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Showing posts from 2009

Single Review: Jody Booth "Gold Digger"

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Jody Booth makes a bold and timely entry into the country music scene with his new single "Gold Digger," which has a winning, classic country sound and first class, traditional country lyrics. Radio stations should jump on the bandwagon and give this single an extra push as recent news reports regarding Tiger Woods provide particularly strong social relevance for "Gold Digger." Booth, a native of Livingston, Texas, has a strong, country voice that oozes southern charm, and the singer's laid-back style and memorable lyrics will win him fans from every genre of country music. Aficionados of country music from around the country are eagerly awaiting his gritty, upcoming 12-song country tour de force titled "Heaven And Hell." "Gold Digger" was written by Jody Booth, and the song seems to come from Booth's personal experience. "She's got a ten cent heart and a million dollar figure," Booth sings. "There ain't no do

About The Chart

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CountryChart.com is the official site of Country Chart magazine, a division of The Chart. We syndicate news to more than 400 sources, including USA Today & the Chicago Sun-Times . Country Chart also provides free services to new country music talent. Call us: (267) 70-CHART or email us Submit an item for review

Move Over Americana, Here Comes Canadiana

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Everyone's heard of Americana, but "Canadiana" is fast gaining steam. Canadiana, as defined by Six Shooter Records, a Toronto-based label with over 30 albums in its catalog, is roots music. But Canadiana is the wild north of roots music. North of the border, "roots" has as much to do with community, isolation, pride and a healthy dose of characteristic self-deprecation as it does with musical heritage and influence. One of Six Shooter's recent releases is Luke Doucet's 'Blood's Too Rich,' which features the accomplished Canadian musician and his band The White Falcon (named after Luke's flashy Gretsch guitar of the same name). "First Day (In The New Hometown)" is a song that embodies Canadiana: roots and rock, inspired by Canadian heritage. The song is about Luke's new home, a Dixie tenement in an "unfamiliar place." He sings, "Walk these dusty streets in search of Bluejays in a southern sky" and &q

It's "Good To Be" Backyard Tire Fire - New Album With 11 Songs Set For February Release

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Backyard Tire Fire never fails to impress, and the band is back! The new album "Good To Be" is set to be released in February on the band's Kelsey Street Records label. Los Lobos' Steve Berlin produced the album and joins in on every track of "Good To Be." "Good to Be" is a culmination of guitarist/vocalist, Ed Anderson’s thirteen year journey on the road of rock and roll. For the band’s fifth full length release, Backyard Tire Fire delivers an album full of working-man songs that provide an upbeat, glass half full approach to life. Drawing on inspiration from everyday events, Anderson weaves his way through the fabric of life making a patchwork of eleven songs that bear the message of empathy, humanity and hope. Over their eight year career as a band, Backyard Tire Fire has created a presence in the music world that is hard to ignore. The trio boasts an impressive roster of celebrity fans. Reverend Horton Heat’s Jim Heath calls Backyard Tire F

Jonny Burke "The Long Haul EP"

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Jonny Burke is one of the most talented newcomers on the Americana music scene. His new 5-song recording, "The Long Haul EP" showcases a musician who is comfortable in his own skin. Burke's voice has a quality reminiscent of Tom Petty, and his laid-back musical style is warm and familiar. "The Long Haul EP" also offers compelling lyrics and superb musicianship. In short, "The Long Haul EP" is a winner. About "The Long Haul EP" and musician Jonny Burke: The EP encompasses 5 unforgettable songs. On the opening track, "Lost in the Forest," Jonny gives a rousing call for endurance over an infectious guitar hook. "Make it for You" could have been written by Roy Orison in the 1950's, and arranged by Jeff Tweedy in the 90's. "Ship Come In," (which features a guest appearance by The Band of Heathens), is a Stone-sy rocker whose extended verses pack a punch. "El Paso" digs deep on the dark yet bea

Big Week For Taylor Swift: New InStyle Cover, SNL, CMA Awards & Successful Tour

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Taylor Swift has had the best week in her music career with a high rated appearance on Saturday Night Live, big wins at the CMAs and a successful concert tour. Now, Taylor, who has appeared on several magazine covers over the past year, has graced the cover of the upcoming December issue of InStyle Magazine. Other covers included Rolling Stone, Billboard, Glamour (the title’s biggest-selling issue of the year), Allure, People StyleWatch, Redbook, Seventeen, and Teen Vogue. Taylor’s InStyle December cover showcases the fashion industry’s first-ever augmented reality cover. Taylor appears on the cover in 3D, and fans can hold their copies of the magazine up to webcams to see enhanced content. The magazine hits newsstands on November 20th, and a sneak peak of the cover is available at www.instyle.com Taylor Swift walked away from last night’s 43rd Annual CMA Awards ceremony as the history-making winner of FOUR CMA Awards, including the industry’s biggest honor – Entertainer of the Year

Get A Country Song On Us From Amazon - Choose A Free CMA Nominated Song

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For a limited time, download a CMA nominated song free! Yes, completely free . Use claim code CMAAWARD to get a single song priced at $1.29 or less by any CMA Award nominee.  UPDATE: This offer is now over. Choose a song from the following Country Music Award nominees. They include Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, Zac Brown Band, Eagles, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Joey & Rory, Montgomery Gentry, Billy Currington & Sugarland. The 43rd Annual CMA Awards were a huge success with more than 16 million viewers. So tell your friends about this exceptional offer. Happy downloading. Download A Free CMA Country Song On Us

News: George Strait And Reba McEntire Announce Nationwide Tour

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The “King of Country” is back! 17x CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee George Strait will kick off his arena tour early next year and this time, he’s bringing along one very special lady – Reba McEntire. The superstar acts performed together for the first time in many years for a sold-out crowd at the Cowboy’s Stadium inaugural event in Dallas. Selling out in less than an hour, fans and critics proclaimed the show one hot ticket! The concert was hailed by the Dallas Morning News as “an extravaganza” that “showcased Strait at the pinnacle of his musical game” and Ft. Worth Star Telegram wrote “Reba McEntire’s performance was a breathtaking master’s class in effortless brilliance.” With 57 number one hits, 33 multi-platinum albums and countless sold-out shows year after year, Strait who holds the record for the most CMA wins and a record 17 CMA Entertainer of the Year nominations, is known for giving fans exactly what they want and expect. This year will be no exception. “I can

News: Reba McEntire Visits Rachael Ray & Nightline This Friday

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Superstar Reba McEntire will make her first visit to Rachael Ray’s kitchen table this Friday for a fun chat with the hostess-with-the-most. Reba will be the sole celebrity guest on the two-time Daytime Emmy Award winning show where Rachael and Reba will also count down some of the Country music icon’s most famous looks in a special segment “Reba’s Hair and Now.” Later in the evening, Reba visits the set of ABC’s Nightline to discuss her own personal and professional musical influences, her career and the success of her new #1 album, "Keep On Loving You." It’s been a whirlwind week for Reba while in New York. Along with visiting Live w/ Regis & Kelly and making her debut on Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon yesterday, it was announced that icons George Strait and Reba will tour together in 2010. In addition, The Valory Music Co artist’s latest hit, “Consider Me Gone,” jumped into the Top 10 on both Billboard Country Singles and USA Today/ Country Aircheck (powered by Mediab

Free Downloads Of Full Concert & Favorite Live Performances From Sons Of Bill

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Christmas has obviously come early, because Sons Of Bill (one of the most promising new music acts of any genre) have offered fans a massive number of exceptional music downloads completely free. Bill obviously raised his sons right, because these country boys know times are hard for many fans. And "free" is a price anyone can afford. Plus, it's a brilliant marketing move that is bound to land Sons Of Bill many new loyal listeners. Sons Of Bill recently released their critically acclaimed album "One Town Away." The project garnered rave reviews from Country Chart and other music magazines. Click here to read our review. In the past few months, Sons Of Bill played Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits Fest. The band also opened for Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit, and several dates with Robert Earl Keen are coming soon. The links for the free downloads are below. The first link will direct you to an entire Sons Of Bill concert at Windjammer - completely free and ava

Fearless Baby: Taylor Swift's Baby Taylor Guitar

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There are no "teardrops" on this guitar, because Taylor Swift has created a special gift of love for her legion of fans. Swift has joined forces with one of the world's finest guitar manufacturers to create The Taylor Swift Baby Taylor Guitar. And it is a stunner. Inspired by memories of writing songs on her Baby Taylor, country pop sensation Taylor Swift collaborated with Taylor Guitars to design a signature Baby Taylor model. The Taylor Swift Baby Taylor (TSBT) features standard Baby Taylor specs, embellished by Swift's custom, screen-printed rosette design. At three-quarters the size of Taylor Guitar's standard dreadnought, and with a slim 1 11/16-inch neck and a comfortable, compact shape, the guitar is just right for both the littlest player’s hands and anyone who likes to pick up and play on the go. Like the original Baby Taylor, the TSBT is crafted from sapele laminate back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. The custom design is all Swift's,

Download Free Texas Country 6 Song Album - Lyle Lovett, Ryan Bingham, Willie Nelson, Hayes Carll & Robert Earl Keen

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Lost Highway is offering six songs from top country artists free with it's " T For Texas T From Tennessee " album. Willie Nelson, Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Hayes Carll and  Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears shine on this superb Lost Highway album.  UPDATE: This offer is now over. Click this link or the album cover above to download the album for free. Song titles include "Country Roads," "The Rose Hotel," "Pantry," "Sugarfoot," "Lost Highway" and "Waiting On The Stars To Fall." So forward this link to your friends and neighbors. No one will want to miss "T For Texas and T From Tennessee" from top country artists. They lyrics and music are stellar. Plus, you can't beat the price - FREE. Download Country Music - click here

Single Review: Susan Hickman "Whipping Post"

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If "Black Velvet" singer Alannah Myles decided to record a Texas country album, she might sound a lot like newcomer Susan Hickman. That's a big compliment, and Hickman, who just released her blues-infused track "Whipping Post" to Texas country radio, is perfectly poised for a big country music career. Hickman's self-titled debut dropped in February to regional fans. The MP3 is now available nationwide, and the CD will be released to a national audience in the coming months. "Whipping Post" is a powerful, sexy track that builds to a rousing crescendo. Susan Hickman offers a winning cover of the classic Allman Brothers tune and shows raw emotion in an authentic vocal performance that boldly announces her entry to Texas country music. Red Dirt fans should get used to "Whipping Post," because Susan Hickman's sultry cover will likely be giving the beat down to its competition in its attempt to achieve country chart domination. Count

2009 American Music Award Nominees - Full List Of Country Music AMA Nominations

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Nominees for the 2009 American Music Awards were announced this morning, and Taylor Swift led the pack with the most nominations, including Favorite Country Album, Artist Of The Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and Favorite Pop/Rock Album. Jason Aldean and Darius Rucker scored surprise AMA nominations against Keith Urban as Favorite Male Country Artist. The Zac Brown Band also jumped into the music big leagues after scoring AMA nominations for Best Country Band and Favorite Country Album. Votes from the public determine the winners of each category. Click here to vote on your favorites. The 27th Annual American Music Awards will be broadcast live on ABC television from LA's Nokia Theatre in late November. COUNTRY - Favorite Male Artist Jason Aldean Darius Rucker Keith Urban COUNTRY - Favorite Female Artist Reba McEntire Taylor Swift Carrie Underwood COUNTRY - Favorite Band, Duo or Group Rascal Flatts Sugarland Zac Brown Band COUNTRY - Favorite Album Unst

New Music Video: Taylor Swift "Fifteen"

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Taylor Swift and her record label (Big Machine Records) have released the new video for "Fifteen" which is featured on the upcoming CD & DVD Platinum Edition of "Fearless," which drops October 27. Fans of Taylor Swift will be thrilled with the high production value of Taylor Swift's new video. Pre-orders for the new, expanded 2-disc "Fearless" Platinum Edition have been huge for the teen country sensation. In fact, the original release has been a fixture on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart and the Billboard Country Chart for months. "Fifteen" should help drive sales of the Platinum Edition even higher, and initial fan buzz for the video is strong. This is the cover for the Platinum Edition of Taylor Swift mega-bestseller "Fearless." The special edition CD & DVD includes 6 new songs and an amazing DVD filled with photos and tons of extra features. "Fearless" has already sold over 4 million copies . Order &qu

News: Mark Wayne Glasmire Gets 2 Preliminary Grammy Nods: Best New Artist & Song Of The Year

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Singer-songwriter Mark Wayne Glasmire received two nominations in the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Nominating Ballot for Song Of The Year and Best New Artist. In late August, Country Chart published a well-deserved rave review of Mark Wayne Glasmire's single "Everything Is Gonna Be Alright" and the album " Life Goes On " (read it by clicking here ). "It's pretty unbelievable," said Glasmire from his home in Arlington,Texas.  "You work at your craft all of your life and then one day you wake up to good news like this. It's inspiring, for sure." Mark Wayne Glasmire has won many awards, including first place honors in B. W. Stevenson Memorial Songwriting Competition, Dallas Songwriters Association International Songwriting Competition and GINA/LAWIM Songwriting Competition in Los Angeles California. Members of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences may vote for Glasmire at Grammy.com . (General Field: Song Of The Year: &

Exclusive Miranda Lambert MP3 & Video: "What Are You Gonna Do" & "White Liar"

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Miranda Lambert just released her new album " Revolution ." To celebrate the album's release, you can download the exclusive, non-album track "What Are You Gonna Do" free of charge. Plus, watch an exclusive acoustic performance of "White Liar." "What Are You Gonna Do" is a beautiful traditional country ballad with elements of Miranda Lambert's hard-edged, signature country style. "What Are You Gonna Do" has a memorable melody and lush instrumentation. The free download will play on almost any MP 3 player, including iPod and Zune. The offer is available for a limited time. "White Liar" was written by Miranda Lambert with a friend, and she says it was influenced by the music of Buddy and Julie Miller along with other bluegrass musicians. The video is an upbeat feast for the ears and the eyes. You can watch the acoustic video of "White Liar" or buy the entire " Revolution " CD. " Revolution

Review: Derek Sholl "Derek Sholl"

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Derek Sholl's self-titled album "Derek Sholl" ttention he's been receiving over the last year or so. Indeed, the thirteen songs on "Derek Sholl" will thrill new listeners and be warmly embraced by Derek Sholl's growing legion of fans. Chasing a dream is nothing new for the rising country music star. Before beginning his country music career, Derek Sholl was a success in his first career of professional baseball and signed with the Kansas City Royals. But a wild pitch on his first day with the team broke his knuckle, and Sholl began to serenade his fellow teammates with his authentic country songs. Later, a fastball broke his arm, and a torn Achilles tendon finally ended his career in professional baseball. Because he started to entertain while he was on the injured list, his teammates urged Sholl to pursue a country music career. Derek Sholl found fast success by becoming the opening act for Jay Leno's Las Vegas shows. Leno is still a friend and

Review: Zac Brown Band "The Foundation" Exclusive Cracker Barrel Special Edition With 3 Live Tracks

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Don't be surprised if you get a few hunger pangs as you listen to the Zac Brown Band's Special Edition for Cracker Barrel of it's hit record "The Foundation." To celebrate 40 years of homestyle cooking with dishes that include its famous meatloaf and chicken fried chicken, Cracker Barrel has joined forces with the Zac Brown Band. The partership is a natural fit: Cracker Barrel is America's top restaurant for southern cooking, and the Zac Brown Band is the music industry's most popular new group with the Billboard chart hit "Chicken Fried" "The Foundation" Special Edition is available exclusively from the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store at Cracker Barrel restaurants nationwide and online at CrackerBarrel.com for only $11.99 . It features the most recent #1 hit "Whatever It Is" as well as "Chicken Fried." But the special edition also offers three new live tracks, and they're not to be missed. The first Crack

Review: Kris Kristofferson "Closer To The Bone"

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Kris Kristofferson never disappoints, and his new album is no exception. "Closer To The Bone" is the most intimate album of his career. It also might be his best. Grammy award winning producer Don Was produced Kristofferson's last CD, and he also took the helm of "Closer To The Bone." Kris Kristofferson's new album proves that this legendary actor, singer/songwriter and outlaw has lost none of the passionate intensity that made him a star in the first place. The album begins with the title track "Closer To The Bone," which reminds listeners of Kristofferson's Highwayman days. His voice has never sounded better, and Kris Kristofferson's songwriting talent is more than deserving of the BMI Icon Award he will receive later this fall. The most personal track on the album is the quiet "From Here To Forever," which Kristofferson wrote for his children. It's a love song and tribute that any child would treasure for the rest of

Review: The Avett Brothers "I And Love And You"

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The Avett Brothers offer satisfying performances with heartfelt lyrics on "I And Love And You." Seth and Scott Avett's unique fusion of Americana and roots along with the capable skills of famed producer Rick Rubin make this the band's best album to date. The Avett Brothers didn't start out to be the saviors of Americana music, and the brothers developed their signature sound after a not-so successful foray into hard rock music. But these grandsons of a Methodist pastor soon found their calling with a sound that blends elements of rock with bluegrass and country. They have been touring on the indie music scene for more than decade, and "I And Love And You" is The Avett Brothers major label debut on American Recordings/Columbia Records. The album begins with the hauntingly beautiful title track "I And Love And You." The Avett Brothers offer penetrating lyrics and lush instrumentation. The song has an anthemic quality, and the vocal performan

Review: James McMurtry "Live In Europe" CD & DVD

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Live albums are a mixed bag. Usually, they're either not-so-good or somewhat mediocre. However, James McMurtry's new CD & DVD "Live In Europe" defies expectations. It's a barnburner from beginning to end. This is the first time fans can purchase video footage of James McMurtry, and the two discs  - clocking in at about 40 minutes each - share only two of the same songs. So it's a great value. Actually, the success of "Live In Europe" should not be that big of a surprise, because James McMurtry's terrific 2004 release "Live In Aught-Three" proved that he knew how to make a successful live album, but "Live In Europe" even trumps the 2004 release because of his sincere vocal performance. The CD begins with the rockin' "Bayou Torture" and is followed by the new classic "Just Us Kids." James McMurtry's live version of "Just Us Kids" shows a new side of the track, and his passionate inte

What's New: James McMurtry "Live In Europe" CD & DVD

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James McMurtry's new CD & DVD set "Live In Europe" just arrived at the Country Chart office.  A special edition vinyl LP set is also available. Our full review of James McMurtry "Live In Europe" is coming soon. From the press release: James McMurtry’s recent studio albums, 2005’s Childish Things and 2008’s Just Us Kids, earned him formidable accolades. The Village Voice called him “a poet of the people.” Stephen King, writing in Entertainment Weekly , pronounced him “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation.”  Yet a lot of current McMurtry converts were introduced through the 2004 release Live in Aught-Three . Live albums aren’t typically greeted with rave reviews, but McMurtry’s rockin’ treatments of songs like “Choctaw Bingo” and “Out Here in the Middle” in concert made an uncanny translation to record. The Austin Chronicle proclaimed, “This is no-frills, freak-flag rock. Turn it up!” PopMatters called it “a snapshot of where McMurtry

What's New: Derek Sholl "Derek Sholl"

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Derek Sholl's new self-titled album "Derek Sholl" just arrived at the Country Chart office. The current, military-themed single "When They Come Back" is touching people all over the country. Our full review of Derek Sholl "Derek Sholl" is coming soon. From the press release:   Sometimes it takes the rough hand of fate to send a man chasing his true calling in life. As a kid, Derek Sholl dreamed of making it to the big leagues, to feel the incredible power of a ball park cheering for his team, and to knock one into the cheap seats with the game on the line. A common dream, but uncommonly, it came true. Out of high school, this charismatic Southern Californian signed with the Kansas City Royals. On his fist day as a pro, a wild pitch broke one of his knuckles. While on the injured list, he entertained his teammates by singing the country songs they loved to hear. He soon adopted the passion of the music he imitated, and could be found strumming a

Review: Mark McKinney "Middle America"

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Mark McKinney's debut album "Get It On" was one of the best Texas country albums of the last few years. And let's be honest, most sophomore albums just don't quite cut it. But fans of the Big Spring, Texas native can rest easy, because "Middle America" is McKinney's best album yet. In fact, this new Red Dirt classic is going to be devoured like steak at the Sizzler by hardworking men and women not just in middle America, but up and down each coast and east and west of the Mississippi. On the album cover, Mark McKinney looks every bit the Texas country star he's become, and "Middle America" shows his significant maturity as an artist. "Get It On" had four well-received country chart singles and "Middle America" could have more. The album begins with the ferocious"On The Run , " which is a classic southern rock anthem that could find a home on mainstream radio stations that spin Kid Rock records. "On

Review: Cracker “Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey”

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The rock and roll life must suit the hard-working members of Cracker, who have long been known as one of America's best bands. On Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey," Cracker only enhances its already sterling musical reputation, and "Sunrise" is Cracker's best album in well over a decade. The album begins with the spirited "Yalla Yalla (Let's Go)." Cracker only gets better as time goes by, and "Yalla Yalla" is a tasty musical treat. The upbeat mood continues with the stellar "Show Me How This Thing Works." Cracker released "Turn On, Tune In Drop Out With Me" to radio with much success, and the song shows a new, more introspective side of Cracker that is immensely appealing. This track has alt-country and Americana appeal, and the sparkling lyrics and top notch vocal performance create a sizzling record. A full album of similar material would be a chart hit for Cracker. The biggest surprise on the album is th

Review: Tori Sparks “The Scorpion In The Story”

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To call Tori Sparks sultry is a bit of an understatement, because Sparks is a beautiful musical firecracker that is bursting with raw, alt-country energy that is on full display with her new release "The Scorpion In The Story." The album begins with the roots-infused "Tall Flowers," which has a great Lucinda Williams meets Shania Twain vibe. But the best song on the album is "Leaving Side Of Love." Tori Sparks sings the lyrics with passionate intensity and sincerity. "The Scorpion In The Story" was conceived as a concept album, and Tori Sparks created a collection of experiences from her travels across North America and Europe. "Penny On A Rail" is the biggest surprise on the album, and it showcases the playful style of Tori Sparks. "Merry Go-Round" is the song which offers the most fun, and Tori Sparks takes the listener on a ride they won't soon forget with a glorious vocal performance. "Little Wrecking Ball&q

Review: Tommy Webb Band “Heartland”

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Tommy Webb has a beautiful and authentic bluegrass voice that is a breath of fresh air in the music industry. The Eastern Kentucky native's new release "Heartland" is a joyous celebration of life in the heartland of America, and it's an exciting and surprisingly satisfying musical adventure. The album begins with a traditional country song "Teardrop Inn." This track showcases a brilliantly understated vocal performance from Tommy Webb combined with superb musicianship. In the tradition of Ricky Skaggs, Tommy Webb has significant crossover potential to have both country and bluegrass chart hits. Tommy Webb's true Kentucky bluegrass roots are on full display with the toe-tapping "Everything You Do." Tommy Webb was born to make good music, and this song is one of his best. "A Hard Row To Hoe" from Webb's first album was included on "Heartland," and it was recently sent to radio where it was warmly received. The bigges