Tag Archive for: featured-2

Weekly Register: Dan + Shay's Big Debut

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dan_+shay111111The No. 1 debut by Dan + Shay is today’s (April 9) big sales news. The Warner Bros. release Where It All Began sold 29k, with a strong lead in thanks to single “19 You + Me” which has been downloaded almost 500k times. According to the label, they are the first Country duo to debut at No. 1.
josh thompson turn it up111
Show Dog-Universal artist Josh Thompson also had a solid debut, moving 9.4k.
Broken Bow’s Merle Haggard tribute album Working Man’s Poet (various artists) entered the chart with 4.5k. The Hag was honored at Sunday night’s (April 6) ACM Awards. The show gave a boost to this week’s sales numbers, although next week’s chart will show the full picture.
Co-host Luke Bryan saw a 40 percent bump week-over-week for “Play It Again” (88k). Eric Church’s performance of “Give Me Back My Hometown” gave it a 30 percent increase (41k), and Hunter Hayes’ “Invisible” shot up 46 percent (28k).
Co-host Blake Shelton debuted “My Eyes” ft. Gwen Sebastian, which was downloaded 9.5k.
Among the songs performed that stayed flat week-to-week were FGL ft. Luke Bryan “This Is How We Roll” with 78k, and Keith Urban’s “Cop Car” with 44k.
Another TV-related boost went to Nashville’s Clare Bowen, debuting with 21k of “Black Roses.”
(In related news, Dan + Shay’s chart-topping album marks the third-in-a-row for management home Sandbox Entertainment. Albums released by Sandbox artists Little Big Town and Kacey Musgraves also reached No. 1—this is every album released by its artists since the company’s launch.)
WeeklyRegister-040914Year To Date
Country album sales are down 16.2 percent. The genre has sold 8 million units this year, including 635k this week. This is on par with all-genre album sales, which are down 16.4 percent.
Country track sales are down 18.7 percent, higher than the 13.4 percent down overall.
Overall 
The Frozen soundtrack sold 149k this week and is warming up to the 2 million mark.
Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” remains the No. 1 overall track, selling 284k this week and nearing 4 million.
Staying Power 
Albums on the chart for more than 30 weeks which are still selling over 5k per week include the current releases by Luke Bryan 16k TW after 35 weeks on the chart, FGL 15k after 70 weeks, Shelton 9.7k after 54 weeks, Jason Aldean 6.8k after 77 weeks, and Kacey Musgraves with 5.7k after 55 weeks.

DISClaimer: Americana Serves Up Irresistible Tunes

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long night moonThere’s a lot to like in today’s survey of current Americana records. Both of the bands here, The Devil Makes Three and Reckless Kelly, sport terrific graphics on their CD jackets and inserts. Reckless Kelly even includes a tiny flashlight (moonlight?). It is also the Disc of the Day. Of the singer-songwriters, my favorite recordings were by Rod Picott, Jimmy Webb (of course), Jeff Black and our DisCovery Award winner, Dan Cohen.
THE DEVIL MAKES THREE/Stranger
Writers: Pete Bernhard; Producer: Buddy Miller; Publisher: none listed
-This Vermont punk/folk/old-time trio traveled to Music City to record its fourth and best album, I’m a Stranger Here. It kicks off with this echoey, wailing, toe-tapping ditty. It’s like old-time string band music on acid. These three have played festivals from Bonaroo to Lollapalooza, from Newport to Austin, and along the way they’ve opened for stars like Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson and Rodney Crowell. Get on board.
ROD PICOTT/I Might Be Broken Now
Writers: Rod Picott/Amanda Shires; Producer: R.S. Field; Publishers: Welding Rod/Little LambsEatIvy, BMI; Welding Rod
-This former New England welder is now six albums into a widely heralded career as a singer-songwriter. His latest, Hang Your Hopes on a Crooked Nail has yielded this atmospheric track as his latest video offering, plus a free download on his website. Its beautifully produced sound almost obscures how bleak and dark the lyric is. Highly recommended. He writes like no one else: I remain an enormous fan.

Dan Cohen

Dan Cohen


DAN COHEN/Bluebird
Writers: Dan Cohen/Matt King; Producer: Dan Cohen; Publishers: Weston Boys/BME, BMI; Weston Boys
-Cohen has worked as a hotshot guitarist backing folks like Steve Wariner, Tracy Byrd, T. Graham Brown, Andy Griggs and others. But he’s also been making solo records since 2007. This is the title tune of his latest collection. It builds from a hushed, quasi-whispered beginning to a throbbing, bass-heavy shout of exultation. Cohen plays most of the instruments heard in this fabulous mix.
RECKLESS KELLY/Long Night Moon
Writers: Willy Braun; Producers: David Abeyta, Cody Braun, and Willy Braun; Publisher: FAH-Q, BMI; No Big Deal (track)
-Long Night Moon is the eighth album by these longtime Americana favorites and the first Reckless Kelly CD since 2011’s Grammy-nominated Good Luck & True Love. The new record’s title tune is a moody, Texas-drawled saga of traveling homeward while yearning for the touch of a lover. The album’s singles include the airy country-rocker “The Last Goodbye,” the twanging “The Girl I Knew” and the melodic invitation “Be My Friend.” Even if the music wasn’t as spectacular as it is, the record would be worth having for its gorgeous packaging.
KEB’ MO’/Rock Me on the Water
Writers: Jackson Browne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Music Road (track)
-Nashville’s Keb’ Mo’ joins an all-star lineup on Looking Into You: A Tribute to Jackson Browne. Others with saluting tracks include Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, Bruce Springsteen and J.D. Souther (who is also a Nashvillian). The neo-bluesman’s interpretation of this iconic 1972 hit is taut, simple and punchy. He brings a cool, soul-gospel groove to the familiar classic.
JEFF BLACK/Rider Coming
Writers: Jeff Black; Producer: Jeff Black; Publisher: Lotos Nile, BMI; Lotos Nile (track)
-This Nashville troubadour’s 11th album is his most stripped-down, hence its title, Folklore.The collection begins with this haunting guitar-vocal that has become Black’s latest video. As always, his almost-hoarse, emotionally compelling singing keeps you fully involved and hanging on every line.
JASON EADY/Daylight & Dark
Writers: none listed; Producer: Kevin Welch; Publisher: none listed; 4D2 (track)
-This Texan’s current album title tune is about a laconic loser with no direction home. The loping track follows his downcast, dusty vocal at a respectful distance. Listenable.
WYATT EASTERLING/A Shot in the Dark
Writers: Wyatt Easterling/Robbie Hecht; Producers: Bill McDermott/Wyatt Easterling; Publishers: Considerable/Old Man Henry; ASCAP/SESAC; Phoenix Rising
-Nashville songsmith Easterling has had cuts by Dierks Bentley, Joe Diffie, Neal McCoy, Sons of the Desert and others. His current Goodbye Hello CD contains this ballad about a guy who had no future until a lady took “a shot in the dark” at kindling romance. Its melody meanders somewhat, in a pleasing, almost jazzy way.
still within the sound of my voice222JIMMY WEBB/Still Within The Sound of My Voice
Writers: Jimmy Webb; Producer: Fred Mollin; Publishers: none listed; entertainmentone
-One of my favorite Jimmy Webb songs is the title tune of his current CD. He performs the lilting, soaring song with British female singer Rumer. Other guests on the album include Keith Urban, Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, Amy Grant, Kris Kristofferson and Art Garfunkel.
ROBIN & LINDA WILLIAMS/On and On
Writers: Robin & Linda Williams; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publishers: Songs for Dixie/Southern Melody; BMI; Red House (track)
-These Prairie Home Companion regulars are celebrating 40 years of being on the road together with a new collection titled Back 40. Recorded in Music City, it revives songs that have appeared on their 23 prior albums, many of which are vinyl and out of print. Covers of Hank Williams, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell are interspersed with their original folkie/bluegrass tunes. The new Robin & Linda composition of the album is this jaunty, upbeat ode to the endless roadwork they still do to this day. As ever, their harmony singing is a delight.

ACM Awards Win Vegas Jackpot

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Dark songs require dark shades—Eric Church wants his hometown back.

Dark songs require dark shades—Eric Church wants his hometown back.


Selfie time! Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton search for the biggest stars in the room—decide they are the biggest stars.

Selfie time! Co-hosts Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton search for the biggest stars in the room; determine that they are the biggest stars.


“I always said I have the best fans,” noted George Strait as he accepted Entertainer of the Year honors at last night’s (April 6) ACM Awards, “and I heard this is a fan-voted award, so I rest my case.” Making it two-for-two, Strait also took home the top trophy at the November CMA Awards.
The ACM show brought a galaxy’s worth of Country star power to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The string of excellent performances—ten, in fact, before the first award was handed out— surely left fans satisfied. Still, there were a few black holes in the line up. Nominees Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood presented but didn’t perform. Nor did Album of the Year winner Kacey Musgraves. Meanwhile artists Strait, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum and co-hosts Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan took the stage twice each, either to sing their own songs, or to assist another artist.
Hunter Hayes gives a powerful performance of "Invisible."

Hunter Hayes gives a powerful performance of “Invisible.”


Hunter Hayes had the best stage set of the evening. He donned an all-black wardrobe and played “Invisible” in front of an orchestra dressed in white with white instruments, while contrasting black and white images danced on the video screen. The production for Eric Church’s “Give Me Back My Hometown” included the film-like music video in the background and a graveyard setting in the foreground. As always, he delivered with passion. Lady A’s pairing with iconic songstress Stevie Nicks was a stripped down vocal dream of “Golden” and “Rhiannon.” Tim McGraw offered an old-Hollywood take on his new song “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” and was joined by Faith Hill where they seemed to share an endearing moment. It was also good to see a performance by mega-star Toby Keith, who is sometimes absent from Country’s trophyfests.
Lady Antebellum and Stevie Nicks were enthralling.

Lady Antebellum and Stevie Nicks were enthralling.


Show opener The Band Perry scored with plenty of family-sized energy. Brad Paisley’s poolside performance of “River Bank” was sunny fun. Keith Urban brought three drummers to the party for “Even The Stars Fall 4 U.” Lambert, Strait, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Darius Rucker gave solid performances. Sheryl Crow and Dierks Bentley teamed for his hit “I Hold On,” from his highly listenable set Riser, (one of this year’s best releases).
At the ACM Fan Jam at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, FGL and Bryan sang “This Is How We Roll” with an exciting mash-up of sky-high flames and summersaulting bike tricks.
Justin Moore, who barely squeezed in a nomination for New Artist, took home that fan-voted prize. Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore and Lee Brice had abbreviated performance slots. Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck” earned Song of the Year for writers Jessi Alexander, Jimmy Yeary, and Connie Harrington. Often an astute predictor of awards to follow, MusicRow subscriber members voted it MusicRow Song of the Year in 2013.
Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary accept Song of the Year honors.

Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington and Jimmy Yeary accept Song of the Year honors.


Back at the MGM, charmer Shelton reiterated that he’s equally adept at delivering a ballad as a bro-country smash, performing the sexy tune “My Eyes” with Gwen Sebastian on a romantic, candlelit stage.
Bryan and Shelton shared plenty of camaraderie as co-hosts, and while the jokes were mostly funny, they borrowed a little too much from this year’s other awards shows, including a selfie photo, Travolta-ized name mispronunciation, and Daft Punk space helmets.
Underwood won in the style department.

Underwood won in the style department.


Shelton also teamed with Shakira for “Medicine.” His fellow coach on The Voice makes the morning-after worst-dressed list with her red lingerie slip. Making the best-dressed list are the silver glam gowns worn by Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood; as well as Luke Bryan, who donned a sharp springtime suit for hosting duties and switched to black leather jacket for his performance of “Play It Again.”
With so ACM many highlights, fans are likely ready to play it again. And their year-long wait will be well worth it, because the 2015 move to the home of the Dallas Cowboys is sure to bring Texas-sized entertainment.
•View evening ratings. 
•View full winner list.
•View after-party photos.
McGraw and Hill still have spades of onstage chemistry.

McGraw and Hill still have spades of onstage chemistry.


Photos courtesy of ACM.

2014 ACM Winners

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George Strait wins Entertainer of the Year at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

George Strait wins Entertainer of the Year at the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo: ACM


George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, The Band Perry, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean were among the big winners at the 49th Academy of Country Music awards. Strait won Entertainer of the Year. Lambert took home the Female Vocalist of the Year honor, as well as the Single Record of the Year honor for “Mama’s Broken Heart.” Musgraves, who was a co-writer on “Mama’s Broken Heart” along with Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark, earned Album of the Year for her debut album, Same Trailer, Different Park. Aldean took home Male Vocalist of the Year.
Lambert and Keith Urban won Vocal Event of the Year honors for “We Were Us”; Urban also has producer credit on the song. He also made an appearance in the Taylor Swift/Tim McGraw video “Highway Don’t Care,” which garnered the Video of the Year honor.
The Band Perry took home honors as Vocal Group of the Year, while Aldean won Male Vocalist of the Year. Lee Brice‘s “I Drive Your Truck,” penned by Connie Harrington, Jessi Alexander and Jimmy Yeary, took home Song of the Year honors. MusicRow subscriber members also voted “…Truck” Song of the Year for last year’s MusicRow Awards.
Florida Georgia Line was named Vocal Duo of the Year, while Justin Moore earned the Best New Artist trophy. Merle Haggard was also honored (on his birthday) with the prestigious Crystal Milestone Award, presented by Garth Brooks.
At the top of the program, it was announced that in 2015, the 50th Anniversary Academy of Country Music Awards will be held at the AT&T Stadium (formerly known as Cowboys Stadium) in Dallas, Texas.
View evening ratings.
View MusicRow’s review. 

View after-party photos.
The Band Perry wins Vocal Group of the Year.

The Band Perry wins Vocal Group of the Year.


Nominees (winners marked in bold):
Entertainer of the Year
Luke Bryan
Miranda Lambert
Blake Shelton
George Strait
Taylor Swift
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Lee Brice
Luke Bryan
Blake Shelton
Keith Urban
acm miranda featured

Trisha Yearwood (l) and Female Vocalist of the Year Miranda Lambert (r).


Female Vocalist of the Year
Sheryl Crow
Miranda Lambert
Kacey Musgraves
Taylor Swift
Carrie Underwood
Vocal Duo of the Year
Big & Rich
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Love and Theft
Thompson Square
Vocal Group of the Year
Eli Young Band
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
The Band Perry
Zac Brown Band
New Artist of the Year (previously announced semi-finalists)
Brett Eldredge
Justin Moore
Kip Moore

Florida Georgia Line wins Vocal Duo of the Year. Photo: ACM

Florida Georgia Line wins Vocal Duo of the Year. Photo: ACM


Album of the Year [Award To Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
Based On A True Story… – Blake Shelton
Producer: Scott Hendricks; Record Label: Warner Bros. Records
Crash My Party – Luke Bryan
Producer: Jeff Stevens; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Here’s To The Good Times – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Republic Nashville
Same Trailer Different Park – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Luke Laird, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves; Record Label: Mercury Records
Two Lanes Of Freedom – Tim McGraw
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: Big Machine Records
Jason Aldean wins Male Vocalist of the Year. Photo: ACM

Jason Aldean wins Male Vocalist of the Year. Photo: ACM


Single Record of the Year [Award To Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
“Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line
Producer: Joey Moi; Record Label: Republic Nashville
“Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: Big Machine Records
“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice
Producers: Lee Brice, Kyle Jacobs, Matt McClure; Record Label: Curb Records
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert
Producers: Chuck Ainlay, Frank Liddell, Glenn Worf; Record Label: RCA Nashville
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Producer: Frank Rogers; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
Justin Moore earns New Artist of the Year. Photo: ACM

Justin Moore earns New Artist of the Year. Photo: ACM


Song of the Year [Award To Composer(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain)” – Gary Allan
Songwriters: Gary Allan, Hillary Lindsey, Matthew Warren
Publishers: Always Alone Songs (ASCAP), Crystal Beach Music (BMI), Raylene Music (ASCAP)
“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Jimmy Yeary
Publishers: Beattyville Music (BMI), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Happy Tears Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI)
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert
Songwriters: Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally, Kacey Musgraves
Publishers: 351 Music (BMI), Crazy Water Music (ASCAP), Little Blue Egg (ASCAP), Songs of Parallel (ASCAP), Vista Loma Music (ASCAP), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
“Mine Would Be You” – Blake Shelton
Songwriters: Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan
Publishers: Doc and Maggie Music (ASCAP), EMI Blackwood Music, Inc. (BMI), Get A Load Of This Music (ASCAP), Great Day At This Music (BMI), Hopeless Rose Music (ASCAP), Vistaville Music (ASCAP), Watch This Girl Publishing (BMI), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Songwriters: Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor
Publishers: Blood Donor Music (BMI), Special Rider Music (SESAC)
 
Garth Brooks presents Merle Haggard with the Crystal Milestone Award. Photo: ACM

Garth Brooks presents Merle Haggard with the Crystal Milestone Award. Photo: ACM


Video of the Year [Award To Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)] *(Off Camera Award)
“Better Dig Two” – The Band Perry
Producer: Eric Williams
Director: Declan Whitebloom
“Blowin’ Smoke” – Kacey Musgraves
Producer: Josh Goldstein
Director: Honey
“Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Producers: Tameron Hedge, Chandra LaPlume
Director: Shane Drake
“I Drive Your Truck” – Lee Brice
Producer: Karen Martin
Director: Eric Welch
“Mama’s Broken Heart” – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Reagan Rosson
Director: Trey Fanjoy
“Two Black Cadillacs” – Carrie Underwood
Producer: Steve Lamar
Director: P.R. Brown
Vocal Event of the Year [Award To Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company]
“Boys ‘Round Here” – Blake Shelton Featuring Pistol Annies & Friends
Producer: Scott Hendricks; Record Label: Warner Bros. Records
“Cruise (Remix)” – Florida Georgia Line Featuring Nelly
Producers: Joey Moi, Jason Nevins; Record Label: Republic Nashville
“Highway Don’t Care” – Tim McGraw Featuring Taylor Swift & Keith Urban
Producers: Byron Gallimore, Tim McGraw; Record Label: Big Machine Records
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker Featuring Lady Antebellum
Producer: Frank Rogers; Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville
“We Were Us” – Keith Urban And Miranda Lambert
Producers: Nathan Chapman, Keith Urban; Record Labels: Capitol Records Nashville, Hit Red Records, RCA Nashville
Off-camera 2014 ACM Winners were previously announced.
Off-camera radio winners were also previously announced.

Weekly Chart Report (4/4/14)

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chart report image1Click here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report

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JoshThompson-ProgrammerPlaylist111

McBride Samples 'Everlasting' for Nashville Industry

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Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams, Martina McBride, Robert K. Oermann. Photo: Steve Lowry

Pictured (L-R): Jody Williams, Martina McBride, Robert K. Oermann. Photo: Steve Lowry


An intimate group of industry professionals gathered in BMI’s first floor hall for part two of a Q&A and listening for Martina McBride‘s forthcoming Everlasting release. Yesterday’s (April 1) program gathered an industry-focused audience, similar to McBride’s Two Old Hippies preview in January for press.
Host, Jody Williams, introduced Robert K. Oermann who again interviewed the songbird to shed light on the creation and inspiration of her first independent release, in partnership with Kobalt Label Services. “I’ve had two record company experiences in Nashville, both have been fantastic,” said McBride of the challenge of producing and marketing her own master recordings. “RCA and Republic Nashville provided me a base to build a model for Everlasting.”
Recorded after whittling standards for seven months with New York A&R executive Monica Lynch, Everlasting took form under the care of producer Don Was. The project was tracked and mixed by McBride’s husband John at their Blackbird studios in Nashville. “It’s easy working with John,” said McBride of the collaboration. “We are so used to it — he wants what I want.” Similar to McBride’s classic Country album, Timeless, the A-list studio provided the vintage gear played by a sparse collaboration of musicians, including Memphis Boys member and Elvis session man Reggie Young, who makes an appearance on “Suspicious Minds.” Two duets are included on the collection, Sam Cooke‘s “Bring It On Home To Me” (featuring Gavin DeGraw), as well as Etta James and Sugar Pie DeSanto‘s “In The Basement” (featuring Kelly Clarkson).
On release day (April 8) McBride will practically be everywhere, performing “Suspicious Minds” on the Today Show, on GAC, performing a free show in the Big Apple at the Hard Rock, not to mention appearing on VH-1, Arsenio Hall and on the cover of Country Weekly. Six tracks are available today, in addition to a vinyl pre-order.

DISClaimer: The Dueling Divas

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carlene carter111It’s Dueling Divas Day!
Unquestionably the two best records in this stack of platters belong to Martina McBride and Carlene Carter. Ironically, both are produced by Don Was and both are due for release next Tuesday, April 8.
Carter’s comeback finds her touching home with her family’s distinguished musical roots. It earns her a Disc of the Day prize. Honorable Mention nods go to Ray Price and the Brian Lavender Band, as well as the divine Martina.
I have no earthly idea who Cody Jinks is. His single doesn’t contain any clues. But he is still the DisCovery Award winner today.
BRIAN LAVENDER BAND/Good Ole Country Boy
Writer: Joe Vulpis; Producer: Steve Pope; Publisher: none listed; Lavender (track)
-The song is strictly generic, but his cool, raspy vocal and the kickin’ band elevate it well beyond what it deserves. There’s a cool, processed-vocal interlude that perks it up, too. Very listenable.
LONESTAR/Just The Rain
Writers: Richie McDonald/Jeremy Bussey; Producer: Lonestar; Publisher: NuState/Buzzcutt; BMI/SESAC; 4Star (track)
-It’s a power ballad of emotional loss. Richie’s vocal is, as usual, a thing of wonder. The song could use a chorus melody with more hooks.
ALLISON VELTZ/Bright Side
Writers: Allison Veltz/Jess Cates/Dan Muckala; Producers: Mark Bright & Dan Muckala; Publishers: Sony ATV Cross Keys/My Good Girl/EMI April/Very High/Wintergone/Kobalt, ASCAP; Blaster
-The poppy production is crunchy and catchy. Her youthful-sounding singing voice needs some seasoning and experience.
GARTH BROOKS/Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
Writer: Merle Haggard; Producer: Mark Miller; Publisher: Sony-ATV Tree; BMI; BBR (track)
–Working Man’s Poet is a tribute to the titanic Merle Haggard that includes contributions from Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Toby Keith, Joe Nichols, Jake Owen and more. Garth drops by to offer a steel-soaked two-step rendition of this classic honky-tonk tune. Country, country, country.
RICK DROIT & SARA HICKMAN/Wild Mustangs
Writers: none listed; Producer: Rick Droit; Publisher: none listed; MoonGarden
-Perplexing. It has a certain throwback, hippie vibe with its quasi-poetic lyrics. The track is kinda bouncy. Their voices are ultra-white and bland-ish. But it is oddly listenable.
CARLENE CARTER/Me and the Wildwood Rose
Writers: Carlene Carter; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (track)
– Carlene’s Carter Girl CD features seven Carter Family classics, modernized, plus tunes from Helen, June and Maybelle. Her own songwriting contribution is this lilting piece of nostalgia for her lost girlhood and her sister who died too young. The album, which is lovely, drops next week. Be there or be square.
CODY JINKS/Alone
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Codyjinks
-He definitely has vocal “presence.” This resonant, baritone performance arrives backed by equally ringing steel and electric-guitar riffs. The lonesome song is pretty cool, too. Who is this guy?
everlasting11RAY PRICE/Beauty Lies in the Eyes
Writers: Rich Grissom/Jon P. Gray; Producer: Fred Foster; Publishers: Life’s a Pitch/Pitch Pitch/It’s a Matter of Music, ASCAP/BMI; AmeriMonte (track)
-How many of us get to leave this world doing what we love the most? Ray Price knew he was dying when he came back to Nashville to record his final album. This lovely ballad leads off a collection that showcases one of the music world’s most iconic and legendary voices. Vince Gill provides the harmony singing, but it’s Ray who tugs at your heartstrings all the way. Essential.
JEFF MADDOX/Running
Writers: Jeff Maddox; Producer: Robert Metzgar; Publishers: Bobby & Billy/Sony-ATV, BMI; Platinum (CDX)
-This guy has definitely listened to his fair share of Haggard and Jennings. The peppy, hillbilly track keeps him on his toes, pushing him forward even though he doesn’t have a rockin’ bone in his body.
MARTINA MCBRIDE/Suspicious Minds
Writers: Mark James; Producer: Don Was; Publisher: Sony-ATV, BMI; Vinyl (track)
-The mark of a great interpreter is the ability to own a song, even a familiar one. McBride’s Everlasting CD showcases this peerless stylist reviving hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s, making you hear them afresh. Tackling this Elvis classic, she brings out the essentially “female” nature of the lyric, what with its references to crying and male jealousy. The honking baritone sax is the perfect underscore. The album drops next Tuesday, when you can catch her and her blue-eyed soul band performing this on the Today show. Actually, she’ll be pretty much inescapable next week, since she’s also appearing on VH-1, GAC, Arsenio Hall and on the cover of Country Weekly.

Foster Launches Iconic Entertainment Group, Signs Rimes

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Fletcher Foster

Fletcher Foster


Music industry executive Fletcher Foster has partnered with businessman Larry Beckwith to form Iconic Entertainment Group, which will serve all aspects of the entertainment industry including artist management, music television, film and more.
LeAnn Rimes and singer-songwriter Levi Hummon have signed on as Iconic Entertainment Group’s first clients.
“Larry stepped down as Chairman of his company at the end of 2012 to move onto his next entrepreneurial venture and began exploring opportunities in the entertainment industry,” Foster explained. “His record with start-up companies is impressive as is his reputation for integrity in business. It’s a great fit with my 30 years in entertainment and his 30 years in business.”
leann rimes 2013 publicity photo

LeAnn Rimes


Beckwith is best-known as the founder of Eco-Energy. Foster has previously worked with Red Light Management, is a former Senior VP/General Manager of Universal Records South, and served as Senior VP, Marketing at Capitol Records in Nashville from 2000 to 2006.

Weekly Chart Report (3/28/14)

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Screen Shot 2014-03-27 at 4.20.55 PMClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report
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Weekly Register: ACM Awards Around The Corner

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0003711704772_500X500Country album sales are down 13 percent week over week, as last week saw strong debuts from Luke Bryan and Sara Evans, while overall album sales are up 3 percent from last week, with several Top 10 debuts from YG, Foster The People, Skrillex, The Pretty Reckless, Enrique Iglesias and Taking Back Sunday.
Walmart’s exclusive 2014 ACM Awards Zinepak by Various Artists is this week’s top debut at No. 5 (No. 28 overall), selling 12k units. The album features several artists set to perform at the upcoming ACM Awards on Sunday, April 6, including Entertainer of the Year nominees Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, George Strait and Taylor Swift. Fan voting for the coveted Entertainer of the Year Award will close on April 6. Another noteworthy debut this week is MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row performer Jo Dee Messina’s Me (Dreambound Records), selling 2.5 k units.
Eric Church’s The Outsiders (EMI Nashville) returns as the top Country album (No. 14 overall), selling 18k units this week (476k RTD). Church’s “Give Me Back My Hometown” has reigned at No. 1 on MusicRow’s Chart for two consecutive weeks. The top overall album remains Frozen: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists, selling 202k this week, and 1.6 million RTD. Meanwhile, the top overall debut is YG’s My Krazy Life, appearing at No. 2, with 61k units sold.
YTD, overall album sales are down 15.5 percent, while Country album sales are down 12.5 percent. The same week last year, Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience debuted at No. 1 overall, selling 968k units, while Kacey Musgraves’ Same Trailer, Different Park held the top Country debut, with 43k units sold.

Tracks

WeeklyRegister032614Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan’s “This Is How We Roll” endures as the top Country track (No. 10 overall), selling 78k units this week (614k units RTD). Dan + Shay’s “Show You Off” is the top Country debut at No. 30, selling 13k units. Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” continues to enjoy the No. 1 spot overall, selling 370k units this week (3.3 million RTD). The top overall debut is Calvin Harris’ “Summer” at No. 26, with 45k units sold.
YTD, overall track sales are down 11.5 percent, while Country track sales are down 16.2 percent. The same week last year, Pink’s “Just Give Me A Reason” was the top overall track, selling 241k units, while Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” held the top Country position, selling 75k units.
Next week’s numbers will include Michael W. Smith’s Hymns, Johnny Cash’s Out Among the Stars, Jerrod Niemann’s High Noon and Elton John’s Goodbye Yellow Brick Road [Deluxe].