DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/18/11)

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Five newcomers, four up-and-comers and one Hall of Fame member—those are the ingredients for this edition of “DisClaimer.”
The McClymonts, Keenie Word, Justin Haigh, J.T. Hodges and Jesse Keith Whitley are the names in the first category. In photo finish, Justin Haigh edges out Hodges for the DisCovery Award.
Billy Currington, Thompson Square, Jerrod Niemann and The LoCash Cowboys comprise the second category. My money is on the always entertaining Jerrod Niemann. He has the Disc of the Day.
The Hall of Famer is Charley Pride, who deserves a better song.
JUSTIN HAIGH/All My Best Friends Are Behind Bars
Writer: J. Haigh; Producer: Lew Curatolo; Publisher: Apache, ASCAP; Apache Ranch (track) (www.justinhaigh.com)
—He has a really cool voice, full of drawled resonance and honky-tonk authority. The drinking song is as cool as its title implies, and the band is country, country, country. An absolute winner.
JERROD NIEMANN/One More Drinkin’ Song
Writer: Jerrod Niemann/Richie Brown; Producer: Jerrod Niemann & Dave Brainard; Publisher: New Songs of Sea Gayle/Ozworth/Words & Music, BMI; Arista/Sea Gayle (track)
—The boy is on a roll. This time out, he’s rolling through a swaying, lilting, beach-vibe tune that has its tongue firmly in cheek. Care to sing along? I think so.
J.T. HODGES/Hunt You Down
Writer: J.T. Hodges/Mark Collie/Rivers Rutherford; Producer: Mark Wright, Don Cook & Mark Collie; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Adeline 29/Sing Station/Boomer Sooie/Collie Dawg/Alex Bridge/Memphianna, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—I love the bubbling, bobbing production. This fizzy little outing is about a casual sexual hook up that has a dozen built-in smiles. Jaunty and irresistible.
BILLY CURRINGTON/Love Done Gone
Writer: Shawn Camp/Marv Green; Producer: Carson Chamberlain & Billy Currington; Publisher: International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Scamporee/Warner-Tamerlane, BMI; Mercury (CDX)
—I’m not crazy about brass in country music, but this single’s melody is so incredibly catchy that you could arrange it with any instrumentation in the world and still have a winner. Billy, as usual, sings with warmth and sincerity.
LOCASH COWBOYS/You Got Me
Writer: Chris Lucas/Preston Brust/Eric Halbig; Producer: Jeffrey Steele; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Sony-ATV Tree/Vibrating String/Cherry Heart, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious (www.locashcowboys.com)
—Sunshiny bright, with a totally positive, happy lyric and a breezily rocking tempo. Very summertimey. These guys seem to go from strength to strength with each release.
THOMPSON SQUARE/I Got You
Writer: Shawna Thompson/Keifer Thompson/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producer: New Voice Entertainment; Publisher: This Is Hit/Fibber & Molly/Big Loud Bucks/Magic Mustang/Mack 2/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Becky’s Boy/Sony-ATV Tree, ASCAP/BMI; Stoney Creek (CDX) (615-320-1372)
—The LoCash Cowboys are rocking to “You Got Me.” Thompson Square is rocking to “I Got You.” Equally well, I might add. Take your pick.
JESSE KEITH WHITLEY/Kentucky Thunder
Writer: Sonny Lemaire/Sam Tate/Annie Tate; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed, BMI/SESAC; Octabrook (CDX) (615-426-1786)
—The title refers to moonshine whiskey, as well as to fire-and-brimstone preaching and wild country singing. Appropriately, the performance is laced with snarling guitar work and minor-key “outlaw” menace. This well-written song is the debut single from the son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley.
THE McCLYMONTS/Wrapped Up Good
Writer: Brooke McClymont/Samantha McClymont/Mollie McClymont/Nathan Chapman; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI/Sony-ATV, no performance rights listed; UMA/Fontana (CDX) (615-269-7071)
—Creamy harmonies and a slick production are the calling cards here. A smooth-tasting audio beverage.
CHARLEY PRIDE/America The Great
Writer: Larry Mercey/Edward Allen Gowens; Producer: Charley Pride; Publisher: Larry Mercey, SOCAN/BMI; Music City (CDX) (www.charleypride.com)
—“Are we losing family values/Did we push God aside?” this asks. The big concerns are that the 10 Commandments aren’t in the courthouses and “The Lord’s Prayer” isn’t in the classrooms. In other words, Buddhists need not apply.
KEENIE WORD/The New Girl
Writer: Billy Aerts/Caroline Deloache; Producer: Billy Aerts; Publisher: Stormey, BMI; KW (track) (www.keenieword.com)
—The title tune to this youngster’s five-song EP is plaintive and youthful sounding. Well written. It’s kind of surprising that no songwriter before now has addressed this universally felt experience of a kid moving to a new place.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/10/11)

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You remember albums, don’t you?

They are collections of songs that ask you to experience several of a favorite performer’s thoughts of the moment. Mind you, there aren’t a whole lot of folks in Music City that you want to spend that much time with. But one of them most certainly is Emmylou Harris. So for album achievement, her Hard Bargain is a Disc of the Day.
Country music is, was and probably always will be centered on hit singles. With that in mind, hand a Disc of the Day to the fun, catchy “Take It Off” by the always listenable Joe Nichols.
I am happy to report that there are three brand-new faces in this stack of platters. One of them, Jason Jones, wins our DisCovery Award with “Ferris Wheel.”
RIDIN’ HIGH BAND/Go Crazy With My Heart
Writer: M. Jason Greene/Chris Cagle; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Anjelito/Do Write/Sony-ATV Tunes, BMI/ASCAP; Centennial Records of Texas (409-296-2953)
—There’s talent here: The lead vocalist has personality and the band plays well. My suggestion is that they hire someone to actually MIX the sound the next time they record.
DARIUS RUCKER/I Got Nothin’
Writer: Darius Rucker/Clay Mills; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Universal/Cadaja/MXC/Still Working for the Woman/EverGreen, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Very cool. In a sea of happy-happy ditties, Darius puts out a defeated, dejected heartache song that captures loss beautifully. The steel playing and his soaring voice on the choruses are particularly gripping.
SHAWNA RUSSELL/Get Right Or Get Left
Writer: Shawna Russell/Keith Russell/Tim Russell; Producer: Julian King, Clif Doyal & Tim Russell; Publisher: Blue Buckaroo, BMI; Way Out West
—She’s a wailer. And this take-a-hike-buddy attitude is perfect for her rocking vocal chops.
ZAC BROWN BAND & JIMMY BUFFETT/Knee Deep
Writer: Zac Brown/Wyatt Durrette/Coy Bowles/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publisher: Weimerhound/Lil’ Dub/Angelika/Poppsolotamus/Jeffrey Steele/BPJ, BMI; Atlantic (track)
—As breezy as a ride on Buffett’s boat. It takes you straight to that wave-washed beach in your mind. In other words, pretty darn irresistible.
DEBORAH ALLEN/Anything Other Than Love
Writer: Deborah Allen/Gary Burr; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Delta Rock (615-476-4086)
—She’s singing as soulfully as ever. The song and production are straightforward and sturdy.
THE LUNABELLES/A Place To Shine
Writer: Natalie Hemby/Angela Lauer; Producer: Jeff Coplan; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival/Bluewater/Sophie Park/Kobalt, BMI/ASCAP; BNA
—It somehow manages to be both acoustic/rootsy and pop/crunchy simultaneously. The banjo licks, percussion thump and feathery femme harmonies are all ear catching. I’m in.
JASON JONES/Ferris Wheel
Writer: Kyle Jacobs/Josh Kelley/Rachel Thibodeau; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: Curb/Jacobsong/Fortune Favors the Bold/Kohaw/Dudeski/Bicycle/Little Champion/Dream Rock, ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—The delicate instrumental track practically twinkles. His boyish tenor vocal matches the innocent-romance lyric perfectly. Dizzy and captivating.
JOE NICHOLS/Take It Off
Writer: Dallas Davidson/Ashley Gorley/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher/Songs of Southside Independent/External Combustion/Out of the Taperoom/EMI April/Didn’t Have to Be, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Unversal
—It’s not exactly life changing as a song. But this man’s superb voice can make even the trivial sound important. And the whole lovable thumping country thang is absolutely the Sound of Summer. I remain an enormous fan.
EMMYLOU HARRIS/Six White Cadillacs
Writer: Emmylou Harris/Will Jennings; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Poodlebone/Almo/Will Jennings/Irving, ASCAP; Nonesuch (track)
—Hypnotic. Electric guitars stutter and shuffle while percussion patters steadily behind her hushed, ghostly vocal delivery of a funeral lyric. This is the tune she chose to perform on Letterman to introduce her new Hard Bargain CD. But it could just as easily have been any of its other dozen shining gems. Jay Joyce’s minimalist sonic approach keeps you hanging on every line of this largely self-penned collection. Check out her moving odes to Gram Parsons (”The Road”) and the recently deceased Kate McGarrigle (”Darlin’ Kate”).
PHIL VASSAR/Let’s Get Together
Writer: Phil Vassar/Tony Mullins; Producer: Phil Vassar & Ross Copperman; Publisher: Phylvester/TMullins, ASCAP; Rodeowave
—Hey, everybody. There’s a party at Phil’s house, and we’re all invited.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/04/11)

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Charlie Sizemore


It’s high time we checked in with country music’s kissin’ cousins in bluegrass.
A look at the current Bluegrass Unlimited chart shows that there are lots and lots of new faces popping up with popular tunes. Alongside the field’s superstars such as Rhonda Vincent, Alison Krauss and Peter Rowan are a number of up-and-comers. In fact, there are several on the BU chart who are there with debut CDs, including The Boxcars, who win this column’s DisCovery Award.
Lonesome River Band is still doing excellent work. Balsam Range is demonstrating promised fulfilled with its second outing. The amazing and legendary Bobby Osborne can still lift the top of your skull off.
But for sheer vocal class, superb instrumental backing and superior song selection, you simply cannot beat Middle Tennessean Charlie Sizemore. He has the peerless Disc of the Day. If you buy just one bluegrass platter, this is absolutely the One.
JUNIOR SISK & RAMBLERS CHOICE/Train Without a Track
Writer: Tom T. Hall/Dixie Hall; Producer: Wes Easter & Ramblers Choice; Publisher: Good Home Grown Music, BMI; Rebel (track) (www.juniorsiskandramblerschoice.com)
—This tune is perched at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart. Junior is a big ol’ boy with a big ol’ tenor voice, and he uses it well on this uptempo, busted-heart tune. His Heartaches and Dreams CD actually has two songs on the chart, the other being the scampering “Working Hard Ain’t Hardly Working Anymore.”
LONESOME RIVER BAND/Record Time Machine
Writer: Marvin E. Clark; Producer: Lonesome River Band; Publisher: Whoville, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.lonesomeriverband.com)
—I’m a big fan of this band. Its flawless harmony singing and deft instrumental work simply flow over this nostalgic song about the sounds from an old phonograph record player. The evocative performance is lodged at No. 2 on BU’s chart. The Still Learning CD also includes covers of Merle Haggard’s “Red Bandana” and Mel Tillis’s “Goodbye Wheeling” done bluegrass style.
BALSAM RANGE/Trains I Missed
Writer: Walt Wilkins/Gilles Godard/Nicole Witt; Producer: Balsam Range; Publisher: Garage Door/Mike Curb/Curb Congregation, BMI/SESAC; Mountain Home (track) (www.balsamrange.com)
—In the No. 3 slot is the title tune of the second album by Balsam Range. It’s a perfectly lovely, mellow, lilting performance. Lead singer Buddy Melton has a heart-tugging, folkie quality that I find immensely appealing. The band’s instrumental chops are also outstanding.
STEVE GULLEY & TIM STAFFORD/How Did That Turn Into My Problem
Writer: Tim Stafford/Steve Gulley; Producer: Steve Gulley & Tim Stafford; Publisher: Daniel House/Gulley’s Curve, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.ruralrhythm.com)
—This team cowrote all the songs on their Dogwood Winter CD. This wry, bitter, bluesy ditty is a top-10 success in the bluegrass world.
BRAND NEW STRINGS/Merry Go Round
Writer: Alan Johnston; Producer: Steve Gulley; Publisher: Weaver of Words, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) ()
—This new band is on the BU chart with this snarky, zippy performance. Vocally, Brand New Strings has that classic, pinched, nasal, high-lonesome sound. Hard core hillbilly.
THE BOXCARS/December 13th
Writer: William Keith Garrett; Producer: The Boxcars; Publisher: Setacoo, BMI; Mountain Home (track) (www.theboxcars.com)
—The Boxcars are also new on the scene, although several of its members have had high profiles in other bands. Lead singer Garrett has a real flair for story telling, based on this debut bluegrass hit by the group. Murder with a banjo beat.
FRANK SOLIVAN & DIRTY KITCHEN/Driftin’ Apart
Writer: Frank Solivan; Producer: Frank Solivan & Brent Truitt; Publisher: Fiddlemon, BMI; Fiddlemon (track) (www.dirtykitchenband.com)
—Lead singer and mandolinist Solivan wrote all but three of the songs on his band’s third album for his indie Fiddlemon imprint. This lickety-split outing features his strong tenor singing plus dazzling banjo runs by Mike Munford.
VALERIE SMITH/Blame it on the Bluegrass
Writer: Elizabeth Shrum/Becky Buller; Producer: Becky Buller; Publisher: Goodnight Sparky, BMI; Bell Buckle (track) (www.valeriesmithonline.com)
—As her label name indicates, Ms. Smith is a native of Bell Buckle, TN, which is southwest of Murfreesboro. She’s one of the up-and-coming female voices in bluegrass because of her yearning delivery. The lonesome sound of the title tune to her current, six-song collection comes largely from her emotional vocal plus the fiddling of producer and co-writer Buller. The CD is the first to be recorded at the International Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, KY.
CHARLIE SIZEMORE/No Lawyers in Heaven
Writer: Paul Craft/Billy Edd Wheeler; Producer: Charlie Sizemore; Publisher: Paul Craft/Dennis Morgan/Blue Duck, BMI/ASCAP; Rounder (track) (www.charliesizemoreband.com)
—Sizemore IS a lawyer, which makes this all the more delightful. The dobro of Matt DeSpain drawls right along with Charlie’s tongue-in-cheek delivery of this divorce ditty. If this ain’t a hit, I’ve never heard one. It’s a track from his Heartache Looking for Home album, which I heartily recommend.
BOBBY OSBORNE & PATTY LOVELESS/Memories
Writer: Bobby Osborne; Producer: Glen Duncan, Bobby Osborne & Bobby Osborne Jr.; Publisher: Sure Fire, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.ruralrhythm.com)
—This is the title tune of a CD that celebrates Bobby’s 60th anniversary as a professional entertainer. At age 79 (80 in December), this Bluegrass Hall of Famer still has a breath-taking, pitch-perfect, arrow-of-truth tenor delivery. Fellow Grand Ole Opry star Patty packs a punch as his harmony foil, too. In a word, awesome.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/27/11)

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This is not rocket science, people.
Listen up, you indies. In an industry publication, we are interested in who wrote the song, who produced the record, what PRO is representing and who the publisher is. This basic information should be on the disc (not on some accompanying piece of paper that could be separated from it), alongside the title and artist information. More than half the records in this reviewing session lacked at least one of the four key facts. In two cases, all of them were missing.
But just to show how magnanimous I can be, one of those two platters wins a DisCovery Award. Despite keeping me in the dark about its participants, “Twenty Years Late” by David St. Romain gets the nod.
It will come as no surprise to most of you that Kenny Chesney has hit another home run. “You and Tequila” is a minor masterpiece of songwriting, vocal performance and production. And it wins Disc of the Day.
KELLY PARKES/Girl with a Fishing Rod
Writer: Adrienne Follese/Keith Follese/Victoria Shaw/Hillary Scott; Producer: Darran Smith & Mike Borchetta; Publisher: Animal Planet/Midas Magic/Jamanayre/Victoria Shaw/Do Write/Shaw Enuff, SESAC; Lofton Creek (615-288-4234 x101)
—The bouncy, Cajun-accented track is cute. Her voice doesn’t exactly burn down the barn, but is adequate in delivering the clever, nicely crafted lyric.
BRYAN FONTENOT/Too Drunk to Be Drinking
Writer: Carson Chamberlain/Mark Sanders; Producer: Bryan Fontenot; Publisher: Laravista/Songs of Sanderosa/Universal Songs of Polygram/Bug, ASCAP/BMI; Yes (927-254-6955)
—With a title like this, I HAD to listen. As I expected it’s a rowdy, humorous honky tonker. Also predictably, he sounds like the ultimate slob. Worth a smile or two.
DAVID ST. ROMAIN/Twenty Years Late
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Aria
—Perfect for Mother’s Day. In a heartfelt, soulful voice, he wakes his mom to thank her for everything she did for him and to apologize for his shortcomings. It’s a real shame that it lacks credits, because both the driving production and the songwriting are first rate. [Ed. note: “Twenty Years Late” was written by Aaron Lines, Monty Powell and Troy Verges, with Shawn Pennington producing.]
WHISKEY MYERS/Bar, Guitar and a Honky Tonk Crowd
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; WM (track) (www.whiskeymyers.com)
—It’s a Southern rawk thang with plenty of punch in the percussion. Most promising.
MARK COOKE/I Love It
Writer: Philip Douglas/Ron Harbin/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: J. Gary Smith & John Smith; Publisher: Curb/Gremlin Corner/Charlie Monk/Pitcher’s Mound/Hookline East, ASCAP; Cotton Valley (www.cvrmusic.com)
—Jittery guitar, stuttering banjo and way-high scampering fiddle set the pace of this sunny ode to his hottie. Just so you know: she has two tattoos, cut-off jeans and an unpredictable personality.
JUSTIN GRANT/Till It Don’t Burn Going Down
Writer: Justin Lantz/Richie Brown; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; BCR Entertainment
—He has approximately a two-note vocal range. Fortunately, the darkly brooding song doesn’t demand any more.
CHRIS FILER/When it Don’t Come Easy
Writer: Tony Wood/Danny Myrick; Producer: Dennis Dearing; Publisher: BMG Songs/Careers-BMG, ASCAP/BMI; Kidney (track) (www.chrisfilermusic.com)
—The sound is a simple and maybe a little thin, but his singing of this country-rocker is strong and true, and the instrumental support is note perfect, especially that insistent little mandolin. As a song, it is a well constructed homily: “Give it all you got, because it means so much more/When it don’t come easy.”
BRYAN COLE/Talkin’ Dirty
Writer: Tom Paden/Don Ellis/Eddie Kilgallon; Producer: Chuck Ainlay; Publisher: none listed; Perfect Vision  (www.bryancolemusic.com)
—He and his honey like getting outdoors in the mud and muck. He wails with finesse, while electric guitars scream. I’d like to hear what he can do with something a little less frenzied.
LUCY ANGEL/Serious
Writer: Anthony Smith/David Lee Murphy/Chris Wallin; Producer: Anthony Smith; Publisher: Inventor of the Wheel/Old Desperados/Ole, no performance rights listed; GForce (CDX) (www.lucyangel.com)
—Here’s a new theme: We’re gonna party!
KENNY CHESNEY/You and Tequila
Writer: Matraca Berg/Deana Carter; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; BNA (track)
—New England’s Grace Potter provides the harmony vocal on this evocative, sighing ballad. In fact, when she played the Ryman opening for The Avett Brothers last fall, Kenny made a surprise appearance to sing this with her. Simply put, it is a gorgeous piece of work, produced with acoustic perfection and sung with thoughtful resignation. This man just gets better and better.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/20/11)

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Vince Gill


We have a nice mix of newcomers and established stars this week.
The three contenders for the DisCovery Award are Hunter Hayes, Russell Hitchcock and Jim Quick. Although Hitchcock might not be a household name, he has sold millions of records as a vocalist in Air Supply. So even though I heartily recommend his CD, it doesn’t seem fair to give the honor to him. Despite his tender age, Hayes is apparently already a vet, too. That leaves the much deserving Jim Quick, whose bruiser voice is a must listen.
Among our established hit makers this week are Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Alison Krauss. But the most established one of them all is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame who wins the Disc of the Day prize. For enduring greatness, hearty applause for Vince Gill from this corner.
JIM QUICK/Down South
Writer: Gary Nicholson/Gary Nichols; Producer: Gary Nicholson; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Gary Nicholson/Fame, ASCAP/BMI; iSuwanee (track) (www.isuwanee.com)
—Jim Quick’s CD is comprised entirely of Gary Nicholson songs. Its title tune and single is a grinding, gritty, swampy, bluesy rocker with groove to spare. Quick sings with Deep Dixie assurance and sass.
DIERKS BENTLEY/Am I The Only One
Writer: Jim Beavers/Jon Randall Stewart/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime/Reynsong/Wha Ya Say/Big White Tracks/Works & Music, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—Twangy, romping, thumping and loads and loads of fun. Dierks is ready to party, but his buddies bail on him. Not to worry: He finds a babe who’s flying solo, too.
LUKE BRYAN/Country Girl (Shake It For Me)
Writer: Luke Bryan/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Jeff Stevens & Mark Bright; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Peanut Mill/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI; Capitol Nashville (CDX)
—A little on the sleazy, trashy side, but not without its charms.
ALISON KRAUSS & UNION STATION/Paper Airplane
Writer: Robert Lee Castleman; Producer: Alison Krauss & Union Station; Publisher: Farm Use Only, BMI; Rounder (CDX)
—This hushed ballad wafts by like clouds, creating patterns of sunshine and shadow. The Jerry Douglas dobro notes are pure poetry.
VINCE GILL/Threaten Me With Heaven
Writer: Vince Gill/Amy Grant/Will Owsley/Dillon O’Brian; Producer: Vince Gill, John Hobbs & Justin Niebank; Publisher: Vinny Mae/Grant Girls/The Loving Company/Willie-O/Dillon O’Brian, BMI; MCA Nashville (CDX)
—This gorgeous meditation would be heart melting even acoustic and unadorned. As it happens, the production swells with inspiring choral backing, celestial guitar work and echoey ambiance. If it doesn’t produce a lump in your throat, you are made of stone.
SUNNY SWEENEY/Staying’s Worse Than Leaving
Writer: Jay Clementi/Radney Foster/Sunny Sweeney; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: WB/Mountain Morning/House of Sea Gayle/Little Mojo/Big Music Machine/Three Minute Movie/Super 98, ASCAP/BMI; Republic Nashville
—This country gal’s voice delivers perfectly on this dandy tempo tune with rolling rhythm and steel embellishments. I remain an enormous fan.
HUNTER HAYES/Storm Warning
Writer: Gordie Sampson/Busbee/Hunter Hayes; Producer: Dann Huff & Hunter Hayes; Publisher: Songs of Universal/Happy Little Man/Dash8/Bughouse/Bug/BMG Platinum/Hello I Love You, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—He looks and sounds quite young, but evidently already has an extensive, multi-album background as a Cajun artist in his native Louisiana. His bopping, pop-ish single bubbles right along and will doubtless play well to Taylor Swift’s audience as he opens dates on her Speak Now Tour.
BURNS & POE/Second Chance
Writer: Burns/Poe/Stipe; Producer: Mark Oliverius; Publisher: Morris Bedell/Poe Haus/Studio 33/Checks to Rex/Pen, SESAC/BMI; Blue Steel (track) (www.burnsandpoe.com)
—The conversational, swapped lines are expertly delivered in the verses. The ultra-hooky choruses find them harmonizing delightfully. It’s all about overcoming romantic misunderstandings, with deep-twang guitar in the background.
SEAN PATRICK McGRAW/My So Called Life
Writer: Sean Patrick McGraw/Bruce Wallace; Producer: Sean Patrick McGraw; Publisher: Seananigan, no performance rights listed; Little Engine (track)
—The title tune to Sean’s self-marketed CD is a raucous rave-up that wails the working-man’s blues with gusto. Perseverance is the name of the game, here.
RUSSELL HITCHCOCK/Far Enough Away from Colorado
Writer: Wes Hightower/Don Poythress/Rob Rappaport/Jimmy Ritchey; Producer: Rob Rappaport; Publisher: Sixteen Stars/Universal-MGB/Don Poythress/Canalco/Better Angels/Universal-Careers/Fox Ridge, BMI/ASCAP; Better Angels (track)
—In an unusual move, two singles are being released simultaneously from this fellow’s Tennessee double CD collection. One is a tender ballad called “Hold Me Like You Love Me.” The other is this a more countryfied story song about a man starting over by farming in Nebraska and trying to forget what he left behind in Denver. Gloriously melodic. If Aussie Hitchcock’s voice sounds familiar, it’s because you heard him in Air Supply during the ’80s (”Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” “The One That You Love,” “Even the Nights Are Better,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” etc.).

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/13/11)

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Every doggie has his day.
This week, it’s the puppy platters that are in the winner’s circle. None of the major-label offerings made my ears wild with excitement. But two pieces of indie product did.
Singer-songwriter David G. Smith is a major find. He hails from Iowa, but spends most of his time in Music City. If a man is judged by the company he keeps, this guy is an A-lister for casting the likes of Mary Gauthier, Kenny Malone, Verlon Thompson and Dan Dugmore on his Non-Fiction CD. He also wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
The new trio Stealing Angels had the wisdom to enlist Paul Worley as its producer, and the classy sonic result is all over its disc debut. The harmonizing threesome is Jennifer Wayne (the granddaughter of John Wayne), Caroline Cutbirth (a descendent of Daniel Boone) and Tayla Lynn (the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn). In addition to penning many of their own, they chose (again wisely) to include songwriters Gary Burr, Dave Berg, Paul Kennerley, Al Anderson, Marcus Hummon, Georgia Middleman and Leslie Satcher on their project. Give those wise, wise women a Disc of the Day prize.
DAVID G. SMITH/You’re The Reason God Made Tequila
Writer: Lori Shropshire/Deanna Walker/David G. Smith; Producer: Miles Wilkinson & Buddy Mondlock; Publisher: Shire/ZMG/Alrose, ASCAP/BMI; Hey Dave (track) (www.HeyDaveMusic.com)
—Gig alert: Mr. Smith is staging his CD release show tomorrow (Thursday, April 14) at The Bluebird Cafe at 6:00 p.m. It will feature several of his stellar supporting players from the disc, including Jonell Mosser, Jelly Roll Johnson and Buddy Mondlock. Jelly Roll is particularly prominent on this delightfully bluesy, funky, loose-limbed track. The album is called Non-Fiction, and there’s audio pleasure in every track. The vulnerable, hushed ballad “In This Cage” will stop your heart. “Her Body Won’t Lie” has steady, thumping rhythm to spare. “Fear (That Son of a Bitch)” is packed with wry vocal personality. Very highly recommended.
STEALING ANGELS/Paper Heart
Writer: Gordie Sampson/Hillary Lindsey/Steve McEwen; Producer: Paul Worley; Publisher: No Such/Bug/Music of Windswept/Songs of Southside Independent/Raylene/EMI Blackwood/Birds with Ears, SOCAN/ASCAP/BMI; Skyville (track) (www.stealingangels.com)
—This female trio includes Tayla Lynn, who is Loretta’s granddaughter. The harmonies are perfectly lovely on this soaring, melodic, heartache-with-tempo outing. Hang on for the overdubbed, layered, deliciously interwoven vocals in the finale, plus the superb sounding instrumental fade. I’m definitely into this.
RANDY HOUSER/In God’s Time
Writer: Randy Houser/David Lee Murphy/Shane Minor; Producer: Cliff Audretch III, Randy Houser & Mark Wright; Publisher: Little Britches/Do Write/Old Desperados/Carol Vincent/Sony-ATV Tree/Code Six Charles, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—This artist has such a magnificent voice, but has yet to find the song that propels him to radio stardom. I don’t think this ultra slow ballad is the one, but I still love to hear him sing.
TERRY BAUCOM/Do You Wrong Kind Of Girl
Writer: James Cody Shuler; Producer: Terry & Cindy Baucom; Publisher: Pine Mountain Railroad, BMI; John Boy & Billy (track)
—Bluegrass banjoist Baucom is issuing this lively ditty as the debut single from his CD In a Groove. In addition to his scampering banjo, it features trio vocal harmony on the choruses thanks to Jamie Dailey and Lou Reid.
BLAKE SHELTON/Honey Bee
Writer: Ben Hayslip/Rhett Akins; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Sunny, smiley and a sure-fire hit. Ya gotta love this guy.
ROBYN LUDWICK/Hollywood
Writer: Robyn Ludwick; Producer: Gurf Morlix; Publisher: Robyn Ludwick, BMI; Late Show (track) (www.robynludwick.com)
—Her album is called Out of These Blues, and she solo wrote every song on it. This lead-off track drawls its way into ever deepening misery. This babe is seriously bummed out, and it sounds just fine. Americana programmers, in particular, take note.
RODNEY ATKINS/Take A Back Road
Writer: Rhett Akins/Luke Laird; Producer: Ted JHewitt & Rodney Atkins; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Rhettneck/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, BMI; Curb
—It’s the one about loving rural life. Again.
BRANTLEY GILBERT/Country Must Be Country Wide
Writer: Dekle/Ford/Gilbert; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; Valory Music
—It’s kind of the audio offspring of Hank Jr.’s “A Country Boy Can Survive,” only with a loud rock backing track.
MICHELLE TURLEY/My X Husband
Writer: Turley/Putman/Braddock; Producer: C.F. Turley; Publisher: Popdark/Sony-ATV, BMI; Victorio
—Fiddles saw merrily away during the opening notes. The mood stays light once she starts to sing in her thin-yet-feisty little voice. Amusing, especially with the yammering “answering” voices.
KATE RUSSELL/Damned If I Do
Writer: Kate Russell/Rich Mouser; Producer: Kate Russell & Rich Mouser; Publisher: none listed; Urunga (615-302-0072)
—This gal has been making regular appearances in this column for several years. As before, her womanly, husky, blues-tinged vocal works best with an “attitude” lyric like this one. Her rocking performance is backed up with some snazzy electric guitar work by co-writer and co-producer Mouser.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (4/6/11)

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Our top tune this week might be from an unknown act to some of you kiddies.
Yes, there was country music before Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. Once upon a time, there was a very popular male duo. No, I’m not talking about Brooks & Dunn. This duo scored nine charted titles between 1987 and 1991. Some of them—“Crazy Over You,” “Sure Thing,” “What Do You Want From Me This Time” and “Fair Shake”—became top-10 smashes. They were billed by RCA as Foster & Lloyd. They quit recording together in 1992. Both have had solid solo careers (the former in country and the latter in pop) and have remained friends.
Well, Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd have now reunited in the recording studio. The result is a win as our Disc of the Day.
I have a splendid new artist to tell you about. The disc is billed as by Iodine, and it leads off with a song with that same title. The act’s main singer and songwriter is a woman named Susanne Mumpower. She totally won my heart. Under any billing, this is a DisCovery Award winner.
JULIE INGRAM/You the Man Babe
Writer: Ingram/Wainwright; Producer: Jay Vern & Julie Ingram; Publisher: Summit Partners/INXS, BMI/ASCAP; LongShot (track) (www.julieingram.com)
—The track rumbles along nicely. Her lead vocal is terminally white.
JASON ALDEAN/Dirt Road Anthem
Writer: Brantley Gilbert/Colt Ford; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Indiana Angel/Average Joes/Average ZJS, BMI; Broken Bow (track)
—The truck. The bonfire. The beer. The girls. The proud-to-be-country. The dirt road. You’ve heard it all before, a thousand times. I have to say, however, that his ultra Southern delivery makes even the cliches sound good. And this disc is the first time I have actually liked country rapping.
SHANE LAMB/Better Here
Writer: Shane Lamb; Producer: Casey Wood; Publisher: Sleepysheep, no performance rights listed; Rouge River (track) (www.shanelambmusic.com)
—The title tune to this fellow’s CD is a jaunty country-rocker that’s sung in a boyish tenor. Catchy and promising. He wrote all 10 of the album’s songs, solo.
REBA/When Love Gets A Hold Of You
Writer: Jessi Alexander/Gary Nicholson/Jon Randall; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Vistaville/Hopeless Rose/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Gary Nicholson/Reynsong/Whayasay, ASCAP/BMI; Valory/Starstruck
—Moody, cool, uptempo and minor key, this song is instantly memorable. The thumping, relentless rhythm track has a terrific sonic undertow. An instant “add.”
IODINE/Mountain People
Writer: Allen/Chamberlain; Producer: Shawn Byrne; Publisher: none listed; Iodine (track) (info@iodinemusic.com)
—Lead singer Susanne Mumpower co-wrote most of the songs on the CD. But let the record show that she also has the exquisite taste to record this gem from the late and much lamented Harley Allen. Darkly atmospheric and utterly gripping, this is essential listening. I have a feeling I’m going to be returning to this record. Just because she’s married to Jamie Johnson of The Grascals, don’t expect the sound of bluegrass here. This woman’s voice whispers, aches, moans and flutters in all the right places. Check out her finesse in “A Woman Will” for instance.
BYRON HILL/Fool Hearted Memory
Writer: Byron Hill/Blake Mevis; Producer: Mike Poston & Byron Hill; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tunes/Make Believus, ASCAP; BHP (track) (www.byronhillmusic.com)
—Perennial Music Row hit writer Hill has a new CD called Radio Songs that is packed with smashes. The renditions are acoustic, simple and honest. This 1982 George Strait hit is just one example of this songwriter’s craftsmanship. It is also a reminder how many decades Byron’s career spans. These songs were originally popularized by everyone from stars past such as Ed Bruce (”Nights”) and Alabama (”Born Country”) up to today’s Joe Nichols (”Size Matters”) and Gary Allan (”Nothing on But the Radio”). Impressive, as well as highly listenable.
FOSTER & LLOYD/It’s Already Tomorrow
Writer: Radney Foster/Bill Lloyd; Producer: Foster & Lloyd; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Effin Ell (track) (www.fosterandlloyd,com)
—The title song of the reunited duo’s comeback CD is saturated with melody and tempo. Chiming guitars, driving energy and hearty vocals are served at this sonic banquet. Buy this.
SIERRA HULL/Easy Come, Easy Go
Writer: Kevin McClung; Producer: Barry Bales & Sierra Hull; Publisher: Mountain William, BMI; Rounder (track) (www.rounder.com)
—Daybreak is young Sierra’s second CD. The 19-year-old mandolinist has that progressive bluegrass instrumental backing and sweet soprano vocal sound that made Alison Krauss a star. The set’s kickoff single accepts heartbreak with resignation and memories. Mighty fine listening.
BUDDY MILLER/Why Baby Why
Writer: Darrell Edwards/George Jones; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: Fort Knox/Bug/Trio, BMI; New West (track) (www.themajesticstrings.com)
—This prodigiously gifted singer, guitarist and songwriter has a new project called The Majestic Silver Strings. It’s a rootsy, guitar loaded, Americana outing of covers including “Cattle Call” “Dang Me” and “Freight Train” plus some obscurities, folk songs and originals. Buddy takes this George Jones classic at a shuffling, relaxed tempo with a casual, good-humored, living-room vibe. The sterling voices of Lee Ann Womack (”Return to Me,” “Meds”), Ann McCrary (”No Good Lover”), Shawn Colvin (”That’s the Way Love Goes”), Emmylou Harris (”Why I’m Walkin’”) and Patty Griffin (”I Want to Be with You Always”) make guest appearances.
GEORGE JONES/I Ain’t Ever Slowing Down
Writer: Al Anderson/Steve Bruton; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Stairway to Bittner’s/Bug/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Brutunes, BMI; Bandit (CDX) (615-242-1234)
—It’s the Possum with some Cajun spice. Sawing fiddle, slapped snare, barrelhouse piano, twang-fest guitar and a rollicking “party” atmosphere make this little bopper swing.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/30/11)

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I live for listening sessions like this one.
The best part of this job is the thrill of discovery. There is simply nothing like hearing a great new artist for the first time. Or watching young ones develop.
I have raved about Brennen Leigh before in this column. This Austin singer-songwriter continues to enthrall me. The Box is her newest CD. But buy anything with her name on it, and prepare to be completely smitten.
This is also a repeat appearance by David Bradley in “DisClaimer.” I am much more impressed by him this time around, because “Hard Time Movin’ On” is a shining gem.
Of our first timers, don’t miss guitar picking Mississippian Ben Hall. He’s barely out of his teens, but he plays like a sage wizard.
For songwriting excellence, I bow my head to Corey Smith. This guy has reportedly been making music on his own label for years. It’s high time the wider world became aware of a talent so big. Give the man a DisCovery Award.
All of this is not to suggest that our established talents have grown soft. Au contraire. Richie McDonald and Jason Michael Carroll are still in fine form. Even more impressive is titan Tom Jones. He may be singing in a lower register, but at age 70 he can still grip your heart and command you to listen.
Our Disc of the Day prize goes to Jake Owen. Successful songwriting, they say, is finding a new way to say the same old thing. “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” is the beer-girls-cars-summer-party theme yet again. But his record makes it all sound fresh.
MARGARET DURANTE/Maybe Tonight
Writer: Margaret Durante/Blair Daly/Rachel Proctor; Producer: James Stroud & Stephony Smith; Publisher: Emrose/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin Grids/Adah’s Girl/EMI Blackwood, BMI; Stroudavarious/Emrose (www.margaretdurante.com)
—Sprightly and tuneful, with romping rhythm and a catchy, sunny chorus.
JASON MICHAEL CARROLL/Numbers
Writer: Patrick Davis/Rodney Clawson; Producer: Patrick Davis, Mark Dearnley & Jason Michael Carroll; Publisher: none listed; Quarterback (www.jasonmichaelcarroll.com)
—Very cutely written, using numbers both as meaningless integers and as meaningful signposts of life. Well worth your spins.
BRENNEN LEIGH/The Box
Writer: Brennan Leigh; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Brennan Leigh; Publisher: Footprints in the Snow, BMI; BL (track)
—The title tune to this Texas songbird’s mostly self-composed CD is like a splash of fresh spring water on your face. The simplicity of the production, the sweetness of the melody, her straightforward country delivery and the true-blue harmony vocal by Jim Lauderdale all add up to one dandy little track. If you like your country served straight-up, check out Ms. Brennen Leigh.
JAKE OWEN/Barefoot Blue Jean Night
Writer: Dylan Altman/Eric Paslay/Terry Sawchuk; Producer: Joey Moi & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: Hope-N-Cal/Cal IV/Papertown, BMI/ASCAP/SOCAN; RCA
—I have always liked this guy. This time out, he deploys a male cheering section, finger snaps, crashing percussion, rippling banjo and a restlessly jangling guitar to shout out a summer party anthem. Irresistible.
VICTORIA BANKS/Never Be the Same
Writer: Banks/Englund; Producer: Victoria Banks; Publisher: none listed; EMI/Onramp (track) (www.victoriabanks.net)
—The reigning Canadian Country Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year will stage her assault on the U.S. charts with a CD next month. Its title tune soars with chiming guitars and inspires with a lyric of growth and self-discovery. She wrote or co-wrote every song on the collection, and they are all pretty impressive little numbers.
COREY SMITH/Twenty One
Writer: Corey Smith; Producer: Rick Beato & Corey Smith; Publisher: Shooting Moon Music; Average Joes (www.coreysmith.com)
—I am told that this newcomer already has an impressive fan following. Based on this mini-masterpiece of a song, I can hear why. The lilting melody is wrapped around a lyric that is one slice of life after another. His voice aches in all the right places. This is country music doing what it does best, telling the Truth.
RICHIE McDONALD/Footprints on the Moon
Writer: Richie McDonald/Tommy Lee James; Producer: Richie McDonald & Tommy Lee James; Publisher: Loremoma/Still Working for the Man, BMI; Loremoma (CDX) (615-275-7003)
—The message is “dare to dream big,” “there’s nothing you can’t do” and “take a leap of faith.” The hook is, “Don’t believe the sky’s the limit/There are footprints on the moon.” As usual, his plaintive tenor is pitched way up high on a keyboards-guitar-piano-strings ballad. On the fade, you hear a 1969 audio clip of those immortal words, “That’s one small step for man…”
TOM JONES/Burning Hell
Writer: John Lee Hooker/Richard Besman; Producer: Ethan Johns; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Universal, no performance rights listed; Lost Highway (track)
—The fact that this living legend has a current CD on Nashville’s Lost Highway imprint has received surprisingly little attention. It is titled Praise & Blame and consists of this soul man’s interpretations of American gospel. He’s darkly bluesy and supremely compelling on this blistering, hypnotizing track. Elsewhere, Tom takes on tunes from Pop Staples, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Billy Joe Shaver (the sublimely countrified “If I Give My Soul”), Jesse May Hemphill and Bob Dylan. The man can still turn up the heat.
BEN HALL/Cannonball Rag
Writer: Travis; Producer: Eric Ambel; Publisher: none listed; Tompkins Square/Fontana (track) (www.tompkinssquare.com)
—Somewhere, the late guitar greats Merle Travis and Chet Atkins are smiling. This youngster picks echoey electric guitar with the deft touch of the masters. Backed simply by bass and drums, his self-titled CD is a thing of charm. He sings some, but his fingers are the star here.
DAVID BRADLEY/Hard Time Movin’ On
Writer: Rivers Rutherford/Gordie Sampson; Producer: Brady Seals; Publisher: Universal/Songs of Combustion, BMI/ASCAP; Gecko Music Productions (track) (www.davidbradleymusic.com)
—In a word, “Wow.” He sings like a hillbilly angel. The production throbs with tension and drama. The heartache in the song burns and hurts. Rodney Crowell provides tenor harmony. What more could you possibly want?

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/23/11)

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This week, we’re going from one extreme to the other.
At one end of the sonic spectrum, we have the stone-country sound of Bradley Gaskin. He stopped the show with “Mr. Bartender” during the CRS Convention, and this hardcore honky-tonk single will leave you gasping for breath. Give that man a DisCovery Award.
At the other end of the sonic spectrum is the magnificent, layered, pop/rock majesty of Music City tunesmith Chas Sandford. Go out right now and buy his Wag More, Bark Less disc debut.
We have everything from the retro-country sound of Brad Paisley to the classic R&B groove of the Don Ray Band, from the bopping return of Donny & Marie to the sober thoughts of papa Trace Adkins.
Our Disc of the Day goes to Martina McBride for telling it like it is in the lyrics of “Teenage Daughters.”
HEIDI NEWFIELD/Stay Up Late
Writer: Jimmy Yeary/Sonya Isaacs/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Blake Chancey; Publisher: Black to Black/ole/Nashvistaville/Sonya Isaacs/WB/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
—The too-thick production almost overwhelms her soulful delivery. Mix her voice up hotter, but by all means keep that cool, shambling, backbeat rhythm track.
RACHEL HOLDER/Chocolate
Writer: Chuck Howard/Bob Regan/Kristy Osmunson; Producer: Chuck Howard & Wilbur Rimes; Publisher: none listed; All Entertainment (www.rachelholder.com)
—Brightly bouncy. Innocent fun. Her saucy delivery is nicely matched with a galloping, sprightly track.
BRAD PAISLEY & ALABAMA/Old Alabama
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Dave Turnbull/Randy Owen; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: House of Sea Gayle/Words & Music/Circle C/V Bulls/Full Circle/Sony-ATV Tree, ASCAP/BMI; Arista
—Nothing screams “1980s” like an old Alabama record. I’m not at all sure that sounding deliberately dated is a good idea. But if you’re cool with that, Brad quotes the song titles, uses the sounds and even signs up the reunited Alabama, itself, to lend vocals and guitar/fiddle chops.
ZANE WILLIAMS/Ride With Me
Writer: Zane Williams; Producer: Zane Williams; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys, ASCAP; Hack Circle (track) (www.ZaneWilliamsMusic.com)
—Perennial troubadour Zane has always been his own best interpreter. Here, he keeps things breezy, tuneful and earnest on a dandy open-road song. Love the rapid-fire lyric delivery, the fiddle solo and the steady, stuttering rhythm.
MARTINA McBRIDE/Teenage Daughters
Writer: Martina McBride/Brett Warren/Brad Warren; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Martina McBride; Publisher: StyleSonic/EMI Blackwood/Delemmava, BMI; Republic
—A little slab of universal truth from a lady who has always specialized in it. The crunchy production is full of interesting textures, and her vocal is ultra expressive.
DON RAY BAND WITH SHAUN MURPHY/Love Is
Writer: Don Ray; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Margdon, BMI; Margdon
—Darkly bluesy, throbbing and minor key. Accented with R&B horns. Shaun and Don swap gritty vocal licks like a soul sister and brother. Old school and cool.
BRADLEY GASKIN/Mr. Bartender
Writer: Bradley Gaskin; Producer: John Rich & Charlie Pennachio; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Columbia
—It is written so perfectly, you’ll swear you are listening to a revived classic from the catalog of George Jones, Johnny Paycheck or Merle Haggard. Hot, hot honky-tonk music with a ferocious bite. Say, “Amen,” country lovers.
CHAS SANDFORD/Broken
Writer: Chas Sandford/James Matchack; Producer: Chas Sandford; Publisher: Chas Alan Sandford/Madman Matchack, BMI; Hanalei Music Group (track) (www.chassanford.com)
—This pop/rock Nashvillian is notable as the composer of such masterpieces as “Missing You” (John Waite, Brooks & Dunn), “What Kind of Man Would I Be” (Chicago) and “Talk to Me” (Stevie Nicks). Rascal Flatts, Roger Daltrey, Sammy Hagar, Jimmy Barnes and Rick Springfield are among the others who have recorded his tunes. Sandford’s Wag More Bark Less CD is jam packed with potential monster hits. “Drop the needle” anywhere, and you’ll be blown away. His songwriting collaborators on the collection include such stellar contributors as Greg Barnhill, Shane McAnally, Lee Roy Parnell and James Dean Hicks. This particular track is an awesome, torn-from-the-chest ballad that he sings with searing tenor intensity. Sign me up for the fan club. You need this music in your life, too.
TRACE ADKINS/Just Fishin’
Writer: Casey Beathard/Monty Criswell/Ed Hill; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff Rose/Six Ring Circus/Sony-ATV Tree/Five Hills/Do Write, BMI; Show Dog Universal
—Sweetly sentimental, it’s about a Daddy making memories with his little girl he loves so much. Full of heart.
DONNY & MARIE/The Good Life
Writer: Eric Paslay/Clay Mills; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Cal IV/Still Working for the Woman, ASCAP; MPCA (CDX) (212-796-2030)
—Jaunty, well written and produced with panache. Both Osmonds still sing with vigor.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (3/16/11)

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This week, let’s do like the televised awards shows do.

Our Female Vocalist of the Week is Amber Hayes. Her sophomore single is every bit as lively, fun and delightful as her debut. I remain a fan.

The Male Vocalist of the Week is no stranger to DisClaimer honors. It’s Eric Church, who has won more prizes from this column than any other artist. “Homeboy” is just one more reason to love and revere him.

The winner of Group of the Week is Gloriana. Is there any other group in this genre that looks and sounds this good? I think not. These four kids deserve to become superstars.

So give all three of those releases a Disc of the Day award.

Chase Rice lost by just one vote on the reality show Survivor: Nicaragua. In addition, he is notable as a former University of North Carolina linebacker and as a member of the NASCAR pit crew for driver Ryan Newman. Now he has yet another career, as a country singer with a “spring break” single. He also has a DisCovery Award.

AMBER HAYES/Wait

Writer: Amber Hayes/Bill DiLuigi/Mark Conklin; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Okie Girl/888 Blue/Jive Buddha, ASCAP; FUNL (888-875-1617 ext. 102)

—As before, she’s a twirling, swirling confection of pop-pop-pop fizz. Enjoy the moment. Get up and dance around the room. Grin while that steel takes its soaring solo. Laugh while you sing along deliriously.

ERIC CHURCH/Homeboy

Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (ERG)

—Superbly written, it’s a cautionary, minor-key address to a hip hopper heading down the wrong path. Everything this artist puts out raises the bar, burns with integrity and is a credit to this genre.

GLORIANA/Wanna Take You Home

Writer: Tom Gossin/Matt Serletic/Wendell Mobley; Producer: Matt Serletic; Publisher: Gossin/Melusic/Primary Wave Emblem/Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby, ASCAP/BMI; Emblem/Warner Bros.

—It’s pretty direct. He wants to have sex. Tonight. The joyous track is a choppy, chunky bopper, laced with fiddle and steel. As usual, their chorus harmonies are captivating. Catchy in the extreme.

CHASE RICE/Buzz Back

Writer: C. Rice/J. Rice/B. Kelley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Artist Revolution (877-999-9975)

—He’s hung over, but not for long. Rocking and promising, this is the debut country single from the first runner up on TV’s Survivor: Nicaragua.

GREG HANNA/Makin’ Love Real

Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Pheromone/Paradigm/Megaforce/RED (www.greghanna.com)

—It’s an over-the-top romance ballad that’s taken at a v-e-r-y slow pace, but his singing is so pure and true that it overcame any reservations I had about it.

THE NEW RELICS/Dixie Queen

Writer: J. Edmondson/D. Edmondson/A. Patrick/A. Heller; Producer: Joshua Swiger & The New Relics; Publisher: Supo Lavo, BMI; Blues Alley

—The third radio single by this band features hearty harmony singing and a rollicking instrumental performance. But there’s something faintly junky about the sound. I recommend a production upgrade.

EMERSON DRIVE/Let Your Love Speak

Writer: Danick Dupelle/Josh Bartholomew/Steven Lee  Olsen; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Quarterback (615-438-7667)

—The reggae-flavored rhythm and echo chambered baritone vocal are both ear catching. The song has hooks a-plenty.

ADAM FISHER/Freight Train

Writer: Adam Fisher/Josh Taylor; Producer: Eric Paul; Publisher: none listed; AF

—If I remember correctly, I have liked this guy in the past. He sings with great gusto here. The song, guitar work and production are either an homage to or are slavishly imitative of Waylon Jennings, depending on your point of view.

JEFF COOK & THE ALLSTAR GOODTIME BAND/Waitin’ On Willie To Sing

Writer: E. Todd/C. Owens; Producer: Jeff Cook; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Quest (CDX) (www.jeffcook-agb.com)

—Sung with a weary smile, he name drops “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Whiskey River,” “Always on My Mind,” “On the Road Again” and “Good Hearted Woman.” Plus, there’s an acoustic guitar playing in dropped-note Willie fashion. Enjoyable.

TYSON BOWMAN/Thank God For People

Writer: Tyson Bowman/Vince Lambert/Judy Rodman; Producer: Val Lupescu & Rick Filer; Publisher: none listed; Guitar Shark (track) (www.tysonbowman.com)

—The title tune to this fellow’s CD is an ode to understanding, opportunity and unselfishness. Heartfelt, if vocally wobbly.