I've been listening to country singer Gary Allan's latest album, 'Living Hard' the last couple of days. He has a cool voice and the songwriting and musicianship on the album is superb.

The 'Living Hard' CD is actually my first introduction to Gary Allan and his music. For some reason, I had never known too much about him before. You would think that I would have, considering that he's been on the country music scene since 1996, when he released his first studio album, 'Used Heart For Sale' through Decca Records. Since then he's released seven studio albums - with three of them going platinum as well as #1 hit singles under his belt.

There's obviously quite a few Gary Allan fans out there, but with all that he's done with his career, I wonder why he wasn't high on my country music radar like other male singers in his genre? Does he not get as much attention in the media because he's considered an outsider, as he's originally from California? Also, his music has more of a rock edge to it than your 'typical' country sound - but that's not really a new thing in modern country music.

That rock edge to Gary Allan's music does appeal to me and he's a bit of a chameleon - and seems to have an open mind, musically. Like the way he's singing on "We Touched The Sun". Makes me think that Elvis could have done that song justice as well. Then there's "She's So California", with a Tom Petty vibe.

"Watching Airplanes" was the obvious right pick for the opening track and first single release off of 'Living Hard'. It's a great song and is most certainly worthy of a Country Music Award.

"Like It's a Bad Thing" is 'in the pocket' with a rocking groove. "Learning How To Bend" could easily be a contender for a Country Music Charts hit. "Wrecking Ball" is a fun song with heavy guitar riffs, high quality musicianship, with lyrics about a guy who can't get enough: "she blows into town, loves me up and down just to watch me fall. She picks me up and then knocks me down again I'm a wreck y'all, she's a wreckin' ball".

"Yesterday's Rain" is an outstanding ballad, and closing track "Living Hard" captures the energy of a live band playing to a packed to the rafters bar, but with the polished Nashville sound that you would expect from Gary Allan.

'Living Hard' - highly recommended.

Track listing with songwriting credits:

1. Watching Airplanes (Jim Beavers, Jonathan Singleton)
2. We Touched the Sun (Gary Allan, Odie Blackmon, Jim Lauderdale)
3. She's So California (Gary Allan, Jon Randall, Jaime Hanna)
4. Like It's a Bad Thing (Neil Thrasher, Tony Martin, Wendell Mobley)
5. Learning How to Bend (Gary Allan, Matt Warren, James LeBlanc)
6. As Long As You're Looking Back (Scotty Emerick, Dean Dillon, Aaron Barker)
7. Wrecking Ball (Keith Gattis, Audley Freed)
8. Yesterday's Rain (Gary Allan, Matt Warren, James LeBlanc)
9. Trying to Matter (Gary Allan, Odie Blackmon, Casey Beathard)
10. Half of My Mistakes (Radney Foster, Bobby Houck)
11. Living Hard (Gary Allan, Odie Blackmon, Bob DiPiero)

Living Hard on amazon.com

For music, the latest news and tour dates go to:

Gary Allan on Myspace
Gary Allan Official Website

By: Jenny May - BandWeblogs.com

In a grand commemoration of the 50th Celebration of the GRAMMY® Awards, Shout! Factory and The Recording Academy®'s GRAMMY Recordings announce an electrifying 7-CD series encompassing GRAMMY winners from four of the legendary awards' major genres.

With a personal introduction written by 27-time Grammy winner and 50th Celebration Ambassador Quincy Jones, this series is a sumptuous ode to the biggest hits in music history and a must-have for music lovers and collectors alike.

"We look forward to celebrating the past five decades of GRAMMY-winning music with music fans everywhere through our comprehensive CD compilations," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "It is exciting to have such classic recordings in the marketplace all at once; we hope people enjoy listening to some of the best music of the last half century as much as we did when compiling this remarkable catalogue of material."

"We are thrilled at the opportunity to join The Recording Academy in celebration of this historic milestone," says Shout! Factory CEO Richard Foos. "For 50 years, the GRAMMY Award has been recognized as music's highest honor. This series pays tribute to the artists who have helped make it so."

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary R&B and Contemporary Pop was recently released on Nov. 27, 2007.

Just in time to get music fans primed and ready for the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards to be held on February 10, 2008, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, five more Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection CDs will be released on January 8, 2008. Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Classic R&B, Classic Pop, Contemporary Rock, Classic Country and Contemporary Country.

A portion of the proceeds from the Ultimate GRAMMY Collection CD series will benefit the MusiCares Foundation® and The GRAMMY Foundation®, two charitable arms of The Recording Academy. MusiCares provides a safety net of critical health and human services and financial assistance for music people in times of need. The GRAMMY Foundation cultivates the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture through music education programs for young people and activities that promote and preserve music's rich cultural heritage.

Shout! Factory

Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory's DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras.

The company's audio catalogue boasts boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable "best of" compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica , California. Its fine products are distributed by Sony BMG Music Entertainment Inc. For more information, visit Shout! Factory Official Website

The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit GRAMMY.COM.

Track Listings:

Ultimate GRAMMY® Collection: Contemporary R&B (November 27, 2007)

1. Anita Baker "Giving You The Best That I Got" (Single Version)
2. Terence Trent D'Arby "Wishing Well"
3. Soul II Soul Featuring Caron Wheeler "Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)"
4. Luther Vandross "Here And Now"
5. Ray Charles "A Song For You"
6. Sade "No Ordinary Love"
7. Toni Braxton "Breathe Again"
8. Boyz II Men "I'll Make Love To You"
9. Blackstreet Featuring Dr. Dre "No Diggity"
10. R. Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly"
11. Brandy & Monica "The Boy Is Mine"
12. TLC "No Scrubs"
13. Whitney Houston "It's Not Right But It's Okay"
14. D'Angelo "Untitled (How Does It Feel)"
15. Usher "U Remind Me"
16. Beyonce Featuring Jay-Z "Crazy In Love"

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Contemporary Pop (November 27)

1. k.d. lang "Constant Craving"
2. Seal "Kiss From A Rose"
3. Annie Lennox "No More I Love You's"
4. Eric Clapton "Change The World"
5. Shawn Colvin "Sunny Came Home"
6. Sarah McLachlan "Building A Mystery"
7. Jamiroquai "Virtual Insanity"
8. The Brian Setzer Orchestra "Jump Jive An' Wail"
9. Madonna "Ray Of Light"
10. Macy Gray "I Try"
11. Nelly Furtado "I'm Like A Bird"
12. Norah Jones "Don't Know Why"
13. Justin Timberlake "Cry Me A River"
14. Los Lonely Boys "Heaven"
15. Kelly Clarkson "Since U Been Gone"
16. John Mayer "Gravity"

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Classic R&B (January 8, 2008)

1. Aretha Franklin "Respect"
2. Sam & Dave "Soul Man"
3. Otis Redding "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay"
4. The Isley Brothers "It's Your Thing"
5. Ike & Tina Turner "Proud Mary"
6. Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine"
7. Billy Paul "Me And Mrs. Jones"
8. The Temptations "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" (Single Version)
9. Gladys Knight & The Pips "Midnight Train To Georgia"
10. Natalie Cole "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)"
11. The Emotions "Best Of My Love"
12. Donna Summer "Last Dance"
13. Earth, Wind & Fire "After The Love Has Gone"
14. Marvin Gaye "Sexual Healing"
15. Rufus and Chaka Khan "Ain't Nobody"
16. Commodores "Nightshift" (Album Version)

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Classic Pop January 8

1. Petula Clark "Downtown"
2. The Mamas & The Papas "Monday, Monday"
3. Jose Feliciano "Light My Fire"
4. Harry Nilsson "Everybody's Talkin'"
5. The 5th Dimension "Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)"
6. Dionne Warwick "I'll Never Fall In Love Again"
7. Captain & Tennille "Love Will Keep Us Together"
8. Janis Ian "At Seventeen"
9. Bee Gees "How Deep Is Your Love"
10. The Doobie Brothers "What A Fool Believes"
11. Kenny Loggins "This Is It"
12. Toto "Rosanna"
13. Tina Turner "What's Love Got To Do With It"
14. Phil Collins "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)"
15. Steve Winwood "Higher Love"
16. Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life"

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Contemporary Rock January 8

1. Living Colour "Cult Of Personality"
2. Melissa Etheridge "Ain't It Heavy"
3. Soul Asylum "Runaway Train"
4. Stone Temple Pilots "Plush"
5. Soundgarden "Black Hole Sun"
6. Blues Traveler "Run-Around" (Album version)
7. Tracy Chapman "Give Me One Reason"
8. The Smashing Pumpkins "Bullet With Butterfly Wings"
9. The Chemical Brothers "Block Rockin' Beats"
10. Fiona Apple "Criminal"
11. Lenny Kravitz "Fly Away"
12. Coldplay "In My Place"
13. Dave Matthews "Gravedigger"
14. The White Stripes "Seven Nation Army"
15. Evanescence "Bring Me To Life"
16. Green Day "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams"

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Classic Country January 8

1. Roger Miller "King Of The Road"
2. Jeannie C. Riley "Harper Valley P.T.A."
3. Tammy Wynette "Stand By Your Man"
4. Johnny Cash "A Boy Named Sue"
5. Lynn Anderson "Rose Garden"
6. Ray Price "For The Good Times"
7. Johnny Cash & June Carter "If I Were A Carpenter"
8. Jerry Reed "When You're Hot, You're Hot"
9. Donna Fargo "Happiest Girl In The Whole U.S.A."
10. Crystal Gayle "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue"
11. Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys"
12. Kenny Rogers "The Gambler"
13. The Charlie Daniels Band "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"
14. George Jones "He Stopped Loving Her Today"
15. Dolly Parton "9 To 5"
16. Willie Nelson "Always On My Mind"

Ultimate GRAMMY Collection: Contemporary Country January 8

1. Vince Gill "When I Call Your Name"
2. Mary Chapin Carpenter "Down At The Twist And Shout"
3. The Judds "Love Can Build A Bridge"
4. Brooks & Dunn "Hard Workin' Man"
5. Dwight Yoakam "Ain't That Lonely Yet"
6. Asleep At The Wheel and Lyle Lovett "Blues For Dixie"
7. The Mavericks "Here Comes The Rain"
8. LeAnn Rimes "Blue"
9. Alison Krauss and Union Station "Looking In The Eyes Of Love"
10. Trisha Yearwood "How Do I Live"
11. George Jones "Choices"
12. June Carter Cash "Keep On The Sunny Side"
13. Tim McGraw "Live Like You Were Dying"
14. Gretchen Wilson "Redneck Woman"
15. Emmylou Harris "The Connection"
16. Carrie Underwood "Jesus, Take The Wheel"

Ultimate Grammy Collection: Contemporary Pop on amazon.com

For more information, please visit the Ultimate GRAMMY Collection Official Website

It's raw and emotional. It's freight-train-to-nowhere lonely. It's hard-rockin', no-apologies country music that has traded in its twang for a gravelly growl millions of fans recognize as the voice of Gary Allan. And with 'Living Hard', his latest release from MCA Nashville, Allan once again proves that, though times may change, the thread of truth at the center of his music remains the same.

"I think the fans are gonna feel that this record is different," he says, "but the most important thing is that what I do is authentic. I've never pushed for a certain image. I've just always done my own thing."

This time around, Allan says, that includes letting listeners ride along through his personal landscape over the past year. "The record has taken about a year to make," he says, "and I think the whole thing reflects change. I think every record sort of reflects where I'm at, and I've made a ton of changes this year, just mentally and in how I'm approaching everything. "Oh," he adds with a grin, "and I think it's much more rockin' than anything I've done."

Allan decided to crank it up musically. "I just felt like I was growing so much and wanted the music to reflect that. I think the result has more of an edge." More edge, from the man who's already got a reputation as a bit of a Nashville outsider? "Hopefully country music feels like they need somebody like me in the fold just to shake things up," he laughs.

Not that this was all his idea - Allan feels some of the changes come from the fans themselves. "It's not like I was trying for a new direction, it's almost audience driven, too. l feel like I've got this young crowd with me now, I've got these rocker kids in my audience. And I grew up with that music, too," says the California-bred singer, "so to me that stuff is right alongside Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. The people really dictate the music, too. I feed off the audience, whatever they're really wanting is what they drag out of me. I've got the edgy side of the country crowd - and I want to keep them."

No danger of losing them - 'Living Hard' is an all-out rocker with a heavy Rolling Stones influence, and in "Like It's a Bad Thing" he lets it rip with a song that reads like a Gary Allan bad boy manifesto. "That song does sound like me, doesn't it?" he says. "I think if anything, that sort of renegade spirit is even more prevalent on this album. We've always danced to our own tune."

Gary Allan, whose life is a whirlwind of hard-driving touring, also made a conscious decision to carve out more songwriting time for this album than ever before. "It's the most I've written on any album," he says. "I usually only write on my time off because I'm going so much that I hardly have time to ponder and sit around enough to want to write. Last year I sort of forced myself into it early so that I could write more for the record."

He was pleased with the result: "I'm usually more critical on my stuff," he says, "but I feel like I'm writing better, and obviously the more you've been through, the more you've got to say and the deeper you can express those emotions."

If you've been to his shows, Allan says, you know that when he sings about "baring my soul for the price of your ticket," he's not just blowing smoke. Since his last studio album, 2005's 'Tough All Over', which drew on his experiences coping with the death-by-suicide of his wife, Angela, in 2004, Allan has become known for putting all his emotions on the line in his songs. "I'm exactly the same on the stage as I am off the stage," he says, "and what I found is, the bigger the arena, the more you're standing in the middle of those people, the more transparent you are. You can tell when somebody's not authentic or they're trying to be something they're not."

In songs like "Learning How to Bend," he admits he's still exploring some rough terrain as he makes his way back into everyday life and the possibility of a new relationship. "I think my favorite song that I wrote on this album is "Learning How to Bend" he says. "I woke up one day with that title. And it's me, you know - I'm still learning, learning how to bend."

And in "We Touched the Sun" he moves forward while looking back at the beautiful times he shared with Angela. "There's a small circle of us that write songs together, and it's like group therapy," he says with a chuckle. "And the result is it's real. We rented a house in Costa Rica just to write, and "We Touched the Sun" is one of the songs that came out of that session. It's a very reflective song, looking back at Angela. But it could be anybody you loved, just all the fond memories."

Thanks in part to all of that musical therapy, says Allan, these days "I'm in a good place, definitely happy." And, he assures his fans, if you've been through tough times yourself, or you're just wondering how he's coping these days, all you have to do is listen to his music. "I don't really talk to people about my situation," he says, "but I feel like since I do write about my life and where I am, you can watch me heal through my music. It's lots easier on me, and I do hope that the music speaks to you."

With 'Living Hard', Allan is sure to find his music speaking to an ever-growing number of fans. "I want to reach even bigger audiences," he says. "I feel like I've got so much to say and so much to do right now and things are moving so fast. It's great to have something new to throw at people."

Most of all, he says, he just wants people to come along for the ride - and hear the sounds of a life in progress. "It's a good listen, I think," he says. "I'm excited for people to hear it. It'll take you through a whole range of emotions, and I think it's going to take you on a journey. That's my goal."

Gary Allan - "Watching Airplanes" video:

Gary Allan - Living Hard on amazon.com

Gary Allan 2008 tour dates:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Gary Allan's Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

January 18 2008 - Kinder, LA @ Coushatta Casino Resort
February 16 2008 - San Antonio TX @ AT&T Center
March 15 2008 - Sydney, Aus @ CMC Rocks the Snowys
March 19 2008 - Toowoomba, QLD, Australia @ Empire Theatre
March 20 2008 - Tweed Heads West, NSW, Australia @ Seagulls Club

Gary Allan videos on Yahoo

Gary Allan Official Website
Gary Allan on Myspace

Brad Paisley has released his latest single, "Letter To Me" off of his album '5th Gear'. It's about what he would say to himself at age 17 if he could write a letter to himself today. The lyrics are full of advice and encouragement and I'm sure that the song will touch the heartstrings of many who can relate.

For the filming of the video, Paisley invited his classmates from his 1991 graduating class at John Marshall High School to be involved. Over 140 classmates from his old school participated in the video, as well as one of his most supportive teacher's, also the policeman who gave him his first ticket and current students from John Marshall.

I think the video concept is a great idea. It just confirms what I've been thinking all along - that not only is Brad Paisley a huge talent (keeping in mind his great guitar playing and cool Telecaster guitars), but he also seems like one of the nicest guys in country music today. Inviting old classmates to be in a video is quite the gesture - and I can't think of many artists that would do something like this.

After watching his performance at the 41st Annual Country Music Awards (CMAs), my interest in Brad Paisley and his music has been reignited. It was good to watch him perform "Online", also off of '5th Gear', and after being nominated seven times, he finally took home the Best Male Vocalist Award at the CMAs. I found it surprising that he hadn't won Best Male Vocalist before, but then again, there has been some stiff competition in the Country Male category over the years.

Two songs off of Brad's latest album '5th Gear' have hit #1 in the Country Music Singles Charts - "Ticks" (watch video), the first single, and "Online" (watch video). Now with third single, "Letter To Me", it will be interesting to see if he can get another #1.

Watch Brad Paisley - "Letter To Me" video on YouTube

Brad is currently touring with opening acts Taylor Swift and Rodney Atkins on the Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour.

For more information go to Brad Paisley Official Website

He even has a blog:

Brad Paisley's Blog

By: Jenny May

Becca is touring on the success of her number #1 single "Second Chance" on the Indie World Country Chart and her current single "Pieces Of My Heart" which is #4 on the Independent Music Network Top 30 Country Chart and #15 on the Indie World Country Chart.

Both singles are from her debut CD 'Becca'. On this CD 'Becca', she not only belts out, caresses and sweet talks 12 solo tunes, but makes magic on duets with two of music's legends -- "Dozen Roses", with Stan Perkins, son of rock-a-billy legend Carl Perkins, and "Blue Note", with music legend Delaney Bramlett (Delaney and Bonnie - Never Ending Song Of Love).

Becca is backed up by her world class band LA Country giving flawless resonance to each unique arrangement, from the Country pop of "Second Chance", to the folk rock of "Autumn Eyes". If you like your music real, sweet, soulful and slammin', Becca's a slam-dunk.

Hear tracks from Becca's CD and see Becca and her band LA Country perform her current single "Pieces Of My Heart" on her websites.

www.beccaandlacountry.com and Becca and LA Country on Myspace

Becca's CD is available on CD BABY and most digital download services.

Contact: Marsha Newell
Nari Records
narirecords@aol.com
(818) 366-3736

"I Would Die For That" is a song about a woman who desperately wants a child, and is unable to conceive. The lyrics in what could be perceived as a somewhat controversial song, have pulled at the heart strings of many women who can relate to the woman's story.

It's amazing to read all of the discussions and comments that have been added under Kellie Coffey's "I Would Die For That" YouTube video regarding the subjects of adoption, abortion and infertility. The song is clearly helping to bring people together who have experienced similar situations.

Kellie Coffey's voice on "I Would Die For That" sounds incredible and the production on the song is superb. It reminds me of old school country but mixed with 21st century brilliance.

It makes sense that Kellie Coffey has opened up for George Strait on his 2004 tour and has shared the stage with country artists Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Montgomery Gentry, Trace Adkins, Winona Judd, Martina McBride, Lone Star, Alan Jackson and more. Her talent shines, and she'll be gaining a whole new fan base with the new single alone, and I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the tracks off of her album, 'Walk On'.

Watch Kellie Coffey - "I Would Die For That" video:

Buy Kellie Coffey's album Walk On with "I Would Die For That" on amazon.com.

Kellie Coffey - "I Would Die For That" YouTube video link
Kellie Coffey Official Website
Kellie Coffey on Myspace

By: Jenny May - Band Weblogs

Becca is touring on the success of her number #1 single "Second Chance" on the Indie World Country Chart. "Second Chance" is from Becca's debut CD 'Becca' on Nari Records. On the CD Becca, she not only belts out, caresses and sweet talks 12 solo tunes, which includes the #1 "Second Chance" as well as Becca's new single "Pieces Of My Heart", but makes magic on duets with two of music's legends -- "Dozen Roses", with Stan Perkins, son of rock-a-billy legend Carl Perkins, and "Blue Note", with music legend Delaney Bramlett (Delaney and Bonnie - "Never Ending Song Of Love").

Becca is backed up by her world class band LA Country giving flawless resonance to each unique arrangement, from the Country pop of "Second Chance", to the folk rock of "Autumn Eyes". If you like your music real, sweet, soulful and slammin', Becca's a slam-dunk. Hear tracks from BECCA's CD and see Becca and her band LA Country perform her new single "Pieces Of My Heart" on her websites www.beccaandlacountry.com and www.myspace.com/beccaandlacountry

Becca's CD is available on CD BABY and most digital download services

Gene Butler sings some Concrete Country songs like the intro track then turns on that in your face country charm on "Cold, Cold, Cold Woman." Music and songs like this are next-door neighbors to the blues, it is an undeniable fact that country is one of the many styles of music that developed a life all its own from the genre. I find myself grinning from ear to ear when I hear songs like that for some reason. I am always able to find the humor in an otherwise potentially painful situation. Guess it's your own choice to look at the lighter side of life this way, I have a feeling the singer sure is.

Some fine musicians back Butler on every track on this album, besides his harmonica, guitar, and vocals, he gets some stellar support from some foot stompin' fiddle players like Doug Atwell and Brantley Kearns. Billy Da Mota and Gurf Morlix (also plays the bass and provides vocals) adds some great guitar licks, and we cannot discount the importance of the pedal steel in a country song- Danny Dugmore provides that and does a fine job. Mike Bannister and Phil Mantano beat the skins to provide the bottom end for everyone and Amy Penny and Lucinda Williams (recognize that name?) add some vocal parts. I thought it was important to mention everyone that contributed to this effort and certainly, without all of their support, Butler would not have pulled this off in such a big way. I am not a big country fan but sometimes there is enough rock and a taste of the blues to bring out the latent cowboy in me.

Artist: Gene Butler
Title: Concrete Country
Genre: Country-Rock
Label: VAVV Records
Gene Butler Band Website
CD Baby Link

Tracks:
01. Momma Wish I'd Listened to You (1:00)
02. Cold, Cold, Cold Woman (2:20)
03. Don't Say Don't (2:01)
04. In This Lonesome City (3:01)
05. Love's the Real Thing (3:25)
06. This House That We Live In (4:23)
07. God's Fallen Star (3:20)
08. You Go On Anyway (3:22)
09. Rip Cord (4:15)
10. Ride That Train (2:33)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

This is very interesting indeed. I say this because a few months ago I discovered the Canadian band The Duhks, as I mentioned here before, and immediately liked what I was hearing. They're pretty new on the scene and are one of the most exciting bands in their genre. With Jessee Havey's voice and their Soul-Grass-Country sound there's no stopping them.

Other Grammy nominees in the Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal category include Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, and The Wreckers.

It will be interesting to see who wins.

The 49th Annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 11 on CBS

The Official Grammy Awards Website
The Duhks Official Website
Dixie Chicks Official Website

By: Jenny May

Grammy award winning producer Steve Buckingham (Dolly Parton) produced Pretty Little Stranger, with harmony support from Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, and Rodney Crowell. Osborne gives equal time to originals and covers with six of each. One thing I did not notice straight away was Joan’s similarity to Bonnie Raitt on some songs, which really is no revelation to people familiar with her as she has worked with Raitt before in the past. Bonnie is one of my favorites so for me this was a pleasant surprise upon first listen.

The production and musicianship on this recording is nothing short of impeccable. Every time I heard this CD, I warmed up to it more. Its five spins and counting so far, with many more to come I am sure. Joan says that this is her country album; however, there is lot more to it than that. Rudiments of blues, rock, and Americana find their way into the mix throughout the 12 tracks. There is not a question in my mind that this is one of the strongest albums of the year. I would say there were around 15 titles in 2006 that I would put into the upper echelon of favorite listening experiences so that is few and far between considering how many I have heard this year.

The title track is an awesome way to kick off the proceedings with Joan sounding her down to earth bluesy best and there is so much more to come after that grand opening. The new radio single “Who Divided” is one of the catchiest tunes on the album, and it is a sure bet for a big crossover hit. I found myself singing along to this every time I heard it. The way the lyrics come flowing out, it would be difficult for any performer to do well. Osborne owns it and this phrase was the clincher every time for me:

Who divided up the days into hours?
The hours into minutes?
How could they really be that smart?
Who divided up the minutes into seconds?
They must’ve had a broken heart.

They are brilliant lyrics indeed and they come across with passion and meaning with each instance. Another outstanding track is a Jerry Garcia song “Brokedown Palace.” Osborne has worked with the Grateful Dead in the past so it comes as no surprise that she does such a heartfelt rendition of the track.

This is a “grow on you album” and its hypnotic powers increase with each listen. I liked it when I first heard it and by the time, I gave a spin for the third time I loved it and could not get enough. Some albums just strike me that way and Ms.Osborne got me hooked without too much effort.

01. Pretty Little Stranger (4:23)
02. Brokedown Palace (4:01)
03. Who Divided (4:15)
04. Holy Waters (4:03)
05. What You Are (5:51)
06. Shake That Devil (4:27)
07. Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends (4:01)
08. Time Won't Tell (4:19)
09. Dead Roses (3:48)
10. After Jane (5:03)
11. Till I Get It Right (3:53)
12. When the Blue Hour Comes (3:00)

Artist: Joan Osborne
Title: Pretty Little Stranger
Genre: Country-Americana
Label: Vanguard Records
Website
Amazon Link

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck