11/15 The Josh Abbott Band feat. Kacey Musgraves “Oh Tonight” How do you explain something that is simple on the outside, yet complex inwardly? On the surface “Oh Tonight” is a simple “lets take things to the next level” duet with Kacey Musgraves. But looking more, and you get to find what this band is really about. Built around honest songs about real-life emotions with strong harmonies and winsome melodic hooks (very gulf southern, even a little cajun-y in my opinion), The Josh Abbot Band sound is autobiographical, and anybody with a heartbeat knows the complexities of the inner body, mind, and soul. This Texas Tech (Lubbock, Tx) based band is following in the footsteps of those before them who are legends in Texas, but may be unknown around the country. That time is coming sooner, and with songs like this on there 2nd album She’s Like Texas, they won’t be the Lone Star State’s Best Kept Secret for long! Read more about the autobiographical musical musings of the Josh Abbott Band Here.
11/16 Easton Corbin “I Can’t Love You Back” Every singer usually has an early memory of when the music bug bit them. For Easton Corbin, it is a gearshift and Mel McDaniels. One of my earliest memories is from when I was three or four,” he remembers. “I was sitting between my parents in the car and a song came on the radio—it was Mel McDaniel’s ‘Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On’. I began using the gearshift as my microphone. The desire has always been there.” Fast forward through years of guitar learning, local party playing, a degree from the University of Florida (in business) and marriage, and Corbin is now working on making his mark in Nashville with his self titled debut album. Quite a long way from his Gilchrist County, Florida roots (complete with no Walmart, a closed Hardees, and one red light) “I Can’t Love You Back,” written by Carson Chamberlain (producer of the album), Clint Daniels and Jeff Hyde, has a universal message of loss. “It can mean different things for different people,” Easton says. “She could have died, she could have left him—people can interpret it the way they feel.” Country Traditionalists and George Strait fans (which can and should be the same people) are going to love this song. There is no rock or pop in this song at all. A pure country romantic ballad. Now that his gearshift mic is now a real one nationwide, Easton Corbin is set upon making great country music for country music lovers. Read more about Easton Corbin being a little more country Here.
11/17 Alan Jackson “Ring of Fire” If the words “Love…Is a burning thing” were said to you, do you think that Alan Jackson can eventually come to mind. In the hearts and minds of not only country fans, but general music fans period, that quote will always be attributed to Johnny Cash. Alan Jackson gives the classic country song a modern spin as a part of his album Freight Train. First off I want to say, that before you think of this as being some sort of remix, Jackson doesn’t go too modern on this. He really stay’s in the traditional pocket of the song. It will be up to you as to the way you feel about it, as the reactions to this cover have been mixed. This is my favorite quote I’ve read about the song. “I don’t know what to think about this one. If I was at an AJ (Alan Jackson) show and he covered it…I’d think it was pretty cool. But do I really want to hear this on the radio? So far the callers have been just as conflicted as I am.” After 20 years of consistent music, Alan Jackson can do just about what he wants musically, and his career, this song, along with the rest of the new album is just like where the album title comes from. “Locomotives aren’t much about bluster. They’re more about power, speed, efficiency, rugged beauty, and drive.” Read more about the 20 year locomotive named Alan Jackson Here.
11/18 Kelly Parkes “Nothing (Good Ever Happens After Midnight)” Just about every musician has this general feeling about themselves, even the ones that suffer with stage fright. “I’m a ham,” Kelly Parkes says. “I’ve always been a ham. I love what I do and I love that I get to do it…When I see someone on stage performing, I want to be the one up there performing.” The feisty 23 year-old from rural Lancaster County, Penn., shows her personality on her debut single, produced by Darran Smith (Tim McGraw) and Lofton Creek Records chief Mike Borchetta. The former Ball State attendee knows all about the subject matter which is having a good time while making the right decisions. She’s been on her way for that since moving to Nashville in 2008, and she wants to continue that in 2011. Learn more about Kelly Parkes Here.
11/19 Due West “The Bible and the Belt” If the way Due West met and was formed is any indication of future success, give them their star now. “We were all at a party,” Matt Lopez recalls. “Dan Truman of Diamond Rio was having a house party at his sister’s house… Everybody was just sitting around playing guitar, and we started doing some Restless Heart, Shenandoah, and Diamond Rio tunes. Brad and I jumped right in there on the harmonies.” The response was along the lines of “when is your next show” even though the 3 of them had just met a couple of hours before. The harmony displayed at that party is what drove their 2009 hit “I Get That All The Time,” to top 20 status, what makes “The Bible and the Belt” noticeable. Written by 3rd Due West member Tim Gates from a conversation about living between (title) his whole life, have those harmonies with lyrics meant to be lighthearted and helpful. Their debut EP on Black River Records hopes to keep them going in the right direction. Read More about Due West Here.
