November 11, 2008
Randy Owen -
One on One
(Broken Bow)
Alabama front man Randy Owen goes the solo route with his debut. The first single is "Like I Never Broke Her Heart." Owen also is releasing his autobiography at the same time, "Born County."
October 14, 2008
Beth Stevens -
Strong Enough
(Pinecastle)
Beth Stevens used to play with her sister April in the Stevens Family, which later became the Stevens Sisters. This is her first solo album, which was produced by Scott Vestal. Dale Anne Bradley duets with Stevens on "Sweet Peace."
October 7, 2008
George Strait -
Classic Christmas
(MCA)
George Strait offers 10 holiday songs, ranging from "Deck the Halls" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" to "Up on the Rooftop."
September 16, 2008
Faith Hill -
Joy to the World
(Warner)
Faith Hill finally releases a holiday album replete with classics such as "Winter Wonderland," "Little Drummer Boy" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Hill produced along with Byron Gallimore and Dann Huff. The set contains one new song, "A Baby Changes Everything."
September 9, 2008
Patty Loveless -
Sleepless Nights
(Saguaro)
After spending many years with Epic Nashville, Patty Loveless is switching to a nascent label. She covers classics including "Why Baby Why," "Crazy Arms" and "Cold Cold Heart." Husband Emory Gordy Jr. produced.
September 2, 2008
Mark Erelli -
Delivered
(Signature Sounds)
Mark Erelli, who also plays guitar for Lori McKenna, releases his seventh solo disc. Members of Josh Ritter's band are featured on the release, which is produced by Zack Hickman also of Ritter's band.
Rodney Crowell -
Sex & Gasoline
(Yep Roc)
Rodney Crowell returns with another autobiographical disc with a number of songs relating to his daughter, who underwent drug rehabilitation. Singer Joe Henry produced the 11-song release.
August 26, 2008
Roger Creager -
Here It Is
(Fun All Wrong)
Texas singer Roger Creager is popular in the Lone Star state. This is his first CD in five years. "Live Across Texas" was his last CD.
The Lost Trailers -
Holler Back
(BNA)
The Lost Trailers return with their sophomore effort with the title track being the first single. Lead singer Ryder Lee and writer/guitarist Stokes Nielson started the group in high school, and Willie Nelson's annual Fourth of July picnic in 2001 proved to be the launching pad for the group. Not all has been smooth. The Trailers had three equipment trailers stolen (hence the name) but toured heavily. They signed to BNA Records and recorded their self-titled debut in 2006. Brett Beavers (Dierks Bentley) produced the second album.
Ralph Stanley II -
This One is Two
(Lonesome Day)
Ralph Stanley II, the son of the bluegrass legend, is back with his first solo record since 2004's "Carrying On." II combines country and bluegrass on his latest, which was produced by Mike Latterell, who has worked with Rhonda Vincent. The record represents a change of labels for Stanley, who previously recorded for Rebel.
August 19, 2008
Jimmy Wayne -
Beautiful Thing
(Valor Music)
Soulful country singer Jimmy Wayne is finally back after last releasing an album five years ago. He had success with his DreamWorks debut in 2003 with hits "Stay Gone" and "I Love You This Much," but has not released a record since then. He also is on a new label, the home of Jewel.
Crystal Shawanda -
Dawn of a New Day
(RCA)
The title of Crystal Shawanda's debut CD reflects her roots. Shawanda means "Dawn of a new day" in Ojibwe, the Native American tongue. Shawanda grew up on the Wikwemikong Indian Reserve in Ontario, Canada. The single from the disc produced by Scott Hendricks is "You Can Let Go."
Brandon Rhyder -
Every Night
(Reserve)
Brandon Rhyder grew up in east Texas and now lives in Austin, recalling Raul Malo. Radney Foster produced the disc, which has a retro sound. Rhyder co-wrote all 13 songs on the CD. Writing partners included Liz Rose ("Teardrops on My Guitar") and Foster.
George Jones -
George Jones: Burn Your Playhouse Down, the unreleased duets
(Bandit)
George Jones had a series of never before released duets from several different recording sessions over the years. This set includes one with late, ex-wife Tammy Wynette ("Lovin' You, Lovin' Me" was recorded in November 1977), Vince Gill, Dolly Parton and Keith Richards. The most recent recording was a song he recorded with daughter Georgette in 2007.
Cadillac Sky -
Gravity's Our Enemy
(Skaggs Family)
Country/bluegrass band Cadillac Sky releases their second disc. Mike Marshall produced the 14-song disc. The band - Bryan Simpson, Matt Menefee, Ross Holmes, Mike Jump and Andy Moritz - wrote or co-wrote all the songs.
Chris Knight -
Heart of Stone
(Drifter's Church)
Slaughters, Ky. native Chris Knight is back with his sixth disc. Dan Baird of Georgia Satellites fame produced the new disc of a dozen songs from the singer, who recalls Steve Earle. He also had that role on "A Pretty Good Guy" and "The Jealous Kind."
The Sacred Shakers -
The Sacred Shakers
(Signature Sounds)
The Sacred Shakers is a gospel group, including Eilen Jewell. The group includes five different lead vocalists singing mainly old country gospel tunes. The band self-produced the disc.
August 12, 2008
The Duhks -
Fast Paced World
(Sugar Hill)
Canadian band The Duhks returns with a different line-up. New frontwoman and Sarah Dugas replaced Jessee Havey in 2007. This is the fourth disc for the Winnipeg, Canada band that offers a rootsy/folky/punky sound.
August 5, 2008
Keith Anderson -
C'mon!
(Columbia Nashville)
After scoring three hits from his debut from 2005, Keith Anderson finally releases his second disc. Anderson co-wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the Jeffrey Steele-produced release, pairing with songwriters Tim Nichols, Rivers Rutherford, Chuck Cannon and David Lee Murphy. He chose to include a cover of "Crazy Over You," a hit by venerable country duo Foster & Lloyd and invited the two to join him in the studio for the recording of the track. "I Still Miss You" is the first single.
Carrie Rodriguez -
She Ain't Me
(Back Porch)
After her well-received solo debut "Seven Angels on a Bicycle," Carrie Rodriguez is back. The Austin-born and Berklee School of Music trained violinist-turned-fiddler turned to producer Malcolm Burn (Emmylou Harris, Kaki King) and wrote with Gary Louris of the Jayhawks as well as Mary Gauthier, Dan Wilson and Jim Boquist.
Jamey Johnson -
That Lonesome Song
(Mercury)
Jamey Johnson had a semi-hit with "The Dollar" in a previous musical lifetime and since then won aards for writing George Strait's big hit "GIve It Away." He also penned "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" for Trace Adkins. He's back on his own with 14 songs with the first single "In Color." The new disc focuses on Johnson's divorce.
Heidi Newfield -
What Am I Waiting For
(Curb)
Heidi Newfield was the lead singer for Trick Pony, which had several hits including "Pour Me." But the full-throated Californian decided to go her own way, and this is her debut disc. the first single is "Johnny & June" about Jonny Cash and his wife June.
July 29, 2008
Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper -
Leavin' Town
(Rounder)
This is the debut album from Flamekeeper, the new band founded by five-time IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Michael Cleveland. The band also features John Mark Batchelor on banjo, mandolinist Jesse Brock (Lynn Morris Band), guitarist and vocalist Todd Rakestraw (Union Station, Timberline Drive and bassist and vocalist Marshall Wilborn (Lynn Morris Band, Johnson Mountain Boys, Longview).
Blue Moon Rising -
One Lonely Shadow
(Lonesome River)
Bluegrass band Blue Moon Rising mixes up country and bluegrass songs. In addition to the six band written songs on the new record, they cover Bruce Springsteen's "Youngstown," Townes VanZandt's "Marie" and Fred Eaglesmith's "Freight Train." The group consists of Keith Garrett, Chris West, Justin Jenkins, Harold Nixon. Their debut release came in 2005 with "On The Rise."
July 22, 2008
Sugarland -
Love on the Inside
(Mercury)
Sugarland - Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush - release their third disc, which includes the first single, "All I Want to Do." The group has done well with their first two releases with a slew of hit singles, including "Stay."
Sammy Walker -
Misfit Scarecrow
(Ramseur)
Sammy Walker had two albums apiece on Smithsonian Folkways and Warner Brothers in the 1970s after being helped by Phil Ochs. This is his first album in 14 years. The Georgia native is heavily influenced by Bob Dylan.
July 15, 2008
Randy Travis -
Around the Bend
(Warner)
Country crooner Randy Travis returns with his first full-fledged country disc in eight years. Kyle Lehning once again produced the disc, which contains 11 songs. "Faith in You" in the first single from the release.
The Grascals -
Keep on Walkin'
(Rounder)
The Grascals avoided the dreaded sophomore slump and now the winners of the IBMA entertain of the year award return with their third release. The 12 songs include covers of such well-known songs as "The Only Daddy That Will Walk the Line" and "Farther Along." The group consists of Terry Eldredge, Aaron McDaris, Danny Roberts, Terry Smith, Jamie Johnson and Jimmy Mattingly, who has since left the group.
Drew Emmitt -
Long Road
(Compass)
Drew Emmitt, of Leftover Salmon fame, releases his third solo disc for Compass. Gary West produced the music. Emmitt's last disc was "Across the Bridge" from three years ago. The new music has bluegrass, newgrass, country and folk influences. He includes covers of "Long Way Home" by Supertramp and "Take the Highway" by the Marshall Tucker Band. Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters and Tyler Grant on acoustic guitar help out.
July 8, 2008
Various Artists -
Moneyland
(McCoury Music)
Del McCoury wanted to make a concept album, resulting from several chapters from the 2006 book "Fox in the Henhouse by Dave "Mudcat" Saunders about problems facing rural America: third world poverty caused by disappearing jobs, the lack of health care, a mushrooming suicide rate and environmental issues. The musical bookends are Bernard "Slim" Smith's Depression era classic, "Breadline Blues," as the original 1931 recording at the start, and a new "Breadline Blues 2008," featuring McCoury, Mac Wiseman, Tim O'Brien and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. The Del McCoury Band brings two original songs, Merle Haggard supplies the 1973 classic "If We Make It Through December" and the more recent "What Happened?," which appeared on his McCoury Music bluegrass debut of last year, and the set includes Emmylou Harris' and Rodney Crowell's "Mama's Hungry Eyes."
July 1, 2008
Ricky Skaggs -
The High Notes
(Cracker Barrel)
Ricky Skaggs redoes his country hits bluegrass style on this dozen song disc. The set contains nine songs that went number one including "Heartbroke," "Uncle Pen" and "Highway 40 Blues." Skaggs began in bluegrass before going into country and reverting to bluegrass.
June 24, 2008
Hacienda Brothers -
Arizona Motel
(Hacienda Brothers)
The Hacienda Brothers lost founding member Chris Gaffney to cancer April 17, but are releasing the last recordings Gaffney did with the band. Dan Penn produced some songs with the band self-producing the rest.
The Road Hammers -
Blood Sweat & Steel
(Montage)
Canadian band The Road Hammers make their U.S. debut. Jason McCoy, who is in the band, and Scott Baggett, who produced the group's Canadian disc, co-produced the music. Michael Knox produced three songs with McCoy. The first single is "I Don't Know When to Quit." The band consists of Clayton Bellamy, Corbett Frasz, Chris Byrne and McCoy.
Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice -
Blue Side of the Blue Ridge
(Rebel)
Junior Sisk returns with Ramblers Choice, which includes bassist Tim Massey. Ramblers Choice released a disc on Rounder about 10 years ago with Sisk in the band. Ronnie Bowman produced the release. Sisk played briefly with Lost & Found and played with Blue Ridge more recently.
Reckless Kelly -
Bulletproof
(Yep Roc)
Texas band Reckless Kelly recorded their latest at Willie Nelson's Pedernales Studios in Texas. The disc includes 14 songs.
Alejandro Escovedo -
Real Animal
(Back Porch)
Rootsy rocker Alejandro Escovedo returns with a 13-song sset produced that combines some country, roots music and roc. Tony Visconti, who once worked with David Bowie, produced. Escovedo's ninth solo disc features a band of frequent collaborators, including David Pulkingham (guitar), Josh Gravelin (bass), Hector Munoz (drums), Susan Voelz (violin), Brian Standefer (cello) and Chuck Prophet (guitar).
Crooked Still -
Still Crooked
(Signature Sounds)
Crooked Still releases their third album for the label. Cellist Rushad Eggelston left the band and joining were Britney Hass on fiddle and Tristan Claridge on cello. Hass and Claridge both have been played with Tony Trischka and Darol Anger's Republic of Strings.
Dan Paisley -
The Room Over Mine
(Rounder)
The new album from Danny Paisley and The Southern Grass comes from a group raised on classic bluegrass, learning as the sons and later band mates of performers such as Bob Paisley, Ted Lundy and Donnie Eldreth. Danny Paisley played with his father, Bob for 32 years, until he died in 2004. The disc includes classic country songs such as Marty Robbins' " At the End of a Long Lonely Day," Porter Wagoner's "I Thought I Heard You Calling My Name" and Little Jimmy Dickens' "Another Bridge to Burn." The CD contains 13 songs.
June 22, 2008
Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers -
Miles From Home
(Dionysius)
Ruby Dee and the Snakehandlers from Seattle offer their second CD of hard core country sounds.
June 17, 2008
Carter's Chord -
Carter's Chord
(ShowDog Nashville)
Carter's Chord - a sister trio comprised of Becky, Emily and Joanna Robertson - offer a digital-only release of 10 songs produced by Toby Keith and their father, Barny Robertson. The children grew up with music because their parents were in Waylon Jennings' band. The CD goes to stores in September.
Becky Schlegel -
For All the World to See
(Lilly Ray/Igo)
Minnesotan Becky Schlegel is back with her third album, containing a dozen songs. Schlegel mixes a bluegrass and modern sound.
Dan Tyminski -
Wheels
(Rounder)
Dan Tyminski is best known as the voice behind "The Man of Constant Sorrow" and a member of Alison Krauss' Union Station. He is back with his first solo disc since 2000. Other members of his band are Barry Bales on bass Adam Steffey on mandolin, Ron Stewart on banjo and fiddle, Justin Moses on fiddle and Dobro. Bales is in Union Station, while Bales previously was a member.
June 10, 2008
Emmylou Harris -
All I Intended To Be
(Nonesuch)
This is Harris' third release on Nonesuch and her first solo effort since 2003's "Stumble Into Grace." Of the selected material, Harris explains, "I've always seen myself as a relentless song-finder, a singer of other people's work whom I admire greatly, and an occasional songwriter." Recorded over a four-year span primarily at producer and ex-husband Brian Ahern's Easter Island Surround in Nashville, for the first time in 25 years, this album returns Harris to the producer she worked with for her first 11 albums. The title comes from a line in the featured Harris-John Starling duet "Old Five and Dimers Like Me" (Billy Joe Shaver). Longtime friends Kate and Anna McGarrigle co-wrote and sing on two tracks, "How She Could Sing the Wildwood Flower" and "Sailing Round the Room," while Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Buddy Miller also contribute vocals on the album.
Railroad Earth -
Amen Corner
(Sci-Fidelity)
Jam band Railroad Earth is back after a several year gap. The disc was written and recorded at lead singer/songwriter Todd Sheaffer's 300 year-old farmhouse in New Jersey's rural countryside.
Montgomery Gentry -
Back When I Knew It All
(SonyBMG)
With the lead-off single and title track, "Back When I Knew It All" the fastest rising single to date, Montgomery Gentry releases their seventh album. Montgomery Gentry cut the disc in Memphis at Ardent Studios. The duo co-wrote 2 of the 11 tracks, "God Knows Who I Am" and "One In Every Crowd." Guests include Toby Keith on "I Pick My Parties" and Five For Fighting's John Ondrasik on "Roll With Me." Blake Chancey produced the follow-up to "Some People Change," which had three consecutive top five singles, including the number one "Lucky Man," the title track and "What Do Ya Think About That."
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters -
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters
(Sawmill/Vanguard)
Actor Billy Bob Thornton forges another musical path with his band The Boxmasters. After four solo recordings, Thornton is with The Boxmasters, also featuring J.D. Andrews and Mike Butler for a two-CD set. The first disc is all originals written or co-written by Thornton, while the second disc features covers from Michael Nesmith's "Some of Shelley's Blues" to Mel Tillis' "Sawmill" to Mott the Hoople's "The Original Mixed up Kid. "
Chip Taylor -
New Songs of Freedom
(Train Wreck)
Chip Taylor offers a mixture of an album with is in a politically themed CD with his singing and spoken style. Songs include "Former American Soldier" about U.S. troops in southeast Asia in 1975 and "Black and Blue America."
The Infamous Stringdusters -
The Infamous Stringdusters
(Sugar Hill)
This is the follow-up to 2007's "Fork in the Road," which was named Album of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. The title track was named Song of the Year, and the band earned the honor of best emerging artist. The new disc is their first record with guitarist Andy Falco and his blues-infused licks. Tim O'Brien produced the set of nine band originals plus songs of other writers.
June 7, 2008
The Stairwell Sisters -
Get Off Your Money
(Yodel Ay-Hee)
Oakland-based all female band The Stairwell Sisters offer their third disc of country, bluegrass and old time styled music.
June 5, 2008
James Intveld -
Have Faith
(Molenaart)
James Intveld is a respected West Coast honky tonker and one-time member of The Blasters. This is his first CD in eight years and continues his retro sound among the 10 songs.
June 3, 2008
Jewel -
Perfectly Clear
(Valor Music)
Jewel transitions from pop artist to country with her debut for a brand new label. She is known for her hits "Who Will Save Your Soul," " You Were Meant For Me," "Foolish Games" and "Hands." The first single was "Strong Woman," which made into the top 15.
Jennifer Hanson -
Thankful
(Universal South)
Singer Jennifer Hanson was last heard from with her hit single "Beautiful Goodbyes" before disappearing for awhile. She returns on a new label, Universal South, with a digital only release. Hanson wrote all the songs and co-produced with Nick Brophy. Included are singles "Joyride" and "'73," plus the title track, performed with help from Vince Gill
Jim Stringer and the Austin Music Band -
Triskaidekaphilia
(The Music Room)
Ace Austin guitarist Jim Stringer is back with another CD featuring some of Austin's finest. Among the players are T Jarrod Bonta, Dave Biller and Karen Poston.
May 27, 2008
Eliza Gilkyson -
Beautiful World
(Red House)
Eliza Gilkyson offers her sixth disc for the label, a collection of 11 songs. This is more of an upbeat, hopeful attitude in the lyrics with a rootsy bent musically.
Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand -
Last Man Standing
(Montage)
Ryan Shupe, who had one disc on Capitol Nashville, releases his label debut. He combines bluegrass, folk and country into the disc recorded in Salt Lake City. Shupe and the band produced the songs, while also producing three songs with Jason Deere.
The Browns -
The Complete Hits
(Collector's Choice)
Jim Ed Brown and sisters Maxine and Bonnie left their native Arkansas for Nashville where they enjoyed a slew of hits from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s. This collection includes 21 of their songs.
Andy Griggs -
The Good Life
(Montage Music Group)
Andy Griggs makes his label debut in a set produced by songwriter Frank Myers. Griggs' past hits include "You Won't Ever Be Lonely," "She's More" and "Tonight I Wanna Be Your Man." The soulful country singer was part of the RCA label group.
May 20, 2008
Band of Heathen -
Band of Heathens
(Self-released)
Texas-based roots rock band releases a new CD. Ray Wylie Hubbard produced the 11 songs.
James King -
Gardens in the Sky: The Bluegrass Gospel of James King
(Rounder)
Bluegrass singer James King is a busy guy. First, his supergroup Longview releases a disc and a few months later, he's out with his latest solo effort. This is the first for King since "The Bluegrass Storyteller" from 2005.
Julianne Hough -
Julianne Hough
(Mercury)
Julianne Hough had a lot of success on Dancing With the Stars, winning the competition twice. But here she tries to show that she's more than a dancer. The first single from the Utah native is "That Tune In My Head."
Cory Morrow -
Vagrants & Kings
(Sustain)
Texas singer Cory Morrow puts out a 10-song CD. The first single is "He Carries Me," the lead-off track.
May 13, 2008
Old 97's -
Blame It On Gravity
(New West)
Rhett Miller and the boys are back with their first disc since 2004's "Drag It Up." The band consists of Miller, bassist/vocalist Murry Hammond, lead guitarist Ken Bethea and drummer Philip Peeples. The group, which once upon a time was on Bloodshot, formed 15 years ago. Miller also has released several solo discs.
May 6, 2008
Dierks Bentley -
Greatest Hits: Every Mile A Memory 2003-2008
(Capitol Nashville)
Based on a fan vote, Dierks Bentley's hits package will include his 10 top 10 and number 1 radio hits, 4 live versions of crowd favorites "So So Long," "Lot of Leavin' Left To Do," "Wish It Would Break" and "Free & Easy (Down The Road I Go)" and 2 new tracks, "With The Band" and "Sweet & Wild" (featuring Sarah Buxton).
Girls Guns and Glory -
Inverted Valentine
(Self-released)
Boston area band Girls Guns and Glory release their third CD. the group just won the prestigious WBCN Rock N' Roll Rumble. The sound has echoes of Roy Orbison, Dwight Yoakam and Johnny Cash.
Blake Shelton -
Pure BS Deluxe Edition
(Warner)
Blake Shelton releases his fifth album. Due to the success of his current single, "Home," he is re-releasing his "PURE BS" album as "PURE BS DELUXE EDITION." The album will include all of the previously released songs that were on "PURE BS," including singles "Don't Make Me" and "The More I Drink." It will also include three new tracks - "Home" and two Shelton-penned songs, "Chances" and "I Can't Walk Away."
"How strange to be re-releasing an album - but it's what makes sense. I wasn't due for another album for a while and "Home" was being so well received the label had to find a way to get it out to the fans - so now there's a PURE BS DELUXE EDITION," says Shelton.
Shelton reflects on "Chances," "When I moved to Nashville in '94, it seemed like every song on the radio was about positive family things and falling in love. I wanted to write a song about falling in love the way it really happens sometimes. A guy just meeting a girl in a bar."
Sierra Hull -
Secrets
(Rounder)
Teen mandolin ace Sierra Hull offers 13 songs - 3 she had a hand in writing - of hard-driving bluegrass and ballads. Recorded in Nashville in 2007, "Secrets" was co-produced by Hull and Ron Block (Union Station) and features Block, Dan Tyminski, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, Tony Rice, Jim Van Cleve, Rob Ickes, Chris Jones, Jason Moore, and 17-year-old banjo whiz Cory Walker (who is in Sierra's band, Highway 111). At the age of eight, Hull became a respected young picker in bluegrass. At 11, Hull made her Grand Ole Opry debut, when she was invited to play with her heroine, Alison Krauss. Since then, Hull has competed in and won numerous mandolin and guitar championships, showcased at The International Bluegrass Music Association's World of Bluegrass and was a featured performer on the Great High Mountain Tour, which included an all-star bluegrass lineup (with Krauss and Ralph Stanley), that performed songs from the soundtracks of "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "Cold Mountain."
Larry Sparks -
The Best Of Larry Sparks: Bound To Ride
(Rebel)
Bluegrass ace Larry Sparks receives the best of treatment here. The label released a best of CD in the 1980s, including Sparks. Most of the songs on the new release are from the 1980's recording, although three cuts are also included from the King Bluegrass label. "John Deere Tractor" and "Tennessee 1949" are among the songs included.
Dave Evans -
The Best of the Vetco Years
(Rebel)
Bluegrasser Dave Evans plays with backing band River Bend on this collection of old recordings from two releases. Vetco was a label in Cincinnati in the 1960s and 1980s, which was bought by another small label, Crosscut Records, in Kentucky. The "Best of" release is comprised of songs from the two CDs, "Dave Evans and River Bend" (1979) and "Call Me Long Gone" (1980). All of the songs from "Dave Evans and River Bend" are included along with four from "Call Me Long Gone." Many consider the former album to be his one of best recordings.
Toby Keith -
Toby Keith's Biggest 35 Hits
(ShowDog Nashville/UME)
Toby Keith offers 2 CDs of 34 of his biggest hits plus one new song. the set includes "Should've Been A Cowboy," his first number 1 from 1993 along with "Dream Walkin'," "A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action," and "Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)." The new song is "She's a Hottie."
April 30, 2008
Mel Tillis -
Me and Pepper
(Collector's Choice)
This is the first of three recordings made by Mel Tillis for Elektra in 1979 and 1970. Jimmy Bowen produced the 10-song set, mostly recorded at Tompall Glaser's Hillbilly Central studio. The band includes James Burton and Glen D. Hardin of Elvis's band and Sonny Curtis of Buddy Holly's Crickets. The sound, however, is countrypolitan.
April 29, 2008
Steve Earle -
Copperhead Road deluxe edition
(UME)
Steve Earle gets the deluxe reissue treatment on one of his key albums, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The CD, being expanded to two CDs for this release, contains 17-live 1987-89 performances, including 11 that were previously unreleased.
Jypsi -
Jypsi
(Arista Nashville)
Family quartet covers bluegrass and country on their 11-song debut, which is currently a digital only release.
Martina McBride -
Live in Concert
(RCA)
Martina McBride goes the live route with her latest, which also features a DVD. The package features an eight-song live CD including "Happy Girl," "Concrete Angel," This One's For The Girls," "Anyway" and "Independence Day." She also throws in covers of Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" on the DVD.
Mudcrutch -
Mudcrutch
(Reprise)
Back about 1971, Tom Petty and Tom Leadon formed the group Mudcrutch in their native Gainesville, Fla. The group ended up releasing one single on Shelter and broke up in 1975. Last summer, Petty and Leadon along with Randall Marsh and Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench regrouped to create 14 songs of country, bluegrass and Petty-style roots music.
Phil Stacey -
Phil Stacey
(Lyric Street)
American Idol season 6 finalist Phil Stacey releases his debut. The lead single "If You Didn't Love Me," written by Wendell Mobley, Jason Sellers and Rascal Flatts' Gary LeVox. Stacey, a military man, who re-enlisted after appearing on American idol, came in fifth.
Mel Tillis -
Southern Rain
(Collector's Choice)
Mel Tillis' third Elektra release streeted in the fall of 1970. After two CDs that didn't do well, Tillis returned to the top of the charts with the title track, penned by Roger Murrah. He also had hits with "One Night Fever" and "A Million Old Goodbyes." Tillis remained with Elektra until 1982, but this was his last solo CD for the label.
Mel Tillis -
Your Body is an Outlaw
(Collector's Choice)
This was the second of three LPs that Mel Tillis recorded for Elektra Records in 1979 and 1980. The title track features daughter Pam on harmony, and the song reached number three on the country charts. "Whiskey Chasin'" was written by Tillis' bassist, Buddy Cannon, who later would go onto produce Kenny Chesney.
