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Ryan Bingham's name recognition took a quantum leap this year after his Academy Award win for Best Original Song with The Weary Kind. But fear not, the Texas troubadour hasn't gone Hollywood on his marvelous new album. There isn't a stylistic overhaul or big-name guests. The only slight change for his third full length is that T Bone Burnett replaced Marc Ford in the producer's chair. However, Burnett also co-helmed the "Crazy Heart" soundtrack, and their raw, organic... »»»
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The first thing listeners will notice about Ricky Skaggs' new album is that it is neither bluegrass, where Skaggs has been a torchbearer for many years, nor the neo-traditional country that made him a household name. If it must be categorized it fits most snuggly in the genre of Contemporary Christian Music. While final decision ultimately rest on Skaggs, the sound and feel of the album can be traced back to its producer, Gordon Kennedy. Kennedy, who played for the CCM group WhiteHeart... »»»
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Trace Adkins' move to Toby Keith's Show Dog label has certainly brought out the macho in him. Much like Keith, Adkins sings a lot of songs here about being a real man's man. With Hell, I Can Do That, he speaks for every confident guy that's ever believed that the feats celebrities accomplish aren't really all that hard. He's also ready for a fight during both Whoop A Man's Ass and Hold My Beer.
Musically, Adkins rocks out on Brown Chicken Brown Cow and Ala-Freakin-Bana... »»»
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John Mellencamp continues his latest career resurgence, taking the already lean, steely-eyed roots rock from his prior effort "Life, Death, Love & Freedom and paring it done to the bone. This disc definitely has an interesting back story. Reteaming with "Life, Death" producer T-Bone Burnett, Mellencamp recorded this rather on the fly, during his days off from his tour last year with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Mellencamp did these 13 songs in just 13 days, recording in a Baptist... »»»
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Blake Shelton was successful in March with "Six Pack," which his label said wasn't an EP, but at six tracks, you judge. Whatever. His new disc is similar in length. The emphasis is on uptempo, rocking songs with touches of Brad Paisley-styled guitar twang. Shelton sings with vigor from the get go with the title song. At the same time, releasing music more frequently doesn't mean that there are a lot of great songs - none of which Shelton had a hand in writing - here... »»»
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Tribute albums walk a fine line for most listeners. Are they designed to draw fans of the artist singing or the artist being paid tribute? In the case of Eilen Jewell's new album, the answer should be both. It should be said upfront that the problem with many tribute albums is that the tributing artist hews too closely to the source material and there isn't a compelling reason for return listens since they don't differ appreciably from the originals. Fortunately, this is not the case here... »»»
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Snug in his sweater vest and looking towards the sky, folk-rocker Mark Olson appears to have reached a comfortable point in his post-Jayhawks career if the sepia-toned photo of Olson on the cover of his new solo disc is to be considered. The 11 songs by Olson (he co-founded The Jayhawks and split with them in '95 following the release of their seminal "Tomorrow the Green Grass") are pleasant enough, but break no new ground.
Olson's flat, nasally Midwestern-accented... »»»
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Asleep At The Wheel is joined by former Texas Playboys lead singer Leon Rausch on this western swing collection. Rausch, 83, who fronted Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in the late '50's and early '60's, handles all the lead vocals here with ample help from AATW and friends.
Amongst the stronger tunes are the duet with Willie Nelson on Truck Driver's Blues and the swinging version of Peggy Lee's It's A Good Day. Elizabeth McQueen of AATW joins Rausch on the... »»»
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On their sophomore release, Flynnville Train continues rolling with their brand of Indiana-steeped Southern Rock cranking up the guitars and forging their own path. Having left their major label deal with Show Dog, Flynnville Train is free to put on record the kind of music they are known for in their live shows - country music with Molly Hatchet-style guitars in your face.
But the music isn't all power chords as the lyrics show a deep connection with tradition and a working class audience... »»»
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Presumably it is a testament to Lynyrd Skynyrd's influence that this is just the latest in a long line of tribute albums. There have been bluegrass tributes and hip-hop tributes and everything in between. To a real Skynyrd fan all they do is just rub salt into a wound that 33 years on is still raw.
It's understandable that today's more rock-tinged country acts like Shooter Jennings and Eric Church would want to celebrate in song the band that more anybody else wedded country and... »»»
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Tim O'Brien has covered a lot of musical territory over the last 30 years, leaving behind footprints in the form of some two dozen-plus albums encompassing his work with the neo-traditionalist Colorado bluegrass band Hot Rize, duets with sister Mollie, numerous guest appearances and, now, more than a dozen solo releases. (O'Brien continues to deny any connection with or resemblance to cult honky-tonk legend Red Knuckles).
A gifted songwriter, O'Brien has his fingerprints on 10 or... »»»
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The spoken intro promises "one man, one band on a journey of epic proportions." Jerrod Niemann puts a lot of pressure on himself to deliver, and while not reaching those lofty standards, the Kansas native acquits himself when he sticks to the music. Niemann has achieved success as a songwriter, penning Good Ride Cowboy for Garth Brooks. But Niemann also suffered from being on Category 5 Records, a label that folded amidst turmoil before releasing his debut.
Niemann, who mines the... »»»
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Never a pure bluegrass act, North Carolina's Chatham County Line have yet to totally forsake their roots in the music of Bill Monroe, either. The band's strength has always been that it records compelling contemporary tunes in a timeless style that appeals to listeners young and old; this latest set of songs continues that trend, echoing the folk and roots side of everyone from Bob Dylan to Uncle Tupelo.
Ringing In My Ears, for example, is a clever Dylanesque run-through of lyrics... »»»
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It's déja vu all over again for the comical trio Trailer Choir. Mark "Butter" Fortney, Crystal Hoyt and Big Vinny Hickerson dish out 10 songs here on what is being billed their debut CD, but if you listen just slightly closely, you'll realize that these songs sound awfully familiar. As well they should because half of the 10 were previously released by Trailer Choir. Off the Hillbilly Hook, Rockin' the Beer Gut, Rollin' Through the Sunshine and In My Next 5... »»»
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Nothing says summertime in America like an afternoon or evening spent at a baseball park, and no trip to a professional diamond is complete without a rousing rendition of the John Fogerty classic single, Centerfield. Virtually every baseball stadium across the country plays this clap-inducing ode to the National Pastime at least once throughout the course of a game, so it is only fitting that Geffen Records chose to reissue Fogerty's solo album that bears the same name as its hit single in... »»»
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Songwriter Jimmy Webb revisits many of his classic compositions in this collection, with help from several other pop, rock and country music luminaries. While Webb's vocals are pleasant enough, at times reminiscent of Ronnie Milsap or Alabama's Randy Owen, these offerings demonstrate why he is more revered as a tunesmith than a singer.
No Webb compilation would be complete without the contribution of Glen Campbell and the inclusion of the tune By The Time I Get To Phoenix, so it's... »»»
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When Alejandro Escovedo went into a Lexington, Ky. recording studio this winter, he did so with the intention of recording a straight forward rock and roll record in the same vein as his previous release, 2008's "Real Animal." Escovedo enlisted the help of his road band The Sensitive Boys and "Real Animal" producer Tony Visconti to help him achieve that sound.
They delivered.
With the opening quartet of songs, from the punchy pop of the album starting single Anchor to... »»»
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It would have been easy to populate a John Prine tribute disc with established peers like John Hiatt, Kris Kristofferson and Bonnie Raitt. It's a more adventurous move to tap younger acts such as Conor Oberst or Deer Tick, but "Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows" proves that Prine's expertly crafted story-songs transcend the generations - as if there were any doubts about this.
The disc starts off memorably with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon creating an inventive version of Bruised... »»»
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According to the press release accompanying the debut album from Jaron and The Long Road To Love, "Getting Dressed in the Dark," the front man of this group with the long name, Jaron Lowenstein, lets folks know that this album is about love "because that's where I am right now." Lowenstein continues, saying that "I'm not interested in writing stories about doors, or blue skies or whatever. It's not interesting to me right now."
Indeed. Truer words were never spoken... »»»
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Taking every bit of music that randomly pops into your head and piecing those samples into 10 separate songs might seem like a testimonial to your musical coolness when in reality it's more an ego-driven recipe for disaster. The Punch Brothers' 2008 debut teetered close to that edge, yet never completely toppled off thanks to the band's individual abilities as titans of their respective stringed instruments. The elusive meshing of style and taste was just a riff or two away... »»»
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Closing in on 20 albums, Canada's Fred Eaglesmith is as calculating roots artist as exists. Having had the self-described "weirdest career in the world," Eaglesmith remains fully cognizant that he must balance artistic evolution with his audience's willingness to accept transformation.
Eaglesmith has forged his success travelling the highways of North America. Embraced by a loyal following, he has seldom stood still; each disc released since the mid-'90s has featured a... »»»
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Listen to Junior Sisk, on CD or in person, and you hear pure bluegrass from the first word. A veteran of several nationally-known bands and an experienced songwriter, this is the second CD for the rejuvenated Ramblers Choice band and easily keeps pace with their 2009 release.
The band and CD feature Junior's cousin Tim Massey as lead singer on several tracks, bass player and songwriter. He co-wrote Guns, Coins and Jewelry, a story of the heartbreak of love ended that's as good a... »»»
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"Renaissance man" is a term you don't hear much anymore. Maybe because Shel Silverstein, who passed away in 1999, was the last of that august breed. Although known primarily as a children's author ("A Light in the Attic" "Where the Sidewalk Ends") Silverstein was also a successful poet, playwright, songwriter (his songs were recorded by everybody from raunch-rockers Dr. Hook to living legend Loretta Lynn), singer, screenwriter and cartoonist - how many... »»»
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From their debut a few years back, Cadillac Sky has been pushing the envelope, even by contemporary standards, as far as what gets called bluegrass these days, and this third effort finds them straying farther and farther from the Monroe foundation. They've got all the standard instruments, but when a scan of the liner notes finds mention of water-phone, mellotron, harmonium and steel guitar, it's a safe bet that the music inside is not a rehash of Flatt and Scruggs classics... »»»
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What is now Lee Brice's first long-play record once went by the moniker "Picture of Me," and he still refers to it as the "spiritual title." Along with a song by that name, there are slices of life aplenty about growing up smack dab in the center of South Carolina. For those that didn't have the privilege, it sounds like a whole lot of fun.
The showpiece is the title track, which lays out the guidelines to make relationships last and life worthwhile - it's a... »»»
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Dierks Bentley takes a left, turn, sort of, on his fifth studio disc. Bentley has built a solid reputation as a country artist with a slew of hits and catchy songs with edge. But here, Bentley goes bluegrass or at least 12 songs steeped in that sound. This is nothing new for Bentley, who previously has recorded bluegrass songs.
Much to his credit, Bentley does not come off as a dilettante, but, instead, someone who feels comfortable with the music from the lead-off title track to the closing sad... »»»
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James Allen Shelton has been a mainstay with Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys for many years. One would anticipate his mastery of mountain style music, but he also delivers folk music, country, and light rock with equal skill.
He kicks off with the traditional Cherokee Shuffle, and plays three finger bluegrass banjo on Riding on the Clinchfield, but also includes cuts from artists as diverse as Tom Paxon, (Where I'm Bound) Donovan, and The Beatles... »»»
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The fascinating journey of Cherryholmes family band has captivated bluegrass audiences for more than 10 years, but it's the number four that sums up their latest effort. As in album number four from the four-time Grammy nominated band that features four young but rapidly maturing stars in the making. Sandy and Jere Cherryholmes' most well-known child is perhaps Cia, who has sung lead vocals and written a number of their more prominent tunes. She takes the leadoff spot here with When... »»»
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A bluegrass mandolin standard bearer, Roland White took the long road. Born in northern Maine, White found the bluegrass bug after moving to California. A founder of The Kentucky Colonels, White played with both Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt prior to recording this album, originally released in 1976. By then a member of The Country Gazette, White called on band mates to record this, which is repackaged on CD for the first time.
This invigorating bluegrass album is filled with spirited picking and singing... »»»
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Fueled by Dave Gonzales's taut leads and baritone rhythm along with the fluid drive of Dave Biller and Fuzzy Blazek's pedal steel, the Stone River Boys push the old Hacienda Brothers message that the genres of country and soul are basically the same thing. They're not, of course, but sometimes it's fun to hear the band's sonic argument.
Former Paladins member, Gonzales once again takes a backseat to a cat whose voice embraces both c&w and r&b a la the late Hacienda... »»»
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With each successive album, Tift Merritt has revealed more of her nuanced songwriting presence and considerable musical skills. On Merritt's almost universally acclaimed debut, 2002's "Bramble Rose," she introduced herself with songs that played to her folk/alt.country singer/songwriter strengths, while her sophomore album, 2004's "Tambourine," found her folding in more rock and soul influences, and with 2008's "Another Country," Merritt showed her... »»»
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One of Darrell Scott's stated aims in making "A Crooked Road" was to play and sing all the music on it. He recorded most of the album himself at his home studio, playing each of the instruments and providing all of the vocals. While a do-it-yourself spirit is laudable, there's something to be said for adding someone else's ideas to the mix.
A producer, for example, might have helped pare back the album from 20 lengthy tracks totaling nearly an hour and a half to a number... »»»
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John Prine holds a well-deserved spot in the songwriters' pantheon. So, it's always a bit disappointing when a new Prine release isn't stocked with new Prine songs. After producing 7 albums between 1971-1980, he has only made a handful of albums of originals since then, although he has done a couple covers projects, the "Souvenirs" re-recordings album, a Christmas disc and now his third live album.
That said, there are bountiful joys in listening to Prine performing... »»»
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It's ironic but somehow fitting that the song that made John Hartford famous is omitted from this tribute CD. Gentle On My Mind was released with limited success by Hartford, but then covered by Glen Campbell (one of more than 300 covers). Campbell's version became a giant hit, and Hartford was a regular guest on Campbell's TV show.
Hartford followed his whimsy and never let the boundaries of genre influence his music. This tribute album by friends and his last band reflects that... »»»
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The turbulent 14-year relationship between Hank Williams III and Curb Records ends with this release, and while Williams certainly seizes the opportunity to take one last jab at Curb he also delivers some good tunes on his way out the door.
He kicks it off with Getting Drunk And Falling Down, a straight ahead honky tonk tune in which Williams begins to take a serious look at the consequences of his lifestyle ("Getting drunk and falling down has taken it's toll on me/ I like living life... »»»
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More than some contemporaries, The Sadies record Albums. Less important to the Toronto band, it seems, are individual songs. What is most apparent when listening to any album from The Sadies - brother guitarists Travis and Dallas Good, drummer Mike Belitsky, and bassist Sean Dean - is that they craft 30- to 40- minute visions of sound: kicking drums, rumbling bass lines and guitars that swirl psychedelic and alt.-country influences and flavors into a concoction that is immediately identifiable... »»»
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The virtues of "Exile on Main St." - variously ranked as the best record the Rolling Stones ever made, if not one of the best rock and roll albums of all time - need no explication here. Nor do the album's attractions to those who enjoyed the country byways it explored as part of its weary travelogue of American music, beginning with Sweet Virginia and on through the entire sweep of the second side of the LP's original four. All of that has been articulated many times before... »»»
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With their new album, Crooked Still once again provides a perfect template for a sound that pays homage to traditional forms of folk and bluegrass music while still managing to sound unlike anything that has come before them. Their lineup featuring Greg Liszt on banjo, Brittany Haas on fiddle, and the unusual combo of Tristan Clarridge on cello and Corey DiMario on double bass allows the band to play in a lower register than many traditional outfits and lends an ominous sense of foreboding to many of their songs... »»»
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Mary Gauthier is best known as an introspective songwriter. Her intellectual songs can strike a chord deep within even the most apathetic listeners. This is certainly true with her latest, produced by Michael Timmons from The Cowboy Junkies.
"The Foundling" takes a deeply personal look into the life of Gauthier. Born from a mother she never knew or even met, Gauthier bounced around adoptive parents until she was 15 when she hit the road on her own in hopes of finding herself... »»»
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The 12 songs on Matt Kennon's debut full length may vary in style or in subject matter, but every single one is stamped with Kennon's unique, deep, gravelly voice. Four songs - all solid - released on "The Call" EP are included here as well: The Call, Some People P*ss Me Off, You Can Still Wear White and The Man I Used To Be.
That said, "Matt Kennon" is a great country-rock album, from stem to stern. This is a guy with deep feelings and strong emotions... »»»
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