IndexCountryReleases01

RASCAL FLATTS

"GREATEST HITS VOLUME 1"

LYRIC STREET D0002/76302

* PRODUCED BY MARK BRIGHT AND MARTY
WILLIAMS
**PRODUCED BY MARK BRIGHT, MARTY
WILLIAMS AND RASCAL FLATTS
*** PRODUCED BY DANN HUFF AND
RASCAL FLATTS

1. Life On The Run
2. Sideways
3. Feel That Fire
4. I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes
5. Here She Comes, Here We Go
6. I Can't Forget Her
7. Beautiful World
8. Little Heartwrecker
9. You Hold Me Together
10. Better Believer
11. Pray
12. Last Call

1. Hesitation Blues
2. Sweet Jennie Lee
3. Fan In
4. I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None O' This Jellyroll
5. Oh! You Pretty Woman
6. Bring It On Down To My House
7. Right Or Wrong
8. Corine Corrina
9. I'm Sittin' On Top Of The World
10. Shame On You
11. South
(Featuring Paul Shaffer and Vince Gill)
12. Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon

DISC ONE:
1. Prayin' For Daylight *
2. I'm Movin' On *
3. These Days **
4. I Melt **
5. Mayberry **
6. Feels Like Today **
7. Bless The Broken Road **
8. Fast Cars And Freedom **
9. Skin (Sarabeth) **
10. What Hurts The Most ***
11. My Wish ***
12. Stand ***
13. Life Is A Highway ***

DISC TWO:
1. White Christmas ***
2. Jingle Bell Rock ***
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas ***

This CD zoomed to #1 on the Country
album charts. There is no doubt that
Dierks is more Country than most of
the current crop. His legions of fans will
love it but there is something here for
"real" Country/Bluegrass fans as well
with the final cut,"Last Call" which
features Ronnie McCoury and a cast of
Bluegrassers so far unknown. I would
also like to know who duets with Dierks
on "Beautiful World" but as Capitol now
download CDs that information wasn't
available.

I thought I had died and gone to
heaven!! Need I say more? As Ray
Benson will tell you my favorite album
has been for many year's The Wheel's
Tribute To Bob Wills. I'm here to tell
you that it has now been supplanted.
Bob Wills must be looking down from
Heaven and so must every departed
musician and saying "Damn!! that is
perfect." Never has Willie sounded so
good and Trigger is nowhere in sight.

I have always liked Gary, Jay and Joe
Don as people but they just don't play
Country music. That is why I listen to
their output like a lot of the current
crop as if it was a Pop album. As such,
it is very credible. By sifting out the hits
of course, you end up with the most
radio friendly of their output. I would
love to hear them put their three part
harmonies to a selection of more
traditionally structured Country songs.

RODNEY ATKINS

"IT'S AMERICA"

CURB D2-79132

PRODUCED BY TED HEWITT AND RODNEY ATKINS

FINNIGAN BROS.

"SESSIONS 1990-92"

NASHFILMS NO CAT #

NO PRODUCER LISTED

TRACEY K. HOUSTON

"SALUTE TO LORETTA LYNN"

SONGBIRD PRODUCTIONS (CANADA) SB CD 07-01

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: TRACEY K. HOUSTON
PRODUCER: AMIE HAAGE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: TRACEY K. HOUSTON
VOCALS PRODUCER: DANNY BURTON

1. Tell A Country Boy
2. Chasin' Girls
3. Got It Good
4. Best Things
5. Friends With Tractors
6. 15 Minutes
7. Simple Things
8. It's America
9. Rockin' Of The Cradle
10. When It's My Time
11. The River Just Knows

1. My Aplology
2. Feet Of Clay
3. Restless Reckless
4. Last Night
5. We Ride
6. Let Me See The Light
7. Mornin' Came
8. This Too Shall Pass
9. Livin' It Down
10. Other Plans
11. Jump Start My Heart

1. I'm A Honky Tonk Girl
2. Whispering Sea
3. Success
4. Before I'm Over You
5. Our Hearts Are Holding Hands
(With Troy Cook, Jr.)
6. Dear Uncle Sam
7. Talkin' To The Wall
8. If Loneliness Can Kill Me
9. L-O-V-E, Love
10. Wings Upon Your Horns

I never understood why it took so long
for Rodney to happen. But by golly he
is certainly great addition to "real"
Country music performers. This album
shows how much Rodney has "grown"
since his first hit both as a performer
and as a writer. In fact, his songs are
among the stronger ones on the CD.
This is going to fly to #1 on the album
charts. My only negative comment is
that I personally could have done with
a better mix on Lonnie Wilson's drums.
But that is personal. Rodney is in fine
voice and I think this could be the year
he is asked to join the Opry.

This is one of the best CDs you will
hear this year or for that matter any
year. The group is composed of Robb
Royer who many of you will remember
for his stellar work with Bread along
with brothers, Mike and Sean Finnigan
who are no slouches themselves. This
is Country Rock as it should be
performed not the pale impersonations
that so many of day's producers dish
out. See my interview with Robb
Royer...Here

Since 2003, Canadian Tracey K.
Houston has portrayed Loretta in the
tribute show "Hey Loretta, The Girl
From Butcher Holler." This CD came
out in 2007 but as I have just
interviewed Tracey, I wanted to bring it
to your attention. Let me tell you that it
is a damned fine effort by Tracey. I
also want to mention Jamie Haage who
pays everything on the cuts as well as
lending his harmony voice and is also
the producer. If you love Loretta, you
are going to want this CD in your
collection. For me interview with
Tracey, click here.

TRACEY K. HOUSTON

"JUST THE WAY I AM"

SONGBIRD PRODUCTIONS SBCD-0801

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: TRACEY K. HOUSTON
PRODUCER (VOCALS): DANNY BURTON *
PRODUCER/ENGINEER (MUSIC): JAMIE HAAGE +
PRODUCER/ENGINEER: JIM ALLISON ***
CO-PRODUCER: JIM ED BROWN ****
PRODUCER: R. LEWIS *****
CO-PRODUCER: TRACEY K. HOUSTON #

JAMES INTVELD

"HAVE FAITH"

MOLENAART M59623

PRODUCED BY EDDIE PEREZ/JAMES INTVELD *
PRODUCED BY MICHAEL TURNER/JAMES
INTVELD **
PRODUCED BY BRUCE WILSON/JAMES INTVELD
***

MELISSA JONES

"RED, WHITE AND BLUE NIGHT IN GEORGIA"

DYIN' BREED NO CAT #

PRODUCED BY NELSON LARKIN & STEVE
KONDOR

1. Let's Put The Country Back In Country Music *+#
2. Just The Way I Am *+#
3. I Heard The Bluebirds Sing **** #
(With Jim Ed Brown)
4. How Can I Face Tomorrow *+#
5. Is The Grass Any Bluer *+#
6. You Did Everything Right *** #
7. It's A Long Way Down *#
8. Who's The New Love *+#
9. I'll Only Say Goodbye *+#
10. What's Good For Me *+#
11. Marshall Dillon & Miss Kitty (a parody) *+#
12. Yesterday's Backstreet Cafe *****

1. Pretty World *
2. This Place Ain't What It Used To Be **
3. Let's Get Started **
4. Something You Can't Buy ***
5. A Woman's Touch **
6. Have Faith **
7. Motel Time **
8. If Tears Could Talk ***
9. Small Town Boy **
10. Walk With Me *

1. Who Do You Think I Am
2. Somewhere Over You
3. Tell Me Another Lie
4. Who's Crying Now
5. Red, White And Blue Night In Georgia
6. What Kind Of Woman
7. Talk Me Out Of Him
8. How Far Would You Go
9. How I Love That Man
10. The Perfect Man

DVD
1. Red, White And Blue Night In Georgia
2. The Perfect Man

I knew I was going to enjoy this CD
when I saw the neo-Decca graphics on
the sleeve. Again Jamie Haage takes
the production reins and contributes
musically. Look out for guest
appearaces from Jim Ed Brown and
Mandy Barnett. This CD dates from
last year but please check it out.

It seems like James Intveld has been
around forever as a singer, guitarist,
songwriter, actor and movie director.
Yes this renaissance has directed the
likes of Billy Bob Thornton and David
Carradine. This album just blows me
away and will stay in my favorite
listening place, my car, for a long time.
Check out my interview with
James...Here

When I see Nelson Larkin handling
production (as well as Steve Kondor),
then I know that the CD is going to be
quality. Melissa possesses a good
voice that has enough Pop in it to
cross over but is solid enough Country
to pleases real Country fans. The
songs are well chosen and well crafted.
Melissa contributes one song and it is
to her credit that it sits well in the
album. The title track has been getting
a lot of well deserved attention and
that is in no short measure due to the
excellent video. For those looking for
raving rockers walk on. Melissa is just
perfect handling ballads and
mid-tempo songs. Stand out cut....The
Perfect Man. Listen and see while. See
my interview with Melissa...here

MARTINA McBRIDE

"SHINE"

RCA 88697-34190-2

PRODUCED BY DANN HUFF AND MARTINA
McBRIDE

COLLIN RAYE

"NEVER GOING BACK"

TIME LIFE NO CAT # YET

PRODUCED BY MICHAEL A. CURTIS

JOHN RICH

"SON OF A PREACHER MAN"

WARNER BROS. 508796-2

PRODUCED BY JOHN RICH

1. Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong
2. I Just Call You Mine
3. Sunny Side Up
4. Walk Away
5. I'm Trying
6. What Do I Have To Do
7. Don't Cost A Dime
8. Ride
9. You're Not Leaving Me
10. Wild Rebel Rose
11. Lies

1. Never Going Back
2. Take Care Of You
3. Don't Tell Me You're Not In Love
4. Without You
(Duet With Susan Ashton)
5. Mid-Life Chrysler
6. You Get Me
7. Where It Leads
8. The Cross
9. Stuck In The Middle With You
10. The Only Jesus
11. I Love You This Much
12. She's With Me

1. Shuttin' Detroit Down
2. Trucker Man
3. The Good Lord And The Man
4. Another You
5. Preacher Man
6. I Don't Wanna Lose Your Love
7. Everybody Wants To Be Me
8. Turn A Country Boy On
9. Why Does Somebody Have To Die
10. I Thought You'd Never Ask
11. Drive Myself To Drink

I must say that coming Martina's last
CD less than impressed me and so I
honestly approached this one with
trepidation. However, I need not have
worried. This is another benchmark
album. I particularly like "Don't Cost A
Dime." My one criticism is...the label
takes so much trouble to come up with
a great album musically, why couldn't
they come up with decent
photographs. Martina is a beautiful
woman. Why did they have to have
one photograph making her look like
she is deformed and another that
makes her looking like she has a wig.
Well, I guess you can keep the CD and
trash the booklet!!

I have always liked Collin. In fact even
going back to his Wrays days. I like his
music and him as a person. Sure it is
with delight that I can urge y'all to go
out an buy his latest CD which is on
Time Life. Without my favorites cuts
are the duet with another favorite of
mine, Susan Ashton, on "Without You."
This almost makes the original Nilsson
version redundant; and Collin's take on
Stealer's Wheel's "Stuvk In The Middle
With You." One other song worth
mentioning is "The Only Jesus." As I
don't have the writer credits, I can't tell
who wrote it but it is first rate.

No John, Detroit car makers are
shutting themselves down. They make
cars that no one wants to buy and
won't do anything about it. That said,
let's look at the rest of the CD. As one
would expect, the production and the
songs are first rate. At times, it treads
a more Country path than Big & Rich
material and yet the harmonies are
very reminiscent of B & R. I am sure
that it will debut in the Top 5 if not at
#1. This probably more than anything
reveals why John left Lonestar when
they went all poppy. My favorite cut is
without doubt "Everybody Wants To Be
Me." This is a song that AC/DC would
not be ashamed to record.

SANDY MASON THEORET

"OUT THERE AND IN HERE"

GOOD MUSIC NO CAT #

NO PRODUCER LISTED

RANDY TRAVIS

"I TOLD YOU SO: THE ULTIMATE HITS OF
RANDY TRAVIS

WARNER BROS. 518189-2

PRODUCED BY KYLE LEHNING
CO-PRODUCED BY KEITH STEGALL *
PRODUCED BY RICHARD PERRY **

JONALEE WHITE

"WAKE ME"

LICK NO CAT #

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: ROBIN WADDELL AND
ROBERT FALCONE
PRODUCED BY JEFF TWEEL, ROBIN WADDELL
AND JOE VIERS

1. The Garden
2. Just A Dream
3. Simple Songs
4. We're All Angels
5. Heavens Door
6. Come Be With Me
7. All Your Life
8. Will It Be Broken
9. If I Hadn't Loved You (Self Love)
10. Out There And In Here/Sailin'

DISC ONE:
1. Diggin' Up Bones
2. Forever And Ever, Amen
3. I Told You So
4. He Walked On Water
5. Promises
6. Three Wooden Crosses
7. Deeper Than The Holler
8. On The Other Hand *
9. Too Gone Too Long
10. We're Strangers Again
11. Look Heart, No Hands
12. 1982
13. Better Class Of Losers
14. I Won't Need You Anymore
15. Faith In You
16. Love's Alive And Well
(Previously Unreleased)

DISC TWO:
1. Honky Tonk Moon
2. Would I
3. It's Just A Matter Of Time **
4. Forever Together
5. No Place Like Home
6. A Few Ole Country Boys
7. Is It Still Over?
8. Whisper My Name
9. Before You Kiss Us All
10. Heroes And Friends
11. This Is Me
12. King Of The Road
13. The Box
14. Are We In Trouble Now
15. Turn It Around
16. You Ain't Right
(Previously Unreleased)

1. Sunday Paper
2. The Reason
3. Husband #2
4. I Break
5. Wake Me
6. Feel Like A Woman
7. Without You Tonight
8. When Will I Be Loved
9. The Game
10. Common Law Love
11. Have A Little Faith
12. She Probably Won't Forget
13. What If

Sandy Mason is one of songwriting's
greatest talents. Among many other hit
songs, she wrote "When I Dream"
which was a monster hit for Crystal
Gayle. She came into see me recently
for an interview which you can see
here. While she was with me, she gave
me a copy of her new CD. As the title
would suggest it is introspective and
yet there is a sense of the Broadway
stage about it. I have listed this under
Country just so that more people would
know of it and because they deserve to
be covered. A very enjoyable CD.

I'll keep it simple. This is Country
music, Randy is brilliant, the songs are
well crafted, the CDs are of course
magic and this should be compulsory
listening for anyone who has the
temerity to call them self a Country
singer but sounds like a Pop singer or
a Rocker. It should also be put in the
car of every Nashville record producer
and every publicist. THIS IS COUNTRY
MUSIC!!!

This is a really nice album. It is
certainly better than a lot of the
releases on major labels. I had the
pleasure of interviewing Jonalee which
you can see here. She is also a
competent songwriter but the most
important fact is that this is a good
start and she is someone to watch. My
favorite cuts are "Sunday Papers" and
the Everly Brothers' classic "When Will
I Be Loved." My only gripe are the
graphics. I had to take a magnifying
glass to them.

WYNONNA

"SING CHAPTER 1"

CURB D2-79133

PRODUCED BY BRENT MAHER AND DON POTTER
FOR MAHER PRODUCTIONS

ERIC CHURCH

"CAROLINA"

CAPITOL 509995 20810 2 6

PRODUCED BY JAY JOYCE

NEIL CARSWELL

"KEEP YOU GUESSING"

APRIRION 0240

PRODUCED BY STU KIMBALL & NEIL CARSWELL **
PRODUCED BY STU KIMBALL, NEIL CARSWELL &
PHIL GREEN ***
CO-PRODUCTION: CHRIS ANDERSON
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: WILLIAM J. PATTON, JR.

1. That's How Rhythm Was Born
2. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
3. Women Be Wise
4. I Hear You Knocking
5. Till I Get It Right
6. Are The Good Times Really Over
7. The House Is Rockin'
8. Ain't No Sunshine
9. I'm A Woman
10. Anyone Who Had A Heart
11. When I Fall In Love
12. Sing

1. Ain't Killed Me Yet
2. Lotta Boot Left To Fill
3. Young And Wild
4. Where She Told Me To Go
5. Longer Gone
6. Love Your Love The Most
7. Smoke A Little Smoke
8. Without You Here
9. You Make It Look So Easy
10. Carolina
11. Hell On The Heart
12. Those I've Loved

1. Bright Lights **
2. Gypsy Lady ***
3. Every Sad Song **
4. She ***
5. Keep You Guessing ***
6. Since I Met You ***
7. Till The Blues Come In ***
8. Time To Think ***
9. Nothing left To Lose **
10. Roll On **
11. Carolina Line **
12. Big Sky ***
13. South Wind ***
14. Temporary Relief ***
15. Altar Call ***

I have always enjoyed Wy's solo
efforts. One day someone will do a
duet album with Queen Latifah but
perhaps I am just dreaming. Musically,
this is perfect. Sure it isn't totally
Country but this shows how eclectic
Wynonna is without losing any of her
integrity. It takes the best of Country
with the best of Blues and arrives at
something special. However, I do have
a couple of moans. Firstly Curb
records, there is no such person as
Hank Williams, Sr. Never was and
never will be. It is Hank Williams and
everyone who is not an idiot knows
that. Secondly, Wy is a pretty lady and
so why were the most awful
photographs chosen They are
unflattering and she deserves better. I
am not having a go at the
photographer who I know also took
Martina's latest stuff. It's down to the
label. Still you can keep the CD and
jetison the cover. By the way a great
album. Look out for guest picking from
Charlie McCoy, Keb Mo' and some
great licorice stick from Sam Levine.
When Wy gets hot...shit she gets hot!!!
If she had lived during the 50's, she
would already be in the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame!!! Yet, when she handles
a ballad, she can take on the
Streisands of the world. Love
it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to say that I was really not
impressed with Eric's first CD and I
wondered at all the fuss that was being
made about him. This sophomore
effort is his coming of age CD. It is also
Country!!! There really isn't a duff
track here. If I had to pick out singles, I
would be hard pushed because they
are all contenders. Eric, you have
turned a nay sayer into an admirer.

I was out at Kickers in Clarksville and
got talking with Neil. He handed me this
CD and I thought to myself..ah well, I
guess another wannabe but was I ever
wrong. Neil possesses one of the most
soulful voices that I have heard in
many years. Is he Country? Well I
guess I would put him in the same area
as Ronnie Milsap. Like Ronnie, Neil is
a Carolinian. Add to vocal talents, his
songwriting skills and you get the
picture. There are times when I listen
to Neil that I am reminded of Ronnie
Van Zant and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

DOLLY PARTON

"BACKWOODS BARBIE - COLLECTOR'S
EDITION"

CRACKER BARREL NO CAT #

PRODUCED BY KENT WELLS & DOLLY PARTON

PAT GREEN

"WHAT I'M FOR"

BNA 88697-26909-2

PRODUCED BY DANN HUFF

JAKE OWEN

"EASY DOES IT"

RCA 88697-31287-2

PRODUCED BY JIMMY RITCHEY

1. Better Get To Livin'
2. Made Of Stone
3. Drives Me Crazy
4. Backwoods Barbie
5. Jesus & Gravity
6. Only Dreamin'
7. The Tracks Of My Tears
8. The Lonesomes
9. Cologne
10. Shinola
11. I Will Forever Hate Roses
12. Somebody's Everything
Exclusive Tracks:
13. Rose Of My Heart
14. Hallelujah Holiday
15. Berry Pie

1. Footsteps Of Our Fathers
2. Wat I'm For
3. Feeling Pretty Good Tonight
4. Lucky
5. In This World
6. Country Star
7. Let Me
8. In It For The Money
9. Carry On
10. In The Middle Of The Night

1. Tell Me
2. Eight Seconds Ride
3. Easy Does It
4. Don't Think I Can't Love You
5. Cherry On Top
6. Who Said Whiskey (Was Meant To Drink A Woman
Away)
7. Green Bananas
8. Anything For You
9. Every Season I Go Back
10. Nothin' Grows In Shadows

This CD has now been released
exclusively by Cracker Barrel with three
addition tracks. This is what I wrote
when "Backwoods Barbie" was
released.
"This CD is like an amalgam of Dolly's
career influences. From the early
crafted songs through her pop era and
her Bluegrass 90s. Yet all of her
original songs are new. This proves
that she has lost none of her writing or
singing skills. Every track stands up
from the Celtic influences of "Only
Dreamin'" to the gentle pop cover of
Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My
Tears" ad through the Jazz styling of
"The Lonesomes." The production by
Kent Wells and Dolly is impeccable and
should be compulsory listening for
wannabe producers. By the way, I love
the photographs. Come forward Kii
Arens and take a bow!! This is
definitely a career benchmark for Dolly.
Love it!!!!"

I own up, I like Pat Green. However, I
find with is albums that like good wine
the quality takes some while to surface.
I have only listened to this CD once
and before I make a final critique, I
want to listen to it at least two more
times to see if we have a Mouton
Cadet Rothschild or a vin ordinaire.
Please check back.

I have to admit that up until now, Jake's
output has not impressed me. Well, I
have changed my view with this
release. Jake's forte is definitely his
handling of ballads. He gets
philosophical with songs like "Green
Bananas" with a tag that may become
part of the English language..."I don't
buy green bananas 'cause I don't plan
that far ahead." I also like the final cut,
"Nothin' Grows In Shadows" which is
one of only two non Jake Owen writes
or co-writes. It was co-written by Rhett
Akins. This is definitely a coming of
age release for Jake. My only peeve is
that the graphics are almost
unreadable.

DALE WATSON

"THE TRUCKIN' SESSIONS VOL. 2"

HYENA HYN 9376

NO PRODUCER LISTED BY PRESUMABLY IT IS
DALE WATSON

KEITH URBAN

"DEFYING GRAVITY"

CAPITOL 509992 35751 2 7

PRODUCED BY DANN HUFF

1. Drag 'N' Fly
2. Jack's Truck Stop And Cafe
3. Truck Stop In Lagrange
4. 10-4
5. Yankee Doodle Jean
6. Hey Driver
7. Hero
8. I Got To Drive
9. Truckin' Man
10. Me And Freddie And Jake
11. Truckin' Queen
12. Let This Trucker Go
13. No Help Wanted
14. Texas Boogie

1. Kiss A Girl
2. If Ever I Could Love
3. Sweet Thing
4. 'Til Summer Comes Around
5. My Heart Is Open
6. Hit The Ground Runnin'
7. Only You Can Love Me This Way
8. Standing Right In Front Of You
9. Why;s It Feel So Long
10. I'm In
11. Thank You

Now, Nashville record execs, now
country radio, now so called country
performers, this is how it should be
done!!! Dale has inherited the mantle
from Hank Thompson, Merle Haggard,
Johnny Cash, Dave Dudley etc. etc. He
is the real real deal. I love this CD
unreservedly. This is my CD of the
month and is definitely a contender for
CD of the year.

Many years ago when Country started
to go wrong, I decided that if an album
just wasn't Country in any real sense of
the word, then I would review it as if it
was a rock or pop release. Well this
qualifies as one of the best rock
albums to be released in years. It is
Country enough to be considered so
but it's rating as a rock album is what
makes this a quality CD. "'Til Summer
Comes Around" is a rock classic and
the guitar work on "My Heart Is Open"
which is either by Keith or Dann Huff (I
don't have the packaging) is superb. I
don't think I have never heard Keith
sound so soulful as he does on "Only
You Can Love Me This Way." This is
the best that he has done so far.