Luke Bryan - Crash My Party

I first remember meeting Luke Bryan during a radio station tour visit back in late 2006/early 2007 when The Wolf was but a small, un-weaned pup. He sat less than 10' from me telling us about himself and sang songs from his first as yet-to-be released album. After he finished singing "All My Friends" for all of us, I looked over to the Music Director at the time and mouthed "are we playing him?" He lowered his eyebrows in a semi-scowl and shook his head, emphatically, no. That decision has to rank right up there with the Babe Ruth trade as one of the biggest boneheaded moves of the century. Luke Bryan was destined to be a star and those of us in that room all knew it was going to happen. With the release of his fourth record Crash My Party, he will be skyrocketing to uber-stardom!

Mr. Bryan has stated that this new album is better than his last record, Tailgates & Tanlines (T&T). Please note that the strength of that record brought him the coveted ACM Entertainer of the Year award for 2013. If he believes this record is better than T&T, then I would dust off the shelf where that first award is standing; its twin will be arriving in the spring. T&T was also nominated for Album of the Year. Crash My Party will be nominated as well and if I may be so bold, just give him the award now. After listening all afternoon, I am of the firm and un-wavering belief that Mr. Bryan is 100% correct in his assertion. Crash My Party is THAT good of a record. Mr. Bryan just makes country music look easy! He tells the stories with an un-assuimng, honest, matter-of-fact quality; it feels like he just lived those songs yesterday or last night or last month. The spiritual and personal connection he has with the material is uncanny and the cornerstone of his tremendous...and continued...success. Mr. Bryan lives and breathes this music and brings such a conversational quality in its presentation. Mr. Bryan is also a romantic at heart. Yes, men, he is THAT guy; handsome AND romantic. Guys like him will ALWAYS get the girl over you and I. Damn it!

Crash My Party offers us tracks written by some of the best songwriting names in country music today; Asshley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Rhett Akins just to name a few. Mr. Bryan is credited with co-writing two of the albums thirteen tracks. The production values of the band blend superbly with the vocals. The musicianship is tremendous and the playing is top notch. The usual subjects of country music here; love, love lost, partying and loss. Mr. Bryan just pulls you into the story and the next thing you know, you are standing there right next to him as he paints the picture. All thirteen of these tracks are radio ready for me; Program Director's across the world are going to lose sleep at night with this record. ALL are well-written with great hooks and melodies that will leave you humming them all day long. My favorites are too may to mention but: "Roller Coaster" (the visuals are so real and true), "We Run This Town" (For anyone who grew up in a small town), "Drink A Beer" (note to my friends and family, THIS says it all and MUST be adhered to when I leave this earth), "Play it Again" (anyone who has sat by a radio waiting for THAT song), "Blood Brothers" (Camraderie and loyalty cannot be measured) and finally "Dirt Road Diary." (Here Mr. Bryan is at his most honest and you know he is just one of the best guys in the world. GREAT SONG!)

Whew. That was a lot of words to say that Crash My Party is ONE. GREAT. ALBUM! Luke Bryan continues his ascension to becoming one of the "great ones" of country music. We all knew that when we sat around that room a few years ago; none of us wanted him to stop playing or leave. Per usual, singer-songwriters put it best with their words. Mr. Bryan does just that in the liner notes of this record. "Dallas Davidson, thanks for helping me put our hometown way of life into words..." That sums the entirety of Luke Bryan. I have apretty good feeling that he would not mind one bit if we all crashed his party in hometown Leesburg, Georgia. I have a feeling the music would be blasting, the food plentiful and the dixie cups overflowing!

LeAnn Rimes - Spitfire

Call me late to the party but better late than never. Particularly in the case of Spitfire, the new record from LeAnn Rimes. Released in June, Spitfire is deep, dark and raucous all in one fell swoop; there is plenty to like on this record for every country fan! Make no mistake, this is a very good record and one of the best to come out in 2013. So good, in fact, that you will put in your player and hit replay over and over again.

I am not going to delve into the trials and tribulations of LeAnn Rimes career and personal life; I will leave that to the tabloids and all the Twitter haters. Besides, something about casting the first stone comes to mind here With Spitfire, you hear and see a woman who has been to the fire and brimstone of hell. However, instead of taking what the devil was dishing out, she fought back and doused those fires of hell with so much water that the devil himself looked like a beaten, drowned rat in surrender. In Spitfire, Ms. Rimes has taken on her "skeletons" head on (you even hear the Merle Haggard reference on one of the tracks) and provided a brutally honest and painful look at life. Her life, you ask? Mayhaps. Who this record is about, in this case, is not of importance. What and how take the lead and are what is important here. Whatever the case, Spitfire is powerful, poignant and personal.

Ms. Rimes is in as fine voice as ever on this record. There are VERY few female artists with the ability to sing like Ms. Rimes. Her voice is strong, colorful and contains the exact technique and emotion required to carry each and every track on this album. For you newer/younger fans of country music, Ms. Rimes is the original Carrie Underwood. No disrespect to anyone; it is simply comparing two of the best and strongest female singing voices to ever come out of Nashville!

Ms. Rimes co-wrote nine of the fourteen songs on the record; call it therapy or whatever you like. The music and production are top-notch and match perfectly with the sometimes stinging, always heartfelt and emotionally powerful lyrics. Writing like this reminds me of the days of a younger Don Henley; not a word is wasted. Nor is a meaningless word included. Ms. Rimes has teamed up with some great talent on this record including Jeff Beck, Rob Thomas, ("Gasoline and Matches" is an explosive combination!) Alison Krauss ("What Have I Done" blends two amazing voices effortlessly and with hauntingly great harmony!) and Lawrence, Kansas native Sarah Buxton ("Who We Really Are" paints a masterpiece of introspection and discovery) to create a very delicate yet profound body of work.

LeAnn Rimes has released her fifteenth studio album with a strong and very emotional record called Spitfire. In it we hear a woman who has found great strength in the troubles she has encountered on her journey through life. I applaud Ms. Rimes for her unwavering dedication to her art, her brutal honesty and the tremendous courage in sharing the stories on this record.

Darius Rucker - True Believers

You know, there are things that just make you happy when you see them or in this case, hear them. That was my immediate and very first reaction when I popped the new release from Darius Rucker, True Believers, into my cd player. Now, I must admit I have been like a kid in a candy store waiting for this record. Yes. I have a big man crush on Mr. Rucker…always have and I have no shame in admitting that whatsoever. I can still remember exactly where I was when I first heard "Let Her Cry" pouring out of my speakers (thank you Tanna Guthrie from the now defunct KY-102) and have been hooked ever since. Mr. Rucker simply has "that" vocal quality that is easy, effortless, smooth, earnest and just damn pleasing to hear. There is not a voice like it in the music world today!

True Believers is Mr. Rucker's fourth solo album release; his third country album and it is "all that and a bag of chips." Mr. Rucker's voice emotes and shares the stories in the lyrics with tremendous heart, an inspirational depth of soul and a gentle…yet intense when need be…and flowing manner. Mr. Rucker is a man who pours every ounce of himself into each track and leaves nothing to chance. He is also a singer who brings an insane (this is a good thing) sense of joy to his craft. That joy is felt by each and every listener as one cannot help but be carried away in the energy and emotion of every note. His music is just so damn personable! It's like sitting in the room with him and just hanging out. So easy; so tireless; so un-selfish; so fun!

The timing of this release could not be better. There is not much better than driving down the road, windows down, hair flying and blasting the music up to "11!" That infectious sense of happiness is covered well in several tracks on this record. Oh, the ballads are equally represented and appreciated, however, as summer is upon us the up tempo tracks blow out that pent up winter energy that has been dying to get out. Leading the way is the records second single, "Wagon Wheel." If that does not get you smiling, singing and banging the steering wheel, then please get to the closest ER; you have no pulse! He enlists none other than Lady A in the background to make it feel even better. The lead single and title track, "True Believers," an ode to his wife Beth, has that same energy and does a nice job of setting the tone of the record. One of my favorite tracks perfectly captures the days of my youth. "Radio" paints the picture of my carefree (mostly) days as a teenager in Iowa. Is it just me or does the track entitled "Take me Home" remind you of something from Elton John? The production just sounds like something Mr. John would create.

If you are headed to the lake for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, do yourself and your friends a favor, throw True Believers in the player, drop the windows, open the sun roof and crank the music. I cannot think of a better way to kickoff summer (unofficially) than with friends, family and one Darius Rucker!

George Strait - Love is Everything

"It's George-freakin'-Strait!" – Blake Shelton

Now, for all of us country music/George Strait fans, that is all it takes for us to jump in the truck, pop in the Pure Country soundtrack or (insertyourfavoriteGeorgeStraitalbumhere) and break all land speed records to the local music store (IF you can find one) to buy the record. After listening to Love is Everything (over and over and over and over) I would advise that you avoid all Silverado's, F-150's, Dakota's and Tundra's on the roads of Kansas City for a week or so; they will be on a mission ("…from God") and you will NOT want to get in their way. With the release of Love is Everything, Mr. Strait continues his reign (lifelong, mayhaps?) as the "King of Country Music" and there is no end in sight (good!) for this living legend monarchy.

The difficulty of writing anything about Mr. Strait and/or his music is what do I have to say that has not already been written? The music, the awards, the #1 singles, the clothing, his devilishly handsome good looks have all been well documented and being repetitive is anathema for any writer. What I can tell you is that with these thirteen tracks, Mr. Strait continues to give us great, solid country music that is his very own. His rich baritone-tenor is easy on the ears, tranquil and as good as it has ever been! EVER been, imo. That's saying something for a man who began making music over 30 years ago. Getting better with age is not just a cliché here; Mr. Strait is and always has been the real deal when it comes to singing. Additionally, Mr. Strait has always been a tremendous storyteller, however, with this record, that story telling ability has reached an entirely new level. His innate ability to take simple words and paint colorful, meaningful and honest pictures it simply at its best with this record.

Mr. Strait has tackled the love theme and taken it to all new heights with Love is Everything. Each track relates to love gained; love lost and love thriving; this is a very consistent record in its theme and composition. Mr. Strait enlists his Ace in the Hole band to give us the quality sound that comes with a George Strait record. The continued use of the steel guitar and fiddle more than any other country music artist today is pure sweetness to the ears of us country music purists; nobody does that better than George Strait.

Mr. Strait, on this record, has given us poignancy, orneriness and fun in a little over 48 minutes. There is his trademark Texas swing music ("I Thought I Heard my Heart Sing"); a sentimental waltz ("Blue Melodies"); and some terrific introspection ("When the Credits Roll") as he, sadly, winds down the touring portion of his career. Make no mistake about it; Mr. Strait has vowed that he will continue to make music after his "Cowboy Rides Away" tour wraps up sometime in 2014. THAT is a good thing!

The thirteen tracks on Love is Everything are some of the finest, purest, listening country music you will hear this year. What else would you expect? "It's George-freakin'-Strait!"

Lady Antebellum - Golden

It hardly seems like it has been six years since Lady Antebellum (Lady A) made their debut singing with Jim Brickman. Six years, two marriages…congratulations to Dave and Hillary (and a child on the way for Hillary)… five albums (excluding a Christmas album), multiple awards and one could say that Lady A has already had a career that most artists could only dream about. With the release of their fifth album, Golden, Lady A just keeps going; stronger and easily as ever.

I have been a fan of Lady A since their introduction to country music back in 2007. The first time I heard "…and you don't hold my dreams" from their debut single "Love Don't Live Here," I was hooked! With Golden, Lady A continues their solid, soulful harmonies and emotional relevant lyrics. They sound more mature than ever, imo. They hit the usual subject matter evenly and effortlessly; their voices blend so well together and not just in pitch and timbre but also as it weaves through the construct of the song itself. The vocal transitions are so seamless that it is hard to pick out where Charles Kelley's voice begins and Hillary Scotts' voice ends and vice versa. The two of them are like a long time couple who are able to finish each other's sentences without missing a beat as to their meaning.

I had read where this record, Golden, was supposed to have a distinct southern rock sound in its composition. While southern rock is heard throughout, that description does not do the record justice. I also hear other influences coming together as well. For example, the Tom Petty-esque first track, "Get to Me" and the soulful sound that is kind of reminiscent of U2 on the second track (and new radio release) "Goodbye Town" and you have a very well-rounded and great sounding record that will keep you listening until you do not realize the record has finished playing. Mr. Kelley's vocal delivery has an uncanny way of simply cutting to the core of the emotion and making you feel every gut-wrenching emotion right along with him with a vividness and reality that is unlike any other singer in Nashville today. That ability is well-represented on the album's title, track, "Golden."

With their new release, Golden, Lady A continues with their trademark harmonies and the solid sound that they have come to be known for. Golden comes across as effortless, real and a great piece of work that is smooth and "easy like Sunday morning."

Kenny Chesney - Life on a Rock

What I wouldn't give to live life on a rock! I love my family, friends and playing music for a living but with nary a second thought I would leave it all and go find my place in the sun and surf, especially with the crazy "spring" weather we've had this week in Kansas City. I have a better idea as to why Kenny Chesney chooses to live on that island with his new release, Life on a Rock. To begin with, this is not a commercial album in the sense of his past releases. Mr. Chesney has stated that these songs will not get much radio airplay…and that is ok; sometimes an artist just has to do something for themselves; they just need to cleanse the soul with the primal urge to scream from the top of their lungs that which is bottled up inside of them. With Life on a Rock, Mr. Chesney has cleansed his soul, opened himself up and given us an authentic, genuine and emotional look at his Life on a Rock.

First and foremost, I love these kinds of records so you will not get any complaint from me on its content. Life on a Rock picks up right where his Songs from an Old Blue Chair album left off. In my mind, that record was one of his absolute best. Again, it did not receive much airplay but it was chalk full of songs that had deep, personal and emotional meaning that when you close your eyes you can feel running through your veins. I like music that moves me and makes me feel something. Mr. Chesney has taken inventory of not only his life but the life that surrounds him and created a piece of work that is moving, deeply personal, introspective, emotional, and thoughtful; thoughtful in the sense of trying to piece it all together and figure it all out.

There are too many moments in these tracks to single out favorites. This is a record that needs to be heard as a whole in order to really gain its full effect. I would suggest a glass of wine and outdoors surrounded by nature. These tracks will provoke great thought and provide for moments of intense and stimulating conversation surrounding what is real and important instead of that which is phony and transparent. The lyrics are heartfelt, brutally honest and real; I believe we can all see ourselves in this music. The production value is exactly what it needs to be; simple and unimposing but a graceful yet collaborative companion to the songs meaning. Think of two lovers as they stroll, shoeless, together on a beach at sunset, holding hands as the wave's crash around them; oblivious to the world around them but completely in tune and syncopation with one another.

We are all just trying to do the best we can in this world and Mr. Chesney has captured that essence of life extremely well with Life on a Rock.

Low Information Voter Extraordinnaire

From last night's Hugh Hewitt show.


You can't make this stuff up nor can "Hollyweird" write this script..

HT = Magruder

Tate Stevens

First and foremost, Tate Stevens is a singer! I mean a tremendous "gravy so-good-you-sop-up-every-last-drop-with-a-biscuit" singer! His voice cuts perfectly, genuinely and with an incredible mix of power, energy and brilliant color. I am a professional voice/singing student, and I believe Mr. Stevens has to be one of the (if not the) most technically correct singers (re: gifted) I have heard come out of Nashville. The man can, literally, sing the phone book and make it sound like the best thing you have ever heard. The release of his self-titled debut album introduces this singer to the entire world of country music and it does so with great fire and passion.

From the first track to the last track, you can hear the passion and the infinite joy coming from Mr. Steven's voice. This is a man who knows what he loves to do; knows what he does best and does it with every fiber of his being with heart, soul and a helluva lot of fun. Why not? If it is not fun, why do anything? Mr. Steven's has an honest, genuine and jovial demeanor not only about himself but also his music. He fits into country music like your old pair of faded blue jeans with the tobacco ring on the back pocket. I regret that I never heard him sing around the local clubs here in the Kansas City area. I am not at all surprised of his success and ultimate victory on the X Factor series. He commands his instrument and presents it in a trustworthy, believable and honest manner. My grandma always told me that “the truth hurts.” Well, in the case of Tate Stevens, I am certain it never hurt so good.

His self-titled debut album is a lot of fun to just put in the player and listen over and over again. It is fun, raucous, laid back, sentimental and just plain ornery all at the same time. There is nothing out of place and nothing that feels overdone or forced. The production quality lets his voice shine throughout the record and the blend of instruments to his voice is excellent. I mentioned his strong vocals; in places I hear shades of Craig Morgan and Ronnie Dunn (two of the best damn singers in Nashville as well) but make no mistake Tate Stevens has his own voice and it comes to amazing life on these eleven tracks. My favorites include the positivity of “Ride it Out;” the “redneckified” romance of “Can’t Get Nothin Done;” the sentimental emotion of “Ordinary Angels;” and the story behind the lyrics of “That’s Where we Live.”

Roger Carson, our morning guy, said it best when he tweeted to me that “every cut COLD be a radio hit.” Without a doubt, these eleven tracks are a great introduction to Tate Stevens. This is a record not to be missed. Sure, you can call me biased as he comes from my backyard, however, I can be objective and tell you this is as strong a debut album as I have ever heard. EVER! When Tate Stevens was born, God simply touched his vocal chords and said "you will sing." Boy howdy, does he ever sing! Congratulations, Mr. Stevens and welcome to country music! It is an honor, a great pleasure and a tremendous honor to listen to and play your music.

Brad Paisley - Wheelhouse

Brad Paisley is never one to sit on his laurels. And with his 10th album release, Wheelhouse, he has most certainly pushed himself to even greater heights. I respect and admire an artist expanding outside of their comfort zone and exploring new territory. Exploration and discovery are paramount to a life well led, otherwise, our minds and our souls become stagnant and bored. With Wheelhouse, Mr. Paisley has created the record he was moved to make and in it we hear an artist with tremendous depth, brutal honesty and an overwhelming desire to just get the music out of his head. That need to expunge his head, heart and soul drives Mr. Paisley in his music and it is clearly evident with the release of Wheelhouse.

Mr. Paisley's approach in making this record was to create a different sound. I would say that he succeeded; mightily. He even went so far as to convert an old farmhouse into a recording studio in order to create this sound. On this record you will not hear that overly clean sound of a "germ free" studio. Instead, in its place are the raw, earthier and "duller" (a compliment) sounds that musical instruments are built to make before introducing the processing and "electronification" methods of today. Think of it as a vocalist singing without the use of the auto-tuner on the voice. The best example I hear is the sound of the snare drum. It has a pure and "raspy" sound like only a real, live drum can make. Mr. Paisley has succeeded in stretching the recording process but at the same time simplifying that process to create this album. However he did it, it works. It works very well. I like it…a lot…and would like to see other artists take these chances in there music as well. By recording in this manner, Mr. Paisley has provided more credence to the authenticity and honesty that has permeated country music since its inception. Yes, I am a purist. It is not that I am opposed or afraid of the changes that are occurring in country music; hardly. I simply prefer the original countrified sounds that are historic to the genre. Today's country music is definitely not your granddad’s country music…and that is ok. Just allow us old farts to wax poetic about the good 'ol days will ya? Please? Thanks.

Music has always provided a tinge of controversy, for lack of a better term. Mostly that controversy stems from a built up lack or sense of self from those who want to believe the controversy exists. Man, generally, lashes out and argues about what they do not know and what they do not want to know. This is evidenced throughout the history of music; Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, 2 Live Crew and even Wagner (some classical stations still refuse to play his Valkerie for fear of its double entendre meaning of Hitler and Nazi Germany.) Apparently, if mainstream media outlets are to be believed, you can include Brad Paisley in that list of names with the release of this record. Specifically, a track entitled "Accidental Racist." I find this trumped up controversy to be just that; trumped up.

The purpose of an artist's music, or any art form for that matter, is to move someone in an emotional manner or way; to connect their art with the emotions of humanity; to let people feel something. Like a painting, a play, or a dance, the words of a song are meant to touch each of us on an emotional level. This song has done exactly that. The song and lyrics are not controversial whatsoever unless you consider an honest and open dialogue about racial history to be controversial. If you listen (and not just hear) to the lyrics and the emotional feeling behind them, you cannot hear anything other than an open and honest desire to communicate and understand the viewpoint from the two sides. If this song were "racist" in any way, shape, manner or form, I highly doubt these two men would ever come together; not in a million years.

The words are honest, heartfelt and a plea from each of them to come together and understand our differences. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a speech (one of THE best speeches ever given in the history of mankind. I would encourage you to read the entire speech and not just the sound bite portion that is rolled out every year by the mainstream media) that speech held the same ideals and meaning. Is that racist? Is simply asking questions racist? What Mr. Paisley and LL Cool J have done is approach the subject from their perspective viewpoints and allowed the music to create what we should all hope for; an open dialogue that ALL honest human beings SHOULD be able to continue in an environment of safety, trust, mutual respect and collaboration.

If you are offended by this song so eloquently presented by Mr. Paisley and LL Cool J, then I truly feel sorry for you. It is time for you to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if you are part of problem or if you want to be part of the solution. I give high regard to both Brad Paisley and LL Cool J for being courageous, honest, forthright and heartfelt in their desire to lead by example and further the discussions about race and its impact on ALL of the people in this country. I would also state that another track on this album is entitled "Those Crazy Christians." Where is the scandal, the shouts of "Blasphemer!" and the outrage in that song? The silence is deafening...and telling.

Unfortunately, I am certain too much will be made of the aforementioned track on this record. That is a shame because this is a record for the ages. Each track tells a story and each track is different in its approach and composition. I have not heard The Beatles “Sgt. Peppers” album (or was it “Yellow Submarine? I forget…I will ask Roger) but I imagine this record was made in that same vane; let’s go into the studio and just record something different and see what happens. How cool! How fun! The subject matter is solid and what you would expect in a country record and Mr. Paisley has enlisted the likes of Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels, Roger Miller and even Eric Idle (yes, he of Monty Python fame…ask your mom and dad or Google it) in producing this record. Each track takes you places you do not expect go…there are no formulas here…its overall sound is so different than what you hear today and with a whopping seventeen tracks, it is longer than usual records but it does not lack content, heart, soul and that Brad Paisley humor. There are too many to mention here but trust me, I think you will like this record. Put it in your player, hit start and just let it ride. You’ll hit replay more than once.

The Band Perry - Pioneer

Wow! That was my reaction after opening the new album from The Band Perry and listening to just the first two tracks. Just wow! Those first two tracks, "Better Dig Two" and "Done" also comprise the first two singles released from this, their sophomore effort, Pioneer. The two tracks are up tempo, fun and just in-your-face-raucous. With Pioneer, The Band Perry have given us a solid and enjoyable record with just enough of a pop sound to provide for the Nashville crossover strategy, however, it does so without compromising the true art form that is country music; storytelling.

The Band Perry first hit the scene in 2009. The three siblings hail from Mississippi, Alabama and finally Tennessee so their country roots have grown deep and are well-watered. They hit country radio with their first single "Hip to My Heart." I recall playing it for a minute or two but their second single, "If I Die Young" cemented their stay on the charts as it became their first number one single. They have also won both new artist categories for the CMA and ACM organizations. All told, The Band Perry to date has released seven singles; 3 of those seven have gone on to reach number one on the singles chart. Having 50% (almost…so far) of released music reach the top of the charts is a tremendous feat and it does not appear that The Band Perry is going anywhere but to the top anywhere soon.

Pioneer is a terrific blend of country, rock and pop that flows together easily. There is nothing that feels terribly out of place for this group. The production is top-notch with great care given to the mix of vocals to instrumentation; nothing feels or sounds overpowering; nothing feels "klugy" or out of place to the ear. Kimberly delivers solid, powerful and effortless vocals. Her lyrical voice is such a good fit in style and emotion during the ballads and ramps up to great energy and heights during the up tempo numbers. Brothers Neil and Reid are excellent musicians. The three of them go together so well; it must be the sibling thing. They are on the same page in every aspect of this record. The aforementioned first two tracks are great songs that are radio-friendly and presented with tremendous energy and passion. Other favorites on the album include the sweet and endearing title track, "Pioneer." The strong, independent "I'm a Keeper" and the Mother's Day themed "Mother Like Mine."

Call me a fan of The Band Perry. In the country music world of today…dominated by a pop-ish sound…these three have not strayed far from the art form of country music and its great ability to tell a story and consume the listener on a great emotional and sometimes spiritual level. Pioneer displays great discipline in staying true to themselves and their roots of country music, but it also allows them to leverage the strength of the country music brand and still invite others into the fold. Pioneer is not just a record name but a fine example from The Band Perry in demonstrating great ability to forge a path for the music industry to follow.

Thomspson Square - Just Feels Good

I vividly recall sitting in my sophomore English class when Mr. Hanna….my favorite non-music (I was a "choir jock") teacher…first introduced me to the word sophomore. "Wise fools. You are all wise fools, otherwise known as sophomores." He continued with the Latin meaning of the word sophomore translates to wise fools. Knowing that definition today allows a better understanding of the phrase sophomore slump; the first time was great but can that greatness achieved the first time be continued. In the case of Thompson Square and their new album Just Feels Good, please continue to listen. There is no slump anywhere nearby to be heard here.

Quite the contrary; there seems to be a much deeper, peaceful, easy, effortless feel and sound to their second release. The songwriting is real, relatable and un-forced. Their voices blend together with a perfect blend of smoky edginess from him and angelic brightness from her. The blend of their voices reminds me of some other duos in country music royalty; Tim and Faith; Porter and Dolly; George and Tammy. Their sound is as incredibly comfortable as sliding your feet into an old, worn pair of boots.

The years of hard work, paying dues and "singing for supper" has been typical for The Thompson's…married for ten-plus years based on a true-to-life "love at first sight" meeting at a singing competition in Nashville. They spent time as solo artists, doing their own thing, however, the sparks really flew when they decided to give it a go together; they have not looked back since. One would think that spending that much time together would not be conducive to the rigors of the music industry. T2 has made it look easy because as wife Shawna says, "So many of our dreams have come true and it’s so much sweeter because I’ve gotten to share them with not only my husband but my best friend.” T2 are artists and role models; an unbeatable combination.

The reigning ACM Top Vocal Duo and CMA Vocal Duo of the Year had a hand in penning six of the albums thirteen tracks. (Note: There is a deluxe edition available through an exclusive arrangement with Walmart that contains an extra three tracks.) David Lee Murphy and The Warren Brothers provide material as well. The content is auto-biographical as it documents their journey from the initial spark of romance, to marriage and all its trials and tribulations. Favorite tracks include: "That's So Me and You," "I Can't Outrun You" and the lead-off single, "If I Didn't Have You."

Just Feels Good plays out like a nice little mini-series on the lives of Shawna and Keifer Thompson. Pop a cold one, grab your favorite snack, "turn it up to 11" and listen and learn the story of Thompson Square. If there is such as thing as must hear radio, Just Feels Good by Thompson Square is episode #1!

Kyle Park - Beggin' For More

Once again my good friend Justin Neighbor gives me a gem of an album! For those of you who do not know, Justin is the host of the ONLY radio program in Kansas City dedicated to red dirt, Texas and outlaw country music. Please, do not be fooled or follow the posers. Justin is the real deal! No one else comes close…unless it comes straight from "deep in the heart of Texas" itself. Do your self a favor and check out his show, Kansas City Limits, every Sunday night from 8-11pm on 106.5 The Wolf (1065thewolf.com) in Kansas City where you will hear artists like Texas native Kyle Park.

As is often the case when Justin hands me a new cd, I was blown away when I inserted his new cd, Beggin' For More, into my player! At first listen, Mr. Park has an incredibly effortless, smooth, easy and unassuming flavor; it's smooth like butter. His voice reminds me of several different artists in places; the heartfelt honesty of Keith Urban; the slight twang of Clint Black; the gentlemanly quality of the king himself, George Strait, the ever-so-slight edge of Tom Petty and the exuberance and playfulness of none other than John Denver. You will probably have to Google that name. Mr. Park comes across completely comfortable with himself as an artist and that sense of comfort comes out of the speakers with impeccable authenticity, brutal honesty and an undeniable passion for music and its profound ability to affect the human condition! My friends, THIS is what country music should sound like all day, every day!

Mr. Park grew up in Leander, Texas and started writing and playing guitar at age 14 and found himself being played on the radio at the ripe old age of 17. He attended Texas State University in San Marcos...if that sounds familiar it should; that is the alma mater of one George Strait. Coincidentally, Mr. Park would sing covers with members of Mr. Strait's Ace in the Hole band while in college. Nice work if you can get it, to say the least.

He hits upon the country music themes with the aforementioned effortlessness; wine, women and song are explored throughout the records 13 tracks and from top to bottom are as solid a rendering of music I have heard to date. The production work is expertly mixed, voice to instrument, like a fine aged scotch. He paints great pictures and tells stories with the best country artists of the time. The epitome of songwriting land square on track #12, Fit for the King, a little ditty that pays homage to the aforementioned George Strait. Wow! It is eff'ing amazing and worth the price of the record! I dare you to try and name 'em all. Turn That Crown Upside Down is a raucous up-tempo number written in the same vane, however, it pays homage to the party animal in all of us. He carries the same artistry in mid-tempo ballads as well. Like Nobody Will is an ode to the woman that every man loves and Long Distance Relationship paints a bittersweet yet hopeful picture of a love that must grow through trust and patience. All 13 tracks make up the good stuff that is country music.

Discovering new artists and music is a life-long love. Justin has never steered me wrong…yet…and with Beggin' for More by Kyle Park, Mr. Neighbor continues to further my red dirt, Texas and outlaw country music "edumuhcation." The only difference is this education allows bottles of whiskey…as opposed to an apple…sitting on the teachers desk in the classroom. That is never a bad thing!

Blake Shelton - Based On A True Story...

The elementary, shallow and impersonal influence of rap/hip-hop has firmly entrenched itself into the country music world. That is not a criticism…well; maybe a little bit…just the reality. Let all the "he's just old" slinging begin, however, if observation, honesty and principle make me old, I can live with that. My eyes and ears are not closed to what I see and hear as many others in society seem to be in all facets of our world today. I live in reality and the reality is that country music has moved towards a younger, rap/hip-hop influenced base and in doing so, in my opinion, has lost a degree of its mass, multi-generational appeal. Sorry folks but the sounds emitting from your radio, cd player and other devices do not lie. Denial is not a river in Egypt.

All you need do to is listen to the new record by Blake Shelton, Based on a True Story… Five of the first seven tracks on this album solidify this fact. Slap country-esque subject matter into the title and call it country; even though inside and out the syncopation, structure and sound is pure rap/hip-hop. Then throw in the auto-tuner (the bane of ANY real singer. Why Nashville producers think they needs to use this is beyond me.) and you have a rap/hip-hop record all wrapped up in a pretty little bow being presented to the country music audience. Do not mistake my meaning. I am NOT calling Blake Shelton's new album a fraud, however, if you take an honest look and listen under the wrapper of this album…and country music in general today…I believe you will hear that which I type.

Further evidence of this devolution can be found in the lyrics themselves. Songwriting is an art. I have a tremendous amount of respect for anyone who writes music. Country music songwriting has generally been considered a notch or two (well, head and shoulders really but I am trying to be objective) above most other types of songwriting. Its romance, its storytelling, its ability to transport the listener and affect them on a personal, emotional level cannot be repeated by any other genre of music. Unfortunately, rap/hip-hop does nothing to further the artistry that is songwriting. Look no further than track #1, Boys Round Here. "Chew tobacco, chew tobacco, chew tobacco, spit." I will let you draw your own conclusion. Cursing and swearing has been part (a small part in most instances) of country music for awhile now, however, its use is minimal and the structure of the song was crafted in such a way that its use provided great effect when it was used. Think Charlie Daniels Band and The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Ask any comic or improvisational actor and they will tell you that that the easiest way…which requires the least amount of thought…to get a laugh is to drop an "f-bomb." Nowadays, music is beginning to require a "hit song" to contain cursing and swearing throughout. See track #8, I Still Got a Finger. Its subject matter is country; it has a solid country/rock sound but the rap/hip-hop influence runs throughout the entire 3:38. In contrast, Blake's version of the Rhett Atkins penned Granddaddy's Gun is a real highlight. He nails the emotion and paints vivid pictures that can be hung in just about every living room in America. Aaron Lewis also cut this song on his record; furthering the evidence that, just like telling the truth, great songwriting wins out every time it is tried.

This may seem like I am bashing the record and Blake Shelton. I am not. Although I am certain I will see and hear many outcries of such via Twitter. I love Mr. Shelton's honesty and the "BS'ers" loyalty. Trust me. I welcome the opportunity to have an honest, objective discussion; as long as the discussion does not start with "You're an eff'ing idiot!" Please tell me something I do not already know. Look, I love Blake Shelton and his wife Miranda Lambert. I have said many times on the air that if I could sit and have beers with ANY artist in country music it would be Mr. and Mrs. Shelton. I think they are two of the most authentic and real people in the world. However, that does not preclude me from thinking and writing honestly. That is principle and once principle is lost, we have lost ourselves as human beings. Please, buy or download the record and judge for yourself. Yes, we all have opinions and I am well aware (and will be reminded many times in the near future) they are all like backsides. However, if we truly believe in diversity and tolerance, that includes EVERY opinion and idea and not just what the media tells us what diversity and tolerance mean.