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Stephanie Briggs "Birds Barely Know Us" is a uniquely wonderful, Texas folk-Americana album that never fails to surprise or impress from the first song to the last. Although the music of this New Braunfels, Texas native is difficult to categorize, Stephanie Briggs has more than her fair share of country fans, including Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed. "Don't Come Calling" is the album's most compelling track and has the feel of an indie-rock anthem with rock-solid vocals by Briggs in a song she wrote. The tough lyrics and passionate delivery combine to create a memorable musical experience. Briggs doesn't pull any punches: "Don't see me don't touch me / Don't act like you can fix this dear." One of the best tracks on the album is "Difficult Positions" which has a Tori Amos meets Bjork vibe that is refreshingly eclectic. Likewise, "Mix Tape" showcases Briggs as an artist wi...

If you ever wondered how Eric Clapton would have turned out if he grew up in West Texas, then meet Bob Simpson. This singer-songwriter is a triple threat: Guitar skill, vocals reminiscent of Marty Robbins mixed with a little Hayes Carll and, finally, a knack for writing heartfelt and penetrating lyrics. The combination makes this album a winner. Simpson's debut album has a folk/country/Americana groove that would allow it to be enjoyed by both country and mainstream fans. The mood of the album is a unique mixture that is sometimes melancholy but always earnest. But the feeling in Bob Simpson's vocals and instrumentation on the guitar is intense without being overbearing. However, it is the hopeful "Angel On My Shoulder" where Simpson gives his finest performance. Tracy Chapman had "Fast Car" and, now, Bob Simpson has "Angel On My Shoulder." The catchy melody, memorable lyrics and perfect harmonica interludes introduce a song that could be a h...

Tom Cheatham's debut album "Restless Soul" is the biggest surprise of the year so far. Although the country and Americana artist's project was released in December 2008, we suspect that 2009 will be the year country music fans discover Tom Cheatham. Fans of Wade Bowen, Chris Knight or Adam Carroll will find an instant bond with Tom Cheatham , whose lyrics reach deep into his soul and performance is smooth and remarkably polished for an indie debut. The most radio friendly song is either the title track "Restless Soul" or " Runnin ' Back To Texas" which should be released to Texas radio as soon as possible. But the best track on the album is the second to last song titled "Small Town Girl," This song has definite hit potential with its potent story and memorable melody. Plus, Cheatham's performance on "Small Town Girl" is a near-perfect country vocal. Tom Cheatham's distinctive voice should be a benefit as ra...

Terri Hendrix is no shrinking violet. She is a talent powerhouse and a mighty savvy businessperson as well. But in the end, it's all about the music. Thankfully, that's what Terri Hendrix does best, and her new album "Left Over Alls" is a testament to good country music vocals and skilled instrumentation. The 13 songs on the "Left Over Alls" collection are fully representative of the depths Terri Hendrix's soul and her passion for good music. This collection is so diverse for a reason: "Left Over Alls," as the title suggests, includes old and new songs Hendrix had been saving that had never made it onto one of her many albums. One of the most pleasing songs on "Left Over Alls" is the self-penned second cut, "Wallet" which perfectly blends her vocals with Henrix's always perfect instrumental skills. It must be said that Terri Hendrix is one of the best musicians working today. Her skill with the harmonica, acoustic gu...

Charlie Haden is known as one of the greatest jazz bassists in music, but he returns to the folk and bluegrass music of his childhood in his new Americana gem which is aptly titled "Rambling Boy." This album shines a bright light on Haden's musical heritage and is reminiscent of the sound and feel of the "O Brother Where Art Thou" projects. Like the aforementioned albums, "Rambling Boy" also brings to the forefront his illustrious set of friends, including Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs , Elvis Costello, Pat Metheny and Bruce Hornsby along with members of his prominent family such as The Decemberists ' Petra Haden and Tanya Hade and her husband, actor Jack Black. The album starts out strong with an irresistibly toe-tapping cut titled "Single Girl, Married Girl" and ends with one of the best versions of "Oh Shenandoah " ever recorded. Of course, with Haden's vast access to the world's best musical talent, the producti...

Singer-songwriter Matthew Ballard offers up a heaping pile of honky- tonk magic in his sterling sophomore release - "Midnight Drive." The album is a polished mixture of the best Americana and Alt-Country. Plus, "Midnight Drive" is one self-produced album that could be mistaken for a major label release. Ballard wrote all 11 songs on the album. The project starts out strong with the song "Run Away With Me" that should be getting major spins on Texas radio. But the best track on the album is titled "Chains." Any Chris Knight fan will immediately warm to this outstanding cut which blends a real-life story with a great melody and good vocals. The album itself is laid back and almost never over-reaches. But the real key to Ballard's success on "Midnight Drive" is that almost every cut has a memorable hook. For instance "Clear Blue Skies" would be instantly welcomed by any fan of the Randy Rogers Band or Wade Bowen. ...

If political folk maverick Woody Guthrie were alive today, he probably would be inclined to go to iTunes and download David Serby's new album "Poor Man's Poem." However, Serby would likely feel so honored that he would give Guthrie a few cases of CDs for free. David Serby's first song, the title track "Poor Man's Poem," takes its cue from the musical heritage of the past, and Serby's folksy style belies the serious message of his thought provoking lyrics. The next cut, the quiet "A Love Song From Miguel," offers a laid-back tale of love that is smooth like butter. The song "Lay Down My Colt" blends folk and elements of cowboy country with remarkable success, but it is the story in song "Sugar Creek" that is the album's biggest surprise. The instrumentation is perfect, and David Serby's vocals are delivered in a half-spoken/half-sung manner that works. Political folk comes easy to David Serby because h...

The nature-loving San Gabriel, California country girl named Gwendolyn is best described by one simple word: refreshing. With the current crop of over-produced country music fare, it is exhilarating and indeed comforting to hear an artist like Gwendolyn, who lets her voice be the star of the show on her stimulating new album "Bright Light." Much of Gwendolyn's charm is derived from her pure country voice that has an air of innocence. "Bright Light" begins with the appropriately titled "Discover Me." However, it is the stunning vocal performance on the title track "Bright Light" that will begin to truly entice listeners to yearn for more. The catchy-melodic track is perfectly produced by Ethan Allen (Patty Griffin). The country quotient rises considerably with the interestingly-titled "Tater Tots And Whiskey Shots," a song that would make legends of country proud. The next cut "Shake A Leg" may be the album's best...

Creating a winning sound is no easy feat, but the four good ole boys of the Folk Family Revival make it look easy on their new album "Unfolding." The front of the album cover is absolutely beautiful, but the back cover unexpectedly gives absolutely no clue to the age, ethnicity or gender of Folk Family Revival members. In fact, the cover leaves little impression at all except to suggest that some folk music will be on offer. The album begins with a somewhat mysterious instrumental intro that leads into a great surprise: the uptempo cut titled "Unfolding." In fact, the song is superb and features elements of Red Dirt, traditional country and only hints of folk and Americana. The passionate vocals from Mason Lankford are intense - as is the instrumentation from two of Mason's brothers (Barrett and Lincoln). Adopted brother and friend Caleb Pace (Guitars / Mandolin / Lap Steel) rounds out the foursome. The bluesy "Fallin'" offers a comfortable...

Old Californio is a band that defies generic musical labels. Indeed, with "Sundrunk Angels" the Pasadena, California band has meticulously crafted a melodic and hard driving album with spiffed-up lyrics and dazzling art-pop beats that will be surprisingly appealing to Americana, folk and country music audiences while also finding fans in other genres as well. For about six years, the kaleidoscopic band of old friends has been making music in various forms, and the 10 song "Sundrunk Angels" was mastered and mixed by praised engineer Alfonso Rodenas and recorded live as a five piece band at a home studio. The album begins with the easy-going "Learn To Cheat," which features bouncy lyrics and stellar production. The next track "A Cool Place In The Light" will delight fans of roots and Americana music. Country fans will also find much to love about the melodic "Better Yet." "Dark Fire" begins with a cool New Orleans vibe ...

Finding the right cover art is never easy, and sometimes it just goes horribly wrong. Unfortunately, that's the case of Maurice Tani/Jenn Courtney & 77 El Deora "The Crown & The Crows Confession." There's too many visual elements, too much nudity, and, oh yeah, too many names (including a forward slash?). At first glance, the front cover appears to be a 90s remix CD or a repackaged foreign album. But the bad news ends there, because the music is superb. And, by the way, so are the beautiful photographs of the musicians inside the CD packaging that should have been utilized as cover art. However, it's the music that matters, and it's great. The album begins with the terrific "I Just Dodged A Bullet, and Tani and Courtney have a uniquely wonderful musical chemistry that bursts out of the speakers and is pleasing on all levels. The retro-cool vocals couldn't help but bring a smile to even a person with the hardest of hearts. The bluesy...

Unafraid and uncompromising are the best terms to describe the perky new album from folk rocker Bill Bachmann with the intriguing title "Folk-N-Roller." However, the 14 track album proves a rollicking good time that lives up to its name a hundred times over. The title track "Folk-N-Roller" starts off the project with a bit of quirky fun and is followed by the intriguing "The New Hip Song." However the album really picks up with the melodic and weirdly wonderful "B-A-C-H-M-A-N-N," which is an urgent plea by the artist to spell his name correctly. Yes, this really is the subject of the song, and the biggest shock is that the cut offers a really great melody. A more reflective Bill Bachmann appears on "Your Old Man," and the folk singer offers a passionate vocal performance. The retro-flavored "These Are The Days" is a toe-tapping delight. The finest upbeat song on the album is the eclectic track "Kill That Other Bee...

Classifying the music contained in Richard Craine's "The Essence Of My Life" is no easy feat. The Bristol, England singer-songwriter would probably best be described as alt country in America. But that label is too simplistic, because it would seem that the essence of Richard Craine's life can be found in the nooks and crannies of the album's ten songs. "Phoenix Eyes" has  a cool Americana and folk rock vibe that oozes with intensity. The next track, "The River Stroll," will catch listeners off guard, because Craine's intelligent lyrics satisfy the soul. The most surprising track is the classic rock 'n' roll cut "Mistrust, Mistreatment And Misunderstanding," which has a cool retro vibe. The best chance for a radio chart hit is probably "Simple Things," which offers a memorable chorus and an engaging story. "I Love You" also has chart potential. "The Essence Of My Life" is an eclectic ...

Nicole Storto and Paul Knowles make up the duo known as Mars Arizona, and the musicians' new album "High Desert" is chock full of rich instrumentation and stellar vocals. In short, "High Desert" deserves "high" praise. The album begins with "Glad To Be Here," which has a cool Tom Petty meets Wade Bowen vibe that works on all levels. It's followed by the gospel-infused "Jesus Ain't Coming Back (That Way)" which offers beautiful harmonies and a powerful melody. The title track "High Desert" begins with a sparse and haunting vocal that builds to a rousing crescendo. The biggest surprise on the album is a heartfelt cover of Robert Hunter's "Must Have Been The Roses." Paul Knowles offers an award-worthy vocal performance that is perfectly complimented by Nicole Storto's beautiful vocal tone and the musicians' expert instrumentation. A cover of the Rolling Stones' "Sweet Virginia...

The world of folk and Americana music has missed Richard Shindell. You see, it's been more than five years since he last released an new project full of original songs. "Not Far Now" was worth the wait, because Richard Shindell's beautiful lyrics, lush instrumentation and quietly confident vocals have never sounded better. Richard Shindell is a master storyteller who has a unique talent of telling compelling stories that are seemingly simple but often show deeper meaning upon repeated listens. He also brings new meaning to the songs of others as evidenced by his terrific 2007 covers album "South Of Delia." The album begins with the country-infused "Parasol Ants," which offers a memorable melody and excellent lyrics. Richard Shindell the folksinger returns on the quiet "A Juggler Out In Traffic." It succeeds on all levels. "One Man's Arkansas" is even better, and this track is a compelling tale about dishonest property ...

Owen Temple has created a Texas country masterwork with "Dollars And Dimes." This gritty concept album comprised of eleven songs is perfectly tuned to the tough economic times facing Americans today. The success of "Dollars And Dimes" is due in large part to the perfect, low key vocal performance of Temple combined with masterful lyrics reminiscent of the best songs of Chris Knight. Indeed, Owen Temple is the working man's Tom Petty. The best three songs on the album are the first track "Broken Heart Land," the reflective "Golden Age" and the melodic "Black Diamond." In particular, "Broken Heart Land" has all the ingredients for a Texas country chart hit with brilliant lyrics and a memorable melody. The rockin' "I Don't Want To Do What I Do" is the biggest surprise of the album, and it shows the harder edge of Owen Temple that will be a popular at live concerts. "City Of The King" also ha...

Ricky Stein's new album "Crazy Days" will sneak up on you like a few too many shots of whiskey. The cover of "Crazy Days" shows Ricky Stein to be an average Texan with a relaxed expression, windswept hair, checked shirt, jeans and boots. However, the album will catch you off guard, because there's nothing common about the bluesy, country talent of 25-year-old Ricky Stein. And it's obvious that Stein has immersed himself in the wealth of live music found in his native Austin, Texas. The album begins with the blues-infused "One And The Same," which illustrates that Ricky Stein can rock a concert stage. It's followed by the terrific "Don't Leave Me Hangin' On." But the album really comes into its own with the Americana track "Keap St (We've Come A Long Way)," which shows the musical influence of artists like Townes Van Zandt and the Traveling Wilburys. The music is infectious, and Stein's authentic vocal...

Born to a family which boasts many generations of ranchers, Corb Lund is well-known in his native Canada for his classic country and western songs that each tell a compelling story. The Juno award winner has teamed with New West Records for his latest album, "Losin' Lately Gambler," and it's Corb Lund's best recorded work to date. Listeners can easily connect to Corb Lund's lyrics that discuss true western topics such farming, ranching, riding steers and gambling. He even showcases the work of his veterinarian father on "Horse Doctor, Come Quick" and "Talkin' Veterinarian Blues." What makes Corb Lund special is that he writes honest lyrics that share he and his family's own experiences. This makes his contribution to Americana and country music entirely unique and wonderfully entertaining. "Steer Rider's Blues" is a perfect example of Lund's considerable talent. The song is a detailed story of a young steer rid...

Mark Wayne Glasmire is in his early 50s, has a name that doesn't exactly roll off the tongue and looks like your next door neighbor. Throw all those supposed liabilities in the mix, and Mark Wayne Glasmire is still the best up-and-coming Americana artist in the United States today. One listen to Glasmire's fantastic new album "Life Goes On" will make you scratch your head and wonder why this mild-mannered, Arlington, Texas singer-songwriter isn't already a household name. The album begins with the beautiful ballad he wrote "True Love Knows," which has an interesting Lonestar meets Darius Rucker sound. The next track, "You Opened My Eyes," has a refreshing contemporary country sound mixed with a vocal style reminiscent of John Denver. "Shelter From The Storm" has a harder, Texas country edge combined with a winning melody. "Shelter From The Storm" should be released to Texas radio, where it deserves to be a major chart h...

If you like your music hard and fast with a slightly cheeky sense of humor, then Watermelon Slim's new album "Escape From The Chicken Coop" should be at the top of your music wish-list. With songs like "Skinny Women And Fat Cigars" and "It's Never Too Hard To Be Humble," this Norman, Oklahoma native and Vietnam War veteran has crafted a unique, signature album that will be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come. Primarily known as a legend of Blues music, Watermelon Slim has conclusively provided his country music "bona fides" with the terrific track "Hank Williams You Wrote My Life." Watermelon Slim's brilliant vocal performance will make true believers out of even the most skeptical country music aficionados. Truck drivers will especially appreciate fine music like "18, 18 Wheeler" and "Truck Driving Songs." The cut "Wreck On The Highway" is a winning combination of southern gospel and ...