Let’s get the necessary stuff over with first.
The only clear choice for Disc of the Day is Lee Ann Womack and her great performance of “Solitary Thinkin.’”
The clear choice, at least to me, for a DisCovery Award is Mammouth Jack, whoever that is.
But the real news of the week is being made by another style in Music City. This
Mammouth Jack
bis your last weekend to catch the musical Jersey Boys at TPAC. Its songs are by Nashville resident Bob Gaudio. The cast actually sings them better than The 4 Seasons did.
It takes awhile in the first act to get to stardom. But when you first hear those magical harmonies blast out on “Sherry,” it’s like an explosion detonates. From there on it’s one breathtaking tune after another—“Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Big Man in Town,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Rag Doll,” “Who Loves You” and the rest.
The book has sex, the Mob, an overdose, gambling addiction, heartache and triumph. This show is a blast, people. GO!
DUE WEST/I Get That All The Time
Writer: Matt Lopez/Jason Deere/John Bettis; Producer: Jason Deere; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Big Bad Deere/Big Loud Bucks/FSMGI/Randi Jae/State One Music America/EMI April/Wyatt and Conway, BMI/IMRO/ASCAP; Bigger Than Me/9 North (CDX) (www.duewest.com)
—In this nicely produced power ballad, the protagonist turns down offers of drugs and sex because he gets his highs from his loving wife and kids. Awwwwww.
BRAD PAISLEY/Then
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—Very sweet. Brad is softly reminiscing about the love of his life. The shadowing harmonies and keening steel in the choruses are particularly pretty. So is his wordless falsetto sighing in the finale.
GRANDSTAFF/The Statler Brothers Song
Writer: Will Reid/Langdon Reid; Producer: Brian David Willis, Doug Grau & Grandstaff; Publisher: Virginia Grandstaff/Wilson Fairchild, ASCAP/BMI; Yell (CDX) (615-385-1601)
—It even has the boom-chicka production of those old Statler records. “Shirley Jean Burrell,” “Elizabeth,” “Atlanta Blue,” “Bed of Roses,” “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You,” “Carry Me Back,” “Susan When She Tried” and “Flowers on the Wall” are all name-checked. The harmonies are exactly right. All in all, very clever and listenable. Grandstaff is comprised of Statler sons, by the way.
MARK WILLS/Entertaining Angels
Writer: Willie Mack/Keith Brown/Steve Mandile; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Scott and Soda/Winning Circle/Clashing Plaids/Major Bob/Frequency/Toreador Tunes/Big 13, ASCAP/SESAC; Tenacity (CDX) (615-255-8649)
—Ordinary people in a bar can offer amazing grace. Their stories can really make you take a hard look at your own life. That’s the message here, and it’s a good one.
THE TIME JUMPERS/All Of Me
Writer: Gerald Marks/Seymour B. Simons; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Gerald Marks/Marking Music, ASCAP; Crosswind (CDX) (www.thetimejumpers.com)
—With the divine Dawn Sears singing lead, this Grammy-nominated country swing band makes this golden oldie twirl and spin. A simply delightful listening experience. “All of Me” has been on the charts by Louis Armstrong (1932), Paul Whiteman (1932), Ben Selvin (1932), Count Basie (1943), Frank Sinatra (1948), Johnnie Ray (1952) and Willie Nelson (1978). But it has seldom been swung as well as this.
KIM McLEAN/Ain’t No Glory
Writer: Kim McLean/Kevin Fisher; Producer: Walt Aldridge; Publisher: Sony ATV Cross Keys/Sons of Extreme and Cedar Sides, ASCAP; Hippie Chick (CDX) (615-400-5140)
—The track has snap, crackle and pop which makes for a nice contrast with her languid vocal phrasing.
LEE ANN WOMACK/Solitary Thinkin’
Writer: Waylon Payne; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; MCA Nashville (track)
—Lee Ann’s Call Me Crazy CD is a masterpiece. Its second single is a spare, bluesy little thing with stinging guitar and organ lines. Her reading of the lyric is beautifully conversational and deeply intimate.
LUKE BENWARD/Let Your Love Out
Writer: Aaron Benward/Joy Williams/Shaun Shankel; Producer: Shaun Shankel & Aaron Benward; Publisher: Maineville/Spudnut/Shankel/WB, ASCAP; Shine (track) (www.lukebenward.com)
—This isn’t a country record. It’s synthy teen pop recorded in Music City by this 13-year-old heartthrob. Luke stars on the Disney Channel’s time-machine Minutemen show and has been featured in such films as Because of Winn Dixie and How to Eat Fried Worms. His fans don’t know that he sings, yet. But he’s the son of Aaron Benward of Blue County and the grandson of Jeoffrey Benward, who is a CCM star, so he comes by that talent genetically. The chattering beats, electro effects and bouncy, upbeat feeling of this are all very winning. Sunny and irresistible.
JIM ROONEY & ROONEY’S IRREGULARS/No Expectations
Writer: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publisher: ABKCO, BMI; JRP (track)
—When Allen Reynolds announced he was closing Jack’s Tracks, Irishman Jim Rooney knew just what was called for, a wake. Pat Alger, Shawn Camp, Jellyroll Johnson, Pat McLaughlin, Sam Bush, Nanci Griffith, Tim O’Brien and Jack Clement all gathered to make music in the legendary studio one last time. On the resulting Farewell to the Tracks CD, Allen’s “Wrong Road Again,” “We Must Believe in Magic,” “Dreaming My Dreams” and “Ready for the Times to Get Better” are dutifully covered by the rootsy, jolly acoustic band, as are such faves as “Busted,” “Ramblin’ Man” and “Goin’ Gone.” The set closes with a rousing, uptempo version of this Stones standard with everybody involved getting a turn at the mic. It’s kind of a private thing, but find a copy if you can. I understand that Garth Brooks has since bought and is refurbishing the studio.
MAMMOUTH JACK/Who Wouldn’t Love A Girl Like That
Writer: Bryan Simpson/Kris Bergsness/Matt Rossi; Producer: Bobby Terry; Publisher: Encore Ent./Song Garden/Bed Roll/Diamond Eye, ASCAP/BMI; 1820 (CDX) (615-260-7630)
—His accent is pure country. The song is a gem. The production is terrific. What’s not to love?
DISClaimer (4/17/09)
/by Robert K OermannHank 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 Robert K OermannMac 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
“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.
DISClaimer (4/3/09)
/by Robert K OermannThe only clear choice for Disc of the Day is Lee Ann Womack and her great performance of “Solitary Thinkin.’”
The clear choice, at least to me, for a DisCovery Award is Mammouth Jack, whoever that is.
But the real news of the week is being made by another style in Music City. This
Mammouth Jack
bis your last weekend to catch the musical Jersey Boys at TPAC. Its songs are by Nashville resident Bob Gaudio. The cast actually sings them better than The 4 Seasons did.
It takes awhile in the first act to get to stardom. But when you first hear those magical harmonies blast out on “Sherry,” it’s like an explosion detonates. From there on it’s one breathtaking tune after another—“Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Dawn,” “Big Man in Town,” “Let’s Hang On,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Rag Doll,” “Who Loves You” and the rest.
The book has sex, the Mob, an overdose, gambling addiction, heartache and triumph. This show is a blast, people. GO!
DUE WEST/I Get That All The Time
Writer: Matt Lopez/Jason Deere/John Bettis; Producer: Jason Deere; Publisher: Songwriters of Platinum Pen/Big Bad Deere/Big Loud Bucks/FSMGI/Randi Jae/State One Music America/EMI April/Wyatt and Conway, BMI/IMRO/ASCAP; Bigger Than Me/9 North (CDX) (www.duewest.com)
—In this nicely produced power ballad, the protagonist turns down offers of drugs and sex because he gets his highs from his loving wife and kids. Awwwwww.
BRAD PAISLEY/Then
Writer: Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Frank Rogers; Publisher: none listed, ASCAP; Arista (CDX)
—Very sweet. Brad is softly reminiscing about the love of his life. The shadowing harmonies and keening steel in the choruses are particularly pretty. So is his wordless falsetto sighing in the finale.
GRANDSTAFF/The Statler Brothers Song
Writer: Will Reid/Langdon Reid; Producer: Brian David Willis, Doug Grau & Grandstaff; Publisher: Virginia Grandstaff/Wilson Fairchild, ASCAP/BMI; Yell (CDX) (615-385-1601)
—It even has the boom-chicka production of those old Statler records. “Shirley Jean Burrell,” “Elizabeth,” “Atlanta Blue,” “Bed of Roses,” “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You,” “Carry Me Back,” “Susan When She Tried” and “Flowers on the Wall” are all name-checked. The harmonies are exactly right. All in all, very clever and listenable. Grandstaff is comprised of Statler sons, by the way.
MARK WILLS/Entertaining Angels
Writer: Willie Mack/Keith Brown/Steve Mandile; Producer: Brett James; Publisher: Scott and Soda/Winning Circle/Clashing Plaids/Major Bob/Frequency/Toreador Tunes/Big 13, ASCAP/SESAC; Tenacity (CDX) (615-255-8649)
—Ordinary people in a bar can offer amazing grace. Their stories can really make you take a hard look at your own life. That’s the message here, and it’s a good one.
THE TIME JUMPERS/All Of Me
Writer: Gerald Marks/Seymour B. Simons; Producer: Terry Choate; Publisher: Gerald Marks/Marking Music, ASCAP; Crosswind (CDX) (www.thetimejumpers.com)
—With the divine Dawn Sears singing lead, this Grammy-nominated country swing band makes this golden oldie twirl and spin. A simply delightful listening experience. “All of Me” has been on the charts by Louis Armstrong (1932), Paul Whiteman (1932), Ben Selvin (1932), Count Basie (1943), Frank Sinatra (1948), Johnnie Ray (1952) and Willie Nelson (1978). But it has seldom been swung as well as this.
KIM McLEAN/Ain’t No Glory
Writer: Kim McLean/Kevin Fisher; Producer: Walt Aldridge; Publisher: Sony ATV Cross Keys/Sons of Extreme and Cedar Sides, ASCAP; Hippie Chick (CDX) (615-400-5140)
—The track has snap, crackle and pop which makes for a nice contrast with her languid vocal phrasing.
LEE ANN WOMACK/Solitary Thinkin’
Writer: Waylon Payne; Producer: Tony Brown; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Carnival, BMI; MCA Nashville (track)
—Lee Ann’s Call Me Crazy CD is a masterpiece. Its second single is a spare, bluesy little thing with stinging guitar and organ lines. Her reading of the lyric is beautifully conversational and deeply intimate.
LUKE BENWARD/Let Your Love Out
Writer: Aaron Benward/Joy Williams/Shaun Shankel; Producer: Shaun Shankel & Aaron Benward; Publisher: Maineville/Spudnut/Shankel/WB, ASCAP; Shine (track) (www.lukebenward.com)
—This isn’t a country record. It’s synthy teen pop recorded in Music City by this 13-year-old heartthrob. Luke stars on the Disney Channel’s time-machine Minutemen show and has been featured in such films as Because of Winn Dixie and How to Eat Fried Worms. His fans don’t know that he sings, yet. But he’s the son of Aaron Benward of Blue County and the grandson of Jeoffrey Benward, who is a CCM star, so he comes by that talent genetically. The chattering beats, electro effects and bouncy, upbeat feeling of this are all very winning. Sunny and irresistible.
JIM ROONEY & ROONEY’S IRREGULARS/No Expectations
Writer: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publisher: ABKCO, BMI; JRP (track)
—When Allen Reynolds announced he was closing Jack’s Tracks, Irishman Jim Rooney knew just what was called for, a wake. Pat Alger, Shawn Camp, Jellyroll Johnson, Pat McLaughlin, Sam Bush, Nanci Griffith, Tim O’Brien and Jack Clement all gathered to make music in the legendary studio one last time. On the resulting Farewell to the Tracks CD, Allen’s “Wrong Road Again,” “We Must Believe in Magic,” “Dreaming My Dreams” and “Ready for the Times to Get Better” are dutifully covered by the rootsy, jolly acoustic band, as are such faves as “Busted,” “Ramblin’ Man” and “Goin’ Gone.” The set closes with a rousing, uptempo version of this Stones standard with everybody involved getting a turn at the mic. It’s kind of a private thing, but find a copy if you can. I understand that Garth Brooks has since bought and is refurbishing the studio.
MAMMOUTH JACK/Who Wouldn’t Love A Girl Like That
Writer: Bryan Simpson/Kris Bergsness/Matt Rossi; Producer: Bobby Terry; Publisher: Encore Ent./Song Garden/Bed Roll/Diamond Eye, ASCAP/BMI; 1820 (CDX) (615-260-7630)
—His accent is pure country. The song is a gem. The production is terrific. What’s not to love?
Review: Aldean Anchors Adventurous Collection
/by bossrossAldean’s new set is loaded with smart lyrics swimming in a sea of rocking, rhythmic articulations. Title track “Wide Open” sets the stage with crunchy guitars, cutting like a special forces team equipped with platinum-tipped jack hammers breaking into a granite encased vault full of gold. The story follows a young waitress—slinging eggs and bacon with a college education—who chooses to believe in herself, and drive full bore into a world she barely understands. It’s a one act opera of hope from writers Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley and Jim Collins.
Thankfully Aldean’s stretchy baritone anchors and welds the “country” into this adventurous collection. His roots-based delivery remains centered whether singing about a man’s shortcoming, farm life, an ode to Nashville, a woman’s needs or life issues we all face. The fiddle walks around the tracks with heightened sensibilities (uncredited) and listeners will enjoy well placed keyboard, pedal steel and banjo cameos. But make no mistake, this stew is a six-string tour de force. Unlike some of today’s artists, carefully controlling their sound, playing by the rules—Aldean eschews safe to deliver a sonic sandwich that doesn’t disappoint. Producer Michael Knox has ripped it up on this third-times-a-charm outing, boldly presenting a more mature artist. Aldean’s ongoing challenge, which he has yet to master, will be to translate his evolving artistry to live performances as he endeavors to move his career from opening act to headliner status.
This life’s full of choices… says the singer on “Keep The Girl” as the listener jumps inside the mind of a lovelorn man who knows that, like a sword with a double edged blade whatever he chooses will cut either way (Aldean, Thrasher, Mobley).
Luckily, the decision for fans (Aldean’s Army) is way easy—get this disc and crank the volume Wide Open.
Mrs. Paisley Had a Baby!
/by LB CantrellACM Ratings Jump 21 Percent
/by LB CantrellIndustry averages have shown sales increases of more than 20% during the week that precedes the Easter holiday, but the ACM Awards had an even greater impact on record sales for artists who performed at the event. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Lee Ann Womack’s sales increased 117%, Sugarland’s sales increased 112%, Carrie Underwood’s sales increased 99%. Taylor Swift’s sales increased 98% and George Strait’s sales increased 94%. Julianne Hough saw sales increase 110% and Kellie Pickler showed an increase in sales of 174%. Trace Adkins’ sales increased 98% for American Man: Greatest Hits Vol. I & II and a whopping 110% for X, featuring “Til The Last Shot’s Fired,” which he performed on the Awards with the West Point Glee Club. Additionally, Wounded Warrior Project has received almost $50,000 in direct contributions through its dedicated ACM Lifting Lives donation page and from live audience viewers who made donations on-site following the Awards.
“We’ve virtually doubled our audience, reaching 47% more viewers in 2008 and 2009 combined,” said Bob Romeo, Executive Director of the Academy of Country Music. “And I believe we still have room to grow. We are already planning next year’s show and considering how to elevate viewership.”
Martina’s Wine, B&D’s M&Ms, Bluebird Gets “Amplified” and More
/by LB CantrellAlready famous as country music’s biggest-ever duo, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have now become “Shell-ebrities.” The pair have been
turned into green and blue M&Ms for a new ad campaign. You can see Brooks & Dunn’s candy-coated likenesses and turn yourself into an M&M by clicking here.
To celebrate the release of AMPLIFIED!, a book of 16 short stories by contemporary singer/songwriters, The Bluebird Cafe will present a special AMPLIFIED! Book Release Show featuring contributors Robbie Fulks, Mary Gauthier, Jon Langford and David Olney on May 14 at 9:00 PM. Reservations will be available at 8:00 PM/CT on April 28. www.bluebirdcafe.com.
Country icon Ray Price will be a guest of Mike Huckabee’s on the Fox Network’s Huckabee show, this Saturday evening (4/18), at 7:00 PM/CT. The show airs twice on Sunday as well. Price is currently on tour with his best friend Willie Nelson.
Big Machine duo Kate & Kacey will appear on the Fox network, performing the national anthem tomorrow (4/18), at the Subway Fresh Fit 500 Sprint Cup Series Race at the Phoenix International Speedway. Live race coverage will kick off (with the national anthem) at 6:45 PM/CT.
Marco Club Connection is offering three high-energy remixes of Emblem artist Gloriana’s debut single “Wild At Heart” to dance clubs across the country. Grammy Award-winner and Emblem label head Matt Serletic produced the “Stomp Your Boots” and “Bottle Rocket” remixes, while veteran Australian producer Mark Moffatt remixed the “Porch Party” version of the hit single from the fast-rising quartet.
MCN Presents Concert Series & Sweepstakes
/by LB CantrellThrough a special sweepstakes, MCN is also offering a chance for an all-access trip to Nashville. One winner and their guest will get to experience Nashville V.I.P. style during CMA Festival week, including all seven MCN events plus the Country Weekly Fashion Show. Sponsored by MCN, YallWire and Country Weekly, the sweepstakes ends May 1. The winner and a guest will receive round-trip airfare to Nashville, accommodations for five nights, two tickets to all seven concerts in the MCN Fan Club Concert Series, a meet-and-greet with every Fan Club Concert Series artist and two tickets to the Country Weekly Fashion Show. To enter, click here.
CMA To Unveil Research
/by LB Cantrell“Giving our members the tools necessary to analyze the enormous amount of data we collected and make it applicable to their day-to-day operation is the logical next step,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese. “From booking agents to artist managers to record labels, there is something for everyone who relies on the country music consumer in this study.”
Seats to the free Town Hall meeting are limited and are available to CMA individual and organizational members only. Attendees may also bring a limited number of guests to the event based on the level of their CMA membership. CMA members who would like to attend must register online, and they can do so here.
Songwriter Paul Williams Elected ASCAP President
/by LB Cantrell“It’s a great honor and privilege to be elected President and Chairman of the Board of ASCAP,” Williams said. “On behalf of my fellow Board members, I would like to thank Marilyn for her extraordinarily productive work and the dedication she has shown over the last fifteen years.”