DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/03/12)

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Sweetwater Rain, Taylor Swift

This stack of platters has exactly the mix I like — superstars, unknowns, chart favorites and wanna-be’s.

Among the chart favorites are Chris Young and Steel Magnolia, both of whom have radio-ready new efforts. Among the wanna-be’s are the Josh Abbott Band and Bill Gentry, who have the two best indie singles of the week.

The finest of this week’s unknowns is the band Sweetwater Rain. Give that four-piece a DisCovery Award.

And then there is the superstar. That would be Princess Taylor. Yes, once again supreme writer-artist Taylor Swift has the Disc of the Day. I say this not because she is our sales queen, but because she simply has the best written and performed song.

JOSH ABBOTT BAND/I’ll Sing About Mine
Writer: Keane/Hood; Producer: Erik Herbst; Publisher: Zuzusita/Tiltawhirl, SESAC/BMI; PDT (track) (www.joshabbottband.com)
—I remain an enormous fan of this group. Its celebration of small-town life and culture rises above the rest by virtue of a head-to-the-skies melody, brilliantly pointed lyrics, hearty lead singing and super-tight instrumental work. The stuff that country dreams are made of.

CHRIS YOUNG/I Can Take it From There
Writer: Chris Young/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Runnin’ Behind/EMI April/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This, ASCAP/BMI; RCA (track)
—There’s nothing particularly memorable about the paint-by-numbers instrumental track, but when you have a vocalist this outstanding, that’s all you need. Besides, the song is cute, and, as always, Chris oozes country baritone charm.

JENNY SIMMS/Girl of a Gun
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; JS
—Much better than its unprofessional packaging would lead you to expect. The song is a decent “outlaw” piece of material, but it’s her ferocious, range-y vocal command of the track that is truly ear opening. Promising.

TAYLOR SWIFT/Begin Again
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Dann Huff, Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony ATV Tree/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine
—This intimate ballad whispers of the warm, wafting winds that carry a disillusioned heart into the climate of new romance. Marvelously evocative and expressive. Not to mention extraordinarily well written.

ASHLEY FORREST/Pourin’ Over Me
Writer: Kacey Coppola/Kate Coppola/Danny Myrick/Jeff Spence; Producer: Mark Moffatt; Publisher: EMI April/Soulride/BPJ/EMI Blackwood/Sophieopi, ASCAP/BMI; Truro (www.ashleyforrestmusic.com)
—She yearns for the sunny countryside while the happy instrumental track bobs and weaves around her. Innocent sounding.

BILL GENTRY/Hell and Half of Georgia
Writer: Tim James/Doug Johnson; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (www.billgentrynation.com)
—The lazy, bluesy tune is super dreamy. The heartache, lonely-boy lyric is a model of finely penned details. The singer’s delivery nails every blue-eyed soul note, and the production is a terrific example of less-is-more taste. A total winner from an artist who has long been a fave in this column.

JAMEY JOHNSON & ALISON KRAUSS/Make the World Go Away
Writer: Hank Cochran; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (track)
—The Nashville Sound lives! This exquisite production recalls the classic work of Chet and Owen, right down to the bell-like guitar notes, rippling piano and sighing steel. The vocalists are both at their pluperfect best, with Jamey harmonizing flawlessly behind Alison’s precise diction. And it goes without saying that the song is a masterpiece.

LIVEWIRE/Lies
Writer: Andrew Eutslre; Producer: Justin Woods; Publisher: Real Man/Parrot Island, BMI; Way Out West (track) (www.livewirecountry.com)
—Punchy country-rock propulsion backs a honky-tonk wailer who seems to simultaneously both demand and plead for the truth. Well worth your spins.

STEEL MAGNOLIA/Maybe I’m Amazed
Writer: Paul McCartney; Producer: Sir Paul McCartney; Publisher: Sony ATV, ASCAP; Revivermusic (CDX) (www.steelmagnoliamusic.com)
—This track first saw the light of day as part of a women’s cancer benefit effort in memory of Linda McCartney. Despite the credit given here, I don’t believe Sir Paul was actually involved in Meghan and Joshua’s recording of his iconic song. Whatever the case, the performance is stellar. That’s because both of these kids can sing their faces off.

SWEETWATER RAIN/Starshine
Writer: Anthony Smith/Robbie Harrington; Producer: Anthony Smith; Publisher: GMG/Rowandale, BMI; Curb (CDX)
—Very cool. It starts simply, with a heartfelt tenor urgently promising romance and destiny with a stark, throbbing, bass-and-guitar accompaniment. A soul-piercing female harmony voice adds to the excitement while the track builds in intensity and volume. This grabbed my attention from the first note and held onto it to the last. So nice I played it twice.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/26/12)

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Buffy Lawson, The Abrams Brothers

Every dog has his day, and this day belongs to the underdogs.

I am happy to report that we have plethora of contestants for this week’s DisCovery Award. Branch & Dean’s “Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone,” Alex Flanigan’s “Diesel, Guns and Rust,” and Gideon’s Daughter’s “Ain’t Got Nothin’” are all essential listening. So is our winning artist, The Abrams Brothers.

The Disc of the Day prize also goes to an indie act. You won’t find as superb a performance on any major as Buffy Lawson gives us with “I’m Leaving You for Me.”

BUFFY LAWSON/I’m Leaving You for Me
Writer: Buffy Lawson/Angie Russell/Eric Pittarelli; Producer: Walt Aldredge; Publisher: Buffster/Angelinalou/Little Painters, ASCAP/SESAC; Wrinkled (track) (www.wrinkledrecords.com)
—Magnificent. The throbbing production puts every sonic punctuation in its perfect place. The wounded-woman lyric of the power ballad is superbly crafted. Her vocal delivery is a wall of emotional fire. A star-making performance.

THE ABRAMS BROTHERS/Northern Redemption
Writer: John Abrams/James Abrams; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bug/Rogues Writers Circle/Granite Hall, no performance rights listed; UFO (track)
—There are three of them — John, Elijah and James — and they hail from Canada. This is the title track of an album that’s a banquet of neo-Everly harmonies, percussive energy, folk charm, acoustic thump and sunshine-bright production. What a discovery: This one’s staying in the play-me stack for some time to come.

FAITH HILL/American Heart
Writer: Jonathan Singleton/Jim Beavers; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Faith Hill; Publisher: BMG Gold/Glassbean/We Jam/Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—She remains one of our vocal treasures. Her soulful delivery of this well-crafted anthem gives even its most rah-rah lines believability.

CHRIS DANIELS/South Carolina
Writer: Chris Daniels; Producer: Chris Daniels, Jim Ratts, John McVey & Bradley Kopp; Publisher: none listed; CWD444 (track) (www.chrisdaniels.com)
—This singer-songwriter has a hearty vocal delivery and definite style as a composer. This lively track from his Better Days CD features jaunty, Cajun flavored accompaniment. The album’s cast should give you an idea of its overall quality– Sam Bush, Richey Furay, Mollie O’Brien, Bela Fleck, Lloyd Maines, John Cowan, Tim Goodman, plus sidemen from The Punch Brothers, Joe Walsh, The Subdudes and more. Play on.

BRANCH & DEAN/Your Ol’ Lady’s Gone
Writer: Steve Branch/Marion Dean/Michael Huffman; Producer: Michael Huffman, Jeff Silvey & Marion Dean; Publisher: Shootin’ Straight/Huffstuff, BMI/ASCAP; Spinville (www.branchanddean.com)
—This ode to Hank is loaded with wit and panache. From the yodel to the steel solo, this must be heard to be believed. Absolutely great.

HEARTLAND/The Sound a Dream Makes
Writer: Shana Canada/Gary Duffey/Gordon Mote; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; R&J (www.heartlandband.com)
—The “I Loved Her First” fellows from 2006 have weathered label and personnel changes, as well as a self-imposed hiatus, over the past few years. Their comeback single is a sweet ballad of becoming a father (and then a grandfather) that tugs at the heartstrings and sounds just like a hit.

WANDA JACKSON/Tore Down
Writer: Sonny Thompson; Producer: Justin Townes Earle; Publisher: ARC/Carbert, BMI; Sugar Hill (track)
—Her last CD had Jack White in the producer’s chair, and it rocked. This time around, Miss Wanda has enlisted another alt-Nashvillian, Justin Townes Earle, for a collection titled Unfinished Business. Its lead-off single finds her in a stripped-down, urban-blues, rockin’ roots groove. Solid.

GIDEON’S DAUGHTER/Ain’t Got Nothin’
Writer: Gideon’s Daughter; Producer: Brad Petit; Publisher: none listed; Gideon’s Daughter (track) (www.gideonsdaughter.com)
—This trio from the Pacific Northwest features a slamming, slapping rhythm track and alternating male-female vocal leads that are equally sassy. A stomping surprise. Delightfully in-your-face.

MATT NATHANSON/Modern Love
Writer: Matt Nathanson/Mark Weinberg; Producer: Mark Weinberg & Matt Nathanson; Publisher: Little Victories/Stage Three/BMG Chrysalis/Rogue Leader/EMI April, ASCAP; Vanguard (track)
—This guy’s “country” connection comes via his outstanding duet with Sugarland on his album track “Run.” The collection’s second single and title tune confirms him as one of the great vocal newcomers of the year. If you don’t mind a few little horn blasts here and there, it could really liven your country playlist with its completely catchy tune, bopping rhythms and stellar production.

ALEX FLANIGAN/Diesel, Guns and Rust
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; AF (615-329-1032)
—She sings from the dark side of town, where the prison gates are. The song is just this side of Johnny Cash perfection. The production snarls and spits and rocks. She owns it vocally, from start to finish. An outlaw queen is born.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/19/12)

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Brent Cobb, Kenny Chesney

King Kenny fends off all challengers to win a Disc of the Day award this week.

Kenny Chesney has been topping the charts for more than 15 years now, and “El Cerrito Place” demonstrates why he continues to be so relevant. Despite the best efforts of Lonestar, Little Big Town, Wade Hayes, Gary Allan and Kix Brooks, he leads the field.

But the big news is our DisCovery Award winner, Brent Cobb. I can’t remember the last time a new singer-songwriter so delighted me with a debut disc.

BILLY RAY CYRUS/Change My Mind
Writer: Billy Ray Cyrus/Michael J. Sagraves; Producer: Brandon Friesen; Publisher: Sunnageronimo/Two Beats Down, BMI; Blue Cadillac (www.billyraycyrus.com)
—Pretty darn “big” sounding, with Cyrus’s processed voice practically buried in a cacophony of electric guitars, banjo and production what-not. Simultaneously muffled sounding and irritating.

LONESTAR/The Countdown
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; 4 Star (www.lonestarnow.com)
—Very catchy and bright. The upbeat ode of a returning lover, who can’t rush home fast enough, is appropriately rocking. The interjecting “ticking” effects are a nice touch, too. Highly programmable.

KENNY CHESNEY/El Cerrito Place
Writer: Keith Gattis; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Gattis, BMI; Columbia/Blue Chair
—Dreamy. He searches for his love along the beaches, on the desert and in the neighborhoods of the pretty people while echoey guitars and harmony vocalists cushion him in loneliness. One more reason why Kenny is king.

THE CIVIL WARS/I’ve Got This Friend
Writer: none listed; Producer: Charlie Peacock; Publisher: none listed; Sensibility (track)
—The Gold-selling, double Grammy winning Barton Hollow CD offers up a third single/video, and it is a change-of-pace to a more lilting, melodic and relaxed sound. As captivating as their intense, soul-wailing tracks are.

LITTLE BIG TOWN/Tornado
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Delta Maid; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Wruckestrike/San Remo Live/Songs of Kobalt, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—LBT continues its quest for world domination with this marching, crunchy, relentless vow to destroy any man who gets in Karen’s way. As before, the Joyce injection has completely revived this group’s sound.

WADE HAYES/Is It Already Time
Writer: none listed; Producer: Don Cook; Publisher: none listed; RPM Entertainment
—As the country radio world knows by now, the team that made Hayes a Columbia Records star of the 1990s, has reunited to promote the autobiographical song about his harrowing ordeal with colon cancer. Beautifully written and powerfully moving.

KIX BROOKS/Bring it on Home
Writer: Kix Brooks/Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Kix Brooks; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Buffalo Prairie/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck, BMI; Arista (track)
—A reformed honky-tonker puts on the brakes and decides to head for the homefront. Ultra commercial.

GARY ALLAN/Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)
Writer: Gary Allan/Matt Warren/Hillary Lindsey; Producer: Gary Allan & Greg Droman; Publisher: Crystal Beach/Third Tier/Always Alone/Kobalt/Raylene/BMG, BMI/ASCAP; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—Very cool and fevered sounding. Gary’s edgy growl offers odd comfort as he advises that tough times never last. Guitars chime around him and the rhythm track crashes in the background in this super compelling performance.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD/Last of a Dyin’ Breed
Writer: Gary Rossington/Johnny Van Zant/Ricky Medlock/Mark Matejka/Dan Sarafini/Bob Marlette; Producer: Bov Marlette; Publisher: Sleeping Indian/L&K/Bug/BobNal/Black Lava/Kobalt/Matejkamusic/Jaris, ASCAP/BMI; Roadrunner (track) (www.lynyrdskynyrd.com)
—Whether you’ve noticed it or not, rock music has completely disappeared from the mainstream pop chart. Everything is dance music or hip-hop there. That’s why a rock band like Jason Aldean is a “country” artist. Following this logic, lend these Southern-rock vets your ears on the rocking title tune of their latest CD. These old pros show the kiddies how its really done.

BRENT COBB/Love On Me
Writer: Brent Cobb/Jason Saenz; Producer: Matthew Miller & Oran Thornton; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Sony ATV Tree/Songs for My Good Girl, BMI; Carnival (CDX) (www.carnivalrecording.com)
—Now here’s a refreshing change: A country vocalist who isn’t afraid to put real personality on disc. This is easily the most charming performance of today, full of drawling, country-boy humor in a jaunty, sly come-on ditty. Absolutely essential listening.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/12/12)

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Shawn Colvin, Drew Womack, the World Famous Headliners

Welcome, Americana conventioneers.

This week’s edition of “DisClaimer” is full of your favorites as well as some folks who want to be. As you might expect, there’s an awful lot to like.

The Disc of the Day award is being divvied up. Our Female winner is Shawn Colvin. The Male prize goes to the comeback-bound Drew Womack. And ya gotta love the Group awardee, the completely charming World Famous Headliners.

Shel

Our newcomers include troubadours Sam Lewis, Jesse Terry and Eric Silver, plus the winners of this week’s DisCovery Award, Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza Holbrook, collectively known as Shel. Not since the heydays of the McGarrigles and Roches have I been so captivated.

CHRIS KNIGHT/Little Victories
Writer: none listed; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Publisher: none listed; Drifter’s Church/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.chrisknight.net)
—It has been four years since we’ve had an album from this gritty Kentucky song poet. The title tune to Knight’s newest remains true to his dedication to telling the stories of the “other” America. That’s a place of small-town desperation, working-class blues, hard times and resilience. The guy in this song has some firewood, a half a deer in the freezer and enough to survive on, so he thinks he’s doing pretty okay. John Prine joins in on the last chorus, by the way.

MINDY SMITH/Don’t Mind Me
Writer: Mindy Smith; Producer: Jason Lehning & Mindy Smith; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Big Yellow Dog/In the Tin Can, BMI; Giant Leap/TVX (track) ()
—This downbeat track from her self-titled current collection finds our heroine drinking, blue and lonely amid grinding electric guitars. Pairing her lilting, countryfied soprano with this thudding, echoey backing track is somewhat jarring at first listen, but I’ve always maintained that different is good. Elsewhere on the CD, she’s in her more familiar, folkish mode.

SAM LEWIS/I’m a River
Writer: Sam Lewis; Producer: Sam Lewis & Matt Urmy; Publisher: Sammy Sings, BMI; SL (track) (www.samlewistunes.com)
—Lewis has enlisted some stellar cast member for his CD, including guitarist Kenny Vaughan. On this r&b and gospel flavored ballad, he’s joined by Jonell Mosser on harmony vocals. Clearly, this is a blue-eyed soulman worth a listen. Or two or three.

WORLD FAMOUS HEADLINERS/Give Your Love to Me
Writer: Al Anderson/Shawn Camp/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Justin Niebank & The World Famous Headliners; Publisher: International Dog/Bucked Up/Scamporee/Hammer Arm, BMI; Big Yellow Dog (track) (www.worldfamousheadliners.com)
—For lovers of Nashville music, the name of this group is no idle boast. The World Famous Headliners are Pat McLaughlin, Big Al Anderson, Shawn Camp, Michael Rhodes and Greg Morrow. The group’s CD kicks off with this rumbling rocker where everybody’s singing with hearty gusto. This train is moving with a steady roll. Get on board for the ride of your life.

SHEL/Freckles
Writer: Shel; Producer: Brent Maher & Shel; Publisher: Songs of Moraine, BMI; Moraine/Mad King(track) (www.shelmusic.com)
—Shel is comprised of the four Holbrook sisters on violin, mandolin, drums and piano, plus wafting vocals. Their cool, quirky sound is equal parts jaunty pop, sideways folk and sly humor, especially on this ear-tickling track. Delightful.

SHAWN COLVIN/All Fall Down
Writer: Shawn Colvin/John Leventhal; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: Colvinsongs/Lev-A-Tunes, ASCAP; Nonesuch (track) (www.shawncolvin.com)
—Now 15 years on since her Grammy awarded “Sunny Came Home,” Colvin continues to make compelling records. She came to Nashville’s Buddy Miller to help her craft her latest. The title tune has a rambling, careening, jumbling and utterly fascinating audio texture and a gripping lyric of failure and redemption. Essential listening.

JESSE TERRY/Let the Blue Skies Go to Your Head
Writer: Jesse Terry; Producer: Neilson Hubbard; Publisher: Jackson Beach, SESAC; JT (track) (www.jesseterrymusic.com)
—He sings in a relaxed, easy-going tenor, and his songs are highly pleasing folk constructions. The cello-and-viola backing on this emphasis track are extra cool touches. The CD is titled Empty Seat on a Plane. It’s the kind of listening that makes a Sunday afternoon glide by.

TIM O’BRIEN & DARRELL SCOTT/Long Time Gone
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Famous/Chuck Wagon Gourmet, ASCAP; Full Light (track) (www.darrellscott.com)
—Separately, these two troubadours are both mighty forces to be reckoned with. Together on the live CD We’re Usually a Lot Better Than This, they are double dynamite. O’Brien’s mandolin provides the propulsion on this track while Scott’s expressive lead vocal makes you listen to this Dixie Chicks hit in a whole new way. Dazzling.

ERIC SILVER /When You’re Here
Writer: Eric Silver; Producer: Eric Silver; Publisher: none listed; Midas (track) (www.ericsilvermusic.com)
—Silver is a Nashville session musician who has written tunes for Diamond Rio, Reba, the Dixie Chicks, Toby Keith, Donna Summer, Neal McCoy and others. This title ballad from his own CD shows he’s been saving some choice songs for himself. It unveils a lush, luxurious and lovely texture as he spins its soft yarn of spending time alone with his guitar, cabernet and moonlight. The disc is being released in Brazil, where Silver has a side solo career.

DREW WOMACK/Sunshine to Rain
Writer: Drew Womack; Producer: Clayton Corn; Publisher: Native Stone, ASCAP; Blue Lightning (track) (www.drewwomack.net)
—The former Sons of the Desert leader has shifted into the Americana field for his comeback solo CD. Forced by spinal surgery to take a nine-year career hiatus, he took a clutch of well-polished songwriting gems into an Austin studio and emerged with a collection that will really grab you by the ears. The title tune is the tale of an alcoholic who returns to the poison that has already ruined a life. Womack has always had one of my favorite singing voices, and something as potent as this really lets him soar.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/05/12)

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Gloriana, Joanna Mosca

It’s a Battle of the Bands!

All four of our top contenders this week come from groups. You couldn’t go wrong adding Livewire, The Time Jumpers, The Ray Johnston Band or Gloriana to your playlists. But, alas, only one can be a Disc of the Day. That would be Gloriana.

The DisCovery Award goes to Joanna Mosca. Her EP is called Let It All Begin, and I sincerely hope it does.

RAY JOHNSTON BAND/Me, You & Emmylou
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RJB (track) (www.rayjohnstonband.com)
—I like the band’s deep-twang sound. The featherly-light tenor lead vocalist takes a little getting used to, but makes for an interesting contrast. The bopping song is a winner.

GLORIANA/Can’t Shake You
Writer: Tom Gossin/Stephanie Bentley/James Slater; Producer: Matt Serletic; Publisher: Gossin/Echometrics/Fru Fru/BPJ/EMI Blackwood/Jameslater, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Completely irresistible, from the swapped male-female leads to the insistently magnetic track, from the fevered lyric to the pulsing rhythm, from the swirling production to the chorus harmonies. Play this endlessly.

THE TIME JUMPERS/On the Outskirts of Town
Writer: Vince Gill/Reed Nielson; Producer: The Time Jumpers; Publisher: Vinny Mae/Songs of Kobalt/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Single Track, BMI; Rounder (track) (www.thetimejumpers.com)
—Previously nominated for a Grammy, this all-star Nashville band is now on Rounder with a self-titled CD and a western-swinging emphasis track that will definitely put the mojo back into your jazzbo soul. Way, way cool, especially when all of these instrumental masters take turns on hot, hot solos.

CRAIG CAMPBELL/Outta My Head
Writer: Cole Swindell/Brandon Kinney/Michael Ray Carter; Producer: Keith Stegall & Matt Rovey; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Songs of Red Bandana/Tom Tom Leis/Sony-ATV Cross Keys, BMI/ASCAP; Bigger Picture
—Craig comes into his own with this throbbing ode to a romantic memory that continues to haunt. He and Gloriana, whose single mines this same theme, might want to form a support group.

ALI BECK/Getaway Heart
Writer: Jennifer Schott/Marty Dodson; Producer: Larry Beard & Ali Beck; Publisher: none listed; AB (track)
—There’s nothing at all wrong with the breezy title tune to this gal’s six-song EP. But she’s going to have to find a song a lot more distinctive if she wants to stand out from the pack.

CLAY WALKER/Jesse James
Writer: Kyle Jacobs/Joe Leathers/Ben Glover; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Curb/Jacobsong/Fortune Favors the Bold/Mike Curb/Ghermkyle/WB/Screaming Norman, ASCAP/BMI; Sidewalk/Curb
—He tries to be a good guy, but fantasizes about being a bad, bad boy. The track rocks, and he sings the choruses powerfully, at the very top of his vocal range.

JOANNA MOSCA/Dream on Savannah
Writer: Troy Verges/Hilary Lindsey/Marv Green; Producer: Bryan White; Publisher: Universal/Raylene/Warner Chappell, no performance rights listed; Dolce Diva (track) (www.joannamosca.com)
—Her six-song EP kicks off with its single, a nifty ditty to a plain-jane, small-town teen who will one day blossom. Despite discouragement from everyone around her, she winds up with her name in lights. Lilting, uplifting and utterly delightful.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Don’t Ya
Writer: Brett Eldredge/Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Publisher: Paris Not France/Dwight Wiles/EMI April/Sugar Glider/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—She’s teasing, flirty and coy. And she knows exactly what she’s doing. Being driven crazy with desire sounds like a boatload of fun in this sexy bopper. Radio ready in the extreme.

LIVEWIRE/Lies
Writer: Andrew Eutsler; Producer: Justin Woods; Publisher: Real Man/Parrot Island, BMI; Way Out West (615-319-1863)
—Super professional. This toe-tapping indie sounds as good or better than any major-label outing out there. The single has it all, a dynamite rhythm, pristine production values, a lead vocal packed with energy and personality, a song with serious chops and instrumental work that soars. This is the third time I have raved about this band. Who are these guys? Where is the album?

JORDAN ANDERSON/Key to My Heart
Writer: Anderson/Crosby; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Go Time (track)
—Pleasant, but little more. The song is kinda bland, and her singing lacks moxie.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/29/12)

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Top: Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Farr, Darius Rucker. Bottom: High Valley

There’s a star in our winner’s circle, but the day belongs to little lights who twinkle a little less brightly.

Darius Rucker rides away with a Disc of the Day award for singing and co-writing the pulse quickening “True Believers.” It’s a song for lasting lovers everywhere.

But right behind him is a gaggle of unknowns, clamoring to be heard. Three of them are getting DisCovery Awards this week. Our Female DisCovery is Kacey Musgraves, who has an outstanding song. I first heard “Merry Go ‘Round” when she sang it earlier this year at CRS. It and she both blew me away then, and they did so again today.

The Male DisCovery Award goes to Tyler Farr, who has the outstanding voice, as well as a finely crafted song. “Hello Goodbye” pushed all my buttons.

The Group DisCovery Award goes to a sibling trio called High Valley. Their debut disc scores points for production excellence, as well as vocal performance. High Valley has already had several hits and awards nominations in its Canadian homeland.

LISA MATASSA/Somebody’s Baby
Writer: Kelly Archer/Casey Koesel/Justin Weaver; Producer: Tony Bruno; Publisher: Pubple Cape/ole/Major Bob/Music of Stage Three, BMI; 9 North/
itishwhatitis (www.lisamatassa.com)
—Mama sends her on her way with uplifting advice and assurance that home will always be there. Matassa attacks this tempo tune with gusto and admirable self assurance. Tell that rock guitarist to get out of her way.

ALAN JACKSON/You Go Your Way
Writer: Troy Jones/Tony Lane/David Lee; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Tee Roy/Carnival/Uncle Beast/Songs of Universal/Horns on the Hood, BMI/ASCAP; EMI (CDX)
—Loping and relaxed in musical tone, but with more than a few conflicted feelings in the lyric. This finely written song is sung to perfection by this modern country master. Heartily endorsed listening.

HIGH VALLEY/Love You For a Long Time
Writer: Jared Crump/Ben Stennis/Brad Rempel; Producer: Phil O’Donnell & Jeremy Spillman; Publisher: Pickin’/BMG Chrysalis/Songs of Kickingbird/Bug/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Big Brave Bendito/Centricity, BMI/SESAC/SOCAN/ASCAP; Eaglemont (www.highvalleymusic.com)
—Male trio harmonies atop a beefy, rocking track. If you’re not bopping along by the second chorus, there’s something wrong with your rhythm mojo. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

THOMAS RHETT/Beer with Jesus
Writer: T. Rhett/Rick Huckaby/Lance Miller; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Songs of Stylesonic/Melvin’s Pistol/Melvin’s Bullets/13th Avenue/I-40, BMI/SESAC; Valory Music
—Awesome. Only in country music will you find a song this simultaneously poignant, wry, emotionally honest, courageously creative and heartfelt. Rhett’s drawling, countryboy delivery of it is completely believable and absolutely perfect. This is the kind of thing we do best.

ATTERBERRY STATION/Fool’s Game
Writer: none listed; Producer: Cody Braun; Publisher: none listed; AS (track)
—Country rock, served up with relentless guitar grooves and steady-as-she-goes rhythmic propulsion. Roll on down the highway with this cranked up in your car speakers.

TYLER FARR/Hello Goodbye
Writer: Tyler Farr/Kris Bergnes/Skip Black; Producer: Jim Catino & Julian King; Publisher: none listed, BMI/IMPRO/ASCAP; Columbia (CDX)
—Tenderly sung, with just the right amounts of heartache, self-pity and tenor sobs. The song is extremely well crafted, lyrically, and also takes advantage of his striking vocal range. Eminently playable.

DARIUS RUCKER/True Believers
Writer: Darius Rucker/Josh Kear; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Universal/Cadaja/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight, ASCAP; Capitol (CDX)
—Surprisingly stirring. He really gets inside this thumping ode to an enduring love story. The chorus has more hooks than a tuna boat. The underscored strings at the bridge tickle your heartstrings and by the time of the final guitar chimes, you’re a complete goner.

KACEY MUSGRAVES/Merry Go ‘Round
Writer: Kacey Musgraves/Josh Osborne/Shane McAnally; Producer: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/351 Music/Want a Fresh One/Black River/Universal/Smack Ink, ASCAP; Mercury (CDX)
—This brilliant song of defeated expectations and dysfunctional dynamics deserves massive exposure. Musgraves’ lulled, downbeat delivery matches the lyric’s every nuance.

CRAIG MORGAN/More Trucks Than Cars
Writer: Craig Morgan/Phil O’Donnell/Craig Wiseman; Producer: Craig Morgan & Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: Big Loud Shirt/Big Loud Bucks/Sixteen Stars/Rooster Pecked/CMOGO, ASCAP/BMI; Black River (CDX) (615-780-3079)
—The lyric touches on all the backwoods cliches about how much better country folks are than city dwellers. He can do better, and has. Just so you know, neither grits nor biscuits are on my list of favorite foods.

PHIL HAMILTON/Running
Writer: Phil Hamilton/Beau Bedford; Producer: Beau Bedford; Publisher: none listed; PHM
—Texas garage country, with appropriately dusty atmosphere and a certain rollicking likeability. The sound might be a mite muffled, but this guy has talent.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/22/12)

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David Nail, Taylor Swift

It’s all stars, no waiting, this week.

This sudden shower of name-brand artists has the happy coincidence of almost uniformly wonderful listening. Whether it’s an old favorite or a new one, these folks bring their best to the country-music party.

The Farm Inc.

The plethora of excellence means we must divvy up the Disc of the Day honors. Our Female winner is Taylor Swift. The Male performance belongs to David Nail who takes an Adele song jewel into a country setting. The Group prize goes to The Farm Inc. with bonus points for performing a lyric with Something to Say.

Keep ‘em coming.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Tip It On Back
Writer: Tully Kennedy/Ross Copperman/Jon Nite; Producer: Brett Beavers & Luke Wooten; Publisher: none listed; Capitol (RI)
—Times are tough, so relax, drink up and let your troubles fade away. His vocal has even more personality than usual, and the swirling echo of electric guitars surrounding him is a little bit of sonic magic. Intensely involving.

THE FARM INC./Be Grateful
Writer: R. Clawson/M. Beeson; Producer: Danny Myrick & Rick Hoffman; Publisher: WB/Erin’s Dream/Crazy Blue Egg/Big Red Toe/Big Loud Bucks/Amarillo Sky, BMI/ASCAP; All In/Elektra/Warner
—Superior work all around. All three members are taking turns singing beautifully. The production is perfect. Best of all, the song has something really, really important to say about the times we’re living through. My hat’s off to everyone involved.

TOBY KEITH/I Like Girls That Drink Beer
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog Universal (ERG)
—It’s a kiss-off with a smile to the rich gal in favor of a honey in a honky-tonk. Oh, and it rocks splendidly.

DAVID NAIL/Someone Like You
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville (ERG)
—He sings like an earth angel, and Adele’s ballad of lingering, longing love is a marvelous vehicle for him. Despite our already knowing every note of this massive pop hit, David makes it his own with only a stately piano backing him. That’s the mark of a great vocalist.

TAYLOR SWIFT/We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
Writer: Taylor Swift/Max Martin/Shellback; Producer: Max Martin, Shellback & Dann Huff; Publisher: MXM/Kobalt/Sony-ATV Tree/Taylor Swift, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine
—Very catchy. Very witty. Very pop. Very, very big.

CLINTON GREGORY/She Did
Writer: Craig Martin; Producer: Jamie Creasy & Clinton Gregory; Publisher: Melody Roundup/Bluewater, BMI; Melody Roundup (track) (www,melodyroundupmusic.com)
—This hit maker from the ‘90s (”If It Weren’t For Country Music I’d Go Crazy”) returns with a CD titled Too Much Ain’t Enough. It’s lead-off single is a sublimely countrified ballad that’s the heartache song you’ve been missing so much lately. Hillbilly heaven.

J.T. HODGES/Sleepy Little Town
Writer: Lee Thomas Miller/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Mark Wright, Don Cook & Mark Collie; Publisher: Writers of Sea Gayle/Emma’s Garden/House of Sea Gayle/New Son of a Miner, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal (track)
—I dig this guy. I thought “Goodbyes Made You Mine” should have been massive. Now comes this throbbing cautionary tale of what goes on behind closed doors in Small Town U.S.A. As before, he performs with admirable passion and intensity.

STEVE HOLY/Hauled Off and Kissed Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb (ERG)
—Rocking, rollicking merriment. It’s impossible not to like this goofy fun.

JASON ALDEAN/Take a Little Ride
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Broken Bow (ERG)
—How many more pick-up truck rides with beer on back roads do we have to take? I think I’m getting a little queasy.

RADNEY FOSTER/Me and John R.
Writer: Radney Foster/Darden Smith/Jon Randall Stewart; Producer: Radney Foster & Justin Tocket; Publisher: none listed; Devil’s River (track) (www.radneyfoster.com)
—Now here’s an interesting concept. Radney’s brilliant 1993 CD Del Rio Texas 1959 is out of print. Fans keep asking him for a copy. So he has re-recorded its songs in an unplugged, acoustic setting. All your favorites are here — “Just Call Me Lonesome,” “Nobody Wins,” “Closing Time,” “Hammer and Nails” and so on — plus, you also get this new, evocative, wafting ode to driving lonesome with the accompaniment of Johnny Cash oldies on the radio. Mighty fine.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/15/12)

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Tiffany Houghton, Clayton Gardner

Ask and you shall receive.

In last week’s column, I bemoaned the lack of a DisCovery Award contender. So this week, I got two of them.

Both are Texans. Our Male winner, Clayton Gardner, plies his trade in Lone Star State roadhouses. Our Female winner, Tiffany Houghton, has moved to Music City to record her debut, six-song EP.

Eli Young Band

The Disc of the Day goes to Eli Young Band for its warmly romantic “Say Goodnight.” Kudos for another job well done.

CLAYTON GARDNER/I Won’t Settle Down
Writer: Clayton Gardner/Mack Damon; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CG (www.claytongardner.com)
—This breezy bopper with a touch of twang comes from a Texas newcomer with a smooth, confident, easy-going baritone. Promising.

ALI ISABELLA/Say You’ll Be Mine
Writer: Josh Foster/Julie Downs; Producer: Gregory Lattimer & Josh Foster; Publisher: Alisma, BMI; Alisma (track) (www.aliisabella.com)
—She sounds very young and quite pert. You wouldn’t call her a vocal powerhouse by any means, but this lightweight, up-tempo ditty doesn’t require her to be one. Peppy. Innocent.

KATHY MATTEA/West Virginia, My Home
Writer: none listed; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (track) (www.mattea.com)
—Mattea has scheduled a trio of Music City appearances next month to celebrate the imminent release of her Calling Me Home CD — Sept. 5 at The Bluebird Cafe, Sept. 7 at The Station Inn and Sept. 8 at the Opry House gift shop. In the meantime, this lilting, sweetly sung, acoustic track is doing the advance work on her website. The wafting, guitar-fiddle-mandolin picking by the CD’s all-star band is as heavenly as the singing.

RODNEY HAYDEN/Buckaroo Man
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Palomino
—A single with a built-in identity crisis. The band thinks it is a Southern-rock outfit. He thinks he’s a cowboy.

JERRY KILGORE/Telephone, TX
Writer: Kilgore/Guess; Producer: Jerry Kilgore & James Mitchell; Publisher: none listed; Nic Nic Neer (track)
—I have enjoyed this fellow’s work many times in the past. The title tune of his new CD is a dark and bluesy lament that showcases both his creativity as a songwriter and his charismatic vocal ability. Another winner from a man who seems fully loaded with them.

TIM DUGGER/(I Called Her) Tennessee
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Curb (www.timdugger.com)
—Talk about drawling — you could cut this guy’s Dixie accent with a jack knife. He falls for a college girl who teaches him a thing or two, except her name. The track is your typical rock ‘em, sock ‘em type.

TIFFANY HOUGHTON/Only One
Writer: Tiffany Houghton; Producer: Tiffany Houghton; Publisher: none listed; TH (www.tiffanyhoughton.com)
—She is a true Triple Threat. Her singing is forceful and expressive. Her song writing is solid. Her production finesse on the pulsing, dynamic track is exemplary. She’s Dallas gal who has moved to Music City to make it big. Keep your eyes and ears on her.

NAT STUCKEY/A Hurt as Big as Texas
Writer: Nat Stuckey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Music Roow Talent (track)
—Nat Stuckey (1933-1988) was a country hit maker who died too soon. His widow, Ann, has been keeping his memory alive with reissues of his works. The latest, Words and Music by Nat Stuckey and Friends, includes his three best-known compositions, “Pop a Top,” “Sweet Thang” and “Waitin’ in Your Welfare Line.” Its lesser known tunes include this lively western swinger that will set your toes to tapping. Recommended listening.

ELI YOUNG BAND/Say Goodbye
Writer: Katrina Elam/Melissa Pierce/John Paul White; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Kreative/Music of Stage Three/Gutter-N-Grace/Roger’s Dream/BMG Chrysalis/EMI Blackwood/Mr. Bright Side, BMI; Republic Nashville (track)
—The Eli Young Band is going from strength to strength. This soaring power ballad wears its ultra-romantic heart on its sleeve. Soul-tugging in every respect. You’re also going to be hearing more from its previous chart topper, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” It plays during the opening montage of the TV series Nashville on Wednesday nights this fall on ABC.

DAVID ANDERSEN/Malaguena
Writer: none listed; Producer: David Andersen; Publisher: none listed; Andersongs (track) (www.davidandersenmusic.com)
—Thanks to his daily strolls, strumming in the Conservatory of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, guitarist David Andersen is probably the most famous “unknown” musician in Nashville. He has two new CDs, Vituoso and Virtuoso II. The latter contains his deft, easy-listening run through this classical Spanish instrumental standard.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/08/12)

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Photo: Russ Harrington

What’s that sound?

Oh yes, I remember. It’s called country music. And I don’t mean the overly polished kind that Music Row usually serves us. I mean the Real Deal.

Teea Goans, Herrick, Gold City, Moot Davis, Derek Hoke and Justin Trevino are all back to warm my hillbilly heart with ringing reminders of what old-school country can mean. My enthusiastic encouragement goes out to all of these folks for doing their jobs so well. Again. I’ve praised them all before in this column, and I am happy to do so once more.

It’s awfully hard to argue with the star power of Mary Chapin Carpenter with James Taylor. Especially when the song is as strong as “Soul Companion.” Give that baby a Disc of the Day prize.

I’m sorry to report that no one stepped forward from the ranks of the unknown to claim a DisCovery Award this week. But hope springs eternal. There’s always the next stack of platters….

MOOT DAVIS/Man About Town
Writer: Moot Davis; Producer: Kenny Vaughan; Publisher: Highway Kind, ASCAP; Highway Kind (track) (www.mootdavis.com)
—If you’re a lover of traditional country music and don’t know about Music City’s Moot Davis, you need to get up to speed. The title tune of his newest CD is a moaning barroom ballad that hits right in the gut. His trembling tenor recalls the greatness of Gary Stewart, and his album’s cast includes such luminaries as Harry Stinson, Elizabeth Cook and Chris Scruggs. I caught Moot at the CMA Music Fest a few seasons back, and he blew me away. Get on board.

THE TWANGTOWN PARAMOURS/Chains
Writer: MaryBeth Zamer/Mike T. Lewis; Producer: Mike T. Lewis; Publisher: All Olive/Inside Edge, ASCAP; Inside Edge (track) (www.twangtownparmours.com)
—Led by singer-songwriters Zamer and Lewis, this acoustic group’s new collection is titled The Promise of Friday Night. This tragic, folkie, saga/ballad is one of its compelling centerpieces. Zamer’s clear soprano lead vocals might be too pure sounding for country programmers, but those of you on the Americana airwaves might take to it just fine.

CHUCK HANCOCK/On a Personal Note
Writer: Chuck Hancock; Producer: Bill Bleckley, Mike Schrimpf & Chuck Hancock; Publisher: Chuck Hancock, BMI; CH (track) (www.chuckhancock.com)
—This is the title track to a collection by a country baritone who sings with real Ray Price-style resonance. Its melody is charming, and the lyric catches the ear since it is written as an email to a lover.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER & JAMES TAYLOR/Soul Companion
Writer: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Matt Rollings & Mary Chapin Carpenter; Publisher: Why Walk, ASCAP; Zoe (track) (www.marychapincarpenter.com)
—Chapin’s new Ashes & Roses is as lustrous a set of songs as she has ever issued. Its lead-off single conveys warm yearning for lasting love in its rolling, mid-tempo groove. The two singers are quite striking together, since James’s familiar tenor and Chapin’s soulful alto are coincidentally in exactly the same range and key. Super listening.

DEREK HOKE/Lonely Street
Writer: Derek Hoke; Producer: Dexter Green; Publisher: Slow Hoke, BMI; Electric Western/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.derekhoke.com)
—Mark your calendars. Derek Hoke’s Waiting All Night album release party is at The Groove in East Nashville on Sunday, August 26, at 2:00 in the afternoon. “Free food and beer while it lasts!” reads the invitation. The record will be available in both CD and vinyl formats. That retro touch is appropriate, since this lead-off ballad is a sadly wistful, country-crooner delight. Elsewhere on the set, he bops with garage-band elan, tackles country-rock with fiddle finesse, moans the blues and two-steps like a pro. I have a feeling that his Groove show is going to be a joy.

JENNA JENTRY/Good As Gold
Writer: Jenna Jentry/Kevin DeClue; Producer: Kevin DeClue & Jenna Jentry; Publisher: Jenna Jentry/Kevin DeClue, BMI; JJ (track) (www.jennajentry.com)
—The title tune to Jentry’s CD is a frothy rocker with a well-produced, double-time backing track. Her singing voice is too vanilla to match its energy.

TEEA GOANS & JAMIE DAILEY/That’s Just Me
Writer: Jerry Salley/Lisa Shaffer; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Universal/Brentwood Benson/Lasso the Moon/KLMS, SESAC/ASCAP; Crosswind (track) (www,teeagoans.com)
—This lady’s debut CD made me an instant fan back in 2010. Her sophomore set confirms her complete mastery of country vocal interpreting. She and Jamie sway through this two-step title tune like a perfectly matched honky-tonk prince and princess. Also check out her stunning solo reading of Larry Gatlin’s “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today.” This, my friends, is Country Music, and I am completely in love.

JUSTIN TREVINO/Two of the Usual
Writer: Fred Carter Jr.; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Heart of Texas (track) (325-597-1895)
—This neo-traditionalist has been making exemplary CDs in Texas for several seasons. His latest is a steel-soaked gem that kicks off with this slow-shuffle title tune. His love flaunts her cheating in front of him in this classic-sounding lament. Amber Digby’s harmony vocal on the chorus is a piercing plus.

GOLD CITY/Peter, James and John
Writer: Dianne Wilkinson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Christian Taylor/Daywind/EverGreen, BMI; New Haven (track) (www.newhavenrecords.com)
—New Haven Records has a nifty compilation of this year’s Southern-gospel winners from the Singing News fan awards. This is meat-and-potatoes, old-school stuff, people. In addition to tracks by The Perrys, The Kingsmen, The McKameys and other all-day-sing favorites, the label’s own Gold City is represented by this soul-stirring, harmony-saturated toe tapper. Clap along and shout, “Hallelujah!”

HERRICK/Do You Love Me
Writer: Kerry Herrick/Donna Herrick; Producer: Herrick & Michael Bonagura; Publisher: Herrick KDK, BMI; BreakAway (track) (www.herricklive.com)
—I have praised this foursome effusively in the past. Lead singer Donna Herrick penetrates this percolating track with passion, while her own mandolin sets the throbbing pace of the production. This has drive, dynamism and drama. Play it.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/01/12)

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There is zero major-label product in the country reviewing stack this week, but there’s still plenty of quality listening to be had.

Even if there were big-time stars on hand, I doubt that any could match the excellence of the new His and Hers CD by Joey + Rory and its lead track “Josephine.” This would be a Disc of the Day winner no matter what or who the competition was.

I am also happy to report that there are a number of promising newcomers with us today. They include Kris Gordon, J.D. Shelburne and our DisCovery Award winning band Cash Creek.

BRITT & BLAIRE/Young Summer
Writer: Blaire Hanks; Producer: Dean Scallan; Publisher: Coast of Del Mar, BMI; Mt. Juliet (615-288-4234 ext 101)
—They look like such nice young kids. I hate to be the one to tell them that they’re not yet ready to play ball in the Big Leagues.

FLYNNVILLE TRAIN/The One You Love
Writer: Doug Phelps/Fred Young/Richard Young; Producer: none listed; Publisher: I B Headed/Them Young Boys/Bug, BMI/ASCAP; Whiskey Bent (www.flynnvilletrain.com)
—Note that this is written by The Kentucky HeadHunters. The Flynnville boys’ performance of the dreamy ballad is appropriately languid and lovely. The slightly bluesy melody is another plus. Highly programmable.

CRIS CUDDY/The Boy From Beaumont
Writer: Cuddy; Producer: Cris Cuddy; Publisher: Cris Cuddy, SOCAN; Factor (Canada)(track) (www.criscuddy.com)
—Subtitled “The Kid from Bakersfield,” this title tune to Cuddy’s Canadian CD is a salute to George Jones and Merle Haggard. The musical setting has an oddly Tex-Mex vibe, which doesn’t have much to do with either of those legends. For that matter, neither does Cuddy’s singing style. But it all goes down smoothly.

JOEY + RORY/Josephine
Writer: Rory Feek; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: A Sling and a Prayer/Chrysalis One, ASCAP; Sugar Hill (track)
—Joey + Rory’s new His and Hers CD kicks off with this stirring, driving saga of a frightened Civil War soldier yearning for the wife and family he left behind. It will quicken your pulse, tickle your ears and fire your brain. Gary’s production is sonic excellence. Rory’s lead vocal just about rips your heart out. A mini masterpiece. Do your ears a favor and listen to this entire awesome album with no distractions.

KRIS GORDON/The Upside of Down
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Frio (www.krisgordon.net)
—Jaunty, relaxed and breezy, this has an undeniable charm. He’s nursing a busted heart, but getting by with the help of the band and the booze. The session playing is absolutely top drawer, and he has an earnest, winning, easy-to-like vocal style.

THE MARKSMEN QUARTET/Don’t Take Your Life
Writer: Lance Carpenter/Ricky Atkinson; Producer: Mark Wheeler; Publisher: Ricky Atkinson, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.marksmenquartet.com)
—The quartet takes on a honky-tonk waltz. In classic Southern-gospel fashion, it starts off slowly with a solo vocalist telling the tale of a would-be suicide, followed by full-throated harmonizing on the choruses. Redemptive, for sure. The Marksmen have been at this for some 40 years, so they certainly know how to deliver the goods by now.

CASH CREEK/It’s All About the Money
Writer: Joseph Harris/Donald Kees; Producer: Kimo Forrest & Chris Latham; Publisher: Sixteen Stars/Sony-ATV Acuff Rose, BMI; Omaha/Tristar (track) (www.cashcreekband.com)
—The title tune to the debut Cash Creek CD is a bluesy, dobro-laced, rocking social statement about lawyers, politics and hypocrisy. It is also very, very cool. Check these boys out.

AMY AMES/Do Drop In
Writer: Amy Ames/Eddie Hedges; Producer: Eddie Hedges; Publisher: Amy Ames/Eddie Hedges, BMI; Grand Channel (CDX) (www.amyames.com)
—The drummer sounds like he’s pounding on an aluminum frying pan. The band is shouting the lines loudly back at her. Perhaps they’re trying to drown out her pitch-challenged vocal.

LUCAS HOGE/Do What Makes You Feel Good
Writer: Lucas Hoge/Keesy Timmer/Corey Barker; Producer: Lucas Hoge & Chris Latham; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; AHMG (CDX) (818-429-3655)
—The track is rollicking, with plenty of energetic guitar work. His voice isn’t particularly distinctive or memorable, but he gives the performance his all.

J.D. SHELBURNE/Farmboy
Writer: J.D. Shelburne/Bob Stewart; Producer: Greg Cole; Publisher: GiraffeKey, BMI; Star Base (CDX) (www.jdshelburne.com)
—He inherits his dad’s down-home values and is super happy about it. The track rocks, and he belts out his lyric like a pro. This has plenty of get-up-and-go, and the spelling of “F-A-R-M-B-O-Y” is ear catchingly clever.