Pop-Rock DISClaimer (5/15/09)

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emccarley-loveempty150As usual, there is plenty going on in Nashville’s pop-rock community.

The gals, in particular, are rocking the joint. Veteran Jonell Mosser leads a grooving group that also includes Disc of the Day winner Erin McCarley and excellent newcomer Susan Hartman.

The DisCovery Award, however, goes to the guys of Kindercastle. Both Kindercastle and Jonell are playing this evening, and it’s entirely possible for the energetic among you to kindercastle-dottodot150catch them both.

JONELL MOSSER/Trust Yourself
Writer: Bob Dylan; Producer: Bil VornDick; Publisher: Special Rider, SESAC; Better Angels (track) (www.jonellonline.com)
—The opening track and title tune to Jonell’s new CD finds this supremely soulful vocalist grooving in a track full of buzzing, stinging guitars and heartbeat bass. To many, including me, this is Nashville’s finest “unknown” singer. In addition to this Dylan gem, the album includes offerings from Michael McDonald and Harlan Howard, plus four she co-wrote. The cast includes the stellar Jeff Coffin, David Hungate, Tom Britt, Jimmy Hall, John Cowan, Jerry Douglas, Craig Krampf, Stuart Duncan, Victor Wooten and soul sisters Bekka Bramlett, Sheila Lawrence, Etta Britt and Vickie Carrico.

BRUCE SUDANO/It’s Her Wedding Day
Writer: Bruce Sudano; Producer: Nathan DiGesaare & Bruce Sudano; Publisher: Sudano Songs/Soft Summer Songs, BMI; Purple Heart (track) (www.brucesudano.com)
—Best known as Donna Summer’s husband and songwriting collaborator, Nashville’s Sudano has his own history as a member of Alive and Kicking (remember “Tighter, Tighter?”) and Brooklyn Dreams (”Heaven Knows”). He sounds surprisingly youthful on his new solo CD Life and the Romantic. This sweet, touching nuptial ballad from it has become a surprise A/C hit. So good for him.

ERIN McCARLEY/Love, Save The Empty
Writer: Erin McCarley/Jamie Kenney; Producer: Jamie Kenney; Publisher: Froggle/Sony-ATV/Carver, BMI/ASCAP; Universal Republic (track) (www.erinmccarley.com)
—This young Music City lass has become one of our major pop/rock players. The bopping title tune to her album was featured in the movie He’s Just Not That Into You. The downbeat lyric contrasts with a furious rhythm track, sighing strings and plinkety piano. Like the rest of the CD’s tracks, this is something you’ll want to hear over and over. Worth every dime.

KINDERCASTLE/A New Way Of Life
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Upright T-Rex, BMI; SelecTone (track) (www.kindercastle.net)
—SelecTone is Steve Wariner’s label. This synth-based outfit features his son Ross and cohort Cody Uhler, who have been musical collaborators since they were 14 years old. The wafting tones and falsetto vocal soarings here are quite winning. The track appears on Kindercastle’s new EP Dot to Dot to Dot. It follows the group’s 2008 debut album, In a Tizzy, which is also recommended listening. By the way, Steve’s other son Ryan has been out on the road playing lead guitar for Jewel and is now touring with LeAnn Rimes.

SUSAN HARTMAN/Hip With Me
Writer: Hartman/Ulisse; Producer: Eddie Gore; Publisher: Pink Scarf/Hadley Music Group, ASCAP; Susan Hartman (track) (myspace.com/susanhartman)
—By day she’s a licensing manager at ASCAP. Hartman’s secret life is as a pop rocker. Her scintillating EP kicks off with this groove-soaked track with none other than Steve Cropper providing lead guitar. Her sunny, saucy vocal is as cool as the R&B flavored instrumental work. I’m in.

DISClaimer (5/8/09)

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hollywilliams-herewithme150It’s a left-field kinda day.

Despite the presence of a number of marquee names in this week’s reviewing stack, the award winners are the lesser knowns.

Up-and-comer Holly Williams lands her first Disc of the Day honor. By the way, her excellent last single (”Keep the Change”) was not co-written by her sister, but rather by Hillary Lindsey. The label information was incorrect.

sarahdarling-monday150Our DisCovery Award goes not to a major-label artist, but to a lovely Nashville indie lass named Sarah Darling. If you have any doubts that she can deliver live, there’s a clip on her website of her performing “Don’t Love Me” (also on the album) at Puckett’s.

HOLLY WILLIAMS/Mama
Writer: none listed; Producer: Justin Niebank & Holly Williams; Publisher: none listed; Mercury
—Produced with acoustic sparkle, this upbeat ode to mama is also written with deep truth and gifted with a delicious melody. Holly seems to improve in giant steps with each release. I think I’m falling in love.

JEFF GRIFFITH/Dip Me In Beer
Writer: Jeff Griffith/Hobson Smith; Producer: Bill Green; Publisher: none listed, BMI; BGM (888-455-5504)
—He wants to be thrown into “a redneck mosh pit,” whatever that is. Who says nobody makes honky-tonk music anymore? You don’t get any more “honky” than this.

JIMMY WAYNE/I’ll Be That
Writer: Jimmy Wayne/Bob Regan/Kevin Paige; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Grandma Dynamite/Green Hills/Travelers Ridge/Regan/Big Loud Bucks/Universal/Z Songs/K.P.P./B.D.A.J., ASCAP/BMI; Valory Music
—Love the breathless rhythm track and the softly sensuous singing. This fulfilling-fantasies ditty rushes by like a cool, gentle wind in your face.

THE PARKS/As Long As You’re Goin’ My Way
Writer: Johnny Park/Clint Park/Brett Beavers; Producer: Johnny Park & Clint Park; Publisher: WB/Warner-Tamerlane/Sony-ATV Tree/Run the Trotline, ASCAP/BMI; Carolwood
—The production is too “busy” sounding, the vocal is mixed too low in it, and the song doesn’t kick in until they get to the chorus.

DOLLY PARTON/Everyday People
Writer: Sylvester Stewart; Producer: Mike Post; Publisher: none listed; RCA Legacy (track)
—What a gal: Her 9 to 5 musical opens on Broadway, and one week later it is nominated for four Tony Awards! The 1980 movie that inspired it also inspired a Dolly concept album called 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. That LP has now been reissued on CD with three bonus tracks including this previously unissued, sprightly rendition of the Sly and the Family Stone classic. The other two bonuses are a frothing disco remix and a karaoke track of the title tune.

TRACE ADKINS/All I Ask For Anymore
Writer: Casey Beathard/Tim James; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Sony-ATV Acuff-Rose/Warner Tamerlane/T Bird’s, BMI; Capitol Nashville (track)
—Trace with a string section? You bet. On a stately, inspirational, common-man ballad, no less. I’ve always said this guy is underrated as a vocalist, and this is one of his most expressive performances ever.

NATHAN LEE JACKSON/Small Town Rain
Writer: none listed; Producer: Jeff Glixman; Publisher: none listed; CO5/Star City (615-469-1756)
—Nicely done. The production rocks happily, and his earnest vocal is as comfy as a well-worn shoe. This kid has the goods.

JOHN ANDERSON/Cold Coffee And Hot Beer
Writer: none listed; Producer: James Stroud & John Anderson; Publisher: none listed; Country Crossing (track) (615-750-5938)
—Drawling and bluesy, this totally swings. John is eternally cool. Somebody get the name of that barrelhouse piano player.

CHARLIE ROBISON/Beautiful Day
Writer: Charlie Robison; Producer: Charlie Robison; Publisher: Bantex, BMI; Dualtone (track) (www.dualtone.com)
—The title tune to Charlie’s new CD chronicles one woe after another in sunny L.A. The track is excellent, with dynamite country-rock guitar and snazzy organ riffs. And it goes without saying that his steeped-in-Texas vocal performance is a winner. Most of the collection is self-penned, but there are also a pair of Keith Gattis tunes, a rocking number courtesy of Bobby Bare Jr. and an evocative cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Racing in the Street.”

SARAH DARLING/Jack Of Hearts
Writer: Sarah Darling/Marc Beeson/Don Pfrimmer; Producer: Jimmy Nichols; Publisher: Want a Fresh One/Sarah Darling/Crossfire 3/Wounded Sky/EGBE, ASCAP; Black River (track) (www.sarahdarling.com)
—Evidently, Sarah was featured on a 2003 E! network reality show called The Entertainers. You couldn’t prove it by me, but I know a singer when I hear one. The production is percussively perfect, and the extremely well written song has a melodic hook and/or an ear-catching line around every corner. The album is called Every Monday Morning, and I strongly urge you to give it—and this single—your full attention.

DISClaimer (5/6/09)

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robinlindawillaims-vista150Forget the forget-me-nots, it’s bluegrass that’s bloomin’ this spring.

In the coming weeks, we’re due for a bouquet of top-notch releases in this genre. Among them are Doyle Lawson (this week), Alecia Nugent (5/12), The Red Stick Ramblers (5/19), Dailey & Vincent (3/31), Bobby Osborne (3/31) and Rhonda Vincent (6/16). In the meantime, here’s a smattering of what’s already out there.

Robin & Linda Williams have been husband and wife, as well as musical partners, for more than 30 years. I find that inspiring. Even more inspiring is the on-going stevemartin-crow150warmth in their sound and quality in their songwriting. Their Buena Vista is my Disc of the Day.

It seems kinda funny to discover a 63-year-old guy with decades of stardom in TV, stage and movie work, but this is Steve Martin’s debut album. And The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo is a classy piece of business. Therefore, it earns him a DisCovery Award.

EARL SCRUGGS/Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Writer: Earl Scruggs; Producer: Gary Scruggs & Randy Scruggs; Publisher: Peer, BMI; Rounder (track)
—In general, I dislike live albums. I find the crowd noise distracting and the sound quality usually sub-par. Both of those factors are in play on the Grammy nominated CD Earl Scruggs with Family & Friends, which was recorded at a Ryman concert in 2007. Having said that, the picking on this group of 18 tunes surveying the living legend’s career is jaw dropping in quality. Many familiar standards are here—“Salty Dog Blues,” “Earl’s Breakdown,” “In the Pines,” “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere,” “Soldier’s Joy,” “You Are My Flower,” “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” etc. Start with this classic, then mix and match with anything else and be dazzled.

DONNA ULISSE/Walk This Mountain Down
Writer: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Producer: Keith Sewell; Publisher: Uncle Hadley/Pop’N Paw, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.donnaulisse.com)
—Some of you might recall Ulisse as an Atlantic Records country stylist of the 1990s. Her transition to bluegrass has been a smooth one. The title tune to her latest is a gospel-infused toe tapper featuring some cool dobro work by Rob Ickes. Also check out the tragic story song “Levi Stone.” Producer Sewell has rounded up a stellar cast here—in addition to Ickes, it includes Andy Leftwich, Scott Vestal, Curtis Wright and Claire Lynch.

DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD/Echo Mountain
Writer: Billy Smith/Mac Elliott; Producer: Ken Irwin & Steve Chandler; Publisher: Mac Elliott, BMI; Rounder (track)
—Echoes of the Mountains is the latest from this long-enduring ensemble. Founded by Ron Thomason in 1976, Dry Branch Fire Squad has retained its soulful, rustic qualities throughout its existence. The group goes for feeling rather than virtuosity, which has led some to dub it “the missing link between old-time and bluegrass music.” On this haunting track you’ll be tempted to come down on the “old time” side of the equation. But on the scampering “Grayson’s Train,” you’ll probably want to switch that opinion. Adding to the conundrum is a repertoire here that stretches from 1985’s “Seven Spanish Angels” to 1927’s “Rovin’ Gambler,” not to mention “When You See Those Flying Saucers” (The Buchanan Brothers, 1947).

ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS/Buena Vista
Writer: Robin & Linda Williams; Producer: Tim O’Brien; Publisher: Songs for Dixie, BMI; Red House (track) (www.robinandlinda.com)
—These Prairie Home Companion favorites came to Nashville’s Tim O’Brien for their latest, their first new CD in four years. The title tune is a cheatin’ drunkard’s number with terrifically lilting harmonies and a rolling groove that is positively seductive. I have always loved this couple. I swear they’ve never made a bad album in their lives. It’s not “bluegrass” in the strictest sense. It’s just gooooooood.

STEVE MARTIN/The Crow
Writer: Steve Martin; Producer: John McEuen; Publisher: none listed; 40 Productions/Amazon (track) (www.stevemartin.com)
—Yes, it’s that Steve Martin. Those who have followed his comedy career closely already know he’s a banjo player. Others might be surprised by this mostly instrumental collection. On its title tune, he proves himself to be more than adept on the five string. Vince and Dolly duet to his accompaniment on “Pretty Flowers,” Irish folk singer Mary Black makes an appearance on “Calico Train,” Tim O’Brien sings “Daddy Played the Banjo” and the star handles the vocal on the funny “Late for School.” But mainly the focus is on Martin’s ability as a picker. And on that, he gets an “A.”

DISClaimer (5/1/09)

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mlambert-flowers150Move over, boys.

Despite terrific new singles by guys like James Otto and Zona Jones, this week belongs to the fairer sex. Tanya Tucker is back with hillbilly oomph. Megan Mullins sparkles in her upbeat I’m-outta-here toe tapper. Wynonna heats up the joint with one of her most soul-drenched performances yet.

Martina McBride’s ultra powerful ballad vocal makes a great song even greater. One spin of “I Just Call You Mine” will make a believer out of you.

jesselee-girlthing150And what can I tell you about Miranda Lambert? Her recording of her own “Dead Flowers” grabbed me by the throat and held me paralyzed. What a woman. What a Disc of the Day.

Somebody at Atlantic Records has good country ears. First The Zac Brown Band, and now a pert blonde thrush named Jesse Lee. Give the little lady a DisCovery Award.

MIRANDA LAMBERT/Dead Flowers
Writer: Miranda Lambert; Producer: Frank Liddell & Mike Wrucke; Publisher: none listed, BMI; Columbia (CDX)
—Shimmering, hypnotic, profound beauty. She has never sounded better or deeper. Wake up, radio: This woman CONNECTS with us.

MEGAN MULLINS/Long Past Gone
Writer: Megan Mullins/Marla Cannon Goodman; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: Mosaic/Sony ATV/Glitterfish/Buna Boy, BMI; Stoney Creek (CDX)
—This gifted gal plays multiple instruments, and she writes ‘em and sings ‘em like a perfectly seasoned pro. This is a crunchy, kiss-off bopper with plenty of attitude and rhythm that’s well worth spinning.

TANYA TUCKER/Love’s Gonna Live Here
Writer: Alvis E. Owens; Producer: Pete Anderson; Publisher: Sony ATV Tree, BMI; Saguaro Road (CDX) (www.saguaroroad.com)
—Tanya’s revival of this 1963 Buck Owens classic is spot-on, right down to the steel guitar fills. Delightful listening.

ZONA JONES/Bluer Than Blue
Writer: Randy Goodrum; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: Let There Be Music/Springcreek, ASCAP; Rocky Comfort (www.zonajones.com)
—I have always loved this ballad, originated by Michael Johnson on the pop charts back in 1978. Zona’s immense warmth of tone and Stroud’s production bring it gently yet firmly into the country realm.

JAMES OTTO/Since You Brought It Up
Writer: James Otto/Dave Berg/Rivers Rutherford;

Producer: Paul Worley; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Eldorotto/Cal IV/Stupid Boy/Universal/Macirhyco, BMI/ASCAP; Warner Bros
—This rumbles into a steady groove from the very first notes. Soul man Otto provides the manly, sexy come-on. Somewhere, the spirit of Conway Twitty is smiling.

MARTINA McBRIDE/I Just Call You Mine
Writer: Joss Cates/Ty Lacy/Dennis Matkosky; Producer: Dann Huff & Martina McBride; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; RCA (track)
—This power ballad sports plenty of production muscle, plus a lyric of deep romantic devotion. “Everyone calls you amazing/I just call you mine” is the pay-off, but the whole chorus is fabulous, not to mention the bridge. By the time she hit the finale, I had goosebumps all over.

WYNONNA/I Hear You Knocking
Writer: Dave Bartholomew/Pearl King; Producer: Brent Maher & Don Potter; Publisher: Unart Catalog, BMI; Curb (track)
—Wy is way too young to remember the 1955 Smiley Lewis R&B original. Maybe that’s why she turns it into a fiery, soul-sister manifesto with such ease and gusto. Righteously rocking.

STEVE AZAR/Moo La Moo
Writer: Steve Azar/A.J. Masters/Jim Femino; Producer: Steve Azar & Justin Niebank; Publisher: Riverzar/Cotton City/Jim Femino/Carol Vincent/La Luna Tunes/Weebie Writin’/Nice Shot, BMI/SESAC; Ride (www.steveazaralive.com)
—This funky hand clapper has the no-money blues. You might as well bop and smile in these belt-tightening times.

LUKE BRYAN/Do I
Writer: Luke Bryan/Charles Kelley/Dave Haywood; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Publisher: Planet Peanut/Murrah Music/Bug/Warner-Tamerlane/Radiobulletspublishing/DWHaywood, BMI; Capitol Nashville
—Formerly noted as a happy pup, Luke tries on a sad, losing-love ballad. He’s not as convincing as he is on the peppy stuff, but the song is strong enough that it really doesn’t matter.

JESSE LEE/It’s a Girl Thing
Writer: Jesse Lee/Rachel Proctor/Victoria Banks; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Jesse Lee/Circle C/Full Circle, BMI/ASCAP; Atlantic
—It’s a chugging rocker with plenty of truth about the differences between the sexes. Ms. Lee sings it with sass and smarts. However, I don’t think turning the radio up and singing along to a favorite song is exclusively “a girl thing.” So there.

Swift Goes Back To High School

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Taylor Swift recently performed for the students at Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia outside of Washington, DC. The students won a contest sponsored by Swift tour sponsor Verizon Wireless, out-texting every other high school in the country to get the singer to perform at their school. Needless to say, the kids went berserk when Swift hit the stage. This video from the website of the Washington Post provides a glimpse of the power of Swift’s music and her celebrity and just how well the singer/songwriter handles all of the attention. Click below to get a taste of Taylor-mania.

DISClaimer (4/24/09)

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mandisa-freedom150The soul sisters rule in today’s Christian-music column.

The presence of legends such as The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, plus the ultra-popular Chris Tomlin, cannot dim the shining stars of Mary Mary and Music City’s own Mandisa. To the last-named we offer a Disc of the Day award.

We hope your Gospel Music Week is a dandy celebration.

MARY MARY/God In Me
Writer: Warryn Campbell/Erica Campbell/Tina Campbell; Producer: Warryn Campbell; Publisher: EMI April/Wet Ink Red/That’s Plum/It’s Tea Tyme, ASCAP; Columbia (track)
—I love this R&B duo. These ladies have been locked in the top-10 on both the CCM and Gospel charts for two months with their The Sound CD. This new single features the team being joined by hip hopper Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, who has her own solo hit, “Praise Him Now.” The beats and raps here are the equals of anything on the mainstream charts. “God in Me” is the follow up to Mary Mary’s more melodic hit “Get Up.” One clever audio devise is a deep radio voice announcing, “You’re listening to The Sound” in between the album’s tracks.

CHRIS TOMLIN/I Will Rise
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sixsteps/Sparrow/EMI CMG (track)
—Tomlin won at last night’s (4/23) Dove Awards for his contributions to Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song and Special Event Album, and his Hello Love album is selling like hotcakes. Currently No. 2 on the CCM chart, it is bound to pick up even more steam as this new, yearning ballad gets more and more spins. The sweet tenor vocal is backed by a chiming piano and billowing strings.

MANDISA/My Deliverer
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Sparrow/EMI CMG
—This Nashville resident and Fisk graduate rose to fame on
 American Idol in 2006. A year later, the Christian community threw its arms open wide for her debut album, True Beauty. Last year, she issued a sterling Christmas collection. Freedom was issued last month, and this is its jubilant, sunshiny debut single. The uptempo bopper is presently chugging its way up the charts toward the top 10, and deservedly so. She sings her face off, and the track rocks. This is the sound of stardom.

JEFF & SHERI EASTER, LEWIS FAMILY & EASTER BROTHERS/They’re Holding Up The Ladder
Writer: Russell Easter/James Easter/Edd Easter; Producer: Jeff & Sheri Easter; Publisher: EBEA, BMI; Daywind (track) (www.jeffandsherieaster.com)
—My introduction to bluegrass gospel was the wildly entertaining Lewis Family, and this song was/is my favorite of theirs. I didn’t know it was an Easter Brothers song until just now. So here’s the deal: Jeff Easter is the son of James Easter, and his wife Sheri is the daughter of Polly Lewis. We Are Family is an album that celebrates and combines the clans. I grinned from ear-to-ear at its sublimely country sound.

CHRISTY SUTHERLAND/You Can Get There from Here
Writer: Kyle Matthews/Christy Sutherland; Producer: Christy Sutherland; Publisher: Universal/Cumberland Belle/Mattmoosic/Country Drive, ASCAP/BMI; CS (track) (www.christysutherland.net)
—Christy was previously noted on Music Row as a country artist for Sony and Giant. Since her marriage to Matt Dudney, she has charted a new course. With Matt managing, she has been making inroads as a Christian artist with a 2008 Christmas project and two self-produced EPs, You Call Me Yours and You Can Get There from Here. On the title tune to the last-named, she sings soulfully of surviving adversity, picking yourself up after a fall and looking to brighter days. Considering her musical history, I have to think this is more than a little autobiographical. The piano work, guitar playing and other instrumental work here is sterling, but it’s her strong, true singing voice that commands your attention. For those of you needing a nudge, Matt is the son of Ken Dudney and Barbara Mandrell, both of whom are duly thanked in the liner notes.

DISClaimer (4/22/09)

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israelhoughton-one150It’s Gospel Music Week.

What better time to survey what’s newsy and happening in this Nashville-based genre? As you might expect, many of CCM’s hottest acts have current products in the marketplace.

You can’t escape the sheer sonic charisma of the new album by Israel Houghton. It is easily the Disc of the Day.

vota-vota150I don’t know who Vota is, but this trio captivated me with its disc debut and earned a DisCovery Award.

ISRAEL HOUGHTON/Just Wanna Say
Writer: Israel Houghton/Aaron Lindsey/Tommy Sims; Producer: Tommy Sims, Aaron Lindsey & Israel Houghton; Publisher: Integrity’s Praise/Sound of the New Breed/Warner-Tamerlane/Aaron Lindsey/Chi-Legacy, BMI/ASCAP; Integrity/Columbia (track)
—Perched at No. 1 on the Christian album chart this week is the solo debut from this lead singer of Israel & The New Breed. Titled The Power of One, it features this soulfully rocking single with an unmistakably hooky chorus and a track packed with percussion, shouted interjections, static sounds and claps. This is an ultra contemporary sound, co-produced by Nashville’s own Tommy Sims. On the album’s ballads, Israel’s soft tenor is a thing of shimmering beauty.

RONNIE MILSAP/How Great Thou Art
Writer: Stuart K. Hine; Producer: Rob Galbraith & Ronnie Milsap; Publisher: Manna, ASCAP; Star Song (track) (www.ronniemilsap.com)
—Country superstar Milsap has a new double CD called Then Sings My Soul that collects 24 gospel standards. The title is, of course, drawn from the lyrics of this chestnut. His reading of it is straightforward, with simple guitar-piano-percussion accompaniment, plus a chorale led by Bergen White. Other faves on the album include “Farther Along,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Amazing Grace,” “In the Garden,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Rock of Ages,” “Precious Memories” and “It Is No Secret,” plus the soul songs “People Get Ready” and “Stand By Me” and a reworking of the star’s hit “What a Difference You’ve Made in My Life.”

MERCYME/Only Temporary
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; INO (track)
—MercyMe is currently on the Christian charts with its long-running album All That Is Within Me. But released earlier this month is a CD/DVD titled 10 that celebrates this tuneful pop/rock band’s first decade in the business. In addition to its hits, it includes this dynamite new audio track that wooshes straight into your brain and sticks there. The band is super tight, and the melody is undeniable. The DVD disc includes live performances and concept videos of all of the group’s best songs. A great value and highly recommended.

VOTA/Hard To Believe
Writer: Bryan Olesen/Case Maranville/Scott Rutz; Producer: Nathan Dantzler; Publisher: Magnificent/Integrity Media/MyDeas/Melodoso/S Acre, ASCAP; INO (track) (www.votaband.com)
—This rock trio issued its self-titled debut disc last fall, and this propulsive, electro-magnetic track is its first single. Think British new wave or classic Wham! and you’ll have the general idea.

CODY SCHULER & PINE MOUNTAIN RAILROAD/My Eyes Shall Be On Canaan’s Land
Writer: Cody Schuler; Producer: Cody Schuler & Pine Mountain Railroad; Publisher: Pine Mountain Railroad, BMI; Rural Rhythm (track) (www.codyschuler.com)
—This bluegrass ensemble was nominated for a Dove Award in the country category. The lead-off song on its Pickin,’ Praisin’ & Singin’ CD tells you why. The fiddle and banjo scamper along, the high lead tenor voice soars and the call-and-response quartet harmonies on the choruses are absolutely inspiring.

Dierks Down Under

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dierksCapitol artist Dierks Bentley is prepping this week for his first-ever Australian tour with superstar duo Brooks & Dunn beginning May 1 in Perth and continuing on to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane through May 9. Bentley will flank both ends of his Australian tour with stops in Los Angeles to perform his current single, “Sideways,” on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on April 28 and The Bonnie Hunt Show on May 14, followed by a trip to New York for a performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

“I’ve heard that Australia has some hard-core country music fans, so I am looking forward to getting down there and playing for them,” Bentley said. “You can’t go to Australia without exploring the local culture in the pubs, so I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t equally as excited about that.”

Bentley’s second single “Sideways” is currently climbing toward the Top 10 after six weeks on the chart. The video for the track premiered last week on iTunes and went straight into heavy rotation on both CMT and GAC. To listen to “Sideways,” click here.

DISClaimer (4/17/09)

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tswift-fearlessThere are several ear-opening performances in this week’s new releases.

Hank Williams Jr. is singing his face off on a striking song about our troubled economy. The Oak Ridge Boys have left their classic sound completely behind on an almost anguished-sounding reading of The White Stripes rock song “Seven Nation Army.”

As a producer, Tony Brown has outdone himself on the terrific track of the awesome Heidi Newfield single. Joe Nichols and comeback kid Josh Logan are here to remind us of how refreshing hardcore country vocals can be.

And guess what? Taylor Swift is rocking! She also has the Disc of the Day.

CHARLIE ALLEN/Proof
Writer: Charlie Allen/Brian G. White/Steve Dean; Producer: Brian G. White & Steve Dean; Publisher: U Tell Me/Multisongs/Songs From the Whitehouse/Building Bridges/Dino’s Song Shop, no performance rights listed; River Run (track) (www.charlieallenmusic.com)
—I have made no secret of my respect for this artist. He’s proudly country, and this groove-saturated drinking song is one more feather in his cap.

HEIDI NEWFIELD/What Am I Waiting For
Writer: Heidi Newfield/Ira Dean/Keith Burns/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Gi Hit Makers/Rainy Graham/White Monkey/Morris Bedell/Banna Bear/Jeffrey Steele/BPJ, BMI; Curb
—The sparkling production, the plaintive vocal and the layered chorale in the “escape” segment of the melody are all fabulous. Delightfully ear catching in every way.

JESSICA SIMPSON/Pray Out Loud
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Columbia (ERG)
—D.O.A.

TAYLOR SWIFT/You Should Be With Me
Writer: Taylor Swift/Liz Rose; Producer: Nathan Chapman & Taylor Swift; Publisher: Sony ATV Tree/Taylor Swift/Potting Shed/Barbara Orbison/ICG, BMI/SESAC; Big Machine
—Frothy and fizzy pop-country served with sprinkles on top. Taylor’s the nerd, and her cheerleader-team-captain competition has the guy she wants. Being lovelorn has never sounded peppier, and it’s good to hear her in a dancing mode for a change.

DEREK JOSEPH/No Cool Way
Writer: Doug Erickson/Betty Miller; Producer: Randy Jack Wiggins; Publisher: Nashville Sound, BMI/ASCAP/SOCAN; Little House (www.derekjoseph.com)
—Everyone sounds like they’re trying too hard. It’s too loud. The musicians are over playing. His singing sounds forced. Relax, people, it’s just country music.

JOE NICHOLS/Believers
Writer: Ashley Gorley/Wade Kirby/Bill Luther; Producer: Brent Rowan; Publisher: Songs of Combustion/Music of Windswept/Steel Wheels/Kirbtone/Big Loud Bucks/Sony ATV/This Town, ASCAP/BMI; Universal South
—There’s something so warm and comforting about this man’s voice. Give him a song this strong, and few on Music Row can match him. When co-writer Bill Luther had out a DreamWorks single in 2001, I loved it and wrote, “Who is this guy?” With “Who You’d Be Today,” “Let’s Make Love,” “My Best Friend,” “What I Need to Do,” “How Bad Do You Want It” and now this in his resume, I’m not asking that question anymore.

DARIUS RUCKER/Alright
Writer: Darius Rucker/Frank Rogers; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: Cadaja/New Sea Gayle/EMI April, ASCAP; Capitol Nashville
—It’s one of the oldest country cliches—money can’t buy happiness, material things don’t matter and the simple life is best. But in this jaunty delivery, it sounds brand new. Bopping and winning.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS/Seven Nation Army
Writer: Jack White; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: Peppermint Stripe, BMI; Quarterback (615-300-5321)
—Actually, the words “Oak Ridge Boys” do not appear anywhere on this single. Instead, it reads, “You want familiarity? Your listeners already know this song and have shown that they love it!” As performed by The White Stripes, it was a No. 1 alternative-rock hit and a 2004 Grammy Award winner. Believe it or not, the Oaks make it work for them by singing in a wildly different style. Producer Cobb is the guy behind the Shooter Jennings sound.

JOSH LOGAN/I Am What I Am
Writer: Del Gray/Dave Gibson; Producer: Del Gray; Publisher: CDB/Volunteer Jam/Little Poncho, ASCAP/BMI; Copper Creek (track) (www.myspace.com/joshlogancountry)
—I remember this guy from his Curb Records days in the late 1980s. I liked him then because he was a stone-country stylist. It turns out that he’s still active up in Kentucky, and he’s still a stone-country stylist. Producer Del Gray rounded up some of his hot pickin’ Little Texas buddies to back Josh on his comeback CD. On its title tune, he sings, “I’m just a blue-collar singer from the bluegrass state.” More power to ya, brother.

HANK WILLIAMS JR./Red, White & Pink Slip Blues
Writer: Mark Stephen Jones/Bud Tower; Producer: Doug Johnson & Hank Williams Jr.; Publisher: Harlan Howard/Mark Stephen Jones/Frog Street, BMI/ASCAP; Curb
—A song for our times. Hank wails the bluesy lines masterfully, going from a rumbling baritone to a shouted tenor range. The mill closed down. The repo man is after his truck. They’re going to take the house away. Trust me, you’ll feel every hurtin’ moment.

DISClaimer (4/10/09)

/by
Mac McAnally

Mac McAnally

I love a good cry.

There’s something so purifying and soul-cleansing about it. And it has long been my contention that people love to weep as much as they love to laugh when consuming popular culture. Think of every sad movie you’ve ever cherished.

At any rate, Mac McAnally opened my tear ducts this week. And for that he gets a well-deserved Disc of the Day.

I’m pleased to report that Mac’s “You First” is but one of many extremely well written songs in this stack of platters. Give a listen to Fernando Ortega’s

Wyatt Easterling

Wyatt Easterling

“Honkytonk & the Altar,” Bucky Covington’s “I Want My Life Back,” Jayne Nelson’s “What it Really Is” and Carla Williams’s “Every Word You’re Thinking” for more examples of fine craftsmanship.

And most especially, listen to Wyatt Easterling’s excellent “Where the River Goes.” Give that man a DisCovery Award.

MAC McANALLY/You First
Writer: Lenny LeBlanc/Mac McAnally; Producer: none listed; Publisher: LenSongs/Wordfarmer, ASCAP; Show Dog Nashville
—I have always been a major Mac fan. This gentle meditation tugs at every heart string you have. I was blubbering openly by the time he reached the tender finale. An awesome little piece of work.

WYATT EASTERLING/Where This River Goes
Writer: Wyatt Easterling/Celeste Krenz/Rebecca Folsom/Liz Barnez; Producer: Celeste Krenz & Wyatt Easterling; Publisher: Considerable/Dakota Wind/Mudhead, ASCAP/BMI; High Horse (track( (www.highhorserecords.com)
—This is the tender title tune to singer-songwriter Easterling’s new CD. His songs are simply splendid, and he sings them with hearty, immensely appealing warmth. Imagine a country-boy Cat Stevens, and you’ll be somewhat in the ballpark. Cast members include Jessi Colter, Sonny LeMaire, Danny Parks and Paul Jefferson. Check him out, folks.

KATE & KACEY/Dreaming Love
Writer: Kacey Coppola/Kate Coppola/Danny Myrick; Producer: Jeremy Stover; Publisher: EMI Blackwood/Two Is Better Than One/Root 49/Danny Myrick, BMI; Big Machine
—Wafting, airy, wispy, youthful harmony sopranos. The tinkling acoustic guitar notes in the production are quite fetching.

WHITEACRE/Trailer Park Pulp Fiction
Writer: Michael Kosser/Kelly Garrett; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Southern Cow/Sony ATV Cross Keys/Grinnin’ Garrett, ASCAP; VFR/Lofton Creek (www.loftoncreekrecords.com)
—Hillbilly hip hop, anyone?

REBA/Strange
Writer: Wendell Mobley/Jason Sellers/Neil Thrasher; Producer: Mark Bright; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/Boatwright Baby/This Is Hit/Troy D/Sweet Summer/Crosstown Uptown/Major Bob, BMI/ASCAP; Valory/Starstruck
—The melody is a little shapeless and odd. The production is a mite “busy.” But she makes it all work in the memorable choruses.

FRANK ORTEGA/Honkytonk & The Altar
Writer: Phil O’Donnell/Kelley Lovelace/Tim Owens; Producer: Phil O’Donnell; Publisher: none listed; Villa One/Quarterback (www.frankortega.com)
—What a cool song. “Before you point that finger, don’t bother/We all fall somewhere between the honkytonk and the altar.” The production is absolutely perfect, and he sings it with immense heart. Deserving of massive spins.

TORNADO MAGNET/Austin City Lights
Writer: Bensimon; Producer: Phillip Bensimon & Mike Ashley; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Big Bender (track) (www.tornadomagnet.net)
—The lead vocalist is wobbly in the pitch department, and the band’s playing is decidedly unexceptional.
But there’s something kinda charming and homemade about it.

BUCKY COVINGTON/I Want My Life Back
Writer: Frank Myers/Anthony Smith; Producer: Mark A. Miller & Dale Oliver; Publisher: Sixteen Stars/Frank Myers/HoriPro/Grand & Gee, BMI/ASCAP; Lyric Street
—I’ve always liked the husky/raspy quality in his voice. This well-crafted cautionary tale suits him just fine, despite the fact that the bridge is way in the upper reaches of his range.

JAYNE NELSON/What It Really Is
Writer: Michael Higgins; Producer: Mark Oliverius; Publisher: Handhewn, ASCAP; Funky Gorilla (www.jaynenelson.com)
—Another fine story song. She sounds more “country” in her alto register in the verses. Her soprano in the choruses is more Broadway than Lower Broadway. But the whole thing remains a heartening listening experience. Her first name is pronounced Jay-nee, by the way. It says so on the back of the record.

CARLA WILLIAMS/Every Word You’re Thinking
Writer: Steve Dorff/Milton L. Brown; Producer: Steve Dorff & Milton L. Brown; Publisher: Dorffmeister/Bama Boy, BMI; Lofton Creek (www.carlawilliamsmusic.com)
—Her throaty delivery handles this sophisticated melody with aplomb. The piano and synth accompaniment is fairly pop, but the vocal keeps it down to earth.