Archive | January, 2012

Mandy Barnett @ 3rd and Lindsley

By on January 7, 2012 in The Latest

Mandy BarnettAdmittedly, I’ve really never been a huge fan of traditional country music.   However, because of my love for contemporary country music, I’ve learned to appreciate the older, traditional country music.  I think if my dad was still alive, he’d probably be shocked to hear me say that since I begged him on many family roadtrips as a kid to “turn that twangy stuff off”! That’s why I surprise even myself that I have become a fan of Mandy Barnett.

Mandy Barnett is definitely an artist who is steeped in tradition and a country music purist.  She likes to perform the country classics and is best known for her performances in the starring role of musical legend, Patsy Cline, in ‘Always…Patsy Cline‘.

On Saturday, January 7th, I was able to attend her show at 3rd and Lindsley (one of my favorite local places around town to hear live music).  Luckily, I got there almost 2 hours before showtime because the place was already halfway full and parking scarce.  An hour prior to the performance and it was packed to capacity! Wow, she draws a crowd, but I had a feeling that might be the case and why I arrived just after the doors first opened.

Mandy was due to start performing at 730pm.  I figured since this was Nashville, that probably meant she would take the stage around 8pm.  It’s just not uncommon for shows to start late.  I don’t know if it’s to build anticipation or what, but to be honest, it’s kind of annoying when artists make you wait for their performance.  Just par for the course, though, it seems and you just get used to it.  However, I was pleasantly surprised when Mandy took the stage at exactly 730pm! No pretenses, no delay…it was NICE and very much appreciated!

From the moment that Mandy Barnett takes the stage, she commands it and captures the crowd’s attention.  There are no antics, no pretenses, no background singers (she doesn’t need them)…only what seems to be a pure and honest love for performing.  Her set is filled with classics from Patsy Cline to Roy Orbison.  Her vocals are flawless.  She has both control and power.  A true world-class vocalist that is a rare and exceptional talent.  Her delivery of each song leaves you lingering on each note, feeling the emotional depth, and wanting to hear more.Mandy Barnett

My favorite song of the night was “Crazy”–the Patsy Cline classic that Mandy performs flawlessly.  Truly, no one else out there is going to be able to come close to Mandy’s version of this song.  She’s honed her craft and delivery of this song for years on the stage of the Ryman Auditorium while standing in the very same circle that Patsy Cline herself sung so many years ago.

Mandy Barnett is a class act and a rare talent.  More people should know of her and experience her live.

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Album Review: Mark Wayne Glasmire Self-Titled Release

By on January 7, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

This new 7-track self-titled EP from artist, Mark Wayne Glasmire, is set for release on January 10th.

Mark Wayne GlasmireIf you’ve never heard of Mark Wayne Glasmire,  I would describe Mark’s music as a cross between Pat Green, Jimmy Buffett, and maybe even a little bit of Billy Joel thrown in there, too.

Track By Track Review:

“Last Of A Dying Breed”:  An uptempo, optimistic song that’s an anthem to the working class man and values that don’t seem to hold true for most anymore.

“I Like You”:  This fun, mid-tempo song put me in mind of a Jimmy Buffett song.  I could picture myself down in the Florida Keys listening to this song with a bit of a tropical feel to it.

“Going Home”:  This reflective, mid-tempo song reminded me a little of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”.  Especially right at the beginning, but really throughout the tune.  My favorite of the album about a man rethinking his decisions and a hint of an Irish feel.  Especially enjoyed his voice on this one and the lyrics.

“The Last Goodbye”:  This ballad was my least favorite on this album.  Just a little too sleepy for me.

“She’s Got It All”:  Another fun, uptempo song that I could picture played live in a bar in Texas with the beer flowing and crowds of people on the dance floor.

“Now I Believe”:  Mid-tempo, optimistic song about love .  Almost an Irish feel about the song, too.

“The Moment”:  Reflective, melancholy ballad about rethinking decisions of the past.

I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys a compelling voice with meaningful lyrics and strong melodies.  I wouldn’t say that Mark Wayne Glasmire’s voice is the strongest or that he is the absolute best singer that I’ve heard, but there was something quite compelling and honest about this whole album.  I would say he’s more of a songwriter than a singer.  Very enjoyable to listen to.  Sung from the heart by someone that I actually believe has lived these experiences that most can relate to and who have reached a point in their lives, also, that they are rethinking decisions of the past.  Perhaps these are all decisions made by the young, rash man who has now grown a little older and wiser through his life experiences.  Seems to be the theme of the album.

It is a slightly eclectic mix of songs, but heavily-rooted in country, folk, and, yes, even a little Irish influence in the album.  Maybe that was just me hearing that, but that’s what I was put in mind of and since country was heavily-influenced by the Scotch/Irish settlers in the south, that makes perfect since.  I could envision myself possibly in an Irish pub listening to some of these songs on the album enjoying a nice, frothy beverage when I wasn’t hanging out in the Florida Keys.  Definitely worth a listen!

Rated 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

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Album Review: The Best Of Rascal Flatts LIVE

By on January 6, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

The Best of Rascal Flatts LIVEYou know the songs… now you get to hear them live whenever you want! Rascal Flatts has compiled a “best of” album of live hits; and although I would have preferred an entire set list to a random 10-song (with two medleys, so 12 and a half songs?) compilation, the album doesn’t disappoint.

I’ve never seen the superstar group live – mainly because I am not big enough a fan to dish out their asking price for tickets – but I’m such a fan of live music, I was excited to hear what they did with the songs.

The crowd sounds aren’t enhanced enough on the album to really tell what kind of show you’re listening to, but it’s pretty obvious many are taken from smaller shows, not arenas. A good idea, and a lovely setting for live recordings, but this is one of the biggest touring bands in the nation… give me arena energy. Having said that, the live versions really are enjoyable and the crowds are obviously in to it. Not to mention, the band sounds great and the guy’s harmonies are better featured here than in a studio.

As I said, there are two medleys on the album. The first is I’m Moving On, Skin (Sarabeth), and Feels Like Today… I don’t know what to think about that sample of songs. They are apparently just saving set list time by combining them. The second medley is their encore of classic rock songs: Boston’s Foreplay/Long Time, and Free Ride by The Edgar Winter Group. The thought of Gary Levox singing Boston had me questioning, but it’s fine… and Joe Don flat out shreds it on guitar.

They hit their big ones: Bless The Broken Road, What Hurts The Most, Stand, and their cover of Life Is A Highway. Missing from the album are Mayberry and Love You Out Loud, and I would have liked to hear Me And My Gang because I think that would be an awesome song live. That’s just me, but overall I think the song choices were solid.

One thing that can really turn me off from live albums is if the songs sound essentially the same as the studio recordings. Thankfully, this one gives so much diversity that it’s actually worth purchasing, even if you own every Flatts song already. Definitely worth listening to. Students earning online college degrees in music should add this to their collections.

5. Medley: I’m Movin’ On, Skin (Sarabeth) and Feels Like Today

6. Stand

7. These Days

8. What Hurts The Most

9. Life Is A Highway

10. Encore: Foreplay/Long Time, Free Ride

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Album Review: Mark Cooke ‘Living For The Weekend’

By on January 3, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

It took me a while to review this 6-track EP from Mark Cooke entitled ‘Living For The Weekend’.  Unfortunately, it fell under a big pile of things to do.

Well, I just have to say that I’m glad that it did not get lost in that pile for good! This album from new country artist, Mark Cooke, was well-written with great vocals that put me in mind of musical greats like Clint Black and George Strait.  In fact, I picked up a hint of Texas in this cd while listening.  Being originally from Texas myself, I couldn’t help but hear that, I suppose.  I just HAD to check his website to see where Mark is originally from.  Yes, Texas! haha  I just KNEW it! I guess you can take us out of Texas, but can’t take the Texas out of us, huh? 🙂  Anyway…see my track by track review below.

Track by track review:

“Any Way The Wind Blows”:  Uptempo, full of optimism, hope…really a great song!

“Living For The Weekend”:  Another uptempo, fun song.  Makes you want to get up and dance.

“Can’t Cheat In A Small Town”:  My favorite song of the album.  A mid-tempo song with a slightly dark feel to this song.

“Stay With Me Tonight”:  Beautiful, poignant ballad.  Even gave me chills a couple of times.

“I Love It”:  A great, uptempo song that would be just right for the summer.

“I’ll Take This Town”:  Mid-tempo, great vocals, well-written, and can easily visualize a video from this one.  Another great one for the summer.

I highly recommend this album from new artist, Mark Cooke.  If you like steel guitar, banjo, fiddles, well-written songs, excellent vocals with both a traditional/contemporary country fell, then this album is for you.  Check Mark Cooke out, he’s worth a listen!

 

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

 

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Album Review: Tim McGraw’s ‘Emotional Traffic’

By on January 2, 2012 in Album & Song Reviews

Tim McGrawImmediately, I was struck by the musical depth of this highly-anticipated album by Tim McGraw.  This new release entitled ‘Emotional Traffic’ has been described by Tim McGraw as his best ever and I have to say I would have to agree.  Slated for a release of January 24th, this 12-track album will surely appeal to country fans, as well as, the masses and be a huge crossover hit.

It’s not an album that will probably appeal to a real country traditionalist-type, but Tim McGraw fans, contemporary country, and simply fans of great music will appreciate this.   I believe Tim was spreading his musical wings and exploring creatively without constraints.  He’s reached that point in his career that he can do that.

Track by track review:

“Halo”:  The first track “Halo” gave me chills from the beginning to end.  It’s a dark, mid-tempo song about love going wrong.  This was a hauntingly-beautiful song and I would say this is my favorite song ever by Tim McGraw.  This is a crossover hit in the making that would appeal to the pop world.  Very contemporary feel to this song.

“Right Back Atcha Babe”:  I wasn’t quite as crazy about this one when I first listened to it.  It is my least favorite of the album.  It’s ok, just not my favorite.  It grew on me more the 2nd and 3rd time I listened to it.  I guess there are just some songs that you have to listen to a couple of times before you fully appreciate it.  Now, it puts me in mind of a song that might have been by the Little River Band, and I love them! So, I think I’ve now been converted to liking this song.Tim McGraw

“One Part, Two Part”:  I really enjoyed this mid-tempo song.  Kind of a soulful feel to it and just an all-around feelgood song about love.  This one makes you want to grab a loved one, dance, and sing along.  I like it especially when they break it down near the end.

“I Will Not Fall Down”:  This ballad brought me to tears and gave me chills.  Beautifully written with emotional depth…another crossover hit that many will enjoy.  Another favorite.

“The One”:  Enjoyed this one, too.  Simply a light, bluesy, feelgood, mid-tempo song about “the one” you love and how they make you feel.

“Better Than I Used To Be”:  This song would appeal those fans of traditional country.  Mid-tempo, reflective, and honest.

“Touchdown Jesus”:  Not my favorite on the album, but still a good one.  More in the traditional country vain.  A lot of religious references in this mid-tempo tune.  Many will appreciate the uplifting message in this tune.

“The One That Got Away”:  Powerful, radio-friendly ballad that country fans will love.  It’s slightly dark and melancholy, but filled with hope at the same time.  This song tells a story like many great country songs do.

“Felt Good On My Lips”:  Uptempo, playful, fun, and another favorite on the album.  A great summer song for those long roadtrips and very country radio-friendly.

“Hey Now”:  More of a pop, bluesy-feel.  Enjoyable.  Not the strongest on the album, but still enjoyable.

“Only Human”:  Powerful and thought-provoking ballad featuring pop/R&B star, Ne-Yo.  Sure to be a cross-over hit that will reach into the hearts of many.

“Die By My Own Hand”:  Another powerful ballad with thought-provoking, beautiful lyrics that will surely be a hit on country radio.

This whole album is my favorite release of Tim McGraw’s to date and I strongly recommend it when it hits stores January 24th.  Not just country fans will enjoy this album, but simply fans of great music.  Well-done, Tim! Well worth the wait.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

 

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