Tag Archive for: featured-2

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/30/12)

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Big & Rich's "That's Why I Pray" gets the Disc of the Day Honor

This is a week of reunions and revivals.

Cerrrito & Lynn Anderson, Jason Allen, Hayes Carll, Hank Williams Jr., Bill Wence and Big & Rich are all back with us after varying periods of silence. The most welcome of these comebacks is Big & Rich, who have the Disc of the Day.

I don’t give a Song of the Day award, but if I did, it would go to Hayes Carll’s “Hard Out Here,” which is at once both downbeat and hilarious.

SHAWNA RUSSELL/Sounds Like a Party
Writer: Shawna Russell/Keith Russell/Tim Russell; Producer: Julian King, Clif Doyal & Tim Russell; Publisher: Blue Buckaroo, BMI; Way Out West (615-319-1863)
—This has a delightfully funky groove with cool guitars and a snappy backbeat. As usual, she sings with vim.

HANK WILLIAMS JR./That Ain’t Good
Writer: Hank Williams Jr.; Producer: Chris Farren; Publisher: Bocephus, BMI; Bocephus/Blaster (www.hankjr.com)
—Bluesy and blue collar all the way. He’s singing better than ever, and the new, full-bodied production style showcases him superbly. Well worth your attention.

CHANCE CODY & SPUR 503/I Don’t Want to Be Wanted Tonight
Writer: Chance Cody; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Spur 503 (www.spur503.com)
—This sits along the boundary between barroom country and blue-collar rock. His drawling vocal is right on the money, emotionally. The band is stirring up a deep sonic stew behind him. But changing the tempo in mid song (twice) probably wasn’t the best idea.

CERRITO & LYNN ANDERSON/Mexican Angel
Writer: Liz Anderson/Lynn Anderson; Producer: Bartley Pursley, Felipe de La Rosa & Cerrito; Publisher: none listed; Checo
—Mariachi trumpets, Spanish guitars, castanets and an ultra-melodic waltz are all in this recipe. Lynn’s shadowing harmony vocal and Spanish-language interjections make the disc soar.

SIX MARKET BLVD./Say It
Writer: Clayton Landua/Josh Serato/Ben Hussey/Dallas Neal; Producer: Bart Rose & Six Market Blvd.; Publisher: AADI/Grange, no performance rights listed; SMB (track) (www.sixmarketblvd.com)
—Boring electric blues with an overly indulgent guitar player.

BIG & RICH/That’s Why I Pray
Writer: Blair Daly/Sarah Buxton/Danelle Leverett; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: Sony-ATV Cross Keys/Danelle Leverett/Southside Independent/Internal Combustion/Kickin Grids/We’re Going to Maui/Tom-Leis/Songs of Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros.
—Evocative and ethereal. They harmonize perfectly together throughout the potent performance while guitars chime in and out of the mix. Essential listening.

JASON ALLEN/Goin’ Fishin’ Today
Writer: Jason Allen; Producer: Davin James & Jason Allen; Publisher: Star Marie, BMI; Smith Entertainment (track) (www.jasonallencountry.com)
—This noisy party rocker might work OK live in a honky tonk. But it doesn’t sound particularly radio worthy to me.

HAYES CARLL/Hard Out Here
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Lost Highway (www.hayescarll.com)
—This former Americana Music award winner is back with a track to remind us what a wry wit he can be. His drawling delivery of the unlucky lyric is a smile a second. The band tromps along with a sloppy shuffle and folks in the background seem to be staging their own party.

BILL WENCE/Borderline Crazy
Writer: Jeremy Stowe/Kris Bergsness/Greg Barnhill; Producer: Bill Wence & Joe Funderburk; Publisher: Warner-Tamerlane/WB/Platinum Plow/Green City/Calhoun Enterprises/Green Wilderness, BMI/ASCAP/SESAC; Six One Five (track) (www.billwencepromotions.com)
—As if being a radio promoter, Wanda Jackson sideman, producer, songwriter and Johnny Rivers booster wasn’t enough, Bill Wence also makes records. His latest, Analog Man in a Digital World, kicks off with this loosey-goosey bopper about getting loaded south of the border.

DANIEL WARREN/Lullaby
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—Despite the title, this is an uptempo outing. As was the case on his last single, he sings with wafting harmonies around him in a soft, easy-going groove.

Swift Exhibition To Open At Hall Of Fame In Time For CMA Fest

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The exhibition will include artifacts from the tour's vignettes, such as this Valentino ball gown, dancers’ and aerialists’ costumes, and the “Juliet balcony” in which Swift soared above the crowd while performing “Love Story.” Swift recently pledged $4 million for an education center at the museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has tons of events lined up for music lovers coming to Nashville for next week’s CMA Music Festival, and one highlight is sure to be the June 6 opening of Taylor Swift: Speak Now—Treasures from the World Tour.

The exhibition running through Nov. 4, 2012, includes dozens of costumes, instruments, and props from the tour which entertained more than 1.5 million fans over 111 shows in 19 countries. The Speak Now exhibition will recreate 10 vignettes from the tour.

On display will be designer gowns by Roberto Cavalli, Marchesa and Jenny Packham; and instruments including a shimmering red Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, Deering six-string banjo with rolled steel drum, and Taylor brand koa wood ukulele with mother-of-pearl inlay.

During June 5-9, museum visitors will be able to attend autograph signings and/or performances with new and legendary artists. Live from the Museum Store, Presented by CMT will include autograph signings with Lee Brice, Lee Greenwood, the Oak Ridge Boys and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride, as well as performances and autograph signings with Casey James, Tracy Lawrence, Love and Theft, Joanna Smith and Josh Thompson.

The museum will also present a special Songwriter Session with Kellie Pickler, and a tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins by Steve Wariner.

On Tues., June 5 David Nail will kick off this summer’s Hot Nights at the Hall series. Also on the schedule are Jana Kramer (July 13) and Love and Theft (Aug. 31). The shows run 6-9 p.m. and are for Museum members only.

For details visit www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

Weekly Chart Report (5/25/2012)

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Brad Paisley got to visit with Hank-FM/WLHK PD, Bob Richards (L), before Saturday's Virtual Reality Tour stop in Indianapolis. Between tour stops, Paisley is also in the studio working on his upcoming album project.

SPIN ZONE
It’s like the Wild West out here this week–anything goes. We’ve got a new CountryBreakout No. 1 with Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” and serious movement all over the chart. Dierks Bentley’s “5-1-5-0” picks up 276 spins and leaps 11-6, with sights set on the top of the chart. The Band Perry’s “Postcard From Paris” is just a couple ticks behind at No. 7. Also new to the top 10 are Alan Jackson’s “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore” at No. 9 and Keith Urban’s “For You” at No. 10.

Things get even wilder near the middle of the chart. Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” is already to No. 33 in its second week charting, earning a staggering 644 spin gain. Both Blake Shelton’s “Over” (No. 21) and Lady Antebellum’s “Wanted You More” (No. 26) gained more than 400 spins. Newcomer Greg Bates adds over 250 new spins to his “Did It For The Girl,” which flies up to No. 31. Also moving quickly: Lee Brice’s “Hard To Love” (No. 41), Jake Owen’s “The One That Got Away” (No. 42), Rascal Flatts’ “Come Wake Me Up” (No. 47), and Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” (No. 50).

New to the chart this week is the very timely “Military Man,” from Show Dog-Universal new artist Jessie James. She will head into the Memorial Day weekend at No. 57. Behind her and leading a huge pack of new singles are Heidi Newfield’s “Why’d You Have To Be So Good” at No. 69, Craig Wayne Boyd’s “I Ain’t No Quitter” at No. 70, and Glen Templeton’s “Sing That Song Again” at No. 71.

Frozen Reports: KAIR, KDXY, KYEZ, WOWF

Upcoming Singles
May 29
Jason Charles Miller/Up To Me/Render
Mavericks/Born to Be Blue/Valory
Big & Rich/That’s Why I Pray/WMN

May 31
JJ McCoy/Sunshine State

June 4
Corey Wagar/Take Ya Back
Matt Gary/City Lights/17/Quarterback
Rodney Atkins/Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll/Curb
Bill Gentry/That Kind of Life/Tenacity

• • • • •

New On The Chart—Debuting This Week
Artist/song/label — chart pos.
Jessie James/Military Man/Show Dog – Universal – 57
Heidi Newfield/Why’d You Have To Be So Good/Sidewalk Records – 69
Craig Wayne Boyd/I Ain’t No Quitter/Big Ride – 70
Glen Templeton/Sing That Song Again/Black River Entertainment – 71
Jason Sturgeon/Time Bomb/Toolpusher – 74
Randy Houser/How Country Feels/Stoney Creek Records – 76
Sean Patrick McGraw/Git Yer Cowboy On/Little Engine Records – 77
Rodney Atkins/Just Wanna Rock N’ Roll/Curb – 78
After The Reign/Burning Down The Farm – 79
Rachele Lynae/Party Til The Cows Come Home – 80

Greatest Spin Increase
Artist/song/label — spin+
Kenny Chesney/Come Over/BNA – 644
Lady Antebellum/Wanted You More/Capitol – 458
Blake Shelton/Over/Warner Bros. – 407
Keith Urban/For You/Capitol – 364
Rascal Flatts/Come Wake Me Up/Big Machine – 355

Most Added
Artist/song/label — New Adds
Kenny Chesney/Come Over/BNA – 40
Rascal Flatts/Come Wake Me Up/Big Machine – 27
Lady Antebellum/Wanted You More/Capitol – 19
Jake Owen/The One That Got Away/BNA – 17
Little Big Town/Pontoon/Capitol – 16
Florida Georgia Line/Cruise/Big Loud Mountain – 16
Lee Brice/Hard To Love/Curb – 16
Taylor Made/Some Things You Never Grow Out Of – 15
Jessie James/Military Man/Show Dog-Universal – 13
Blake Shelton/Over/Warner Bros. – 12
Greg Bates/Did It For The Girl/Republic Nashville – 10

On Deck—Soon To Be Charting
Artist/song/label — spins
Marty McIntosh/Looking For Reasons/Nashville America – 177
Taylor Made/Some Things You Never Grow Out Of – 168
JB & The Moonshine Band/Beer For Breakfast/Average Joe’s – 167
Lathan Moore/Nothin Like A Woman/Render Records – 159
Mark Wayne Glasmire/I Like You/Traceway – 153

Lofton Creek Records President Mike Borchetta stopped by with new act Britt & Blaire to visit Captain Jack and Laura Lynn at Renegade Radio Nashville for an on-air interview. (L-R): Borchetta, Lynn, Blaire, Britt, Captain Jack

Republic Nashville’s Greg Bates took to Denver this week to visit with Dial Global and the KYGO staff. (L-R): Jimmy Harnen, Garret Doll (KYGO MD), Greg Bates, Stacy Blythe (Republic Nashville) and John Thomas (KYGO PD)

Sunny Country Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo California is closing in on raising one-million dollars from 13-years of St. Jude Radiothons. Justin Moore helped present the check when he performed a private concert for the station. (L-R): Moore, Jay Turner (Sunny Country PD/Morning), Lauren Davis (ALSAC/St. Jude), and Niki Kozak (Sunny Country)

CMA’s SRO Awards Nominees Announced

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The finalists have been determined for CMA’s touring industry honors known as the SRO (Standing Room Only) Awards and the final ballot will be emailed to voters tomorrow, Friday, May 25.

Ballots will be sent to CMA members in the following categories: Affiliated, Artist, Engineer, Entertainment Services, Musician, Personal Manager, Publicist, Record Label, Talent Agent, Talent Buyer/Promoter, TV/Video/Media, and Venue. Final voting for the SRO Awards will take place online from May 25-June 11. Ballots will be tabulated by the international accounting firm Deloitte & Touche, LLP.

Finalists were determined during the first step of the balloting process when voters submitted nominations in each category.

CMA’s SRO Awards 2012 Final Nominees are as follows (in alphabetical order):

Business Manager of the Year

  • Jamie Cheek (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.)
  • Mary Ann McCready (Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.)
  • Dwight Wiles (Smith, Wiles & Co., P.C.)

Coach/Truck Driver of the Year

  • Ken Lyons  (Dierks Bentley)
  • Herschel Shelton  (Eric Church)
  • John Stalder  (Kenny Chesney)

FOH (Front of House) Engineer

  • John McBride  (Martina McBride)
  • Brent Sparks  (Eric Church)
  • Chris Stephens  (Jason Aldean)

Lighting Director of the Year

  • Ryan Hodge (Eric Church)
  • Aaron Swetland (Jason Aldean)
  • Mike Swinford (UpLate Design, Inc.)

Manager of the Year

  • Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck Entertainment)
  • Clint Higham (Morris Artists Management)
  • Clarence Spalding (Spalding Entertainment)

Monitor Engineer of the Year

  • Robert Bull (Clair Bros. Audio Entertainment, Inc.)
  • Mark Earp (Eric Church)
  • Evan Richner (Jason Aldean)

Production Manager of the Year

  • Marshall Alexander (Eric Church)
  • John Fritz (Jason Aldean)
  • Ed Wannebo (Kenny Chesney)

Publicist of the Year

  • Mary Hilliard Harrington (The Green Room PR)
  • Marilyn Laverty (Shore Fire Media)
  • Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media, LLC)

Talent Agent of the Year

  • Mike Betterton (Dale Morris & Associates, Inc.)
  • Greg Oswald (William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC)
  • Jay Williams (William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, LLC)

Tour Caterer of the Year

  • Dega Catering
  • Hightopps Catering
  • TomKats Catering

Tour Manager of the Year

  • Todd Bunch (Eric Church)
  • David Farmer (Kenny Chesney)
  • David Milam (Toby Keith)

Touring Musician of the Year

  • Nick Hoffman (Kenny Chesney)
  • Myron Howell (Jake Owen)
  • Driver Williams (Eric Church)

Venue of the Year

  • Alabama Theater (North Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
  • Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, Tenn.)
  • Ryman Auditorium (Nashville, Tenn.)

Video Director of the Year

  • Trey Fanjoy (Big Feather)
  • Shaun Silva (Tacklebox Films)
  • Peter Zavadil (Tailight TV)

An individual or company cannot win two consecutive years in the same category.

“Brothers of the Sun Tour” Readies for Kick Off

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(L-R): Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney wrap up a week of rehearsals in Nashville for their "Brothers of the Sun Tour."

The Brothers of the Sun Tour, with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw, kicks off its 21-stadium outing on June 2 in Tampa, FL. By the time it wraps up in Foxboro, MA on Aug. 25, the run will have traveled more than 19,000 miles over 88 days with 20 buses and more than 80 tractor trailers.

The tour will also feature guests Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Jake Owen. 

“It doesn’t seem that long ago when it was just 14 of us crammed into a 12-bunk bus we called ‘the iron lung,’ ’cause it leaked diesel fumes inside the bus,” said Chesney. “There weren’t enough bunks for everybody so we took turns sleeping on the couch and floor, but we were living our dream and having fun. And even though we have a lot more stuff now, we’re still having a blast and just as passionate about playing music and taking it out to the fans, whether it be in a club or stadium.”

“It’s been a lot of fun rehearsing in Nashville, but rehearsals are over. It’s time to pack the trucks and head to Tampa,” added McGraw. “I’m pretty sure there are towns in Louisiana with smaller populations than we have on our road crew. It takes a village and a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but I’m just excited for the fans because we’ve got one hell of a show planned for them!”

The 283-member tour crew will be fed by a traveling catering staff that will serve three meals a day. Almost 3,200 meals will be prepared for the tour in the five days surrounding the opening show in Tampa. Show day also includes the “Stage Bar & Grill,” which serves hamburgers and hot dogs on stage from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm. Grill chefs include the stage manager, truck drivers and members of Chesney’s band. Over the course of the tour, the production team will consume more than 50,000 bottles of water.

Having stadium shows on both Saturdays and Sundays requires two teams to build and tear down the massive staging. From start to finish, each team will spend 91 hours at each stadium. Staging for both Chesney and McGraw’s set includes an LED video wall with nearly 2,400,000 pixels. Lighting for Chesney’s set includes 80 strobes and 48 Syncrolites that are placed throughout the stadium to send five foot diameter beams of light criss-crossing the night sky.

“I use the word ‘passion’ a lot because it takes a lot of passionate and dedicated people to make this happen day in and day out,” said Chesney. “And most of the people that were with us a decade ago are still here. We’re a family.”

Industry folks, Chesney, and more industry folks at his rehearsal Monday (5/21) at Bridgestone Arena

This week, Chesney invited members of the industry to his final rehearsal to get a sneak peak of the performance. It was pretty obvious from the opening minutes of the show this is going to be a must-see tour for 2012.

A really cool feature is the 12-panel video wall which opens up to reveal 80 strobes of power that would surely send “Tanning Mom” into euphoria. The set list is a perfect mix of Chesney’s chart-toppers, older songs, and new material from his upcoming 13th studio album, Welcome To The Fishbowl.

(L-R): GAC President Ed Hardy and Chesney

Chesney told the guests he will also be joined on tour by the 245lb Blue Marlin he caught himself (see photo above) as, “a reminder not to take myself too seriously.”

The show is full of fun and energy, packed with hits and a powerful light show, but when Chesney strips it all down and performs “You And Tequila” with only his guitar, absolutely nothing is lost and proves to be one of the most intimate yet powerful performances of the show.

When the headliners join together to perform their duet, “Feel Like A Rock Star,” at the end of the show, the audience is sure to be feeling like rock stars right along with them.

Great American Country serves as media sponsors of the tour. “GAC is excited and proud to be the media partner for the Brothers of the Sun tour,” said GAC President Ed Hardy. “We’ve had many opportunities to work with Kenny over the years and are honored that he is allowing us to be a part of his team. To have Tim on the bill with him makes this the killer tour of the year.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room

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(L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Secrets of the List author David Ross, and BMI’s Kay Clary. Photo: Drew Maynard

Chapter 397

Oh, the trials of being a Party Boy – Should I go and celebrate with one of my best old pals or salute Music Row’s new Platinum puppy? The answer is, of course, do both: Nobody said this job was going to be easy.

So it came to pass that on Tuesday eve (5/22), we began the cocktail party at BMI to fete the publication of Secrets of the List, the debut book by David Ross. Waiters circulated with mini crab cakes, bacon-wrapped asparagus, smoked salmon on toast points, mozzarella-and-tomato skewers and other delights.

“I first met David in 1981 when I was a waitress at the Music Row watering hole Close Quarters,” recalled BMI’s Kay Clary, adding that at the time Ross was inventing himself as our “town crier” with his innovative publication of MusicRow. “It is hard to imagine us without MusicRow as a resource.” She introduced the magazine’s current owner/publisher, Sherod Robertson.

(L-R): Newlyweds Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman with David Ross

Sherod read congratulations from Suzanne Clement, the assistant to the Dean at the Curb College at Belmont University, and added his own felicitations. “Today is all about David and not about MusicRow,” he said. “We’re very proud of you. We have something very unusual – It’s a plaque!” It actually was kind of special – at the bottom was space for a card to be signed by everyone there. “We’re very excited to see where Secrets of the List takes you.”

“I hate surprises,” quipped Ross. “I used to know everything that was going on at MusicRow.

“I first met BMI as a songwriter, so it’s really a pleasure for me to have this party here. This is my first event as an author, so this is a new thing for me.

“If you’re going to be successful at anything, you have to have friends, supporters and loyal followers, and you all have been that for me. I love all you guys.” A portion of last night’s sales of the book will be donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame, he added.

The cast of characters attending was multi-generational, ranging from young tech nerds to industry vets. This is because the book is about maximizing marketing using email and social media, and we all need to learn about that.

Schmoozing fabulons included Jon Walker, Jeff Walker, Mark Wright, Janie West, Whitney Daane, Garth Shaw, Victoria Shaw, Vanessa Parker-Davis, Sherrie Austin, Tom Baldrica, Tom Corley, Tim McFadden, Tony Conway, Martha Moore, Mike Martinovich, Mike Milom, Jay Frank, Pat Finch, Dan Keen, Dean Unkefer, Ed Benson, Neal Spielberg, Eileen Littlefield, Jimmy Harnen, Katie Gillon, Jana Talbot, Woody Bomar, Lisa Harless, Kitty Moon Emery and Debbie Schwartz Linn.

• • • •

(L-R): Capitol Records Nashville SVP Marketing Cindy Mabe, Capitol Records Nashville SVP Promotion Steve Hodges, Producer Jeff Stevens, Bryan, Red Light Management’s Kerri Edwards, Capitol Records Nashville COO Tom Becci

Onward! Meanwhile, across the river on the C and D parking lots of LP Field, Luke Bryan took the stage (5/22) to whoop it up on account of that increasingly rare phenom, a Platinum record.

He couldn’t resist ad libbing. Luke was romping through hits such as “Rain Is a Good Thing” and “Someone Else Calling You Baby,” and during “Drunk on You,” he interjected, “I guess I’m drunk on you and high on Platinum Time!” He also flung the contents of a Solo Cup over the heads of the crowd. “We’re just gonna kinda play ‘em and have a good time,” he proclaimed. He and the band sounded especially good. So kudos to whoever was in charge of sound.

The album in question is Tailgates & Tanlines. As usual, Luke Bryan was cheerful and ingratiating.

Scene makers at this sunshiny Platinum party included Joanna Carter, Jimmy Carter, Steve Bogard, Steve Buchanan (to whom we offered congratulations on landing the network TV series Nashville), Dan Hill, Dale Bobo, John Grady, Rob Simbeck, Charlie Chase, Lisa Konicki, Walter Campbell, Mike Vaden, Sarah Trahern, Tracy Gershon and Donna Hughes. Oddly enough, the fiesta attracted few interlopers or local on-lookers. I guess nobody expected us to be there in such an out-of-traffic locale. Especially during rush hour.

Miller Lite beer stations were numerous and convenient. Food trucks offered pizza, smoked barbeque and ice cream shakes. Carl Black Chevy had tented tailgate parties.

If you wanted to keep rocking that night (5/22), there was the Opry salute-to-the-military show, featuring a red-carpet walk of those who serve, instead of the stars. Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler, John Conlee, Ronnie Milsap, Montgomery Gentry, Mark Wills and more were on the bill.

“This show continues the Opry’s long and very important tradition of recognizing our nation’s armed forces with a hail and ‘thank you’,” said Opry VP and GM Pete Fisher. The show will air as the premiere episode of GAC’s new Noteworthy at the Opry series on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. It will also be seen by US military around the world as part of the American Forces Television Network.

Weekly Register: Country TEA Continues Downward Trend

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The 2011 TEA Index was 25% country and 27.7% all-genre.

MusicRow’s country TEA index continues to slide, moving from last month’s 30.46% to 29.77% while the all-genre bars remain firm and even slightly up from 31.65 to 31.71%. The TEA Index sums physical, digital and TEA albums (track equivalent albums; 10 tracks=1 album) then calculates the percentage of total album sales that come from TEA. The index measures the TEA effect against total album sales. (Our numbers are gathered by industry sources from Nielsen SoundScan.)

Why is country’s TEA index shrinking while the format’s album and track sales both show YTD gains? And is that a bad omen?

This is the first year we are tracking this new index, so it may be premature to make sweeping generalizations. However, there are a few things we can analyze. When album sales are up strongly, as they are at present, this tends to weight the result in favor of albums, therefore causing the index to fall. Why? Country album sales (10-track packages) are up 8.3%. Tracks are also up, but since it takes 10 tracks to form one album, that percentage is not an apples-to-apples indicator with album sales. Reading the tea leaves, the index shows that country fans still favor album packages (physical and digital) over track downloads, when compared with the behavior of all genre purchasers.

Index And Access
An issue that is harder to explain is how the new “access” models might affect the TEA index and sales. Spotify, Pandora and others offer on demand music. Eventually fans will realize they can pretty much hear what they want, when they want, wherever they want. Will they be less inclined to purchase physical discs and/or files as a result? We don’t know exactly, but album sales have already been hit pretty hard over the past decade.

In stark contrast to the dwindling recorded music business is the touring industry. Certainly the ticket biz has its share of risk, but it has avoided the sharp declines that its label brothers have endured. Is that because the live experience resonates strongly with fans? Has that industry done a better job adapting to the digital world? Lots of questions as we go forward.

Quick Glance
Country’s grid numbers eased back slightly this week. As someone who has been following these weekly chart reports for some time it is troubling to see this week’s Current Country 75 and note that chart positions 28-75 are all showing less than 2,000 units for the week. Plus total chart sales are a meager 318k units! In 2009 for example, the same week Top 75 total was 464k and in 2007 it was 581k.

Carrie remains in the top chart spot for a third consecutive week dropping 55% to about 54k units. Willie Nelson debuts at No. 4 with sales of 17k units.

Eric Church’s “Springsteen” remains the No. 1 track on the Country 100 tracks, followed closely by Luke Bryan and “Drunk On You.” Kenny Chesney sweeps into the No. 3 spot with his debut “Come Over” downloading almost 60k units.

Until next week….

DISClaimer Single Reviews (5/23/12)

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Here’s a brand-new reason why Kenny Chesney is a superstar.

It is called “Come Over,” and it is guaranteed to make every female who listens to it wishes that she could. It coasts to an easy victory as the Disc of the Day as Kenny Chesney rules anew.

I was polishing the DisCovery Award for Tommy Steele. Then I checked and found out that I reviewed two tunes from him in 2010. I liked him then, and I like him now.

So then I thought maybe Daniel Warren could be a contender. But it turns out that he, too, has been in this column previously.

That leaves us with a choice between one of our three genuine newcomers: Erica Nicole pops and bops her way into the winner’s circle.

DANIEL WARREN/Lullaby
Writer: Daniel Warren; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Chaprielle, BMI; Quarterback (www.danielwarrenband.com)
—Formerly a jazz artist, Warren makes the transition to country with this lilting, ultra-smooth outing lifted into the fluffy clouds with easy-on-the-ears vocal harmonies and some absolutely lovely instrumental work. Extremely accomplished.

CRAIG MORGAN/Corn Star
Writer: Shane Minor/Jeffrey Steele; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Sony-ATV/Code Six Charles/Jeffrey Steele, BMI; Black River ()
—This bobbing bopper will make you smile. She’s a total hottie, but strictly from the sticks, y’all.

TOMMY STEELE/My Side of the Street
Writer: Jack Williams/Travis Meadows; Producer: Dave Gibson; Publisher: Savannah/Universal, ASCAP/BMI; Triple Creek (www.tommysteeleband.com)
—Rugged and loaded with blue-collar attitude, this has plenty of chesty power. He sings with extraordinary conviction and finesse, the track throbs with suppressed energy and the song is an instant, everyman classic.

KENNY CHESNEY/Come Over
Writer: Sam Hunt/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne; Producer: Buddy Cannon & Kenny Chesney; Publisher: Twang Tractor/BPJ/Crazy Water/Little Blue Egg/Kobalt/Want a Fresh One/Black River, ASCAP; BNA ()
—A slowly simmering fever of desire. Guitars flicker and ripple while the melody draws you into its dream trance. Kenny’s vocal is full of caressing intimacy and gentle persuasion. Echoey background vocalizing completes the enchanting spell. A swoon of a single.

ALEXANDRA DEMETREE/Just Alone
Writer: Dean Scallan/Billy Atherholt/Jennifer Morrison; Producer: Dean Scallon; Publisher: Shootin’ Straight/Atherholt/Lillaly, BMI/ASCAP; SSM (615-254-2053)
—The production on this country rocker rumbles right along. The vocalist does an adequate job of keeping up, but never really takes command of the track.

MATT GARY/City Lights
Writer: Jared Crump/Trevor Rosen/Josh Osborne; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Brave Music/Resonate/Unfair Entertainment/Want a Fresh One, SESAC/ASCAP; 17/Quarterback (www.mattgary.com)
—I have liked this guy in the past, and his vocal performance here is able and assured. But the song meanders around too much and lacks a big hook.

SARA WATKINS & FIONA APPLE/You’re the One I Love
Writer: Boudleaux Bryant/Felice Bryant; Producer: Blake Mills; Publisher: House of Bryant, BMI; Nonesuch (track) (www.sarawatkins.com)
—Former Nickel Creek member Watkins teams up with pop diva Apple on this eccentric, quasi-rockabilly update of an obscure Everly Brothers tune. Full of nervous energy and echoey atmosphere, it is most definitely ear grabbing. The new CD is titled Sun Midnight Sun, and it is miles beyond its maker’s bluegrass roots.

DOUG BRINEY/More Than Just a Farm
Writer: Pat Kelley/Ed Leavitt; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; DB (track) (www.dougbriney.com)
—His singing voice is a little unsteady, and the track sounds like a demo. But his heart is the right place.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Out of My Hands
Writer: Natasha Borzilova/Ilya Toshinsky/Sasha Ostrovsky/Lydia Salnikova/Alexander Arzamastsev/Sergei Olkhovskiy; Producer: Natasha Borzilova; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; Hadley Music Group (track) (www.natashaborzilova.com)
—This is the title tune of the second solo album from this former Bering Strait vocalist. She wrote or co-wrote all of its songs and as this mid-tempo meditation illustrates, she has evolved into a communicator of subtle strength and confessional intimacy. Her production skills are nothing to sneeze at, either. Highly recommended.

ERICA NICOLE/What You Think About Us
Writer: Biran Davis/Ashley Gearing/Ben Gloover; Producer: Michael Lloyd; Publisher: Curb/Melrose/W.B., BMI/ASCAP; Heaven (www.ericanicolemusic.com)
—It’s lively and bright, kinda like a teen-pop record from the 1980s. It think it’s a combination of that wooshing/zippy guitar sound and her Go-Go’s phrasing. Or maybe it’s that it is just so ridiculously catchy. Impossible to resist.

Arrangements Set For Rusty Walker

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Veteran radio consultant Rusty Walker died today (5/21) at age 59. He suffered a heart attack over the weekend and was airlifted from his hometown Iuka, MS to a hospital in Tupelo. He passed in the hospital.

Walker, whose real name was Sammy Darwin, was a much loved member of the radio community, earning a 2012 induction into the Country Radio Hall of Fame.

Walker had over 40 years of broadcast experience, including time as a programmer, consultant and on-air personality. He launched his firm in 1983 and grew to be one of the most powerful consultants in country radio. During his career, he worked with more than 750 different country stations from market 1 (NYC) to market 543 and smaller. As a personality and Program Director, his stops included WQYK, WQIK, WZZK and KFKF.

Walker was named by R&R in a three way tie for “Country Radio’s Greatest Programmer” of the 20th Century in 2000. He was also named Billboard’s Country “Consultant Of The Year” seven consecutive years out of the eight years the award was given. He also served on the CMA Board of Directors.

Outside work, he enjoyed being a father, boating and high school sports. He was an active member of Mt. Evergreen United Methodist Church and an enthusiastic supporter of the Tishomingo County School System. He volunteered in many civic capacities, including serving as emcee of the Iuka Christmas Parade and on the Iuka Heritage Day Committee Board of Directors.

The last few months were extremely difficult for Walker and his family. His 17-year-old daughter Kinsley Darwin died unexpectedly in March. He was also preceded in death by son Jay, who died in a hunting accident, and his parents, Jimmy and Mollie Darwin.

He is survived by wife of 38 years Teresa Darwin; two daughters, Nikki Darwin Clark and husband Nathaniel, of Iuka, and Beth Darwin Huntley and husband, Ryan, of Jacksonville, FL; and two grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, at Mt. Evergreen United Methodist Church. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 26, at the Tishomingo County High School Gymnasium. The body will lie in state at the gymnasium from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Sammy Darwin/Rusty Walker Memorial Fund, c/o BancorpSouth, P.O. Box 377, Iuka, MS 38852.

MusicRow offers sincere condolences to all his loved ones. More here.

McGraw Joins BMLG Roster

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Tim McGraw has joined the Big Machine Records roster, it was announced today (5/21) at a press conference at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“Many people know that I came to Nashville 23 years ago on a Greyhound bus with nothing but a guitar,” said McGraw. “And 23 years to the day, on May 9, I went back to the bus station and officially signed this deal. It was a significant way for me to mark this new beginning. Scott Borchetta has developed a powerhouse at Big Machine, and I’m happy to be a part of what he has built and to call Big Machine Records my new label home. Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling about working on a new album for this next chapter in my career. Here’s to the next 20 years!”

“I’ve always felt a kinship to Tim as my dad (Mike) originally signed Tim to Curb Records,” added Borchetta. “We have wanted to work together for years and I can’t believe this day has finally come. His level of artistry, vision, passion and energy comes along only so many times in any given era and I can tell you with the utmost confidence that there are many, many important chapters left to write.”

Universal Music Group will handle global distribution. “I’m so pleased to add the great superstar Tim McGraw to our incredible Nashville family of distributed labels,” said Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group. “Tim’s accomplishments reach around the world and we intend to exert the full compliment of global support to Tim’s new releases on Big Machine Records.”

This June, McGraw will kick off the Brothers of the Sun Tour with longtime friend Kenny Chesney. The outing launches June 2 in Tampa and will hit the nation’s biggest stadiums through August.

McGraw has sold over 40 million albums.