DISClaimer Single Reviews (02/29/12)

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Phillip Thomas and Joanna Smith

I love it when the underdog wins.

Despite the presence of legendary Johnny Bush, superstar Carrie Underwood and funnyman Cledus T. Judd, it’s the far lesser known Joanna Smith who carries home today’s Disc of the Day award. She and producer Buddy Cannon have the finest sounding single of this week, by far.

Our DisCovery Award winner introduces himself with a seven-song EP titled Scars. Phillip Thomas recorded it in Austin with what appears to be a largely Latino supporting cast. Bueno.

PHILLIP THOMAS/Weather Man
Writer: Phillip Thomas/James DeBerry; Producer: Omar Vallejo & Phillip Thomas; Publisher: Matt Stevens, BMI; Muy Grande  (www.phillipthomasmusic.com)
—The scampering banjo that underscores this country rocker is just one of the reasons that it’s a slab of excitement. Deft electric guitar work, a pulse-quickening rhythm track and a soaring melody bring this thing home smartly. And then there’s his youthful, soaring, tenor vocal. You’ve got something, kid.

CLEDUS T. JUDD/Double D Cups
Writer: Brett Beavers/Jim Beavers/Brett Warren/Brad Warren; Producer: Cledus T. Judd & Chris P Cream Clark; Publisher: Beavertime Tunes/Chestnut Barn/Chrysalis One/EMI Blackwood/Sony-ATV Tree/StyleSonic, BMI; Warner Bros.
—As usual, his parody perfectly apes the original sonically. In this case, it’s “Red Solo Cup.” If they left out any synonym or nickname for breasts in this lyric, I sure didn’t spot it.

MARTY McINTOSH/She Makes Me Look Good
Writer: Tom Botkin/Tony Stampley/Toni Dae; Producer: Frizzell Productions; Publisher: Paris Landing, BMI; Nashville America (track) (www.martymcintoshmusic.com)
—You have no business being in a recording studio.

JOHNNY BUSH /Who’ll Buy My Memories
Writer: Willie Nelson/Eddie Noack; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: none listed; Heart of Texas (track) (www.heartoftexascountry.com)
—This Texas honky-tonk legend’s latest is a whopping 16 songs long. Some of the tunes are chestnuts, such as “Am I That Easy to Forget,” “Pop a Top,” “Drinking Champagne,” and “I’ve Got a New Heartache.” Others are lesser known, but ALL are bona fide classic country. His vocal on the Willie Nelson title tune is robust, if a little timeworn in the vibrato department. Trevino’s production is hillbilly perfection.

JERRY VANDIVER & VICTORIA BANKS/Leave No TraceWriter: none listed; Producer: Jerry Vandiver; Publisher: none listed; Paddle Songs (track) (www.jerryvandiver.com)
—Vandiver is a successful Nashville tunesmith with such credentials as Tim McGraw’s “For a Little While” and Gene Watson’s “Don’t Waste it on the Blues.” He is also an avid canoer, and his True and Deep concept CD is a celebration of paddling on America’s waterways. This lilting, dobro-laced duet with 2010 Canadian Country Female Vocalist of the Year winner Banks is about enjoying nature without marring or spoiling it. Soothing and highly listenable.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Good Girl
Writer: Carrie Underwood/Chris DeStefano/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie-Okie/EMI April/Sugar Glider/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP; 19/Arista
—It’s a rocker that warns the title femme about the no-good guy she’s seeing. Oddly for someone with such a fine vocal instrument, she often chooses material with more attitude than melody. This is one of those, but the production surrounding her dazzles.

CURTIS & LUCKEY/Tattoo
Writer: Curtis/Flanery/Rhem; Producer: Budy Cannon; Publisher: Tattoo/More Luckey, BMI/ASCAP; KMG (track) (www.curtisandlucke.com)
—They fall in love on spring break, and he becomes her “naughty little secret” just like that bit of body art. Extremely catchy and sung with jaunty charm.

JOANNA SMITH/We Can’t Be Friends
Writer: Brandy Clark/Shane McAnally/Shelley Skidmore; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Tunes of Bigger Picture/Bigger Pictures Group/Vista Loma/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Chrysalis/BMG Rights, ASCAP/BMI; Columbia
—This sweet/sad ballad portrays the complexities of lovers who’ve broken up beautifully. Her wistful vocal is echoed by lovely acoustic guitar work and framed in a gorgeous, echoey, wafting production. This is as pretty as it gets.

ANSON CARTER/Blue Collar
Writer: Casey Coesel/Chad Hudson; Producer: Michael Bowen & Anson Carter; Publisher: none listed; Black Gold (track) (www.ansoncartermusic.com)
—There already is a Montgomery Gentry. Also, “I’ve got blue collar running through my veins” makes no sense.

ONE NIGHT RODEO/We Could Go to Jail
Writer: Kim Tribble/Keith Follese; Producer: Kim Tribble; Publisher: Songs of Category 5/Tunes of RPM/Magic Midas/Jamanayre, SESAC/BMI; Fox Hill (CDX) (www.onenightrodeo.net)
—They’re so hot for each other that what’s on their minds could be illegal. I like the rapid-fire lyric delivery and the Southern-rock guitar work.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/22/12)

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Everybody’s trying to introduce new artists, so do you think it might be Country Radio Seminar week or something?

More than half of the contenders in this week’s column are baby acts. But despite the plethora of newcomers, I didn’t find one that I thought deserved a DisCovery Award.

On the other hand, there were plenty of Disc of the Day contestants. So many, in fact, that I’m giving out Male, Female and Group honors. The Male Disc of the Day prize belongs to Hunter Hayes, who sounds like he has a real breakthrough single with “Wanted.” The Female is my longtime favorite Kellie Pickler with her “100 Proof.” The Duo/Group disc is unquestionably Thompson Square’s striking “Glass.”

Party on, conventioneers.

LISA MATASSA/Wouldn’t You Like to Know
Writer: Lisa Matassa/Don Rollins/Jody Gray; Producer: Jody Gray & Don Rollins; Publisher: Strike the Match/Curtis E. Flush/Smyth of Tunes/Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; 9 North/itiswhatitis (www.lisamatassa.com)
—The gals giggle and whisper to each other in the dance club, keeping the guys in the dark about what is going on. The production has a rocking, country-funk backbeat, and Matassa sings with plenty of oomph.

KELLIE PICKLER/100 Proof
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BNA (ERG) ()
—Their love might be soaked in sauce, but it’s the real thing. Beautifully done.

THOMPSON SQUARE/Glass
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Stoney Creek (ERG) ()
—This extremely well-written love ballad points to the fragility of romance. The harmony blend is just perfect, and the ear-tickling track ebbs and swirls. Spin this.

CLINT MARTIN/I Love Being Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Clint Martin; Publisher: none listed; CM (www.clintmartinband.com)
—This is a textbook example of what country rock is supposed to sound like. He sings with a down-to-earth drawl, and the band kicks butt behind him. Stinging guitar work, crisp percussion and righteous energy.

AARON LEWIS/Endless Summer
Writer: Aaron Lewis; Producer: James Stroud & Aaron Lewis; Publisher: WB/Greenfund, ASCAP; R & J (www.aaronlewismusic.com)
—He shows off confident lung power here. It’s the same old song, the one about country kids hanging out and having summer fun, but you have to wonder a little about someone who name-checks Jason Aldean and Miley Cyrus in the same lyric. I never liked Staind as a rock band, but I have to confess that with this single, its lead singer’s transition to country is complete.

KRISTEN KELLY/Ex-Old Man
Writer: Kristen Kelly/Paul Overstreet; Producer: Tony Brown & Paul Overstreet; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Scarlet Moon, BMI; Arista Nashville ()
—He was cheating on her with her best girlfriend. Then he gets tired of the girlfriend and hits on her again. No wonder she’s ticked off. Funky fun.

HUNTER HAYES/Wanted
Writer: Troy Verges/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Songs From the Engine Room/Happy Little Man, BMI; Atlantic ()
—Not to be confused with the 1990 Alan Jackson smash with the same title, this song’s a tenor-voiced ballad wherein he wants to make her feel wanted. Hayes’ perfectly expressed vocal is a thing of wonder, and the melody is magnetic. I hear a hit.

BRAD WOLF/Too Many Mondays
Writer: Brad Wolf/Don Goodman/Sharon Resnick; Producer: Johnny Morris, Buddy Resnick & Don Goodman; Publisher: Big Hitmakers/Circle South/Little Tornadoes, BMI; Motion ()
—The blue-collar lyric is so strong that it really doesn’t matter that he sounds like he’s struggling to stay on pitch. Raucous barroom shenanigans.

CLAUDIA LEE/Hollywood Sunset
Writer: Max DiCarlo/Adam Iscove; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; CLM 96 (www.claudialeelive.com)
—This pert blonde is featured on the CW TV series The Hart of Dixie. She’s 15 and sounds almost exactly like Taylor Swift.

LORI SMITH/What’s in it for Me
Writer: Bucky Jones/Tom Shapiro/Ron Hellard; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Universal Polygram/McBeck, BMI/ASCAP; 615 (615-776-2060)
—Not to be confused with the 1994 John Berry hit with the same title, this one’s a slow, sultry ballad pleading for lasting love. She has an interesting voice with a slight vibrato that’s particularly ear-catching when she dips into her dark alto register.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/15/12)

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Eric Church and David Nail are finishing in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day award.

David’s single is a range-y ballad. Eric’s is a throbbing tempo tune. What’s interesting is that they are both singing about how deeply blue-collar rock classics can penetrate your heart and mind. We can all relate to the extraordinary lyrics of “The Sound of a Million Dreams” and “Springsteen.” These songs are both smashes, folks.

The DisCovery Award goes to Thomas Rhett. This kid comes out rocking.

THE DIRT DRIFTERS/There She Goes
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (track)
—I like these guys, and this is their best yet. This time around, the ultra-cool lead vocal is answered by a ghostly “Greek chorus” commenting on his heartbreak while the country-rock track canters along with chiming guitars and dusty percussion. Delicious sounding.

RECKLESS KELLY/I Never Liked St. Valentine
Writer: Willy Braun/Todd Snider; Producer: David Abeyta, Cody Braun & Willy Braun; Publisher: C&P Fah-Q/Nobody’s Collecting on These Songs, BMI; No Big Deal (track)
—He praises St. Cecelia for music, St. Francis for companionship, St. Patrick for booze, plus St. Christopher and St. Nick and but forget that heartbreaker Valentine. This mid-tempo, acoustic-based groover has a drawling wit that’s hard to resist. Timely, too, considering the season.

DAVID NAIL/The Sound of a Million Dreams
Writer: Scooter Carusoe/Phil Vassar; Producer: Chuck Ainlay & Frank Liddell; Publisher: Scrambler/Abbott’s Creek/Carnival/Phylvester, ASCAP; MCA Nashville (track)
—Magical. He’s not only a world-class vocalist, but this song about the power of music on your memory is downright breath taking. Chuck Leavell’s rippling piano accompaniment is simply gorgeous.

ADAM GREGORY/High on You
Writer: Adam Gregory/James Dean Hicks/Jamie Houston; Producer: Mark Moffatt; Publisher: On the Mantel/BPJ/Seven Peaks/John and Nancye’s Sons/Adam Gregory/Marc Isle/Walkerbout, BMI/ASCAP; Calusa/GMV Nashville (track) (www.adamgregory.com)
—Sung with confidence, produced with panache and written with craftsmanship. This rolling groove is more than ready for airplay. Well worth your spins.

ERIC CHURCH/Springsteen
Writer: Eric Church/Ryan Tyndell/Jeff Hyde; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sinnerlina/Purple Cape/Bug, BMI; EMI (track)
—The deep rumbling thump and the wistful vocal both pushed my buttons immediately. And any lyric about the nostalgia conjured by hearing “Born to Run” and “I’m on Fire” hits me directly in the heart. Amen, brother.

SONIA LEIGH/Bar
Writer: Sonia Leigh; Producer: Zac Brown, Matt Mangano & The Southern Ground Recording Group; Publisher: Southern Ground, BMI; Southern Ground (www.southerngroundartists.com)
—She sings with Southern-accented moxie and the rollicking song is tailor-made for Saturday night. Unapologetic drinking songs sung by women are as scarce as hen’s teeth, and this one’s as raucous as they come.

DARRYL WORLEY/You Still Got It
Writer: Darryl Worley/Brett Jones; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown; Publisher: none listed; Tenacity (www.darrylworley.com)
—This jaunty bopper is a sunny ode to enduring romance. It’s not the deepest thing you’ll ever hear, but it goes down easily. I particularly liked the silky organ playing in the production.

BILL ANDERSON & THE OAK RIDGE BOYS/Gone Away
Writer: S. Ripley/T. DuBois/J. Wooley/B. Anderson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Time Standing Still/NuBois/Laugh-Thot-I’d-Die/Mr. Bubba/Sony-ATV, BMI/ASCAP; TWI (www.billanderson.com)
—These veterans sound strikingly contemporary here. The echoey, evocative production is wonderfully moody. The lyric about people and things that are no more is as haunting as the trembling melody. Ear opening, to say the least. If you’re a country fan, definitely give this a listen.

THOMAS RHETT/Something to Do with My Hands
Writer: Thomas Rhett Akins/Lee Thomas Miller/Chris Stapleton; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Cricket on the Line/Writers of Sea Gayle/Itchy Baby/House of Sea Gayle/New Son of a Miner, BMI/ASCAP; Valory
—What a debut. This kid comes out swinging with a frenzied, insistent country rocker that grabs you by the lapels from the opening note and never lets go. The song is a sexy come-on with winks to spare.

LUKE BRYAN/Drunk on You
Writer: Rodney Clawson/Chris Tompkins/Josh Kear; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky/Big Loud Songs/Angel River/Global Dog/Lunalight, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
—It might be winter outside, but this tune is all about the heat of summer and romance. It simmers and shimmers and sizzles like a July heat wave.

DERYL DODD/Anybody Out There
Writer: Deryl Dodd; Producer: Deryl Dodd; Publisher: none listed; Smith Entertainment (track) (www.deryldodd.com)
—This Texan’s current CD is Random As I Am, and this track from it shows us a side of him we haven’t seen before. It’s a contemplative power ballad about feeling like an outsider, wondering who you are and seeking understanding. Different, and different is good. He has evidently undergone a strong songwriting spurt, because 10 of the album’s 13 tracks are Deryl solo compositions.

Beats Audio Distinguishes Verizon Rezound Handset

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The premise sounds strong. Get a Verizon 4G LTE Android Gingerbread phone with front and rear facing cameras, an ultra sharp HD 720p display, a 1.5 Ghz dual-core processor and a pair of Beats Headphones by Dr. Dre. The HTC Rezound also promises, “Beats Audio technology for studio sound.” When the package arrived I wasted no time ripping it open to get my eyes and ears all over this baby.

My initial reaction unfortunately, was akin to the disappointment one might feel getting home from a blind date that didn’t match expectations. However, as the Rezound and I got better acquainted, I grew to respect its personality even if I wasn’t awed by its flash and sparkle. I couldn’t help thinking that if this phone had come into my life a year ago I would have fallen in love with its abilities. But ahhh, what a difference a year can make.

The Rezound’s physical characteristics made the first impression. The ultra high resolution 4.3 inch screen simply seemed small to me. I’ve been using a 4.5 inch screen and recently reviewed Verizon’s Samsung Galaxy Nexus with its 4.65 high-def window. In fairness, the Rezound’s screen is clear and sharp, but it didn’t impact my eyes the way the Samsung super amoled displays do. I never felt the WOW! factor.

I began setting up the phone to work with my Google accounts and social networks. The HTC Sense software which rides on top of the Android Gingerbread system operates easily, but to me it represents an unnecessary layer of complication. It does work smoothly, however, and I notice a few expert reviewers really seem to love it. My only setup problem was pushing the volume rocker and power/lock buttons. Clearly the designers were going for a smooth minimalist effect, but the switches are recessed deeply into the top edge and right-hand side of the phone making it difficult for my fingers to operate them. This 6.1 ounce phone sits nicely in your hand, but feels heavy. The Galaxy Nexus, even with its much bigger screen only weighs 5.1 ounces by comparison.

OK, so I wasn’t falling in love, yet…but it was the music that really attracted me to this device in the first place, so I was still filled with anticipation as I carefully unwrapped the red Dr. Dre Beats earbuds. Engadget’s Sharif Sakr enlisted the help of North London’s AMS Acoustics to scientifically measure the Beats performance. Sakr’s article sums, “The Beats Audio software isn’t complete marketing vapor, but it’s still inherently gimmicky… you could achieve a better result… simply by downloading a third-party music player that lets you play with the EQ settings yourself.”

Clearly they weren’t over the moon, but I listen to music for a living, believe I have great ears, and determined, “I’ll decide this for myself, thank you very much.” Lot’s of bravado, but ultimately, I had to agree with Mr. Sakr.

I listened to a wide variety of music with the Beats earbuds and compared the sound against my Subjekt TNT low profile headphopnes ($49.99) that fit over the ear. I listened to music recorded in analog like Steve Miller’s classic “Children Of The Future” and various Beatles tracks; then tried edgy country music like Brad Paisley’s “American Saturday Night,” and Colt Ford’s “Chicken & Biscuits.” Next I played alternative rock from The Black Keys new album El Camino. Throughout I did A/B tests comparing the Beats with the TNTs. As long as I was careful to keep the Beats tightly inserted in my ears they slightly edged out the headphones. I was using the Google music player which with Android/Gingerbread does not allow EQ adjustments. The Beats have a preset U-shape sonic curve boosting the bass and the treble. Had I been able to adjust the EQ, I feel certain that the TNTs would have equalled or surpassed Dr. Dre. And, in real world situations like running or walking, lightweight headphones remain in place over your ears while earbuds tend to slide.

Now for some of that personality which I “grew to respect.” This phone operates on Verizon’s incredible 4G LTE network which means you enjoy lightning fast data transfers and rock solid phone connections and the dual core processor in this unit drives it relentlessly fast. You’ll find it impossible to make it shudder or bog down. A year ago these specs would have placed Rezound at the top of the pile. But today, with the Galaxy Nexus offering 4G LTE and Android version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), one has to wonder if the Rezound is still a compelling alternative. Amazon currently offers the Galaxy Nexus for $99.99 or the Rezound for $79.99 with 2-year contracts. HTC says the Rezound will get a 4.0 update, perhaps as early as March… that should make Rezound owners very happy.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/08/12)

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They don’t call it Country Music City, just Music City, and this week we’re celebrating that with everything from rock to rap, classical to jazz.

The Black Keys’ rocking “Lonely Boy” is the Disc of the Day. Jessie Baylin and Madi Diaz are in a dead heat for the DisCovery Award. But there’s plenty more to explore in this stack of Nashville’s musically diverse platters. Plus, our own Jack White is issuing his debut solo single this week.

Read on.

MADI DIAZ/Let’s Go
Writer: Madi Diaz/Kyle Ryan; Producer: John Alagia; Publisher: BMG Sapphire/Madi Diaz/BMG Ruby/Happy the Kid/BMG Chrysalis, BMI/ASCAP; Small Horse/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.madidiaz.com)
—The debut single from Diaz’s debut full-length CD is a colorful, child-like spinning-top ditty with multi-layered vocals and spare percussion. Her sound here is an enchanting swirl of sweetness. One taste and you’re hooked. The national music press is beginning to take notice of this Nashvillian, thanks to tracks like this from her Plastic Moon album.

SAFETYSUIT/Let Go
Writer: Douglas Brown/Ryan Tedder; Producer: Ryan Tedder & Noel Zancanella; Publisher: Hamilton and Lynn/Universal/Z Tunes/Write2Live/Kobalt, ASCAP; Universal Republic (track) (www.safetysuitmusic.com)
—This foursome conjures up a wooshing windstorm in this single from its These Times CD. Already big on the college circuit, Safetysuit manages to fuse rock and dance music here in a way that could really make a dent on the Hot 100. The album was created at studio sessions in New York, L.A., Virginia Beach and home in Franklin, TN.

JESSIE BAYLIN/Hurry Hurry
Writer: Jessie Baylin/Thad Cockrell; Producer: Kevin Augunas; Publisher: Lady Blush/Little Hoss/Razor & Tie, ASCAP/SESAC; Blonde Rat/Thirty Tigers (track) (www.jessiebaylin.com)
—A bossa-nova beat, an echo-chamber soprano vocal, real strings, whispery backup singers and an angelic harp (!) are all in the mix of this amazing pop confection. This Music City gal is really, really cool, and not just because she’s married to Nathan Followill of Kings of Leon. Her album is titled Little Spark. Buy it now.

THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY & CHRISTOPHER LAMB/Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra
Writer: Joseph Schwantner; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Schott Helicon, no performance rights listed; Naxos (track) (www.naxos.com)
—Composer Schwantner is a Pulitzer Prize winner who created this challenging yet highly listenable piece specifically for percussion soloist Lamb. Recorded live in the Schermerhorn, its three movements incorporate bongos, timpani, xylophone, marimba, triangles, cymbals, bass drum, a water gong, vibraphone and other exotic instruments against a sighing orchestral backdrop. This dazzling recording is nominated for a classical Grammy Award this year.

THE BLACK KEYS/Lonely Boy
Writer: D. Auerbach/P. Carney/B. Burton; Producer: Danger Mouse & The Black Keys; Publisher: McMoore McLesst/Wixen/Sweet Science/Copyright Control, BMI/ASCAP; Nonesuch (track) (www.theblackkeys.com)
—Nashville’s Black Keys are currently at No. 1 on the national rock chart with this kick-off single from their new CD El Camino. Like most of the rest of the album, it is a slab of straight-ahead, modern rock ‘n’ roll. Guitars riff hypnotically, drums thump relentlessly and backup gals join in on wildly catchy choruses. If you miss real rock music, “Lonely Boy” is your ticket to paradise. Highly recommended.

THE TSU COMMERCIAL MUSIC ENSEMBLE/Life Is Good
Writer: LaTisha Spence; Producer: Mark Crawford & Pat Holt; Publisher: none listed; TSU (track) (www.tnstate.edu)
—Tennessee State University is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a CD that features a representative song from each of its 11 decades, all recorded by past and present music students and faculty members. Representing 2012 is a dreamy, jazzy outing by current Commercial Music student Spence backed by a band and chorus of her peers. You can hear everyone’s gospel roots, but this performance holds its own with any jazz combo you’ll hear in this city today. Representing the ‘60s, by the way, is a lively arrangement of The Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next to You.”

HOT CHELLE RAE & NEW BOYZ/I Like it Like That
Writer: R. Follese/N. Overstreet/A. Goldstein/D. Book/A.Misoul/E. Kiriakou/E. Kidd Bogart/L. Robbins/E. Benjamin/D. Thomas; Producer: Emmanuel Kiriakou & Andrew Goldstein; Publisher: Midas/Sleep When I’m Rich/Scarlet Moon/Nash O/Fueled By Music/ChrisSamSongs/Warner Chappell/Dan Book/Alexei Misoul/Roditis/Here’s Lookin’ at You Kidd/Beluga Hieghts/Sony-ATV/Hey Kiddo/Kobalt/New Boyz/Primary Wave, BMI/ASCAP; RCA (track) (www.hotchellerae.cm)
—These Nashville popsters seemed poised to duplicate the success of “Tonight Tonight” with this slamming party anthem blasting into the top-30 this week. Besides cluttering up the songwriting credits, New Boyz main contribution is some mid-song rapping. Make no mistake: this is HCR’s show.

THE WANNABEATLES/Fan Fab Memories
Writer: none listed; Producer: Dennis Scott, Bryan Cumming/David Toledo & Nathan Burbank; Publisher: none listed; WannaBeats (track) (www.thewannabeatles.com)
—Nominated for a Grammy in the spoken-word category, this is a collection of reminiscences with musical interludes provided by Nashville’s note-perfect Beatles re-enactors. If you are of a certain age, it’s a bubble bath of nostalgia. Among the “witnesses” are Janis Ian, Billy Swan, Wesley Orbison, Melissa Manchester and Phil Keaggy.

CHANCELLOR WARHOL/Bleeding Hearts
Writer: none listed; Producer: Levi Harris & Chancellor Warhol; Publisher: none listed; CS (track) (www.warholtheworld.com)
—This Nashville rapper’s CD is titled Japanese Lunchbox: A Love Story. This focus track has a burbling, poppy, electronic sound bed overlaid with a tender, broken-hearted rap. In a genre generally noted for aggressive, macho verbal posing, it’s an ear opener. The soft, sweetly sung interjections come courtesy of Mikky Ekko.

TOMMY WOMACK/Play That Cheap Trick Cheap Trick Play
Writer: Tommy Womack/Rick Nielsen; Producer: Tommy Womack & John Deaderick; Publisher: Screen Gems-EMI/Adult/Tommy Womack Tunes/Bug, BMI; Cedar Creek (track) (www.tommywomack.com)
—This beloved Music City rock institution drops his Now What! collection with a release party at Grimey’s on Feb. 21. It is his fifth solo CD, and it captures his wry, tragi-comic personna perfectly, particularly on tunes like this opening bopper. From his days in Government Cheese through his work in Daddy (not to mention his Clash tribute band Tommy Gun), Womack has a catalog to envy. Here’s one more reason to be a fan. For a real guffaw, spin his white-boy, black-humor rap “Ninety Miles an Hour Down a Dead End Street.” “Pot Head Blues” is self explanatory.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (2/01/12)

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Every now and then I am reminded of why I do this job.

This week, that reminder came after listening to the thrilling new collection by Gretchen Peters. Her Hello Cruel World album is so great it is practically terrifying. She tore me apart with every song. There is going to be a star in Frank Liddell’s crown for bringing this songwriter into the Carnival family. Needless to say, Gretchen has the Disc of the Day.

I’ll spread the love around. This week, Alan Jackson reminded me of why I cherish Real Country Music as much as I do. His new EMI single gets the male Disc Award.

The Dirt Drifters reminded me how much joy it brings me to see a young act on its way up the ladder of success. Give those country-rocking chaps the group Disc Prize.

KELLY PARKES/Don’t Make Me
Writer: Keith Follese/Adrienne Follese/Nicole Johnson/Vencent Hickerson; Producer: Darren Smith & Mark Lambert; Publisher: The Family Business/Overall Attraction/3 in Key/Denham Jeans, BMI/SESAC; Edge (CDX)
—It’s a big-production pop ballad. Her soprano delivery is sure footed and true, but there’s not much memorable “character” in her style.

TRACY LAWRENCE/Pills
Writer: none listed; Producer: Flip Anderson & Tracy Lawrence; Publisher: none listed; LMG (track) (www.tracylawrence.com)
—Tracy’s album The Singer is an audio delight of crisp simplicity. The song selections are superb, and nowhere more so than with this bopping, witty, swinging, sideways look at our pharmaceutical dependence and over indulgence. Essential listening.

GRETCHEN PETERS/The Matador
Writer: Gretchen Peters; Producer: Doug Lancio, Gretchen Peters & Barry Walsh; Publisher: Circus Girl/Carnival, ASCAP; Scarlet Letter (track) (www.gretchenpeters.com)
—You think you’re a songwriter? One listen to Gretchen’s new Hello Cruel World CD will have you thinking again. She has the uncanny ability to not only create commercial hooks, but also to pen lyrics with something to say (witness her prior “The Secret of Life,” “Independence Day,” “If Heaven,” “Let That Pony Run,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “The Chill of an Early Fall,” or “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am”). This stunning first single/video is a hushed ballad of love, violence and artistic striving. If you care about real song craftsmanship, it will bring you to your knees. Buy This Record Now.

JASON ALDEAN/Fly Over States
Writer: Neil Thrasher/Michael Dulaney; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Sweet Summer/BMG Gold/Major Bob/Circle C/Mojave Rain/Full Circle, ASCAP; Broken Bow (track)
—The lyric is simply sensational, a first-class ode to the American heartland. My only quibble is that the title phrase isn’t married to a super melodic hook. As usual, Jason’s performance and Michael’s production are dynamite.

ERNIE HAASE & SIGNATURE SOUND/Here We Are Again
Writer: Ernie Haase/Wayne Haun/Joel Lindsey; Producer: Wayne Haun; Publisher: ErnieSigSound/Blackberry Town/Bridge Building/Hefton Hill, BMI; Stowtown (www.erniehaase.com)
—The tradition of country-gospel harmony singing exemplified by The Oak Ridge Boys and The Statler Brothers is being admirably upheld by this outfit. Its new CD mixes traditional material (”Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “I Believe,” “Stand By Me”) with newly composed tunes, often by the group’s members. This title tune showcases all four voices in turn, from the sub-cellar bass to the attic-rafter tenor.

THE DIRT DRIFTERS/There She Goes
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros. (track)
—I like these guys, and this is their best yet. This time around, the ultra-cool lead vocal is answered by a ghostly “Greek chorus” commenting on his heartbreak while the country-rock track canters along with chiming guitars and dusty percussion. Delicious sounding.

CHANCE CODY & SPUR 503/You Can’t Argue with That
Writer: Chuck Allen Floyd/Jenn Schott; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Spur 503 (www.spur503.com)
—They have talent, but the mix is mighty muddy. Go for a cleaner sound next time.

DOLLY PARTON & QUEEN LATIFAH/Not Enough
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Mervyn Warren; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; WaterTower (track)
—I haven’t seen the movie Joyful Noise, but I can tell you that the soundtrack is a delight. In addition to gospel-ized versions of “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “Man in the Mirror,” “I Want to Take You Higher,” “That’s the Way God Planned It,” and the like, you get three new Dolly tunes. This hand clapper kicks things off with a full soul choir backing the film’s two stars. Latifah holds her own opposite the always-exuberant Dolly.

ALAN JACKSON/So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore
Writer: Adam Wright/Jay Knowles; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Alrighty Den/Dean-Parnell/Acme Nashville, BMI; EMI (CDX)
—Alan begins a new recording chapter with a plain-spoken heartache ballad that packs a massive emotional wallop, thanks to its terrific songwriting and his devastating vocal. This man is a country-music master, through and through.

THE McCLYMONTS/I Could Be a Cowboy
Writer: Brooke McClymont/Samantha McClymont/Mollie McClymont/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI Australia/Copy Control/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; BSM (track) (www.themcclymonts.net)
—Their creamy harmonies remain audio perfection. Brooke’s throat-catching lead vocal grabs your attention immediately, while Nathan’s production finesse continues to amaze. I particularly liked the mandolin bubbling in and out of the mix.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/25/12)

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There is life after major labels.

That’s today’s message, coming to us loud and clear from Deborah Allen, Neal McCoy, Jonathan Edwards and Suzy Bogguss. All of them have excellent indie albums, with Suzy and Deborah owning their own labels. For shining a spotlight on our folk-music legacy, Suzy Bogguss wins our Disc of the Day.

From the Broken Bow label comes a young Tullahoma, Tennessee native named Dustin Lynch. Give his “Cowboys and Angels” single a spin. I think you’ll agree with me that he’s a worthy DisCovery Award recipient.

KENNY VAUGHAN/Country Music Got a Hold on Me
Writer: none listed; Producer: Brandon Bell, Carmella Ramsey & Kenny Vaughn; Publisher: Veltal, BMI; Sugar Hill (track) (www.kennyvaughan.net)
—With Marty Stuart and the rest of The Fabulous Superlatives along for the rollicking ride, Kenny’s current solo CD kicks off with this neo-rockabilly romp that comes with built-in smiles as well as his trademark, deliciously stinging guitar licks.

SUZY BOGGUSS/Red River Valley
Writer: anonymous; Producer: Suzy Bogguss; Publisher: public domain; Loyal Duchess (track) (www.suzybogguss.com)
—Suzy’s American Folk Songbook CD is precisely what its title says it is, a collection of simply arranged gems of our nation’s musical heritage. Not only does she still sing with immense warmth and luster, she is surrounded by some of Music City’s top instrumentalists plus vocal harmonies courtesy of Matraca Berg, Harry Stinson and Gretchen Peters. I am told this is doing quite well overseas. It is a thorough delight.

TRENT JEFFCOAT/When I Find Me That Mountain
Writer: Trent Jeffcoat/Brandy Clark; Producer: Paul Sikes; Publisher: none listed; Deer in the Headlights (track) (www.trentjeffcoat.com)
—This singer-songwriter has a seven-song CD as a calling card. Its title tune is a meditative ballad with a deeply stirring lyric made even more potent because of his resonant, emotional baritone vocal. Trent Jeffcoat has the goods, people.

DEBORAH ALLEN/It Better Be Big
Writer: Deborah Allen/Callie Champion; Producer: Deborah Allen; Publisher: none listed; Delta Rock (track) (www.deborahallen.com)
—The second single from Deborah’s new Hear Me Now CD is a hoot. After a bluesy intro, she sizzles into a rapid-fire, rocking delivery. “If you’re gonna give it to me, baby, it better be big,” she sings. Get your mind out of the gutter: She means a wedding ring. Stay tuned for her personality-packed asides during the finale.

ALAN RHODY/Somebody to Care
Writer: Alan Rhody/Bill Caswell; Producer: Alan Rhody; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI; Ashwood (track) (www.alanrhody.com)
—If you’ve never seen this Nashville singer-songwriter perform, you’re missing out on one of our most entertaining and amusing acoustic troubadours. Alan’s new Led By Love collection begins with this ear catching story song about a would-be liquor store robber who finds romance and redemption en route. The supporting cast of this sterling set includes Sam Bush, Gordie Trapp, Mike Henderson, Jay Patten, Mike Bub, Vickie Carrico, Billy Thomas and Jonell Mosser. Are the tracks cool? You bet.

NEAL McCOY/Sentimental Journey
Writer: Les Brown/Bud Green/Benjamin Homer; Producer: Les Brown Jr. & Keith Olsen; Publisher: Morley/Holliday/Songwriters Guild of America/MPL, no performance rights listed; Encore/DPTV (track) (www.dptvmedia.org)
—Country star McCoy teams up with Les Brown’s Band of Renown on a new, in-concert CD that’s a definite change of pace. Singing the swing band’s signature song, he seems relaxed and at ease with the massed brass section wailing behind him. Charley Pride and Janie Fricke also make guest appearances on the set, which was originally recorded for a PBS special.

RANDY THOMPSON/One Guitar
Writer: Randy Thompson; Producer: Randy Thompson; Publisher: Twang This, ASCAP; Jackpot (track) (www.randythompson.net)
—Thompson’s Collected CD compiles tunes he has recorded over the past decade for various albums and singles. This is one of its two newly recorded selections. It is a country rocker with a “spaghetti western” vibe. The band rushes the tempo, and there’s too much echo on his vocal.

JONNY CORNDAWG/Shaved Like a Razor
Writer: none listed; Producer: Loney John Hutchins & Jonny Corndawg; Publisher: none listed; Nasty Memories (track) (www.corndawg.com)
—I think it is meant to be funny, but he still can’t sing.

JONATHAN EDWARDS/Surrounded
Writer: Jonathan Edwards; Producer: Jonathan Edwards & Jim Begley; Publisher: Joinatune Earthwords, no performance rights listed; Appleseed (track) (www.jonathanedwards.net)
—Appleseed Records specializes in reviving the careers of “heritage” artists who have long been absent from the recording scene, including Tom Rush (35 years between studio recordings), David Bromberg (17 years), Buffy Sainte-Marie (13 years), Jesse Winchester (10 years), Roger McGuinn (10 years) and Donovan (8 years). Edwards has been m.i.a. for about a dozen years. His comeback My Love Will Keep CD begins with this lilting, pastoral ode with super-soulful harmonies by bluegrass star Claire Lynch. In addition to his own songs, he covers works by Mark D. Sanders & Adrienne Young, Tommy Rocco, John Brannen and Henry Gross, not to mention Lennon & McCartney.

DUSTIN LYNCH/Cowboys and Angels
Writer: Dustin Lynch/Josh Leo/Tim Nichols; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Big Machine/Golden Gears/Super 98/Sony-ATV Tree/Warner-Tamerlane/Contentment/Made For This, BMI; Broken Bow  (www.dustinlynch.com)
—He sings in a clear, confident, smooth baritone with smoky, whiskey aftertones. The moody power ballad has a dusky, romantic vibe that is quite magnetic. This could definitely go places.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/18/12)

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Canaan Smith

It’s Ballad Week, with Phil Vassar, Laura Bell Bundy, Georgette Jones and Mark Wayne Glasmire all offering slower tempo numbers.

Rascal Flatts is still on hand to bring a rocker, so that’s a nice change of pace. The mid-tempo winner belongs to the Zac Brown Band. Is it just me, or does Zac sound more and more like James Taylor? The third single good enough to compete for Disc of the Day belongs to our winner, JT Hodges.

As far as this week’s newcomer prize goes, I was all set to present it to Hodges, but it turns out that he had a Show Dog platter last summer (Hunt You Down) that I was also enthusiastic about. So that leaves softly earnest Canaan Smith as our DisCovery Award winner.

JT HODGES/Goodbyes Made You Mine
Writer: JT Hodges/Ross Copperman/Jon Nite; Producer: Don Cook, Mark Wright & Ross Copperman; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Adeline 29/Sings Station/Boomer Sooie/Ross Copperman/EMI Blackwood/Jon Mark Nite/EMI April, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—This has a certain “presence.” He’s not only a solid writer, but his vocal performance is up-close and personal, packed with personality and exuding confidence. The deep-twang guitar and driving production are also pluses. A star is born?

DOTTSY/Meet Me in Texas
Writer: Guyanne McCall; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: Tracy Pitcox, BMI; Heart of Country (track) (www.heartoftexascountry.com)
—Dottsy reprises her ‘70s hits “I’ll Be Your San Antone Rose,” “Storms Never Last,” “Trying to Satisfy You,” and “(After Sweet Memories) Play Born to Lose Again” on her comeback CD. Its title tune is a gentle two-step. Her more mature, somewhat narrower range makes her vocal less than the strongest you’ve ever heard, but she gets the job done with warmth.

PHIL VASSAR/Don’t Miss Your Life
Writer: Phil Vassar/Charlie Black; Producer: Phil Vassar; Publisher: Phylvester/Big Hitmakers/Rainy Graham/Songs of Salt Air, ASCAP/BMI; Rodeowave
—Vassar continues to make music as powerfully as ever. His new ballad is the latest take on the businessman who is too busy to enjoy his children growing up. An older man points him in the right direction. This pushes all the right emotional buttons. I’m in.

TYSON BOWMAN/Thank God for People
Writer: Tyson Bowman/Lance Lambert/Judy Rodman; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Guitar Shark (track) (www.tysonbowman.com)
—The ballad’s lyric about people helping one another is solid. But his voice is a completely generic honky-tonk baritone that is ordinary in the extreme.

RASCAL FLATTS/Banjo
Writer: Tony Martin/Wendell Mobley/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Dann Huff & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Casa Jaco/Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby/BMG Gold/We Jam Writers/BMG Crysalis/Songs of Peer, BMI/ASCAP; Big Machine
—Are you sitting down? The new Rascal Flatts single has the banjo as a focus instrument. Mind you, the surrounding track rocks with plenty of crunch, electric guitar screams and percussion pounding. Exciting.

GEORGETTE JONES/Strong Enough to Cry
Writer: Max Barnes/Rory Lee; Producer: Justin Trevino; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Heart of Texas (track) (www.georgettejonesmusic.com)
—I’ve always been in this gal’s corner. The Nashville industry can’t seem to get past the fact that she’s Tammy and George’s daughter and listen with open ears. So it’s off to Texas, where this title tune to her new CD shows that she’s a super-fine country vocalist in her own right. The ballad is beautifully produced with perfect steel accents, delicately placed guitar notes, sweet fiddle sighs and a breath-taking harmony vocal by, I think, that Texas wonder Amber Digby.

ZAC BROWN BAND/No Hurry
Writer: Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/James Otto; Producer: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publisher: Weimerhound/Lil’ Dub/Angelika/Warner-Tamerlane/Eldorotto, BMI; Atlantic (track)
—Single #5 from the ZBB CD You Get What You Give is a lilting ode in praise of kicking back. And what country act would you rather relax with while the harried workaday world rushes by? The richly textured “No Hurry” is following the multi-week chart topper “Keep Me in Mind,” so I look for big things from it.

MARK WAYNE GLASMIRE/Going Home
Writer: Mark Wayne Glasmire; Producer: John Albani & John Wayne Glasmire; Publisher: Traceway, ASCAP; Traceway (track) (www.markwayneglasmire.com)
—Sung at the top of his tenor range, this conveys immense yearning. The buzzy harmonica passages, plus subtle keyboard and fiddle backing are adroitly mixed and very ear catching. A folk-country gem.

LAURA BELL BUNDY/That’s What Angels Do
Writer: Jon Mabe/Jason Sellers/Michael Dulaney; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: none listed; UMG (track) (www.laurabellbundy.com)
—Formerly noted for her bounce, Bundy returns with a soaring, dramatic ballad of rescue and redemption. She marches confidently forward with every precisely placed vocal note while guitars shudder, pierce and shriek around her head. This lady can sing.

CANAAN SMITH/We Got Us
Writer: Canaan Smith/Tommy Lee James/Stephen Barker Liles; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; UMG (track) (www.canaansmith.com)
—Boyish sounding and likable. The gently shuffling track supports a poor-kids-rich-in-love lyric that’s just sweet enough.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/11/12)

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Clay Walker, Ira Dean, Josh Turner and Shooter Jennings are the men of the hour.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Josh Turner, but don’t count those other guys out, by any means. All three are playing at the top of their game this week.

And there’s a challenger waiting in the wings. If some major picks up “Ghost” by Tim Culpepper, watch the fur fly. Not since Joe Nichols and Chris Young have I heard a new country vocalist so thoroughly in command of his instrument.

Tim Culpepper

Here’s what I know about him so far. He’s from Montgomery, AL, where his father was/is a country singer in area clubs. He was discovered on Lower Broadway. I looked at his video online. Tim isn’t a clone. He has his own look with long sideburns, blue eyes, a handlebar mustache and an athlete’s physique. Also: the clip includes line-dancing zombies.

”Ghost” is Tim Culpepper’s debut single, and based on it, I can’t WAIT to hear the rest of his CD. Send one, and sign me up for the fan club. Needless to say, he is this week’s DisCovery Award winner.

JOSH TURNER/Time Is Love
Writer: Tom Shapiro/Tony Martin/Mark Nesler; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Little Dooey/Sony-ATV/Casa Jaco/Little Lola Mae, BMI; MCA Nashville(CDX)
—Airy, breezy, atmospheric, wafting and completely charming. An ultra-romantic outing with a built-in smile. In addition to the glowing warmth of his vocal, another plus is the shimmering instrumental work throughout.

IRA DEAN/Somethin’ ‘Bout a Sunday
Writer: Ira Dean/Josh Thompson; Producer: Ira Dean; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Hillbilly Rich, BMI; Average Joes (CDX) (www.averagejoesent.com)
—He wakes up cigarette-stained, hung over, bone tired and ashamed of himself. But somewhere inside is an ember of wanting to change and start over. The powerfully written lyric is as real as dirt, and the melody is uplifting and inspiring. This deserves massive airplay.

KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS/Great Acoustics
Writer: Kentucky Headhunters; Producer: Kentucky Headhunters; Publisher: Them Young Boys/Mr. Eric/I.B. Headed, ASCAP/BMI; Red Dirt (CDX) (615-347-9686)
—Surprisingly pop-ish for a group that usually sounds much more edgy.

SHOOTER JENNINGS/The Deed and the Dollar
Writer: Shooter Jennings; Producer: Shooter Jennings ; Publisher: Wolf’s Tale, ASCAP; Black Country Rock (CDX) (615-861-4232)
—He can still just barely sing, but there is nevertheless something utterly appealing about this love ode with a steady beat. Play it.

JANIE FRICKE/Goodbye Broken Heart
Writer: J. Fricke; Producer: Bill Vorndick; Publisher: Janie Marie Fricke, BMI; New Music Deals (track) (www.newmusicdeals.com)
—Janie’s new Country Side of Bluegrass CD consists mainly of acoustic reinterpretations of her classic hits of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Never previously noted as a songwriter, she provides the collection’s one new tune. It’s a jaunty bopper sung with a smile and featuring dandy fiddle and acoustic-guitar breaks.

TYLER FARR/Hot Mess
Writer: Rhett Akins/Dallas Davidson/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jim Catino & Julian King; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/String Stretcher/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This, BMI/ASCAP; BNA
—Cluttered sounding.

CLAY WALKER/Like We Never Said Goodbye
Writer: Tiffany Goss/Cory Batten; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Curb Congregation/I Want to Hold Your Songs/Words & Music, SESAC/BMI; Curb (track)
—He runs into his ex unexpectedly, and they tumble head over heels all over again. The song is somewhat word-y, but the production is sterling, and Walker’s vocal performance is super believable.

TIM CULPEPPER /Ghost
Writer: Elbert/M. Baker/G. Jarrell/K. Jarrell; Producer: Elbert West; Publisher: none listed; Honkytone (615-452-9844)
—I dig this. He is a hardcore honky-tonk vocalist with cool dips, slides and moans that recall such masters as Gosdin and Whitley. The song is a rumbling barroom lament about a man haunted by a past love. Play this over and over again, you’ll get no complaints from me.

MARLEE SCOTT/Train Wreck
Writer: Marcus Hummon/Jedd Hughes/Sarah Buxton; Producer: David Kalmusky; Publisher: Sony-TV Tree/Pula Pula, BMI; Brigade (www.marleescottl.com)
—She sings with plenty of moxie. Next time, give her a song with a melody.

DAVE ROBERTS/Lindsy Mae
Writer: Dave Roberts; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DR (www.daverobertscountry.com)
—He has a earnest, easy-going vocal delivery and shows definite promise as a songwriter. Listenable.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (1/04/12)

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Let’s start the New Year with some star power, shall we?

Today for your listening pleasure, we have first-rate efforts from Blake, Miranda, Lady A, Ronnie Dunn and Tim McGraw. Tim definitely has the ballad of the day.

Our newcomers are Jana Kramer, Tim Dugger and Ann Claire. Wait a minute, Tim had a record out back in 2009. So that leaves Jana Kramer as our DisCovery Award winner.

The Disc of the Day prize is a tie between two of our band entries, Lady Antebellum and Eli Young Band. Long may they sing.

Here’s to a prosperous, healthy and happy 2012 to one and all.

ELI YOUNG BAND/Even If It Breaks Your Heart
Writer: Will Hoge/Eric Paslay; Producer: Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Will Hoge/Cal IV, BMI/ASCAP; Republic (track)
—Majestic. It has a melody to get lost in and production dynamics that pound and swirl. The lyric is for aspiring musicians everywhere. I’m way, way into this anthem.

LADY ANTEBELLUM/Dancin’ Away with My Heart
Writer: Dave Haywood/Charles Kelley/Hillary Scott/Josh Kear; Producer: Paul Worley & Lady Antebellum; Publisher: Warner Tamerlane/DWHaywood/Radiobullets/EMI Foray/Hillary Dawn/Global Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Lunalight, BMI/SESAC/ASCAP; Capitol (track)
—Individually, their voices are enchanting. But when these kids harmonize, magic happens. This wafts through the room’s atmosphere like incense smoke. In a word, dreamy.

TIM DUGGER/Way Past My Beer Time
Writer: Tim Dugger/Billy Aerts/Scott Lynch/Justin Pritchett; Producer: Jim Ed Norman & Mike Curb; Publisher: Mike Curb/Stormey/Baby Gray/BMG Chrysalis, BMI; Curb
—Loaded with fiddle and steel, this wobbles and weaves its merry way to the barroom. Lotsa sing-along hillbilly fun.

RONNIE DUNN/Let the Cowboy Rock
Writer: Ronnie Dunn/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Ronnie Dunn; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Showbilly/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI/ASCAP; Arista (track)
—The lovelorn redneck is drowning his sorrows, and the band is rollicking.

TIM McGRAW/Better Than I Used to Be
Writer: Bryan Sampson/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: How Bout That Skyline/BMG Chrysalis/Encore Entertainment/Mr. Noise/Writers of Sea Gayle/Gorleysongs/Bug/Music of Windswept/Songs of Southside Independent, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
—The man in this ballad is far from perfect, and he knows it. He’s cleaning up his act, little by little. Movingly performed and beautifully written.

JANA KRAMER/Why Ya Wanna
Writer: Catt Gravitt/Christopher DeStefano/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Ink Pen Mama/Songs of Max/Tunes of R&T Direct/Razor & Tie/EMI April/Sugar Glider/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/Songs of Southside Independent, SESAC/ASCAP; Elektra Nashville
—It’s a heartache lyric wrapped up in a jaunty, country-pop arrangement. It may not be a hit, but it certainly shows promise.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Over You
Writer: Miranda Lambert/Blake Shelton; Producer: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pink Dog, BMI; RCA
—This trembling ode to loss has a deeply contemplative vibe, but the track packs enough energy to keep it from being completely mournful. Miranda’s vocal, as usual, is perfect.

BLAKE SHELTON/Drink on It
Writer: Jon Randall/Jessi Alexander/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: Reynsong/Why Ya Say/Vistaville/Happy Tears/Big Red Toe/Amarillo Sky, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—He’s such a fine country singer, and this swaying, honky-tonk come-on fits him like a glove. Winning in the extreme.

ANN CLAIRE/Better Girl
Writer: none listed; Producer: Travis Howard & Maxwell Abams; Publisher: none listed; Prosody (track) (www.princessannclaire.com)
—She’s some kind of princess in Iran, since she’s the niece of the late Shah. Hence, her CD title, Honkytonk Princess. Its debut single isn’t a honky-tonk tune, however. It’s a sunny, bright, upbeat bopper. Her breezy soprano vocal delivery is adequate, if unexceptional.

ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION/My Love Follows You Where You Go
Writer: Lori McKenna/Barry Dean/Liz Rose; Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station; Publisher: Barrytones/Universal Music Careers/Wagnerville, BMI; Rounder (track) (www.alisonkrauss.com)
—Captivating. Every instrumental break, every vocal lick and every thing about this production is crystal acoustic perfection. And it doesn’t hurt that the song is such an evocative minor masterpiece.