Tim McGraw releases "emotional traffic"

Tim McGraw & Curb Records will be getting the new year off & running with the release of Tim's new album, Emotional Traffic, on January 24th. The album was produced by Tim's longtime producer, Byron Gallimore.

Emotional Traffic includes 12 new tracks, with "Felt Good On My Lips" as the first single released, which has already been certified digital gold. His current single from the album, "Better Than I Used To Be", has just recently been released and is now climbing the charts.

Tim collaborates with R&B pop artist Ne-Yo on "Only Human". Other highlights include "I will not fall down", a song co-written by Tim, Martina McBride and The Warren Brothers.

The track listing for Emotional Traffic:

1. Halo
2. Right Back Actha Babe
3. One Part, Two Part
4. I Will Not Fall Down
5. The One
6. Better Than I Used To Be
7. Touchdown Jesus
8. The One That Got Away
9. Felt Good On My Lips
10. Hey Now
11. Only Human
12. Die By My Own Hand

KayLyne's top albums of 2011

Since we’ve begun 2012, it’s time to look back on the best in music for 2011. I must say that other than a small handful of albums, I wasn’t impressed with what 2011 had to offer.


1. Pistol Annies – Hell on Heels
“Somebody had to set a bad example, teach all the prim & propers what not to do. Nobody ‘round here wants to ramble. What the hell, that’s what I was born to do.” – Bad example

“Trailer for rent, no down payment. Comes with some holes & dents where I got tired of his shit. Call if you’re interested. Trailer for rent” – Trailer for rent

Twang. Simple instrumentation. Straight-up lyrics. Great harmony. Yep, they’ll hook me every time. If you don’t know the Pistol Annies, I’m sure you’ll know at least one or two of the members. Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie) make up this trio of purely wonderful twang. It’s rare for a trio of individual artists to get together and make a unique group such as this, all while continuing with their own solo careers.


2. Brandi Carlile – Live at Benaroya Hall
“these days we go to waste like wine that’s turned to turpentine, oh it’s 6am and I’m all messed up. I didn’t mean to waste your time, so I’ll fall back in line. But I’m warning you, we’re growing up.” - Turpentine

It’s not very often that I get attached to a “live” album, but there have been a few throughout the years that have grabbed my attention – like Johnny Cash’s “at Folsom Prison”, Barbara Mandrell’s “live”, Patsy Cline’s “live at the Cimarron Ballroom” and Sheryl Crow’s “Live at Central Park”. Add this one from Brandi to that list. When you combine Brandi’s strong voice and wonderful songs with the sound of a full symphony orchestra, well…things just take on a whole new dimension of music enjoyment. Brandi gets the crowd involved in providing backing vocals on “turpentine”, and the best track on this live album doesn’t even involve Brandi. Tim & Phil Hanseroth (aka "The Twins") do a hauntingly accurate portrayal of Simon & Garfunkel on “The Sound of Silence”. As Brandi says – “is that not the creepiest, most beautiful thing you’ve ever heard?” The answer is a definite “yes”.


3. Lady Antebellum – own the night
“I wish I was cold as stone, then I wouldn’t feel a thing. Wish I didn’t have this heart, then I wouldn’t know the sting of the ring. I could stand strong & still watching you walk away. I wouldn’t hurt like this, or feel so all alone. I wish I was cold as stone.” – Cold as stone

I still haven’t figured out just why this trio continues to find a spot near the top of my list each year, considering they’re still a bit too mainstream with not enough twang. I think it’s a combination of the harmonies and the male/female duet-style songs. That’ll usually hook me. Whatever the reason, Lady A is back in the top 5 yet again.


4. Brad Paisley – this is country music
“You’re not supposed to say the word cancer in a song. And tellin’ folks that ‘Jesus is the answer’ can rub ‘em wrong. It ain’t hip to sing about tractors, trucks, or mama. Yeah, that might be true. But this is country music, and we do.” This is country music

I’m so glad that Brad is an artist who is not afraid to express his love for the history of country music. Most of the “country” artists these days really have no clue as to the history of the genre. Brad is an artist who will highlight that storied history. With this album, it’s his incorporation of the group Alabama in both song lyrics and vocally. The album ends with “life’s railway to heaven”, keeping with the old country tradition of including a gospel-type song on an album. In keeping with his own tradition of including quirky/fun songs, Brad brings us “Camouflage”, “toothbrush”, “working on a tan”, “be the lake” and the instrumental, “Eastwood”, which includes an intro from Clint himself. He nicely mixes the quirky with the serious & sincere, like “I do now”, “love her like she’s leaving”, and “a man don’t have to die”. Brad also brings in some friends to play again. We hear duets/harmony from Alabama, Blake Shelton, Don Henley, Sheryl Crow, Clint Eastwood, and Carrie Underwood. It should be no surprise that my least-favorite song on this wonderful album is the duet with Carrie.


5. Blake Shelton – red river blue
“On the Oklahoma shore of that old Red River, I stand right here & curse my pride. That river runs deep, that current is strong. And the woman I love is on the other side. How did the love we made together break apart & drift away, leave me lost & lonely on this crimson bank. Red River blue, God pull me through. I’d walk through fire if that bridge hadn’t burned in two. Texoma sky. Tears in my eyes. She said goodbye & now I’m Red River Blue.” –Red River Blue

Whether it’s slow & heartfelt (Red River Blue, God gave me you, I’m sorry), upbeat/fun (ready to roll, get some, honey bee, sunny in Seattle, hey) or rowdy with the guys (Good Ole Boys), it seems that Blake is one of the rare singers who can make the seamless transition and bring them all together to make a great album. The greatest song from the regular album is the duet with his wife, Miranda Lambert, on the title track. If you have the deluxe version of the album with the bonus tracks, then you’ll want to check out Blake’s wonderful remake of the Dan Seals classic, “Addicted”. I love when artists bring back an old classic and stay very true to the original.


6. Ashton Shepherd – where country grows
“I am just a woman and that’s what women do. We carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, making sure every little thing goes through. And I know you’re doing all you can, and I know that after all, you are just a man. But you should understand that I am just a woman.” – I’m just a woman

There’s just nothing better than a light twang to fill my real-country heart. With this album, Ashton reminds me a lot of one of my all-time favorite singers, Patty Loveless. There’s just enough twang to keep it feeling country, but not too much to think you’re stuck in the hillbilly backwoods.


7. Kelly Clarkson – Stronger
“I used to let you paint a pretty picture. You got me caught up with your ‘you’re my girl forever’. So I forgive you. It felt good when you hold me. Yeah, you owned me. Now you wish you had really known me. All I have to say is you don’t deserve me, you don’t deserve me. I’m finally walking away, cause you only hurt me. And you’re not worthy. And I won’t let you pull me in, because I know you’re gonna win. (the war is over) but the war is over (the war is over) – The war is over

Most of the time, I find myself shying away from a lot of the pop, pop/rock or even much of the pop-ish mainstream country. It’s normally harmonies or great melodies that attract my attention. With Kelly, it’s her voice, and most notably, it’s the strength of her voice that grabs me.


8. Thompson Square – self titled
“We may shine, we may shatter, we may be picking up the pieces here on after. We are fragile, we are human, we are shaped by the light we let through us. We break fast ‘cause we are glass.” – Glass

Like recent husband & wife duos before them - such as The Wrights and Joey + Rory - Keifer & Shawna Thompson have managed to find the harmony that defines their sound. But unlike those other duos, they seem a bit too pop/mainstream country-oriented, which limits the strength of that harmony. That being said, they’ve managed to put together a very cohesive, and quite enjoyable album.


9. Matraca Berg – the dreaming fields
“Mothers hold your baby's clothes. Father, Son and Holy Ghost cannot keep him safe on earth. So throw your rose down in the dust. This ain't where the Angels dwell, South of Heaven, North of Hell. 21 Guns and Cathedral bell, South of Heaven, North of Hell” – South of Heaven

“If I had wings I would fly over the river & into the night. If I had wings I would roll, 10 years of dreams tethered to my soul” – If I had wings

Matraca is an artist that I’ve pretty much followed from the beginning. In 1990, she released the single (and video), “the things you left undone”, and I was hooked. However, as great as her singing is, it’s always her songwriting that comes to the forefront when talking about Matraca. She’s been the writer for some great songs done by Martina McBride, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. Kenny Chesney & Grace Potter may have done the current popular ‘whimsical’ version of “You and Tequila”, but Matraca’s version is a bit more haunting, and being the writer of the song, it seems to carry more significance when she sings it. This album has a bit of an angel/afterlife theme to it.


10. Miranda Lambert – four the record
“your mama’s gonna cry her eyes. There ain’t gonna be no wedding day. What’s she gonna say when I tell her I have no choice. Same ol’ you couldn’t even raise your voice and ask me to stay. I wouldn’t anyway. So you can keep your ring and I can keep my daddy’s name. It’s the same ol’ you when you get to drinkin’. Same ol’ you when you’re on the town. Same ol’ you in church on Sunday, getting high when the sun goes down.” Same Ol You

It’s Miranda by herself this time, without the two other Annies. There’s a bit less twang & harmony than the PA’s, however, it’s just Miranda, plain & simple. It seems that Miranda is starting to have fun with her music, playing with distorted vocals on “fine tune”, and a few more crunching guitar sounds throughout. Basically, it makes for less enjoyable music. Strangely enough, I think I enjoyed the lyrics more than the songs themselves for much of this album.

Other albums worth a listen:

* Juliana Hatfield – there’s always another girl
* Shelby Lynne – revelation road
* Indigo Girls – beauty queen sister
* Uh Huh Her - Nocturnes
* Dolly Parton – better day
* Madison Violet – the good in goodbye
* Mark Wills – the legend of mark wills
* Steel Magnolia – self titled
* Stevie Nicks – in your dreams
* Tegan & Sara – get along
* Thompson Square – self titled
* Tracy Lawrence – the singer
* Those Darlins – screws get loose
* Susan Cattaneo – heaven to heartache
* Jeff Bridges self titled
* Paul Brandt – give it away
* Oh susanna – soon the birds
* Joe Nichols – it’s all good
* John Hiatt – dirty jeans & mudslide hymns
* Lori McKenna - Lorraine
* Sara Evans – stronger
* Madison Violet – the good in goodbye
* Merle Haggard – working in Tennessee
* Michael Martin Murphey – tall grass cool water
* Kasey Chambers – storybook
* Kate & Anna McGarrigle – tell my sister
* Hayes Carll – Kmag yoyo & other American Stories
* George Strait – here for a good time
* Georgette Jones – strong enough to cry
* Eilen Jewell – Queen of the minor key
* Alison Krauss & Union Station – paper airplane
* Adele -21
* Martina McBride – eleven

Riders In The Sky member Woody Paul Being Honored by National Fiddler Hall of Fame

Woody Paul is known as “King of the Cowboy Fiddlers.” He is lead singer/musician for Riders in the Sky, and has been selected as one of the 2012 inductees into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. Paul says being inducted is an honor that is truly one of a kind. The induction gala will be held on Saturday, April 14th, at the historic Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Riders In The Sky will be taking center stage as headlining performers during the celebration.

Riders In The Sky are probably best known for their recording of “Woody’s Round Up” from “Toy Story 2.” Riders in the Sky are seven-time Western Music Association Entertainers of the Year and 2-time Grammy winners. Their latest CD, "Land Beyond The Sun", offers a collection of songs recorded in the Western tradition that Riders In The Sky fans have come to expect along with classic humor which has been their trademark for more than 30 years.

The National Fiddler Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization that is committed to offering workshops, mentoring programs and educational community outreach. Its advisory board consists of notable fiddlers, celebrities, and entertainment industry executives.

Previous National Fiddler Hall of Fame inductees include: Roy Acuff, Bob Wills, Dick Barrett, Johnny Gimble, Claude "Fiddler" Williams, Johnnie Lee Wills, Buddy Spicher, Rufus Thibodeaux, and Chubby Wise.

For more information, please visit the Riders In The Sky website at
RidersInTheSky.com

or the National Fiddler Hall of Fame website at
NationalFiddlerHallOfFame.org

Martha Berner's "Fool's Fantasy" released Dec 13th

Martha Berner will release her first album since her debut "...this side of yesterday" in 2005.


"Fool's Fantasy" will be released on Tuesday, December 13th. The album was recorded at Chicago's premiere digital recording studio, Stranded On A Planet, with producer Scott Fritz.


Martha Berner & The Significant Others (including Scott Fritz, Tyson Ellert, and Will Sprawls)

Take a listen to the first single, "Cry"

Americana Music Association announces Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Lucinda Williams, Gregg Allman, Jerry Douglas, Rick Hall, and Bob Harris will be honored by the Americana Music Association with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the AMA’s Honors & Awards show Thursday, October 13th, at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Singer-Songwriter Lucinda Williams receives the Lifetime Achievement for Songwriter honor. She continues to influence countless others with her roots-grounded sound.

Gregg Allman receives the Achievement for Performer. He has captivated audiences since his early days with The Allman Brothers Band, and continues to lead the charge of genre-melding Southern-bred rockers.

Master of the dobro, Jerry Douglas receives the Lifetime Achievement for Instrumentalist. Douglas is equally revered for his solo work, session playing, and as a longtime member of Alison Krauss and Union Station.

Rick Hall will receive the Lifetime Achievement for Executive award. Hall earns the honor with his groundbreaking production work at FAME Studios, recording Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Etta James, The Osmonds, and Bobbie Gentry.

Bob Harris is a celebrated radio host and journalist. He will receive the Trailblazer Award.

The Honors & Awards is the main event of the Americana Music Association’s Festival and Conference, running October 12-15 in Nashville. Jim Lauderdale will again serve as master of ceremonies for the Honors & Awards, while Buddy Miller will lead an all-star house band. Among the other artists attending are Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, Hayes Carll, The Civil Wars, Elizabeth Cook, Justin Townes Earle, Jessica Lea Mayfield, The Secret Sisters, and more to be announced.

A limited number of awards show tickets, $35 and $65, are available through the Ryman Box Office or ryman.com.

ASCAP to honor Don Williams

Country music star Don Williams will be honored with the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award during its 49th Annual Country Music Awards on Sunday, Nov. 6th, at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland. The event will also honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP’s most performed country songs from April 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011, and present awards for Songwriter of the Year, Songwriter/Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year.

The Golden Note Award is bestowed upon songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.

Don Williams is a recording artist & songwriter who has enjoyed 45 Top Ten hits and 17 No. 1 singles. Williams’ began his career as a member of the mid-1960’s folk-pop trio, the Pozo-Seco Singers. His self-penned hits include The Shelter of Your Eyes, Lay Down Beside Me, Love Me Over Again, and his collaboration with Wayland Holyfield, Till the Rivers All Run Dry. Despite a well-known aversion to the spotlight, Williams has risen to international fame. Williams was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

Martina McBride debuts 11th album on October 11

Martina McBride will be releasing her 11th studio album, aptly titled, ELEVEN, on October 11th.

The album will feature some of Martina's most personal songs to date, with Martina penning 6 of the 11 tracks.

Jesse Keith Whitley Offers Free Download

Jesse Keith Whitley, son of Lorrie Morgan and the late Keith Whitley, is offering a very special gift to his fans. This month marks the 23rd anniversary of "Don’t Close Your Eyes" going #1 for Jesse's dad. In tribute, Jesse added his own version of the song on his recently-released EP, Kentucky Thunder. Jesse is making that song available to fans as a free download from his website, www.jessekeithwhitley.com.

New single from Vince Gill

The first radio single in four years from Vince Gill will be released to radio stations on Aug. 29. The new single, "Threaten Me With Heaven", is the lead track from his latest album, Guitar Slinger, which is due to be released Oct. 25th on MCA Nashville.

Vince co-wrote the single with wife Amy Grant, Dillon O’Brian and Will Owsley. Since the recording of the song, Owsley took his own life, giving the song a deeper impact for the singer.

Other tracks from the upcoming album include "True Love", which features Amy Grant and her daughter, Sarah Chapman, on vocals. Daughters Jenny Gill and Corinna Gill, also will make guest appearances on the album.

Among the songwriters with credits on the upcoming project are Leslie Satcher, who penned “Bread and Water” with Gill.

Oak Ridge Boys - It's only natural

The Oak Ridge Boys will release their new album, It’s Only Natural through the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® exclusive music program on September 19, 2011. The album will celebrate the 30th year of one of their biggest hits, "Elvira" with a rerecording of the song along with six other Oak Ridge Boys hits, plus five new songs.


Tracks for It’s Only Natural:

1. What’cha Gonna Do?
2. True Heart
3. Before I Die
4. Gonna Take a Lot of River
5. No Matter How High
6. The Shade
7. Elvira
8. Louisiana Red Dirt Highway
9. Beyond Those Years
10. Wish You Could Have Been There
11. Lucky Moon
12. Sacrifice… For Me


For more information: http://oakridgeboys.com/natural

Steve Richard Debuts New Animated Music Video "Love's Gotta Go Somewhere"

Force MP Entertainment recording artist Steve Richard releases the video for his new single, "Love's Gotta Go Somewhere," which is already in the #6 spot on the Power Source Christian Country Chart. The song tells the story of love lost to the grave but the one left behind rejoices in the memory of the love of a lifetime.

The new animated video was filmed at the historic St Louis landmark, Dunaway Books, which was established in the late 1800's and is still in business today and has one of the most diverse and largest selections of books in the state of Missouri, carrying fine used and out-of-print, rare volumes.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band new release

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have released a new live EP called Under the Big Top Vol. 1. The EP features six fan favorites performed live at the band’s 2010 performance at Big Top Chautauqua in Wisconsin. Some of the songs include: Mr. Bojangles, Bless the Broken Road and Fishin’ in the Dark.

The album is available now and featured for digital download at iTunes and in the band’s online store at nittygritty.com.

Jason Michael Carroll - Numbers

Jason Michael Carroll's new album, Numbers, is the latest in Cracker Barrel’s exclusive music program. Numbers is a compilation of songs about everyday life experiences, including his big hit "Alyssa Lies," and the title song "Numbers," which was written by Patrick Davis and Rodney Clawson.

The album debuts today exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations and online at crackerbarrel.com.

Track listing for Numbers:

1. This Is For The Lonely
2. Numbers
3. Ray Of Hope
4. Meet Me In The Barn
5. Hell Or Hallelujah
6. Can I Get An Amen
7. My Favorite
8. Don't Know Why
9. Let Me
10.Stray
11.Last Word
12.Alyssa Lies

Dirt Drifters - this is my blood

Warner Bros. Records is releasing the debut album from The Dirt Drifters today. The album is titled, This Is My Blood, and is available at all digital retailers.

The Dirt Drifters, comprised of lead singer/guitarist Matt Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fleener, vocalist/guitarist Jeff Middleton, bassist Jeremy Little and drummer Nick Diamond, wrote or co-wrote 10 of the project’s 11 tracks, and played on every song of the album. They also have legend Willie Nelson for guest vocals on "I’ll Shut Up Now."

The full track listing includes:
1. Something Better
2. Always A Reason
3. There She Goes
4. It Takes A Man
5. Hurt Somebody
6. Married Men And Motel Rooms
7. I’ll Shut Up Now (ft. Willie Nelson)
8. Name On My Shirt
9. Sun Goes Down
10. Just Got Tonight
11. This Is My Blood

Take a listen to "I'll shut up now"

Ricky Skaggs new album

Ricky Skaggs' newest CD, Country Hits Bluegrass Style, will be released next Tuesday, July 19th. The 14-song album is a mix between Skaggs’ country and bluegrass roots.

Ricky's band, Kentucky Thunder, along with some of Ricky's original award-winning country band alumni, and special friends are part of this album as well.

Blake Shelton - Red River Blue

Blake Shelton one of the rare singers who can seamlessly go from country "party boy" to heartfelt, sweet, charming "aw shucks" guy in a heartbeat. That's quite noticeable on his latest album, "Red River Blue", as well. Blake offers up some 'charmers', like "Honey Bee", "God gave me you", "I'm sorry", and "over", in contrast with the 'having a good timers' like "ready to roll", "get some", "good ole boys", and "hey". The greatest 'charmer' on this album is the title track, a duet with wife, Miranda Lambert.

Take a listen to a few songs:
Get some:


Good Ole Boys:


Sunny in Seattle:


Red River Blue:

Dolly Parton - Better Day

In the 44 years since her first album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released, Dolly Parton has continued to reinvent herself to the latest generation without changing either her music or herself. With her 41st studio release, Better Day, Dolly brings more of the same countrified brightness as only she can. All of the songs are penned by Dolly, who seems to still be underrated for her songwriting skills. The greatest thing is that she's still able to incorporate the old country/bluegrass sound while making it sound mainstream enough to catch the non-country listener's ear.

While the songs are all written by Dolly, they're not all new. The first single, "Together You and I", is actually a remake of a song she had recorded with her former mentor and duet partner Porter Wagoner for their 1974 LP, Porter 'n' Dolly. This version, however, has a new tempo and has been updated to suit today's country music sound. Other tracks include "Holding Everything", which was recorded by Alabama lead singer Randy Owen; "Missing You" was originally recorded by Dolly for the film "First Dog"; and "I Just Might", "Shine Like The Sun", "Get Out", and "Let Love Grow" were all songs Dolly had written for her Tony-nominated score of "9 to 5-The Musical.

Take a listen to a few songs:
Together You & I:


Country Is As Country Does:


Get Out & Stay Out:

Brad Paisley - This is Country Music

Brad Paisley will release This is Country Music on Monday, May 23rd.



This is Country Music is Brad's 9th studio album. It's a 15-track collection, with 12 of those songs co-written by Brad. There are a number of great guest performances on the album, including Don Henley on "love her like she's leavin'", Blake Shelton on "Don't drink the water", Marty Stuart, Sheryl Crow & Carl Jackson on "life's railway to Heaven", Clint Eastwood on the instrumental "Eastwood", and a duet with Carrie Underwood on "remind me".

Take a listen to "Life's Railway To Heaven"

New Eric Church album coming in late July.

Eric Church's third studio album, Chief, will be released on July 26 on EMI Records. The album is produced by Jay Joyce, who also produced Church's previous two releases.

The first single release from the new album is,Homeboy.

Here is the track listing for the new album - all but track 4 are co-written by Church:
1. Creepin’
2. Drink In My Hand
3. Keep On
4. Like Jesus Does
5. Hungover & Hard Up
6. Homeboy
7. Country Music Jesus
8. Jack Daniels
9. Springsteen
10. I’m Gettin’ Stoned
11. Over When It’s Over

Hazel Dickens dies

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Hazel Dickens on Friday, April 22nd from complications of pneumonia.



Hazel was noted for her strongly feminist song lyrics. She was part of various bluegrass and folk-music groups such as The Strange Creek Singers and Hazel & Alice.

Hazel's songs were featured in the Oscar-winning 1976 documentary Harlan County U.S.A., and she appeared in the 1987 coal-mining movie Matewan.

In 1994, she became the first woman to receive the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Award of Merit. In 2008, she was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Her autobiography, Working Girl Blues, was published by the University of Illinois Press later that same year.

The Charlie Daniels Band Releases "Let 'Em Win or Bring 'Em Home"

(Nashville, Tenn. - April 21, 2011) Legendary artist and proud American Charlie Daniels has released a special patriotic track through Hopesong Digital/GMV Nashville called "Let 'Em Win or Bring 'Em Home."



A new orginal cut written by Daniels and recorded by The Charlie Daniels Band, "Let 'Em Win or Bring 'Em Home" is available this week at www.GMVNashville.com and all major online digital outlets, including iTunes, Amazon.com and Rhapsody.com. The song was first released exclusively at www.CharlieDaniels.com on Friday, April 15, 2011

New album for The Judds released today

The mother/daughter country music duo, The Judds, have released a new album, "I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection". The new compilation features twelve classics as well as two brand new songs: "I Will Stand By You" and "Back Home", which features Alison Krauss. The two new songs mark the first time the duo have recorded together since 2004 when Naomi joined Wynonna for the single, "Flies On The Butter", which is also featured on this album.

Along with the two new tracks, this collection features fan favorites such as "Mama He’s Crazy", "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Old Days)", "Turn It Loose" and the song that has become the duo's anthem, "Love Can Build A Bridge."

Lori McKenna - Lorraine

While Lori's previous album, Unglamorous, was pretty decent, I find this new release to be a nice step up in listening pleasure.

What makes a great song is the mixture of voice, instrumentation and songwriting. Lori has done that remarkably well in all 13 of them on this album. Sometimes I'm not sure which of those parts is the highlight. At one point, I'd think it was the lyrics that intrigued me. On another listen, I'd swear it was her voice that grabbed my attention, or was it the simple instrumentation? In reality, it was all of the above. A great mixture.

What makes a great album is a compilation of well-crafted songs that the listener can identify with in his/her own life. With "Lorraine", Lori seamlessly goes from heartache and loss to reflection and hope and back again. It's sadness and sweetness all rolled together into one wonderful collection.

Take a listen to a few of the cuts:
The Luxury of Knowing:

"Damn it must be easy being in love with someone so blind. Cuz - I’ll tell you right now the only thing I really know is that you might change your mind. Any day you could change your mind."


Buy this town:

"If I could buy your pain, first I’d buy the great big sea. I’d put that pain inside a box, and bury it so deep..."


All I ever do:

"All I ever do is work. All I ever do is pray. But I do know that I have for you a love that never fades and it's okay if it's all I ever do."


Sweet Disposition:

"I believe everyone is good but I’ve been wrong a time or two. When a friend kicks you in the gut there’s not much that you can do. Oh but that friend she was never my friend. The only thing she feels is ambition. Still I’m left searching for my sweet disposition."

Miss Willie Brown

The duo known as Miss Willie Brown - comprised of Amanda Watkins & Kasey Buckley - is releasing their major label debut EP today. The duo is the first country act signed to New York based A&M/Octone Records.

The EP is a four-song project, produced by Keith Stegall. Watkins and Buckley share lead vocals on the tracks, which they also co-wrote.

A new album coming soon from Emmylou Harris

Country/Folk legend Emmylou Harris will release her new album on Nonesuch Records, Hard Bargain, on April 26th. Emmylou wrote 11 of the 13 tracks including song tributes to Gram Parsons ("The Road") and the late folk singer Kate McGarrigle ("Dear Kate").

The project included just three musicians - Emmylou, producer Jay Joyce, and Giles Reeves - however, it's not a stripped-down album. To promote the album's release, Emmylou will appear on The Late Show with David Letterman on April 27th.