Charlie Robison, Patterson Hood lead new releases

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 – A few Texans and a Trucker top the list of new releases today in a day marked by long gaps since previous efforts.

Charlie Robison returns with his first disc, "Beautiful Day," (Dualtone) since 2004's "Good Times." This also was Robison's first release since the break-up of his marriage to the Dixie Chicks' Emily Robison. Robison self-produced the music, which closes with a slow take on Bruce Springsteen's Racing in the Street.

It's been more than a little while since Texas singer Larry Jon Wilson released an album - like 30 years. He's out with a self-titled disc on the Chicago-based Drag City Records label. The music was first put out in the United Kingdom. Wilson, a friend of Townes Van Zandt, plays acoustic guitar.

Drive-by Truckers lead singer Patterson Hood takes a break from that job with a solo effort, "Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)" (Ruth St.), a release on his own label. Hood too 15 years to make the music, which he produced along with DBT producer David Barbe. Hood's father, David, a Muscle Shoals, Ala. bassist, joins his son on the recording for the first time.