep you on edge as a listener. Cumberland River hails from Harlan, KY. Two of its members are for-real coal miners. Four of them are cousins. Now that’s country.

DAILEY & VINCENT/Living in the Kingdom of God
Writer: Jaimie Dailey; Producer: Darrin Vincent & Jaimie Dailey; Publisher: Bluegrass Ambassador, BMI; Rounder/Cracker Barrel (track) (www.daileyandvincent.com)
—This is the lead-off song and first charting track from this team’s second bluegrass-gospel collection. As before, the set is co-marketed by Rounder in partnership with Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores. This is a lickety-split, happy-happy celebration of being born again. Elsewhere on the CD are well-chosen tunes by Dolly Parton, Buck Owens, Jimmy Fortune, Willie Nelson (“Family Bible”) and Carl Perkins (“Daddy Sang Bass”). An all-star cast of sidemen is on hand.

THE CROWE BROTHERS/He Could Pick the Hound
Writer: Steve Watts; Producer: Steve Thomas, Josh Crowe, Wayne Crowe & Steve Sutton; Publisher: Redbud Ridge, ASCAP; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.crowebrothers.com)
—New on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart this month is this track from Bridging the Gap by The Crowe Brothers. As you might expect, the sibling harmony is spot-on. But what really drives this number is the fleet-fingered banjo playing of Steve Sutton.

CAROLINA ROAD/A Light in the Window, Again
Writer: Dixie Hall/Tom T. Hall; Producer: Lorraine Jordan; Publisher: Good Home Grown, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.carolinaroadband.com)
—This wistful mountain tune is currently on the chart for the smooth-sounding Carolina Road. Producer Jordan is the band’s able mandolinist and high-harmony vocalist. Guitarist Tommy Long has a marvelously evocative lead voice that is a gentle persuader. Back to My Roots is the second Rural Rhythm outing for this super band. It’s a total winner, thoroughly listenable, track after track.

NU-BLU/Other Woman’s Blues
Writer: Kira Small; Producer: Nu-Blu; Publisher: Gerry Bruce, ASCAP; Pinecastle (track) (www.nu-blu.com)
—Thanks to breakthroughs by Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Dale Ann Bradley, Laurie Lewis and others, female lead singers in bluegrass are more common than ever. Add Nu-Blu’s Carolyn Routh to that list. She brings a pleading, plaintive tone to this minor-key gem. Promising.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/11/12)

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Just about everything sounds ridiculously good to me this week.

So much so that I’m giving out Disc of the Day prizes in the Male, Female and Duo/Group categories. Our male performance unquestionably belongs to Jake Owen. This man is inches away from superstardom. Kelly Clarkson’s fiery voice nails down the female award. And everybody already knows that the dynamic duo of Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw has the release to beat this week.

The DisCovery Award goes to Josh Grider. Send more sounds.

JOSH ABBOTT BAND/Touch
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Lonestar Music (track)
—This group’s Small Town Family Dream CD drops on April 24. In the meantime, we have a teaser single/video that suggests we’re in for a treat. This haunting, minor-key and compelling slab of sound has an undertow rhythm pattern, a fevered performance and a sexy lyric. Absolutely a winner. More credits about who is responsible for this gem, please.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/So Called Life
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Average Joe’s (track) (www.montgomerygentry.com)
—Raucous and romping, this rocks the working-man’s blues.

MELANIE ROSE DYER/Too Fast for Traffic
Writer: Melanie R. Dyer/Marc A. Rossi; Producer: Melanie R. Dyer & Daniel Cooper; Publisher: Fanetta/Marc My Words, ASCAP; Sugarplum (track) (www.melaniedyer.com)
—The track kicks up some dust, but her so-so vocal is almost buried in the mix. Also, her smoky style isn’t well suited to uptempo material.

KENNY CHESNEY & TIM McGRAW/Feel Like a Rock Star
Writer: Chris Tompkins/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Big Loud Songs/Angel River/Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP/BMI; BNA
—The Brothers of the Sun sound like they’re having a ball on this energetic, electrified stomper. I like the rapid-fire lyric on the chorus finales.

JOSH GRIDER/Slow
Writer: Josh Grider/Ben Stennis; Producer: Josh Grider; Publisher: G-Ride/Pickin’/Songs of Kicking Bird/Bug/Songs of Windswept Pacific, ASCAP/BMI; Smith Music Group (track) (www.smithmusic.com)
—Most of Grider’s new double CD was recorded live at Billy Bob’s Texas. The exception is this studio track and single release, which was cut west of Music City at Brave Studios in Pegram. It’s a blue-collar ballad about romantic relaxing on the weekends. His singing is immensely warm, welcoming and expressive. Plus, he shows real talent as a tunesmith. If he doesn’t have a hit with this hooky number, someone sure should.

JAKE OWEN/The One That Got Away
Writer: Dallas Davidson/Jake Owen/Jimmy Ritchey; Producer: Joey Moi & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher/Universal Careers/Shiitoke Moki/Vibe Room/Jimbalaya/BPJ, BMI; RCA (track)
—Jake is hot, hot, hot. He is coming off two consecutive chart toppers, is in the current Entertainment Weekly music issue as one of “The 30 Greatest Artists Right Now” and is now engaged to wed. This new single bristles with energy. His vocal on it has brawny, chesty confidence, soaring above furious electric-guitar pyrotechnics and heart-pumping drumming. In short, this has as much heat as his career does.

MICHELLE TURLEY/Orange Blossoms in Phoenix
Writer: M. Turley/C. Turley; Producer: C.F. Turley; Publisher: none listed; Victorio (track)
—The track is in a lilting, acoustic-folkie style, which suits her wafting, breathy soprano. Pleasant sounding.

KELLY CLARKSON/Mr. Know It All
Writer: Brian Seals/Ester Dean/Brett James/Dante Jones; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: B-Uneek/Universal/Dat Damn Dean/Songs of Universal/WB/External Combustion/Brett James/All for Melodie, ASCAP/BMI; RCA/19
—The country version of Clarkson’s big pop hit features steel guitar but retains the song’s tremendous energy and super hooks. Her vocal delivery is simply electrifying. Essential listening. Kelly Clarkson is also featured on the same Entertainment Weekly list that Jake Owen is on. In fact, more than a third of the top-20 are Nashvillians. Besides Owen (#19) and Clarkson (#18), they include The Black Keys (#7), Taylor Swift (#2), Jack White (#6), The Civil Wars (#15) and Carrie Underwood (#4). Toss in London-based Americana faves Mumford & Sons (#9) and it’s a real community kudo.

AARON EINHOUSE/Good to Be Home
Writer: Aaron Einhouse; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed, BMI; AE (www.aaroneinhoue.com)
—His vocal is recorded on the “dry” side, and the spare, simple band sounds live. It probably isn’t “produced” enough for most programmers, but there’s undeniable Texas verve here.

BILL GENTRY/That Kind of Life
Writer: Matthew T. Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Josh Osborne; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: Praley/Unfair Entertainment/Songs of BIMS/Tunes of Bigger Picture/Intunes, ASCAP; Tenacity (www.BillGentryNation.com)
—Very well written, with nicely crafted verses about growing up and an extremely catchy chorus. The production has plenty of crunch and bite, and his vocal performance is perfectly feisty and charming. Play it again.