DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/15/10)

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This is apparently Country Ballads Week.

Almost all of the class acts in this stack of platters are making their marks with slower tempi fare. James Otto, Lorrie Morgan, John Mellencamp, Charlie Louvin, the LoCash Cowboys, Jerrod Niemann and Teea Goans ain’t about rockin’ the house. They have generally thoughtful things to say.

Competing for Disc of the Day were Mellencamp, Louvin, Niemann and Goans. I’m splitting the prize this week. For the major-label effort with the most sonic ingenuity, the winner is Jerrod Niemann. For back-to-basics country authenticity on an indie effort, Teea Goans takes the prize.

KEN DOMASH/Ding Dang Darn It
Writer: Ken Domash; Producer: David Bechtel; Publisher: none listed; Thunder Mountain/Spinville (track) (www.domashmusic.com)
—The track totally rocks, with plenty of “bottom” in the bass and beats. The song is cutely catchy, and he sings with verve. What’s not to love?

JERROD NIEMANN/What Do You Want
Writer: Jerrod Niemann/Richie Brown/Rachel Bradshaw; Producer: Jerrod Niemann & Dave Brainard; Publisher: New Songs of Sea Gayle/Ozworth/Words & Music/Coburn, BMI; Sea Gayle/Arista
—Of course he’s a star. He spells his last name with two “n’s,” doesn’t he? The follow-up to “Lover Lover” is a moody ballad with lots of space around his haunted vocal and some profoundly deep atmosphere. Audio paradise. Beyond cool.

ANDY MEADOWS/Give Me A Microphone
Writer: Andy Meadows; Producer: Patrick McGuire & Andy Meadows; Publisher: Andy Meadows, BMI; Oscar (track) (www.andymeadows.net)
—The title tune to this Texas guy’s CD lacks personality. Both he and the band sound bored.

JAMES OTTO/Soldiers & Jesus
Writer: James Otto/Chris Wallin; Producer: Paul Worley & James Otto; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Eldorotto/29 Cent Hamburgers/Red Cape, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros.
—The ballad is well written, and, as usual, he sings with immense soul. But there’s this constant drone in the production that I found distracting.

SAM ROARK/The Sound Of A Woman Saying Goodbye
Writer: Lori Saunders/Ann M. Schneider/Robert D. Andrew; Producer: Joe Sun; Publisher: Air Deluxe, BMI; Kat (track)
—“Sam” is “Samantha,” and she sings with oomph-y hillbilly moxie on this sassy bopper. Country with a capital “K.”

TEEA GOANS/I Don’t Do Bridges Anymore
Writer: Jim McBride/Don Poythress/Jerry Salley; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Dream Island/Rightfield/BMG/Don Poythress/Country Gentleman/Evergreen, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Crosswind (track)
—I LOVE THIS. I have praised this woman’s hardcore country approach in the past, and this ballad performance only adds to my admiration. If you like your country served straight up, lend this woman your ears. She is the Real Deal.

CHARLIE LOUVIN/Back When We Were Young
Writer: Tom T. Hall; Producer: Michael Manning; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff Rose, BMI; Chicken Ranch (www.chickenranchrecords.com)
—Heartbreaking. Charlie’s delivery of this deeply sad lyric will put a lump in your throat, for sure. And the 83-year-old Hall of Famer’s current battle with cancer only adds to the touching poignancy here. Beautifully produced.

LORRIE MORGAN/I Walk Alone
Writer: Lorrie Morgan/Mark Oliverius/Kelly Lang; Producer: Lorrie Morgan & Mark Oliverius; Publisher: Lorrie Morgan/Kelly Lang/Oliverius, BMI/ASCAP; Lorrie (CDX) (www.lorrie.com)
—Lorrie is still one of my favorite female country stylists. This empowerment lyric is a dandy, the mid-tempo melody has all the hooks it needs, and the punchy production propels the whole thing forward relentlessly. A winner.

LOCASH COWBOYS/Keep In Mind
Writer: Jeffrey Steele/Shane Minor; Producer: Jeffrey Steele; Publisher: Jeffrey Steele/BPJ/Sony-ATV Tree/Code Six Charles, BMI; Stroudavarious (www.locashcowboys.com)
—Sweet and heartfelt. Every parent can relate to this lyric of wishing the best for a child heading out into the world. Every music lover should fall for these lustrous vocal harmonies. Easily this group’s strongest effort to date.

JOHN MELLENCAMP/Save Some Time To Dream
Writer: John Mellencamp; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publisher: Belmont Mall/EMI April, ASCAP; Rounder (track)
—Mellencamp’s new No Better Than This CD was recorded in mono in the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, the First Baptist Church in Savannah and in the same San Antonio hotel room where Robert Johnson made blues history. This Sun track features spare guitar, bass and percussion, and it is absolutely mesmerizing. The performer’s trademark vocal rasp makes every word sound urgent. His Rock n Roll Hall of Fame caliber songwriting gift remains utterly intact, too. Essential.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/8/10)

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The competition is at a really high level this week.

I can’t remember when there were so many really fine songs going head to head during one listening session. “I Make a Difference,” “Bad Angel,” “Raymond” and “Who Are You When I’m Not Around” all tugged at my emotions in different ways.

It’s also a really good sign when there are so many worthy newcomers making noise. Rob Baird, T.J. Broscoff, Brad Wolf and Brett Eldredge all tickled my ears. But only the last-named had the one-two punch of both a performance and a song that knocked me off my socks. Give Brett Eldredge that DisCovery Award.

Brett was so strong, in fact, that he also competed for Disc of the Day. So did Blake Shelton, Sage Keffer and Randy Houser. But in the end, I went with the undeniable star power of Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson.

ROB BAIRD/Could Have Been My Baby
Writer: Rob Baird; Producer: Scott Davis; Publisher: none listed; Carnival (track) (www.robbairdmusic.com)
—This is evidently kicking up some dust on the Texas charts. I can hear why. He has a soulful, urgent delivery, a blue-collar attitude and a plain-spoken songwriting style. The production is rootsy/cool with underlying high, keening steel and organ sounds. Count me in.

SARA EVANS/A Little Bit Stronger
Writer: Luke Laird/Hillary Lindsey/Hillary Scott; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine/Raylene/BPJ/EMI Foray/Hillary Dawn, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; RCA
—Her delivery is emotionally resonant, but the overly long and meandering song isn’t very hook-y.

BRYAN COLE/I’m Comin’ Home
Writer: Bryan Cole/Michael Stover; Producer: Bryan Cole & Michael Stover; Publisher: none listed; Perfect Vision (www.bryancole.net)
—This fellow is a regional favorite in the Pittsburgh area. His plaintive tenor hits all the right notes here. But it’s usually not a good idea to launch a national career with a ballad. Go find yourself a hit song.

BLAKE SHELTON/Who Are You When I’m Not Looking
Writer: Earl Bud Lee/John Wiggins; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publisher: We’re Working/Kobalt Songs/Notewrite/Fiddlestock, ASCAPP/BMI; Reprise
—He is one of the most underrated vocalists in this format. This stunning, perfect performance throws the spotlight on his ballad abilities. As if his subtly shaded phrasing isn’t stellar enough, the song is wonderfully well written.

T.J. BROSCOFF/Jamie’s Heart
Writer: T.J. Broscoff; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: Bill Green, BMI; BGM (www.tjbroscoff.com)
—I dig the rasp in his throat, the melodic song and the twinkling, breezy production. Very promising. Send more.

DIERKS BENTLEY, MIRANDA LAMBERT & JAMEY JOHNSON/Bad Angel
Writer: Verlon Thompson/Suzi Ragsdale; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: Verlonsongs/EMI April/Ray Stevens, ASCAP/BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—The video of the trio’s performance of this during the CMA Music Festival is now airing on CMT. I went insane over this the first time I heard it on Dierks’s superb Up on the Ridge CD. I’m still crazy about it. Bluesy, soulful, searing and sensational. To my ears, the greatest country Vocal Collaboration of the Year.

BRAD WOLF/I Make A Difference
Writer: Don Goodman/Brad Wolf; Producer: Morris, Goodman & Resnik; Publisher: Big Hitmakers/Little Tornadoes, BMI; Evergreen (615-327-3213)
—His delivery is kinda bawling and in-your-face. But there’s no denying the righteousness of his message. When the teacher is asked how much she makes, she replies, “I make a whole lot more than I get paid/Because I make a difference.” Amen to that.

BRETT ELDREDGE/Raymond
Writer: Brett Eldredge/Brad Crisler; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: Brett Eldredge/English Ivy/Chrysalis One/Have a Bad Day/FSMGI, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—What a terrific story song. He’s the janitor in an old-folks home. A lady there calls him “Raymond” and thinks he’s her son. He lets her. You see, the real Raymond was buried in Arlington Cemetery in 1971. You’d have to be made of stone not to be moved by this.

SAGE KEFFER/Bet Yo Mama
Writer: Chuck Cannnon; Producer: Matt Rovey & Sage Keffer; Publisher: Chuck Cannon, BMI; SK  (www.sagekeffer.com)
—Swampy and funky every whichaway. This former Nashville Star competitor has a CMT reality TV show with Ted Nugent in the can, is playing the criminal in Jake Owen’s hit “Tell Me” video and has twice headlined shows in Europe. Will somebody do the right thing and give this guy the major-label contract he deserves?

RANDY HOUSER/A Man Like Me
Writer: Randy Houser/Danny Green/Jameson Clark; Producer: Mark Wright & Cliff Audretch III; Publisher: Bug/Songs of Windswept Pacific/Black in the Saddle/Ole/Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Mighty Underdog, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal (CDX)
—Solid. This is my kinda country music, with a heartbeat bass, a note-bending honky-tonk vocal, a deep-South drawl and a chorus with hooks a-plenty. Listeners are going to love this.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (9/1/10)

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You say you want some tempo tunes? Well, step right up.

This week’s stack of platters contains a bevy of boppers. Marty Stuart, The McClymonts, Blaine Larsen, Mason Douglas and Eric Heatherly are all tapping their toes. Margaret Durante and Jewel are both breezy, too.

Eric, Marty and Blaine were the competitors for Disc of the Day. By virtue of his superbly phrased vocal, Blaine Larsen wins the prize.

Who is Mason Douglas, and where has he been all my life? I don’t know when I have heard a more accomplished debut single. And he wrote it all by hisself. Give that man a DisCovery Award.

MARK COOKE/Can’t Cheat In A Small Town
Writer: Don Goodman/Abby Boyken/Brad Wolf; Producer: J. Gary Smith & John Smith; Publisher: Rainy Graham/Big Hitmaker’s/Little Tornadoes, BMI; Cotton Valley (www.markcooke.com)
—His phone starts ringing the minute another man’s car pulls into her driveway. Now that’s what I call a tiny hamlet. An energetic production, loaded with guitar licks.

MARTY STUART/Little Heartbreaker
Writer: Marty Stuart/Ralph Mooney; Producer: Marty Stuart; Publisher: Marty Stuart, BMI; Sugar Hill/Superlatone (track) (www.martystuart.net)
—Itchy, twitchy neo rockabilly that’s splendidly written and sung. An awesome return to form. And given Marty’s co-writer, would you be surprised to learn that it is blessed with some of the greatest chiming steel playing I’ve heard all year? Play this.

CLINT MARTIN/The Lady She Is
Writer: none listed; Producer: Tommy Detamore & Clint Martin; Publisher: none listed; CM (www.clintmartinband.com)
—The track is big and beefy. His vocal is not.

JEWEL/Ten
Writer: Jewel/Dave Berg; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Jewel; Publisher: Wiggly Tooth/EMI April/Cal IV/Stupid Boy, ASCAP; Valory Music
—The percussion is mysteriously overbearing, particularly considering her whispery soprano performance. The song is cleverly penned, revolving around a couple counting to ten to avoid conflict. You guessed it. By the time she gets to “10,” she’s in his arms again.

CRAIG CAMPBELL/Family Man
Writer: Craig Campbell/Jon Henderson/Joel Shewmake; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Melodies of Bigger Picture/Acoustic Peanut/Murrah/Bug/Michael Murrah/Katank/Warner-Tamerlane/Big Hits of Amylase, SESAC/BMI; Bigger Picture (ww.craigcampbell.tv)
—There’s nothing especially distinctive or memorable about his singing. But the song is sturdy, and the track gets the job done.

BLAINE LARSEN/Leavin’
Writer: Paul Brandt; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publisher: Rio Bravo/Foothillbilly, BMI; Treehouse/Stroudavarious  (www.blainelarsen.com)
—Blaine’s welcome comeback continues with this superbly produced tempo tune. His dynamic vocal dips into a lower register, has hushed passages and soars upward as he heads to the title. Terrific work by all concerned. I hung with it right to the ringing finale, and then I played it again.

MASON DOUGLAS/Anything Can Happen
Writer: Mason Douglas; Producer: Greg Strizek; Publisher: Wild Cateclysm/Little Biscuit/Chobe, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.masondouglasmusic.com)
—Wow. This guy’s wedding song takes off like a rocketship and blazes across your brain with its jets firing wide open. Power and drive to spare. The CD is titled My Wild Heart, and you can bet I’ll be playing the rest of it.

ERIC HEATHERLY/Mona Lisa
Writer: Eric Heaatherly; Producer: Eric Heatherly; Publisher: Psychobilly, ASCAP; EH (track) (www.myspace.com/ericheatherly)
—Eric new CD is called Painkillers, and it’s available online for just ten bucks. He continues to be one of the most brilliantly catchy songwriters around. This single from it rocks so fiercely that it just might give you whiplash. Spin this and prepare to grin from ear to ear while you bop around the room.

MARGARET DURANTE/Mississippi’s Crying
Writer: Shelly Fairchild/Stephony Smith; Producer: James Stroud & Stephony Smith; Publisher: Silvery Dog/Souljet, BMI; 9 North/emrose/Stroudavarious (www.margaretdurante.com)
—You might recall Ms. Durante as the lady who had out that cool country cover of Kings of Leon’s “Use Somebody” a few months ago. She’s back with a new label and production team. “Mississippi’s Crying” was previously on an Emily West project. I thought it sounded like a hit when I heard it then, and I still think it does.

THE McCLYMONTS/Save Yourself
Writer: none listed; Producer: Adam Anders; Publisher: none listed; EMG/Fontana/
Universal (track) (www.themcclymonts.net)
—This femme trio harmonizes perfectly on the choruses. The track bops relentlessly. The song does nothing for me.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/25/10)

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The stars are blindingly bright this week.

Here for your listening enjoyment are top-tier new sounds from Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland and Jamey Johnson. That’s what I call an embarrassment of riches. Up-and-comers like Jaron & The Long Road to Love and Crossin’ Dixon have fresh offerings, too.

Almost all of them are worth your attention. But for clear-cut sonic creativity, you can’t top Sugarland’s “Stuck Like Glue.” Give that duo a Disc of the Day prize.

Dandy newcomers? We have some of them as well. Troy Olsen, in particular, is well worth your spins.

But even fresher is that slap-in-the-face slab of sound by Joanna Smith. Give the little lady a DisCovery Award.

SUGARLAND/Stuck Like Glue
Writer: Jennifer Nettles/Kristian Bush/Kevin Griffin/Shy Carter; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Kristian Bush & Jennifer Nettles; Publisher: Jennifer Nettles/Dirkpit Music Control Group/Primary Wave Brian/Worldwide EMG/You Want How Much of What/Wixen, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (CDX)
—Kinda crunchy sounding and more than kinda cool. The rhythm track is a sheer delight. The tune is loaded with hooks. The mood is merry. The highly inventive veering into reggae patois is goofy fun. And I love it when they harmonize together.

PHOENIX STONE/Proud To Be
Writer: Brent Miller/Phoenix Stone; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: G and L/LCL, BMI/ASCAP; Rounder (CDX)
—There already is a “God Bless the U.S.A.”

CROSSIN’ DIXON/Lovin’ In The Country
Writer: Garrett Parris/Terry Dennis; Producer: Garrett Parris; Publisher: Magic Mustang/What Is Written, BMI; Stoney Creek (CDX) (www.stoneycreekrecords.com)
—We’ve heard this one a zillion times before—back in the woods, in the pickup truck, swimming in the creek, dancing, rebel yells, raising cane, looking for action, blah blah blah.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Mama’s Song
Writer: Carrie Underwood/Kara DioGuardi/Marti Frederiksen/Luke Laird; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: none listed, BMI; 19/Arista (CDX)
—Sweetly earnest. Distinguished by a lilting melody and superior supporting work by keyboards, voices and strings. The parallels with Carrie’s impending nuptials in the lyric will doubtless tickle her many fans.

TROY OLSEN/Summer Song
Writer: Troy Olsen/Ben Hayslip/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Troy Olsen; Publisher: 2010 Hillbilly Petry/Rio Nuevo/Made for This Music/Warner-Tamerlane/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/WB, BMI/ASCAP; EMI Nashville (CDX)
—As warm and comforting as sunshine. The rolling, thumpy tempo and the airy arrangement are just perfect, as is the personable presence of his vocal. If this guy doesn’t make it as an artist, I’d hire him as a record producer in a heartbeat.

RASCAL FLATTS/Why Wait
Writer: Niel Thrasher/Tom Shapiro/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Dann Huff & Rascal Flatts; Publisher: Feet in the Creek/BMG Gold/EMI Blackwood/Little Dooley/Black to Black/ole, ASCAP/BMI; Big Machine
—Bright and jaunty. It’s a marriage proposal set to a giddy bopping beat. Radio friendly in the extreme.

JOANNA SMITH/Gettin’ Married
Writer: Joanna Smith/Tom Hambridge/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Jimmy Ritchey; Publisher: Big Borassa/EMI April/Sarachel/Jeffrey Steele/BPJ Administration, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia
—She’s as country as grits and is definitely in your face about it in this slap-happy rocker. The lyric is hilarious. The pickers are playing their fingers off. And she’s having a vocal ball. Count me IN.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Draw Me A Map
Writer: Jon Randall/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: Reynsong/Wha Ya Say/Big White Tracks, BMI/ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (track)
—This lovely, mid-tempo meditation leaves plenty of “open” space for the instrumentalists to shine and Dierks to deliver one of the most expressive vocal performances of his career to date. Enchanting. By the way, that’s Alison Krauss singing harmony in the background.

JARON & THE LONG ROAD TO LOVE/That’s Beautiful To Me
Writer: Jaron Lowenstein; Producer: Jaron Lowenstein; Publisher: Jaronwood, BMI; Jaronwood/Big Machine/Universal
—Ultra romantic. He lists all her qualities and quirks that make him love her while piano, fiddles and guitars chime along. His breathy tenor delivery is irresistible.

JAMEY JOHNSON/Playing The Part
Writer: Jamey Johnson/Shane Minor; Producer: Jamry Johnson & The Kent Herdly Playboys; Publisher: none listed; Mercury (track)
—Jamey’s double CD The Guitar Song is a heaping helping of music. Divided into “Black” and “White” song collections, it is indeed a feast for the ears. This rollicking, drawling track from the “Black” album casts a jaundiced, wary eye on Hollywood and its phoniness. He wryly remembers back to, “when the only L.A. I knew was Lower Alabama.” Hang on for the band members’ catchy instrumental ride at the finale.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/18/10)

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These may be the Dog Days of summer, but some of the puppies in this stack of new tunes are as cute as the dickens.

Ashley Gearing, Taylor Swift, The Roys and Amber Hayes are all bopping brightly. Joey + Rory have teamed with The Zac Brown Band to record an excellent ode to country’s core fans.

Jesse Lee wins the DisCovery Award. She not only has a richly evocative country vocal style, but also the listening session’s best written song.

What, exactly, makes a Disc of the Day? This town puts Wikileaks to shame. The rush-release of “Mine” by Taylor after a leaked version appeared certainly made it the most newsworthy these singles. But for being true to life, sonically dynamic and utterly musically winning, you can’t deny two-time-daddy Brad Paisley the real Disc of the Day prize.

JOEY + RORY WITH THE ZAC BROWN BAND/This Song’s For You
Writer: none listed; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: none listed; Sugar Hill (track)
—A splendid, uplifting anthem for everyday, working-class folks who yearn for better times. “We’re up on this stage, but you’re the star.” Amen to that. By the way, hang on for the perfectly harmonized, a cappella finale.

GEORGE DUCAS/Never Goes Away
Writer: George Ducas/Randy Rogers/Jon Henderson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Propel/Pure Bluie/Warner-Tamerlane/Lonely Motel/Bug, no performance rights listed; Propel (972-800-0004)
—Dizzy in love, then drowning in heartbreak. It’s enough to give a guy’s neck whiplash. In any case, the track fizzes and sizzles right along, all the way through.

AMBER HAYES/C’Mon
Writer: Amber Hayes/Bill DiLuigi/Brian Paroah; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Okie Girl/888 Blue/Spunkem, ASCAP; Funl (www.funlmusic.com)
—A bright, pert, bopping invitation to dance and party. Sunny, sparkly and shiny as a newly minted penny.

ASHLEY GEARING/What You Think About Us
Writer: Brian Davis/Ashley Gearing/Ben Glover; Producer: The Fringe; Publisher: Curb/Mike Curb/Melrose Nashville/WB/Screaming Norman, ASCAP/BMI; Curb
—This rumbling rocker has enough “bottom” to kick you right out of your seat and send you twirling around the room. It’s a big, big sound, but she manages to ride atop the whole thing with plenty of vocal authority. Sing it, sister.

BRAD PAISLEY/Anything Like Me
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Dave Turnbull; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: EMI April/New Sea Gayle/Circle C/V Bulls/Full Circle, ASCAP; Arista
—It’s easy to imagine where Dad Brad got his inspiration for this loping outing. He meditates on what his kid is going to grow up to be like. Just before the bridge, the acoustic instruments go into a twinkling, enchanting break. If you weren’t completely charmed by that point, you will be.

JESSE LEE/Like My Mother Does
Writer: Nathan Chapman/Nikki Williams/Liz Rose; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Pain in the Art/Perfect Mess/Sony-ATV Timber/Toreador Tunes, BMI/SESAC; Atlantic/Warner
—Love her sweet, countrified delivery. And the topic of the lyric is refreshingly novel. Promising in the extreme. Spin this and watch the phones light up.

TAYLOR SWIFT/Mine
Writer: Taylor Swift; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Taylor Swift, BMI; Big Machine
—It is somewhat wordy. But the rhythm track carries it along relentlessly as she spins out her saga of a shaky love that turns out to be lasting.

CHARLIE DANIELS/Iraq Blues
Writer: Charlie Daniels; Producer: Charlie Daniels & Patrick Kelly; Publisher: CDB,/Wooly Swamp, BMI; E1/Blue Hat (track) (www.charliedaniels.com)
—Charlie’s new CD is an America-themed collection called Land That I Love. I compiles past successes such as “American Farmer,” “This Ain’t No Rag it’s the Flag,” “In America” and “Still in Saigon” with some new tunes. This traditionally structured, straightforward blues-rock outing is from the point of view of a deployed soldier who can’t wait to get back home. Charlie really bawls and growls it out.

FRANK ORTEGA/My Old Man
Writer: none listed; Producer: Phil O’Donnell & Gary Hannan; Publisher: none listed; Villa One/Quarterback (www.frankortega.com)
—This is kind of the male version of Jesse Lee’s mama song. Frank looks up his dad, who was both tough and tender. The major difference is that in this one, the parent dies too young. And just to rub it in, the heartbeat percussion that closes the song, stops abruptly.

THE ROYS/Comin’ Back Around
Writer: Lee Roy/Elaine Roy/Steve Dean; Producer: The Roys & Steve Dean; Publisher: Roy Family/Leo Roy/Bethar, BMI; Pedestal (track) (www.theroyscountry.com)
—The title tune to this duo’s new CD is a peppy, perky, chin-up bopper about surviving a broken romance. Catchy, cool and complete with multiple vocal overdubs for extra texture.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/11/10)

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It’s Independents’ Day.

As regular readers know, I occasionally like to stray off the major-label path and devote a column entirely to indies. Just to survey the scene and see what’s going on.

Guess what? I haven’t been missing much. This stack of platters is pretty much a sea of mediocrity.

The few bright spots include Teea Goans, whose entire The Way I Remember It collection is easily the Disc of the Day.

Ms. Goans is a newcomer to this column. But for this week’s DisCovery Award, I decided to go with someone more obscure. Emil Bishaw, according to his website, is a 16-year-old living in El Paso, Texas. He clearly has something special going on in the vocal department. No wonder Music City’s Judy Rodman has taken him under her talented wing.

JEFF OLSON/Rhythm Of The Rail
Writer: Jeffrey Olson; Producer: Dick McVey; Publisher: Jeffrey Olson, ASCAP; D&T (CDX) (615-838-2141)
—Love the track, the tempo, the harmonica, the twang guitar, the fiddle and the slippery piano. His voice, however, is pitch-y at best.

JOHNNY A/Politicians
Writer: Eddie Ray Russell/Randall K. Hicks; Producer: Ed Russell; Publisher: Alley Roads, BMI; Castle (CDX) (www.castlerecords.com)
—He bemoans the economy and blames politicians. But it’s a flat-footed vocal performance.

MIKE AIKEN/Love You Tonight
Writer: Mike Aiken; Producer: Mike Aiken & Amy Aiken; Publisher: Michael Aiken, ASCAP; Aspirion/Northwind (CDX) (www.mikeaikenmusic.com)
—His singing voice is so lightweight it practically floats away. Good thing the melody is as simple as a nursery rhyme.

CHRIS FILER/John Deere, John 3:16
Writer: Shane Minor/Brett Jones; Producer: Dennis Dearing; Publisher: Shane Minor/EMI Blackwood, BMI; Lofton Creek (CDX) (www.chrisfilermusic.com)
—His delivery and earnest and strong. The heartland-America song is sturdy and well written. The production is understated and clear. It probably won’t change your life, but it’s certainly worth a listen.

EMIL BISHAW/All I Ever Knew Of Love Was You
Writer: Gregory Steven Gonzalez; Producer: Judy Rodman; Publisher: Emil Maes Productions, BMI; Caper (CDX) (www.emilmusic.us)
—The slight feathery rasp in his tenor vocal is intriguing, and the bopping pop track is a winner, even though it occasionally threatens to swamp him. Highly listenable.

SMOKEY RIVER BOYS/All Pure Country
Writer: Robert Metzger; Producer: Robert Metzger; Publisher: Aim High/Universal, ASCAP; Platinum Plus (CDX) (www.smokeyriverboys.com)
—Definitely hillbilly. It made me smile with its innocence and simplicity. Corny country fun.

KELLY PARKES/Nothin’ Good Ever Happens After Midnight
Writer: Doug Bryson/David Dorn; Producer: Kim Copeland; Publisher: Cross Bayou/Big Loud Bucks/Songs South/David Dorn/Perleejo, ASCAP; Edge/Lofon Creek (CDX) (www.loftoncreekrecords.com)
—She’s a honky-tonk angel, looking for a good time. A little bluesy, a little rocking, a lot of wailing.

DAVID WOOD/Simple Things
Writer: Alan Laney/Bill C. Graham; Producer: Ronnie Guilbeau, David Wood & Bill Graham; Publisher: Soloal/Bill Graham, BMI; Dew Note (CDX) (www.davidwoodcountry.com)
—As you might expect from the title, the track is spare and uncomplicated. The lilting tone would be more enjoyable if his rather bland singing voice had something “country” in it.

ULRIKA OLUND/Sick And Tired
Writer: Ulrika Olund/Petrus Wessman; Producer: Petus Wessman & Ulrika Olund; Publisher: Sunday Morning, no performance rights listed; Sunday Morning
—Everything was bopping along splendidly as long as she stuck to the verses and their less-than-challenging melody. She was doing fine until she got to the first chorus. That’s when she went up into her wavering-pitch upper vocal range. Ouch!

TEEA GOANS & DAN TYMINSKI/Made For Loving You
Writer: Curly Putman/Sonny Throckmorton; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Sony-ATV Cross Keys, BMI/ASCAP; Crosswind (track) (www.teeagoans.com)
—The songwriter credits on Teea’s new CD The Way I Remember It, read like a who’s-who of classic country tunesmiths—Hank Cochran, Red Lane, Bill Anderson, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and even Ernest Tubb are represented. She sings with direct, true phrasing throughout. And on this slow duet shuffle with Dan Tyminski she a piercing arrow of emotion above his perfect vocal harmony. Recommended.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (8/4/10)

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Gwyneth Paltrow as Kelly Canter in "Country Strong"

Can I get a witness for Lloyd Maines?

The steel-guitar wonder is behind two of the finest country performances in this stack of platters. And in the case of James Hand, I mean Country with a capital “C.” As for Max Stalling, his Maines-produced outing wins him a DisCovery Award.

As fond as I was of those two efforts, the day truly belongs to the ladies—Laura Bell Bundy, Missouri Mile, Gretchen Wilson and our Disc of the Day winner, Gwyneth Paltrow.

MAX STALLING/Long Way To Get
Writer: Bob Schneider; Producer: Lloyd Maines; Publisher: Shockorama, BMI; Blind Nello (track) (www.maxstalling.com)
—This clear-voiced tenor’s Home to You CD kicks off with this breezy, fiddle-and-steel laced traveling tune. He has a somewhat folkie quality that mixes well with the airy, acoustic country accompaniment. All around, a very pleasant listening experience.

GWYNETH PALTROW/Country Strong
Writer: Jennifer Hanson/Tony Martin/Mark Nesler; Producer: Byron Gallimore; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Chaylynn/Music of Stage Three/Nashvistaville/Music of EverCountry/Evergreen, BMI; RCA
—We knew she could sing because she did so well with Huey Lewis on “Cruisin’” in that movie Duets. This centerpiece of her upcoming country-music movie is a great, big slab of melody that gives her plenty of room to strut and soar. Chorus harmonies by Vince Gill and Patty Griffin, plus some terrific, juicy guitar solos, make this really take off for the skies. One terrific little record.

POOR J. BROWN/Family Tree
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; PJB (www.poorjbrown.com)
—“It’s always shady around my family tree.” Let’s see: Mama shot a guy. Uncle manages a stripper. Cousin kissed the quarterback and got tossed off the football team. Grandpa died with his boots on, but not his pants. Brother got caught with reefer. Sister has six children, and she’s only 23. Ya gotta love this.

LAURA BELL BUNDY/Drop On By
Writer: Brice Long/Ronnie Rogers; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: EMI Foray/Send Me the Checks/Peermusic III/Seven Five Three One, SESAC/BMI; Mercury (track)
—Her CD is divided into “Achin’” and “Shakin’” songs. “Giddy On Up” was from the latter group. This sweet, sad, groovin,’ soulful ballad follow-up showcases her abilities delivering the former. Sultry and satisfying.

MISSOURI MILE/That’s What I Do
Writer: Sheena Persons/Sheila Rochelle/Byron Hill; Producer: Byron Hill; Publisher: Quinnford/Byron Hill/Little Memphis, ASCAP/BMI; BHP (Track) (www.missourimile.com)
—The title tune to this sister duo’s debut EP is a gentle, brightly sparkling little ditty with a delightfully delicate tone. Sunny, simple and ear-catchingly charming.

TRAILER CHOIR/Shakin’  That Tailgate
Writer: Butter/Brady Seals; Producer: Toby Keith & Mark Wright; Publisher: Cold Beer Country/Gypsy Outfit/Big Loud Bucks, BMI/ASCAP; Show Dog Universal
—This raucous trio is at its beer-swilling best on this summertime party rocker. Crank it up.

WINK KEZIAH/Sometimes You Win
Writer: Wink Keziah; Producer: Mark Stuart & Wink Keziah; Publisher: none listed; Great South (track) (www.winkkeziah.com)
—Wink’s new Hard Times CD leads off with this raggedy honky-tonker. He won’t win any blue ribbons with his voice, but there is an undeniable authenticity in his drawling sound.

GRETCHEN WILSON/I Got Your Country Right Here
Writer: Jeffrey Steele/Tom Hambridge; Producer: Gretchen Wilson & Blake Chancey; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Redneck (track) (www.redneckrecords.com)
—The title tune of Gretchen’s current CD gives shout-outs to Charlie Daniels, The Allman Brothers Band, Waylon Jennings, Bocephus, Z.Z. Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd while the steady beat throbs and electric guitars sizzle. What are you waiting for? Get up and dance.

JAMES HAND/Just A Heart
Writer: James Hand; Producer: Ray Benson & Lloyd Maines; Publisher: Slim Hand/Happy Valley, BMI; Rounder (track)
—James Hand is the Real Deal, a singer-songwriter who is proudly old school. This honky-tonk moaner would not be out of place on a Faron Young album of 1962. The vocalist’s teardrop delivery is beautifully framed by a classic production drenched in steel guitar. This is my kind of country. The new CD is titled Shadow on the Ground. Buy it.

ADAM BRAND/Ready For Love
Writer: busbee/Travis Meadows/Bobby Terry; Producer: Richard Landis; Publisher: BMG Platinum/Songs of Universal/Terry and Town/BMG Gold, BMI/ASCAP; Arista
—Australia’s four-time country Male Vocalist of the Year makes his U.S. debut with this ultra rhythmic, sexy come-on that’s loaded with pulsing bass and twanging guitar. So catchy that it’s practically addictive.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/28/10)

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There’s a lot to like this week.

Among the new super sounds are efforts by Mark Chesnutt, Train, Kenny Chesney and Matt Kennon. Newcomers Kathe Knight, Manning-Dickson and The Ketucky Linemen are also welcome additions to our audio environment.

Despite superior efforts by Misters Kennon and Chesnutt, Kenny Chesney handily wins the Disc of the Day award.

Our three newcomers also ran their races well. But the sibling trio The Kentucky Linemen cross the finish line as the DisCovery Award winners.

RICHIE ALBRIGHT/Makeup And Faded Blue Jeans
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Shade Tree, BMI; Electric Cactus (210-654-8773)
—You’re only asking for trouble when you set yourself up to be compared to Haggard. Needless to say, he comes up way short of the Master.

KENNY CHESNEY/The Boys Of Fall
Writer: Casey Beathard/Dave Turnbull; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; BNA (CDX)
—Audio magic. It’s a wistful look back at playing high-school football that is rich with imagery, emotion and honesty. A brilliant piece of songwriting, an awesome production and a perfectly moving vocal performance. Country-music records simply do not come any finer than this.

THE KENTUCKY LINEMEN/Walk On
Writer: Ebert/Andy Wren/Brian Randle/Tim & Jeanette Culpepper/Buck & Kathy Jarrell; Producer: Ebert West; Publisher: Moo Town, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC; MooTown (CDX) (www.mootownentertainment.com)
—Hearty harmonies are the hallmark here. These men sing with immense gusto, and the hooky, mid-tempo song is a solid, rolling winner.

TRAIN/Hey Soul Sister
Writer: Pat Monahan/Espen Lind/Amund Bjorklund; Producer: Martin Terefe & Espionage; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Columbia (CDX)
—These San Francisco soft rockers are best known for the pop hits “Drops of Jupiter” (2002) and “Calling All Angels” (2003). This highly tuneful, acoustic bopper is quite enjoyable and is “country” enough for these ears. Come on in, boys. The water is fine.

MATT KENNON/You Can Still Wear White
Writer: Natt Kennon/Aaron Scherz; Producer: James Stroud, Julian King, Matt Kennon & Aaron Scherz; Publisher: Songs of Loud/Matt Kennon/Songs of Elevation/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; BamaJam (CDX)
—Matt Kennon’s “The Call” was one of best indie singles of the past few months. He proves it was no fluke with this driving, propulsive, pounding, power-packed anthem. I still love his soulful, raspy delivery. Make this man a star.

JOHNNY TILLOTSON/Not Enough
Writer: Johnny Tillotson/Nancy Tillotson/Cary Park; Producer: Johnny Tillotson & Nancy Tillotson; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Maydu (CDX) (www.johnnytillotson.com)
—Tillotson was a teen idol of the ‘50s and ‘60s with hits such as “Poetry in Motion,” “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’,” “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On” and “Talk Back Trembling Lips.” His catchy, upbeat comeback single finds him still in fine voice. The lyric about thanking our troops is timely and winning.

MANNING – DICKSON/Drive
Writer: Jason Manning/Jason Dickson; Producer: Manning-Dickson; Publisher: none listed, BMI/ASCAP; Blue Boot (www.manningdickson.com)
—Breezy, melodic and well sung. Its only drawback is its somewhat compressed, murky sound.

KATHE KNIGHT/I Will
Writer: Michael P. Heeney/Liz Rose; Producer: John R. Craig; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI; TAM (track) (828-758-2349)
—Intimate sounding. Her soft, delicate delivery focusses your attention on the very well-written lyric of considering cheating by picking up a stranger in a bar. In addition to her fine performance and the song craftsmanship, the track also benefits by being produced with crystal clarity. Lend this your ears.

MARK CHESNUTT/Lovin’ Her Was Easier
Writer: none listed; Producer: Pete Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Saguaro Road (track)
—Mark’s new CD is titled Outlaw. It is a salute to the music of Waylon, Willie, Hank Jr. and the rest of the boys who shook things up on Music Row in the 1970s. This tune tips its hat to both The Glaser Brothers, who had a big hit with it in 1981, and to its maverick songwriter, Kris Kristofferson. The singer’s expressive, resonant baritone and the spacious production put the spotlight on Kris’s extraordinarily poetic lyric. Quite a song and quite a performance. An A-plus effort by all concerned.

DAISY MALLORY/Do You Think Of Me
Writer: Daisy Mallory/Ben Caver; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Daisy Mallory/Sony-ATV, ASCAP/SESAC; DM (602-538-7878)
—There already is a Taylor Swift. Find your own sound.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/21/10)

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Is it hot enough for you?

With temperatures on Music Row soaring into the upper 90s this week, I’m taking every opportunity to stay here at my desk. Including penning today’s roundup of new country sounds.

Luke Bryan is always eager to please. And he certainly does that this week with his irresistible “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” It earns him our Disc of the Day award.

With “Georgia Clay,” Josh Kelley coasts to an easy win as the DisCovery Award winner. I can’t wait to hear the rest of his project. If you didn’t get the chance to see him, as well as Randy Montana, opening shows on the last Lady Antebellum tour, seek both of them out in other settings as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed.

JASON STURGEON/Simple Life
Writer: Jason Sturgeon/Dane Clark; Producer: Dane Clark & Jason Sturgeon; Publisher: none listed; Toolpusher (track)
—His vocal is super expressive—I really like the resonance and individuality in his phrasing. The song could have easily fallen into a ditch of cliches, given its small-town theme we have heard so often before. But he treats the topic with imagination, and the weaving melody and clear production values are added pluses.

CLAY WALKER/Where Do I Go From You
Writer: Don Cook/Clint Daniels/Ryan Tyndell; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree/Katy’s Own/Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose, BMI; Curb (track)
—The follow-up to “She Won’t Be Lonely Long” has a rocking, swampy groove. He handles the lickety-split verbal pace with aplomb, even managing to sneak in the occasional improvised melodic lick. And although it is sung in his highest register, it never sounds forced. A winner.

JONALEE WHITE/Naked As Fools
Writer: Kay Harris/Molly Pauken/Jonalee White; Producer: James “Bubba” Hudson; Publisher: Harken/Smile Pretty, BMI/SESAC; Lick (track) (www.jonaleewhite.com)
—Softly jaunty. Pleasantly easy-going. Gently listenable.

LUKE BRYAN/Someone Else Calling You Baby
Writer: Luke Bryan/Jeff Stevens; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Murrah/Bug/Katy Lou/Big Loud Bucks, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—This one got my heart pumping before he ever uttered a note. The driving percussion and insistent guitar riff grabbed my ears at once. By the time he got to the hooks-a-plenty first chorus, I was bobbing my head and totally lost in this. The lyric might be a pang of heartbreak, but the record is a groovathon.

ROB BAIRD/Could Have Been My Baby
Writer: Rob Baird; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; Carnival (track) (www.robbairdmusic.com)
—Squalling out on the open prairie. His strangled, semi-soulful vocal is buried too deep in the mix, and it takes forever to get to the chorus hook.

RANDY MONTANA/Tuesday’s Gone
Writer: Ronnie Van Zant/Allen Collins; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: none listed; Hip-O/UMG (track)
—This is doubtless an emotional month for Randy Montana. On July 1, Joshua Ragsdale—his cowriter on his single “Ain’t Much Left of Loving You”—died following a protracted illness. On Friday, Randy stages his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. Yesterday, his standout track was part of the release of Sweet Home Alabama: The Country Music Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. This Wal-Mart exclusive also features fellow Young Turks such as Randy Houser ( “Simple Man”), Shooter Jennings ( “Call Me the Breeze”), the Eli Young Band ( “Gimme Three Steps”), Eric Church, Uncle Kracker and Jamey Johnson. But Mr. Montana’s treatment of this oft-overlooked ballad is one of the set’s most majestic tracks.

DAN SHAFER/False Love
Writer: James L. Herman/Jerry Vandiver/George McClure; Producer: George McClure; Publisher: Trowbridge/North Fork, BMI/ASCAP; JIP (www.jiprecords.com)
—The track rolls right along, and the song is sturdy. But his pop-sounding vocal lacks country grit and believability.

JOSH KELLEY/Georgia Clay
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; MCA Nashville
—Josh is the brother of Lady A’s Charles Kelley. He formerly recorded in a pop/rock vein. But this soaring-yet-earthy, summer-romance tune places him squarely in the country mainstream. He held me on every word, and the dynamics in the production tickled my ears from start to finale. Play it again.

ANDY VELO/Hank it Up
Writer: Charlie Monk/Rick Huckaby; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Carlie Monk/13th Avenue/Head Coach, BMI; LoozLip (CDX) (678-997-5692)
—“Hank,” in this case, refers more to Bocephus than to his honky-tonking daddy. Mr. Velo bellows this as a thumping rocker, not as the lovesick blues. Muscular, sweaty and assertive, to say the least.

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS/Jalapenos
Writer: David Bellamy; Producer: David Bellamy, Howard Bellamy & Randy Hebert; Publisher: Bellamy Brothers Music, ASCAP; Bellamy Bros. (CDX) (www.bellamybrothers.com)
—It says here that this is “banned by radio.” Gee could it be that, “burn your ass tomorrow” line? Or the one about the little blue pill making you “too erect” perhaps? Actually, this is a boatload of fun. And, as usual, soaked in hypnotic Bellamy rhythm.

DISClaimer Single Reviews (7/14/10)

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It’s Duo Day!

All three of our top contenders this week are teams of two. If your taste runs to authentic, nostalgic country music I urge you to seek out Keeping Up Appearances by Texas-based label-mates Amber Digby and Justin Trevino. It does my heart good to hear that somebody is still making music this pure and fine.

Our DisCovery Award goes to a pair that also has ties to tradition. Their discoverer and co-producer is none other than Mel Tillis. Ronny McKinley and Jody Beggs wrote all of the songs on their By the Fire CD—individually, together or with other collaborators—and the results are impressive. Give McKinley and Beggs a prize.

The Disc of the Day goes to the husband-wife duo Thompson Square. And while you’re presenting it, congratulate Keifer and Shawna on finding such a cool little song.

JASON MEADOWS/You Ain’t Never Been To Texas
Writer: Roger Springer/Tony Ramey; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Red Cape/ole/Cherry Lane, ASCAP; JM (www.jasonmeadows.com)
—Believe it or not, it is a ballad that is against the Theory of Evolution. “If you don’t believe in God/You ain’t never been to Texas” is the refrain. I know this is going to come as a shock to him, but Charles Darwin was a Believer, as are many who espouse his thesis. I have a suggestion, the next time you get sick with the flu, have them give you a medicine that treats the version of the virus that infected people 100 years ago, rather than the evolved virus that is active today. Good luck with that.

REBA/Turn On The Radio
Writer: J.P. Twang/Mark Oakley/Claire Oakley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Ten Ten/REM/The Loving Company/Charie Amour, ASCAP; Valory Music/Starstruck
—He’s a no-good mistreater, and this grinding-guitar rocker tells him just where to get off. Don’t bother “Twittering until your fingers bleed,” because she’s not responding. Instead, he can listen to the radio in his Chevy truck and hear the songs that speak her mind.

SANDY KASTEL/Indiana Rain
Writer: Sandy Kastel; Producer: Ron Aniello; Publisher: Silk and Satin, BMI; Silk and Satin (www.sandykastel.com)
—He’s died, it’s raining, and she’s crying at night. It is well written and produced, but there’s nothing particularly “country” about her vocal.

JOSH GRACIN/Cover Girl
Writer: Josh Gracin/Brad Tursi; Producer: Kevin Murphy & Josh Gracin; Publisher: Beautiful Monkey/Francis Lock, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe (CDX) (www.joshgracin.com)
—He is such a fine and true vocalist, so it’s a shame to hear him drowning in this busy, cluttered, overly amped and junky rock track. Pass.

THOMPSON SQUARE/Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not
Writer: Jim Collins/David Lee Murphy; Producer: New Voice Entertainment; Publisher: Sexy Tractor/Big Loud Bucks/Hope-N-Cal/Cal IV/Old Desperados/N2D/Carol Vincent, BMI/ASCAP; Stoney Creek (CDX) (www.thompsonsquare.com)
—He is pondering making a move, when she startles him by taking the initiative. Their courtship progresses until the wedding day. After their vows are taken, it’s his turn to ask the same question. Very cute. Very bopping. Very catchy. So nice I played it twice.

GRETCHEN WILSON/Work Hard, Play Harder
Writer: Gretchen Wilson/Vicky McGehee/John Rich/Chris & Rich Robinson; Producer: John Rich, Gretchen Wilson & Blake Chancey; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP/BMI; Redneck (track) (www.gretchenwilson.com)
—I know I’m a little late getting to this, but nobody sent me a review copy so I had to track it down and buy the CD. By the way, I found a copy at the Fontanel gift shop and highly recommend this newly opened and tour-worthy mansion, its amphitheater, its trails in the woods and its excellent restaurant. In any case, Gretchen remains a tremendous singer, as at ease with a heartbreaker as she is with a blue-collar rocker like this. Come to think of it, I’m proud and glad to spend money on a first-class indie project like I Got Your Country Right Here.

GREG HANNA/What Kind Of Love Are You On
Writer: Greg Hanna/David Lee Murphy/Kim Tribble; Producer: Buddy Cannon & David Kalmusky; Publisher: Hannamania/Old Desperados/N2D/Little Kings/Calhoun Enterprises, SOCAN/ASCAP/SESAC; Pheromone (track) (www.greghanna.com)
—Celebratory. The track bubbles with excitement, the melody soars and his singing is sensational. Well worth your spins.

U.S. SENATOR ROBERT BYRD/There’s More Pretty Girls Than One
Writer: none listed; Producer: Barry Poss; Publisher: none listed; County (track)
—West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd recorded his Mountain Fiddler album for County Records in 1977. In the wake of the death of the longest serving U.S. congressman in history at age 92 on June 28, the label has reissued it. It is exactly what its title says it is, an Appalachian collection. This was his favorite track on it, showcasing both his rustic old-time fiddling and his soulful mountaineer voice. No wonder he got guest spots on both the Opry and Hee Haw. If you loved O Brother, buy this at once.

McKINLEY & BEGGS/Too Many Horses
Writer: Ronny McKinley/Monty Savitz; Producer: Mel Tillis & Sonny Tillis; Publisher: none listed; Radio (track) (www.mckinleyandbegg.com)
—Hall of Famer Mel Tillis discovered this team of singer-songwriters in Florida. The first single from the duo’s By the Fire CD is a rolling rodeo tune with plenty of steel, a potent bass line, keyboard tickling, plenty of western atmosphere and a lead vocal that is loaded with heart.

AMBER DIGBY & JUSTIN TREVINO/Keeping Up Appearances
Writer: Liz Anderson; Producer: Justin Trevino & Amber Digby; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI; Heart of Texas (track) (www.heartoftexascountry.com)
—With a roster that includes Darrell McCall, Curtis Potter, Georgette Jones, Tony Booth and more solid stylists, Heart of Country Records has become a bulwark and shining light for True Country Music. Two of its leading vocalists have teamed up for a duet CD with this classic as its title tune. Originated in 1967 by Lynn Anderson and Jerry Lane, it’s a harmonized shuffle that will have you grinning from ear to ear. Both Amber and Justin sing their faces off throughout the collection, which boasts remakes of great songs by the likes of Hank Cochran, Porter Wagoner, Buck Owens, George Jones, Boudleaux Bryant, Harlan Howard and other titans. The next time somebody says, “They don’t make country like they used to,” refer them straight to this.