A rootsy, robust country singer and a helluva songwriter!
923084
The Track Listing Is:
1. We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds
2. Something To Brag About
3. Let's Invite Them Over
4. Angel Of The Morning
5. Please Be My Love
6. The Greatest One Of All
7. Multiply The Heartaches
8. He's My Man
9. What's In Our Heart
10. Did You Ever
11. Hall Of Shame
12. Baby, You've Got What It Takes
13. A Man Likes Things Like That
14. I'm Gonna Leave You
2070514
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Mark Collie & His Reckless Companions
"Alive At Brushy Mountain State Penitentary"
(Wilbanks, 2012)
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This is a sizzling live set from hard-country singer Mark Collie, a guy who had a few Top Ten hits in the early 1990s, but fell off the radar by decade's end. Originally recorded in 2001, this is one of those recorded-in-prison concert albums that country dudes love to make and fans love to hear. Collie, in full roughneck mode, really connects with the inmates as does Kelly Willis who sings backup as well as a couple of solo numbers. If you like real-deal, rugged, rough-edged, rootsy country music, then check this album out. Also, it's got great sound quality for a live show, courtesy of Tony Brown, one of Nashville's all-time best record producers, known for his bright, clear, punchy mixes. Trust me: this is a great record. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music)
2015048
Anyone who remembers the roots of country music will surely enjoy this album. From love songs to foot-stompin' tunes, to songs that tell a story, "Close to the Edge" by Diamond Rio spans the entire spectrum. While the title cut is not my favorite tune, it is both the last and one of the liveliest. My favorite cut is "Sawmill Road", which in the tradition of Kenny Rogers' "Ruby, Dont Take Your Love to Town" recounts the life story of three young people raised in rural America, two of whom leave their roots behind for different reasons. I also enjoyed "Oh Me, Oh My, Sweet Baby", "In A Week Or Two", "It Does Get Better Than This",--and it does with "Old Weakness (Coming on Strong)" about a man who's old flame has come back to town. "Calling All Hearts (Come Back Home)" and "This Romeo Ain't Got Julie Yet" are tunes more in line with today's "Contemporary Country" sound, while "Demons And Angels", a song about a man's struggle between love for his woman and love for the bottle, harken back to country music's roots. "Nothing In This World" livens the pace which crests with the title cut "Close To The Edge." Beginning on a lively note, and ending on one, with a joyful, tuneful ride in between, this album is a nearly flawless diamond. I highly recommend it.
2119930
Just like her debut, '12 Stories,' ended up being one of my very favorite albums of 2013, Brandy Clark's equally strong follow-up, 'A Big Day in a Small Town," will likely end up being my #1 or 2 fave of this year. The country singer-songwriter beefs up her sound a bit as she continues to offer wry observations of small-town life ("Soap Opera," the title cut), and character sketches both humorous ("Broke," "Daughter") and poignant ("Three Kids, No Husband," "Since You've Gone to Heaven"). (I got this CD as a birthday gift from Dad.)

P.S.: I also strongly recommend the Dave Cobb-produced, various-artists compilation 'Southern Family,' on which Brandy wrote and sang the beautiful and heartbreaking "I Cried."

~ Gena
3341160
Billy Currington has delivered a true traditional country sound with this FABULOUS debut! His heart tuggin' "Walk a Little Straighter" is definitely a song that will bring you to tears and have you reaching for the tissues.  "I Got a Feelin'"is a great tune about telling the one you love how you feel about them.  One of my favorites tunes is "Time With You" a song that is absolute country soul, Billy hits the heart with this one and masterfully commands your attention.  "Off My Rocker" is a swinging song that has you toe tapping along with the beat.  All of the tracks on this record are well written and I highly recommend this future superstar's record to everyone!
118985
I'm surprised to see a couple of negative reviews on this album, because it's fantastic!  I have all of his CD's, and this is definitely going to be a favorite for me.  It's more traditional country than some of his 'catchy' songs (which I love too) which shows how he's grown as a musician and song writer.  An excellent album!
3508690
Another fine piece of work by one of country's rising stars of today.  I had the distinct pleasure of seeing him in concert for the second time this past summer.  He puts so much energy and passion into his music and his shows that it's almost mind-boggling.  It doesn't look like he plans on slowing down anytime soon, either.  I was instantly drawn to each song on this latest effort, even after the first listen.  Dierks Bentley has kept up with his traditional style from previous albums.  Once again, he mixes in a little honky-tonk with a little bluegrass and traditional country, as well.  In addition to the first single, "Every Mile A Memory", other standout tracks include "The Heaven I'm Headed To", "Free and Easy", and "Prodical Son's Prayer".  But dont' take my word for it.  Listen for yourself.
2821960
This is a fantastic CD.  I fell in love with her voice after hearing her first single, "You Can Let Go."  I think this lady is bound for great things in country music!
3629271
Did you catch the show Nashville Star?  If you did, you couldn't help but notice how genuinely likeable this man was.  What a singer and writer.  He has oodles of talent and a great feel for country music. I cheered for him specifically from the very first show on.
Buddy Jewell spent about 15 years doing demo recordings in Nashville not getting the chance to break into the music biz. I guess he finally paid his dues.  Now he has his chance to shine and if we have these types of songs to look forward to... we are very fortunate.
Buddy Jewell is creative, caring and kind.  His true personality bursts right out of his singing.  He will be a wonderful addition to popular country music!
Buy this CD and find out why I think he's so great.  :-)
928879
John Mayer's country album...(That's him standing on the prairie in the desolate Big Sky of Eastern Montana) ...probably all written during his hiatus on voice rest for a whole year while his vocal cords healed from surgery. Brilliant, lyrical, and so much of what he does best: writes great music! ( oh yeah,His singing is pretty good too) I loved the first version of "wildfire" on track 1 better than the rewritten version of the same name on track 8. Every song has a catchy chorus and rhythm (wildfire) cleaver lyrics "Dear Marie", "You're no one 'til someone lets you down", "Badge and Gun". BORN and RAISED (his previous album) was such a hodge podge of songs that didn't seem to belong together. This is a well put together collection of songs that you'll play from track 1 through 11 without skipping through a song. I've played this CD a million times and every time I do it makes me smile; so optimistic and hopeful! You can hear it in his voice and in his songs that he is at peace with this body of work and his life in general.
1272882
When Brad Paisley was recently selected to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he invoked the memory of Roy Acuff and Minnie Pearl.  Many of the other cowboy hatted rock and rollers proliferating out of Nashville these days may have mouthed similar tributes.  However, while it's highly questionable if the likes of Garth Brooks or Shania Twain even heard of Mr. Acuff or Miss Minnie before they attempted to snare country's loyal fan base, Brad Paisley's debut CD pays musical homage to Nashville's traditionalism.
Over the last few years, Lee Ann Womack and Chely Wright have done their best to get Nashville back on track, but its been quite a while since a male country newcomer was truly country.  Songs like "Who Needs Pictures," "Sleepin' on the Foldout," and "It Never Woulda Worked Out Anyway" would not have been out of place among Ernest Tubb's repertoire.  The tasteful remake of gospel standard "In the Garden" is a welcome addition that seems impossible to imagine as a track on a Dixie Chicks or Faith Hill CD.
Even Brad's appearance is a happy throwback to country's better era.  On the cover, his ten-gallon hat fits naturally unlike the Coca-Cola Cowboy style seen on so many of his contemporaries.  His hair is refreshingly short, and he doesn't appear to be seeking the hunk status that populates so many sleazy videos these days.  It's his music that he's selling because it stands by itself far better than the rocking sounds of Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, and so many of the other clones.
It looks like George Strait, Randy Travis, and Clint Black have a new member of their genuine country club, and Minne Pearl and Roy Acuff can rest peacefully again.  Brad Paisley is bringing country back!
1448056
I just "discovered" Dale Watson's music in the last few days and decided to try on Carryin' On. I can only say I wish I had heard him sooner. As one who favors more traditional country over the corporatized pop country that most listen to today. This is without a doubt one of the best albums I have heard within the past year. It is everything that Kenny Chesney, et al, are not: smart, witty, classic,and talented. And he has a tremendous voice that harkens to George Jones, Cash, and other earlier performers. It's hard for me to say, but Watson just might usurp Cash as my favorite country singer. Now to see him in concert.... If you really like more traditional country, I find it hard to believe you would find someone more authentic than Dale Watson.
1063964
After 5 albums and an instrumental,Brad decides to change direction a little bit with his latest offering American Saturday Night. And all I can say is,boy does it pay off!
Brad Paisley is one of the most talented singers, songwriters, and guitar players in all of country music and he proves that over and over again with this pure gem.
This album seems to be a walk down memory lane. Brad has many songs about his past including,'No' 'Welcome to The Future' 'Water' and the beautiful no. 1 hit ballad 'Then',one of his best ballads to date. It's songs like these that show how Brad really wants to make a special connection with his audience by letting them inside his head.
Other standouts is the sweet and witty Anything Like Me,which will having every parent relating to this,the stunning gospel style song that has a similar vain to Garth Brooks song Unanswered Prayers and the fantastic single Welcome To The Future,which Brad himself has said he is the most proud of.
He still has some of his famous trademark witty/tongue in cheek songs such as The Pants(every woman will love this) and Catch All The Fish.
The production on this album is second to none,which has Brad sounding better than ever. This album will stand the test of time as not only one of Brad's best cds but also as one of country musics must have albums that you need to have in your cd collection.
I can't speak highly enough of this album. All I can tell you is that you need to buy this album so you can just sit back and enjoy some country music at its finest!
2312689
Hanna-McEuen's debut cd has an eclectic mix of sounds. The first track "Fool Around" has a sound reminiscent of Dwight Yoakum while "Someone Else" could've easily come from the Rascal Flatts songbook. Track number 3 "Read Between The Lies" is a haunting ballad about a woman who isn't quite as honest as she seems. Other standout tracks are: "Is It Only Me," "Something Like A Broken Heart" and "Ocean." Hanna-McEuen is an absolute must add to any country fans cd collection.
4515896
This album is everything that today's county music is not.
Unfortunately, it is everything that today's country music should be.
Chris Knight's debut is direct, honest, literate, heartfelt and brutal.
He pulls no punches, whether talking about a stubborn man (It Ain't Easy Being Me), a farmer losing his farm (House and 90 Acres), a dying love (Something Changed), a prostitute finding love (Love and a .45) or criminals (William, Framed).
He weaves tales that have no way out and no happy conclusions. They challenge the listener to not be what his characters have become. And unlike other country-pop stars, not only are all the songs his own, they are heart-wrenchingly filled with emotion. Rather than singing universal songs about love, he sings an individual one in "Love and a .45." He sings of a prostitute that is roughed up and road-tested and a cop that loses a love (One day he came home/And she was gone). Each come to the realization that "Love and a .45 are all you need to get through the night/ One will kill you and one will keep you alive." In that common ground, the cop and the prostitute come together.
In a story too risky for a McGraw or a Brooks and Dunn, Chris Knight sings in the vein of Johnny Cash. He is a new breed of outlaw, one that sings about the not-so-happy ending. That is why he may be the most important country musician around, too bad no one knows about him.
451744
True artist and writer. Chris will save Country music and give hope to songwriters again!
Heavenly blues voice...even the simple tunes are magnificent
2422914
Gene Watson puts on the producers hat for his latest effort and proves that he has abilities beyond his superb vocal instrument. Gene takes a minimalist approach and shows that less can be more. He places his voice front and center on tunes such as "I Wonder How it is in Colorado" with great effect.

The choice of material here is great. Only "Everybody Needs a Hero" seems out of place amoung the 13 tunes. At 63 years of age, Gene proves he can still sing and his experience and musical ear make for a fantastic recording that fans of traditional country music will love.