DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/25/12)

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Clay Wilson, Gordon Mote

Newcomer male artists are jostling for position this week.

Duking it out for the DisCovery Award are Nick Verzosa, The Clay Wilson Band, Troy Cook Jr. and Chad Sullins & Last Call Coalition. Cook is a Nashvillian. Sullins hails from Oklahoma. Verzosa and Wilson are Texans. Our winner is The Clay Wilson Band, for having the complete package of solid singing, a fresh instrumental approach and super songwriting.

As a Music Row session musician, Gordon Mote usually works in the shadows of big country stars. Today, he steps into the spotlight with a Disc of the Day award. He may be blind, but he has the sharpest country-music vision of the week.

NICK VERZOSA/7th Year Senior
Writer: Nick Verzosa; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed; NV (www.nickverzosa.com)
—It’s a burbling, bubbling, tangy, twangy, quasi-rockabilly fun fest. “They say that college is the best years of your life, so why would you want to graduate?” So he’s drinking all night, sleeping until noon and being a goof-off. Dude, sounds like a plan.

CHARLIE McCOY, RICKY SKAGGS & ROY CLARK/Mind Your Own Business
Writer: Hank Williams; Producer: Charlie McCoy & Eric Paul; Publisher: none listed; Diamond Disc (track) (www.charliemccoy.com)
—Country Hall of Fame member McCoy has a Hank Williams tribute CD called Lonesome Whistle. His mournful harmonica tones are perfect for Hank’s bluesy melodies. Among his guests on the set are Skaggs and Clark, who join him for a swinging version of this classic. Ricky not only sings, but provides a mandolin solo; and Roy does the same on electric guitar. The whole collection is highly listenable.

CHELSEA BAIN/What If I
Writer: Tommy Collier/Jim Cooper/Terri Jo Box; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Starplane/Jimvision/Songs of Merf, SESAC/ASCAP; Rock Ridge/Jobe
—Lilting, pleading and yearning, to the accompaniment of soft strings and twinkling acoustic instruments. Extremely well produced, whoever you are.

LUKE BRYAN/Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
Writer: Luke Bryan/Jeff Stevens/Shane McAnally; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/Chrysalis/Big Motor/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
—It may be over, but that’s no reason not to go to bed together one more time. Uptempo, which is what he does best.

CHAD SULLINS & THE LAST CALL COALITION/That God for Jack Daniels
Writer: Erspamer/Sanchez/Sauder; Producer: Wes Sharon; Publisher: Radio 229/Scout World, no performance rights listed; Smith Entertainment (track)
—I like these guys. Sullins has a dry, dusty, slightly raspy delivery. The song is a wry, winking little gem. The rocking band kicks serious butt. And when everybody shouts along in unison at the finale, the party is in full swing.

THE ROYS/Still Standing
Writer: Lee Roy/Elaine Roy; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rural Rhythm (www.theroysonline.com)
—This bluegrass duo serves up a sprightly ditty of survival with plenty of fleet-fingered instrumental support. Their strongest outing yet.

THE CLAY WILSON BAND/Not OK
Writer: Clay Wilson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; CWB (www.theclaywilsonband.com)
—She’s gone, and he’s definitely down in the dumps about it. The intimacy of the vocal, the solid songwriting and the moody instrumental support are all first rate. It builds to a surprisingly frothy, thrashing conclusion. Yet another welcome gift from the Lone Star State.

GORDON MOTE/Call Me Gone
Writer: Kenneth D. Hinson; Producer: Gordon Mote & Phil Johnson; Publisher: Songs of Calvary, BMI; New Haven (track) (www.gordonmote.com)
—Gordon is a first-call session keyboardist for the likes of Brad Paisley, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and Alan Jackson. He also has a side career as a gospel record maker. His latest offering is titled Songs I Grew Up Singing. This lead single from it is as country as grits, saturated with moaning melody, spiced with a recitation, full of rolling piano work and led by a heartfelt vocal. Say Amen.

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)
—Bopping and energetic, if a little generic sounding.

TROY COOK JR./Lazy American Dream
Writer: Don Bradley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Peachmint, BMI; TCJ (www.troycookjrmusic.com)
—He thinks people on food stamps have 52-inch, HD television sets and free, all-inclusive health insurance. Also, they go out on the town while the kids are away at school and have “a real nice place to live.” I prescribe a tour of an urban housing project.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/18/12)

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Eric Church and Kelleigh Bannen

I hope you’re ready to rock, because tempo tunes dominate this week’s musical menu.

One of them, “Creepin’” by Eric Church, captures the Disc of the Day award. Don’t go accusing me of hopping onto a star’s coattails: This boy was winning Disc of the Day prizes from me long before radio got on board and Mr. Platinum came calling. Even if he’d never become a Somebody, I’d be in the Church Choir.

Newcomer Kelleigh Bannen is rocking, too. And for her efforts, she wins this week’s DisCovery Award. Coincidentally, both of these artists record for EMI.

Speaking of DisCovery winners, the two non rockers in this stack of platters both come from previous winners. Katie Armiger continues her nearly perfect string of A-plus performances with “Better in a Black Dress,” and Tim Culpepper remains our most potent young heir to the honky-tonk throne with “Pouring Whiskey on Pain.” Perhaps not coincidentally, both singles are the most “country” sounding things on tap today.

KELLEIGH BANNEN/Sorry on the Rocks
Writer: Kelliegh Bannen/Troy Johnson; Producer: Paul Worley & Jerry Smith; Publisher: No Such Thing/Yacht Haven, BMI/SESAC; EMI (CDX)
—Feisty and forceful. She’s a punchy belter with something to say to a wayward beau who’s being shown the door. I dig both her singing and her song.

BUCKY COVINGTON & SHOOTER JENNINGS/Drinking Side of Country
Writer: William J. Covington/Robert Covington/Donald Medlock; Producer: Bucky Covington; Publisher: Travelin’ Zoo/EMI CMG, ASCAP; eone (CDX) (www.eonemusic.com) —The thumping backbeat is cool, and the lyrics are loads of fun. All in all, a raucous good time. Songwriters “William J.” and “Robert” are Bucky and his twin brother Rocky.

LONESTAR/The Countdown
Writer: Jaren Johnson/Manny Medina/Ryder Lee; Producer: Lonestar; Publisher: Sony-ATV Harmony/Texa Rae/Manny Medina/OCTPOB, ASCAP/SESAC; 4 Star (CDX) (www.lonestarnow.com)
—Not previously noted for rockers, these guys prove they have the uptempo goods with this pile-driving road song. The “countdown” is the time and miles it takes to get back to the one he loves.

THE WHEELER SISTERS/This Is Gonna Get Ugly
Writer: Kelly Archer/Jim McCormick/Justin Weaver; Producer: Jim McCormick; Publisher: Universal-Careers/Little Blue Lizard/Crape Myrtle, BMI; Ocala (www.wheelersisters.com)
—The track is kinda junky sounding in its attempt to sound “exciting.” But the song is sturdy, as is the vocal delivery.

ERIC CHURCH/Creepin’
Writer: Eric Church/Marv Green; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sinnerlina/Warner-Tamerlane/The Good The Bad The Ugly, BMI; EMI (track)
—Veteran readers already know how crazy I am about this artist. I believe he has won more Disc of the Day awards than any other act in the long history of this column. This time around, he’s rocking so righteously that you might not catch what an extraordinary lyric this is. “Since the day you left… I can feel the lonely, I can hear the crazy, just a creepin.'” “What the dreams forget, the whiskey remembers.” “Your cocaine kiss and caffeine love got under my skin and into my blood.” If the crunchy production doesn’t knock you up the side of your head, his biting vocal will.

CHASE RICE/How She Rolls
Writer: Chase Rice/Brian Kelley; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: Dack Janiels/Big Red Toe, BMI; Artist Revolution (track) (www.chaserice.com)
—Promising. The frothing production threatens to overwhelm his performance, but the solid song and his boy-next-door vocal carry the day.

BRANTLEY GILBERT/Kick it in the Sticks
Writer: Brantley Gilbert/Rhett Akins; Producer: Brantley Gilbert & The Atom Brothers; Publisher: none listed; Valory Music (track)
—I am becoming weary of artists writing rural-themed lyrics paired with screaming electrified rock tracks and calling the result “country music.”

BREAKING SOUTHWEST/Reckless & Wild
Writer: Kent Bell/Kyle Gaston; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BS (830-253-8813)
—Galloping across the plains and kicking up a cloud of dust, this is classic country-rock music with a decidedly contemporary spin. Send more.

TIM CULPEPPER/Pourin’ Whiskey on the Pain
Writer: none listed; Producer: Elbert West; Publisher: none listed; HonkyTone (track) (615-452-9844)
—This guy earned a DisCovery Award with his “Ghost” debut single back in January. This title tune of his CD confirms his status as a masterful new traditionalist. On it, he has a boxed set of Hank, a bottle of Jack and a honky-tonk heartache as big as a house. Somewhere, Keith Whitley is smiling.

KATIE ARMIGER/Better in a Black DressWriter: Katie Armiger/Blair Daly; Producer: Chad Carlson; Publisher: Purple Monkeys/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin’ Grids, SESAC/BMI; Cold River
 —Put away that wedding gown, because she’s hitting the road to live her life before she settles down. The imaginative, minor-key arrangement, the haunting “woh-oh” interjections and her semi-whispered punctuations all conspire to seduce your ears. I continue to be impressed with this young artist’s efforts. Play her. Producer Carlson, by the way, is notable as the engineer/mixer on the records of a little nobody named Taylor Swift.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/11/12)

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Disc of the Day winner Pistol Annies

Country music comes in all kinds of styles this week.

You connoisseurs of old-school, barroom story telling need go no farther than “I Just Come Here for the Music.” It’s as fine a country song as I’ve heard all year. And it sure doesn’t hurt that it’s in the throats of the masterful Don Williams and Alison Krauss.

Those of you of a forward-looking, cutting-edge persuasion owe yourselves a listen to “Truck Yeah.” You won’t find a more adventuresome single than this latest outing by Tim McGraw. The man definitely knows a hit when he hears one.

Gretchen Wilson is offering blue-eyed soul. Brian Milson is our balladeer du jour. Randy Rogers Band and Sarah Jarosz add two more, totally different, flavors to the mix.

DisCovery Award winner Her & Kings County

Our Disc of the Day prize goes to Pistol Annies for their left-field take on life as a touring musician, “Takin’ Pills.” I’m smitten with all three of these babes.

Speaking of “different,” do your ears a favor and spin “Family Tree” for them. The quirky audio charms of this platter earn Her & Kings County this week’s DisCovery Award.

RANDY ROGERS BAND/One More Sad Song
Writer: Randy Rogers/Sean McConnell; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Lonely Model/Little Beluga, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX) 
—Wonderfully melodic and marvelously atmospheric. The softly attractive, moody, cloud-shadowed and captivating verses draw you in inescapably, then give way to brightly brilliant sunbeams in the soaring choruses. Totally engaging.

SARAH JAROSZ/Annabelle Lee
Writer: Sarah Jarosz/Cameron Scoggins; Producer: Gary Paczosa; Publisher: SoRaw/Pounding Paw, BMI; Sugar Hill (CDX) 
—Based on the famed 1849 Edgar Allan Poe poem (published two days after his death), this is appropriately haunting and minor-key. But there is rhythm and drive here as well. Check it out.

COLT FORD & JAKE OWEN/Back
Writer: Colt Ford/Shannon Houchins/Noah Gordon/Mike Hartnett; Producer: Shannon Houchins, Noah Gordon & Mike Hartnett; Publisher: Average ZJS/Mike Harnett/ZJS, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe’s (CDX) (615-733-9983)
—It was so pretty and nostalgic and tuneful, until he started to rap.

DON WILLIAMS & ALISON KRAUSS/I Just Came Here for the Music
Writer: John Ramey/Bobby Taylor/Doug Gill; Producer: Garth Fundis & Don Williams; Publisher: Sixteen Stars/Stella Dog/Peacehouse, BMI; Sugar Hill (track) (www.donwilliams.com)
—Wistful, poignant and loaded with emotion. From the aching lyric of two lost souls to the awesomely heart-tugging vocal work, this is country-music heaven.

BRIAN MILSON/Too Damn Young
Writer: Casey Kessel/Arlis Albritton; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Major Bob/EMI, ASCAP; Permian/Quarterback (www.brianmilson.com)
—Remembering a youthful romance with just the right amount of wisdom and lingering innocence. Well written, well sung and well produced.

TIM McGRAW/Truck Yeah
Writer: Chris Janson/Preston Brust/Chris Lucas/Danny Myrick; Producer: Ryron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Red Vinyl/Sony-ATV Tree/Root 49/DannyMyrick, BMI; Big Machine 
—It’s borderline offensive. Which is probably why I like it so. Also: It’s a decidedly different musical approach, and that’s always a welcome thing from a veteran superstar.

GRETCHEN WILSON/One Good Friend
Writer: Dennis Morgan/Billy Burnette/Bekka Bramlett; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Little Shop of Morgansongs/Still Working for the Man/Irving/Miss Ivy, BMI; Redneck 
—As usual, she is an immensely expressive vocalist. This time around, she’s delving into an r&b, soul-sister groove, to the accompaniment of a fuzz-tone guitar, a stately backbeat and a searing organ solo. The super-cool song deserves to be covered by every blues-leaning artist on the planet.

PISTOL ANNIES/Takin’ Pills
Writer: Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley; Producer: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog/Reynsong/Ayden/Ten Ten, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (track) 
—“One’s drinkin,’ one’s smokin,’ one’s takin’ pills.” Now THAT’S a country lyric you don’t hear every day from a gang of gals on the honky-tonk trail. Mix the vocal attitude with a dose of raucous band noise, a dollop of feisty harmonies and a pinch of lively snare and you’ve got the perfect hillbilly cocktail recipe.

KELLY PARKES/All Cried Out
Writer: Ron Irving/Lynda McKillip/Kathleen Higgins; Producer: Darran Smith, Mark Lambert & Mike Borchetta; Publisher: SueCo/McKiller/Marydian, SOCAN; Edge (615-288-4234 ext. 101)
—Bopping and cheeky, if a little uncertain vocally in spots. It kinda sounds like if they’d taken a few more passes at it, she’d have locked into the band’s groove a mite more and nailed it. But make no mistake, there’s definite promise here.

HER & KINGS COUNTY/Family Tree
Writer: Caleb Sherman/Monique Staffile/Larry Florman/Justin Sherman/Alex Haddad/Frank Gagliardi; Producer: Caleb Sherman, Wayne Kirkpatrick & Josh Leo; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/ Therealcaleb/ Tweetleberry/ Brolo/ Shuggafree/ Alex Haddad/Katie Ro, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra Nashville/Warner Bros. 
—This mixes hearty group choral harmonies with crunchy beats, spoken-sung passages, superb production finesse and a ridiculously catchy song. Plus, it’s completely joyful. A delightful surprise.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/05/12)

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Kip Moore is a star.

That is all you need to know this week. His entire Up All Night album is a joy from start to finish. Its track, “Beer Money,” wins Kip Moore an undeniable Disc of the Day award. It’s his second such nod in a row from this column, and we all know what happened last time.

If you must have a Female and a Group winner, they would be Lauren Alaina and The Lost Trailers. Both of them also have fine new releases this week.

The DisCovery Award goes to Runaway Home. This new trio reminds us how refreshing a dash of harmony-laced folk can be in a country-music diet.

TRACE ADKINS/Them Lips (On Mine)
Writer: Jim Beavers/Tom Shapiro; Producer: Kenny Beard, Mark Wright & Mickey Jack Cones; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime/EMI Blackwood/Little Dooey, BMI; Show Dog Universal (CDX)
—Lightly funky, with a cool, wah-wah guitar and a drawling, bluesy lead vocal. There’s a dandy instrumental break and a similar instrumental fade at the end. Very listenable.

MARTY STUART & BUCK TRENT/Tear This Woodpile Down
Writer: Marty Stuart; Producer: Marty Stuart; Publisher: Marty Stuart, BMI; Sugar Hill (CDX)
—Romping and rousing. Embellished with lickety-split electric guitar work and double-time drumming.

SHOOTER JENNINGS/The Real Me
Writer: Shooter Jennings; Producer: Shooter Jennings; Publisher: Wolf’s Tale, ASCAP; eOne (CDX) (615-861-4232)
—Loping through the barroom, a little unsteady of foot and weaving to and fro. Relaxed and charming, even when it picks up speed and volume at the finale.

SARA EVANS/Anywhere
Writer: Matt Evans/Jaren Johnston; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Sara Evans; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Uncle Matt/Sony ATV Harmony/Texa Rae, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
—“Heads Carolina, Tails California” explored this topic earlier, and better.

JASON CASSIDY/Ride of Your Life
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; A-Blake/Smith Music Group (www.jasoncassidymusic.com)
—All amped up and nowhere to go. It’s the one about a hot gal, a cold beer and a truck on a red-dirt country road. Again.

LAUREN ALAINA/Eighteen Inches
Writer: Kelley Lovelace/Ashley Gorley/Carrie Underwood; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: EMI April/Taperoom/Bug/Music of Windswept/Songs of Southside Independent/Carrie-Okie, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury/19/
Interscope (track)
—Sweetly soaring and irresistible. Two crazy kids elope and head for California without a dime and no prospects in sight. You see, when you’re young and in love “there ain’t no greater distance than the 18 inches between your head and your heart.” It’s a lovely piece of songwriting, and she sings the fire out of it. So nice I played it twice.

JASON STURGEON/Time Bomb
Writer: Jason Sturgeon; Producer: Greg Archilla & Jason Sturgeon; Publisher: Jason Sturgeon, BMI; Tool Pusher (www.jasonsturgeonmusic.com)
—The title refers to a high-performance car. He doesn’t actually “sing” this. It’s more like alternating between growling and screaming. Before it was even half over, I was yelling, myself: “Shut Up!”

KIP MOORE/Beer Money
Writer: Kip Moore/Blair Daly/Troy Verges; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Against the Wind/Songs of the Corn/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin Grids/Songs of Universal/Songs From the Engine Room, BMI; MCA Nashville (track)
—He sings with such conviction and passion. The track rumbles with muscular energy. And the lyric of escape from the stifling everyday routine will resonate with anyone who has ever been young. This rocks my world.

THE LOST TRAILERS/American Beauty
Writer: Mason Douglas/Josh Osborn/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Stokes Nielson; Publisher: none listed; HRT/New Revolution/Stokes Tunes (615-331-9631)
—Wonderfully catchy and melodic. This lilting, smiling performance sounds exactly like summertime and deserves massive radio airplay.

RUNAWAY HOME/Bye Bye Baby Jane
Writer: none listed; Producer: Runaway Home; Publisher: none listed; Cub Creek (track) (www.runawayhomemusic.com)
—Remember The McCarters? Lisa, one of the trio’s twin sisters, is now a vocalist in  this delightful, folkie, acoustic-based, harmony-happy ensemble. The other two Runaway Home members — Mark Elliott and Gary Culley — provide the group with a clutch of hearty, well-penned songs, including this highly tuneful lead-off track of its debut CD. Extremely promising.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/27/12)

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There are days when I just want to clear my head, and bluegrass is just the ticket whenever one of those days comes along.

This stack of current bluegrass CDs includes offerings from three of the genre’s most enduring and brilliant groups — Special Consensus, the Lonesome River Band and Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. The last named won my heart as the Disc of the Day. I caught Quicksilver’s set during Fan Fair was blown away (again) by just how stunning the band is in performance.

The Punch Brothers play what they call “Plunk Rock,” which is to say acoustic music with an attitude. Fresh from performing at Bonnaroo comes the group’s Noam Pikelny with a dandy new CD. This is his first appearance in this column, so that makes him a DisCovery Award winner.

NOAM PIKELNY/Jim Thompson’s Horse
Writer: Noam Pikelny; Producer: Gabe Witcher; Publisher: Noam Tunes/Camel Vision, BMI; Compass (track) (www.noampikelny.com)
—The second album by Punch Brothers banjo man Pikelny is packed with stellar support — Jerry Douglas, Tim O’Brien, Stuart Duncan, Steve Martin, Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton…you get the idea. If you go to his website, you can get this track from it as a free download. It’s an ear-tickling, four-minute instrumental romp with a heartbeat bass line, courtesy of the always-great Mark Schatz. The CD’s title is Beat the Devil and Carry a Rail. Heartily recommended.

LARRY STEPHENSON/What Really Matters
Writer: Harley Allen/John Wiggins; Producer: Ben Surratt & Larry Stephenson; Publisher: Coburn/Notewrite/Fiddle Stock, BMI; Compass (track) (www.larrystephensonband.com)
—The band isn’t particularly flashy, but this hillbilly tenor soars with sincerity on the CD’s title tune. He didn’t write it, but the lyrics are all about the birth of a daughter, which is exactly what happened to him in real life.

CARRIE HASSLER/Catch My Breath
Writer: Bobby K. Boyd; Producer: Steve Gulley; Publisher: Bobby Boyd, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.carriehassler.com)
—This sounds like a classic country track from the ‘60s, right down to the “answering” fiddle, steel and electric guitar. I’m in. The rest of her The Distance CD is straight-ahead bluegrass, by the way.

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER/Sing Me a Song About Jesus
Writer: Corey Hensley/Michael Rogers/Doyle Lawson; Producer: Doyle Lawson; Publisher: WDLQ/Morgan Racing/Top O’Holston, ASCAP/BMI; Mountain Home (track) (www.doylelawson.com)
—Co-writers Hensley, Rogers and Lawson are also the awesome harmony vocalists on this toe tapping title tune of the newest Quicksilver CD. Nobody, but nobody, does bluegrass gospel better than this breath-taking ensemble. I remain an enormous fan.

BOBBY OSBORNE & THE ROCKY TOP X-PRESS/I’m Going Back to the Mountain
Writer: Jake Landers; Producer: Glen Duncan, Bobby Osborne & Bobby Osborne Jr.; Publisher: Rocky Top, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.bobbyosborne.com)
—Osborne’s piercing, incredible tenor can still cut the mustard. At age 80, he sings with the vigor of someone literally half that age. His group’s new collection is titled New Bluegrass & Old Favorites.

CAROLINA CHOCOLATE DROPS/Country Girl
Writer: Rhiannon Giddons/Lalenja Harrington/Adam Matta; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: Bring It Forward/Lucky Guitar, ASCAP; Nonesuch (track) ()
—Nominated as Duo/Group of the Year by the Americana Music Association, this African American string band continues is superior music-making ways on its new Leaving Eden collection. On this rhythmic track, the North Carolinians tell the tale of a musician who’s seen the world but still loves family and home the most. The 15-song collection is available on vinyl, by the way.

SPECIAL CONSENSUS/Monroe
Writer: Craig Market; Producer: Alison Brown; Publisher: Drop D/Missing Link, BMI; Compass (track) (www.compassrecords.com)
—Year in year out, Special C just keeps rolling along. I believe the group is now in its fourth decade of making music. But this hearty, cleverly written, salute to bluegrass music’s founding father sounds like it comes from a band that was born yesterday. It’s on the group’s current Scratch Gravel Road CD. Also check out the cool bluegrass reworking of Don Gibson’s “Sea of Heartbreak.”

LONESOME RIVER BAND/Close the Door Lightly When You Go
Writer: E. Anderson; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publisher: EMI U Catalog, no performance rights listed; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.lonesomeriverband.com)
—The Lonesome River Band is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a collection titled Chronology: Volume One. It includes this lively, zippy, tightly arranged update of Eric Anderson’s folk classic, which is currently rising fast on the Bluegrass Unlimited popularity chart. Deservedly so: It’s a listening delight.

THE BOXCARS/Ol’ Lonesome Won’t Leave Me Alone
Writer: Tim Stafford/Robert G. Starnes; Producer: The Boxcars; Publisher: Daniel House/It Says What It Says, BMI; Mountain Home (track) (www.theboxcars.com)
—The Boxcars play like the seasoned and accomplished vets its members are, so the instrumental work is flawless and dazzling. However, the group lacks charisma in the vocal department.

AUDIE BLAYLOCK & REDLINE/I’m Going Back to Old Kentucky
Writer: Bill Monroe; Producer: Audie Blaylock; Publisher: Unichappell, no performance rights listed; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.audieblaylock.com)
—Bluegrass music is always looking backwards, but never more so than in this 100th anniversary of Bill Monroe’s birth. It seems like there’s a tribute album of one sort or another in the mail every month. Blaylock’s takes the approach of avoiding many of the obvious songs in favor of some of the master’s lesser known tunes. This lickety split take on a 1947 classic plays like greased lightning. Guests on the CD include Del McCoury, Carl Jackson, Ronnie McCoury, Lou Reid and Bobby Osborne.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (6/20/12)

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Why isn’t country music making more female stars?

I mean, the handwriting is clearly on the wall. Fans of this genre are buying records with voices like Taylor Swift, Jennifer Nettles, Miranda Lambert, Hillary Scott and Carrie Underwood by the millions. Wouldn’t it make sense to produce and promote more women? Instead, I direct you to the current country album chart, dominated by 28 non-million-selling CDs by male artists.

That’s all by way of introducing the fact that Carrie Underwood completely rules this week’s column with an undeniable Disc of the Day performance.

Debbie Cochran, Reggie Shaw

I have two DisCovery Awards to present. The first goes to Reggie Shaw, who has wisely enlisted some stellar Music Row songwriting names to pen his well-performed single. Judging by her lyric, I’m thinking that his fellow winner, Debbie Cochran, isn’t a kid of 20. I’m no age-ist. I still think she’s cool.

DEBBIE COCHRAN/It’s Never Too Late
Writer: Debbie Cochran; Producer: Kent Wells; Publisher: DMC Anniston, BMI; GTR (CDX) (870-307-7685)
—The steel-dominated band kicks up some dust, and the song is a hillbilly-feminist manifesto. Her deep alto singing voice has plain-spoken charm and Southern-accented, forthright honesty. I wish her well.

REGGIE SHAW/Someone I Can’t Live Without
Writer: Eric Durrance/Marc Beeson/Don Pfrimmer; Producer: Bobby Hyatt & Reggie Shaw; Publisher: Drive It Home/Words & Music/Songs of Southside Independent/Wounded Sky/Three Village/EGBG/Wixen. BMI/ASCAP; Wynnsong (CDX) (www.reggieshaw.com)
—This pulsing country rocker boasts a tight arrangement, a clear production and straightforward drive. His vocal about facing a complicated romance rings with conviction. A winner.

TIM McGRAW/Right Back Atcha Babe
Writer: Joe West/David Pohanish; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Songs of My Good Girl/Totally Wrighteous/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; Curb (track)
—Tim’s earnest, romantic vocal lines alternate with cool, “answering” lead-guitar licks by Jerry McPherson for a very involving listening experience. Distinctive and deserving.

SUSAN CATTANEO/Little Big Sky
Writer: Susan Cattaneo/Scarlet Keys; Producer: Jan Stolpe; Publisher: Rockin’ Fairy/Little Jaybird, ASCAP; Jersey Girl (www.susanmusic.com)
—She teaches songwriting at the Berklee College of Music. Doubtless heeding her own advice, she fills this lyric with plenty of true-to-life details. But the production is rather “busy,” and her singing voice isn’t particularly memorable.

KATIE GRACE/Best Bad Girl
Writer: Grace; Producer: Jim Diamond; Publisher: none listed; Inside Outlaws (track)
—The song wanders around aimlessly in search of a hook. Her vocal sounds half asleep. The production is less than demo level.

ANDY GIBSON/Summer Back
Writer: Brian Davis/Andy Gibson/Vicky McGehee; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Mike Curb/Godfather Rich/Rich Entertainment/Kobalt/Peermusic II, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
—This former DisCovery Award winner returns with a single that rightly graduates him from indie status to the big leagues. As before, his confident, direct tenor delivery rides atop a super-melodic, uptempo bopper. He has everything it takes to be a star. I remain a fan.

DAVID ST. ROMAIN/Some Things
Writer: none listed; Producer: Shawn Pennington & Steve Pefer; Publisher: Root 49/Cackalacki Twang/Soulride/BPJ/Kristi Mannasongs/Songs of MPR, BMI/ASCAP; DSR (www.davidstromain.com)
—It’s a routine blues vamp. Which is to say, “boring.”

MEGAN REDMOND/Dreamland
Writer: M. Redmond/R. Perry; Producer: Mike Binder; Publisher: Aspen Top, no performance rights listed; MAK Media (track) (www.meganredmond.com)
—The title tune of this Colorado gal’s six-song EP displays definite promise. She knows how to turn a poetic phrase, her folk-inflected voice is sturdy and sincere, and the band is tastefully supportive. Well done.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Blown Away
Writer: Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Global Dog/Lunalight/Words & Music/Big Loud Songs/Angel River/Big Loud Bucks, ASCAP; Arista/19 (track) ()
—This rocker roars through a tale of a tornado that destroys a cruel father and a world of bad memories of “home.” Carrie wails it like an Oklahoma banshee on the loose. The gal can sing, the song is tremendous and the production sizzles. Get on board.

LEWIS COPELAND/She’s Got It Going On
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Nine North/Turnpike Music (www.lewiscopelandmusic.com)
—I’d have mixed his vocal up hotter in the mix, because he sings with passion and commitment. Drums pound and guitars scream, almost burying him. Let the man be heard.

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.