Single Review- Trailer Choir- Rockin' The Beer Gut

Showmanship before song legitimacy. That’s the paradox facing Trailer Choir.

Signed by Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records label in 2007, Trailer Choir received some national publicity when their first single and music video “Off The Hillbilly Hook” was featured on CMT and in Keith’s 2008 movie “Beer For My Horses.” With members with stage names of Crystal, Butter, and Big Vinny - the 400 pound man who is known to dance the worm in the middle of their shows- the single was a major country-themed fratboy party anthem with rapping and more non-traditional country themes. And while it may have gotten them in front of viewers, the single never cracked any of the charts. If they are first introduced to the public as a novelty act, what happens when the novelty wears off?

Now a year later, their second single, "What Would You Say", peaked at #43 in May 2009 and their second chart single "Rockin' the Beer Gut" has just debuted at #60 on the charts. (Both are on the group’s first album, Off the Hillbilly Hook that was released on June 9th).

This new single has followed each of their previous two singles into that dark and dangerous oblivion that is known whimsy comical songs. It’s a simple country tune, with a little simple electric guitar and a simple-minded topic- a pretty little girl’s beer gut.

“She had everything going on / The first thing that caught my eye / She was rockin’ the beer gut / And I loved the way she was not ashamed / Rockin’ the beer gut / Just a little extra love around her waist.”

At best, the song has a very little amount of comedy to its lyrics. At its worst, it’s an insulting and exploitative attempt to making a buck on our heavier country fans. It’s not cute, not particularly funny, and risks pigeonholing the band into novelty hell.

In an interview with the9513.com’s Jim Malec last summer, band member Butter said, “We’re built from songwriting. We know the depth. We’d stand in the same room with Craig Wiseman or Jeffrey Steele all day long and write songs and be competitive. When you get past “Beer Gut” and some of the fun stuff–which I think will always be a part of what we do–there’s a very serious side, and a very compassionate side.” It’s unfortunate that they didn’t show that side here on their third release.

Novelty songs are not new- modern tunes like Brad Paisley’s “Ticks” and Trace Adkins’ “Marry For Money” are fun and inspired tunes that connected with the listener with a story. While not being serious, they serve a lighter purpose in a more well-rounded offering of a long list of songs. Joe Diffie and Jerry Reed made long successful careers on balancing the two sides of the coin.
What happens to a novelty act when the novelty wears off? It just becomes an act- a tired one at that.

Fundraiser Rebuilding Patsy Cline's Historic Home

A new fundraiser could put your name down in history. The “Celebrating Patsy Cline Incorporated” organization has started a Brick-A-Thon fundraiser for deceased country music start Patsy Cline.

Cline made the Winchester, VA house her home for nearly nine years. The home on South Kent Street is in need of restoration, so bricks are being sold to help raise money. Each brick will be engraved with the donator’s name. The bricks will then be used in the restorations.

Send donations to: Celebrating Patsy Cline, Inc.,
PO Box 3900
Winchester, Virginia 22604
or call Toll Free: 888-608-CPCM (2726)
or e-mail info@celebratingpatsycline.org

Randy Houser- The 9513 Interview

A Mississippi son, Randy Houser speaks a different set of the country blues. His parents divorced when he was 7, and Houser spent the summers with his father, a professional singer and musician. The rest of the year, he lived with his mother in public housing until his mother remarried, which was followed by a move to the country. Partly out of necessity, partly out of his need for a musical creative outlet, he was playing Mississippi clubs when he was 15. After his father passed away, Houser moved to Nashville and quickly found work as a demo singer, which led to a publishing deal at Windswept Music. He co-wrote "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," a big hit for Trace Adkins, and later signed a recording contract with Universal South Records. His current album, Anything Goes, has put him atop the country music charts and the title track and second hit, “Boots On,” have made him a staple on country radio for almost a year.

That Nashville Sound had an opportunity to sit down with the bearded crooner for an exclusive interview.

That Nashville Sound- I read a good description for your music a little while back- they called it a Bluesy Modern Honkytonk. Given an opportunity to describe it yourself, what would you call it? What’s the mission behind the music?

Randy Houser- I think you described it pretty well. I think it definitely has a lot of blues in it. I grew up with a lot of blues, a lot of old style country, a lot of Southern Rock. I think all of that kind of goes hand in hand in my music. I think it’s just a bluesy soulful country. A new genre. Bluesy Soul Country Rock. (laughing.)

TNS- Going back to your first signing, before you were with Universal South, you were signed by James Stroud at MCA Nashville. You recorded a full album that was never released, I understand. Tell me about that first album and how it’s different from Anything Goes.

RH- That was shaping up to be a really good record, I think it was going to be really cool I actually cut a couple of things that were on this album that were on that album. “Boots On,” my current single, was on there. It was album that I actually cut with my whole road band on it. We were on track to make a really great record. But you know, things happen. It’s okay. I’ve still got an opportunity to rerecord some of those things.

TNS- Who or what were some of your earliest influences in music?

RH- Otis Redding. Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, AC/DC, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, big Hank Jr., big Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Sr- a lot of different things you hear down there. My Dad was a musician and I grew up around a lot of different kinds of music. I loved of all it.

TNS- I’d imagine that you Dad might have been the biggest influence growing up with all that music surrounding you at home?

RH- Yes. Definitely. He was always playing me new music and he was always hip to what was really cool. He was into different things. He was also into singer/songwriter stuff.

TNS- Is he the one that taught you how to write music?

RH- I think that’s something that you really have to learn on your own.

TNS- You ran though a big long list of who’s who on influences in your music. Now that you’re on the charts, have you had a chance to meet any of the folks you mentioned- how is that experience?

RH- I did get to meet Delbert McClinton. I’ve got a chance to meet Willie a few times. It’s amazing when you meet those type of guys. And those are the times I get a little starstruck. The conversations always become very small because I never know what to say. What can I say? It’s kind of like when you’re interviewing an artist. What can I possibly ask that person that they haven’t already been asked? It’s the same thing when I’m meeting a hero of mine. What can I say to this person that someone hasn’t already said? I tend to just freeze up and shut up. I just sit back, say nothing and study them.

TNS- You obviously co-wrote some big singles including “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” for Trace Adkins and “Back That Thing Up” for Justin Moore. Is the process of songwriting different knowing you’re writing for your own album versus writing for someone else?

RH- Yes. Absolutely. These days, I only write for me. Trying to make a living as a songwriter, I wrote lots of songs pertaining to other people’s lives. I think that’s what you have to do when you’re a songwriter is write about other people’s lives. Right now, I’m in the spot where when I’m doing my own albums, I need to write about things I’ve lived. I don’t really record anything unless I’ve been through it or experienced it.

TNS- Speaking of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” you wrote that with your good friend at fellow country star, Jamey Johnson. How has that friendship helped shape your Nashville experience?

RH- I think we shape each others. We came up through the ranks together. We’d be cruising around in either my truck or his, singing demo’s together, writing songs together. And after we were done, we’d go party together. We’re just good buddies. Still are. I think that we definitely kicked down that Nashville door together and kicked our way in. We always figured it would be easier to do with two of us rather than one. So we’ve always kind of supported one-another in that way. We made it a little easier on ourselves that way. It hasn’t been easy, but to do what we wanted musically, we had to do it.

TNS- With Badonkadonk, has Trace Adkins bought you and Jamey a Bentley for gifting him that one?

RH- (laughing) No. I’m still waiting on my Bentley.

TNS- Knowing the two of you, you’d prefer some big off-road vehicles instead.

RH- (still laughing) Yeah, that’d be alright. But the Bentley would be alright too. If he wants to buy us a Bentley, we might just be able to scrape up a few funds to buy our own off-road vehicle.

TNS- We talked about Jamey being a big influence, has there been other key artists there in Nashville that have helped shape your music before or since you’ve gotten your record deal?

RH- People that I’ve hung out with that have all become good buddies of mine. James Otto is a good buddy. Heidi Newfield. Darius Rucker. Keith Urban’s been one of the nicest guys. Vince Gill. Some of those guys that are really talented like that aren’t afraid to pass along props to other artists. They’re real artists, real musicians. They appreciate other good artists. They’re never scared to say that you’re doing something right.

TNS- When you look at an artist that’s been in the industry awhile, is there one that you’d like to model your career after or are you more set on charting your own course?

RH- There are people that I’ve watched handle their business. I think Toby Keith is a prime example of a guy that handled his business real well. It all depends if you have business to handle if you know what I mean.

TNS- I do know what you mean.

RH- If I can ever have the chance to handle as much business as Toby Keith has, I’m not going to be too worried about it, you know?

TNS- The new single is unique, the video is getting as much discussion as the song itself it seems. For the song “Boots On,” whose idea was it to feature the cute little guy Drake in the video?

RH- It was my record’s label idea. I honestly can say I can’t take credit for that wonderful idea. I kind of fought the label a little bit because Drake’s video had already been seen by everybody on the internet. And to take that video and put it into the video wasn’t my idea, only because it had nothing to do with the lyrics of the song. I wrote the song and it just didn’t match up with the song. But Drake, who was an awesome little guy, did great. And although I initially wanted something that matched up better with the song, luckily there’s some people a heck of a lot smarter than I am around at the label.

TNS- Have you and the label discussed what will be your next single off of the album?

RH- We’re thinking it’s going to be “My Kind Of Country.” That’s what we’re thinking right now.

TNS- Have you been busy writing for album number two as well?

RH- I have, actually. We’ve been discussing dates to start recording. We’re thinking sometime in October. I’m looking forward to it because I’ve been writing for it constantly.

TNS- Writing on your own? With other writers? With Jamey?

RH- Jamey and I haven’t had a chance to write together, but we’re getting ready to do a tour together so we will have a chance to write together, hopefully. But we’re all so busy all the time, it’s really hard. I have been writing with some of my buddies. Most the time, I’ll get a couple songs started, get together with a couple of buddies and we’ll finish the song together.

TNS- Your comment led me to my next question- your tour with Jamey. The upcoming has a unique name and unique spelling to it. Tell me a little bit about that.

RH- It’s the Traler Park Revival Tour. The short and simple of it is that we were going to rent a writer’s room together a few years back and have some space to write in, work in, even have a few beers in. It was a spot for us to have our own little office. It never dawned on us that we needed a business name to rent an office. So when they asked Jamey what our business name was, he looked a couple of writing buddies of ours and all he could think of was that we look like a bunch of people coming up from the trailer park. So we named it Traler Park. And the funny part is when you see the spelling of it, there’s no letter “I” in it. That’s because when they put our name on the office directory sign which office was ours, they left the “I” off the word Traler. We loved it so much, we just kept it. We used to shows around Nashville and call it the Traler Park.

TNS- Last question for you, what’s the definition of country music to you.

RH- Easy one. A simple truth.

Terri Clark To Release Indie Album In September

Terri Clark will release "Takes The Long Way Home" as an independent release after requesting and being granted her release from SonyBMG late last year.

Clark learned three years ago that her mother Linda was struggling against cancer and figured it was time to make a change to honor that relationship.

"When you see someone fighting as hard as my Mom was, it strikes you the things that matter," Clark said. "To her, life was everything. It was about personal integrity, her family, the things she loved about living...and I realized I couldn't make my music for any less. My fans deserved that from me, especially after the stories they tell me about things my music's gotten them through over the years."

That’s when she asked label head Joe Galante to release her from her Sony/BMG contract. "Joe was unbelievably gracious," Clark said. "I think he understood that this record I needed to make needed to be more...more personal, more country, more raw...He is an incredible artist guy, in that he knew where I was and needed, and he didn't hold me to (my contract)."

Clark calls the recording a honky-tonk, steamy spiritual blend.

Dolly Parton Remembers Michael Jackson

Click here to see Dolly Parton remember her friend Michael Jackson as only she could do it here...

“We lost a true music legend,” she says. “This is a sad time for music lovers everywhere. I knew Michael and he really was a true musical genius and a fantastic performer and a really sweet, sweet soul. I always thought Michael had the heart of an angel and I’m sure he’s rejoicing with them now. He’ll live on through his music.”

Up & Coming New Nashville- Can You Duet’s Keeira Lyn Ford (With Exclusive Interview)

Photo Copyright (c) Rob Greer

A 24-year-old native of San Dimas, California, Keeira Lyn Ford has music in her blood. Keeira auditioned for CMT's Can You Duet at the open call as a single but found her partner during callbacks when she was paired by the judges with Matt Boggs. You can watch her currently on this second season as she works her way towards the finals. But this isn’t her first blush with television with her music career.

"I tried out for `American Idol' and auditioned in front of Simon, Paula and Randy," said Ford, who also is a songwriter. "I sang a country song and they didn't put me through because they said I didn't look like a country singer. I was hurt, but I turned it into a positive by writing a song about my experience.

"My dad, who plays saxophone in Little Richard's band, really loved the song and started helping me with my career. He's the one who told me about the auditions for `Can You Duet?' and took me to Nashville to try out. It was brutal, but fun."

Ford said going to the auditions without having a duet partner proved to be extremely challenging. While waiting for her turn in front of the judges, she had to scramble to find someone to sing with. Eventually, the show's producers paired her with 23-year-old Texas native Matt Boggs.

"I went through a lot of drama," said Ford, "but I was very happy about being able to sing with Matt. He is very talented and it was a great pairing for me."

Ford's journey in show business began when she was a child with roles in TV commercials and sitcoms. Along with recurring guest spots on "Hanging With Mr. Cooper," "My Wife And Kids" and "Living Single," she appeared in a McDonald's commercial with country singer Garth Brooks.
We had a chance to interview the lovely Ms. Ford and talk about her burgeoning music career and her experience on the CMT television show.

That Nashville Sound- You're a new face to country music- tell me about the uphill road you've faced getting to where you're at thus far?

Keeira Lyn Ford- It has definitely been tough growing up in California where the country market is smaller. Even though my family doesn't have much money, my mom and I have travelled all over the United States for Country competitions and auditions to try and get myself out there. I also don't traditionally look like a country singer, and that has held me back with people like Paula, Randy and Simon of American Idol. However, people that are true country fans, love and respect my artistry.

TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?

KLF- My music is very heartfelt. Everything I sing whether written by me or not comes from the heart. I don't sing anything I can't relate to or think that no one will. Music is a universal expression that gets people through life. I want everyone to connect with my music and make them feel like they are a part of something.

TNS- How has the Can You Duet been thus far?

KLF- Can You Duet has been one of the best experiences of my life. I did a lot of television shows growing up because of my acting background, but being able to sing my genre of choice in front of Naomi, Scott and Big Kenny was a priceless opportunity. They all believed in me and helped contribute to my new found confidence. I made so many lifelong friendships amongst the contestants. The whole show was a growing and learning adventure.

TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?

KLF- Right now I'm getting a lot of music submitted to me, so I'm listening to a lot of original stuff. I'm always listening to country, traditional and new, and configuring my own style between the two. In my iPod I have everyone from The Beatles to Brad Paisley to Britney Spears

TNS- What's next for you? Where do you hope to be career-wise a couple years from now?

KLF- Right now I am concentrating on my music and maximizing all of my opportunities so that I can come out strong. A couple of years from now I hope to be signed to a major label, attending every awards show, creating albums and touring ten months out of the year

TNS- Quick questions (which do you like best?) Opry or Opera?

KLF- Opry all the way.

TNS- Record stores or downloads?

KLF- Record stores.

TNS- Fine dining or southern cooking?

KLF- Southern cooking.

TNS- Baseball or fishing?

KLF- Fishing.

TNS- West Coast or East Coast?

KLF- Sunshine in the West Coast.

TNS- Nickname for your guitar or other instruments?

KLF- My guitar is Dusty and my keyboard is Rusty.

David Nail Album To Hit Stores August 18

David Nail's debut album, I'm About To Come Alive, has been green-lighted and will be released on August 18 on the MCA Nashville label. Produced by Frank Liddell and Michael Wrucke, Nail is credited with writing nearly half of the 11-track record.

"I think every artist that moves to Nashville has a list of things they hope to achieve, and having a record in stores has always been near the very top for me, said Nail. "This has been a two-year process of highs and lows, but now being on the verge of accomplishing that, it feels as sweet as I ever imagined."

CD tracklisting:

1. Mississippi
2. I'm About To Come Alive
3. Red Light
4. Again
5. Clouds
6. Summer Job Days
7. Strangers On A Train (featuring Miranda Lambert)
8. Looking For A Good Time
9. This Time Around
10. Turning Home
11. Missouri

Tim McGraw Releases New Single- Album Scheduled For Fall

After a much publicized and frustrating series of delays by Curb Records, Tim McGraw will release his first studio album in two and a half years called Southern Voice. The first single off the album goes to radio this week and is called "It's A Business Doing Pleasure With You."

Expected to be released this fall and recorded in Nashville with his longtime producer, Byron Gallimore (Faith Hill, Sugarland, Phil Vassar), Southern Voice is the follow-up to Let It Go, which debuted at number 1 on The Billboard 200 in April of 2007. McGraw will support his new album with an extensive tour in 2010.

The single, written by Nickelback's Chad Kroeger and singer-songwriter Brett James (the writer behind numerous hits, including "Jesus, Take the Wheel" for Carrie Underwood), is an uptempo, tongue-in-cheek tale about the price of love.

TNS History- Johnny Cash Records Two Classics

It's no secret that we love Johnny Cash here at That Nashville Sound. Way back on this date 52 years ago- July 1, 1957 to be exact- the Man In Black recorded two of his classic hits- The Home Of The Blues and Give My Love To Rose. Watch them both below. (Email subscribers can hit the headline to watch them there.)

Stoney Creek/Broken Bow Records Adds New Artist Ash Bowers

CEO/President Benny Brown of Stoney Creek Records (sister label to Broken Bow Records) is adding talented singer/songwriter Ash Bowers to the newly formed label. Bowers' new single, "Stuck," will arrive at radio in July.

"The first time I saw Ash perform live I was completely blown away. His passion for performing was extremely apparent in his stage presence," says Brown.

In 2003, Bowers gave up his day job as a John Deere tractor mechanic to hit the road and follow his dream of music. Before long he was playing an overwhelming 200 plus dates a year. His dedication to country music is evidenced by the songwriting skills he acquired over time. His forthcoming project, produced by award-winner Buddy Cannon, contains seven songs penned by Bowers.

The new single, "Stuck," is written by Billy Montana and Frank Myers and is going for radio adds August 17.

For more information on Ash Bowers, visit www.myspace.com/ashbowers

Bellamy Brothers Team Up With Bacon Brothers On New Song & Video

The legendary duo, The Bellamy Brothers, have teamed up with the Bacon Brothers on a new single, “Guilty Of The Crime.” Starting in the late 1970s and extending into the 1980s, the Bellamy Brothers found success in country music, charting twenty Number One singles and more than fifty hits overall on the country charts.Watch the video here…

TNS History- George Jones Hits #1 Today

George Jones' topped the charts with "He Stopped Loving Her Today," on this exact date in 1980. Jones credits the song with reviving his flagging career, stating that "a four-decade career had been salvaged by a three-minute song." George Jones earned the Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 1980. The Academy of Country Music awarded the song Single of the Year and Song of the Year in 1980. It also became the Country Music Association's Song of the Year in both 1980 and 1981. This was only the second time that the same song won this honor two years in a row. (The first instance was the song "Easy Loving", sung by Freddie Hart.)

In 2003, CMT ranked this song #2 on its 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music. In 2004, CMT ranked it #13 on its 100 Greatest Country Love Songs. Other surveys have shown it as the #1 country song of all time. The song is ranked #270 on the Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Video of Montgomery Gentry's Opry Induction

Montgomery Gentry were inducted to the Grand Ole Opry this last week and here’s a great video worth the watch to see to tough-good-ole-boy-rebel-troublemakers cry upon induction. It's part of what makes the Grand Ole Opry so special.

New Music Videos From Steve Azar, Gloriana and Big Kenny

Several new videos hit the studios of country music video television executives this week including Steve Azar's "Moo La Moo," Gloriana's "The Way It Goes" and Big and Rich's Big Kenny's "Long After I'm Gone." Watch them here...

Kid Rock Teaming Up With Rick Rubin On New Album

We broke a story earlier in the week that Grammy-winning producer and Columbia Records Vice President Rick Rubin is working with Crosby Stills Nash on a new album and now share news that he is doing the same thing with rock star disguised as a country star, Kid Rock. Having produced groundbreaking albums for some of country music's biggest stars including Johnny Cash to the Dixie Chicks, Rubin's stamp on an artist's album can be defining. Kid Rock, who just won a CMT Award for his video "All Summer Long," looks forward to getting into the studio after winding down a long tour.

According to CMT, Rock has been rehearsing for the album during his current US tour, and has acquired around 20 songs to record for the disc. He told Billboard that "we won't release anything until we both agree that every song on it is great."