Cheers! From Cleveland and 2005 Picks…
Sadly, Christmas has become a corporate sponsored, materialistic event. And…yes! To that I say…BAH-HUM-BUG! I say unto you…Let’s focus on what the meaning of Christmas really is and share that spirit with family, friends and loved ones—the spirit of just plain being good and giving people. I would like to thank the editors and staff of MusicCityNews.com for the opportunity to spread the word on good music and to the readers who truly care about the music. 2005 has indeed seen some good music and the CD’s that made my “A” list in 2005 are George Strait SOMEWHERE DOWN IN TEXAS, Little Big Town THE ROAD TO HERE, Faith Hill FIREFLIES, Billy Currington DOIN’ SOMETHING RIGHT and Patty Loveless DREAMIN’ MY DREAMS. May everyone have a safe, happy and healthy Holiday season. And to Macon, I say, I do hope you enjoy the new front tooth that I bought you!--CLEVELAND

MACON<<<You gotta love “Bluegrassers!” They are like the guardians of American folk music and they pass it right on down to their children. (You see entire families on stage, some with 10 year olds that can play circles around any rock and roller!...Like, ummm Cleveland…and me).<<<I love Christmas and Christmas music. So, when I got this CD to review, I was delighted.<<<A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS is recorded by the Skaggs and White families (Ricky’s in-laws). I’d venture to say these are indeed a couple of heavy-duty musical families.<<<Randy says this project originally started in their living room during the holidays last year…and it progressed such that they did a number of performances last year (without an album). This CD is the answer to the overwhelming requests they received for recorded music. This year, all-in-the-family performers are touring again and a TV special aired on CMT (December 10) featuring their whimsical works.<<< A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS features vocals performances shared by Randy, Buck and various family members with Randy’s band providing the musical frills. One would expect this to be a hardcore bluegrass event, but that is not the sound at all. The tunes are delivered with grassy sounds (as expected) but with a more traditional 40’s or 50’s pop feel. (Would you call that retro? I think not.) The album is just what the title says--a family thing and that’s what it sounds like. My picks for the Holidays are: “Hangin’ Round the Mistletoe” (Kostas) sung by Buck White backed up by his girls, Sharon and Cheryl. “Mary Did You Know” (Mark Lowry/Buddy Greene) {Side bar: Buddy Greene? Is that the same Buddy Greene that used to play drums in Buddy’s--a skating rink in Macon--a long, long time ago?}<<<Ricky should next start thinking about recording some duets for release with his wife (ala Faith and Tim). She is an excellent singer.<<< There are several songs with lush string arrangements and the cool clear vocals of the White girls out front. (I think these tunes would have been much nicer with a simpler production--just using Randy’s band but…)<<<This CD will find it’s way into my player every year for the rest of my life. I love Christmas and Christmas music. (You can expect the Bahs and Humbugs from Cleveland!)

“All in the family”—if I may quote the 70’s sitcom—best describes the Christmas CD entitled A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS. Ricky unites children Molly (21), Luke (16), wife, Sharon (you never reveal a woman’s age), Sharon’s father (Buck White), sister, Cheryl and her daughter Rachel for a Celtic/Bluegrass Christmas Jubilee. Seldom does one family possess the abundance of talent featured here. Not only vocally, but instrumentally.>>>Ricky, Sharon, Cheryl and Buck’s contributions to Bluegrass are well documented, but this CD offers a sneak peek in to their children’s ability and their bright future.>>>A SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS is a mix of traditional Christmas (Holiday) standards with a couple of unknowns. Moments of harmony shine and blend effortlessly in a way that only siblings can achieve. Ricky’s bluegrass band, Kentucky Thunder, adds depth, as does the Nashville String Machine. Ricky personally produced the CD and I say…Bravo!>>>The family members take turns at lead vocal with the exception of Luke who takes lead guitar on Track 2 “Little Drummer Boy.” >>>There are many Christmas CD’s to choose from (and it seems everyone who has ever stood in front of a microphone desires to do a Christmas project), but few incorporate all family members—which makes the SKAGGS FAMILY CHRISTMAS a unique and personal offering. >>>CLEVELAND

Randy Travis
GLORY TRAIN – Word/Curb/Warner Bros.
(Produced by Kyle Lehning)

MACON<<<Most country artists will venture to put a Gospel song on an album. Many will go as far as to do a whole album of spiritual music; but few I have heard will ever surpass the scope and sincerity delivered in Randy Travis’ GLORY TRAIN.<<<In my opinion, this album is a true offering to Jesus and totally honors God. The production is pure bluegrass country, incorporates many acoustic flavors and features some nicely orchestrated cuts. There are a generous 19 tracks on the project and none of them sound like they were included as “afterthoughts.” The musicianship is impeccable throughout the work and Randy’s vocals are superb.<<<I especially liked the three cuts featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama: “Swing Down Chariot” (featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama) is a flawless rendition of this classic tune. “Nothing But the Blood” swings along with a honky tonk feel that only Randy could pull off, making this sound fit this hymn like a glove.<<<“Nobody Knows, Nobody Cares” highlights some great bluegrass picking.<<<“Oh How I Love Jesus” has a beautiful flowing acoustic production capped by Randy’s smooth country delivery.<<< Anybody who professes to be affiliated with country music should have this CD--whether or not they believe in God--just so they can hear how real Gospel country sounds when it comes from the heart! This entire CD feels comfortable and the arrangements are in the pocket.<<<Kudos to Randy Travis, producer Kyle Lehning and Word for this landmark album.

Possibly the most influential artist to ever grace the country music genre, Randy Travis has turned his sights in recent years to pursue a spiritual passion that runs deep within this North Carolina Native. >>>The Grammy award winner admittedly acquired little, if any, religion during his youth. But songs like “Forever and Ever Amen” and “He Walked On Water” are tightly knitted to portray Christian values—making his transition into Gospel music a seamless one.>>>The fourth Gospel release in five years, GLORY TRAIN mixes traditional standards with original offerings delivered in classic Randy Travis style. Proving the man could sing the Bible and be entertaining. The CD is all acoustic—free from the distracting aspects in recording that has inundated Music Row productions as of late.>>>All that is of value shines through and is in keeping with the trend that has made Randy Travis the star that shines bright--twenty years after signing his first recording contract.>>>Track 5, “Down By The Riverside,” makes you just want to dance in the pews at a Sunday morning sermon. Wes Hightower provides backing vocals along with the Hagees, The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Crabb Family.>>>Randy’s vocals never sounded better and hanging on a note making eight syllables out of a word containing only one always leaves me saying “Wow!”>>>The CD contains 19 tracks making it a great value. It would be a wonderful Christmas gift and is a must-have addition to the Christian Music Lover’s collection.>>>God Bless Randy Travis.>>>CLEVELAND

Carrie Underwood
SOME HEARTS – Arista Records
(Produced by Mark Bright/Dann Huff)

MACON<<<OK I’m going to start off by saying (and I think Cleveland will agree if he can stop drooling over the mini poster of Carrie included in the CD) this is the best debut album from a youngster this year. The song selection is very good; the vocal performance is stellar and the production musicianship is superb. I watched and voted for Ms. Underwood on American Idol and I agree with Simon when he said Carrie would be the biggest star ever to come from the show and he predicted she’d sell more records than any other contestant. This gal is the real thing and if she takes good care, we can look forward to a lot of great music from her.<<< The first four tunes are definitely the strongest material on the album. The first song “Wasted” (Verges/Green/Lindsey) has a message--as many of the tunes on this CD do. Carrie delivers a Faith Hill-ish performance in this modern country production.<<<“Don’t Forget to Remember Me” is a strong family and faith song that is very well written (Hayes/Lovelace/Gorley).<<<“Some Hearts” (…Whoaaah! By Diane Warren--she has 3 cuts) is a pop rock production, but Carrie’s vocals keep it in the middle of the road. I’d expect to see this as a single.<<<”Jesus Take the Wheel” (James/Lindsey/Sampson) is the current radio tune and I love the message, the melody and vocals.<<<“The Night Before” (Mobley/Thrasher/Olander) is aimed at young folks.<<< “Lessons Learned” (Warren) is another rocker.<<<“Before He Cheats” (Thompkins/Kear) is a hard bluesy cut that is uncharacteristic of the rest of the CD. But again, Carrie sings her tail off making this an interesting cut.<<<“Starts With Goodbye” (Angelo/Lindsey) is a pop power ballad.<<<” I Just Can’t Live a Lie” (Robson/Hector) errrr….is another power pop ballad(ZZZZZZ).<<<“We’re Young and Beautiful” (Rutherford/McEwan) is a welcomed, young, fun song.<<<“That’s Where It Is” (Peirce/Robson/Becker) moves along nicely with a comfortable “I love you” theme. It is very poppy.<<<“Whenever You Remember” (Warren) is another power ballad. (Yes, another ballad Fortunately, the writing and vocal performance won’t put you to sleep.)<<<“I Ain’t in Checotah Any More” is a co-write for Carrie {you go girl!} with Bruce and Angelo and is obviously autobiographic.<<<“Inside Your Heaven” (Carlsson/Nyhlen/Kotecha) is the bonus track.<<<Mark Bright and Dan Huff produced this album with expertise; with great picking that doesn’t overshadow the fine vocal work from this budding artist. This album would be a great stocking-stuffer.

Reality TV—it’s what’s hot on television today. In its attempt to entertain, reality TV often falls short of its goal. Over dramatic, star wanna-be’s play for the cameras and jockey for position to try to achieve their 15 minutes of fame. Although some do reach this pinnacle (absurd as it is), the viewer at home often lies awake at night trying to rationalize to his wife and himself why the $3,000 dollar plasma television was a good investment. Never in my 40 some odd years have I witnessed such unentertaining entertainment. Can we leave the acting to the actors please?>>>In the name of bad TV, American Idol subjects its viewers weekly to unspeakable crimes of bad taste. The set of American Idol with its lights, props and camera angels seems excessive when, clearly, all that is needed is a shower stall where 99.9 of the contestants sing their best. (But, somebody’s obviously watching—like Macon who just loves to sit down and play the part of the judge!) So… imagine my surprise as I listened to the 2005 Idol winner Carrie Underwood debut album SOME HEARTS.>>>This twenty-two year old Oklahoma native can actually sing and has indeed deservingly exceeded the 15 minutes of fame afforded by the glorified karaoke that is called American Idol. Smart song selection and excellent production value sets the bar high. The first single “Jesus Take The Wheel” is currently a chart climber. Nuances in her vocal delivery validate Underwood’s musical influences that include Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn. There is undoubtedly some fluff on the CD, but it also contains some refreshing music.>>>Track No. 7, “Before He Cheats,” is my favorite and Track 14 “I Ain’t in Checotah Any More” is a Carrie Underwood co-write.>>>In closing, if girl singers are your bag, put this one in it. If you’re not, enjoy a listen from the radio—SOME HEARTS will be played!>>>CLEVELAND



Gary Allan
TOUGH ALL OVER – MCA Nashville
(Produced by Mark Wright/Gary Allan)

MACON<<<Listening environments must have a great impact. I first listened to this work in my studio where the monitors don’t lie and there are no distractions. My first impression was this was a rather dark sounding album. After a second listen while at my computer I think “edgy” is a better word to describe how the music makes you feel. <<<The production is nicely done. The mix has some great stereo placement of instruments. I might even go as far as to say this is the best-mixed album I’ve heard this year.<<<”Tough All Over” (the title cut and the first tune on the CD) punches hard up front and ends with a 70’s style jam. (I’ve been in a few of those!)<<<”Best I Ever Had” (which is the current radio single) is a kind of surreal country with shades of new pop sounds combined with fiddle and steel.<<<Allan gives a great vocal performance on ”I Just Got Back From Hell” a serious tune we all can relate to and “Ring Ring” reveals this dude’s west coast roots--with a Dwight Yoakamistic sound and a real country tradition style. (How do you like that word Cleveland!) This is my favorite cut and if released as a single sure to be a hit.<<<”Promise Broken” is a song written from an interesting perspective--full of Ventures’ style surf guitar.<<<”Nickajack Cave” tells a haunting story about Johnny Cash.<<<”Life Ain’t Always Beautiful” is a well written song that is almost country and “He Can’t Quit Her” sounds like pure Southern Rock.<<<”What Kind of Fool” has nice harmonies mixed with country instrumentation and features that surreal sound again. (What are we to really call this? Grunge Country?)<<<Now, “Puttin’ Memories Away” is a real nice country song in the middle of all this funky sounding stuff--produced and performed to a tee. I would have loved to have heard Gary do a whole album of this kind of music.<<<”No Damn Good” returns right back to the mood of the album. Gary gives a good vocal performance on this one.<<<The final track entitled “Putting My Misery On Display” kicks off like an Alvin Bishop blues tune. (I’m sorry folks this ain’t country as we know it, but times are a’changin.)<<<The jury’s hung on this country rocker’s new sound. From a technical standpoint, the album is very well done and features solid vocal performances throughout.

It seems only a matter of time before a country artist is pushed into playing, or wants to play, the part of a rock star. The first track on Gary Allan’s latest (TOUGH ALL OVER) is no exception. “Tough All Over,” the lead song, with its’ tambourine and in–your-face drums is as close to rock & roll as Gary should ever get.>>>Track 2 (“Best I Ever Had”) also casts Allan in the R&R light with bands like Coldplay and Green Day.>>>Track 3 and 4 (“I Just Got Back From Hell” and “Ring Ring”) are by far the weakest links in the chain of the 12 songs that make up this CD. Allan fails to deliver here.>>>He gets back on track with song No. 5 entitled “Promise Broken.” There’s a little something in this song for all of us to reflect on here.>>>On Track 6 (“Nickajack Cave”), Gary sings the chilling true tale of Johnny Cash’s rise from drug addiction to becoming a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.>>>Track 7 (“Life Ain’t Always Beautiful”) hits close to home with the recent tragedy and loss in his family. Gary has clearly lived this song and his vocal performance proves it, making this my favorite track. >>>”He Can’t Quit Her” (Track 8) is classic southern rock and is about a John falling for a ‘lady of the night.’>>>Finally on Track 10, we get a country song in “Puttin’ Memories Away.” Gary sings of a broken home and reminisces about happier times. This theme continues on to Track 11 (“No Damn Good”).>>>Gary gives us his take on life on the road on Track 12 (“Puttin’ My Misery On Display”)>>>In closing, Gary’s whiskey voice never sounded better and there are some great moments throughout the disk. In all honesty, given his personal turmoil and tragedy, I did not expect a CD release from Gary so quickly. But, country radio is better for it.>>>CLEVELAND


 
Terri Clark
LIFE GOES ON – Mercury Records
(Produced by Byron Gallimore/Special Production by James Stroud)

MACON<<<My first year in Nashville, I hit downtown on a regular basis and one of my most memorable events was enjoying Terri Clark at the Wildhorse Saloon one Friday night. She puts on a great live show--so I keep that in mind as I write this review.<<<The CD opens with “Life Goes On” with a great hook, but wordy verses. (I guess Terri had a lot to say.)<<<“Damn Right” sounds like vintage Terri Clark but with an edge. The production chores are split between James Stroud and Byron Gallimore--the latter having the most cuts. Hearing their works side by side on this CD is really interesting. I like Gallimore’s style better, but it seems Stroud got one of the better songs on the project to work with entitled “She Didn’t Have Time,” Terri’s lead single from the album. This is a great song performed wonderfully by Clark.<<<The album continues with typical Terri-style stuff like “Cowboy Days” which is a real honky tonker.<<<“Not Enough Tequila” is a well blended, country style ballad with salty chord changes iced with a strong vocal performance.<<< “Big Windows” shows Terri’s vocal savvy again; she reminds me a bit of Patty Loveless on this tune. (That would put her in good company).<<<“I Wish He’d Been Drinkin’ Whiskey” is a bittersweet song that shows off Terri’s range.<<<You know, I keep talking about her vocals--Terri did a great job on this whole album. I don’t like all the songs, but her performance is rock solid which brings me to the “Honky Tonk Song” (rrrrrrrrrrh). This song is probably fun to do live, but it doesn’t tear me up on a record.<<<“Travelin’ Soul” has a good feel and melody.<<<“Everybody’s Gotta Go Sometime” is another song that doesn’t knock me out but again, Terri wears the song well and the production is good.<<<As for “Slow News Day,” I liked this song. It says what we all think from to time to time (except Cleveland, if it doesn’t have beer and sex in the headlines…he doesn’t think!). This song shows Terri’s soft side and sounds personal.<<<“Tear It All Down” is funky country and well performed, but left me with a down turn as a follow-up to the last song of the work. (It is really important to place songs in good order and the powers-that-be missed it on this album in that aspect.)<<<All said and done, this CD is good if you select the right tunes on the shuffle.

With the success of Trisha Yearwood, Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis and fellow Canadian, Michelle Wright, the male artists seeking a record deal in the mid-1990’s almost had to be willing to wear a dress to be appealing to country radio and its’ audience. As with most success in the entertainment biz, being at the right place at the right time is key. Sadly, vocal ability and paying “membership“ dues often take a back seat to pretty faces, youth and trends. Case in point…Mercury Records bet their money on a very young, very green Terri Clark. The video of “I’ve Got Better Things To Do” was my virtual introduction to Clark and I must admit, the Alberta, Canada native looked like a fabricated Amarillo, Texas ranch hand with mediocre singing ability, singing an even worse song, and surely she’d have a short lived career in country music. Well, like my stock and mutual fund ventures throughout the last decade, I was dead wrong. Terri’s staying power and chart success must be taken seriously and with that…I pressed play..>>>The title track on LIFE GOES ON blends bluegrass phrasing with a cheesy country take on the woes of relation-ships and life.>>>Track 2 (“Damn Right”) is a soda-pop reflection on the bittersweet voyage that we call life.>>>Track 3 (“She Didn’t Have Time”) expresses the hardships of being a single parent.>>>Terri shines on Track 4 (“Cowboy Days”) a ramblin’ foot-stomper with great lyrics, pickin’ and vocal performance. (Sure to be a hit with Honky Tonk dancers and radio. Macon will most likely shake a leg when he hears it!)>>>On Track 5, entitled “Not Enough Tequila,” Clark discovers there is no cure for heartache including Mexico’s vast tequila surplus.>>>”Bigger Windows” (Track 6) is a take on a humble raising, leaving home and dreams of a better life. >>>Track 7 (“I Wish He’d Been Drinkin’ Whiskey”) is a waltz that suggests that the sober truth is more devastating than psychological abuse ala the whiskey. (A well-written song by the way.)>>>Speaking of whiskey, Track 8 (“Honky Tonk Song”) is a classic drinking song. (Every country album needs one.)>>>Track 9 (“Travelin’ Soul”) seems out of place here and isn’t strong enough to stand on its own.>>>Track 10 entitled “Everybody’s Gotta Go Sometime” echoes Track 6 (leaving and living).>>>”Slow News Day” (Track 11) captures the media’s obsession with controversy and the public’s need to live vicariously through others.>>>The last track “Tear It All Down” is a fitting end to a lackluster project.>>>Overall, production value sounds “techno” and Clark fails to grab the listener (well this one anyway). But…in her defense, song selection is weak and adds to this sadly disappointing effort.>>>CLEVELAND

MACON<<<I am a Clint Black fan, so this review may be a bit tainted.<<<Every year at Christmas time, my family just about burns a hole in his Holiday album. So in keeping with the enjoyment of Black’s Christmas music, listening to “Drinkin’ Songs & Other Logic” (Black/Nicholas/Wariner) made me chuckle and my (beer) belly shook like a bowl full of jelly! This song sets the stage for the whole project with witty writing, great country picking (and players), and Clint’s crystal clear vocals. Followed by “Heartaches,” (Black) the listener will have no doubt that this is a real traditional country western music project. And if that doesn’t convince you, “Code of the West” (Black/Nicholas) will. This song also makes a directive to our troops defending our Nation around the world. “Rainbow in the Rain” (Black/Nicholas)--the single off the album--continues the solid country theme. “Undercover Cowboy” (Black) is a play-on-words tune and features some excellent guitar work. “Go it Alone” (Black/Nicholas) is a serious, well-written song about death and goodbyes.<<<This CD is full of adult themes. Which makes me question whether the young folks will go for this project.<<<The next tune, “Too Much Rock,” drives home the significance of our dying country music culture. Ironically this tune, 40 years ago, would have been considered too rock. “A Big One” (Black/Nicholas) is another drinking sing-along followed by one of my favorites, “I Don’t Wanna Tell You,” (Black) a western swing style cut that fits Clint’s voice to a “T”. “Back Home In Heaven” (Black/Nicholas) is great feeling ballad about lost loved ones and it has a wonderful melody. This is unquestionably the best vocal performance on the album. “Thinking of You” (Black) and “Longnecks and Rednecks” (Black/Nicholas) finish off the album in keeping with the same “drinking songs” theme.<<<This work is a great example of Texas country music.

Top notch playing and real country music have been a mainstay for this Texas crooner and you’ll find just that on Clint’s latest release DRINKIN’ SONGS & OTHER LOGIC.>>> After 15 years in the biz, Black is still country! The first two tracks (“Drinkin’ Songs & Other Logic” and “Heartaches”) are tales of love lost, heartbreak and drinking to ease the pain. Track 3 “Code Of The West” takes us down the trail on cattle drives and riding with a cowboy posse in pursuit of the bad guys. Tracks 4, 5, and 6 (“Rainbow In The Rain”/ ”Undercover Cowboy”/”Got It Alone”) are a bit of a disappointment and don’t live up to Black’s rep for wise song selection. Fortunately, Track 7 “Too Much Rock” reined this listener back in with its wake up call to Music Row. Clint ever so cleverly mirrors the hardships of plowing rocky, dry soil to the hardships of plowing through the rock music that has inundated the country music field. (Amen Brother! How much longer can we beat that horse?) Track 8 “A Big One” is a classic drinkin’ song and country music can never have enough of these! Track 9 “I Don’t Wanna Tell You” swings with steel guitar and fiddles and would make Bob Wills proud. Black pledges both heart and soul on Track 10 (“Back Home To Heaven”). “Thinking Of You” (Track 11) has a Roy Roger’s—riding the range—feel and it’s about missing home. “Longnecks and Rednecks” (Track 12) is a song that will hit home with any genuine beer drinker who knows longnecks can’t be beat in genuine drinking pleasure!>>>Black keeps things simple and true to who he is and that’s the best thing that can be said about this project or said of any artist.>>>CLEVELAND

Chris Cagle
ANYWHERE BUT HERE – Capitol-Nashville
(Produced by Robert Wright/Chris Cagle)

MACON<<<I actually read another review from another writer that just scalded this album even though it contains several tunes that are already getting a lot of airplay (in Nashville anyway). Well, after a listen, I’d say to them (and to Yankee dog, Cleveland too) buy some looser underwear!<<<This album is as good as any other pretty boy, new country stuff that is on the airways. The only thing I hear funky about this album is that Chris is a corn country singer and most of this album is produced like a hard rock CD. (Duh, just like everybody else trying to woo a young crowd).<<<The producers (Robert Wright & Cagle) even included a Bon Jovi tune (“Wanted Dead or Alive”) which I think makes a pretty good country tune.<<<The CD kicks off with an attitude song “You Might Want Think About It” then moves on to the “Wal*Mart Parking Lot” which quickly defines the “Target” market--middle America. Next is “Miss Me Baby” another rock oriented but well produced ballad followed by “Maria” that sounds like a power rock 80’s tune.<<<Cagle, however, holds it all together with his country style vocals. His voice is youthful sounding and that will make him marketable for a long time if he holds up in this tough music business.<<<“Anywhere But Here” and “You Still Do That To Me” are a couple of well-written cuts. The latter reminds me of Seals & Crofts. “Hey Ya’ll” is just what it says; it is a redneck song. (Cleveland won’t admit it, but he LIVES this song in his backyard as a way of life!) “I Was Made For You” could have scored as the only country song on the CD, but the production ends up rocking out too just as the rest.<<<To sum it all up: this album has a good sound to it with interesting melodies and it is produced a little better than some of the new rock, country stuff I’ve heard of late. It will stand up with Chris’s vocals as adhesive and the young ladies seem to like him. So…

Cagle’s absence from country radio made one wonder if he had thrown in the towel. Well, not just yet. This co-produced, co-written project has long been anticipated. Cagle starts off with a calculated patriotic number called “Might Wanna Think About It” in which he warns off not only a butt kicking, but an ass kicking as well! Track 2 “Wal*Mart Parking Lot” reflects on the trials and tribulations of high school angst. (This is obviously an age demographic pitch). Track 3 “Miss Me Baby” is a “please come back, plea” (and the plea is already BIG on your radio now!) that will tug at the heart of my partner Macon as well as all the female listeners. Cagle sings about unconditional love and his devotion to “Maria” (Track 4) that in turn makes him a better man. If there is a Number 1 hit on the CD, I predict Track 5 “Anywhere But Here” will be it. Smartly written with a beautiful melody, this song is set apart from the rest. Track 6 “You Still Do That To Me” has a “feel good” element that only happens when vocals, melody and production meld. (Nice job on this one Chris!) Track 7 “Hey Ya’ll” and Track 8 “I was Made For You” really don’t measure up in quality to the previous tracks—although “Hey Ya’ll” may attract a teen audience. “Dead or Alive” (Track 9) is a 1980’s Bon Jovi mega hit (re-recorded by Cagle) that would have best been left in the 80’s. Track 10--“When I Get There”--a “leaving song,” picks up where Track 6 left off. “I’d Find You” (Track 11) could have come off the Rascal Flatts cutting room floor and makes for a sorry ending.>>>Musicianship here is impeccable and Chris will secure some airplay.>>>A life size stand-up of Chris Cagle will make for the perfect Christmas gift for my Caglehead partner, Macon.>>>CLEVELAND

Billy Currington
DOIN’ SOMETHING RIGHT – Mercury Records
(Produced by Carson Chamberlain)

MACON<<<This album starts off with an up-tempo tune “I Wanna Be a Hillbilly” that has a country theme with some interesting sounding picking. “Good Directions” is a down home story song with good traditional country presentation. “Doin’ Something Right” is the best tune on the album and has already proven that on the charts. My fellow Georgian can really sell a ballad. The next tune “Why, Why, Why” is a South Georgia style swampy sounding tune about what gals try to do to guys after they get them. “That Changes Everything” is laid-back country with yet another solid vocal and features great players doing what Nashville is famous for. The steel player and fiddler on this album have superb tone. “A Little Bit Lonely” is song about casual relationships with a slap backbeat. After this tune, I realized I came to the realization that Billy wasn’t selling me on the up-tempo stuff as compared to his ballads--like the next tune “She’s Got A Way With Me” written and performed with Michael McDonald. I guess I’m used to hearing too many whiskey voices from down south. (Even Yankee dog, Cleveland, can belt out a fast tune.) Currington then surprises us to present a less than dazzling performance of “Lucille.” My personal opinion is… if your going to do a great song do it great.<<<“Whole Lot More” is another up-tempo song about loving with a big ending (there are a couple of those on the album). “Here I Am” is a relaxed hometown song and that tasty sounding steel guitar appears again. Billy’s vocals are strong on this tune and this is reinforcement that this kid really does wear a ballad well. The CD ends with “She Knows What To Do With A Saturday Night” a quick two-step with the same good picking that is recurrent throughout the CD.

Billy Currington is one of the brightest lights that has come out of Nashville since 2003 and possesses by far more soul than any of the pack running with him today. His debut single “Walk A Little Straighter Daddy” turned more than just a few heads and now this Georgia native is back for round 2 with DOIN’ SOMETHING RIGHT which is sure to turn a few more! Track 1 entitled “Hillbilly” is traditional country that is virtually A.W.O.L. on today’s country radio. Track 2 (“Back Here To Me”) is a “city girl meets country boy” story and will most probably be a hit. Next, the debut single “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” (which is already a chart topper) is the most Pop sounding cut on the CD (and it’s really not Pop.) Track 4, “Why, Why, Why,” addresses the age old question… “Why change me now?” Track 5, “That Changes Everything” features a vocal performance well beyond Billy’s years; he hangs on to notes mimicking Jones and Whitley. Track 6 “Little Bit Lonely” sounds a bit like a Pat Green venture. And then…out of the blue comes Track 7 “She’s Got A Way With Me.” This is a co-write duet with Michael McDonald; their voices blend seamlessly. Showcasing Currington’s soul dipped in blues, a cover of Kenny Roger’s “Lucille” holds the No. 8 slot on the project. Track 9 and 10 (“Whole Lot More” and “Here I Am”) fall short and finish last. The CD ends with “She Knows What To Do With A Saturday Night” an upbeat ditty that dancers will love.>>>Billy co-wrote four songs on this project. Coupled with production value and musicianship, this CD rocks and I mean in a good way!>>>CLEVELAND



Little Big Town
THE ROAD TO HERE – Equity Records
(Produced by Little Big Town/Wayne Kirkpatrick)

MACON<<<I think most musical minded people (that obviously excludes Cleveland) would agree that the human voice is one of the most purely expressive and powerful instruments of all. Pair four, great voices, some thoroughbred acoustic pickers with some great writing and you get one awesome album—THE ROAD TO HERE. Listening to this CD for the first time made me feel like I did as a kid when the Beatles came out with a new album. (You didn’t know who was going to sing what song or how the harmonies or music would sound. It was just pure ear candy.) Well, THE ROAD TO HERE is sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet.<<<The first tune “Good As Gone” is a driving smorgasbord of great picking and vocal harmonies performed by this two guy/two gal foursome (Kimberly Roads, Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet). The next tune “Boondocks” is swampy sounding with grass roots lyrics that ends with a vocal group counterpart thing that sounds really cool. “Bones” stays “swamp” and is very Crosby, Stills and Nash sounding. “Bring It On Home” continues the feast of this group’s tasty harmonies and lead vocals. “Wounded” is very bluegrass and could easily be mistaken for Alison Krauss & Union Station.<<<Yes folks, these guys (and gals) are that good!<<<“A Little More You” is a little more modern country sounding, but the group draws you into the song with their harmonies and down home sound. “Live With Lonesome” is a mournful ballad that the group pulls off expertly--without sounding sappy. “Mean Streak” is a well-written song about a tough subject sung bitter-sweetly by one of the gals topped off once again with well-constructed group vocals. “Looking For A Reason” starts to hit hard with a more rock bound backbeat sound but with a banjo (Ron Block) that keeps the song in the backyard. “Lost” is another ballad with the same wonderful vocal stuff and the icing on the cake is Jerry Douglas on dobro. “Welcome to the Family” is a cool song filled with an Allman Brothers flavor, harmony guitars blended with mandolin (Adam Steffy). “Fine With Me” is another vocal event with plenty of kicks in the music to keep you swaying with the beat.<<<The project ends with the simply produced “Stay.” It’s another lost love tune that leaves you leaning forward hoping to hear another song. The vocal production fits perfectly with the music production on this work.<<<Kudos to Little Big Town and co-producer Wayne Kirkpatrick. Buy this CD you’ll love it!

This country music quartet is an original—not only in sound, but in their line up of two gals and two guys! They originate from the states of Georgia, Indiana, Alabama and Arkansas and share the title of lead vocalist. The introductory track “Good As Gone” has a bluegrass meets the Blues feel and is a great icebreaker for the project. Next comes their debut single “Boondocks” and it features soulful harmonies and is smothered in good dobro (a la Jerry Douglas). Track 3 “Bones” lends itself to “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles with its harmonies and acoustic unplugged sound. Track 4 “Bring It On Home” sounds a bit more Pop and country radio friendly than the three songs prior.>>>I have said little so far about the song’s lyrics simply because all songs indeed do have a message, but seldom does a country act capture the listeners ear transfixing it on vocal melody trumping the story line.>>>Now on to Track 5. “Wounded” is a woman’s take on giving 100% and receiving much less in return. (Sound familiar ladies?) The bluegrass theme carries on to Track 6 (“A Little More You”--a “girl moves much slower than boy” story. (Sound familiar guys?) Track 7 “Live with Lonesome” is another broken heart story that is a bit too sappy for it’s own good. Track 8 sounds a lot like Dolly Parton’s “Soul Shine” and is entitled “Mean Streak.” It’s still pretty cool and worth a listen. Track 9 “Looking For A Reason” is a rocker with a banjo ride throughout and follows the “I need more attention” theme of the CD. Track 10 is a woe is me ballad entitled “Lost.” With its less than redeeming quality, Track 11 is the only throw away on this CD. (…Little Big Town Meets The Dukes Of Hazzard…) Track 12 “Fine With Me” is a summer time, life is good song and the CD ends with a lovely ballad with a lead vocal and harmonies that sound heaven sent.>>>This CD is a must-have. Enjoy!>>>CLEVELAND



Nickel Creek
WHY SHOULD THE FIRE DIE? – Sugar Hill Records
(Produced by Erick Valentine/Tony Berg)

MACON<<< WHY SHOULD THE FIRE DIE? – Let me just say…I have a lot of questions about this project. Do we have another musical offering from virtuosos Nickel Creek or do we have some deep thoughts from deep thinkers? Have you ever had a hard time listening to an album because you just didn’t get it? (…even though you loved the vocals and the music itself?) As I listen to ”When in Rome,” I have to ask, What’s up guys? Did you think a bunch of college kids would sit around smoking pot, drinking wine, trying to figure out what you were trying to say here? Moving on…“Somebody More Like You”--I got this one. It’s a story about a scorned lover. “Jealous of the Moon” has the same good musical stuff, but is it OK to say I didn’t get it lyrically? (Again) “Scotch & Chocolate” is a progressive instrumental that demonstrates the group’s integrity as players. “Can’t Complain” is another of the unknown mystical songs, but the cool key changes make for interesting listening, don’t they?<<<The group does a wonderful job on “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” (Bob Dylan) with the same flyaway whimsical vocal. “Eveline” is truly a cool sounding song that explores melodies that are way-out there and harmonies that are in a 20th Century experimental composed style. “Stump Town”--Do we hear a bluegrass instrumental in the middle of all of this progressive stuff but with a razor sharp performance? “Anthony”--What? “Best of Luck”--Huh? “Doubting Thomas”–little faith is better than no faith. “First and Last Waltz”--Hey man, can I score another hit? “Helena”--Are there this many broken hearts? “Why Should The Fire Die?”--This song is cool lyrically. >>>Well, I have poked fun at these guys, but they are just being themselves searching their musical souls. All of these songs have highbrow melodies with great harmonies and they are performed with an attitude. I commend NC for having the courage to do so. This CD is for the young and beautiful. Too bad for Cleveland!

Grammy winners Nickel Creek return. This time without producer Alison Krauss at the helm and WHY SHOULD THE FIRE DIE? has a totally different sound and direction. Track 1 “When In Rome” captures an almost ancient sound that perhaps filled the streets of Pagan City. The lyrics are abstract and very cool as is the melody. Track 2 “Somebody More Like You” sounds more like a filler song from a one-hit-wonder CD than what we are accustomed to from the trio. “Jealous Of The Moon” is jazzy and heady and has a lyric that will mean something different to each individual listener—it’s actually one of my favorites on this project. Track 4 is an instrumental called “Scotch & Chocolate” and features a cast of great pickers but fails to move you. “Can’t Complain” (Track 5) again contains abstract lyrics that must be independently experienced. On Track 6, the trio put down their pens and covered “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” by Bob Dylan. This cover fits the theme of the CD perfectly. Track 7 “Eveline” left this reviewer (and lover of abstract, heady 60’s & 70’s psychedelic music) searching for a meaning. Track 8 is another rather forgetful instrumental. “Anthony” (Track 9) has a yesteryear sound reminiscent of the 1920’s and 30’s and is vaudeville-esque. Track 10 “Best of Luck” fails to move or convey any message, melody or lyric. Track 11 “Doubting Thomas” is an easy listen and therefore, one may forgive its lack of content. Track 12 “First & Last Waltz” is yet one more instrumental let down and is positioned as an intro to Track 13 entitled “Helena” which never really goes anywhere. Finally, there is the title track “Why Should The Fire Die” which is a tale of two people growing old together yet growing apart over time. Nickel Creek is out there on this one.>>>In retrospect, I believe the youth of the band and their desire not to be typecast led them to reach out into the unknown and for that, I applaud them. They will surely attract new fans, but let’s hope they don’t lose more than they gain in this effort.>>>CLEVELAND