Hot enough for you?
The country stars are fully in tune with summertime this week.
Efforts by Dan + Shay, Hardy, Mickey Guyton & Kane Brown, Lionel Cartwright, Uncle Kracker and Travis Denning sound custom made for warm weather.
The most summer-sounding of all is Chris Young, who wins the Disc of the Day award.
Newcomers? We’ve got ‘em, with Christian Parker, Whitney Miller and our DISCovery Award winner Cassandra Davis all lending their voices to the vacation season.
O.N.E. THE DUO / “Superpower”
Writers: Shane Stevens/Nash Overstreet; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
– Being a woman is a superpower sez the mother-daughter duo. It’s a charming single, but it would sound a lot more “country” if it had some actual musical instruments in the production instead of just electronic loops.
HARDY / “Truck Bed”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells/Hardy/Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock
– She’s kicked him out, so now he wakes up “on the wrong side of the truck bed” in the front yard. Now he has to go to work with a hangover. Instruments twang merrily, the gang sings along and a goofball vibe reigns supreme.
CAYLEE HAMMACK / “That Dog”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Jake Mitchell/Aaron Raitiere; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The fiery redhead is totally over him, but she misses the dog. Sassy and spirited.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jesse Frasure/Josh Thompson/David Bowie; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Chris DeStafano; Label: RCA
– The melody quotes “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, but this uptempo romp is country all the way. It’s a joyous celebration of old trucks, small towns, radio tunes and necking in the parking lot. Roll down the windows and crank it up on a carefree weekend.
CASSANDRA LEWIS / “Too Much”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Elektra/Low Country Sounds
– My ears perked right up. This Portland, Oregan singer-songwriter will kick off her new album with this soul ballad. It’s a stately heartbreak outing with a spare arrangement that frames an extraordinary vibrato-vocal performance. She aims for the stratosphere and then soars above it. A remarkable, singular talent.
DAN + SHAY / “Save Me the Trouble”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jordan Minton; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, so this power ballad throws down a warning. As we have come to expect, the singing here is simply excellent. The layered harmonies and understated production both work splendidly. Hit bound.
WHITNEY MILLER / “Nobody”
Writers: Hailey Nicole Verhaalen/Kelly Anne Seidel/Makena Hartlin; Producer: none listed; Label: Whitney Miller Music
– Smoldering and sensuous. She’s in a fever dream that he’s being unfaithful, so electric guitars echo and swirl around her steamy, smoky vocal. Miller is a former Miss United States (2012) who is also a mixed martial arts fighter and kickboxing commentator. Her singing is a tough as she is.
MICKEY GUYTON & KANE BROWN / “Nothing Compares to You”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Bebe Rexha/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– They sound pretty good together, his plaintive, roughshod delivery contrasting nicely with her sunny, scintillating soprano. The slow-burn, bluesy tune gives Mickey, in particular, plenty of room to vamp and improvise. Smooth listening.
BRANDON DAVIS / “Still Gonna Be”
Writers: Brandon Davis/Daniel Agee/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog Music
– He sings with passion, but the song isn’t worth the effort.
UNCLE KRACKER / “Reason to Drink”
Writers: Matthew Shafer/Blair Daly/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Label: UK
– A summertime party song. You’ll feel like you’re heard it before.
TRAVIS DENNING / “Things I’m Going Through”
Writers: Matt Mulhare/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He’s so relatable. He delivers this heartbroken meditation in a conversational, everyman voice that worms its way right into ya. The little details in the lyric are really cool. I remain a big fan.
LIONEL CARTWRIGHT / “Sleepwalking”
Writer: Lionel Cartwright; Producer: Lionel Cartwright; Label: Soul Mine Recordings
– Totally groovy. The gentle, mellow track is embellished with his tasty guitar licks, and the tune sways like a hammock on a summer afternoon. The creamy, dreamy, romantic mood is pure pleasure. This veteran hit maker still has the goods. Seek this ultimately enjoyable single out now. You can thank me later.
CHRISTIAN PARKER / “Hickory Wind”
Writers: Gram Parsons/Bob Buchanan; Producer: none listed; Label: CP
– Parker’s album Sweethearts drops on August 18. It is his tribute to the seminal 1968 Byrds country-rock masterpiece Sweethearts of the Rodeo. This single from it comes out tomorrow (July 21), and it’s a dandy remake of Gram Parsons’ timelessly eloquent waltz. Lilting and lovely. In addition to all the songs on the original album, the collection contains versions of “I Still Miss Someone,” “Satisfied Mind” and “Truck Store Truck Drivin’ Man.” Highly recommended.
Chris Stapleton Releases ‘White Horse’ From Upcoming Album ‘Higher’
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton has announced that his new album, Higher, will be released on Nov. 10 via UMG Nashville/Mercury Nashville. Ahead of the release, the album’s first single, “White Horse,” written by Stapleton and Dan Wilson, is out today.
The project was produced by Dave Cobb, Morgane Stapleton and the artist himself, and recorded at Nashville’s RCA Studio A. Alongside Stapleton, the album features Cobb (acoustic guitar, eclectic guitar), J.T. Cure (bass), Paul Franklin (pedal steel), Derek Mixon (drums), Morgane (background vocals, synthesizer, tambourine) and Lee Pardini (organ, piano).
The new album follows 2020’s Starting Over, which won three Grammys: Best Country Album, Best Country Solo Performance (“You Should Probably Leave”) and Best Country Song (“Cold”) in addition to earning Album of the Year honors at both the CMA and ACM Awards.
Stapleton is is currently in the midst of his “All-American Road Show” tour and joins George Strait for select stadium shows this summer, including two shows next Friday (July 28) and Saturday (July 29) at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.
Higher Track Listing:
1. “What Am I Gonna Do”
2. “South Dakota”
3. “Trust”
4. “It Takes A Woman”
5. “The Fire”
6. “Think I’m In Love With You”
7. “Loving You On My Mind”
8. “White Horse”
9. “Higher”
10. “The Bottom”
11. “The Day I Die”
12. “Crosswind”
13. “Weight Of Your World”
14. “Mountains Of My Mind”
Tyler Chambers Signs With Play It Again Entertainment & Releases New Single
/by Liza AndersonTyler Chambers. Photo: Jacob Powers
Tyler Chambers has signed with Play It Again Entertainment (PIA) for exclusive label representation. He has also released his latest song “Loves Me Like a Small Town,” which he wrote alongside Logan Wall and Daymon Osborn.
Country music has always been a constant in Chambers’ life. The Douglas, Georgia native had spent a few years in Nashville, cultivating his craft and building relationships, before he caught the attention of singer-songwriter and former Mercury Nashville signee Randy Montana, who signed him to a joint venture publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
“Picking up the guitar for the first time was a lifestyle thing for me,” shares Chambers. “I grew up in the country, and I was on a tractor every day. At every turn, country music was tugging at me, and I really valued the way of life in a small town – the values, the morals… I loved music in general, and I feel like I was intentionally submerging myself in it, too. I knew if there was something I wanted to be good at, it was country music.”
Playing regular opening spots for Play It Again Music Group signee Dylan Marlowe, Chambers got a second look from songwriter and PIA CEO Dallas Davidson, who ultimately offered him a label deal.
“The PIA team couldn’t be happier to have Tyler Chambers as a part of our roster and family,” says Davidson. “From day one he impressed us with his passionate songwriting, work ethic, and drive to perform. He has all of the tools that he needs to be successful. He knows who he is and what he wants to say. I truly love that about an artist.”
Produced by Zach Abend, “Loves Me Like a Small Town” features comparisons between a budding romance and all that makes a simplistic rural upbringing unique.
“‘Loves Me Like a Small Town’ came from a very special place,” says Chambers of the tune. “I always try to write songs that talk about more than just one thing at a time, and this one does it all to me. It covers the way I grew up, my spirituality, small town life and the way I’ve seen my parents and grandparents love each other growing up.
“I’m more than happy to have Play It Again on my side for this journey and I can’t wait to see where it goes,” he adds about the signing. “I have a very loyal team here and I wouldn’t want to be sharing experience with anyone other than them.”
Flying Burrito Brothers’ Iconic Suits Reunited For First Time In Over 50 Years
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Flying Burrito Brothers’ four iconic “Nudie suits” were reunited for the first time in more than half a century at a celebration Thursday (July 20) at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
The late Chris Ethridge’s long-lost suit has been found and was unveiled alongside the three other suits currently on display in museum’s major exhibition, “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank.
Ethridge’s suit was reported stolen from a car in 1969 shortly after it was featured on the cover of the band’s album The Gilded Palace of Sin. Recently, it was discovered that the suit was returned to Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors shop the same year, and rising pop star Elton John bought it off the shop’s rack the following year. John can be seen wearing the suit during his 1971 Top of the Pops TV performance and on the sleeve of his 1972 “Rocket Man” single in the U.K. Ethridge’s custom Nudie suit is embroidered with red and yellow roses and rhinestones. It was a nod to his southern roots and inspired by his love of the Hank Snow song “Yellow Roses,” written by Kenny Devine and Sam Nichols.
Necia Ethridge, Chris’ daughter, recently purchased the suit after it was spotted in an online auction. She has loaned it to the museum for its Western Edge exhibit, which opened last year and runs through May of 2025. Necia spoke at the suit unveiling event, which acknowledged her father’s musical legacy. Best known for his R&B-inspired bass playing in the Flying Burrito Brothers, he was also a songwriter and an in-demand studio musician, playing on records by Linda Ronstadt, Randy Newman, Jackson Browne and many others. Ethridge also spent nearly eight years in Willie Nelson’s touring band, and played on Nelson’s “Whiskey River.”
“His rhythmic bass lines added depth and richness to sessions and showcased his ability to effortlessly switch between different musical styles, helping to erase the cultural and musical divide between country and rock,” Necia said of her father at the event.
“This is an incredible moment for the Ethridge family and our museum,” shared Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “To think that such an iconic piece of cosmic cowboy couture took a ride with the ‘Rocket Man’ and made it back home is almost unbelievable. But it happened, and we share that story in the exhibit. The Flying Burrito Brothers’ innovative country-rock sound and bold style continues to influence artists to this day. We’re ecstatic to be able to present all four suits together for the first time since they were seen onstage in 1969.”
During the event, Chris’ granddaughter Emma Atkinson sang “She,” a song Chris wrote with Gram Parsons from Parson’s acclaimed GP album. She was accompanied by longtime Ethridge family friends Adam Box, the drummer for Brothers Osborne, and Patrick Sansone, a multi-instrumentalist for Wilco, along with Box’s bandmates Jason Graumlich (guitar) and Pete Sternberg (bass). Following the unveiling, Sansone capped the event with a performance of “Hot Burrito #1,” a song Ethridge and Parsons wrote for The Gilded Palace of Sin.
Manuel Cuevas, who was head designer at Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors in L.A. and created the famous suits, and Phil Kaufman, who was road manager for the Flying Burrito Brothers and reported the suits stolen from his station wagon, were also in attendance at the event. The Museum’s Michael Gray provided remarks on the historical context around the suits and the Flying Burrito Brothers.
Radio Promotions Veteran Jan Woods Dies
/by LB CantrellJan Woods
Independent radio promotions veteran Jan Woods passed away at her home in Hermitage, Tennessee on Thursday, July 20. Woods was the Owner of Jan Woods Promotions, whose primary focus is the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, Billboard‘s Indicator and secondary markets.
With over two decades of experience, Woods worked with dozens of artists throughout her career, including Billy Ray Cyrus, Dolly Parton, Toby Keith, The Bellamy Brothers, Joe Nichols, George Jones and more.
She started her radio promotion career in 1994 with the launch of Jan Woods Promotions. Focusing her efforts on making friends in the music business, many of her colleagues remembering her for her humor and love of God. Woods worked the MusicRow Chart and Billboard Indicator chart, knowing that most independent artists would have their best radio shot starting with those starter charts.
Her charming temperament and passion for music served Woods well. Her office was adorned with multiple Gold and Platinum plaques for her success at country radio.
Woods is survived by her daughter Christina (Jeff) Bear and son Chris (Cathy) O’Guin; grandchildren Brittany Bear, Hope Bear, Faith Bear, Christopher O’Guin and Carly O’Guin; and great-grandchildren Cooper Cancel and Scarlett O’Guin.
Woods’ visitation will be at Cole and Garrett Funeral Home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee on Friday, July 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A service will follow. She will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Goodlettsville.
Cole Swindell Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Drinkaby’
/by LB CantrellCole Swindell‘s “Drinkaby” is the No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.
The tune was written by Jon Pardi, Jordan Schmidt, Hardy and Hunter Phelps, and appears on Swindell’s deluxe album Stereotype Broken. It follows his three Platinum-certified, hit singles from his fourth album Stereotype, “Never Say Never” featuring Lainey Wilson, “Single Saturday Night” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
“Drinkaby” currently sits at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 13 on the Mediabase chart.
Swindell was a big winner at the ACM Awards in May, taking home Single of the Year and winning two awards for Song of the Year—as songwriter and artist—for “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The MLC Accepting Songwriter Suggestions For Board Of Directors & Advisory Committee
/by Liza AndersonThe Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is now accepting suggestions for songwriter candidates for the company’s Board of Directors and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight & Dispute Resolution Committees until Monday, July 31.
The MLC’s Board of Directors and Committees meet regularly and all meetings allow for virtual participation. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. Candidates for the Board of Directors must be professional songwriters who retain and license mechanical rights for songs they have written.
Certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of songwriters under the Music Modernization Act (MMA) of 2018. The terms of several songwriter seats on the Board and the organization’s Advisory Committees are slated to end later this year.
These include the following seats: two songwriter seats on the Board of Directors; two songwriter seats on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to the Board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership; and two songwriter seats on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board related to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties.
For more information, click here. To complete the suggestion form, click here.
Morgan Wade Unveils ‘Psychopath’ Tracklist
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wade has unveiled the tracklist for her forthcoming album, Psychopath, set for release on Aug. 25.
Produced by Sadler Vaden, the project’s tracks touch on growing up, loves lost and found and meeting idols, among other concepts.
Psychopath shows Wade’s vulnerable side throughout the 13 tracks, all of which she either wrote or co-wrote alongside Vaden as well as songwriters Ashley Monroe, Julia Michaels, Angaleena Presley, The Love Junkies (Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose), Butch Walker and more.
Both the title track and “80’s Movie,” a track Wade and Vaden wrote together, are out now.
Psychopath Track Listing:
1. “Domino” (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Sadler Vaden/Butch Walker)
2. “80’s Movie” (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
3. “Losers Look Like Me” (Morgan Wade)
4. “Roman Candle” (Morgan Wade)
5. “Guns and Roses” (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
6. “Alanis” (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
7. “Phantom Feelings” (Morgan Wade/Julia Michaels/Ben Rice)
8. “Psychopath” (Morgan Wade)
9. “Outrun Me” (Morgan Wade/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose/Sadler Vaden)
10. “Want” (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
11. “Fall In Love With Me” (Morgan Wade)
12. “Meet Somebody” (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
13. “27 Club” (Morgan Wade)
Chris Tomlin Maps ‘An Evening Of Worship’ Tour For Fall
/by Caela GriffinChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein.
Grammy Award-winner Chris Tomlin will head out on his new tour, “An Evening of Worship,” this fall.
Fans are invited to join the distinctive 12-city tour from Oct. 26 to Nov. 19 for a night of worship and stories behind his songs. Singer-songwriter Pat Barrett, signed to Tomlin’s Bowyer & Bow record label, will open the tour.
The concert will include songs on his Billboard Christian Chart-topping album, Always, such as “Holy Forever” and the album’s title track, alongside favorites including “Good Good Father,” “Our God,” “How Great is Our God” and more.
“An Evening Of Worship” is nationally promoted by Transparent Productions and will benefit “Food for the Hungry.”
Travis Tritt’s First-Ever Gospel Project Due In September
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Tritt is taking a nostalgic journey back to his roots on a new gospel project, Country Chapel, due out Sept. 15 from Gaither Music Group.
The heartfelt album pays homage to Tritt’s formative years through 10 soul-stirring songs including “Wayfaring Stranger,” the Kris Kristofferson classic “Why Me” and more. The album’s pre-sale begins July 21, with the release of the first track “When God Dips His Love in My Heart.”
Another track, “Like the Father Loves His Son,” will be released on Aug. 18, followed up by “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” on Sept. 15. Produced by Dave Cobb at Georgia May Studio in Savannah, Country Chapel blends traditional church harmonies with Tritt’s signature vocal style. The album is being distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.
Country Chapel Track Listing:
“When God Dips His Love In My Heart” (Cleavant Derricks)
“Like The Father Loves His Son” (Travis Tritt)
“Mama Used To Pray For Me” (Travis Tritt and Aaron Raitiere)
“In the Valley (He Restoreth My Soul)” (Dottie Rambo)
“Uncloudy Day” (J.K. Alwood)
“Wayfaring Stranger” (Public Domain)
“Nobody’s Fault But Mine” (Blind Willie Johnson)
“The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor” (Dallas Frazier and Sanger D. Shafer)
“Why Me” (Kris Kristofferson)
“Little Country Chapel” (Travis Tritt and Aaron Raitiere)
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young Channels Summer Vibes On New Track
/by Robert K OermannHot enough for you?
The country stars are fully in tune with summertime this week.
Efforts by Dan + Shay, Hardy, Mickey Guyton & Kane Brown, Lionel Cartwright, Uncle Kracker and Travis Denning sound custom made for warm weather.
The most summer-sounding of all is Chris Young, who wins the Disc of the Day award.
Newcomers? We’ve got ‘em, with Christian Parker, Whitney Miller and our DISCovery Award winner Cassandra Davis all lending their voices to the vacation season.
O.N.E. THE DUO / “Superpower”
Writers: Shane Stevens/Nash Overstreet; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
– Being a woman is a superpower sez the mother-daughter duo. It’s a charming single, but it would sound a lot more “country” if it had some actual musical instruments in the production instead of just electronic loops.
HARDY / “Truck Bed”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells/Hardy/Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock
– She’s kicked him out, so now he wakes up “on the wrong side of the truck bed” in the front yard. Now he has to go to work with a hangover. Instruments twang merrily, the gang sings along and a goofball vibe reigns supreme.
CAYLEE HAMMACK / “That Dog”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Jake Mitchell/Aaron Raitiere; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The fiery redhead is totally over him, but she misses the dog. Sassy and spirited.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jesse Frasure/Josh Thompson/David Bowie; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Chris DeStafano; Label: RCA
– The melody quotes “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, but this uptempo romp is country all the way. It’s a joyous celebration of old trucks, small towns, radio tunes and necking in the parking lot. Roll down the windows and crank it up on a carefree weekend.
CASSANDRA LEWIS / “Too Much”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Elektra/Low Country Sounds
– My ears perked right up. This Portland, Oregan singer-songwriter will kick off her new album with this soul ballad. It’s a stately heartbreak outing with a spare arrangement that frames an extraordinary vibrato-vocal performance. She aims for the stratosphere and then soars above it. A remarkable, singular talent.
DAN + SHAY / “Save Me the Trouble”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jordan Minton; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, so this power ballad throws down a warning. As we have come to expect, the singing here is simply excellent. The layered harmonies and understated production both work splendidly. Hit bound.
WHITNEY MILLER / “Nobody”
Writers: Hailey Nicole Verhaalen/Kelly Anne Seidel/Makena Hartlin; Producer: none listed; Label: Whitney Miller Music
– Smoldering and sensuous. She’s in a fever dream that he’s being unfaithful, so electric guitars echo and swirl around her steamy, smoky vocal. Miller is a former Miss United States (2012) who is also a mixed martial arts fighter and kickboxing commentator. Her singing is a tough as she is.
MICKEY GUYTON & KANE BROWN / “Nothing Compares to You”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Bebe Rexha/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– They sound pretty good together, his plaintive, roughshod delivery contrasting nicely with her sunny, scintillating soprano. The slow-burn, bluesy tune gives Mickey, in particular, plenty of room to vamp and improvise. Smooth listening.
BRANDON DAVIS / “Still Gonna Be”
Writers: Brandon Davis/Daniel Agee/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog Music
– He sings with passion, but the song isn’t worth the effort.
UNCLE KRACKER / “Reason to Drink”
Writers: Matthew Shafer/Blair Daly/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Label: UK
– A summertime party song. You’ll feel like you’re heard it before.
TRAVIS DENNING / “Things I’m Going Through”
Writers: Matt Mulhare/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He’s so relatable. He delivers this heartbroken meditation in a conversational, everyman voice that worms its way right into ya. The little details in the lyric are really cool. I remain a big fan.
LIONEL CARTWRIGHT / “Sleepwalking”
Writer: Lionel Cartwright; Producer: Lionel Cartwright; Label: Soul Mine Recordings
– Totally groovy. The gentle, mellow track is embellished with his tasty guitar licks, and the tune sways like a hammock on a summer afternoon. The creamy, dreamy, romantic mood is pure pleasure. This veteran hit maker still has the goods. Seek this ultimately enjoyable single out now. You can thank me later.
CHRISTIAN PARKER / “Hickory Wind”
Writers: Gram Parsons/Bob Buchanan; Producer: none listed; Label: CP
– Parker’s album Sweethearts drops on August 18. It is his tribute to the seminal 1968 Byrds country-rock masterpiece Sweethearts of the Rodeo. This single from it comes out tomorrow (July 21), and it’s a dandy remake of Gram Parsons’ timelessly eloquent waltz. Lilting and lovely. In addition to all the songs on the original album, the collection contains versions of “I Still Miss Someone,” “Satisfied Mind” and “Truck Store Truck Drivin’ Man.” Highly recommended.