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Any fans of country music - and we're using a definition that starts just west of real country and stops a bit south of alt.-country - who aren't sold on Austin's Texas Sapphires four songs in to this sophomore studio release can be suspected of unnecessary stubbornness. Just look what that first third offers. You get both a male voice and a female voice: Billy Brent Malkus' is handsome yet tough and wiry enough for a bar fight, and Rebecca Lucille Cannon's is lovely yet,... »»»
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In the 60's through the '80's, the Statler Brothers, Don and Harold Reid, Phil Balsley, Jimmy Fortune and the late Lew Dewitt, were the hottest thing going. They set the standard for modern country vocal groups with a style that earned them a worldwide fan base and entry into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bluegrassers Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent do a great job of honoring their idols, covering classics like "Flowers On The Wall," "Bed of Roses,"... »»»
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On their fourth release, Little Rock, Ark.'s The Salty Dogs deliver a fine disc incorporating many roots styles. The lead-off Rock and Roll Will Never Stay bounces along to a breezy electric piano and guitar-fueled groove that, by its very existence, disproves the assertion made by the song's title and serves as a rebuttal to the preacher who delivers a sermon against the musical genre in question.
The opening notes of Knock 3X borrow heavily from T-Rex's Bang a Gong before... »»»
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Despite their commercial success and numerous awards, some critics felt that Lady Antebellum's self-titled debut, released in 2007, wasn't country enough. And those critics won't be happy with its follow-up. A pleasant selection of pop-infused songs, this sophomore offering from the photogenic trio stays in a fairly safe middle range. The themes are country enough - lonely calls in the middle of the night, driving down open highways, heading to the lake in a jacked-up jeep - but... »»»
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The premise of the title track of this compilation from I See Hawks In L.A. is that they have been denied the commercial success they deserve, but their unconventional band name, song topics and lyrics suggest they are comfortable residing outside the mainstream. Compiled from four albums released over the past decade, with a few new tracks added, the band's sound is a mix of 70's country rock, bluegrass, Bakersfield and hard-edged alt.-country.
One of the stronger tunes is Byrd From... »»»
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Any T Bone Burnett-produced film soundtrack is a rock-solid lock to haul off a wagon full of awards. "Walk the Line" and "O Brother, Where Art Thou" are proof of Burnett's uncanny ability to seamlessly blend film and song. But the new film, "Crazy Heart," offered several challenges. Not only did Burnett have to transform actors Jeff Bridges and Colin Farrell into authentic country artists who do their own singing and playing, he also needed several original songs... »»»
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In addition to being a wholly (and, at times, holy) successful effort in revisiting 10 traditional, jug band and proto-blues tunes on the songs' own rustic terms, this album by the South Memphis String Band contains some of the last work done by the late, great musician/producer Jim Dickinson in the form of a liner notes essay. Like everything else he was involved with in his restless years on earth, it's right on, nailing all three members of the band. He cites the "good natured... »»»
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Plenty of bluegrass bands have managed to endure for a decade and a half, but to do so with essentially the same lineup is fairly rare. Yet, with the exception of a brief interlude around the turn of the millennium, the sterling music of Blue Highway has been produced by the same quintet: Tim Stafford (guitar), Wayne Taylor (bass), Shawn Lane (mandolin), Rob Ickes (Dobro) and Jason Burleson (banjo). Over that time they have justly earned a reputation as one of the world's premier acoustic... »»»
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In case the album cover - on which he's clutching a sword and his own severed head - didn't tip you off, Ray Wylie Hubbard's newest release is a little on the gritty side. Both cover and album are inspired by a quote from 13th century Persian poet Rumi, which states "Behead yourself. Dissolve your whole self into vision: become seeing, seeing, seeing." What Hubbard seems to be seeing here isn't too pretty, but it sure sounds good.
On his first album since 2006's... »»»
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Randy Kohrs is in high demand around Nashville, as an established picker and Grammy award winning record producer. It may be time to add accomplished songwriter and singer to his fast growing resume as well. Kohrs came to Nashville at age 21 from his native home in Iowa to break into the music scene. One of his first jobs was touring with Hank III as the lead guitarist. He has since appeared on more than 500 albums and toured with Dolly Parton and Tom T. Hall.
Kohrs latest continues to stretch... »»»
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Back in 1999, Phil Vassar was a welcome breath of fresh air for country music. He was a solid songwriter who penned hits for Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw, and as an artist, his energetic, piano-laden songs like Carlene, Last Day of My Life, and Just Another Day in Paradise, cut through the din of guitar-wielding male singers.
Now, after a few albums that mostly failed to produce more than one hit single each, Vassar is trying to resurrect his heyday. Circus does have some solid tracks on it,... »»»
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The Hoyle Brothers from Chicago released a three-song EP that would might likely cause Elvis to rise from the dead to drink a glass of eggnog and sing along. Winter In Chicago rips along like Santa's mystery train, going at a breakneck rockabilly pace as it describes what Christmas is like in the chilly Midwest. The Only Thing I Want For Christmas, however, slows things down considerably with a soft meditation on the sole desire for true love under the Christmas tree. In this case, "Home... »»»
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Rockin' the Beer Gut, on the surface, reads like a song about a beer drinker's guzzling pride. But the tune is, in reality, an ode to gaining weight because this guy rocks a 'cheer gut' due to the fact that he "loves the way your cookies taste." It has a slightly urban feel to it, particularly when a children's choir chants, "Go Santa!" However, the instrumentation is country, through and through. One imagines many a man's beer gut grows a few... »»»
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Joey+Rory's It's Christmas Time has a stream of consciousness quality to it. Rather than attempt to focus on just one particular aspect of the holiday, this fiddle and mandolin-driven bluegrass song produced by Carl Jackson touches upon multiple factors of the season. There's a nod to American serviceman, who cannot be home for Christmas, but there is also a line about noticing a certain favorite Christmas special on TV and an admonition for those little ones to stay in bed on Christmas eve... »»»
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Carrie Rodriguez released her debut album in 2006 and quickly became Americana's sweetheart. After serving an apprenticeship with singer-songwriter Chip Taylor, Rodriguez released her second album in 2008 and forged ahead on her own. That included going out on tour with the physical support of Taylor and his band. With her own band in tow, she joined Lucinda Williams for a tour that same year. "Live In Louisville" was recorded on one of the tours stops. The album captures all of... »»»
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Sometimes the third time out for an artist can mystify them, as by this point they've chosen to either clone or deconstruct their first record. So what's next? Jimmy Wayne, who sharply veered away from the deep emotional mining of his first effort to more straightforward country- pop on his second, goes the route of a hybrid collection.
There's the big leadoff (and Keith Urban-penned) Things I Believe, which swings for the number one hit fences all the way with a hook heavy... »»»
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If the best things in life do indeed come in small packages, this "Unwrapped" EP from Rascal Flatts fits that most worthy description. All but one song have been unavailable for about a year, and one track (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen) is a brand new recording. For Jingle Bell Rock, Rascal Flatts actually trade rock music for big band jazz; this one features plenty of brass horn work. However, White Christmas sticks to a stately orchestrated formula. The trio shows off its vocal chops on... »»»
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Although he's often the accompanying yin to Gillian Welch and her Appalachian-inspired yang, Dave Rawlings has branched out with this new project and album. Although not the standard 10 or 11-song album, Rawlings nails most of these songs out of the park, especially the lovable and endearing first effort Ruby which sounds like the perfect b-side to the Stones' Angie. The song is also accented with fiddle and keys, but not at the expense of the fine melody.
From there, Rawlings tones... »»»
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Alejandro Escovedo may fly under the radar, but that doesn't mean he and his record label can't employ the marketing techniques of bigger entities. This new edition of his seminal "A Man Under The Influence" includes loads of sonic flotsam and jetsam that he has released through Bloodshot over the years, including a wonderful reading of Mick Jagger's Evening Gown, a study of a player who is fast learning he's becoming played out after so much wine, whiskey, women and... »»»
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The album recorded at the world famous venue in the Fort Worth truly gives the listener the experience of a live Joe Diffie show. He usually starts off with the tongue-in-cheek, Third Rock From The Sun and performs a strong mix of older hits like the ballads, So Help Me Girl and to newer songs like the rollicking, Next Thing Smokin'
He may have been overshadowed during the 1990's by bigger-name acts like Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, but this album - and other Diffie hits packages... »»»
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Musicians in East Nashville had to be happy when Eric Brace moved to town a few years back. The Last Train Home frontman and former D.C. resident promptly started Red Beet Records and has since released several albums and now a third compilation of the often unheralded artists (no fault of Brace's) from that side of Music City.
The 19-song disc begins and ends with the mighty king of love himself, Phil Lee, who contributes the highly quotable romp Neon Tombstone and the talking country... »»»
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In the middle '90s, Old 97's was finding it's footing amidst the burgeoning alt.-country scene, particularly among groups like The Jayhawks, Wilco and Son Volt. Old 97's - guitarist Ken Bethea, singer Rhett Miller, drummer Philip Peeples and bassist Murry Hammond -found a niche in the Dallas music scene .
In 1995, they released "Wreck Your Life," an album they recorded for next to nothing up in Chicago. The Chicago-based label Bloodshot Records released it and helped... »»»
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Paying homage to a legend like the late Chet Atkins is a tall order, especially when the man who forever shaped Nashville's musical landscape happened to be a close friend and mentor. So it's not all that surprising Steve Wariner's latest album, a 10-song tribute to Atkins, who died in 2001, hits the high notes musically but is a bit over the top when it comes to his reverence for his one-time hero.
Wariner's silky smooth picking has seldom sounded better... »»»
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Dolly Parton took her acoustic guitar, her dazzling array of stage costumes, her still-vibrant-at-60-something voice and her down-home charm to greet her fans across the pond in 2008. She also took a video camera and recording equipment. The CD (and accompanying DVD) was recorded during Parton's sold out performances at the 02 arena in London.
As one of the most recognizable faces of country music around the world, it is beautiful to hear how well Parton's universally appealing songs of... »»»
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It's getting rarer - at least outside of coffeehouse flyers and the Dirty Linen orbit - to encounter music-world references to "folk" that don't also sport a qualifying prefix like "neo," "acid" or "gangsta." Make no mistake: this latest release from Austin-based Caroline Herring is a folk record, no modifiers required.
And beyond that, it's a folk record for those people who don't realize they like folk records... »»»
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Big Kenny Alphin's first solo project since joining forces with John Rich, can be accurately described as a grower - and that's not just because the CD comes in a paper jewel case that can actually be planted to grow flowers. While certain songs, especially Be Back Home and Share the Love, have immediate appeal, the album as a whole is best appreciated after many spins. As one would expect from a guy who has made "Love Everybody" his rallying cry, the peace and love flow freely... »»»
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Through three releases, the one constant about Carrie Underwood is her big voice. It's an instrument in and of itself no matter whether going for somewhat of a country sound, a pure pop bent or a tougher, rocking edge. She can add the right touch to sad songs such as Temporary Home in part about a young boy who has to shuffle from home to home or the tough sounding Quitter.
Underwood would not be accused of being heavy-duty country. She actually displayed more signs of that on her last CD,... »»»
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After his death in 1953, Hank Williams, became less a performer than a post-mortem brand name wherein his basic personality as an artist was increasingly downplayed and diminished. This remarkably enjoyable three-CD set, drawn from warmly remastered acetates - featuring occasional surface noise - of the old Mother's Best radio show, showcases much of that nearly lost essence.
Supported by his regular collaborators the Drifting Cowboys, Williams brings surprising drive to live renditions his... »»»
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Although they have long been a staple of rock and roll music, concept albums focused on a singular theme or narrative are a rare species in country music and virtually unheard of in the bluegrass genre. That's why "Susanville" from Virginia's The Dixie Bee-Liners is one of the most revolutionary bluegrass releases in recent memory.
Based on the premise that "every car on the highway has a story," this album takes listeners on a journey through the roads of America... »»»
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From Sweet Appalachia to his girl leaning on a car fender in all of her Barbaric Splendor, Del McCoury reminds us his music and rural life is far from unsophisticated. The songs range from the straight bluegrass of Hello Lonely to the near swing tune I Remember You sung in high lonesome. There are waltzes, breakdowns, gold rush story songs and odes to moonshine in The Revenuer's Blues.
Del McCoury is a bluegrass singing man, but perhaps a touch more mellow these days... »»»
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Rosie Flores is the last person that needs more spunk, but somehow producer Jon Langford found a way to add a few more ounces of bounce to this rockabilly firebrand's stride. Flores might be small in stature, but she sure works up a big, bold sound throughout this excellent release.
She rocks out with I Ain't Got You and This Little Girl's Gone Rockin', yet shows tremendous restraint and vocal strength on the title track ballad. Langford inserts a little spunk of his own, as... »»»
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After his previous efforts with Heavy Trash, singer/guitarist Jon Spencer has tossed aside the spontaneous blues-meets-garage rock experiments and explosions for a tighter but at times unfocused slab of quirky tunes. Sure, there's the blasts of earlier albums sprinkled in between, but Spencer and Matt Verta-Ray are like a '60s one-hit wonder on the warm, island-tinged Gee, I Really Love You and the odd, quasi-spooky blues-cum-rockabilly of Good Man that resembles something Elvis might... »»»
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Joe Nichols' life has taken some dramatic turns since the release of his last record, "Real Things." Ironically, the 2007 album's title was a perfect fit for this offering as those turns have led Nichols to record some of the most personal songs of his career. Nichols' whirlwind last few years included getting married, checking into an alcohol rehabilitation program, joining the cast of Broadway's "Pure Country" and becoming a spokesperson with The... »»»
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Over the course of 99 tracks on 4 discs, RCA/Legacy Recordings has given music fans a concise and nearly complete snapshot of Dolly Parton's considerable impact on country music with the release of the new box set - a task not accomplished by any other collection.
The set covers all the career-defining hits you would expect like Jolene, 9 To 5, Islands In The Stream, I Will Always Love You and Here You Come Again, but what makes this collection truly special is the unreleased material it... »»»
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Chip Taylor is probably best known today for his partnership with violinist Carrie Rodriguez. But his journey from writing The Troggs' garage rock hit, Wild Thing, to the Americana favorite he's become today has been a long and strange one. "Yonkers NY," with its autobiographical songs, helps tell a little of this unique man's story. For instance, the quiet Gin Rummy Rules outlines Taylor's years as a professional gambler.
The packaging for the CD makes a great... »»»
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As a founding member of New Grass Revival, ace mandolin player Sam Bush played a key role in helping to develop a progressive bluegrass voice that broke away from the strict guidelines and conventions of traditional bluegrass music. Although he is primarily known for his spirit of innovation, Bush's latest release, his eighth as a solo artist, is notable because it embraces the traditional roots that first steered him toward bluegrass music.
Along with fresh takes on traditional favorites... »»»
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The road to Bomshel's debut disc was not easy. A previous incarnation of the duo charted four singles, including Bomshel Stomp, but without a lot of success to show for their efforts. Fiddle player Kristy Osmunson and singer Kelley Shepard released four more singles (!), a distinct rarity in this bottom line driven business. Not sure how much fight was required to get it done, but five years into their record deal, they finally released 11-song set.
Sometimes you really can tell a book by its cover... »»»
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On their second live album emanating from Charlie-O's World Famous nightclub in Vermont, the Starline Rhythm Boys lay down yet another engaging set of infectious honky tonk and rockabilly floor stompers. Produced by Sean Mencher, the 10-song performance captures the booze-soaked ambience of reverberating hardwood floors, freshly tapped kegs and bass-slappin' bacchanalia.
Seething with jive, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Danny Coane, lead guitarist Al Lemery and stand-up bassman Billy... »»»
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In 1998, Lyle Lovett released "Step Inside This House," a 2-disc salute to Texas songwriters and, by extension, the spirit and pull of his home state. Lovett's place must have had a mighty big foyer as the writers invited in numbered 10 strong, including Willis Alan Ramsey, Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, whose song gave the collection its title. "Natural Forces" carries echoes of that earlier release, only with a condensed tributee list, leaving room for some new Lovett... »»»
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Capitalizing on their unprecedented 7 IBMA Awards in 2008 including Gospel Recorded Performance, Album of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year, Dailey and Vincent go a cappella spiritual on this special project that has been in the works since 2001, even before the two formed their potent duo.
The idea originated from wanting to support the Church of Christ's practice of singing without any instrumentation. The project is also benefiting Tennessee Bible College, a Church of Christ institution... »»»
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