CountryChart #1 for Country Music Charts

Josh Grider must have a big set of kahunas . Yes, you read the above sentence correctly - because it takes some boldness from the nether regions for a country music artist - or any music artist, really - to title a new album " Brokedown ." To some lazy music reviewers, a title like  " Brokedown " is a gift from above that would allow them to simply banter on about how 'broken down' the album actually is. However, Josh Grider, a country boy who hails from Las Cruces, New Mexico, doesn't allow for any of that. He has created a tight Album-EP hybrid with six songs and a bonus cut that will knock any lazy, 'broken down' music critic right into top gear. The album begins with the quietly intense " Only Life I've Ever Known (Suburban Song) ." Grider oozes sincerity as he grapples with a man coming to terms with the cards life has dealt. The lyrics provide vivid imagery of a man with a not-so-easy life trying to make a living f...

Other Texas country stars must secretly dislike Kyle Park. You see, crafting the perfect country melody is hard work. The problem for them is that Kyle Park makes it look easy. To make things worse, Park is constantly reminding them how good he is by releasing a new EP every three months. The EP begins with the heartbreak track "All Night," written by Park and Ben Clark. While the lyrics are sad, the track is insanely hummable. The next track "The Heart Of You" treads more familiar territory, and the song is carefully paced and builds to a toe-tapping chorus. "I Think You're In Love" is the EP's biggest surprise, because it deftly blends traditional country with an easy going Texas country swagger. "Whatever It Takes" is a departure for Kyle Park and offers a smorgasbord of musical influences, including some latin flavor. However, the best track was saved for last. The deeply personal "Overboard (It's Over)" is a bea...

Fans of Texas country music have reason to celebrate, because the four-member Lee County Line is ready to rock the radio with its unique blend of melodic Red Dirt. The band's self-titled EP represents a significant step-forward for a band whose members are not even old enough to drink. Lead singer Tanner McPhaul shines on the first track "The Way Things Change." This cut, written by drummer Josh Murdoch, has a cool Randy Rogers Band meets Hootie and the Blowfish vibe. The instrumentation is solid, and the production of Will Nicholson is above average. The second cut "Her Lyin' Eyes" is a rollicking gem that will be popular at Lee County Line (LCL) concerts. However, the EP comes into its own with the intimate cut "Songs About Me." The track starts out with intense lyrics and builds to an rousing (almost gospel-like) crescendo. "Take My Hand" showcases the band's stellar instrumentation, but the best song on the album is saved ...

Let's face it, the music industry is rough these days. However, Kyle Park is nobody's fool, and his new EP "Spring 2010" proves it. In fact, Kyle Park's unassuming country grin belies the fact that he is probably one of the smartest good ol' boys on the Red Dirt music scene. You see, Kyle Park is releasing several EPs over the next year to let fans vote on which cuts will make his new album to be released in 2011. It's a brilliant move, because fans get a voice and a constant stream of new music. Indeed, Kyle Park is forging a new path in Texas country that is likely to be replicated by others. The "Spring 2010" EP begins with the country ballad "I'm Missing You." The lyrics travel familiar country ground with a fresh perspective that builds to a rousing chorus. The rockin' "Prove It To You" is Texas country through and through. This cut will rock the rafters in Kyle Park concerts and should prove to be a f...