My Top 15 Albums of 2009

2009 was an interesting year for music. I discovered some great new artists, some of my favorites had new releases, and there seemed to be a bunch of mediocre albums that I gave listens to, but didn’t catch my ear.

Let’s start with my Top 15 of 2009. There were three albums vying heavily for the top spot. I went with my new musical ‘discovery’.

1. Those Darlins – Those Darlins
“If you don’t want a wild one, quit hanging ‘round with me. You knew right from the start that’s my personality. If you can’t handle crazy, then go ahead & leave” – Wild One

I was intrigued the moment I saw this album listed as being ‘cow-punk’. That’s exactly the best way to describe it. It’s a bit old hillbilly, a bit punk, a bit alternative, and great three-part harmonies. It’s kind of Carter Family and Loretta Lynn meet the Murmurs or the Dixie Chicks with a bit of a punk-ish edge.

2. Brandi Carlile – Give up the ghost
“when you’re outside looking in, you belong to someone. And when you feel like giving in, or the coming of the end, like your heart could break in two, someone loves you”. – Looking out

It’s hard to top her previous release, The Story, as I think I had it on ‘repeat’ for over a year, but GUTG is a pretty good follow up. The album begins with looking out, which is kind of in the vein of the Story as it starts a bit soft and melts into a full-blown Brandi rocker. Dreams is the first single released, and is kind of a ‘typical’ mainstream single. One of the album’s highlights is the duet with Elton John on Caroline. If there was no you reminds me of something that would have been sung by Peter, Paul & Mary (including the whistling).

As with most of Brandi’s music, Give up the ghost really highlights the instrumentation, which complements her voice tremendously. Guitar, cello, piano, and harmonies from ‘the Twins’ are each allowed their chance to stand out. While I wouldn’t rate this album better than the Story, it’s certainly a great compilation of songs.

3. Patty Loveless – Mountain Soul II
“She’s an old friend. She’s a good friend. Hair of golden, eyes of saddened. She’s a won’t be long friend, til she’s gone, then leaves you hangin’ in fool’s thin air.” – Fool’s Thin Air

Mountain Soul II is a sequel to Patty’s incredible 2001 album, Mountain Soul. As with most things, sequels have a hard time living up to the originals. That’s somewhat the case with this one. While II is a great album, it still can’t rival the original. It might have helped if she named it something else to give the album its own identity and not incur the comparisons of the first one.

As for the album itself, it contains a great compilation of ‘mountain music’ – with acoustic instruments like mandolin, dobro, fiddle, banjo, etc. The one thing that is continuously highlighted – on both albums – is the wonderful harmonies. If you meld great harmonies with great instrumentation, you know you’re going to have an album that’s included in my Top 5.

The album starts off with an old-style version of John Conlee’s classic, Busted. I like Patty’s version here. I think it actually works better for the song than the original ‘mainstream’ version done by John. Another remake that I enjoy here is Blue Memories, a song that I usually identify with Gail Davies. A few highlights of the album for me are Fool’s thin air, When the last curtain falls, You burned the bridge, and Bramble and the rose.

4. Jack Ingram – Big Dreams & High Hopes
“wishing on stars only when you see ‘em is like asking God for help only when you need it. But, I’m wishing anyway. Yeah, I’m wishing anyway.” – Seeing Stars

There are those semi-mainstream country artists that actually keep me tuning in each time they crank out their next album. Jack Ingram is one of them. With Jack, it’s not just the melodies that keep me hooked, but he’s a great songwriter. There are two featured guests on this album. One is Patty Griffin, who provides splendid harmonies on Seeing Stars. Dierks Bentley joins in on the bar sing-a-long, Barbie Doll. There are a number of highlights on this album. The biggest one being Seeing Stars, followed by King of Wasted Time, In the corner, Barefoot & Crazy, That’s a man, and Not giving up on me. All of them are wonderfully written.

5. Rosanne Cash – the list
“Motherless children have a hard time when the mother is gone. Motherless children have a hard time, there’s all that weepin’ and all that cryin’.” – Motherless Children

There are run-of-the-mill cover albums, and then there are cover albums like The List. It’s the story behind this album that actually makes it more than just another cover album. Back in the mid-70s, Rosanne’s father, Johnny Cash, gave her a list of 100 essential country songs. With this album, Rosanne re-works a dozen from that list.

So, what else does an artist do to ensure having a not-so-run-of-the-mill cover album? You include some great guest artists to help you sing them. In this compilation, Bruce Springsteen ads a touch of star power on Sea of Heartbreak. Elvis Costello makes an appearance on Heartaches by the number. Rufus Wainright sings on Silver Wings, and Jeff Tweedy adds his talents to Long black veil. Rosanne’s daughter, Chelsea Crowell, also makes a brief appearance on 500 Miles.

The greatest thing this album does is brings light to some great songs from the golden age of country music for a new generation to hear.

6. Lonesome Wyatt & Rachel Brooke – a bitter harvest
“and I’ve been watching through your window, and I’ve been swallowing the rain. Oh I’ve been worried ‘bout tomorrow, ‘cuz everything is gonna change” – This Painful Summer

You know how much I LOVE harmonies, and acoustic harmonies even more. That’s what drew me to this album. Well, that and Wyatt’s deep voice. His voice is kind of like Tex Ritter’s, or maybe some of those western tv show theme songs, like Lorne Greene’s Bonanza. In fact, this album feels like it should be a soundtrack to an old western movie. There’s even some yodeling on Someday I’ll fall. At one point, Crippled farms, reminded me a bit of Pink Floyd’s another brick in the wall.

7. Kelly Clarkson – All I ever wanted
“remember all the things we wanted. Now all the memories, they’re haunted. We were always meant to say goodbye. Even with our fists held high it never would have worked out right, yeah. We were never meant for do or die.” – Already gone

I’m glad that Kelly has found her niche as more ‘rocker girl’ rather than another run-of-the-mill dancey-pop artist. Her voice is allowed to shine much brighter and more powerful this way. The album opens with My life would suck without you – which, as the title suggests, is kind of the standard “don’t leave me, I need you” song, but has a dance-y beat that get stuck in your head. Along with the opening track, Already Gone and Save You are also amongst my favorites.


8. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – speed of life
“Waitin’ for the resurrection. Fire from the ashes & the tears. The resurrection. You know dreams die hard. Dreams die hard around here.” – The Resurrection

You can never go wrong with the boys of Dirt. Harmonicas, mandolins, banjos, great harmonies, and more. Even after all these decades, the music never gets old. And what can I say about this album that hasn’t been said about their music throughout the years? It’s just more of the same great Dirt Band music from beginning to end. They don’t try to make it different because it’s been a winning combination throughout all the years. It’s just like sitting on the porch and having an acoustic jam session.

9. Willie Nelson – Naked Willie
“I just dropped by to see the house I used to live in. I hope that you don’t mind. I won’t stay very long. So long ago someone & I lived here together. And then so suddenly I found myself alone. I couldn’t stand the thought of living here without her. And so I moved away to let my memories die. But my memories outlived my better judgement. This may sound strange to you, but I just thought I’d drop by." – I Just Dropped By

There’s no one more prolific at putting out music than Willie Nelson. With so much Willie music available, you would think it would get old. Yet, I still look forward to all of them. Willie’s voice is still as strong as ever. Yes, the title of this album may conjur up horrifying images, but Naked Willie (the album) is quite a pleasure to listen to. The title refers to Willie singing by himself. While he’s singing by himself, the songs aren’t all his. He has some great covers, like Sunday morning coming down, Johnny one time, and The Party’s over.

After identifying Sunday morning coming down mainly with either Johnny Cash or Kris Kristofferson, I was a bit hesitant to hear Willie’s version of the song, as it is Willie, after all. I need not have worried. I was pleasantly surprised at how great his version is.

10. Jill Sobule – California Years
“went to the desert on a mission to have a vision or write a song. I left real early, I left my cell phone. I took the Prius, it gets good mileage. Something’s gonna happen to change my world”. - - “wild horses, hawks circling, Gram Parsons inspiration. Big cactus, coyotes… something’s gonna happen to change my world” – Palm Springs

How can you go wrong with an album when there’s a song titled, Where is Bobbie Gentry? Of course, the song has a bit of an ode to Billie Joe feel to it. This album gets off to a great start with what is probably my favorite song from this compilation, palm springs, which is what the above lyrics are from. As the title of the album suggests, most of the songs have a bit of a California tie-in lyrically. The album ends on a comical note with the donor song, as she sings the names of the people who helped make the album – “these are some of the people who gave me money to make this record so I said I’d sing their names. There’s….” Now THAT’S something new!!

11. Miranda Lambert – Revolution
“I ain’t the kind you take home to mama. I ain’t the kind to wear no ring. Somehow I always get stronger when I’m on my second drink. Even though I hate to admit it, sometimes I smoke cigarettes. Christian folks say I should quit it. I just smile and say ‘God Bless’. ‘Cuz I heard Jesus, he’d drink wine, and I’d bet we’d get along just fine. He could calm the storm and heal the blind, and I’d bet he’d understand a heart like mine.” – Heart like mine

Miranda Lambert is one of those enigmas for me. The music is the usual boring mainstream country, but yet she keeps it enough on the ‘country’ side to keep me listening. This album has a number of high points – including White Liar, Heart Like Mine, Me & Your Cigarettes, and Airstream Song.

12. Indigo Girls – poseidon & the bitter bug (3-24-09)
“Every day that you get up and force your cards, Playing your story in fits and starts. You take your prospects and your pickaxe and you trudge down to the stream. And you bloody your hands digging for your dream.” – Digging for your dream

This album is everything that you’d expect from the duo of Amy Ray & Emily Saliers. The best part of this collection is the second disc, which features acoustic versions of the songs from the first disc. Of the two, that’s the cd that I usually listen to the most.

13. Holly Williams – here with me
“so paint a picture of my memory to hold on to. Just remember I was the one that you belonged to. My heart is pouring out here in this song. Like a song without an ending, I hold on.” – I Hold On

As the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr, Holly has a lot of history to contend with. She handles it well and takes her own style. Yes, some of the songs address her family, (like Mama) but she doesn’t seem to exploit the legacy. Without Jesus Here With Me highlights the 2006 car crash that nearly killed her and her sister, yet she admits right from the start of the song, “I don’t talk to him that much. I know I never pray enough. I don’t know where I would be without Jesus here with me.” The best way to describe Holly’s writing style is “honest”, and that’s quite refreshing to hear. An interesting coincidence – Holly’s album was released on the same day as her dad’s.

14. John Mayer – Battle Studies
“clouds of sulfur in the air. Bombs are falling everywhere. It’s heartbreak warfare. Once you wanted to begin, no one really ever wins in heartbreak warfare. If you want more love, why don’t you say so?” – Hearbreak warfare

I guess I was quite surprised that I enjoyed this album. There have only been a few JM songs that I’ve enjoyed through the years – one being Waitin on the World to Change, which he sang on an episode of CSI. Right from the opening track, Heartbreak Warfare, this album seemed to keep me intrigued and I didn’t impatiently search for the ‘next track’ button. I was actually tapping my fingers and toes to the beats. All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye would be my favorite track on this album. It almost reminded me of Seals & Crofts, or something on that order.

15.
- - Brigitte Demeyer – red river flower
“How many times must I say goodbye til I’m through, til I’m through? How many lies did you tell & I never knew, never knew? How many why’s must I ask myself? How my skies must I up & sail.” – without you

While this isn’t Brigitte’s first album, this is the first one that I actually heard. It seems to be a bit of a menagerie of styles – some pop, a bit of blues, a little swing, and even a bit of rockabilly on without you. Most of this album was recorded live in Nashville with everyone playing together. It’s great to know that concept still exists.

Coming soon... look for my full 2009 album reviews.

My Top 50 albums of the decade

As I was working on my 2009 album review, I realized that the end of the decade is just over a month away. It made me think of what albums I'd put on my 'best of' list for the decade. Here's what I came up with:

1. Brandi Carlile – The Story
2. Patty Loveless – Mountain Soul
3. Those Darlins – self titled
4. Kelly Willis – Translated From Love
5. Alison Krauss/Robert Plant – Raising Sand
6. Lacy J Dalton – The Last Wild Place
7. Lonesome Wyatt & Rachel Brooke – A Bitter Harvest
8. Alison Pipitone – I’ll ask her
9. Serena Ryder – Is it okay?
10. Stevie Nicks – Trouble in Shangri-la
11. Mary Gauthier – Mercy Now
12. Johnny Cash – American IV: The Man Comes Around
13. Chely Wright – Metropolitan Hotel
14. Tegan & Sara – The Con
15. Joan Osborne – Little Wild Ones
16. Shelby Lynne – I am Shelby Lynne
17. Kid Rock - Cocky
18. Pink – Missundaztood
19. The Wreckers – Stand Still, Look Pretty
20. Lucinda Williams – Little Honey
21. Brandi Carlile – Give Up The Ghost
22. Loretta Lynn – Van Lear Rose
23. Jack Ingram – This Is It
24. Patty Griffin – Children Running Through
25. Rosanne Cash – The List
26. The Wrights – Down This Road
27. Heart – Jupiter’s Darling
28. Steve Earle – Transcendental Blues
29. Ryan Bingham – Mescalito
30. Jill Sobule – California Years
31. LeeAnn Womack – There’s More Where That Came From
32. Willie Nelson – The Great Divide
33. Beth Hart – 37 Days
34. Blake Shelton – Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill
35. Dolly Parton – Backwoods Barbie
36. David Ball - Amigo
37. Sheryl Crow - Detours
38. Patty Loveless – On Your Way Home
39. Rosanne Cash – Rules of Travel
40. Lisa Brokop – Hey, Do You Know Me?
41. Anne Murray – Duets: Friends & Legends
42. Kathy Mattea – Coal
43. Sheryl Crow - Wildflower
44. Becky Hobbs – Swedish Coffee & American Sugar
45. Todd Fritsch – Sawdust
46. Lisa Marie Presley – To Whom It May Concern
47. Jewel - Perfectly Clear
48. Justin Townes Earle – the Good Life
49. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Welcome To Woody Creek
50. Jessi Colter – Out of the Ashes

So, what did I miss?

Give Mainstream Country its own name and let 'Country' get its identity back

The CMA Awards are coming up this wednesday night. It's usually billed as "Country Music's Biggest Night". Well, for that to be true, I think there'd actually need to be some "country" music involved, right?

I give a big standing ovation to Country icon George Jones for having the balls to speak up on that subject: George Jones: New Country Music Needs A New Name

He's absolutely right. There's no "country" left in today's Mainstream Country Music. I cringe to even add the word "country" in that title. I can count on one hand the number of artists that make up today's Mainstream Country Music who actually have a hint of 'Country' to their music. Let's see: George Strait, Alan Jackson, a little bit of Brad Paisley (however, his music keeps morphing to mainstream and losing its country feel more each time out), Joey + Rory, The Wrights (does radio play them anymore?), and ... is there anyone else? That barely fills up the fingers on one hand.

I think George explained it well in that interview: - "They had to use something that was established already, and that's traditional country music." -
That's exactly what I've been saying for the past two decades. "Country" is the easiest genre for an artist to get their name in the spotlight. Once their name is established, they get the liberty to make any kind of music they want and Mainstream Country Radio will play it because the Teeny-boppers will listen to it, as long as the artists are cute enough. And how many of the Mainstream Country artists of today can actually play an instrument, let alone write a country song?

The sad thing is - the people who actually sing & play real country music are still out there. They've just been pushed back behind the curtain. Thankfully, with the advanced technology of this age, fans of the real country sound are able to at least find some of them. Matraca Berg, Kelly Willis, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Patty Loveless, Todd Fritsch, Ryan Bingham, and oh so many more.

You might think that I hate the Mainstream Country Music of today. That's absolutely untrue. I love quite a bit of the music that's released by those artists. What I highly object to is them actually calling it "country" music. As George said, give the music its own name and let "country" music get its identity back. What is the identity of country music? Well... that's for another rant all by itself.

On a dark flat land she rides, on a pony she named Wildfire

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Michael Martin Murphey has done a remake of his wonderful song from the mid 1970's "Wildfire". The remake is a duet with Carrie Hassler and is done in more of a bluegrass style than the original. I love the new version. I always thought the original had a bit too much 'mush' of musical instruments, but loved the lyrics and melody.

Check out the new version: MMM & Carrie - Wildfire

the real duets

What ever happened to the 'real' duets in country music?

I don't mean those 'groups' that always get the awards for 'duet of the year', like Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, The Judds, Sugarland, etc. I'm talking about 'real" duets where there are two separate artists who aren't part of the same group that get together to sing a song. I guess these days they officially call it "collaborations", but whatever label you put on it, it still seems to be a dying entity.

Remember the good old days of country music? George & Tammy, Conway & Loretta, George Jones & Melba Montgomery, David Frizzell & Shelly West, Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, Johnny & June, or how about Barbara Mandrell & Lee Greenwood or Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton.

There have been very few real duets to emerge in the past decade, but when they do, they seem to be big hits - remember Brad Paisley & Alison Krauss with "whiskey lullaby"? Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow with "picture", or how about Reba McEntire & Linda Davis with "does he love you"?

Duets featuring two or more female artists is even more rare. Remember Lorrie Morgan & Dolly Parton (best woman wins), or Faith Hill & Shelby Lynne (keep walkin on), or how about Dolly Parton's "Romeo" which featured Kathy Mattea, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tanya Tucker & Pam Tillis. Mary Chapin Carpenter sang "he thinks he'll keep her" on a tv show and featured Trisha Yearwood, Emmylou Harris, Kathy Mattea, Patty Loveless, Pam Tillis, and Suzy Bogguss as her backup singers (that was a great show!) Then there's Reba's "on my own" with Martina, Trisha & Linda.

CMT tried to bring the duets back a bit with their "Crossroads" series, and it was great for the first handful of collaborations they had - Willie Nelson/Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton/Melissa Etheridge, Martina McBride/Pat Benatar, Dixie Chicks/James Taylor, Lucina Williams/Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris/Dave Matthews, Lyle Lovett & Bonnie Raitt, Rosanne Cash/Steve Earle. Then the pairings became very weird and not really musically appealing (Taylor Swift/Def Leppard?).

I know a lot of artists collaborate on stage with other acts they're touring with at the time, but why don't they make an effort to go into the studio and record an actual duet that doesn't include screaming fans in the background to take away from the song itself.

They say that all things old will be new again, hopefully that includes the 'real' duets in the foreseeable future.

Americana to be recognized at the Grammys

I was pleased to see the news that the Grammys will be adding an "American Roots Music" category to their awards show.

The category is: FIELD 13
American Roots Music Category -
. Americana Album
. Bluegrass Album
. Traditional Blues Album
. Contemporary Blues Album
. Traditional Folk Album
. Contemporary Folk Album
. Hawaiian Music Album
. Native American Music Album
. Zydeco or Cajun Music Album

new music

Two new albums to pick up this week:

Patty Loveless has a sequel to her highly acclaimed 2001 release, Mountain Soul.
Mountain Soul II will be released on Tuesday.


Also released on Tuesday is the new album from Kris Kristofferson titled, Closer to the bone.



Two releases for October 6th include:
the new album from Rosanne Cash titled The List.


and Brandi Carlile's new one, Give up the ghost


Be sure to check them out!

RIP Mary Travers

There’s nothing that can draw me to a song faster than hearing some great harmony.

Peter Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers – collectively as Peter, Paul & Mary – were among the artists who could hook me in a heartbeat. As I was growing up, Peter, Paul & Mary was a group that I regarded as having the highest standard of harmony. After all, it was usually the three of them singing together with just a soft guitar. Unlike a lot of groups you hear - both current and past - all three of Peter, Paul & Mary’s voices were prominent throughout the song. Many times they’d each sing a verse and they’d all sing the chorus together.

Peter, Paul & Mary’s music was loved by all ages. That’s very rare in the history of music. However, their music wasn’t fluffy. Many of the songs they sang served as anthems for different causes – “If I had a hammer”, “blowin’ in the wind”, etc. They were also known for their political activism, and performing at rallies.

Tonight, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Travers at age 72. She finally lost her battle with leukemia.

“Don’t let the light go out! Let it shine through our love and our tears.”

The lost heroes

They're few & far between - the female singer/songwriter/entertainer.

I'm talking about those few women who can actually write songs (both melody & lyrics), play the instruments themselves, and put it all together to entertain an audience - all by themselves.

I'm actually listening to one of those few individuals right now - Nancy Wilson. She's probably best known for her contributions to the rock group, Heart, along with her sister, Ann. As a musician, she's earned the nickname, Whizfingers, due to her incredible prowess with the guitar.

Nancy also happens to be the wife of director/journalist/author, Cameron Crowe. She's had lots of musical contributions to most of her husband's movies.

However, with all of her accomplishments that involve her sister or her husband, many still don't know of Nancy's solo album, Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop, which she released in 1999. It's an all-acoustic album, with just Nancy and her guitar (or mandolin), and an occasional background singer. As Nancy says during the performance, - "All we need is a campfire."

I'd say that all you'd need is one listen to this album to enjoy the marvelous, under-appreciated talent that is Nancy Wilson.

Check it out here: Nancy Wilson - Live at McCabe's Guitar Shop

What's your song attraction?

What attracts you to a song? Is it the melody? the lyrics? the singer?

Those questions just popped into my head a moment ago.

For me, there are a few artists whom have unique voices where I could listen to them singing anything - like Lisa Brokop, Patsy Cline or Johnny Cash.

Most of the time, I think I'm drawn in by lyrics to songs. Maybe that's why my favorite genres of music are the old country, folk, roots, Americana, and a bit of rock. Those genres are mostly inhabited by the singer/songwriter - those special people who can turn words into the greatest stories with just simple melodies.

Along with great stories and simple melodies comes the final ingredient to the recipe for a good song. That would be harmony. Even a simple two-part harmony can change a plain song into something wonderful.

There are a handful of great singers who do harmony exquisitely, such as Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, or Trisha Yearwood. Or how about those singing duos/groups, like The Judds, Ann & Nancy Wilson, or Amy & Emily of the Indigo Girls. Singing harmony isn't easy. It's a gift that few can master.

So, that's my answer to the question. Either give me something from a unique voice, or put together the recipe of a great story, simple melody and a bit of harmony. You'll have me hooked from the first line.

Brandi Carlile

If you're like me and enjoy good music that reminds you of the way it used to be back in the day - where music was made for the love of it and not for how much money & fame it could bring - then you need to check out Brandi Carlile.

My introduction to Brandi's music was via a video on CMT's 'wide open country' almost two years ago. That in itself is a bit eyebrow-raising because I have rarely watched videos on tv for a number of years - ever since CMT started to forget what their initials actually stood for. Anyway, when her video for 'Turpentine' began, I was mesmerized - not by the video itself, but by the song and the power of her voice. After the video finished playing, I quickly got online and found more songs with this wonderful voice. From that search came my 'discovery' of her incredible album, "The Story". It's become one of my all-time top 5 favorites.

Last year, Brandi opened up a few shows for another of my favorites, Sheryl Crow. It brought a smile to my face when I saw Sheryl post a message on her website of how she was blown away by Brandi, her music and stage presence as well.

Check out a few of these songs by Brandi:
Turpentine
Throw it all away
The Story

Farewell to Michael

I will admit - I wasn't much of a fan of Michael Jackson. I never really understood the phenomenon of the self-proclaimed "king of pop". I considered most of his behavior throughout the years very strange. His music just didn't grab me the way music usually does. There are only a few songs that I would actually recognize as his - like 'Billie Jean', 'man in the mirror' and 'beat it'.

However, I did recognize the musical genius that he seemed to be. I think that 'genius' first caught my attention with the celebrity collaboration single, USA for Africa's "We are the world" - a song co-written by Michael and Lionel Richie. Another reason for me to send my gratitude to the "king of pop" is that he gave Sheryl Crow the springboard for her musical career - having her as one of his back-up singers on the "bad" tour.

The Opry offers captions for the hearing impaired

I found this piece of news interesting today.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Grand Ole Opry remains steeped in a tradition of sound, but the 83-year-old country music program will offer captions for the hearing impaired for the first time Saturday.

About 450 people participating at the Hearing Loss Association of America convention in Nashville this week will attend one of the Opry's evening shows and will be able to follow along with captions on large projection screens.

Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Hal Ketchum, Little Jimmy Dickens and others are set to perform.

Full story can be read here:
Opry in Tenn. offers captions for hearing impaired

(oh, and a very nice lineup listed there for the show this weekend!)

new this week

Here are a few new album releases this week that you might want to check out:

If you love great bluegrass music, be sure to check out Rhonda Vincent's new album, Destination Life.


As usual, Rhonda & the Rage bring forth a great collection of instruments and vocals. There are a couple of covers that raised my eyebrows, just from the adaptation to the bluegrass style. One of them is "Stop the world (and let me off) - a tune that I most identify with the voice of Patsy Cline. Another cover, "Crazy Love", threw me for a loop with the up-tempo bluegrass style. It's such a startling change from the slow, acoustic version that I'm used to listening to from John & Audrey Wiggins. "Eighth of January" is an instrumental that starts with the familiar sounds of the "battle of new orleans", then veers off a bit. The album finishes with a wonderful a capella song, "When I travel my last mile". Great way to finish off the album.

Be sure to pick this one up.

Another new release on tuesday, is Holly Williams, Here With Me.


I've only had a chance to listen to a few short audio clips from each of the songs on this album, but from what I hear, it sounds like a nice compilation of songs, along with a nice, strong voice.

Also being released on Tuesday is the new album from Bocephus (Hank Jr), 127 Rose Avenue


I've only heard short audio clips of the songs from this album, but it seems to be more of the same great Bocephus, including another version of "long gone lonesome blues".

Michael Martin Murphey is releasing Cowboy Classics: Old West Cowboy Collection.


If you like good Western music, this is the one to take a listen to. After trying his hand in the mainstream of country music a couple decades ago, Michael has certainly found his niche with the cowboy songs. He's got a lot of other 'cowboy' albums out through the years, so go check them out as well.

"Can you hear me? Can you hear me?..."

"...I just need to know if you're listening. Can you see me? Can you see me? Tell me is there something that I'm missing. We're calling all the Angels up above. We could all use some love."

"Calling All Angels" is a great song by the duo known as 'Bomshel' - comprised of Kristy Osmonson & Kelley Shepard (who replaced founding member, Buffy Lawson). The duo has a contemporary/mainstream country sound that usually doesn't catch my attention, but it's their harmonies that really caught my ear when I first heard their music. The voices sound quite similar to Chely Wright, whose music I also enjoy.

Check out Calling all Angels

And you know there's nothing better than taking a day to just sit back and do nothing or anything... that's what it's all about. And that's the attitude that's featured in the duo's "ain't my day to care".

"But today ain't my day to care. I'll have me a pitcher of Bloody Marys before noon if I want to . I ain't gonna worry an' I don't have to be anywhere. It ain't my day to care"

Take a listen to Ain't My Day To Care

If you like what you hear, check out Bomshel's MySpace page for more.

The Singing Fisherman

You may know a few of his songs - "battle of New Orleans", "North to Alaska", "sink the Bismarck", or "honky tonk man".

Johnny Horton was known as the 'Singing Fisherman'. He's one of a number of country music artists who died shortly before I was born, but whose music became the soundtrack to my youth - thanks to my dad's vinyl record collection. Johnny had such a unique sound. It was a bit country, a bit pop, bringing a variety of listeners to tune into his music.

Interestingly enough, Johnny was married to Billie Jean Jones, who was the widow of country music star Hank Williams. Johnny died in November of 1960 in a head-on collision with a drunk driver.

If you know some of his bigger hits, why not check out some you may have not heard, but are still wonderful - like "Comanche (the brave horse)", or "all for the love of a girl". You'll get to hear his great voice shine on these slower songs.

One more sad story's one more than I can stand...

...just once how I'd like to see the headline say "not much to print today. Can't find nothing bad to say".

'We sure could use a little good news today.'

Never was a song more introspective than Anne Murray's classic, "A little good news". I was pleased last year when the song was 'updated' with lyrics more pertinent to the current times, and even more pleased when the Indigo Girls (Amy & Emily) provided harmonies on the song.

The new version changed lyrics from 'Bryant Gumbel' to Diane Sawyer, and 'in the streets of Ireland' to 'the hills of Gaza'.

Check out the updated version:
A little good news ft Indigo Girls

Ryan Bingham - Roadhouse Sun

I can't believe I missed this new release last week -

Ryan Bingham released his latest album, Roadhouse Sun, last week. It's his follow up to the great debut album, Mescalito. This one isn't quite as rough/raw as Mescalito. There's a bit more instrumentation on this new album. His raw, gravel voice still gives the music its charm.



Be sure to give it a listen.

But you know me, the only thing I do is go to work and watch tv...

"...and tonight I'll cheat again, and tomorrow I'll be sorry."

Right now, I'm listening to "midnight oil" by one of the first artists whose music I totally fell in love with - Barbara Mandrell.

"Midnight Oil" is a classic country "Cheatin' song". As I listen to this song for the first time in a while, I'm kind of intrigued at how straight-forward and direct the song is, considering it was released in the early 1970's.

"I watch him in the mirror as I lie and tell him I don't know how late I'll be. While I'm putting on my makeup, I'm putting on the one that really loves me."

"And tonight I'll cheat again. And tomorrow I'll be sorry. And I'll feel kind of dirty 'cause I'll have the midnight oil all over me. God knows his dream would shatter if he knew the devil had me and won't set me free. While I'm putting on my makeup, I'm putting on the one that really loves me."

Take a listen to the song - Midnight Oil

On the subject of Barbara Mandrell - I was a huge fan back in the day. A card-carrying member of the Barbara Mandrell International Fan Club, and even saw her in concert back in 1983 - the year before her devastating car crash with her two kids, Matt & Jaime. I was also a faithful watcher of Barbara Mandrell & the Mandrell Sisters.

Speaking of the sisters, I actually saw her sister Louise in concert as well at one of our local county fairs.

Put a quarter in the jukebox

Hey, it's been a while since I've updated here, so let's put a quarter in this jukebox and talk music. I'll have some album reviews coming up. But first of all, here are some tunes to check out:
Joey + Rory - Sweet Emmylou
Alan Jackson & Patty Loveless - Monday morning church
Alison Kraus & Robert Plant -Please Read The Letter
Allison Moorer & Shelby Lynne - bring me all your lovin
Anita Cochran - God Created Woman
Alison Pipitone - Bring It On
Brandi Carlile - Turpentine
Jorja Fox - satellite
Murmurs - country song
Pauley - Fear (NCIS Soundtrack)
Sheryl Crow - all kinds of people

The fascination of singing actors

After all these years, I have yet to figure out what attracts me to the (sometimes horrible/sometimes good) music that's sung by celebrities who are more known for their acting abilities than their singing.

The latest one on my list is Pauley Perrette, who stars as Abby Sciuto on CBS' tuesday night drama, NCIS. The NCIS soundtrack was released a short time ago. Pauley sings one of the songs on it, called "fear". It's a song she wrote as well as sang vocals, and IMO, it's a great song.

see my LJ entry for the lyrics & audio

Pauley also did a little singing in her small appearance in a season 3 episode of CSI, titled "Lady Heather's Box".

Speaking of CSI, kudos to former CSI'er Jorja Fox for putting a couple of her originals on the internet for all to hear - even though she may not be the greatest, I give her a big thumbs-up for the guts it took to do it.

Jorja Fox-satellite
Jorja Fox-under 41 (guitar instrumental)

Through all of my growing-up years, I think I've always been fascinated with actors who actually make music. It might have something to do with the fact that my all-time favorite movie, "the sound of music", is a musical. That may have made me realize that actors can actually carry a tune - well, some of them anyway. There are those few who really should just stick to acting.

Of course, back in the day, there were some greats, like Sissy Spacek doing her own singing on "coal miner's daughter", and even releasing her own solo country record. Now, she's passed her singing ability to her daughter, Schuyler Fisk, who's starting to make a name for herself.

Back in the early seasons of "Knots Landing", there was Lisa Hartman in the role of Ciji Dunne, who was an aspiring singer. Lisa also had released a solo album back in the day - of which I have on vinyl somewhere in my collection. Years later, Lisa married country singer Clint Black, and she's recorded a few duets with him as well.

An excellent singing actor from the 'good old days' is Maureen O'Hara. She's got an incredible voice, and even released a couple albums. One, titled "Love letters from Maureen", can be found at my LJ in the albums uploaded post

You'll also find links there for some of the other better singing actors including Gloria Loring, who's probably most well-known for singing the theme song for "the Facts of Life" sitcom in the 80s, as well as the mother of current artist, Robin Thicke.

Another singing actor that I consider a great voice is Katey Sagal, probably most well known for her role as Peg Bundy on the sitcom, "Married with children". She's released two albums, "well", and "room".

other singing actors of note would include Bruce Willis, Dolly Parton, Kristy & Jimmy McNichol (from back in the day), Dennis Quaid, Michael J Fox, Olivia Newton-John, Kris Kristofferson, Reba McEntire and Leisha Hailey (formerly with The Murmurs, currently with Uh Huh Her). And I can't forget Robert David Hall from CSI. He's an old radio guy from back in the day who can sing and play guitar as well.

One of the latest is Kevin Costner, who recently released the album, "Untold Truths", as Kevin Costner & Modern West.

Then of course, there are those which are hard to define between singer or actor, like Bette Midler, Cher, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Lopez or the ever annoying Miley Cyrus.

In the last decade, the line between musician and actor has become blurred, with seemingly everyone doing it now. It was a much more special gift to have a singing actor appear 20 or 30 years ago than it is today. Back then, you didn't have AutoTune and filters to make a person sound good. There were no computers that you could hook up anywhere you wanted and record yourself and send it to someone who could make it sound like something other than warbling.

Back then, you needed to know how to sing as musicians played with you in the studio, and get your notes on key.

Here's a salute to those from back in the day who did it, and did it well.