David Nail!

I am incredibly impressed by David Nail! Most have likely heard his first single Let It Rain on the radio constantly lately, and I really enjoyed the song but I still just kind of let it pass on by.  When his CD, The Sound of a Million Dreams, hit the charts though I immediately started receiving tons of calls asking if I had listened to it yet.  I allowed it to play as background music and then the actual song “Sound of a Million Dreams” came on and one line caught my attention amongst everything else around me…

“Maybe me voice will cut through the noise

and stir up an old memory.”

For me personally this song explains word for word how I feel about my crazy dreams, and his song “Songs to Sell” explained my stubbornness in my pursuit of a music career.  My favorite song on the album is actually “Catch You While I Can.”  My guess is this will be the next single released for the album because this song is a hit! 

The reason why I’m so obsessed with David Nail at the moment is because he has managed to find the perfect balance of music with commercial value and songs that are too good to not make room for on your album.  What he has done is a brave move but I believe it will pay off.  I’m hoping he can be a savior for music row and will explode in Nashville. 

I say buy the whole album, but if you don’t want to do that at least give these four songs a listen!

1).David Nail – Catch You While I Can

2). David Nail – Desiree

3).David Nail – Half Mile Hill

4).David Nail – The Sound Of A Million Dreams

Now that's some damn good stuff.

IT'S DECEMBER!!!...

Don’t forget to tune into ‘CMA Country Christmas 2011’ tonight at 8 (9central) on ABC!  Hosted by Sugarland’s main gal, Jennifer Nettles, it is sure to be a great show with performances from Little Big Town, Kellie Pickler, Brad Paisley, Amy Grant, American idol runner-up Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride.  I personally am most excited for performances by Faith Hill.  When it comes to Christmas music, Faith pretty much has it on lock.

:)

Just for kicks, here is a hilarious hick-country, Christmas song brought to you by Montgomery Gentry.  With the staring line, “Mom got drunk and dad got drunk, at our Christmas party,” it is too great not to share.  I recommend randomly slipped it into the mix between ‘Silent Night’ and ‘White Christmas’ at your Christmas party this year and watch as people slowly begin to notice.  Here is “Merry Christmas From the Family.”  Enjoy.

Listen Here ==> Montgomery Gentry – Merry Christmas From The Family

Lyrics:

Mom got drunk and Dad got drunk

At our Christmas party

We were drinkin' champagne punch

And homemade eggnog

Little sister brought her new boyfriend

He was a Mexican

We didn't know what to think of him

Til he sang Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad

Brother Ken brought his kids with him

The three from his first wife Lynn

And the two identical twins

From his second wife Mary Nell

Of course he brought his new wife Kaye

Who talks all about AA

Chain smokin' while the stereo plays

Noel, Noel, The first Noel

Carve the turkey turn the ball game on

Mix Margaritas when the eggnog's gone

Send somebody to the Quik-Pak store

We need some ice and an extension cord

A can of bean dip and some Diet Rite

A box of pampers , some Marlboro Lights

Hallelujah everybody say cheese

Merry Christmas from the family

Fran and Rita drove from Harlingen

I can't remember how I'm kin to them

But when they tried to plug their motor home in

They blew our christmas lights

Cousin David knew just what went wrong

So we all waited on our front lawn

He threw the breaker and the lights came on

And we sang Silent Night

Oh Silent Night o' holy night

Carve the turkey turn the ballgame on

Mix Bloody Marys cause we all want one

Send somebody to the Stop 'n Go

We need some celery and a can of fake snow

A bag of lemons and some Diet Sprite

A box of midol, some Salem Lights

Hallelujah everybody say cheese

Merry Christmas from the family

How Bad Do You Want It?

This video doesn't have anything to do with country music, but it is a great motivational video that I came across that I wanted to share with all of yall.  It really makes you think and is definitely worth 6minutes of your time.  For me, this is exactly how I feel about music...

THROWBACK-- Trace Adkins "I Can't Outrun You"

This is one of my all time favorite country songs and it was more than time to make sure everyone else has heard it too.  Full disclosure warning: this song is my number one procrastination tool and has resulted multiple times in me not being able to take it off repeat.  If you have something important to do I recommend waiting til later to play it because the emotional rawness of this song completely takes you over.  Trace Adkins sings this song with such honesty, in a broken down, hopelessly tired voice that seems to have given up trying to move on.   The chorus is incredibly powerful, and the final words of the song are haunting when we realize that through all this regret he was the one that choose to walk away but later realized he never really could.

Spotify link:Trace Adkins – I Can't Outrun You

Ninety-five down the interstate

Mile high on a jet plane

Desert road or a downtown train

It's all the same

I can't outrun you

Now I can move to another town

And nobody to ask where you are now

LA or Mexico

No matter where I go

I can't outrun you

You're in my heart

You're in my mind

Everywhere ahead

Everywhere behind

Every turn I take

You're right around the bend

It's like your ghost is chasing me

When I'm awake

When I'm asleep

There's a part of you in every part of me

And I can't outrun you

I can't outrun you

Now I've had chances with a girl or two

But all I ever saw was you

Holdin' my hand

Kissin' my face

I guess some pictures never fade

You're in my heart

You're in my mind

Everywhere ahead

Everywhere behind

Every turn I take

You're right around the bend

It's like your ghost is chasing me

When I'm awake

When I'm asleep

There's a part of you

In every part of me

I can't outrun you. No.

I can't outrun you. No.

I can't outrun

Thought there might just come a time

Wouldn't regret tellin' you goodbye

But lookin' back

Should'a realized

I can't outrun you

I can't outrun you

I can't outrun you 

Country's Newest Star-- Hunter Hayes

20-year-old Hunter Hayes is country music’s latest up and coming star, and is all the talk in Nashville at the moment.  The promotional effort for this kid is insane; you can’t walk down music row without passing at least a few benches with his name plastered on them.  He looks like a country version of Jesse McCartney and sounds identical to Rascal Flatts’ head singer, Gary LeVox.  At first, this was a huge turn off to me because it just sounded like a young kid trying to impersonate one of their favorite artist—I did not recognize it was not LeVox singing until I was asked ‘What do you think of Hunter?’  I’m still not particularly keen on his voice, but he does show a lot of talent and promise.  Initially I was shocked that he was signed to Atlantic Records because he sounded so much like another popular artist and you only need one—radio hosts had said they would not play Scotty McCreary because they didn’t need a Josh Turner imitator.  Then I learned how personally invested he was in his self-titled debut album.  Hayes plays every instrument on the album, played a part in the writing of every song, and co-produced it with Dann Huff.  That’s impressive.  You know he is doing something right if his label trust him with that much on the album.  I have never heard of an artist getting that much creative control (writing all the songs) on an album.  Not even Taylor Swift got to write most of the songs on her debut album.  Hayes is no stranger to the industry though.  At age 4—yes age 4—he was sharing the stage with country legend Hank Williams Jr, playing the accordion and singing ‘Jambalaya.’  Check out this adorable video…

He also co-wrote Rascal Flatts’, “Play” in 2010, which made me a little more forgiving on the fact that he is so similar to Rascal Flatts.  His first single from his album, “Storm Warning” was a fun upbeat song, and his debut album released October 11.  Still haven’t made up my mind on if I like him or not, only time will tell.  He is growing on me though.  Have a listen to these two songs from the album and y’all decide for yourselves!

Hunter Hayes – Wanted

Hunter Hayes – Rainy Season (my personal favorite from the album)

Josh Gracin-- Redemption

Josh Gracin’s newest album, Redemption, hit the charts a few days ago on November 8^th, and I am really enjoying what I’m hearing!  Gracin co-wrote 16 of the 17 songs on the album (exception is a cover of the John Mayer song, “Edge of Desire”); something of which gains him a lot of respect in my book.  This album is a huge step for him in that his past albums he has only co-written about 3 of the songs.  This is probably due not only to his improving song-writing abilities, but largely to a switch in record labels from Lyric Street Record to Average Joe’s Entertainment.  Gracin also co-produced the album.  Everything about this album sets high expectations of honest and real music, and I believe every word he sings.  He definitely is keeping powerful country ballads alive in Nashville. 

The main problem with this album is that the music on it is almost too broad.  Gracin has country-country, bluegrass-country, and pop-country songs on the same album.  Variety is great, but to an extent.  I think Gracin needs to find what type of country is “him” (where he true voice is; not trying to be somebody else) and really hone in on that. 

One of my favorite attributes of this album is that Gracin brought in a full string orchestra on a couple of the songs.  I love this idea—one he probably got from Brett James’ incredible version of Gracin’s past single, “Brass Bed” (James is the writer of the song).  Gracin has personally stated that “Enough” is the song on the album that is his proudest effort.  A song about regrets a lover has, he has also mentioned that this is the song that hits closest to home.  My favorite part of the song is the instrumental pick up to the first chorus.  With lyrics like this I can see why he’s proud…

“What kind of man takes all they have

And still don’t feel like he has Enough.”

Listen here: Josh Gracin – Enough

My personal favorite song on the album is “Over Me.”  It is such a moving and brutally honest song that hits on a very vulnerable fear and regret that I believe many people carry.  Showing more signs of a great songwriter with these lyrics…

“I never thought I’d die a little at a time.

Never thought It’d be this hard to see you on the street.

Ohh could it be,

That I’m still trying, and you’re finally over me…”

Listen to full version: Josh Gracin – Over Me

This album shows a lot of promise for Gracin both as a writer and as an artist, so I can’t wait for the next!

Faith Hill Releases First Single in Years-- Come Home

“Come Home” is the first radio single Faith Hill has released since ‘06, and is in preparation for the first album with new music that she will release in six years.  There was a lot of build up for the single’s release (mainly just for Faith Hill releasing new material), resulting in the big reveal of the song at this years’ CMAs.  The performance for the most part was pretty incredible, with the exception of a few slips off pitch.  OneRepublic actually cut “Come Home” back in 2007 on their “Dreaming Out Loud” album, but never released it as a single.  Both artists cover the song in completely different ways and I love what Faith has done with it. Personally, I’m glad to have her back and am hoping that she doesn’t plan on taking another hiatus from her music for a while!  What do y’all think of the country diva’s choice as her come back song; yay or nay?

Live Debut Performance at 2011 CMAs

Studio version:Faith Hill – Come Home

Lisa Carver-- Nashville Songwriter

Today I wanted to introduce y’all to another amazing music-row songwriter, Lisa Carver.

Check this song out: Lisa Carver – Bullets

I was first introduced to Lisa when my brother played me a song of hers he was wanting to cut and then had the pleasure to hear her music live at a songwriters circle later that day.  Adroit Records says “describing Lisa Carver to someone who has never seen her perform is like trying to describe the Grand Canyon to someone who has never seen it.”  There could not be a truer statement.  Lisa is an incredible writer, but one much watch her live to get the full experience of her music.  My main goal as an artist is to be able to tell the story of what I sing, and she does this better than anyone I have ever heard; with an honesty in her expression of the lyrics unlike any other.  Her voice is very broken down, sultry, and raspy, sounding like someone whom has endured a rough life.  Honestly, she has probably one of my favorite female voices.  What makes her stand out in the crowd of music row writers is that while she has had a very successful career as a writer, you would never know it by watching a show like the one I attended.  Lisa has written songs for country superstars Tim McGraw, Tanya Tucker, Emerson Drive, Willie Nelson, and the queen herself, Reba McEntire.  She also wrote Sugarland’s number one hit, “Everyday America.”  She never sang any of these songs at the circle, nor did she drop one name.  Normally, if you attend a songwriter circle with a big writer they will play several of there songs that become hits.  She is an exception; the moment on of her songs becomes a hit you will never hear her perform it again.  She writes songs that do not have even a hint of commercial viability.  They are her stories, her pain, her loves.  When I asked her why she never plays any of her hits she laughed and told me, “honey, those songs just pay the bills.  What you heard tonight, that’s the real deal.  That’s music.”  For this she has gained my upmost respect as an artist.  All she needs is an acoustic guitar, no bells or whistles, and she will completely submerse you in her music.  When I listened to her for the first time she started her set with “Pretty People’s Feet.”  This song is the epitome of her rebelliousness as a songwriter on music row.  Hearing this I immediately knew I was about to hear music like I’d never heard it before.  (This is on YouTube, but I don’t think it showcases her full abilities so I will not post it).   She also sang the song “Whiskey and a Gun.”  A very haunting, yet very entertaining song about murder; she has quite a few killin’ songs, I wouldn’t want to mess with her. 

 "Whiskey and A Gun"

My favorite songs by her, “This Year,” and “I Would’ve Left Me Too” are not available anywhere online, but they are simply amazing.  All the more reason to make it a point to attend a circle she is at if you’re ever in Nashville.  (“I Would’ve Left Me Too” is the song my brother wants to cut).  Phenomenal.

“Bullets,” the song included at the top, is the only song of her singing that is on Spotify.  If that song does not speak of incredible song writing talent I don’t know what does.  The lyrics are very haunting and give you a lot to think about.  She does have an album she released on New Year’s 2010 titled, “Bedtime Stories.”  The album is available for only $10 on iTunes and I highly recommend you purchase it if you want a breath of something completely fresh and void of all things commercial in today’s typically predicable music scene. 

A lyric I love from her song “Wake Up Older”….

“Found me a stranger, Cause there’s comfort in danger…

Oh the things lovers do when it’s over,

Oh the things lovers do when it’s done.

Find a cool bottle, or a warm shoulder…and wake up older.”

**You’ll have to go to iTunes to hear the full song.  Hope ya’ll enjoy her music as much as I do…I know it’s pretty out there.

Roger Creager Live in Austin Tomorrow Night!

If y'all were fans of the Roger Creager music I posted the other day I have great news!  Creager will be performing in UT west campus tomorrow night for Sigma Chi's Fight Night!  The fights start around 5:30 and Creager goes on after....my guess would be that he should be hitting the stage around 9.  Seeing as that this is a concert at a fraternity event I highly doubt we'll get to here my favorite song of his, "I Loved You When," but Creager is such a strong talent I can promise that he will not disappoint!  Don't miss out; it's sure to be a great time and a hell of a show!

Tickets: Girls-$5; Guys-$20.  Sorry boys.

Here is the link to the Facebook event: CLICK HERE! for the Facebook event

Happy Halloween! -- Frightening Country Songs

**Warning country fans: this post might offend you.  Sorry but it must be said.

Happy Halloween!  If you want a real scare this Halloween listen to these absolutely horrid country songs.  Just for fun I thought I would compile a list of a few country songs I cannot stand.  First and foremost on this list you will notice a majority of it is hick hick hick country.  Songs like these are what gives country a bad name.

8.  Brad Paisley – Online

·      Reason: It is just a really dumb song and I find it incessantly annoying.

7.  Chris Young – Save Water, Drink Beer

·      Why, Chris Young, would you degrade yourself with a song like this on your new album after recording “Tomorrow” and “Don’t Leave Her (if you can’t let her go”)?

6. Zac Brown Band – Chicken Fried

·      Why this song became so popular I will never understand.  It resulted in me not being able to listen to country radio for about a year.

5. Aaron Lewis – Country Boy (Radio Edit)

·      Can someone please explain to me this fad of rockers trying to become country artist?  Please, just stop.  Lewis sounds like a pathetic attempt to imitate country singers, all while trying to pack every single stereotypical hick country lyric into one song.  Also, singing with monotone tone is not country…its embarrassing.  Stop.  I beg of you.

4.  Luke Bryan – Rain Is A Good Thing

·      “Rain makes corn, corn makes whiskey, whiskey makes my baby get a little frisky…”.  Enough said.

3.  Trailer Choir – Rockin' The Beer Gut

·      Congratulations, Trailer Choir.  You have officially earned the award for most obnoxious and trashy band name, song title, and lyrics…oh and congrats on your new groupies.  I’m sure their beer guts are real cute; top of the flock.

2.  Anything by Darius Rucker

            He is the one country artist that I immediately change the station one bar into all of his songs to spare myself the pain of hearing his voice.  His songs are not as bad as the others on this list, but they need someone else singing them.  Once again, old rockstars trying to suddenly become country stars…stop.

1. We Road in Trucks-- Luke Bryan

· ===     Never in my life I have I ever been more disappointed in country music.  Oh and congratulations to Luke Bryan.   Two of your songs managed to make it onto my list of eight.  Please bring some more originality to your up-tempos.  If you want some more laughs or just straight up terror, check the music video out as well.

Dear country music,

I love you and the honesty of country music more than any other music genre.  Please then, stop writing songs about backroads, tractors, sweet tea, and more backroads.  Also, obnoxious country fans, stop belting out the lyrics to these songs and acting like these are all your favorite activities.  Most of you are not hicks, do not spend a majority of your free time riding down dirt roads, and I know that most of you do not drive tractors around for fun.

Now that I’m done venting about songs that give country a bad reputation listen to these in honor of Halloween.  They are actually good songs that are fun and a little bit spooky.

1.  Johnny Cash – (Ghost) Riders In The Sky

2.  Charlie Daniels – The Devil Went Down To Georgia

Roger Creager

            Roger Creager has not come out with any new music real recently, so this post might seem a bit random, but he is one of my favorite Texas country artists.  His new album “Surrender” is set to be released in January 2012.  I mention him now because on my last trip to Nashville I was able to hear the single “Surrender” and in my opinion it is his best work yet.  Creager is a perfect example of the epitome of a Texas Country artist, with hick songs, songs about drinking, and songs about love and sex, but what stands Creager out from the crowd is his unique juxtaposition of songs on his CDs.  They are not all of one type but appeal to a broad audience containing fun loving, living free party songs and then the next song to play will be a gut wrenching ballad.  Creager demonstrates once again the thing I love most about country music; he knows how to tell a story.  My favorite song of his, which as been stuck on a permanent replay on my computer, is “I Loved You When.”  It is extremely country, as one can see in the blatantly sexual and descriptive intimate moments –

“She got up for a drink, walked naked across the floor…

Looking back at me with that playful smile and I wanted her once more…”

He realizes that music is not all about pretty singing all the time and one can feel the passion and truth which he sings the song in the line “She said tell me you love me” and he roughly speaks in a deep voice, “I love you.”  Give it a listen here:

Live Version: 

Spotify link to studio version:

Roger Creager – I Loved You When

Creager co-wrote every song on his new album “Surrender,” with the exception being his cover of “Redemption Songs,” a Bob Marley classic.   The man that Creager co-wrote his song “Surrender” with is one of the most sought after co-writers in Nashville, and Creager has described this song as the most honest piece of work he has ever written.  Be sure to keep an eye out for it, January 2012 (I don’t know the specific date yet).  I assure you, you won’t want to miss it.

Albums released to date:
1998: "Having Fun All Wrong"
2000: "I Got the Guns"
2003: "Long Way to Mexico"
2004: "Live Across Texas"
2008: "Here It Is" ---my personal favorite.

 

Goodbyes

Sorry for the short post this week.  I have been in Midland with my family since Saturday and my grandmother just passed at 1:30am this morning.  Here is what I am listening to; a few songs that deal with letting go and saying goodbye.  Rest in peace Mimi; I will always love you.  God bless.

When I Get Where I’m Going—Brad Paisley ft. Dolly Parton

You Can Let Go Now Daddy—Crystal Shawanda

Temporary Home—Carrie Underwood

Say The Word-- Elliot Park

I know I usually cover country on my blog but this song was too good not to share.  It’s not country, falling into more of the Indie Rock category, but this was introduced to me by a couple of song writers on music row and I fell in love.  I know a man whom every word of this song explains his relationship and how it ended to the T.  The lyrics of the song are not as synonymous with my life as with my friends, yet it still strikes a real cord within me because I have been in very similar situations and will soon have a similar decision to make.  Must we say goodbye to some people in our lives in order to achieve our dreams?  How will we know if we are making the right decision?  I love how music can do this for people; it might be hard to listen to at times but for some reason it brings a strange kind of peace—for me at least.

Spotify link: Elliott Park – Say the Word

Lyrics:

A busy airport on a Sunday afternoon

I went to see her off, the least that I could do

Cause there were dreams I had and fortunes to be made

And her love was in my way

And as I watched her slowly walk toward the gate

Something deep inside woke up and called her name

She turned her hopeful eyes and through the tears that bleed

This is what she said…

(Chorus)

Say the word and I would give to you my life

Say the word and I’m yours until the day you die

I just stood there while my pride got in the way

And I still regret today, the words I didn’t say

I heard someone in Denver made her smile again

Now she’s got his name and kids that look like him

I’ve got my fortune more than I could ever need

Oh but Denver’s got my dream

Repeat chorus

All the choices I have made, and all that could have been

A thousand dreams that haunt, I try to speak and she just says again…

Repeat chorus

COUNTRY MUSIC MONTH!

If y’all don’t usually listen to country music, this is the month I encourage you to give it a try.  October is the month dedicated to Country music so tune into country radio, make a trip to a dance hall, or buy tickets to a country artist you haven’t seen in concert yet.  For all the country lovers or haters, here’s list of great country songs that you’re crazy if you don’t enjoy no matter what your preferences.

     1.       Carrie Underwood – I Told You So (Originally a Randy Travis, their duet is outstanding as well)

           2.   Blake Shelton – Austin

3.         Deana Carter – Strawberry Wine
4.     Faith Hill & Tim McGraw – Like We Never Loved At All
5.     George Strait – The Chair
6.    Josh Gracin – Brass Bed (I recommend Brett James’—the songwriter—version with a full orchestra; absolutely phenomenal)

      7.    Martina McBride – A Broken Wing
8.    Rascal Flatts – These Days
9.    Rodney Atkins – Invisibly Shaken
10.Tim McGraw – When the Stars Go Blue
11. Brad Paisley;Alison Krauss – Whiskey Lullaby - Featuring Alison Krauss
12. Clay Walker – Fall
13. Emerson Drive – Moments
14. Jason Aldean – Why
15. Kenny Chesney – Me And You
16. Lonestar – Amazed
17. Lady Antebellum – Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Enjoy.

Patrick Thomas: Country's Latest Up and Coming Star

Patrick Thomas caught everyone’s attention when he belted out Tim McGraw’s, “Live Like You Were Dying,” in his blind audition for NBCs new hit show, The Voice.    You can watch it here…

***Due to copywrite infringements, NBC has taken down videos of Patrick's blind audition from YouTube, but you can purchase it on iTunes!***

Patrick has been singing since before he could walk and has never known another dream other than that to become a recording artist.  He is also an extremely gifted piano player, playing by ear (can hear a song once and play it back nearly perfect), teaching himself to play the guitar, and as a songwriter.  Patrick wrote his first song, “Sheppard” at age 9, already showing tremendous skill.  Patrick has worked hard to perfect his craft over the years and develop a sound that is uniquely his.  I don’t think I can give you a straight answer as to what his sound is, he has had offers to star on Broadway, held the lead in the Opera at Vanderbilt his sophomore year, and was known as the country boy on The Voice.  Patrick hopes to one day be a crossover artists, bringing a sound into the industry that has not yet been heard.  I think the ultimate goal is to achieve something on the Taylor Swift type where his music will be heard at on any radio station and can appeal to those with many different tastes.  Throughout the years Patrick sang numerous National Anthems, starting at age 9 for the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Stars, and the Dallas Mavericks.  After the Voice wrapped, Patrick decided to stay in school at Vanderbilt University (currently a junior) and has just recently signed a publishing deal with Brett James, country music’s current songwriter of the year.  There is much left in store for Patrick, and rumor has it he might be hopping on the tour bus with Blake Shelton to join him on stage as he finishes up his tour.  I have attached YouTube videos on one of his covers, “Colder Weather” by Zach Brown Band, and one of my favorite originals, “Waiting.”  Hope y’all enjoy and be sure to keep an eye out!

Cover of "Colder Weather"

  

  "Waiting" - Patrick Thomas                                  

"Own The Night" Hits the Charts!

So as I mentioned in my last post, Lady Antebellum’s newest album, “Own the Night,” hit the charts last Wednesday and if you haven’t already go snatch a copy up!  This group just has something special about them, releasing another emotional roller coaster of a record.  It will make you wanna dance and it will make you want to cry.  I guess I’m a depressing person because the two most heart wrenching tracks on the album, “Cold as Stone” and “Wanted You More,” are the songs I have constantly placed on repeat.  The evocative lyrics make it hard to pull yourself away from the music.  Only time will tell how “Own 

 Night” will fare in comparison to the 2011 Grammy Album of the Year, “Need You Now,” but I think it will live up to its standards.

I already attached a video of "Wanted You More," but here is the Spotify link to "Cold as Stone" if you wanna check it out: Lady Antebellum – Cold As Stone 

If you find yourself hooked on Lady A as I am, go ahead and give this song listen.  The song is written by my brother, Patrick Thomas, and fellow Nashville songwriter (Reba’s “Turn on the Radio”), Cherie Oakley, both from NBCs hit new show, The Voice.  It’s just a rough recording that my brother emailed me the other day but the lyrics sound very “Lady Antebellum” to me.  Hopefully they can record a good demo of it soon.  It’s called “I Will Remember This.”  Enjoy!

"I Will Remember This"-Oakley and Thomas

Lady Antebellum on Fire with 3 New Single Releases in the Past Month!!

The red hot country trio, Lady Antebellum, really took off last year with their multi-platinum album “Need You Now,” and their train has been power rolling ever since!  With their third studio album “Own The Night” set to release tomorrow, Sept. 13^th, the trio has been avidly promoting the new album.  Receiving a major last minute blessing from the album release gods, Lady A was asked to fill in for Mary J. Blige and sing the national anthem at the Cowboys game in NYC against the Jets on 9/11 (it doesn’t get much more high profile than that).  All eyes are now on the trio to see what the group that sang what is being described as a “beautifully simple and RESPECTFUL” rendition of the anthem, will do next.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWFlXKS73mA (Anthem starts at 2:35).

Releasing three new singles all within the past month, I wonder, does this all seem a bit rushed?  “We Owned the Night” (the single that the trio has been quoted as saying is the inspiration behind the whole album) was released on Aug. 12, with “Dancing Away with My Heart” coming out a mere 2 weeks later on Aug. 26.  Lady A fans received another last minute treat when the groups newest single “Wanted You More” hit the charts a week ago on Sept. 6.   When comparing the rate at which albums are usually released from one group, especially after a hugely successful album, this seems really soon for the group to release so much new music and a new album.  Taking the country and crossover music scene by storm, I have no complaints, and personally hope this starts a trend.  Who says you must wait several years after releasing a hot album to make new music?  Although it seems abnormal (singles are not usually stacked like this so to leave more time for a single to take off) I say keep it coming.  Lady A heads into their album release with “Wanted You More” currently at number one on the country charts and “Just a Kiss”—released back in May—still at number 5 on the charts; its looking like this album is going to be a huge success and the trio is not cooling down any time soon.  The songwriting skills and perfectly in synch harmonies never cease to impress.  Their sound is refreshingly light without feeling overproduced, as does much of the work currently being released by “hot” groups in the industry.  Lady Antebellum has created what I would like to call a refined country sound and has attacked the country/pop crossover market (everyone knows the song “Need You Now;” that kind of recognition is hard to do in country music).  Lady A has the gift of releasing music that is light and relatable, somehow managing to make each song feel as though it was written for you specifically.  I can guarantee that I will be one of the first people to purchase their newest album tomorrow and am excited to see how it compares to the success of “Need You Now.”  Their previous album had the perfect mix of somber ballads and rockin’, hopeful uptempos; can “Own the Night” accomplish this too, especially after being released so soon after their second album?  We’ll see tomorrow!

**Give their latest single, “Wanted You More” a listen here!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMORKMsAl20  

The Country/Pop Crossover: Duets

            The trend of creating something new and different in the music industry is always what the record companies are pushing…something people haven’t heard before; that’s what will sell.  In an attempt to accomplish this we see the definition of what exactly is “country music” become harder and harder to pinpoint.  New country has been becoming more and more pop with crossovers such as Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, The Band Perry, etc; but now we are seeing a new trend: the unlikely duet collaboration.  Lately I’ve noticed that a lot of the hottest duets hitting the charts are country duets not sang between two country crooners, but rather one country and the other singer typically pop.  My latest duet obsession is “Easy” by Rascal Flatts and Natasha Bendingfield. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDSCjmxO4T4

This collaboration is breathtaking and sang with such a powerful rawness of emotion.  I was shocked when I purchased this album to see that Bendinglfield had recorded with the country band.  While yes, Rascal Flatts is definitely of the new country style, I had not predicted Bedingfield going the country route, but in a way the two styles are becoming one.  With a song such as “Easy”, the melodies are pure country through and through, but having an artist without a typical “country” voice is beautiful and obviously very successful.  Another hugely successful yet unlikely duet collaboration is Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL-Oc4fqL9A&feature=related

Hitting number one on the Billboard Country Chart and staying at the top on the pop music charts is quite a feat.  While Kelly Clarkson might not be an “unlikely” duet partner; having previously collaborated with Reba on her song “Because of You”, her voice once again is not “country,” yet the result is amazing and still sounds country because the way the song is written.  These duets show the unlikely becoming all the more likely with huge support behind them.  “Bi-winning” you could say: fans win by hearing their favorite powerhouses duet no matter their regular genre, and record labels achieve much more play time with the pop stations playing the country guys and gals as well.  I say keep them coming!