CountryChart #1 for Country Music Charts

The title track of Gary Bonnett's "Red Dirt Songs" is a foot-stompin' tribute to the masters of Texas country like Pat Green, Wade Bowen and Robert Earl Keen. But along the way, Bonnett gives us ample proof that other up-and-coming Red Dirt stars might be singing his name in the not too distant future. As a veteran of the Air Force, Bonnett served his country, and now he's displaying his songwriting talent for the folks back home with 14 songs he wrote. The biggest surprise on the album is the terrific Texas country and bluegrass infused gem "December Snow." Bonnett offers intense vocals with superb instrumentation on a track that produces infectious toe-tapping. "December Snow" should be on the desks of program managers as a radio single in September 2010 and be Top 10 chart hit by December. Another standout is a similar combination of bluegrass and Red Dirt titled "Now That You're Gone." Gary Bonnett has a real opportunity...

We received a copy of Lonestar's new album, "Party Heard Around The World," which drops at the end of March. The CD (pictured below) arrived in a sparkling, hand-addressed silver envelope (like an invitation to a party). Hats off to the publicity whiz who came up with this idea. From the press materials, Lonestar appears to be reinventing themselves in a new and exciting way. After 18 years, Lonestar is still going strong. We haven't listened to the album yet in the Country Chart office, but we are excited about hearing it later today. Watch for the full review of Lonestar's "Party Heard Around The World" on CountryChart.com. Track listing: 1) 'Beat (I Can Feel Your Heart)' 2) 'Live Laugh And Love' 3) 'She Wants What She Wants' 4) You're The Reason Why 5) 'Y.O.U.' 6) 'Making Memories' 7) 'Let Me Love You' 8) 'Goodbye Is Goodbye' 9) 'The Future' 10) 'Party Heard Around The World...

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...

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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 ...

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 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...