Country On-Demand -- Music Reviews

TOUR: An Evening With Dolly Parton

2008-08-18T14:02:00.004-05:00

Dolly Parton fabulous at Fox Theater in St. Louis

In case it never occurred to you, an evening with Dolly (do I have to say the last name?) Parton is an evening very well spent. The country legend played to a sell-out crowd Thurs., Aug 14 at the Fox in St. Louis, MO.

Parton, touring in support of her Backwoods Barbie album, perfectly mixed new and old during a near 2-hour show, playing 20 songs as part of her joyful set. And when Parton's on stage, you know you're hearing how country did, does, and should sound.

The musical library in Parton's pocket is enough to make any newcomer jealous and the legend skillfully played to the crowd's liking of old favorites, with sprinklings of new material from Barbie. She could not have done it better. We heard "Jolene" next to "Little, But I'm Loud." She did "Backwoods Barbie" and "Coat of Many Colors" followed by a medley of hymns and a bluegrassy "Shattered Image." There was a little bit of everything that Dolly had to offer, all bundled and packaged neatly within the 2-hour show.

During the evening, Parton played at least 7 instruments, from the banjo, fiddle, dulcimer... you name it, she played it. She sang with her backup singers in a lovely acapella section, and she even had a "country boy" dance with her during "Thank God I'm A Country Girl." The "Country Ken" had Dolly asking, "Ain't he cute girls? Ain't he cute boys?" Oh, Dolly.

If you haven't seen Dolly live, you probably would be shocked to know just how funny she is, too. Parton joked about her looks ("it takes a lot of money to look this cheap"), the presidential race ("I'd never run...there's been enough boobs in the White House"), and her dreams as a child ("I wanted to be the town tramp").

If Parton didn't have the audience singing, she had them laughing... or standing, which they did often, treating Parton to several ovations throughout the show.

Personally, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Being a college kid, I was one of the youngest members of the crowd, made mostly of middle-aged to "older folks, but I couldn't have enjoyed myself more.

The thing with Dolly is this - there was no fancy lighting; there were no fireworks. The show was about Dolly. And in return, it was about the songs and the stories that went with them. You don't see that often in the world of music these days. The show had class - as did Dolly, who changed from a gorgeous purple dress to a flashy business suit style outfit.

She may not play to a million fans this year, but Dolly Parton showed the Fox Theater why she is, and always will be, one of the most revered entertainers in country music history. Yes, Dolly, we will always love you.

SET LIST:
"Two Doors Down"
"Why'd You Come In Here Looking Like That?"
"Jolene"
"Thank God I'm A Country Girl"
"I'm Little, But I'm Loud"
"Backwoods Barbie"
"Drives Me Crazy"
"Shattered Image"
"Coat of Many Colors"
Medley of Hymns
"Baby, I'm Burning"
"Better Get To Livin'"
"Shinola"
"Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?"
"Little Sparrow"
"Here You Come Again"
"Islands In the Stream"
"9 to 5"
"I Will Always Love You"
"Jesus & Gravity"

SINGLE: Kenny Chesney - "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven"

2008-07-31T09:39:00.004-05:00

Prince Chesney is up with a hot new single from a brand-new record, Little Old Sun, due in October, as reported first here on Country On-Demand. After "straying" from the sounds of the island, it seems Mr. Chesney has wondered back to the sunny beaches of the Camen Islands.

But that's not, necessarily, a bad thing. "Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven" provides a nice, as it has been said, Calypso, feeling. And there's no doubting the message - yes, everybody wants to go to Heaven; as Chesney says, it's better than that "other" place. And I feel that this message is something relatively new in country music. You can't say, "well this sounds just like [insert song]" because, well frankly, it doesn't. This isn't a rehash of "Live Like You Were Dying," "You'll Be There," or any other song I can think of.

One thing does really bother me about this song, and most of Chesney's recent radio work - WHERE'S THE STEEL GUITAR??? WHERE'S THE BANJO??? WHERE'S THE COUNTRY LOVE??!?!? It seems, once again, the Island high has voided Chesney's memory of the down-home mountain sound of east Tennessee.

I also have a problem with one lyrical reference, well verse, actually. In the second verse, Chesney sings about putting "an extra $20 in the dish for everything I did last night and $1 to get me through today... here's $10 if you have God's ear.." Is that to suggest that we can pay off our sins or, in that case, God? Isn't that exactly what "Stairway to Heaven" was mocking? I don't know... just sayin'...

I think, though, this one time, I can look over the fact that there's not a single riff from the steel guitar (my favorite instrument, by the way!) and the beach seems to be back. There's no doubt the fans, and as always, country radio, are eating this up. And I'm guilty of playing it excessively on my iPod. But if this is a pre-cursor to Chesney's "most personal album to date," that island sun just might burn me out.

GRADE: C
HIT or MISS: HIT, but this one was just enough to get the player to first. No runs scored.

ALBUM: Country Sings Disney

2008-07-09T10:22:00.002-05:00

A few years ago, 12 to be exact, Disney and Nashville came together to create a delightful album of songs most American's grew up with - The Best of Country Sings the Best of Disney. Then, following the smash success of O! Brother Where Art Thou?, that collection was followed by O Mickey, Where Art Thou?

Now, Disney Records and Lyric Street Nashville have updated the project with Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and others: meet Country Sings Disney.

This album is an instant classic in my mind - we already know most of the songs - and the warm, fuzzy feeling you get from Dumbo, CARS, Bambi, is now mixed with your favorite country stars. How much better can it get?

I have to highlight some of my favorites. Be warned, though, some of these songs harken way back, not just in setitment, but in actual age.

Let's start with my favorite: Faith Hill's rendition of "Part Of Your World." That song appeared on the original country gone Disney set, and you can tell. Hill still has that Southern twang from before she crossed over. Fans will also recognize that all of these hits have appeared on other soundtracks: "Life is A Highway" from CARS, "Find Yourself" also from CARS, "Whereever Your Trail May Lead" from Home on the Range, and "We Go Together" from Fox & The Hound 2.

But, in the end, this is a must have collection from Disney. You won't find these tracks all together on any other collection. And plus - you get Martina, the Rascals, Tim, Brad, Alison, and more.

Thank you, Mr. Mouse.

SINGLE: Chris Young - "Voices"

2008-04-25T12:58:00.002-05:00

RCA has a talent with Chris Young. He's as country as country comes - think the same vein as George Jones, Randy Travis, and Josh Turner. His latest, "Voices," will hopefully put some much needed fuel in his career's tank.

Ok, so you know what you do something you know you're not supposed to, you always here mom's voice in the back of your head? Yeah, that's mom, and dad, and grandma and grandpa. There you have it - that's Young's new song.

Dad tells his son that quitting the team means throwing away your life, Grandma gives you advice on your marriage. As Young says, of course we try to ignore them, but alas, our consciences always let our parentals in.

I think this one will connect with audiences simply on its down-to-earth-everyday message. And, you can't beat his honky-tonk chaps and the music, well, again, you don't get to hear something this country that often. I predict a good hit for Mr. Young.

GRADE: B+
HIT or MISS: Hit, and hopefully enough to give more singles the light of day.

SINGLE: Brooks & Dunn - "Put A Girl In It"

2008-04-25T12:37:00.002-05:00

You know, for a country summer, there's nothing like a rocker. And that's what Brooks & Dunn offers for their new single. I have no doubt that this tune will be jamming in several pickups over the summer of love, 2008.

But I have to tell you - I'm not a big fan of "Put A Girl In It." And I have to say it's particularly because of the message. I'm not a feminist at all, but I just feel this song is degrading to the female fan. I mean tell me what you think of this lyric: " If you're ridin in your truck/Put a girl in it/If you're gonna have a party/Put a girl in it." I just don't get it.

This song is also, again, 98% Ronnie and 2% Kix. So, once again, we are Some Brooks but Mostly Dunn. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I thought this was a duo..

I know this jammer won't be jamming in my truck or on my iPod any time soon. It's a big miss for Brooks & Dunn in my books. And a shame too - after all the singles from Hillbilly Deluxe, I was really excited about Cowboy Town. Instead, we got cheesy, non-creative fluff.

GRADE: D
HIT or MISS: Big miss. What happened to Brooks & Dunn's jazz?

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SINGLE: Lonestar - "Let Me Love You"

2008-04-22T18:32:00.003-05:00

The new single from Lonestar is special in at least one way - the group debuts their new lead singer to country radio. With the addition of Cody Collins, the band has adopted the new slogan, "the future is now." In fact, the new album will be called The Future. Well, Cody sure brings the youth feel and look to a band that's been around for over a decade.

Well, I have to say that "Let Me Love You" doesn't showcase a new sound for radio, though it may be something fresh for Lonestar fans. Gone, it seems, are the days of "Mr. Mom" and "Class Reunion." This song also isn't "mushy lovey" like the songs that former lead Richie McDonald belted. In fact, I don't think this song would have clicked with McDonald at all.

And that's a good thing. I was getting tired of the same-ole, same-ole from Lonestar. This song is fresh. It has a good sound and, while nothing revolutionary, sounds good on radio. The lyrics themselves are, again, nothing special, but I think young lovers can connect to them, a key to a hit record. I do think, though, that this song is too much Cody and not enough Lonestar. I'll let that slide this time.

I have to give praise to Cody Collins, as well. He sounds fantastic on this track. For me, I hear a mix of Gary LeVox (Rascal Flatts) and Chris Young. A little bit country, a little bit rock-and-roll. Lonestar did well in choosing Mr. Collins to head the band.

While it isn't blazing up the charts, this could be the song that will put Lonestar back on track to be a top group in country music.

GRADE: A-
HIT or MISS: A good choice to showcase a new you

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SINGLE: Jo Dee Messina - "I'm Done"

2008-04-17T13:27:00.007-05:00

Let's get on the same page here. Jo Dee has to have a hit with her new single, "I'm Done," if she hopes to get her album on the shelves of record stores. That's just how it works.

Ok, now on to the single. Well, make no mistake - this is Jo Dee music. And she sounds great. However, I just don't think this is the single that will launch this album. Perhaps I'm wrong - girls are said to love this. And why not? Most women have had an ex hook up with a girl that's, well, loud about the fact that she's with your man. But let's not kid ourselves here. If Jo Dee really wanted to, you know she'd kick that girl's ass. And I think that's for the betterment of the song. Sometimes, though, the song is just fluff ("you and me we had a good thing") but at times is catchy, like in the chorus. The music does its part in keeping your attention, and again, Jo Dee's voice is unlike any others. You won't be asking "who is this?"

I just haven't been able to get into this like "My Give A Damn's Busted." But, being a huge Jo Dee fan, I hope this one can get her career back on the tracks. Hopefully Jo Dee won't end her career on such an ominous tune.

GRADE: B+
HIT or MISS: Somewhere in between..

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ALBUM: George Strait - "Troubadour"

2008-03-31T20:50:00.005-05:00

George Strait - Troubadour
Released: April 01, 2008
Produced by: Tony Brown & George Strait
Label: MCA Nashville
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If you record the best record of you're career, one could say there's something in the water. Right? Well then, why not just return to the place where the water is fine? That's exactly what the King of Country, Hall of Famer George Strait and his long-time producer Tony Brown did. For his 37th, yes, 37th album, Strait and Brown headed to the Florida Key's and Jimmy Buffet's studio to record what will easily be his next platinum record.

Troubadour features some of the finest cuts Strait has ever put on record. The album starts with the title track, featuring fellow Hall of Famer Vince Gill on backups. Strait says the story in "Troubadour" fits [his] whole career from start to finish." While the song may not have a solid pitch, Gill and Strait sound great together. Sit back, because Strait couldn't have followed up his CMA Album of the Year winner It Just Comes Natural any better.

Let me predict that there will be four more smash singles from this album after "I Saw God Today" -"It Was Me," "House of Cash," "Make Her Fall In Love With Me Song," and "House With No Doors." For me, these are the strongest cuts on the album. "It Was Me" is a typical Strait cut we've all come to love, "Make Her Fall In Love With Me Song" is a honky-tonk smash that harkens back to Strait's early days (great for summer, too, with its fast tempo), and "House With No Doors" is the perfect midtempo ballad to release from the album, though I didn't quite get the lyrics.

Yes, I've forgotten one of the songs, but it deserves its own paragraph. "House of Cash" is the cut of the record. CMA Musical Event of the Year - I'm calling it! Man, do Strait and Patty Loveless sound spectacular together! I was surprised they cut an uptempo track, but boy, country doesn't get better. Loveless sounds great (man, is she missed!) and I'm really impressed by the Cash hooks.

There really isn't a raw cut on the record. "Brothers On A Highway" gets a big thumbs up from me (another classic Strait cut), "River of Love" really is a different sound for Strait, but he sounds great anyway, and the Dean Dillon collaboration "West Texas Town" is sure to have you two-steppin' you're way out of Wal-Mart. Right now, I'm not a big fan of "Give Me More Time," although it has a Mexican feel that reminds me of a favorite, "Seashores of Old Mexico."

I do have to give a rave review for the last track on the album - "If Heartaches Were Horses." I do admit, the song is probably a tad slow for today's radio, but I think this is one of, if not the, most solid ballads he has cut in the last few albums. Slow and mild, the song paints a wonderful picture that fits Strait's cowboy image to a T. Better left as an album cut, though, I'm afraid.

Just one suggestion for Strait - make the album longer. I felt like I had the album down in a half hour. But please - keep going heavy on the steel and loud with the fiddles. For today's country atmosphere, it really doesn't get any better. Strait, you sound great buddy. Keep it coming for years to come!

VERDICT: Must-have record of 2008!
GRADE: A-
I SUGGEST..: "Brothers on a Highway," "House of Cash (w. Patty Loveless)," "West Texas Town"

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SINGLE: "Johnny And June" - Heidi Newfield

2008-03-01T08:23:00.003-06:00

Boy, when I heard that Heidi Newfield was leaving Trick Pony, I was actually excited for her. I think she is an underrated vocal in this town and was being held back by the lagging success of the group. So naturally, hearing that she had a new single, I was anxious to hear what direction her solo music would take.

After "Pour Me," "On A Mission," "It's A Heartache," I was expecting a wonderful vocal performance. And, with Trick Pony's rocking sound, I was also expecting a boot-kickin' romper. I got neither with Newfield's "Johnny and June."

The song is full of cliches ("There's something about a man in black") from the very beginning, including mentions of Jackson, Cadillacs, love on stage.. please. If the writers had meant to be clever, they come over more desperate and idiotic.

After the onslaught of songs that deal with artists ("Tim McGraw," "Johnny Cash"), I have to say that I was not all that apprehensive about the song title. Johnny and June, afterall, had some pretty kickin' music. But in my opinion, Newfield needed to come out swinging. For all those Trick Pony fans that are now left in the dust after Ira Dean announced he, too, was leaving, she had a great opporotunity to pick up a steady following. I doubt "Johnny and June" does that. Her vocal performance is dull at best with no real shining moments, and sadly, the music arrangement is just too predictable.

Shame, too, because Heidi Newfield really is, or was, one of the best. Maybe this is just single choice. Let's hope the next single from the former lead singer puts Newfield back in the driver seat.

OVERALL GRADE: D+

SINGLE: Kellie Pickler - "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind"

2007-08-14T13:38:00.001-05:00

Who would have thought "American Idol"'s mink would be a hit maker on country radio? Not Simon Cowell. Kellie Pickler has two Top 20 singles under her belt now, but she has not made it to the coveted Top 10. She tries again with "Things That Never Cross A Man's Mind", a cute little ditty about the little things girls worry about. No need to quote the song, I'm sure most of you can imagine what guy's don't think about ("Red High Heels" for one). The song will be a country dance club hit, with a kickin' guitar riff and a up-tempo beat. The vocal take reminds me of something Lorrie Morgan or Deanna Carter would have recorded in the early 90s, not necessarily a bad thing. Kellie is the doll for young girls, and this song is for them.. cheers!

*** out of *****

SINGLE: Keith Urban - "Everybody"

2007-08-14T13:32:00.000-05:00

'The only thing you've ever known is how to run/So you keep on runnin' into the sun.' Everybody does need somebody, and that's what this song is just about. Keith Urban chooses a mid-tempo number for the fourth single, and the song shows why Keith Urban is the major force he is. The song builds from the first note, with levels of guitar riffs (an Urban staple), a brisk-paced drum snare piece, and a string section with keys. But what really impresses me about this particular track is Keith's vocal take. He shows his chops off; the man does have a range that includes a beautiful, but simple, falsetto. The man can play, write, sing, and produce. He has yet to hit #1 with this album, and while this tune may not give him that, it's a nice ballad for guys to remind their girls to let down the walls and be loved. You can't live life alone, after all.

**** out of *****

SINGLE: George Strait - "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls"

2007-08-14T13:18:00.000-05:00

With the third single from It Just Comes Natural, Mr. Strait will go for his 76th Top 10 Billboard hit and 43rd #1 hit. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. "How 'Bout Them Cowgirls" is just what you'd expect from Strait: clean-cut country. There's nothing extraordinary about the song, and somehow, that's what makes it good. The King sings, 'How 'bout them cowgirls/boys, ain't they something?' According to him, nothing America can offer compares to the beauty of women. Age hasn't effected Strait's voice in the least bit, and his musical stylings still hark back to a day when men and women wouldn't touch while dancing. The track isn't the strongest on the latest album, but chances are the debut single from George's new album (due in 2008) will be Top 10 single #78.

*** out of *****

SINGLE: Carrie Underwood - "So Small"

2007-08-02T11:31:00.000-05:00

After the smash album of Some Hearts, expectations are running higher than the clouds for Carrie's second album. It is, then, to be expected that some will be disappointed with "So Small". But just some. Carrie couldn't have delivered a better song for her debut song. If you had any reservations about this girl's vocal range, question no longer. The woman belts this one out! My only complaint is the song resembles a pop ballad that has strayed into Nashville. But somehow Ms. Underwood makes me forget that. This one was just smashed over the fence. In just three days of airplay, already almost 6 million people have heard it. Way to go, Carrie!

***** out of *****

SINGLE: Jason Aldean - "Laugh Until We Cried"

2007-08-02T11:24:00.000-05:00

Jason Aldean is solidifying his spot among the ranks of males in country music. The man is a wonderful performer, no doubt, and has been delivering hit single after hit single. He doesn't miss with this one either. A nostalgic song, "Laugh Until We Cried" will hit home with listeners. The song mentions Grandpa telling stories, drinking with friends, and living life to its fullest. And it helps that the song doesn't try to rock. The rhythm reminds me of Kenny Chesney's "Good Stuff". I predict another big hit for Mr. Aldean.

**** out of *****

SINGLE: Trace Adkins - "I Got My Game On"

2007-08-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

What happened to the old Trace? This song is simply "Swing" meets "Ladies Love Country Boys" with a touch of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk". Mind you, I really enjoyed two of those three singles, but "Arlington" was a much better choice than either of the singles from Dangerous Man. The only positive note I can mention is the song is uptempo; it'll get your foot stomping. But this song most definitely will not have me running out to buy the album or single. Radio will probably eat this up, however..

** out of ****

SINGLE: Trisha Yearwood - "Heaven, Heartache, and The Power of Love"

2007-07-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

Welcome back Mrs. Yearwood-Brooks. You left your other half behind. And this time, that's a good thing. Trisha is now 2 for 2 in regards to strong debut singles. In my mind, this is one of her best cuts period. The song features a very soulful, powerful, and bluesy Yearwood on a very uptempo song. She couldn't have gotten it more right. If you're looking for country, look no further. Trisha has never sounded better, either, and she shows it. This one will have you two-stepping all the way to Heaven. I have a feeling country radio will dance right with you to the Golden Honkytonk above.

***** out of *****

SINGLE: Brad Paisley, "Online"

2007-07-14T12:11:00.000-05:00

With his 5th studio release, 5th Gear, Brad Paisley steps it up a notch. This may just be Album of the Year y'all. And the album continues Brad's "tongue-in-cheek" style of songwriting. With his new single, Brad takes a satirical look at the world of online networking. And only Brad Paisley could pull this off: "Cause even on a slow day/I could have a three way/Chat with two women at one time/I'm so much cooler online". The lyrics are creative and ingenious ("only time I've been to L.A. was the chance to play tuba in the Rose Parade) and paint a true picture of how one can create an image online. But its the music here that wins me over. Brad includes, of course, his trademark guitar riffs. But there's a little spice here that no one else has attempted: the song closes with a marching band! Yes, Brentwood High School makes a cameo appearance on "Online", as does labelmate Carrie Underwood. Much better than "Ticks", this track will stream its way right to #1.

***** out of *****

SINGLE: Jo Dee Messina - "Biker Chick"

2007-07-10T11:30:00.001-05:00

Jo Dee Messina roars back onto country radio as loud as the pipes out the back of a Harley. "Biker Chick" represents the Jo Dee that fans have come to love. You can't get much more uptempo than this, y'all. This song will definitely get your motor runnin'! My only question is this: is Ms. Messina really into a tatooed, long haired dude? There's no questioning she'd look great on the back of a Harley. Well the Chopper's running strong on this one, but will Jo Dee be able to ride her bike to the top of the country charts? She might need a few tanks of gas to get there..

*** out of *****

Listen to a clip of "Biker Chick" at Jo Dee's official site.