DISClaimer Reviews (6/02/10)

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There is some solid stuff in this stack of platters.

Richie Fields, Sunny Sweeney and Kim Parent are all back, singing as superbly as ever. Newcomers Dianna Paul and Sherry Lynn prove that they are ready to run with the big dogs. From the folkier side of things are delightful discs by Ellis Paul and TV star Robert David Hall.

Our Disc of the Day comes from the good people at Broken Bow. It is “Real” by James Wesley. And hand a DisCovery Award to Dianna Paul. Both of these singles, by the way, are fine pieces of country songwriting. And that always goes a long way with this listener.

RICHIE FIELDS/Wichita
Writer: Dave Robbins/Tim Gates/Trey Robbins; Producer: J. Gary Smith; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Tim Bert/Songs of Platinum Pen/Slickhead/Jo Trey, BMI/ASCAP; Joint Journey (CDX) (410-442-4629)
—Dramatic sounding. The descending chords, chiming guitars and stately tempo set up a resonant, throaty baritone who can really deliver the goods. Everything I have heard by this man has been top notch. Surely one of you big labels could use a talent like this.

SUNNY SWEENEY/From a Table Away
Writer: Sunny Sweeney/Bob DiPiero/Karyn Rochelle; Producer: Brett Beavers; Publisher: Big Machine/Super 98/International Dog/Big Yellow Dog/Words & Music/Clarity Tree/Sony-ATV/Love Monkey, BMI; Republic Nashville (CDX) ()
—I remain a fan. She is confidently country, and the steel-guitar soaked midtempo song is loaded with hooks and harmonies.

JAMES WESLEY/Real
Writer: Neal Coty/Jimmy Melton; Producer: Dan Frizsell & Rodney Clawson; Publisher: Bug/Songs of Universal/Write Em Rite, BMI; BBR (CDX) (615-244-8800)
—Any song that begins with, “500 channels and there ain’t much on tonight” is fine with me. The gist of it is the comparison between his own experience and what he sees on “reality” TV. The struggle to survive, losing a job, foreclosure, death and flooding are what is “Real.” Superbly written and strongly sung.

KACEY JONES/It’s Gonna Take One Helluva Man
Writer: Kacey Jones/Benita Hill/Becky Hobbs; Producer: Kacey Jones; Publisher: Mamalama/Gooby/Becca’s Mecca, ASCAP/BMI; IGO (CDX) (www.kaceyjones.com)
—Cute and clever, as usual. “It’s gonna take one helluva man to be better than no man at all.”

ELLIS PAUL & KRISTIAN BUSH/Annalee
Writer: Ellis Paul; Producer: Thad Beaty & Jason Collum; Publisher: none listed, SESAC; Black Wolf (CDX) ()
—This folkie, formerly on Rounder, has a bunch of Boston Music Awards on his shelf. Accompanied by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, he embarks on a more soaring, pop-country sound with this tuneful outing. The track builds in excitement throughout as Paul’s voice soars with power and intensity on succeeding high choruses.

DARRYL WORLEY/Keep the Change
Writer: Darryl Worley/Phil O’Donnell/Jim “Moose” Brown; Producer: Jim “Moose” Brown & Kevin “Swine” Grantt; Publisher: House of Sea Gayle/Antlered One/Pickwick Landing/Big Loud Bucks/Imokalee/Daphil, ASCAP/BMI; Stroudavarious ()
—“I work half the year for me the other half for Uncle Sam.” No you don’t. The federal tax rate is lower than it has been since 1950. “America’s in trouble/If they don’t wise up and stop busting out the blocks that were laid as a foundation.” What, exactly, does that even mean? “Our nation could wind up in a pile of rubble” he asserts, without offering anything to back that statement up. In other words, stupidity set to music.

SHERRY LYNN/What a Day to Shake a Heartache
Writer: Sandy Ramos/Ronnie Kimball/Kalii Palmer; Producer: Ted Hewitt; Publisher: Lawyer’s Wife/Kimbro, BMI/ASCAP; Stealheart (www.sherrylynnmusic.com)
—The track has a nice, rolling, rumbling quality to it. Her sprightly vocal rides atop the churning rhythm with aplomb. Listenable.

ROBERT DAVID HALL/Things They Don’t Teach You in School
Writer: Robert David Hall; Producer: Chris Wall; Publisher: Chenango, BMI; RDH (track) (www.robertdavidhallmusic.com)
—The title tune to this fellow’s new CD is an acoustic-based gem with plenty of rippling guitar work, harmonica, brushed drums and upright bass. His plain-spoken vocal is just right for the lyric that praises the virtue of street smarts over book learnin.’ Hall portrayed coroner “Dr. Robbins” on the original CSI TV series. He has also had recurring roles on L.A. Law, The Practice and other shows and is active on radio and in voice-over work. In addition to this tune, check out his versions of producer Chris Wall’s “I Feel Like Hank Williams Tonight” and of the country goldies “Sittin’ on Top of the World” and “Just Because.”

DIANNA PAUL/Maker’s Mark
Writer: Dianna Paul/John Paule/Daniel Steigerwald; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Willow Pond, BMI; Seacoast (www.diannapaul.com)
—It is a ballad. It starts out really slowly. But things perk up when she gets to the chorus hook. Drinking won’t ease your pain. “When it all goes dark/Look to your Maker’s mark.” Nicely written and sung with trembling emotion.

KIM PARENT/Don’t Tell a Soul
Writer: Getzov/Erlich; Producer: Harry Stinson; Publisher: none listed; KP (track) (www.kimparent.com)
—Drenched in sultry, sensuous, bluesy atmosphere. This is the title tune to Kim’s second collection, and it is a sound to get completely lost in. For a funkier groove, check out her equally sexy and swampy performance of “Puttin’ on the Dog.” Right now, she’s out backing Brooks & Dunn on their farewell tour. But you might also know Kim Parent as one of the vocalists on CMT’s The Singing Bee television series. She sings jingles for Wendy’s and has appeared on records by Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar, Reba, Aaron Tippin, Tim McGraw, Josh Turner and many others. The lady has the goods.

DISClaimer Reviews (5/26/10)

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There is plenty of activity on the Row this week.

Legal Aid reached out to the music community with a get-to-know-us breakfast at Sunset Grill yesterday. It was a real who’s-who gathering.

Later that day and across the street at Cabana, we celebrated the launch of the big Country Throwdown tour featuring Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Jack Ingram, Little Big Town, The Eli Young Band, Eric Church, The Lost Trailers, Ryan Bingham, Emily West, Jonathan Singleton, Heidi Newfield and more than 10 other attractions.

Then there was Sunday’s music-heaven Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Billy Sherrill and Ferlin Husky. What an amazing gig that was.

Somehow in the midst of all of this, I carved out a listening session. All right, I got up at the crack of dawn today to get this column done.

Give a Disc of the Day to the always impressive Gloriana. I remain an enormous fan.

For a DisCovery Award, you can’t do much better than Winfield’s Locket. I don’t know whether their project is actually available or not. But if or when it is, get it.

JENA WALKER & RODNEY WHATLEY/Stay With Me
Writer: Jena Walker/Rodney Whatley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Jena Walker, BMI; JW (www.jenawalker.com)
—They are well matched, vocally. Both have a slightly tentative quality, as though they are new to singing. The track is very sweet, with a lilting, acoustic basis and a steady, true pacing. The song wanders around a bit, and sometimes doesn’t care to find a rhyme. But all in all, this is softly enjoyable.

BILLY CURRINGTON/Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blake Mevis & Lane Caudell**; Publisher: none listed; Mercury Nashville
—He’s not much good for any kind of work. His best skill is stated in the title. Simple and relaxed sounding.

JAMIE TATE/I’ll Give My All
Writer: Renee Griffith/Jamie Tate/Lane Caudell/Blake Mevis/Bob Crumley; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Bodell/Carolina Sweet T/Blake Mevis, BMI/ASCAP; Bodell (www.jamietatemusic.com)
—She is backed by the 16-voice “82nd Airborne All-American Chorus” at the finale. They are not mixed terribly well, but there’s enough flag-waving, sis-boom-bah here for Lee Greenwood to be looking over his shoulder.

RECKLESS KELLY/The Ballad Of Elano De Leone
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Yep Roc (www.yeproc.com)
—Brightly country rocking in a Byrds-y kinda way, despite the downbeat lyric. It seems that young Elano rode his bike to work in the fields, but never came home and is feared dead.

WINFIELD’S LOCKET/Worth The Drive
Writer: none listed; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy, Winfield’s Locket & Jason Henke; Publisher: none listed; Winfield’s Locket (track) (615-497-6791)
—The track is echoey and enchanting. Their vocals are fierce and fine. The Middle-Tennessee local traffic directions are ultra cool: “I’m a little bit hard to find…but I’m worth the drive.”

BILL ANDERSON/Thanks To You
Writer: Brad Crisler/Bill Anderson; Producer: Rex Paul Schnelle & Bill Anderson; Publisher: FSMGI/Have a Brad Day/State One Songs America/Sony ATV Tree/Mr. Bubba, IMRO/ASCAP/BMI; TWI (Track) (www.billanderson.com)
—The man is a walking legend. Fifty-two years after penning his first hit, he’s still in there slugging. Songwriter, his new CD, contains 12 brand-new compositions. And they are all jaw-droppingly good. Collaborators include such young pups as Tim Nichols, Jon Randall, Rivers Rutherford, Jamie Johnson, Brad Paisley, John Wiggins and Billy Montana. This lovely, string-soaked ballad will be his new video/single. The gist of it is he won’t ever know how it feels to score a touchdown, hit a homerun, fly a jet or climb so many other mountains. But he does know how it feels to be loved. Amen, brother.

MJ2 & CELEBRITY FRIENDS/You Can’t Say Love Enough
Writer: Don Goodman/Bill Nash/Sam Mizell; Producer: Dennis Money; Publisher: Big Hitmakers/Circle South/My Partners/Universal/MGB, BMI/ASCAP; Sweetsong Nashville
—How many gimmicks can you fit on one single? The act consists of two sets of twins—a mom, her twin daughters and her twin sister. Each set has one twin named Mollie and one named Jackie. Wait, there’s more. Guests on the disc include Dolly Parton, Andy Griggs, Wayne Newton, Buddy Jewell, Burns & Poe, Bill Anderson, Cowboy Troy (who announces his own name, just in case you don’t recognize him), Heartland, Larry & Rudy Gatlin, Heidi Newfield, T.G. Sheppard, Mark Collie, Moe Bandy, Rio Grand, Steve Wariner and Lee Greenwood. Plus, the single benefits the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It’s a “We Are the World” style anthem.

GLORIANA/The World Is Ours Tonight
Writer: Matt Serletic, Lindy Robbins, Jess Cates; Producer: Matt Serletic; Publisher: Melusic, administered by Primary Wave/Emblem (ASCAP), Hey Kiddo Music, administered by Kobalt Music Pubilshing (ASCAP) and Right Bank Music obo itself and Lily Makes Music (ASCAP); Emblem/Bigger Picture/Atlantic (ERG)
—I love this band. As before, they revel in vocal harmony, ultra-rich melody and a rhythm-happy track. A celestial sound for the young and the young at heart.

JAKE McVEY/Red Line And Wasted
Writer: Bryan Fogle; Producer: J. Gary Smith; Publisher: Bryan Fogle, ASCAP; Purple Cow (CDX) (www.jakemcvey.com)
—This has an “outlaw” vibe. He’s out there on the road, trapped in his own wanderlust. With a sound somewhere between Southern rock and gospel, this is pretty hard to resist.

CASEY JOHNSON/Simple Girl
Writer: Casey Johnson; Producer: Larry Beaird; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Plumb Music (CDX) (918-689-0380)
—He has a solid, rube delivery. Like its title suggests, the song is direct and plain spoken. The track is a little busy, but his insistent vocal wins in the end.

Bentley Wows Reverent Ryman Crowd

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Dierks Bentley’s Up On The Ridge tour closed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville on May 22 after visiting 24 cities in 30 days to build demand for the album’s release on June 8. The final show featured Bentley’s backing band the Travelin’ McCourys and the Punch Brothers with Chris Thile (Nickel Creek) on mandolin and was filmed for a TV special that Bentley told the crowd was for GAC and PBS. Texan Hayes Carll opened the show.

The sold out crowd included industry notables such as ASCAP’s Tim DuBois, Bentley manager Ken Levitan and songwriter Matraca Berg. Mike Dungan, head of Bentley’s label was perched attentively in the balcony.

Early in the show the artist dedicated a song to his Mom, apparently not realizing that only moments before the show began she had left the Ryman with her husband, Dierk’s father, who was carried out on a stretcher by emergency medics. He appeared alert and was talking with the medics as he was leaving. MusicRow wishes him a speedy  recovery.

Bentley described his show and upcoming album as an “experiment” mixing bluegrass and country music. However, he warned the crowd, “If you don’t like the banjo you might be in the wrong place.” True to his word, the evening’s musical recipe, was heavy on the bluegrass, a joyful tribute to stringed instruments.

Ryman acoustics were superb and the instrumental setting was effective in adding a unique perspective to the singer’s previous hits such as “Feel That Fire,” “Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go),” “Sideways,” “Come A Little Closer” and others.

The video for Bentley’s first single from the new package, “Up On The Ridge” is already in heavy rotation on CMT and No. 22 rising on the MusicRow Breakout chart.

Special guest Jon Randall joined Bentley to perform their co-write “Draw Me A Map,” from the upcoming album. Another of the evening’s high points was when McCoury band leader Del McCoury treated the crowd to his piercing tenor harmonies getting a standing ovation.

Bentley told the crowd, “Bluegrass is all about the three ‘Ts’—tuning, timing and tone.” Judging by the evenings exalted musicianship, this writer will attest to the finely honed tuning and tone that has already seduced national critics from the Washington Post and USA Today. As to the timing, it remains to be seen how strongly Bentley’s fans will embrace this left of center musical experiment. Based upon the Ryman reaction however, the new album will serve as a vehicle to introduce Bluegrass to thousands of fans who have not been exposed to it and give fans added respect for the breadth of Bentley’s daring artistry.

DISClaimer 5/19/10 (reveiws)

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It sounds to me like this town is ready to shake off those rainy-day blues and do some dancing in the sunshine.

This week’s stack of platters includes peppy rockers by The Roys, Melanie Denard, Charlie Allen and Todd O’Neill. Even the midtempo effort by The Band Perry has a sunshiny lilt.

So it comes as no surprise that both of our award winners are rockers. Curb’s new duo Martin Ramey debuts with a splendid twang bopper called “Twisted.” It earns them an easy victory for the DisCovery Award. The Disc of the Day also happens to be this listening session’s most lathered-up tempo tune. It is “How I Got to Be This Way” by a fellow who is most definitely on a roll, Justin Moore.

TODD O’NEILL/Somethin’ with Some Attitude
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Aria
—As you might expect from the title, it is an in-your-face party rocker. He doesn’t want to hear a slow song. Instead he’ll take Led Zeppelin or Charlie Daniels. Whatever.

THE GRINGO KINGS/On My Way Home
Writer: Scott Burgess; Producer: Scott Burgess, Tim Burge & Tim Phelan; Publisher: Winding Road, BMI; Winding Road (www.thegringokings.com)
—These Texas boys take it all echoey, stately and slow here. The highlights are a dramatic, resonant, expressive lead vocal and some very tasty electric-guitar lines. For those shy about its 4:50 length, the single also contains an edited, 3:59, version.

MARTIN RAMEY/Twisted
Writer: Brad Martin/John Ramey; Producer: Doug Johnson, Richard Bennett & Bobby Terry; Publisher: Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria/Sixteen Stars/Hori-Pro, BMI; Curb
—This new Curb duo is, truly, a duo. We have become so used to country “duos” having only one real voice, that this comes as a truly refreshing sound. Their harmonies are heavenly-Everly derived, and the neo-rockabilly track kicks tail. Very promising. Send more.

KEVIN PICKETT & SOUTHERN RAIN/Long Strange Ride
Writer: Kevin Pickett; Producer: Mark A. Parker; Publisher: none listed, BMI; KP (track) (www.kevinpickettmusic.com)
—That’s not your phone ringing. That’s the record’s opening sound. It’s also the most coherent thing on it.

JUSTIN MOORE/How I Got to Be This Way
Writer: Justin Moore/Rivers Rutherford/Jeremy Stover; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: Super Slick98/Universal/Macirhyco/EMI April/Songs of Countrywood, BMI/ASCAP; Valory Music (track)
—Plenty of rhythmic punch anchors this Nitro-fueled speedster. Summertime’s first top-down rocker has arrived, screaming around the track shooting flickering flames. Easily this boy’s finest performance to date.

SEAN HOGAN/Suck It Up
Writer: Sean Hogan; Producer: Sean Hogan; Publisher: Lakeland Heart, SOCAN/BMI; Lakeland Heart (CDX) (615-584-0628)
—It’s yet another one of those Buffett rip-off beach-bum things. Enough already.

THE ROYS/Beautiful
Writer: Lee Roy/Matthew  J. Rogers/Jay Brunswick/Keesy Timmer; Producer: The Roys & Steve Dean; Publisher: Roy Family/Better Angels/Croton U/Cowboy Timmer/Canalco/Mjosephrogers, BMI/ASCAP; Pedestal (CDX) (www.theroyscountry.com)
—This duo is bopping this time around. They’ve goosed up their sound with a bigger production and a thumping backbeat. The happy-sunny lyric works, too.

MELANIE DENARD/All I Ever Did Was Love You
Writer: Kylie Sackley/Gary Burr/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Dan Frizsell; Publisher: Steel Wheels/Figjam/Connboy/Multisong/Avaru, no performance rights listed; Star Path (CDX) (678-488-1927)
—This sassy belter has been noted for her dynamic delivery in this column several times. The upbeat romp of a song gives her plenty of ammo to work with. The electric guitarist, tambourine shaker and piano pounder turn up the heat, too.

CHARLIE ALLEN/Grandpa’s Recipe
Writer: Charlie Allen/Tony Stampley; Producer: Henry Paul & Charlie Allen; Publisher: U Tell Me, BMI; River Run (CDX) (203-605-3803)
—Charlie remains a solid honky-tonk vocalist, but he’s surrounded by a muscular rock track here. The lyric has some real meat on its bones. The overall result is somewhere in the Montgomery-Gentry vicinity.

THE BAND PERRY/If I Die Young
Writer: Kimberly Perry; Producer: Paul Worley; Publisher: Pearlfeather/Rio Bravo, BMI; Republic Nashville (track)
—This one is considerably more “country” than “Hip to My Heart” was. Kimberly’s lead vocal is all airy and sweet, the song is full of heart, and the siblings’ instrumental support is stellar. An audio delight.

DISClaimer (reviews) 5/12/10

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Everybody wins this week.

There are no stinkers here. In fact, there are so many cool performances that I’m tossing out the weekly honors left and right.

The female Disc of the Day belongs to Jewel. Wait until you hear what producer Nathan Chapman has surrounded her lovely song with.

Our male Disc of the Day comes from the always reliable Darren Kozelsky. If my memory serves me correctly, I have liked just about everything he has put out. And this time, he has found himself a sturdy winner of a song.

The group Disc of the Day is by Court Yard Hounds. Everything you have read and/or heard about this project is true. In addition to “The Coast,” check out “See You in the Spring,” which is a collaboration with Jakob Dylan. While you’re at it, pick up a copy of Jakob’s new Women + Country collection. Produced by T Bone Burnett, it will knock your socks off.

Let’s see, that leaves us with this week’s DisCovery Award. And goes to a dandy outfit, a California-based group called Truth & Salvage Co. The album isn’t due until May 25, but if this single is any indication, it is going to be just great.

THEA WESCOTT/Santa Ana Wind
Writer: Thea Wescott; Producer: Bruce Watkins; Publisher: Timberland Ridge, BMI; Timberland Ridge (track) (www.timberlandridge.com)
—Dobro, mandolin and fiddle dominate the lilting track. Her delivery is fairly straightforward, so the thing doesn’t really take off until the celestial harmonies by Dale Ann Bradley and Steve Gully kick in. Incidentally, those dobro notes come courtesy of Rob Ickes, the fiddler is Stuart Duncan, and the mandolin is Adam Steffey’s. Need more star power? How about Bryan Sutton on guitar and banjos by Ron Block and Scott Vestal?

JEWEL/Satisified
Writer: Jewel/Liz Rose; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Publisher: none listed; Valory
—She’s her usual breathy and sweetly folkie self, vocally. The real magic here is in shimmering production. It caresses every note of this pretty melody with washes of strings, shuddering percussion and chiming keyboards. In a word, gorgeous.

TRUTH & SALVAGE CO./Call Back
Writer: none listed; Producer: Chris Robinson; Publisher: none listed; Megaforce
—Count me in! Produced by Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, this has a nicely crunchy quality. The six-man band has a twin-guitar attack and rousing group harmonies. The song is quite infectious. Catch them at Bonnaroo (June 11) or on tour with the marvelous Avett Brothers or at 3rd & Lindsley (June 3).

COURT YARD HOUNDS/The Coast
Writer: Emily Robison; Producer: Emily Robison, Martie Maguire & Jim Scott; Publisher: FUFF/Words & Music, BMI; Columbia (track) (www.courtyardhounds.com)
—This is the side project by Dixie Chick sisters Emily and Martie. Little sis Emily really has come into her own as a writer. This hand-clapper celebrates the Texas gulf coast. It is completely sunny and irresistible. Let these ladies take you on a little trip to heaven.

AUSTINS BRIDGE/Mercy Never Leaves
Writer: Barry Weeks/Joel Lindsey; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: Back in the Saddle/Danny Orton/Universal, ASCAP; Daywind (track)
—I loved this act’s last CD. Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts produced this one with a bit more pop bite and edge. Formerly a trio, Austins Bridge is now a duo, but its sound remains just as big here and on the rest of the Times Like These CD.

BRUCE ROBISON/Heartache To Houston
Writer: Bruce Robison/Miles Zuniga/Gary Massey; Producer: Miles Zuniga; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Bruce Robison/Zunitunes, BMI/ASCAP; BR (972-800-0004)
—I have made no secret of my admiration for this Texas tunesmith. His catalog already includes “Angry All the Time,” “Desperately,” “Wrapped” and “Traveling Soldier,” all of which he originated. Add this loping, wistful gem to his hit list. His soft, dry delivery is supported by jaunty-jangling guitar work, sighing organ and a chugging rhythm track.

MERLE HAGGARD/Pretty When It’s New
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Merle Haggard & Lou Bradley; Publisher: Merle Haggard, BMI; Vanguard/Hag
—I raved about Hag’s new I Am What I Am collection a couple of weeks ago. Now Vanguard has issued this gently swinging number as a single. It sways like a hammock in summertime.

DIAMOND RIO/This Is My Life
Writer: Marty Roe/Jimmy Olander/Matthew West; Producer: Mike Clute & Jimmy Olander; Publisher: Roe Hoe/Taxicaster/Word/Songs for Life, BMI/ASCAP; Word (CDX)
—This seriously rocks. Crank it up, and let it rip. Marty remains a terrifically involving singer, and Jimmy’s guitar work is genius. If there’s any justice, this will be massive.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/I Put My Ring Back On
Writer: Mary Chapin Carpenter; Producer: Mary Chapin Carpenter & Matt Rollings; Publisher: Why Walk, ASCAP; Rounder (CDX) (617-218-4413)
—It is very much a return to her classic sound. The lyric of rebuilding a relationship is set to a rolling melody embellished by a steady tempo and some juicy electric guitar lines.

DARREN KOZELSKY/Somebody Find Me A Preacher
Writer: Shane Minor/Wendell Mobley; Producer: J.R. Rodriguez & Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Shane Minor/Warner Tamerlane, BMI; Spinville (CDX)
—There is something instantly likable about this man’s singing. He always sounds like he really means it, and this time is no exception. He swoons over the sight of her and is ready to say those vows right here and now, with her in cut-off jeans and him in his old t-shirt. Kudos to the writers for such a fine job, to the producers for creating such a cool track and, of course, to Darren, who sells it. Big time.

DISClaimer Reviews (5/5/09)

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The stars are twinkling brightly this week.

Such A-listers as Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban all have sparkling new singles. The first two are boasting new sonic splendor, courtesy of Michael Knox, who produced both. David Lee Murphy’s work with Kevin Fowler also deserves a shout-out.

Our Disc of the Day is unquestionably Keith Urban’s “I’m In.” The DisCovery Award goes to Kelly Kenning, who is a Texan and sounds it.

KELLY KENNING/Broken Bones
Writer: Tony Ramey/Si Hill/Joanna Smith; Producer: Kelly Kenning & David Chamberlain; Publisher: O Tex/Square One, BMI; Airastar/Davis (www.kellykenning.com)
—The rodeo cowboy gets his heart busted in this dandy story song that name-checks one western town after another. Well written.

KEITH URBAN/I’m In
Writer: Radney Foster/Georgia Middleman; Producer: Dann Huff & Keith Urban; Publisher: Universal-PolyGram/St, Julien/On My Mind, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville (track)
—The fifth single from Defying Gravity is an insanely catchy romp. More hooks than a tuna boat. If the song seems familiar, it’s because you remember it from Radney Foster’s 1998 CD See What You Want to See or his 2001 collection Are You Ready for the Big Show. The former also contained Radney’s version of “Raining on Sunday” which Mr. Urban has also memorably covered.

TENA RAE HELM/Nobody’s Watching
Writer: tena Rae Helm/Bobby Terry; Producer: Bobby Terry; Publisher: FireRae, BMI; Fire Rae (www.tenarae.com)
—Relentlessly perky. Unbearably bouncy. Painfully sweet.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Undo It
Writer: Carrie Unerwood/Kara DioGuardi/Marti Frederiksen/Luke Laird; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Carrie-Okie/Sunshine Terrace/Bug/Half of My Publishing/Art in the Fodder/Arthouse/Universal-Careers/High Powered Machine, BMI; Arista
—You’d think that with four writers, one of them would have come up with a melody. Carrie sells this one with sheer attitude.

BILL RICE/Rockstar
Writer: none listed; Producer: Bill Rice & Roger Blevins Jr.; Publisher: none listed; Aaron Ave
—His voice is too lightweight for the material. The production overwhelms him.

TRACE ADKINS/This Ain’t No Love Song
Writer: Tony Lane/Marcel/David Lee; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Sony-ATV Harmony/Universal/Chaggy Buss/Universal-Careers, ASCAP/BMI; Show Dog Universal
—Contrary to the title, it IS a love song. And Trace sings it splendidly. The production work on this slab of audio dynamite is mighty potent. I remain a fan.

CERRITO & LANE BRODY/South Of The Border
Writer: none listed; Producer: Eddie Bayers Jr., Felipe de la Rosa & Cerrito; Publisher: none listed; Checo
—Yes, it’s the 1939 Gene Autry standard. This arrangement dresses the tune up with Mexicali trumpets and castanets, plus a verse in Spanish.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/While You’re Still Young
Writer: Jim Collins/Tony Martin/Wendell Mobley; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: none listed; Columbia
—Their voices have never sounded stronger. And this is the best written, best sounding  single they’ve put out in ages. A refreshing and welcome change of pace.

KEVIN FOWLER/Pound Sign
Writer: David Lee Murphy/Jim Collins/Tony Martin; Producer: David Lee Murphy; Publisher: Old Desperados/N2D/Carol Vincent/Songs of Elevation/Big Green Tractor/Sony-ATV, ASCAP/BMI; Lyric  Street
—“Today I feel like pound sign (#), question mark (?), star (*), exclamation point (!),” goes the chorus. It seems he partied too hard last night and now he has a mean hangover. Bopping and cute.

BOMSHEL/Just Fine
Writer: Kelley Shepard/Kristy Osmunson/Lee Brice; Producer: Chuck Howard; Publisher: Getting Grown/KupKake/Osmunson/Mike Curb/Sweet Hysteria, BMI; Curb
—The rhythm track is nervous sounding. They sing it with feisty energy, but is the so-so song worth the effort?

DISClaimer (reviews) 4/28/10

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Did somebody suddenly crank up the quality on Music Row?

I can’t remember the last time that so many singles vied for the top slot in one week. And in such a dazzling diversity of styles. There’s Jack Ingram’s sneering “Barbie Doll,” The Warren Brothers inspirational “Dear Mr. God,” Dierks Bentley’s minor-key mountaineer “Up on the Ridge,” Chelsea Field’s rocking “Things I Should’ve Said,” John Arthur Martinez’s haunting “Can’t Outdrink the Truth” and Marty Raybon’s sexy “The Heat Is On.” Any one of them is good enough to be a Disc of the Day.

In the end, I had to go with the gutsiest platter maker. That would be Dierks Bentley stepping out of his comfort zone with his boldly creative venture. Besides, he’s on the Jack Ingram single, too.

Weep not for Chelsea Field. She edges out fellow newcomers Frankie Ballard and Woody Bradshaw and wins this column’s DisCovery Award.

CHRIS HEERS/Happy Thought
Writer: Chris Heers; Producer: Pat McGrath & Chris Heers; Publisher: Saddlefarm, ASCAP; Saddlefarm (www.chrisheers.com)
—Chris goes two for two. I loved his “Dirt Rich” single, and this one is even catchier. Over an acoustic track and a steady tempo, he lends his sturdy, soulful voice to a lyric about facing hard times by gazing at the family who loves him. Very tender and winning.

FRANKIE BALLARD/Tell Me You Get Lonely
Writer: Marty Dodson/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Michael Knox; Publisher: Back to Back/Songs That Sell/EMI Blackwood/String Stretcher, BMI; Reprise
—I like the little rasp in his voice and the oomphy, chunky production. Promising, to say the least.

SHAWN JENNINGS/My Desire
Writer: Shawn Jennings; Producer: Shawn Jennings & Steve Carr; Publisher: none listed, BMI; SRB (www.southernrootsband.com)
—Thin sounding. The track is little more than a steel guitar and a rhythm section. The vocal lacks passion. The melody is dull.

DIERKS BENTLEY/Up On The Ridge
Writer: Angelo/Dierks Bentley; Producer: Jon Randall Stewart; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (track)
—The title tune to Mr. Bentley’s upcoming acoustic project is a moody, bluesy outing with loads of sonic atmosphere. The minor-key melody is enlivened by a jittery tempo, jazzy-captivating mandolin and ghostly backup vocals. A sound to get lost in.

CHELSEA FIELD/Things I Should’ve Said
Writer: Kelly Archer/Blair Daly/Troy Verges; Producer: Trey Bruce; Publisher: Ole, no performance rights listed; Moxy (www.chelseafieldofficial.com)
—She definitely has the vocal firepower to pull off this searing, sizzling rocker. Go, baby. You are coming in loud and clear.

THE WARREN BROTHERS/Dear Mr. God
Writer: Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Style Sonic, no performance rights listed; Bonded (track)
—Drawn from the soundtrack of Letters to God, this moving meditation perfectly captures the touching texture of the film, itself. Nicely done, boys.

WOODY BRADSHAW/The Last Thing You Do
Writer: none listed; Producer: Jeff Nystrom; Publisher: none listed; W (track) (www.woodybradshaw.com)
—“Would you be okay with the way they remember you/If the last thing you did was the last thing you do?” In other words, tell her you love her every day. Alrighty, then.

MARTY RAYBON/The Heat Is On
Writer: Marty Raybon/John Fountain/Tommy Wright; Producer: Maarty Raybon & Paul Carrol Binkley; Publisher: none listed; GrandVista (www.martyraybon.com)
—He’s working in the scorching sun, but daydreaming about an even hotter time he’ll have when he gets home. The track is appropriately steaming and sexy, and it goes without saying that his performance is perfect.

JOHN ARTHUR MARTINEZ/Can’t Outdrink The Truth
Writer: Walt Wilkins/Liz Rose; Producer: Lew Curatolo; Publisher: none listed; Apache Ranch (track) (www.apacheranchrecords.com)
—What a cool song. The deep percussion thump and swirling steel underscore a downbeat lyric of lost love. The smoky vocal has a hushed, haunted vibe that really draws you in. Radio ready.

JACK INGRAM & DIERKS BENTLEY/Barbie Doll
Writer: Jack Ingram/Todd Snider; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: Beat Up Ford/Bug/Nobody’s Collecting on These Songs, BMI; Big Machine (track)
—I am amazed that this hasn’t been a single before now. It has been a big fan favorite at Jack’s concerts for years. With its snarky, hooky chorus it practically commands you to sing along. And do they ever. Can you say, “hit?” I thought you could.

DISClaimer (single reviews) 4/21/10

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Let’s hear it for the seniors.

Merle Haggard, age 73, and Willie Nelson, who will be 77 next week, both released new albums on Tuesday. And both of them are showing the kiddies how to do country music correctly.

Willie’s collection is called, appropriately, Country Music. It is also appropriately the Disc of the Day.

Also worth your spins this week are new singles by The LoCash Cowboys and Chely Wright. Both are produced and performed with extra panache.

Leah Seawright goes home with a DisCovery Award for her classroom antics on “Country Girl 101.” a single that is as clever as it is rocking.

MARK WAYNE GLASMIRE/You Opened My Eyes
Writer: Mark Wayne Glasmire; Producer: John Albani & Mark Wayne Glasmire; Publisher: Traceway, ASCAP; Traceway (www.markwayneglasmire.com)
—He sings in a clear, strong, pleasing tenor, which suits the uplifting song nicely.

CHELY WRIGHT/Broken
Writer: Chely Wright; Producer: Rodney Crowell; Publisher: Painted Red, BMI; Vanguard
—This moody, minor-key outing muses on the difficulty of learning to love anew. Her performance of it is marvelously nuanced. The deep-down rhythm track, gently strummed guitar work and whispery backing vocals all make the production a shimmering gem. A terrific listening experience.

AARON EINHOUSE/Catch A Glance
Writer: Aaron Einhouse; Producer: Walt Wilkins; Publisher: none listed, BMI; AE (www.aaroneinhouse.com)
—While sloshed on Jack Daniels, he has a roll in the hay with his best friend’s girl. They never speak of it again. But he knows she remembers it, because every now and then, “I catch a glance.” Hmmmm.

FAST RYDE/Top Down
Writer: James Harrison/Jody Stevens; Producer: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens & James Harrison; Publisher: OMG/Jody Stevens/Songs of One/Mailbox Dance, BMI/SESAC; Republic Nashvillle (www.fastryde.com)
—It’s fairly straightforward, a simple ditty about riding in the sunshine, singing along to a loud radio in a convertible. Harmless summertime fun.

LEAH SEAWRIGHT/Country Girl 101
Writer: Leah Seawright/Frank Green; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Ineylue/Frank Thomas Green, ASCAP; SkyTone (www.leahwright.com)
—She rocks with plenty of sass on this feisty list of lessons on how to treat a country girl right. Listen up, boys. Or she just might kick your tail.

LoCASH COWBOYS/Here Comes Summer
Writer: Jeffrey Steele/Shane Minor/Chris Lucas/Preston Brust; Producer: Jeffrey Steele; Publisher: Jeffrey Steele/BPJ/Sony-ATV Tree/Code Six Charles/Sony-ATV Cross Keys, BMI/ASCAP; Stroudavarious (www.locashcowboys.com)
—It is everything the title suggests, and then some. Relentlessly upbeat, impossible to ignore, eager to please, wildly engaging and completely winning.

KATIE ARMIGER/Leaving Home
Writer: Katie Armiger/Sarah Buxton/Blair Daly; Producer: Blair Daly; Publisher: Lily Road/Were Going to Maui/Internal Combustion/Southside Independent/Kickin Girls, BMI; Cold River (www.katiearmiger.com)
—She’s graduating and leaving home while the power chords crash around her vocal. Effective and emotional.

GARY P. NUNN/Taking Texas To The Country
Writer: Gary P. Nunn/Levi Mullen; Producer: Gary P. Nunn; Publisher: Nunn, BMI; Gaucamole/Campfire (track) (www.garypnunn.com)
—This is the rollicking title tune to this perennial Lone Star State favorite’s 15th studio album. He is still singing powerfully, and the lyric drops all the right names. For those of you not already fans, Nunn is the tunesmith behind “The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” (Willie Nelson), “Couldn’t Do Nothing Right” (Rosanne Cash) and “London Homesick Blues” (the Austin City Limits theme song often referred to as “Home with the Armadillo”).

MERLE HAGGARD/I Am What I Am
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Merle Haggard & Lou Bradley; Publisher: Merle Haggard, BMI; Vanguard/Hag (track) (www.merlehaggard.com)
—His golden voice pours warmth all over this meditative ballad that serves as the title tune to a dandy CD that came out yesterday. It is almost entirely self composed, proving that he’s still got it as a song craftsman, as well as sounding as cool as ever. The original is still the greatest.

WILLIE NELSON/Man With The Blues
Writer: Willie Nelson; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Publisher: Glad/Pappy Daily, BMI; Rounder/
Shangri-La (track) (www.willienelson.com)
—Also dropping yesterday was the simply titled Country Music, the latest album by the Red Headed Stranger. Produced by noted alchemist Burnett, it finds our hero warbling classics by Ernest Tubb, the Louvin Brothers, Merle Travis, Al Dexter, Porter Wagoner and other greats. The one original is a reworking of his honky-tonking debut single, recorded for D Records in 1959. Like everything else on this collection, it is a spell binding performance. Buy this record.

DISClaimer 4/14/10

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It’s a back-to-basics week.

In a surprising and refreshing listening session, we were served a heaping helping of honest country sounds. Alan Jackson, Miss Leslie, Easton Corbin and Laura Dodd all turned in excellent efforts with nary a pop note in the bunch.

The Zac Brown Band album continues to delight and amaze. It has yielded yet another perfectly performed radio tune. The sunny sonics of “Free” make it the Disc of the Day.

I know I’m a little late in getting around to the charming “Giddy On Up,” by Laura Bell Bundy. But that doesn’t make her any less deserving of a DisCovery Award. Her Achin’ and Shakin’ album dropped yesterday, and she’s performing on the ACM show on Sunday.

STEVE LEE/I Like Guns
Writer: Steve Lee; Producer: Bill Chambers; Publisher: Control, no performance rights listed; Revolver (track)
—What we have here is an album composed entirely of songs about guns (“Pistol in My Hand,” “Time to Get a Gun,” “The Shoot Out” and so on). Its title tune is a monotonous, two-chord outing whose poetic reach is completely summed up in its three-word and oft-repeated title.

THE NEW RELICS/Real Love
Writer: M. Arbogast/J. Swiger/B. Martin/J. Bidwell; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Blues Alley (www.thenewrelics.com)
—Bopping, romantic, buoyant and light-hearted.

EASTON CORBIN/Roll With It
Writer: Tony Lane/David Lee/Johnny Park; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Hornebuckle/Universal Careers/WB, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (track)
—The follow-up to the overnight-success “A Little More Country Than That” is another winner. I like this guy’s effortlessly Southern vocal phrasing and unabashed delight in country simplicity. The song’s everyday language and hook-filled melody are both huge bonuses. I’m in.

STEVE PALMER BAND/Living On The Streets
Writer: Steve Palmer; Producer: Steve Palmer Band & David Huff; Publisher: Kaynat, ASCAP; Arythmia (www.stevepalmerband.com)
—Pretentious and way too wordy.

ALAN JACKSON/Hard Hat And A Hammer
Writer: Alan Jackson; Producer: Keith Stegall; Publisher: Tri-Angels/EMI April, ASCAP; Arista (track)
—Thank the Lord for this man. No one else in contemporary country music has sung so consistently and sympathetically about the working class. This catchy toe-tapper pushes all my country-music buttons.

MISHAVONNA/Country Thing
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Redrum (track)
—It might be titled a “country thing,” but there is absolutely nothing country about its rocking track.

LAURA BELL BUNDY/Giddy On Up
Writer: Laura Bell Bundy/Jeff Cohen/Mike Shimshack; Producer: Mike Shimshack; Publisher: EMI April/If I Had a Nickel/As You Wish/Bug/Arthouse Entertainment/Music of Stage Three/Shimshack Songs, ASCAP/BMI; Mercury (track)
—This highly personable Broadway baby’s CD is divided into “Achin’” and “Shakin’” sections of six tunes apiece. The latter section kicks off with this sprightly, feisty little dance ditty. Its pretty darn irresistible. Get up and shake that thing.

LAURA DODD/Songbird
Writer: Laura Dodd; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Laura Dodd, BMI; Laura Dodd (track) (www.lauradodd.com)
—The simple piano accompaniment puts the spotlight where it belongs, on her beautiful, assured vocal and the ballad’s lovely structure. A breath of fresh air.

ZAC BROWN BAND/Free
Writer: Zac Brown; Producer: Keith Stegall & Zac Brown; Publisher: Weimerhound, BMI; Atlantic (track)
—The fifth single from this group’s stunning debut album, The Foundation, is its most lushly melodic outing yet. The sound of summer love, complete with lilting harmonies and swirling strings, organ and guitars.

MISS LESLIE/Wrong Is What I Do Best
Writer: Leslie Anne Sloan; Producer: Tommy Dettamore, Leslie Sloan & Ricky Davis; Publisher: Zero Label, BMI; Zero Label (track) (www.missleslie.com)
—Hear that? Do you know what it is? They call it country music. The title tune to this Texas woman’s latest is a swinging triumph, soaked in fiddle and steel. She writes ‘em. She sings ‘em. She plays a mean fiddle. She co-produces. I remain an enormous fan.

DISClaimer 4-7

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B-o-r-i-n-g.

In general, that’s what this week’s listening session was. There is nothing in this stack of platters that will change your life. Indeed, most of these discs will barely rouse you from your spring slumbers.

The most exciting thing here comes courtesy of our DisCovery Award winner. Kyle Park is a triple threat as a singer, writer and producer. Lend him your ears.

Our Disc of the Day comes from perennial competitor Anthony Smith. His “Love Is Love Is Love” has an unusual sound and is just intriguingly different enough to earn him some airplay. I hope.

CHELSEA RAE/Hook ‘Em

Writer: Chelsea Rae; Producer: Josh Mendez; Publisher: none listed; JKMusicwerks (630-439-6006)

—Imaginatively produced, with a steady drumbeat, fishing-line effects and a cool, stuttering repeated guitar riff. Her vocal just has enough moxie to sell this feisty “attitude” number.

COLT FORD/Chicken & Biscuits

Writer: Colt Ford/Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip; Producer: Jayson Chance & Shannon Houchins; Publisher: Average ZJS/Rhettneck/EMI Blackwood/Melissa’s Money/Get a Load of This/WB, BMI/ASCAP; Average Joe (CDX) (www.coltford.com)

—I hate country rapping. Most especially when the song is this dull.

PAUL OVERSTREET/Kennesaw Cove

Writer: Paul Overstreet/Billy Aerts/Scott Lynch; Producer: Billy Aerts & Paul Overstreet; Publisher: Scarlet Moon/Stormey/Baby Gray/Par, BMI; Scarlet Moon (CDX) (615-496-6163)

—The kids go fishing. Sis has a busted lip and black eye from her boyfriend, who has disappeared. Wonder why the fish are feeding on the bottom of the Cove? I just love a good, dark story song. Don’t you?

THE SPRINGS/Summer All Year Long

Writer: Stewart Halcomb; Producer: Lamar Morris & Larry Marrs; Publisher: none listed, BMI; CFC (CDX) (334-393-2376)

—Brightly bouncing. Too bad the lead singer is strangulated and wimpy.

RAY STEVENS/Caribou Barbie

Writer: Max T. Barnes/Matt Cline/Brent Baxter; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Ray Stevens/Grand Avenue/Songs of Peer/Chords of RPM, BMI/ASCAP; Clyde (CDX)

—“Palin for President has a nice ring to it.” It does? “She’s read the Constitution, too.” She has? Musical drivel from the nut-jobbers.

KYLE PARK/I’m Missing You

Writer: Kyle Park; Producer: Kyle Park; Publisher: Kyle Park, BMI; Winding Road (www,kyleparkmusic.com)

—It’s not the most original song idea in the world, but this kid sings with great heart and verve. What’s more, he is a superb producer with a terrific touch for both acoustic and electrified elements. Highly recommended.

RANDY HOUSER/I’m All About It

Writer: Randy Houser/Ed Hill/Mark D. Sanders; Producer: Mark Wright & Cliff Audretch III; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog – Universal

—He’s such a fine singer. Why is he squandering himself on this?

NATHAN LEE JACKSON/Inside

Writer: Nathan Lee Jackson/Mila Lukich/Jonn Hamlin; Producer: Jeff Glixman; Publisher: Starbarn/Quarter Sun/Seven Tulip Lane/Mila Lukich, ASCAP; Star City (www.starcityrecording.com)

—Atmospheric. His somewhat thin voice doesn’t match the drama in the production, but he tries hard.

ANTHONY SMITH/Love Is Love Is Love

Writer: Anthony Smith/Eric Silver; Producer: Anthony Smith & Eric Silver; Publisher: Krankit/Pickanbo, BMI/ASCAP; Krankit (www.anthonysmith.com)

—It feels like it is lumbering at first, but as it picks up steam, the churning tempo makes super audio sense. Wave a hankie as this one leaves the station, shouting harmonies all the way.

GWEN SEBASTIAN/V.I.P.

Writer: Gwen Sebastian/Brian Eckert/Dean Miller; Producer: Louis Newman; Publisher: Midnight Ride/Brian Eckert/Songs of Universal/Prince of the Road, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Open Road/Lofton Creek (www.gwensebastian.com)

—She’s a barefoot girl tripping the light fantastic in velvet-rope, high-heels Hollywood. Breezy and bright.