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.
Rucker and Friends Play For St. Judes
/by contributorRucker is a loyal St. Jude supporter who has visited patients at the hospital and performed at multiple events in support of the hospital’s lifesaving mission. After touring the facility in 2009, the singer vowed to create a personalized event that would raise money and awareness for St. Jude.
“The friends joining me for this benefit concert all share the same dream I do for a cancer free world, but until that can happen, we need to raise awareness and funds for this incredible organization,” says Rucker. “It’s going to be a great night of music and stories.”
All proceeds from ticket sales will help St. Jude continue its mission of finding cures and saving children fighting deadly diseases.
For additional information, visit www.dariusrucker.com.
2010 CMA Music Fest Merch Now Available
/by contributor“Our fans are loyal, passionate ambassadors for the Festival and the artists,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “Sporting a CMA-signature T-shirt or hat during the event identifies them as a fan and connects them with thousands of other like-minded attendees from every state and around the globe.”
The merchandise line features 14 products and is designed and produced by Music City Merchandise, CMA’s merchandise partner for CMA Music Festival since 1993.
As previously announced, all net proceeds from CMA Music Festival will benefit charity with half the proceeds continuing to support music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools and the other half being donated to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund to aid flood victims.
“Whether you live in Nashville, or are visiting for the first time, wearing a CMA Music Festival T-shirt is a great way to display your support for this community,” Moore said.
Toby Keith Readies Golf Classic
/by contributorAdditionally, outlaw country artist David Allan Coe and metal/pop band Rock Sugar will perform. An updated roster of auction items includes dinner for 20 with Keith, four tickets to a Chicago Bears/Minnesota Vikings games with meet-and-greets with Adrian Peterson and Tommie Harris, a seven-day SeaDream Yacht vacation, a day on the set of Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with Guy Fieri and a two-day, three-night New Mexico hunting trip package.
Also up for auction will be memorabilia from Miley Cyrus, Brett Favre, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, Michael Phelps, Kerry Collins, Steve Young, Derek Jeter, Tom Clancy, Emmitt Smith, Greg Maddux, Maroon 5 and many more.
Proceeds from the event and auction will assist severely ill children and their families through the Toby Keith Foundation, which is funding the OK Kids Korral 16-room guest lodge housing pediatric cancer patients and their families on the grounds of Oklahoma University Medical Center. With completion expected in 2012, the 30,000 sq. ft. facility will be a haven of respite for families of young children struggling through cancer treatments.
Keith is currently on his eighth USO Tour visiting four countries over 14 days and performing 13 shows for troops in Korea, Germany and forward operating bases in the Persian Gulf region.
Edge Records and Lofton Creek Combine Efforts
/by contributorEdge Records artist Kelly Parkes has signed a promotion agreement with Lofton Creek Records for a full secondary promotion campaign to MusicRow and New Music Weekly stations on her debut single, “Nothin’ Good Ever Happens After Midnight.” Lofton Creek Records will be responsible for promoting the song to country radio on a national basis.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Kelly Parkes with the MusicRow and New Music Weekly panel,” says Lofton Creek Records President, Mike Borchetta. “This will give her the jump start to what we at Lofton Creek feel will be the start of a very successful career.
GM and National Promotions manager, Mark Maynard said of the project, “Kelly Parkes is a song’s best friend, she knows how to pick the right ones that suit her voice and style, then puts her own special touch on them.”
The Pennsylvania-born Parkes moved to Nashville in 2008, began networking in the industry and worked the mandatory “day job” at night. Two years later, her determination and sacrifice paid off.
“In today’s world of American Idol and overnight stars, little girls grow up thinking that all you have to do is sing and you’ll be noticed, Parkes says. “Not true. To establish a career, it takes a lot of work, and the work continues.”
“Nothin’ Good Ever Happens After Midnight “will be made available to radio on the June 7, CDX # 501.
(l-r): Lofton Creek's Mark Maynard, Martha Borchetta and Mike Borchetta; Springbarrel's Carol Perdew; and project producer, Kim Copeland. Parkes is seated in front.
NMPA Honors Sen. Lamar Alexander
/by contributor“As a Senator representing a state that’s home to both the country music and the blues capitals of the world, Senator Alexander is particularly attuned to the value of music as a cultural and economic force in America,” said NMPA President and CEO David Israelite. “The songwriter and music publisher community is honored to recognize his distinguished leadership and friendship throughout his lawmaking career with the 2010 President’s Award.”
“Music has been a great source of joy in my life since my mother took me to my first piano lesson as a child,” Alexander said. “I am grateful and honored to receive this award from an organization that also celebrates the important role music plays in people’s lives.”
While Alexander’s home state is closely associated with the country and blues genres, his personal experience also extends to the classical – he is a trained pianist who, while governor, traveled the state performing with symphonies and community orchestras. More recently, he performed during the Memphis in May concert series in 2008 and at the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 2009, as well as at a Grand Ole Opry concert in Nashville this month when the history music venue was flooded and moved to another location after a series of devastating storms hit the area. Alexander is co-chair of the Senate Songwriters Caucus. In 2005 he sponsored legislation – now law – that provided capital gains tax incentives for songwriters.
The President’s Award is announced each year in conjunction with the NMPA’s annual gathering of songwriters and music publishers in New York City.
The NMPA established the President’s Award in 2005 to recognize an individual who has been a leader on issues of importance to music publishers and songwriters, and who works diligently to strengthen intellectual property protection. The award will be presented in Washington, DC, later this month.
Court Rules Against Peer-To-Peer Site LimeWire
/by contributorOn Tuesday (5/11), U.S. District Judge Kimba Wood granted summary judgment in favor of the RIAA’s claims that Lime Group, parent of LimeWire software maker Lime Wire, and founder Mark Gorton committed copyright infringement, engaged in unfair competition, and induced copyright infringement.
The court decision could represent the biggest threat to online file sharing in years. According to a survey by the NPD Group, Limewire users account for 58 percent of the people who said they downloaded music from a peer-to-peer service last year. In the last week alone, the software was downloaded nearly 340,000 times.
The next step by the RIAA is to get a preliminary injunction and force Lime Wire to cease LimeWire’s file-sharing functionality.
The RIAA has said it is entitled to the maximum statutory damages, which is likely in the millions.
Kellie Pickler’s Summer Plans
/by contributorAmong the songs listeners will hear are her own “Best Days of Your Life,” Brad Paisley’s “Water”; “American Honey” from Lady Antebellum; “Til Summer Comes Around” by Keith Urban and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.”
Programmers interested in the special should contact Westwood One (212-641-2012) or sue_falco@westwoodone.com. America’s Opry Weekend presents country music’s most popular songs including performances from the Opry stage plus top artist interviews, news from Nashville, and more each week. The show, which launched in May 2003, is serviced by Westwood One and heard on the American Forces Radio Network.
In other Pickler news, GAC will air the world premiere of the video for the singer’s new single, “Makin’ Me Fall In Love Again.” Great American Country (GAC) will air the world premiere of “Makin’ Me Fall in Love Again,” on Top 20 Country Countdown this Friday, May 14 at 7:00 PM CT. The single is from her self-titled sophomore LP. Shot in Los Angeles, Pickler once again teamed with award-winning director Roman White for the clip that illustrates the singer’s support of the USO. Passionate about the organization that supports men and women in the military, Pickler has done three USO tours with plans for a fourth in the works.
“Thanks to her amazing fans, Kellie’s spent more than 30 weeks on our Top 20 chart,” said GAC SVP of Programming, Sarah Trahern. “It’s fitting that we offer her fans their very first peek at her next hit video.”
Pickler will also perform on Sunday’s Music City Keep on Playin’ – A Benefit for Flood Relief live concert and telethon event at the Ryman Auditorium, airing live on GAC at 7:00 PM CT.
Gibson Guitar’s Flood Relief
/by contributorGibson Guitar and its philanthropic division, the Gibson Foundation, have announced a series of programs to help aid the victims of the recent Nashville floods. The Gibson Foundation, which is based in Nashville, will spearhead an initiative with landmark venues and businesses throughout the city including the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitor’s Center, Gibson Café, and Diana’s Sweet Shoppe to place Gibson Guitar banks created from actual Gibson guitar cases for visiting patrons to make a donation. The guitar case banks will be placed in area establishments in Nashville through June 18, when the initiative will culminate in a final push to raise funds through a sponsored event titled Night Out for Nashville – An Evening for Music City Flood Relief. Participating Clubs and venues around the city will host simultaneous music events with all donations made to the guitar case banks going directly to the Gibson Foundation Flood Relief Programs. The Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau is supporting the effort and will be helping to spread the word on where donations are being accepted, along with having a guitar case bank set up at their downtown Visitor Center. 100% of all proceeds will benefit the flood victims in Nashville and surrounding affected areas.
Austin, TX, sister city and home of Gibson Guitar Austin, has also pledged its support with special events being planned with a host of celebrity musicians. Gibson Guitar case banks will be set up in area establishments throughout Austin during the popular Memorial Day weekend, again with 100% of the donations collected going for flood relief. For many years Austin and Nashville have competed for the title of “world’s greatest music city.” But now, the two cities have come together in an effort to spearhead events across their markets in an effort to garner proceeds to support the flood relief programs initiated by the Gibson Foundation. Landmark venues across Austin, including Antone’s Home of the Blues in downtown Austin and Maggie Mae’s on 6th Street, are participating. At select locations, each donation of $20 or more will automatically enter the patron into a sweepstakes to win an exclusive Gibson or Epiphone guitar. The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau has volunteered to help spread the word through social media and several local marketing company resources.
Gibson Foundation has also launched a series of Public Service Announcements by such popular Gibson and Epiphone artists such as Slash, Zakk Wylde, Peter Frampton, Luke Bryan, Keb Mo, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Corey Taylor, JT Hodges, Honor Society, Rev Theory, Gloriana, Paulie Z, Billy Morrison, Ray Benson, Austin City Limits’ Terry Lickona, Jonathan Singleton and others. All PSAs have been donated by the artist. Gibson Foundation will also place the series in a viral campaign via YouTube in an effort to bring attention to the current need for donations for Flood Relief. The Jonas Brothers, a signature Gibson band known for their sold-out tours and No. 1 hits, have also been tweeting and asking their Twitter followers to support Gibson Foundation’s request for donations.
Click here for more information on the Gibson Foundation’s flood relief efforts.
Americana Assn. Names Nominees
/by contributorLongstanding Americana supporters Emmylou Harris and Todd Snider read the list of award candidates to a crowd of industry executives, artists and tastemakers. Dave Rawlings received four nominations, Texas songwriters Ray Wylie Hubbard and Ryan Bingham received three and Patty Griffin, The Avett Brothers and Hayes Carll garnered two nominations.
Selected by members of the Americana Music Association, the 2010 nominees reflect the genre’s affection for innovative and inspiring artistry. The nominees’ eligibility is based on work released between May 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010.
(l to r): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Will Kimbrough, AMA Executive Director Jed Hilley, Todd Snider, Emmylou Harris and the Carolina Chocolate Drops (with baby!). Photo: Drew Maynard
The 2010 Americana Music Association Honors and Awards nominees are:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
The List, by Rosanne Cash
A Friend of a Friend, by Dave Rawlings Machine
Downtown Church, by Patty Griffin
A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment (Hint: There is no c), by Ray Wylie Hubbard
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ryan Bingham
Patty Griffin
Levon Helm
Steve Earle
Ray Wylie Hubbard
DUO GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Avett Brothers
Carolina Chocolate Drops
Band of Heathens
Dave Rawlings Machine
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Dave Rawlings
Will Kimbrough
Sam Bush
NEW & EMERGING ARTIST
Sarah Jarosz
Ryan Bingham
Hayes Carll
Corb Lund
Joe Pug
SONG OF THE YEAR
“The Weary Kind”
Written by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett-performed by Ryan Bingham
“Drunken Poets Dream”
Written by Hayes Carll and Ray Wylie Hubbard performed by Ray Wylie Hubbard
“Ruby”
Written by Dave Rawlings and Gillian Welch-performed by Dave Rawlings Machine
“I and Love and You”
Written and performed The Avett Brothers
The winners will be announced September 9 at the Ryman Auditorium during the 9th Annual Americana Music Association’s Honors and Awards Show. Hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featuring a band led by Buddy Miller, the Honors & Awards ceremony will also recognize Lifetime Achievements and bestow awards in Performance, Songwriting and Instrumentalist and other important categories. Additional honorees and performers will be announced in the coming months.
“Very quietly, Americana has become the fastest rising music community today,” said AMA executive director Jed Hilly. “The nominees represent the elite of the elite, and we could not be more proud to work with and for such provocative creators.”
Slated for Wednesday, September 8 through Saturday, September 11, the 11th Annual Americana Festival and Conference will offer daily seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel. The event brings more than 100 stacked musical showcases to key venues throughout Nashville. Approximately 1,000 industry professionals attended the 2009 conference and more than 12,000 fans experienced the Festival’s musical events.
DISClaimer (reviews) 5/12/10
/by Robert K OermannThere 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.