Album & Artist Reviews

Jessica Molaskey and Dave Frishberg – At The Algonquin

Artist Name = Jessica Molaskey and Dave Frishberg       

Genre = Jazz

Title = At The Algonquin

Record Company = Arbors

Though singer Jessica Molaskey receives top billing on this CD, her presence is unnecessary except on “Who’s on First?,” which requires two singers, and “Excuse Me for Living,” which must be sung by a woman. Dave Frishberg generously included her at this engagement, as he featured Rebecca Kilgore at other sessions.  The CD belongs to him: he either wrote or collaborated on all the songs, sings on most of them, and plays piano on all of them. 

            One knows what to expect from Frishberg’s most appealing work:  witty narratives with hip lyrics and engaging rhymes sung with a nasal voice to the composer’s own accompaniment.  The narratives are the star. “I’m Hip” gives hilarious examples of the singer’s hipness, such as watching arty French movies while wearing sunglasses. At the conclusion of this selection, Molaskey says appropriately of Frishberg, “If you’re not hip, I don’t know who is.”  On “My Attorney Bernie,” possibly his most famous song, the lyrics characterize an attorney who, among other things, always orders expensive wine, finds it unacceptable, and returns it.  “I Want to Be a Sideman” enumerates the joys of being a sideman, among which are sleeping on buses, smoking during intermissions, and drinking in hotel bars.  “My New Celebrity Is You” (lyrics additional to those written by Johnny Mercer) is notable for rhyming names, such as Michael Feinstein, Aaron Weinstein, Gertrude Stein, Albert Einstein.  “Can’t Take You Nowhere,” which uses the melody of Tiny Kahn’s “TNT” plus a chorus from “Tiny’s Blues,” relates the embarrassing behavior of a date

Jessica Molaskey and Dave Frishberg at the Algonquin – Arbors Records

or spouse:  she drinks to excess, is cheap, overstays her welcome, and so forth.  Yet the concluding words are ambiguous.  In expressing sadness that the gauche one must leave, does the male imply deep love, or is he ironic?

            I find Frishberg’s sentimental lyrics far less effective than the witty ones.  They include “Do You Miss New York?,” a paean to the Apple, and “Listen Here,” a self-help lyric Frishberg wrote for Mary Tyler Moore.   These ballads aspire to deep meaning but do not attain it. 

            During the 1930s, the Round Table—Robert Benchley, George S. Kaufman, Alexander Woollcott, and others—met frequently in New York at the Algonquin Hotel, where this CD was recorded in 2011.  Another member was Dorothy Parker, about whom Frishberg wrote two of the songs heard here. The first, “Will You Die?,” questions, in a black humor manner, whether Parker will succeed at killing herself after three unsuccessful attempts.  The disjunction between the meaning and the melody, which is jaunty, reinforces the humor.  I wonder, though, about the advisability of performing such a song before an unsuspecting audience: a listener who knew a suicide would find nothing humorous about it.  In the second Parker song, “Excuse Me for Living,” Molaskey sings of Parker’s sense of worthlessness.  The lovely melody is as incongruous as the one to “Will You Die?”

Applause and laughter indicate that Frishberg and Molaskey delighted the Algonquin audience, though never more than on “My New Celebrity Is You.”  The crowd erupts when Molaskey identifies Pizzarelli as a celebrity friend.  She is married to the guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli who, with numerous friends, surely was responsible for the huzzah.  One need not understand all the allusions on this or the other songs, though, to enjoy At the Algonquin.

 

Author = Benjamin Franklin V

Sara Serpa . Ran Blake – Album – Aurora

 

 

 

Date = 28 March 2013

Artist Name = Sara Serpa and Ran Blake 

Genre = Jazz

Title = Aurora

Record Company = Clean Feed

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review = The Portuguese singer Sara Serpa became active on the American jazz scene in 2008.  That year, when she received a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory, she recorded with Greg Osby and led her initial session, released as Praia. Subsequently, she recorded a duet album, Camera Obscura, with pianist Ran Blake, and released her second CD as leader, Mobile.  Recorded in Lisbon in May 2012, Aurora is another session with Blake.

            Praising her originality, daringness, clarity of voice, and ability to sing as an instrumentalist, critics rave about Serpa. Without question, she is daring in her willingness to sing with Blake, one of the most idiosyncratic musicians, and her voice is clear.  She is original at least in the sense that her voice is immediately identifiable.  I cannot tell from the music on Auroa whether her singing resembles the playing of an instrumentalist, whatever this means.  These qualities are positive and warrant praise. She also possesses another quality: uncertain intonation.  She is not the first singer to have this problem: Anita O’Day comes immediately to mind, as does Chris Connor, a favorite of Blake.  Yet these singers’ occasional inability to stay on pitch was not as frequent or severe as Serpa’s, and they had compensating qualities that Serpa lacks.  Occasionally, she reminds me of Jo Stafford, as Darlene Edwards, parodying inferior singers.  Does wavering intonation detract from Serpa’s singing?  To me, it detracts because it distracts.  This is not to say that in order to sing convincingly a singer need be formal and “correct” and must not take liberties.  In the end, I believe that Serpa’s sometimes imperfect intonation (as on “Love Lament” and “Wende”) is worth enduring in order to enjoy her other qualities, the ability to convey meaning paramount among them.     

            As should be expected on a CD involving Blake, the selections reflect his interests, including movies, and his interpretations of familiar tunes are always fresh.  On the current release, he chose “The Band Played On” because of its appearance in the movie Strangers on a Train; “Dr. Mabuse,” because it is played in Fritz Lang’s film of the same name.  “Last Night When We Were Young,” the sole standard ballad, is moving in its deliberate tempo and nuance.  “Cansaço” is a fado.  Serpa does not sing on “Mahler Noir,” on which Blake, the composer, segues into “Dancing in the Dark.”  Serpa sings “Strange Fruit” a cappella.  Despite taking great liberties with it, she remains on key until intentionally wavering at the end, in the manner of Billie Holiday.  One wonders, though, how meaningful the lyrics are to this Portuguese who has resided in the United States for only a few years. 

            In sum, the music of Serpa and Blake is more exploratory than polished, and this, to me, is a major positive.   Individualists, the musicians take chances while striving for valid musical expression in an unexpected manner.  They succeed in doing so.

 

Author = Benjamin Franklin V

 

Music Charts Magazine Jazz Reviews with Benjamin Franklin V

 

Easton Corbin – All Over The Road

 

 

Artist: Easton Corbin

Album: “All Over the Road

Genre: Country Music

 
 
Easton Corbin’s sophomore album, “All Over the Road,” was released back in September, 2012.  By this time, all of his fans know the songs “Lovin’ You is Fun” and the album’s title track, “All Over the Road.” These two songs were released as singles, and both did well both on radio, and on the country charts.
But there are nine additional songs on this new CD that Easton’s fans are going to want to know about. As you will see from the list of song titles and the writers for each song, Easton does more than sing on this new album. He had a hand in writing two of the songs.
The first and second tracks are his the two he’s already released, All Over the Road (Carson Chamberlain, Ashley Gorley, Wade Kriby); and Lovin’ You is Fun (Jim Beavers, Bob DiPiero).  The nine that follow are That’s Gonna Leave a Memory (Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, Roger Springer); Hearts Drawn in the Sand (Michael White, Jason Saenz); Dance Real Slow (Carson Chamberlain, Ashley Gorley, Wade Kriby); A Thing for You (Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain, Tony Lane); Are You With Me (Tommy Lee James, Terry McBride, Shane McAnally); This Feels A Lot Like Love (Easton Corbin, Carson Chamberlain, Mark D. Sanders); Only A Girl (Carson Chamberlain, Wade Kirby, Will Nance); Tulsa, Texas Tony Lane, Mike Lane, David Lee); and I Think of You (Thom Shepherd, Jeff Silvey).
Since Easton first released “A Little More Country Than That,” back in 2009, people have been comparing his voice to George Strait. In fact, when hearing his debut single for the first time, a lot of folks thought it was actually an old George Strait song, and that George was singing it. While that is an easy comparison to make, you will hear a lot this new CD that is unmistakably Easton. “Only A Girl,” however, is the one on the new album that instantly reminds the listener of George.
 “A Thing for You,” is one Easton had a hand in writing. It is one of my favorites on this album, with the kind of lyrics that make you want to listen, and not miss even one word. ‘Farmers farm and painters paint, God is good, and the devil ain’t… Summers hot and sidewalks crack, don’t ask me why it goes like that…” You’ve made your point, Easton, it just doesn’t get any more country than that.
“Are You With Me,” the albums sixth track, does slow things way down for listeners. I know country music fans pay a lot of attention to lyrics. I go to concerts, I hear them singing along. This is one I am sure they will play close attention to, and they will remember the words.
Things speed back up with “This Feels A Lot Like Love.” When that song starts, you are probably going to want to get out of your seat, start clapping your hands, and you will most likely want to sing along. It is the kind of song that works for Easton, and I believe it would make a good single.
The Florida native has a lot to say in this album. He has a good mix of strong ballads and more than likeable mid-tempo music. Whoever put the songs in order for the CD ended with “I Think of You.” This slow song with its romantic lyrics definitely made it the right song for the final spot on the album.
Even though is first single made it to No. 1 on the country music charts, he seems to have a more confident sound now than when his career first began. He has definitely found his place in country music, and it looks like he will be part of the industry for many years to come.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to see Easton in concert, you can keep up with his show schedule on his web site www.eastoncorbin.com. His web site will also point you in the direction of his facebook and Twitter account. Whenever you have time to catch up on country music news, visit us at www.countryschatter.com.

Author:  Country of Country’s Chatter – www.CountrysChatter.com 

Music Charts Magazine Album & Artist Reviews 2013

James Meadows – Keepin’ It Real

Real country music in our own back yard
 

Great country music doesn’t only come out of Nashville. If you stop and look around, you just might find some of the best country music within an hour drive from home. Here in Northeast Tennessee, we didn’t have to go very far to find James Meadows. He recently released his second album, “Keepin’ It Real.” I first met James at the Washington County Fair, but never had the opportunity to see him perform until I caught one of his shows in Bristol, a few months ago.

The Abingdon, Va., resident is an ASCAP affiliated singer/songwriter and Nashville recording artist. While James was in college, he was involved with the ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music program. He played in many bands, featuring top notch talent from all over the world. He also played in many different band combinations, performing both bluegrass and country.

This very talented local artist brings great country music to Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia with live shows just about every weekend. While his shows are often acoustic performances, he also works with his full band, The Country Mile Drifters. James is a fun performer. He has a lot of energy, and knows how to work with his audience, making it impossible for anyone not to have a good time.

His new CD, “Keepin’ It Real” is now available at amazon.comThe 11 songs on the new album paint a very good picture of who James is, and exactly what he does. Joining other very talented songwriters, James wrote or co-wrote several of the songs on the CD. In addition to the original music, listeners will also hear his version of the Randy Travis classic, “Forever and Ever Amen.”

His live shows offer a variety of music from many different genres. When you see James on on stage, you can expect to hear Classic Country, New Top 40 Country, a little Southern Rock and Bluegrass, and some of his original music as well. Oh his album, “Keepin’ It Real,” however, James does just that. He keeps his songs ‘real’ country. His voice is very versatile, and he uses his talent to create a unique sound on every song he sings. Many times when listening to a new song on the radio, you might find yourself trying to figure out exactly who the artist sounds like. There isn’t any comparison with James. James Meadows sounds like James Meadows. He is who he is, and there is no attempt at wanting to sound like anyone else. He doesn’t need to. After you hear him sing for the first time, you will remember where that voice is coming from when the next James Meadows song is played.

The songs you’ll get on this album are Like A Radio, Somebody Up There Likes Me, I Get to, Forever and Ever Amen, All I Ever Wanted, Knock Knock, They Walk On Your Heart, Keepin’ It Real, Feelin’ Good, Sad Songs Make Me Smile, and People Need People.

There is something for everyone on this CD. “All I Ever Wanted” is for the romantics; “They Walk on Your Heart” will touch every parent; “I Get To” will make each of us think about what is really important in our life; “People Need People” pretty much tells us what we already know, about getting through every day with someone close by to help us; and “Somebody Up There Likes Me” wins the prize for the ‘catchy melody, sing-along with this one’ song out of the 11 on the new CD.

The first single release from the new album, “Like A Radio,” made the Music Row Charts and charted in the Top 80 in February, with the help of the promotional team from ATP Records in Nashville. James is currently gearing up to release another single from this album and he is songwriting again in preparation for another album that will be in the works over the next few months.

James has shows scheduled for Davinci’s in Abingdon, Va.; Louie’s in Glade Spring, Va.; The Country Club and State Line Bar and Grill, both located in Bristol; and Sportsman Marina in Abingdon. You can find out more about James, check all of his show dates, and listen to his music at jamesmeadows.net.

Visit countryschatter.com to keep up with everything going on in the world of country music, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/countryschatter, and follow us on Twitter @countryschatter.

 

Music Charts Magazine CD Reviews ( Country )

 

Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer Different Park

People who watch what we refer to as reality television might remember Kacey Musgraves from the former USA Network show, Nashville Star. Kacey was a contestant during Season Five, back in 2007, and finished in seventh place. Recently, however, she caught the attention of country music fans with the release of her debut single, “Merry Go ‘Round.” It’s not just listeners who like what they are hearing from Kacey, it is the program directors and station managers at the top country music radio stations nation-wide. Her single is sitting in the No. 11 spot on country music’s Top 40 Chart, and Kacey is ready to introduce the world to more of her music music, with the release of her first album. 

Available in now, the new album is titled “Same Trailer, Different Park”, which incidentally is a line from her current single, Merry Go ‘Round. While today is the official release date for the CD, I had the pleasure of listening to this album a few weeks ago. And I don’t mind telling you, I listened more than once.

Kacey co-wrote all of the songs on the new album, which was produced by Shane McAnally. The 12 songs on the debut album are: Silver Lining, My House, Merry Go ‘Round, Dandelion, Blowin’ Smoke, I Miss You, Step Off, Back on the Map, Keep it to Yourself, Stupid, Follow Your Arrow, and It Is What It Is. While a few of the songs remind me of something I just heard on the album, every one of them is unique in its own way. From the story it tells to the melody and instrumentation, there is something unmistakeably ”Kacey’ in everything “Same Trailer, Different Park” has to offer.

The songs on this new album are mostly what I could call ‘mid-tempo’. They aren’t super fast, and they aren’t ballads either. “Stupid” is one of the fastest. And oddly enough, it’s my least favorite of the 12 tracks. That said, I really like “Follow Your Arrow,” and it’s also a little faster, so my problem isn’t with fast vs. slow here. I am certain that every country music fan who hears this album is going to enjoy what Kacey has done with it. When I got done listening to the album for the first time, it left me wanting to see Kacey Musgraves in concert. So, if that was one of the goals of the CD – goal accomplished!

This 24-year-old Texas native is a real story-teller. Whether it is the waitresses in the diner talking about bigger dreams in “Blowin’ Smoke,” or descriptions she gives of seeing the world from inside her mobile home in the song, “My House,” there is a story being told that everyone is going to want to hear. She has a way of telling us how she sees life using words that most of us would not think of, but yet we understand exactly what she’s talking about. It takes a special talent to find the right words to express their thoughts, and be able to create a feeling. Kacey Musgraves can do that. The words tell stories, the melodies are catchy, and every time one song comes to an end, you are anxiously waiting for the next one to begin.

I don’t think there’s much in life that Kacey has missed. Not much she hasn’t noticed. She reminds me of a person who could ask how you do something, just as easily as she could tell someone ‘that’s how it’s done.’ I don’t have to know her to know that I like the way she seems to look at life. Everything she has ever seen or done seems to come through in her music.

Kacey has been busy throughout her career. She has already been on tour with Lady Antebellum, and she wrote “Mama’s Broken Heart” for Miranda Lambert.  She is nominated for Top New Female Artist, Top Female Vocalist, and Music Video of the Year-Merry Go ‘Round, at the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be televised live on Sunday, April 7, at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Currently on tour with Kenny Chesney, Kacey has a calendar full of upcoming shows that you can view when you visit her web site http://www.kaceymusgraves.com/. You can also follow her on Twitter @KaceyMusgraves. Be sure to visit Country’s Chatter, too, where you can find all the latest news from Nashville, view videos, and even enter contests to win CDs, t-shirts, and other great prizes from up-and-coming artists, as well as some of biggest names in country music. The web address is http://www.countryschatter.com , and follow us on Twitter @countryschatter.

 

Music Charts Magazine Kacey Musgraves CD Review by

Country’s Chatter dot com ( Your source for Country Music )

Flatt Lonesome – Flatt Lonesome

Flatt Lonesome –  Flatt Lonesome

by: W.J. Hallock

Label: Pisgah Ridge

Released: January, 2013

This CD, by “FLATT LONESOME,” is compelling evidence that the future of bluegrass music is in talented, capable and passionate hands. On this, their debut release on Pisgah Ridge Records, they play with a nostalgic, traditional feel, the result being an authentic homage to their predecessors.

Their vocals shine with a “family” flavor that only siblings seem to naturally and inherently possess. Kelsi, Charli and Buddy Robertson sing three part harmony with the ease of having been born to do it, and in my humble opinion, they have the potential to one day be as good as the Whites or the Isaacs. As young as they are, and as good as they are, it’s only a matter of time.

 

Read more »

 

The Steeldrivers – Hammer Down Album

The SteelDrivers – Hammer Down

By: W.J. Hallock

Label: Rounder Records

Release Date: February 2013

From the sounds of the newest CD by THE STEELDRIVERS, it’s obvious that lightning really can strike the same place twice. This release, “HAMMER DOWN,” is the first to include new singer/songwriter Gary Nichols and new mandolin man Brent Truitt. Fiddler Tammy Rogers, bass player Mike Fleming and banjo ace Richard Bailey must have had the gods of musical fate looking over their shoulders, because the replacements they found for Chris Stapleton and Mike Henderson don’t miss a lick, sliding right into place and keeping the band’s momentum motorin’ right along.

This recording is every bit as distinct, different and edgy as their previous CD’s, maybe even more so…… there are songs you’ll hear on this one that are a direct result of the three remaining members charging full steam ahead, flexing their musical muscles and lighting a fire under the project.  Having long time Producer/engineer Luke Wooten’s technical stability and talent in the mix also helped to keep that STEELDRIVERS “machismo” intact.

Click “Read more” to read the rest of this CD review: Read more » 

– Prescription Bluegrass –

 Link to CD Review:  http://prescriptionbluegrassreviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/prescription-bluegrass-cd-reviewthe.html#more

Prescription Bluegrass CD Review–The Hillbenders

 

THE HILLBENDERS – CAN YOU HEAR ME

Label: Compass Records

Released: September 2012

By: W.J. Hallock

One of the definitions of “Symbiosis” is: “A close, prolonged association between two or more different species that is mutually beneficial to each member.” Yep….. that sounds like THE HILLBENDERS to me! “SYMBIOTIC!” Chad “Gravy Boat” Graves’ screamin’ dobro benefits from Mark Cassidy’s high wattage, parallel banjo licks, while Mark’s banjo benefits from Nolan Lawrence’s hot and tasty mandolin chops. Nolan’s mandolin benefits from Jim Rea’s enthusiastic guitar, just like Jim’s guitar benefits from his cousin, Gary Rea’s thunder storm driven upright bass, and Gary’s bass, in turn, churns right back around under the current of Chad’s dobro. Around and around they go, five different “Species” of instruments bouncing in and out of each other‘s space for their mutual benefit! Simply put, this band is so tight they probably all breathe in unison!

 

There’s a very amazing thing that happens when a band becomes this close….. unless the listener is really paying attention, it can be hard to tell exactly which instrument is playing when! The pickup notes from the banjo over riding the end of a dobro line can be so fast and precise that you can’t tell when one ends and the other begins. Even the tone of each instrument becomes similar….. the individual sounds of the dobro and the banjo together then almost make a third unique sound all it’s own! And when the guitar and bass are so rhythmically solid under the solos and the mandolin is playing right ON that off beat, that all powerful FEEL, that has to be earned, with years of practice and live performances, suddenly takes on a life of it’s own and you have….. MAGIC!

Read the rest of this review by clicking here:  http://www.prescriptionbluegrassblog.com/2013/01/prescription-bluegrass-cd-reviewthe.html

 

Prescription Bluegrass CD Review–Jerry Douglas “Traveler”

 

Image634938344010049663

Jerry Douglas – Traveler
Label:      eOne Music
Released: October 2012

Reviewed by: Dan King

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the greatest Dobro player of all?

Faced with that query, most magic mirrors would probably respond by saying that Jerry Douglas has been, and is, the premier Dobro player of our time.

And who could argue?

As the featured soloist for the multi-Platinum, multi-Grammy, multi-(pick an award) Alison Krauss and Union Station, Jerry Douglas has consistently raised the bar for what passes as virtuosity on that instrument. Douglas has also ventured from his “Allison Wonderland” from time to time to tour and record with a deep and stunning Who’s Who of élite musical acts, solo performers, and singer/songwriters. Furthermore, his personal list of awards from the music industry could make the much decorated Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps blush from feelings of inadequacy.

Read the rest here:  http://www.prescriptionbluegrassblog.com/2013/01/prescription-bluegrass-cd-reviewjerry.html#more

Gary Allan’s new CD, “Set You Free” will be releasing on Jan. 22, 2013. Tonight I got to preview the whole CD, and I liked what I heard. The only song I had heard before tonight was “Every Storm (Runs Out Of Rain). It’s on the radio, it’s a great song. We all know it, and I think we all love it. It’s the kind of music I’ve grown to expect from Gary Allan.

There were a few disappointments – at least for me. I wasn’t crazy about “Tough Goodbye”, and I didn’t really like “Bones” at all. I first became a Gary Allen fan when he released “Smoke Rings in the Dark.” It doesn’t matter how many songs he releases, or how many albums he puts out during the rest of his career, I’m sure “Smoke Rings” will always be my favorite. I’m not saying “Tough Goodbye” and “Bones” are bad songs. But I didn’t really feel like they were country songs, and they didn’t remind me of the reason I love Gary Allan. I may be the only one who thinks that – but that’s okay.

After I got through “Bones” I got to hear “It Ain’t The Whiskey” – this one I liked. Very prolific. And very Gary Allan. “It ain’t the whiskey, it ain’t the cigarettes that’s killing me, it ain’t the stuff I smoke, it’s all these things I can’t forget. And it ain’t the hard times, it ain’t the all nights, Well it ain’t that easy, it ain’t the whiskey that’s killing me….” Yep, that’s Gary Allan at his best. I think this is probably my favorite song on the new CD. I’ll be interested to know which one all of you like best.

“Sand in My Soul” is a little more up-tempo, but it’s still Gary. You listen to it, and you know know that it’s something he would have recorded. I think this one would do well as a single, too. It’s the one I found myself wanting to sing along with. He slows us back down with the number six song, “You Without Me.” I just want all of you to listen to this one – when I got this far in the CD, I started changing my mind about exactly which song on the new album really is my favorite. And deciding that I’m allowed to have more than one that I like best.

After I got through “Bones” I got to hear “It Ain’t The Whiskey” – this one I liked. Very prolific. And very Gary Allan. “It ain’t the whiskey, it ain’t the cigarettes that’s killing me, it ain’t the stuff I smoke, it’s all these things I can’t forget. And it ain’t the hard times, it ain’t the all nights, Well it ain’t that easy, it ain’t the whiskey that’s killing me….” Yep, that’s Gary Allan at his best. I think this is probably my favorite song on the new CD. I’ll be interested to know which one all of you like best.

“Sand in My Soul” is a little more up-tempo, but it’s still Gary. You listen to it, and you know know that it’s something he would have recorded. I think this one would do well as a single, too. It’s the one I found myself wanting to sing along with. He slows us back down with the number six song, “You Without Me.” I just want all of you to listen to this one – when I got this far in the CD, I started changing my mind about exactly which song on the new album really is my favorite. And deciding that I’m allowed to have more than one that I like best.

The song “One More Time” is one of those, grab you cup of coffee, gaze out the window, put your feet up…and remember. It’s one of those ‘look back at your whole life…the mistakes you made, things you might have done differently…’ I think this one definitely reminded me what kind of Gary Allan songs I like most – the slow ones. He has an incredible voice. And you can really hear his vocals in these slower songs.

I review a lot of CDs. Some I tell you a little about one or two songs, and then just rate the album over-all. And some, I tell you a little bit about every song – at least what I thought of every song, and why. And Gary has given me one of those challenges. One of those CDs that I just felt like I needed to tell you a little about every song. The ones I like the best, and the ones that didn’t do as much for me. I’m putting “Hungover Heart” right up there with the ones I like the most. It’s another song that if anyone else had sung it, you would be saying “Gary Allan should have had this one.”

Get ready to smile – here comes “No Worries.” That’s all I can say about it. It’s a cute song. “No Worries, I don’t have a single care today. Everything is going to go my way. No worries.” That about sums it up. I think you are all going to like this one as much as I do!

listened to “Drop” and the first thing I thought of was Harry Connick Jr. I don’t know why, but for some reason I could see that man sitting at the piano singing “Drop.” But I really liked the song. And I thought about some sneaky, cartoon character type detective lurking in the shadows chasing some cartoon criminal. Oh, don’t get me wrong – the lyrics are definitely NOT screaming ‘cartoon character detective”…it was just something about the melody that led me in that direction. But, I really do like the song.

“Pieces” is another faster one. But it’s another really good song. When I finish listening to a song for the first time, and find myself quoting lyrics, I know it was written with people in mind. People who are going to be able to relate to it for one reason or another. I think is probably my favorite of the aster songs on the album.

That brings us to “Good As New”. Gary slows it down for us with this final track. And I discover one thing about Gary Allan. When he sings, you listen. And you pay attention to what he’s saying. I think there are a lot of times when the lyrics just become part of the background noise. That’s not the case with Gary Allen. I’ve listen through the whole album three times. By the thiThere’s my opinion and here’s your track list. Now, put Jan. 22 on your calendar, because you are going to want to get this CD the minute it hits store shelves.

Tough Goodbye 
Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain) 
Bones 
It Ain’t The Whiskey 
Sand In My Soul 
You Without Me 
One More Time 
Hungover Heart 
No Worries 
Drop 
Pieces 
Good As New

Country (CountrysChatter.com)