CD REVIEWS - TEXAS MUSIC TIMES CD FIREPOWER!
by Keith Howerton and Steve Circeo |
| THE TEXAS MUSIC TIMES FIREPOWER SCALE |
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| Killer |
Bullseye |
On Target |
Just Misses |
Small Calibre |
Misfire |
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 Susan Gibson - Old Dog, New Tricks
Tired of people coming up to her after shows asking her which CD "Perfect World" or "My Best Feature" is on — they're on records she cut with her old band, The Groobees — Susan decided to remake some of those songs. You'll hear all your favorites, except "Wide Open Spaces," which is already available on several CDs, plus a few new songs, including the terrific road tune "Start Over," co-written with her pals Adam Carroll and Mark Jungers. Walt Wilkins produced the record, adding some nice layers to Susan's always beautiful vocal performances. (SC)
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 Guy Forsyth - Calico Girl
What would you do if you had signed a record contract years ago that meant that you now receive no payment at all for some of your best recorded songs? If you're Guy Forsyth, you remake the songs, retitle the album, and take your case to the people. Okay, here it is: BUY THIS RECORD! Calico Girl is essentially an updated version of Can You Live Without, with reversioning of those tunes based on Guy's having performed them thousands of times over the last ten years. Produced by one of my favorites, Mark Addison, I predict this CD will stay in my player for the rest of the year — at least. (SC)
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 Johns Guns - Buy — Sell — Trade
Um ... for the most part ... sell. Not a whole lot of to get excited about here — pretty much the same old themes and sounds. Of the two lead singers, the one with the far more interesting voice, BJ Wilson, is relegated to only two songs. There are a couple of decent tunes on the album, "Here I Am" and "Pen and Ink," but songs like "Come To Drink Of It" and "Lazy River Days" have me reaching for the "skip" button. I really dig and respect Phil Pritchett as an artist, but his production here could not save this record. (SC) |
 The Boxmasters - The Boxmasters
The Boxmasters, led by Billy Bob Thornton, definitely have game. Thornton is no newcomer to the music scene, but he's discovered that twangbilly is the sound for him. While the lyrical poetry is not quite fully developed, the themes are originally addressed, and the traditional-sounding melodies make a fine backdrop to the edgy lyrics. Songs like "I'm Watchin' The Game" and "The Poor House" will bring a smile to your face. The two-disc set also includes a CD with the band covering everyone from M-M-Mel to Mott. (SC)
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 Joel Melton - Round Here
With his Jim Dandy Mangrum-meets-Joe Tex voice, there's a lot to like about the soulfully country style of Joel Melton. This record is from 2005, but I've just heard it for the first time -- thought you might be in the same boat, so I had to mention it here. I know I'm only giving it four bullets, but the good stuff is really good. This is also a teaser, because I have a demo disc of some of the tunes to be on the upcoming CD, and am looking forward to that release. (SC)
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 Matt Koger - The Coyote’s Call
Matt Koger may be an artist of some obscurity but he shouldn’t be. From the evidence in The Coyote’s Call, Koger is a force to be acknowledged. Great songs and great musicianship are abound on this record. Koger may not the best vocalist but neither are Neil Young or Bob Dylan and his vocals fit perfectly with the folk driven style of Americana that he writes. The record rocks and “humms” at the same time with roots and style. It is a delightful collection of tunes with historical and social context. (KH)
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 John D. Hale Band - Lost [UPGRADE]
I'm upgrading this to 5 bullets. On a recent roadtrip I slipped Lost into my player right after one of my alltime favorites, Ragweed's Highway 377, and Hale kept things going. Bogs a bit toward the end, but generally great road tunes. Even that remake of "LA County" is growing on me. (SC)
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 Michael Hosty - The Mousetrap Sessions
Part swing, part psyco-billy, part indie rock, part country, part R&B and 100% cool, The Mousetrap Sessions is a record for those looking for something different out of a scene that all to often delivers more of the same. Michael Hosty was made simi-famous because of his authorship of the song “Oklahoma Breakdown” that Stoney LaRue has successfully recorded and toured on. The Mousetrap Sessions is funny, groovy, strange and great. The record has a Jim Morrison feel to it and is so different from any other “Texas or Red Dirt” record that it really deserves a critical listen. The masses may not get it but music snobs and those after something different will understand Hosty perfectly. (KH)
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 Paul Thorn - A Long Way from Tupelo
A cool project by the standard bearer of Americana songwriting. Thorn is a favorite of Delbert McClinton and A Long Way from Tupelo is solid evidence of why. Thorn’s songs groove straight out of the bayou with gospel vibes and gator grease. They can not be listened to without feeling like you are in the delta eating fried chicken on a 99 degree day. “Burnin’ Blue” is the most notable track on the CD and it haunts and delivers with cold shivers. It is a superb tune. (KH)
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 Denice Franke - Gulf Coast Blue
I have to admit to being initially underwhelmed by this record as I tried to cram a quick scan-through into my all-too-busy schedule. Then I hit track 8, "Tara Lee," which was so brilliant I was forced to go back and reevaluate my attitude toward Gulf Coast Blue. As I listened again (and again and again), I recognized the depth of the songwriting and the heartfelt soulfulness of Franke's vocal performances, and I realized this album is pretty special. (SC)
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 Marcus Eldridge - Bring On The Night
Marcus delivers more of a country record than his compadres in Walt Wilkins' band, The Mystiqueros, but Marcus’ work stands up well on its own. Bring on the Night is a great collection of songs that is proof that the Mystiqueros are more than the sum of their parts. They collaborate and make records together and help on their solo projects. It is a musical stew and the latest Eldridge project is just another great work in the mix. As always, great songs and great musicianship makes the difference. A must for Mystiqueros fans and those who want to be. (KH)
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 Fifty Nine South - Fifty Nine South
Not a terrible indie country project but just misses because of production value. The songs and band has potential but the quality of production is a distraction. Better tracking and vocal layering would have made this record a good bet. However, the band and the songs are quality with serious potential. (KH)
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 Jon Justice - The Rebound
An hour of kickass blues from a Cincinnati white guy. Justice lays down the blues like no other with heavy guitar riffs and solos. Great rhythm section and horn work will please any blues fan. What “The Blues” is supposed to be. (KH)
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 John M. Greenberg - Old Blue Suit
Cooler than CSN&Y when they were still cool. Shows why Walt Wilkins has made “Johnny Gringo” one of his Mystiqueros. Treasure trove of songwriting and melody. The players on the record are a “who's who” of Texas music. (KH)
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 Devon Heath - Give It To Me Straight
Gravelly-voiced Devon Heath definitely gives it to us straight with this pure country record. Solid songwriting and performances. Well-executed instrumention. "Days Like That" and "Blue Eyes" stand out. (SC)
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 Charliehorse - Come On
Crafted in the backwoods style of Black Oak Arkansas. A solid blend of classic country, rock, and the more red dirt style of both. A fun time that is as smooth and rough as some ole Ozark mountain "shine." Worth a listen anytime. (KH)
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 Hayes Carll - Trouble In Mind
An entertaining and well-executed record. Love the banjos and keys. Carey Kotsionis' background vocals sound great. "She Left Me For Jesus," co-written with Brian Keane, is irreverantly witty — my kinda song. (SC)
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Jon Justice - The Rebound
An hour of kickass blues from a Cincinnati white guy. Justice lays down the blues like no other with heavy guitar riffs and solos. Great rhythm section and horn work will please any blues fan. What “The Blues” is supposed to be. (KH)
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John D. Hale Band - Lost [NOTE: Upgraded above]
More good stuff from the boys from Missouri. "Heartbreaker" is really catchy, the title track is a good rocker, "Pistol In Each Hand" tells a good story. The cover of "LA County" is unnecessary. JDHB fans should dig it. (SC)
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 Zach Edwards Band - Zeb
Pretty good country, but it misses the mark with too many lyrical clichés and shallow party songs. "Git 'Er Done" and "Cowboy Crew," however, are clever, well-written, well-performed tunes that show Zach's potential. (KH)
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 Southern Drive - Take A Ride
Nice use of harmonica and — dig it — trumpets. This Dallas band sounds like one that should really be seen live. "Back To Memphis," er, I mean, "64" is catchy as hell. Favorite song, though, is "South of the Rio." (SC)
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 Gary Ritchey - For Dear Life
A solid record with some really good country songs. “Drinkin' in Texas” and “Knock on Wood” are awesome. A fine effort for this Texas musician who spends as much time as a charter-for-hire pilot as he does being a songwriter. (KH)
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 Stewart Mann and the Statesboro Revue - Stewart Mann and the Statesboro Revue
“Lady” is a cool song -- one of the best I've ever heard. A project that any artist could be proud of, but there are only eight tracks. It could rate higher with more songs. (KH) |
 Jackson Browne - Solo Acoustic, Vol. 2
From the first sound of Jackson's distinctive voice, I was hooked again. A nice followup to 2005's Solo Acoustic, Vol. 1. Jackson interacts well with the audience, charming with his songs, guitar, keyboard, and stories. (SC) |
 Brison Bursey Band - Bigger Sky
Good freshman effort by the young Mr. Bursey. Produced by Keith Davis, Bigger Sky is full of fun tunes that will bring the listener back for more. Only a glimpse of greater things to come for Brison as a singer/songwriter. (KH)
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 Zach Tate Band - Southern Rain
Strange and silly dark lyrics make most of this record not worth a second spin. A couple of good tunes that make sense. It is musically well done but fails to capture any sense of direction as a cohesive CD. Not the best possible effort. (KH) |
 Mando Saenz - Bucket
Only an okay effort from Mando -- left me flat. Doesn't pack the punch of his superb first release, Watertown. The vocals are often overshadowed by the instrumentation, leaving the lyrics in the background. Disappointing. (SC)
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 County Road 5 - Drink About It
Catchy melodies and hooks like "Drink I Couldn't Handle" and "Gone Fishin'," but pretty weak lyrically. That makes these boys from Kansas a good-timin' party band, and the release of their upcoming live album may prove that. (SC)
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 Madison Monroe - No Boundaries
Nicely produced Texas pop with country and blues overtones. Texas music vet Madison Monroe re-emerges with his first solo release. "Back To You" is one of those songs that you wake up singing. Glad he still loves rock-n-roll. (SC)
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 Randy Thompson - Further On
Randy Thompson is not from Texas but he should be. Further On is one of the best Americana and roots records of the year. The guitar work alone makes this a must-have for any music aficionado. (KH) |
 Mike Ethan Messick - Bootlegger's Turn
"Great," I thought as the first song played, "another gravel-voiced Texan." But I was soon drawn in by the catchy melodies and engaging lyrics. Add well-executed instrumentation and you have one really good record. (SC) |
 The Border Blasters - Blast From The Past
This record sounds like a bunch of old guys (and I use that term lovingly) jamming around a campfire. Really nice swing and country grooves, plus a cooler-than-you bluegrass take on Jimmy Cliff's "Harder They Come." (SC)
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 Chad Johnson and Down 1450 - Small Town Talk
The superb fiddle and guitar work on this CD makes it a raucous and beautiful blend of classic country and west Texas stomp. The music is smooth and it gives us a glimpse of Texas life via Johnson’s finely crafted musical storytelling. (KH)
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Track 8: "Better Things"
Track 9: "Here's To The Whiskey"
Track 10: "Blank Shot"
Track 11: "Sinner's Melody"
JR Castro - Addicted
Castro is out of the gate strong with his first effort. The moments of brilliance, particularly the 4-song span of tracks 8 thru 11, overshadow the minor missteps. Very cool guitar work throughout. Hit song in waiting: "Better Things." (SC) |
 Nikki Lee - Back to You and Me
The second record by the teenage sensation from La Mesa is a leap forward for a talent that is bound for the national spotlight. This is a truly fun pop country record from a delightful girl who can sing her way into anyone’s heart. (KH) |
 Hazzard - Choices
This pure honkytonk with both classic and new country roots, for pure country music fans that like some swing with their stomp along with some pedal steel work that is as good as any that has ever been recorded. (KH) |
