Album Review: David Serby and the Latest Scam

The goal of this blog has always been to promote the great music that is created by hard working, dedicated and talented artists who do their best to stay positive to themselves and their craft.  I’ve had the great fortune to write about a lot of great musicians, singers, songwriters and bands.  These are the people I love writing about, the ones that create music and albums for the love of the art.  Los Angeles, California has long been known as a hot bed for great music, and the latest project from David Serby is proof positive that the Los Angeles independent music scene is still thriving to this day.

David Serby and the Latest Scam is the fifth release from this talented singer-songwriter-musician.  If you're looking for an album that explores various aspects of human relationships, the trials of life and has a feel good aspect to it, this project belongs in your collection.  The album is reminiscent of the old sound of California country-rock of the late 60’s and early 70’s in the vain of Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Considering this project is a double-CD containing 20 songs in total, it is great value for your money. 

The first CD kicks off with a great up tempo number called “True Love” and leads right in to one of the many highlights of the album, "Amnesia."    This is a cleverly written tune that speaks to a condition I'm sure many of us have acquired when we find ourselves in the opening stages of a new romantic relationship.  Generally speaking, it leads to a situation where your world becomes that person, you don't go out with your friends anymore, that sort of thing, which is a different topic for a different blog.

"When  Couples Fall In Love" keeps the new love theme going, and the masses can relate to this story.  New love starts off with fiery passion, then settles down somewhat as the relationship grows and gains solidarity.  What impresses me about  this track, in addition to the solid writing, is how it sounds.  Sonically, it takes me back to the days of a great country music group of the mid- to late-1980's, The Desert Rose Band.  

Another of the great highlights of this double CD package is "You're Bored", which relates the story of the (dreaded?) phone call that one may receive from that ex-partner who wants to, possibly/maybe/who the heck knows for sure, get back together.  Fortunately for our central character in this story, he has the strength to see through the folly of getting involved again. Great song lyrically and musically.

Other highlights of this double-CD package include "Breaking News", "Rumour of Our Own", "Better With My Hands" and "Waiting Out the Storm."   This is a really solid project that David Serby and producer Ed Tree have put together.  You can order the package directly from their web site, and you can sample six of the tracks via the playlist.  Give David Serby and the Latest Scam your time.  If this project is any indication of the great music to come in 2014, it is going to be an outstanding year.

Album Review: Steve Parkinson and the Stony Lonesome, Kentucky Straight Heartbreak

Many times in this space I have lamented about the loss of honest and real country music.  Country music that is sorely lacking from the airwaves of today’s country music radio stations.  The style of country music that speaks to real life topics that are the norm for everyday people.  Topics that are more than just bush and tailgate parties, girls in pickup trucks, beer in coolers and how much your country ass will kick another ones country ass.  I’m speaking of the good stuff, topics like family, love, hate, murder, infidelity and the like.  It’s well known that Americana isn’t afraid to speak to these topics, and I’m happy to review an album by a Canadian band that has captured that sound with a great album released in 2013.

Kentucky Straight Heartbreak (Busted Flat Records) by Steve Parkinson and the Stony Lonesome is just what the doctor ordered when looking to satisfy that need for that classic country sound.  Setting the stage for this solid album in the lead track, “No Alter Boy”, in which the main character describes the folly of his bank robbing actions.  “Four Wheels” is a great song about family and appreciating what you have.  One of the top songs on the album both sonically and lyrically, “Jasper County”, speaks to the challenges of moving on after experiencing tragedy. 

Story songs have always been a staple in the old days of country music, and that need is filled with “Sam Steele”, a wonderful tale of a lonesome Northwest Mounted Police office patrolling the Yukon in the gold rush.  The title track is a solid rocker about drinking away the love that you’ve lost.  The albums closer, “Lead Me Home”, is one of the darkest songs I’ve heard in a long time.  A very well written tale about a man on the run not only from the authorities, but from himself.

Kentucky Straight Heartbreak represents a solid throwback to that classic country sound of the 70’s with solid, pronounced electric and steel guitars, strong lyrics and smooth vocals.  It’s a wonderful album that will cure any need you may have for that pure country sound that is missing from today’s airwaves.  Click here to visit the band's website where you can listen to and purchase the album.  Be sure to join Steve Parkinson and The Stony Lonesome the last Sunday of every month in their hometown of Waterloo, Ontario at Jane Bond.  Show time is 8:00.

A Brand New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope your holiday season was filled with much laughter, love, joy and enough relaxation to leave you refreshed and ready for a new year.  With the year 2014 just over a week old, it doesn’t hurt to take a quick look in the rear view mirror at the year that was 2013. 

Looking back on the previous year, it could be said with great confidence that this was the best year in the relatively short history of Americana.  The commercial success of The Lumineer’s and Mumford and Sons brought more fans to the format with everyone in the genre benefitting in some way.  Late night’s David Letterman and Jay Leno showcased Jason Isbell and Alabama Shakes on their shows, introducing those wonderful acts to a wider audience.  Even the Grand Ole Opry has clued in on the Americana movement with artists like Elizabeth Cook serving as regular performers on the show.  And, who could overlook the induction of Old Crow Medicine Show, clearly an Americana group, as members of the Opry.

Some great albums were released, including the aforementioned Isbell with Southeastern.  Patty Griffin released a stellar record with American Kid, Holly Williams asserted herself as an Americana mainstay with The Highway, and Ashley Monroe showed everyone why she’s a key gatekeeper to the classic country music sound with her release of Like a Rose.  There was so much great music released in 2013, it makes you wonder with anticipation what 2014 will bring. 

The Americana Music Association reported their most successful conference and festival which took place this past September.  The Awards presentation was one for the ages, as the Association honoured new and veteran acts alike with Shovels and Rope, and Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell leading the way with well deserved victories in their categories.  The conference and festival enjoyed record attendance in 2013, a clear indication that the art form is moving in the right direction.

The music community lost several significant artists as well.  The passing of J. J. Cale, Etta James, Jim Foglesong and most recently Ray Price has left a void in the community.  However, the loss of George Jones cannot be understated.  The passing of Mr. Jones, and his long time friend Mr. Price, to me was devastating to the older, more pure style of country music.  Indeed, it felt at the time like that pure sounding country music that I grew up on had passed away along with Mr. Jones.  And I believe, in some ways, it has.  Voices and talent like George Jones and Ray Price are generational.  They do not come along every day, which is what made them so special.  An old Keith Whitley song once said “Sad Songs and Waltzes aren’t selling this year”, and that’s been the way of mainstream country music for some time now.  My great wish for the coming year (or year’s) is for mainstream country to come back to its roots, if only just a little bit.  Recognize its rich and lengthy history, and embrace it.  Showcase it for the younger generation of fans that are following the music now, so they can see where the genre has been.  As Brad Paisley stated at the end of this past year, regarding the passing of Mr. Jones. “there’s a reason for all this ruckus.”  It was his way of encouraging young country fans to get out and learn about the music of George Jones.  I would encourage the same thing.  I would also add that while the younger fans are learning about George Jones, they also learn about Ray Price.

Having said all of that, it is not all doom and gloom.  I am looking forward to what 2014 can bring for all of us as music fans and those in the industry.  Two artists that I’ll be watching for this year are Sturgill Simpson and John Fulbright, as I believe they are poised for breakout success.  If anyone can bring back the classic country sound, it’s Sturgill Simpson.  John Fulbright is as strong a singer-songwriter as you will find, and this young man is in his early 20’s.  It’s exciting to this he hasn’t hit his peak yet.  Expect big things career wise from these two gentlemen in 2014, the talent is there and they are ready for the next level.

As for myself and Americana Review, expect more consistency and regularity in blog posts this year.  Thanks to you, the blog is now at a point where I feel that it’s time to take Americana Review to the next level as well.  It’s time to move everything over to its own site where more items and content can be provided for your enjoyment.  It has been a wonderful 4 years of writing about all of these wonderful, independent and creative artists, and I look forward to many more years of doing the same.  For that, I have to thank all of you, the readers, for your continued support.

I would also like to thank all of the artists, musicians, publicists, record label executives and my fellow bloggers for all of your support over the past year.  Keep the music coming folks, I love receiving new material to write about and promote to anyone who will listen.  Without any of you, this site is not possible.  Thank you all so much, and I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!

Support Americana's Opry -- Music City Roots

How many of you have had the great pleasure of listening the Grand Ole Opry?  Ever been fortunate enough to attend an Opry broadcast?  Whichever way you've experienced the Opry, you know full well how special that organization is.  It's an institution steeped in history, one that's been going on for almost 90 years and shows no signs of letting up.  For many, the Grand Ole Opry is regarded as the "home" of country music.  It's tough to disagree.

Americana has it's own home.  That home is Music City Roots and, similar to the Opry, it is a weekly radio show broadcasting the finest performers in Americana to the world on Hippie 94.5 FM in Nashville, and around the world on the internet via live stream.  The show is a live performance held from the stage of the Loveless Barn at the "edge of Music City."  Some of the artists to have graced the Roots stage the World Famous Headliners, Kathy Mattea, Eric Brace and Peter Cooper, Todd Snider, Chris Altmann, John Cowan, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Bobby Bare, Jr., Justin Townes Earle, The Vespers, Amanda Shires, Mike Farris and so many more incredible artists that there's not enough space to list them here.  The incomparable Jim Lauderdale is your weekly host, with Nashville radio legend Keith Bilbrey as your emcee.  Craig Havighurst conducts in-depth interviews that connect the performers with the audience.

Music City Roots began its run four years ago, ironically on the same radio station that carries the Opry.  Recently, Music City Roots issued a call to it's many listeners and followers to help offset some of the costs of producing this important weekly radio show.  The cost of a ticket is $10 and Music City Roots is asking for their listeners, either online or radio, to consider making a donation to help keep the Roots strong.   I am proud to say that I have donated, as this show is arguably the best live music show on radio today.  And yes, I'm including the Grand Ole Opry in that conversation. 

Music City Roots is a show that deserves to be on the air for many, many years to come.  It is to Americana music what the Grand Ole Opry is to country music.  It's a home base.  It's an institution.  It's an important part of the musical and cultural fabric of North America.  If you have not had the pleasure or opportunity to watch and/or listen to a Music City Roots broadcast, tomorrow night's show has a lineup that is stacked from top to bottom.  Grammy nominees Sarah Jarosz and John Fullbright take the stage, along with the North Mississippi All Stars and Bobby Rush with Blind Dog Smokin'.  The previously mentioned, and also Grammy-nominated Jim Lauderdale hosts the festivities. 

Click here to make a donation and to learn more about what your donation will be supporting.  If you want to check out the show, click here for tomorrow's live stream and to check out past episodes of Music City Roots, Americana's Opry.

Album Review: Mandy Barnett, I Can't Stop Loving You

Thanksgiving has come and gone for my American friends this weekend, which means that the holiday travel/shopping season is officially underway.  I avoided that whole crazy Black Friday mess by venturing south of the border to Erie, Pennsylvania to kick start my Christmas shopping a couple of weeks ago.  It was at the local Cracker Barrel that I happened upon this wonderful album by one of the most unique voices in country music. 

Mandy Barnett may be the best female vocalist that you've never heard of.  Or at least, not heard about for a little while.  Tasked early on in her career with playing the title role of Patsy Cline in the stage production of "Always ... Patsy Cline", Barnett has done an excellent job of keeping the extensive classic country music sound alive and relevant for many years.  She continues this journey with her latest album released on Rounder/Cracker Barrel Records with a tribute album to her friend Don Gibson.  Mr. Gibson was the voice and pen behind some of the most important songs in the history of country music.  Indeed, if there were a definition of those who founded the term singer-songwriter, you would have to include Hank Williams, Sr, Roger Miller and Don Gibson in the same sentence.  Here, Mandy Barnett gives new life and new vision in to some of Mr. Gibson's finest works. 

This album represents a great cross section of Don Gibson's hits.  The biggest hits, what one would call his signature songs (as a performer), like "Oh Lonesome Me" and "Lonesome Number One" are present and given a fresh, new interpretation by Barnett.  Lesser known tracks from Mr. Gibson's catalogue are front and center on this album, such as "Oh Such a Stranger", one of the rare Gibson single's that is beautifully written but did not chart  on its original release in 1964, but only peaked at number 61 in 1978.  Mandy Barnett turns in a beautiful rendition of the Gibson-penned "Legend In My Time", a number one hit for Ronnie Milsap in 1977, a real highlight of the album.

However, it must be said that the two cornerstones of the album are Mandy's performance of Mr. Gibson's two signature hits as a songwriter, the oft-recorded "I Can't Stop Loving You" and "Sweet Dreams."  The former made famous by such vocalists as varied as Ray Charles, Conway Twitty and Roy Clark, the latter made famous by the incomparable Patsy Cline.  These two songs are classics in the great American songbook lexicon.  There are not too many vocalists who are capable to record either of these songs.  One must possess a special talent to be able to capture the essence and emotion of the two songs.  Comparison's to the original versions are inevitable.  It is here where Mandy Barnett truly shines.  She is one of the very few who can reach the levels required to make these songs her own, and she does it in spades.

When piecing together a tribute album for an artist as legendary as Don Gibson, only the best musicians will do.  Barnett succeeds in this area as well, as she assembles A-list legends in the studio to take this project to the highest level.  Country Music Hall of Fame Members Harold Bradley (guitars) and Charlie McCoy (harmonica), the incomparable Lloyd Green (steel guitar) and Hargus "Pig" Robbins (piano) are among the cast of outstanding studio musicians that contributed to this album. 

The liner notes tell Mandy's story of her brief but fruitful friendship with Mr. Gibson.  The impact on her life is clear, and this album represents her love and tribute to her friend.  What a wonderful tribute it is.  If you are travelling around the United States this season, stop in to one of the many Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and pick up this album to hear one of the greatest female vocalists of our time perform the best works of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of our time. 

Album of the Year, in Any Year -- Jason Isbell, Southeastern

Not that I've ever attempted the task, but I believe that piecing a full album of music together is nothing short of a monumental task.  This isn't to say that it's an unpleasant task, but monumental just the same.  Writing enough songs for the project, so that you have enough material to work with.  If you don't write your own songs, the added layer of finding the right songs that suit your musical style.  Getting the right producer, the right musicians, the right studio, the right record label, promotion team, publicist and on and on.  When considering this basic laundry list of items, neither of them small tasks, it's no wonder that many artists consider it a great honor to have their work named in an "Album of the Year" category, whichever genre they may ply their trade.

In my last piece, I wrote about three songs that have had significant impact on my life as a music fan and budding music blogger.  Of all the albums I have listened to over the years, there is one recent release that stands out as one of the most impactful, meaningful and deep albums that I have ever heard.

Jason Isbell is on a seemingly unbelievable roll, as his already stellar albums keep getting better and better.  With Southeastern, he hits a creative high and has produced an album that I believe would be an Album of the Year, in any year.  It's that good.

"Cover Me Up" is a great lead off to the album, as it captures the essence of this album.  That is, a deeply personal, snapshot about where the author has been and where they are in the present.  "Cover Me Up" shares the story of a hard living individual who has finally found the love he was missing in his life.  Considering that Isbell has recently married himself (to fellow artist Amanda Shires), an arguement could be made this song is a chapter in Isbell's life.  "Stockholm" and "Travelling Alone" continue on the theme of a lost soul finding their soul mate, completing oneself. 

It is, however, the fourth track on the album that will make one stop in their tracks.  The song "Elephant" is an absolute masterpiece. Describing the story of a true and lasting friendship that captures the essence of "'til death do us part."  It's a love story, but not in the romantic sense.  It's the story of devoted friends who share their finite time together, while avoiding the fact that one is dying from cancer - the clear elephant in the room.  One of finest songs ever written, it is a high point on the album.

Other serious, dark topics are covered as well.  A story about revenge on an abusive father is told in "Yvette", while "Super 8" may harken back to Isbell's more wilder days before sobriety.  "Relatively Easy", the album closer, reads like an old Merle Haggard song but it is all original by Isbell. 

The writing, musicianship and production make this a truly special album.  Not to wear out the line, but this is an adult album that deals with adult topics and situations.  It's a finely crafted masterpiece that captures a creative highmark in Jason Isbell's career.  The amazing and equally exciting thing is, Isbell doesn't appear to have reached his peak.  With  his ongoing lifestyle changes, we are witnessing the growth of a very unique and special talent. 

Great Songs, Lasting Impact

On my way to work one day last week listening to "The Big D" Dallas Wayne do his usual outstanding morning show on Sirius/XM's Outlaw Country channel, a subject was broached that spawned this piece today.  He stated there were 3 albums that stand out in his mind as being the most impactful, most complete and powerful records that have simply blown him away.  One of them was an album by Steve Earle, "Guitar Town", an album and singer that was ahead of his time when that record was released.  While Dallas was talking albums, I'm going to focus on three songs that have forged my tastes in music over the years.  Songs that still sound as fresh today as they did when I first heard them years ago.  I will confess, one of the songs is a recent release.  No matter, it's one of the best written songs that I've ever heard. Here's my big three:

1. The Dark End of the Street, Flying Burrito Brothers version:  Written by Dan Penn and Chips Moman, this song has been covered many, many times by a range of artists as diverse as Percy Sledge, The Allman Brothers, Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams with Courtney Love, Aretha Franklin, Eva Cassidy, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, and Richard and Linda Thompson.  A beautifully written story of lust and sin, it's no wonder this song has been covered so many times.  But for me, this version by the Flying Burrito Brothers is the definitive version.  A group that was at the forefront of the country-rock movement in the late 1960's/early 1970's, the musicianship and harmonies on this version are second to none.  The vocal performance of Gram Parsons on this track captures the pain, longing, fear and guilt of the narrator as if the man was living the story himself.  It was this song that introduced me to the early country-rock sound that existed before the Eagles came to prominence.  A vastly underrated group in their time, the influence of The Flying Burrito Brothers, and especially member Gram Parsons, is still being felt in popular music today.  A movement exists to have Mr. Parsons inducted in to the Country Music Hall of Fame, but that's a whole other topic for another day.
2. The Grand Tour, George Jones version:  Written by Norro Wilson, Carmol Taylor and George Richey, this song became Mr. Jones's sixth number one song in 1974.  I was only one year old at that time, so clearly my memory of this song would be a little foggy at that time.  My first memory of this song was not long after, if one can believe it.  I can remember sitting in the back seat of my dad's 1976 Ford LTD when I was four years old and hearing that song for the first time in 1977.  Obviously I was much too young to appreciate the subject matter of the song, but what struck me back then as it does today was the sadness and the loneliness that Mr. Jones had in his voice during that performance.  As the year's rolled on and life happened, my appreciation for the story and performance of this song deepened.  There will never be another George Jones, one who can convey pain and heartbreak in such a way as to make one feel like they were not alone in this world ... that someone else had experienced what one was going through and they made it.  We are blessed to have recordings such as this song that remain a part of Mr. Jones's legacy.  This is the quintessential version of this song.
3. Waiting on June, Holly Williams:  Written by Ms. Williams, this biographical tale is one of the greatest songs ever written.  Told from the perspective of her grandfather on her mother's side, it is a tale of her grandparents life story together.  The story begins as 10 year olds in the cotton fields, and ends as we all meet our inevitable end.  But what a story that exists in between.  This song and performance is an outstanding, lasting, and beautiful tribute to her grandparents.  I can actually make it through this song without tearing up now ... not an easy task.  One should not be surprised at the level of talent that exists with Holly Williams.  Her family lineage is well established, as the daugther of Hank Williams Jr., and granddaughter of Hank Williams, Sr.  With this song and this performance, Ms. Williams sets herself apart from the field of her legendary predecessors.  It is an honor to have Holly Williams in the Americana field.  She will have a long, lasting career as a singer and songwriter.  This song alone has established that.

The goal of this piece was to highlight a few songs that have had a lasting impact on me.  It's a personal list, not one that is meant to be exhaustive or indicitive of anything other than personal preference.  Another goal was to hear back from those reading this.  Check out the link to hear the songs, let me know what you think.  I would also love to hear the songs that have an impact on your lives and/or how it helped forge your musical tastes, whatever those tastes may be. Feel free to leave any comments and/or song ideas in the comments below.  I read them all, and I love hearing about music, old and new.  

When this piece started out, Dallas Wayne was talking about albums.  Check back in a couple of days to find out which album has knocked me out this year.