TNS Video History- Minnie Pearl At The Opry

New Music Video From Sarah Darling- "Whenever It Rains"

Faith Hill Sings A Little ABBA At Monday's Rock And Roll Induction Ceremony

Faith Hill performs ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All", with Benny Andersson on piano, at ABBA's induction into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame on March 15, 2010.

Fresh Music Friday

Julie Roberts In Studio Working On A New Album

The beautiful singer/songwriter Julie Roberts (the voice behind the Top 20 hit "Break Down Here") is back in the studio recording material for an upcoming album. From her MySpace page, Julie writes:

First of all, I am working on my new album. I know it has been a long time in the making…but I want it to be just right. I am writing a ton, listening to and recording songs until I complete a project I am really proud of!! And guess what? I may even have one or two happy songs on this one!!! Don’t worry though…I’m sure I’ll have lots of those sad COUNTRY songs I love so much.

Secondly, I moved out to Los Angeles from January - August of last year. I am working on a film project so I took some acting classes. I loved my classes and LA and I learned so much. I think I really needed to get away and do something new for a while to put everything in perspective and grow as a person. Now, I am back in Nashville working on my music again and really feel that I’m singing from a different place than on the last album. I am so happy right now!

Lastly, I have joined the worlds of Facebook, Twitter, and most of you know I’m on MySpace. Please come join me on those pages because I am going to update y’all regularly and love to hear your comments and feedback. I hope to have final music for you soon.

New Music Video From Craig Morgan- "This Ain't Nothin'"

Shelby Lynne Reveals Plans For Release Of Tears, Lies And Alibis on April 20

On April 20th, Shelby Lynne will release her latest album, Tears, Lies, And Alibis, on her own newly founded label, EVERSO RECORDS, which is being distributed through Fontana, the award-winning independent distribution division of Universal Music Group. This sparse, intimate collection of 10 songs, all written and produced by the GRAMMY award-winning artist, follows 2008’s Just a Little Lovin’, a lush pop collection paying tribute to Dusty Springfield that was produced by Phil Ramone.

“I've made records for 20 years and never been more excited,” says Lynne, who has released 10 studio albums in that period, including her 2000 breakthrough, I Am Shelby Lynne. “I finally have the creative control I’ve needed to get my vision out there.”

”Shelby has always been a true original,” stated Ron Spaulding, President of Fontana. “She stands atop the list of innovative songwriters and soulful vocalists. Tears, Lies, And Alibis is a stunning and true revelation by one of the world’s most insightful and unpredictable artists. The entire Fontana family is thrilled to be part of the next chapter in an already critically-acclaimed career.”

While Tears, Lies, And Alibis signals increased independence for an artist already known for defying tradition, it was shaped by those close to her, who encouraged Lynne to venture down paths she might not have otherwise explored. “Loser Dreamer” was triggered by a phone conversation with Brian “Brain” Harrison, who engineered the sessions and played bass, Moog and percussion. Their talk about musicians and relationships ended the dry spell she’d been experiencing as a songwriter.

“Rains Came,” the album’s first song and lead single, came about in an equally organic fashion, inspired by a rare storm in the Southern California desert where she resides. As the rain fell one Sunday morning, Lynne, who misses the Southern rainstorms of her Alabama childhood tremendously, resisted the impulse to go outside and stand in it and grabbed a pen instead. The resulting song, with Randy Leago on horns and Val McCallum on guitar, is perhaps the sunniest sounding one ever written about having the blues. “The dark side of me seems to like how it feels when it’s pouring,” she sings with unabashed exuberance. Like “Something To Be Said,” her ode to the iconic Airstream trailer, it’s a song that might not have made the album if her collaborators hadn’t encouraged her to “give it a whirl.”

Drawing inspiration from the everyday, Lynne uses the familiar to render a complex internal landscape. From the lost dog searching for a porch to lie on in the restless, bluesy “Old Dog“ to the wife starching the collar of an errant husband in the poignant “Alibi,” her evocative imagery brings to life the scarred yet determined group of survivors whose stories are told in Tears, Lies, And Alibis. A stellar group of musicians enhance the immediacy of the songs, bringing a vintage, live-in-the-studio vibe to the album.

Recording initially at her home studio in Rancho Mirage, CA, she was joined by Harrison, McCallum, Ben Peeler (steel guitar, mandolin and banjo) and John Jackson (guitars, dobro, harmonica). Then she flew to Nashville for sessions at The Rendering Plant.

“I enlisted a couple of the Swampers from Muscle Shoals – David Hood (bass) and Spooner Oldham (Wurlitzer, Rhodes) – and Rick Reed (drums), Bryan Owings (drums, percussion) and Kenny Malone (drums, percussion), who had played on my very first record,” says Lynne. “Dave Jacques, one of the best upright bass players in Nashville, can be heard on "Like A Fool," as can Mark Jordan, who plays the haunting piano solo.” (“Like a Fool” was already tapped for an episode of the Lifetime series “Army Wives” that Lynne appeared in. She made her acting debut in Walk the Line, released in 2005.)

That Nashville Soundbites- Brantley Gilbert- Halfway To Heaven

That Nashville Sound receives many different CD releases throughout the year from indie and new artists that we’re doing short mini CD reviews on. We call them That Nashville Soundbites- it’s a feature that will allow us to give some props to some albums and artists that deserve a spotlight on their work.

Release Date: March 2010
Music Label: Average Joes
The Skinny: In the time since his last album, Modern Day Prodigal Son, until now, Gilbert has moved more from a Jason Aldean sound to a more southern rock influenced Lynyrd Skynyrd sound. With themes of bad boy behavior, this sophomore album finds Gilbert cementing his personality on the still-safe-for-soccer-moms outlaw movement aka Eric Church. "Saving Amy" is one of our favorite tracks of the year- a tune written from a ghost's perspective.
Sounds Like: Shooter Jennings
Standout Tracks: "Saving Amy”, “My Kind Of Crazy”, “Kick It In The Sticks”
The Verdict: Three Stars Out Of Five

New Music Video From Martina McBride- "Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong"

New Music Video From Reba McEntire- "I Keep On Loving You"

That Nashville Soundbites- Butch Walker & The Black Widows- I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart

That Nashville Sound receives many different CD releases throughout the year from indie and new artists that we’re doing short mini CD reviews on. We call them That Nashville Soundbites- it’s a feature that will allow us to give some props to some albums and artists that deserve a spotlight on their work.

Release Date: February 2010
Music Label: Old Haven
The Skinny: Borrowing as much from acts like Tom Petty and Steve Miller as it does from any country-tinged Nashville sound, the album is equal parts quirky and smart. The indie alternative country rocker’s fifth solo outing is filled with his trademark dry sense of humor balanced out with tales of damaged personalities and human insecurities. It’s an acquired taste, perhaps one that takes more than one listen. “She Likes Hair Bands” is a smile inducing affair, the well-written “Pretty Melody” is great for its string arrangement alone and “Shouldn’t Somebody Take You Home” is a great nod to traditional country ballads. Each song has a twist on a different lyrical tactic, crossing genres and styles effortlessly. More importantly, it works.
Sounds Like: A Countrified Steve Miller
Standout Tracks: "She Likes Hair Bands”, “Pretty Melody”, “Shouldn’t Somebody Take You Home”
The Verdict: Three & A Half Stars Out Of Five

CD Reviews- Gary Allan- Get Off On The Pain

The Background:
Gary Allan, named "country music's mainstream maverick" by Rolling Stone magazine, has become one of the hottest artists in modern country music. He's sold over 6 million albums,released 4 #1 hits and 10 Top 10 hits at country radio. His authentic approach to his music and renegade swagger have made him a fan-favorite among music lovers and critics alike. Gary Allan has recently finished recording his new album Get Off On The Pain with long-time producer Mark Wright. The first single, "Today," is currently climbing the charts and is spinning on stations across the country now. The album is being released as a regular 10-song version as well as in a deluxe edition that includes 4 bonus songs and access to exclusive video downloads.

The Review:
Still carrying that left-of-establishment flag that is part outlaw, part Bakersfield, part biker and equal parts rock and roll cool and classic country, Gary Allan is one of the few artists that are both critically and commercially sensations. His brand new album, Get Off The Pain, finds him at the top of his game and reminds us that no one conveys angst like Gary Allan. The album opens up with the title track rocker that perfectly sums up Allan’s place in music. He “loves longshots and the left, outlaws causes, hanging out in the back of the pack and the dark horses. I ride the wrong roads just as fast as I can, God knows there’s no one else to blame, some times I get off on the pain.” It’s a great analogy for Allan. He carries the flag of Buck Owens while developing a rock edge of his own filled with tattoos and heartbreak. Get Off On The Pain is an outstanding album, one of the best thus far into 2010. “That Ain’t Gonna Fly” is another upbeat reminder to enjoy the ride of hitting rock bottom and “Kiss Me When I’m Down” is a request for an after break-up bootie call that’s going to necessitate counseling for sure- both are great tracks. If you look for the Deluxe Edition, you’ll find a great additional carefree bluesy ragtime number called “Long Summer Days” as well as three live tracks of some of his biggest hits. Buy this one- it’s worth every penny.

Sounds Like:
An Edgier Version Of Classic Gary Allan Stuff

Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds):
Get Off On The Pain
That Aint Gonna Fly
Kiss Me When I’m Down
Long Summer Days

The Verdict:
Four Stars Out Of Five

Luke Bryan, Gloriana and Joey+Rory Win Early ACM Awards

Fans picked Luke Bryan as the Academy of Country Music Awards' top new solo vocalist. Gloriana also won as top new vocal group and Joey+Rory won top new vocal duo.

The three winners are now in the running for the overall top new artist award that will be handed out at the ACM Awards next month. Voting starts April 1 at VoteACM.com.

Each act will perform and receive trophies on a GAC television special set to air April 1 and hosted by Trace Adkins at the Grand Ole Opry.

The ACM Awards will air live on CBS from Las Vegas on April 18.

New Music Video From Kenny Chesney- "Ain't Back Yet"

Note- this video will open up in a different player screen.

New Music Video From Sammy Kershaw- "Better Than I Used To Be"

An Interview With Kellie Coffey Over At The 9513

Kellie Coffey found her niche as a singer in Los Angeles, but it was her gift as a songwriter that made her decidedly country. "About four years after I moved to L.A., I started making trips to Nashville, checking out the scene and trying to get a deal. Once I became focused on what I really wanted to do, it all started to come together. Doors began to open for me."

Coffey's first single "When You Lie Next to Me," and her debut album of the same name, were released in 2002 and she would win Best New Female Vocalist from the country music industry. She even hit the road as an opening act for Kenny Chesney in early 2003, and George Strait in 2004.

Kellie took a break to start a family but is still actively writing and recording and plans to have another new album later this year. She was kind enough to chat with me for an interview for The 9513 about what has going on in her life. You can read a snippet of the interview below and catch the entire thing HERE.

"There was another time we were in Kansas, somewhere, and I was by myself on the road without a big artist. Everyone in town rolled out for my show–it was an electric night–and after the show they were kind of shaking my bus it went so well. Then there was another night when I was touring with Kenny Chesney, who was my label mate at the time. I love him. I did a couple shows with him. There was one time where these girls jumped into my bus and said “Where’s Kenny Chesney?” And I came out and they said, “Oh, it’s only Kellie Coffey. Oh bummer.” As big as you are, they can just bring you down and cut you down to size in about two seconds. (Laughing)"

Listen To The New Single From Chely Wright's Upcoming Album Here

Listen to the first single from Chely's brand new album on Vanguard Records which will be titled Lifted Off The Ground. The new album will be in stores 5.4.10.

Megan Mullins Covers Emmylou Harris & Chuck Berry

Megan Mullins' cover of Emmylou Harris's cover of Chuck Berry's "C'est La Vie, (You Never Can Tell)." That's John Bohlinger on acoustic guitar.

New Music Video From Brandi Carlile- "That Year"

Major League Baseball Players Sing Country For Charity

Instead of organizing a celebrity golf outing, Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Jake Peavy has chosen to put on a charity benefit concert in Scottsdale with major leaguers as the performers this spring training.

Peavy called it "Woodjock" and it featured himself, San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito, retired Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams, Cincinatti Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo, San Francisco Giants third baseman Aubrey Huff and others who are ballplayers first and musicians second. You can see photos and more information HERE.

Below is Huff's take on Johnny Cash with "Ring Of Fire."

Aubrey Huff sings "Ring of Fire" from Big League Stew on Vimeo.

Dierks Bentley Reveals Title & Timing For Bluegrass Flavored Album

Fresh off the success of his high performing album Feel That Fire, Bentley has announced the summer release of the acoustic, roots-based Up On The Ridge. The album will feature Bentley working with some of the best acoustic musicians, including long-time collaborators the Del McCoury Band and a magical new musical partnership with Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers. The disc also features a number of vocal and instrumental contributions ranging from Alison Krauss and Miranda Lambert to Tim O’Brien and Sam Bush, among many others. The project found Bentley working with award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Randall Stewart and world-class recording engineer Gary Paczosa.

Up & Coming New Nashville- Lauren Winans (With Exclusive Interview)

Lauren Winans’ passion for singing was evident early on. Many of Lauren's activities and interests growing up involved singing and songwriting. She would often make up plays and songs for her family, neighbors or anyone who would listen to her. She often "convinced" her grandpa and little sister to be a part of the show.

Before long, Lauren was belting out songs from Faith Hill & Britney Spears. Teachers and classmates alike were entertained during recess with Lauren's impromptu concerts. Lauren couldn't understand why the other kids wanted to play on the playground while all she wanted to do was put on a show. That shows just how young her drive to perform began. Throughout the years, Lauren never gave up on fulfilling her passion for music. She sang in church, talent contests, and small country fairs, perfecting her talent. When Lauren turned 14, she begged her mom and dad to let her record at a local studio. They agreed & there she truly felt at home. Studio owner, Seth Maynard, saw something special in Lauren and encouraged her to seriously pursue songwriting. Lauren and Seth have written many songs & continue to work on multiple projects. It was Seth who insisted Lauren start playing a musical instrument. So, she chose guitar and has been honing her own, unique style of edgy country, telling stories of her life in her little town in West Virginia. Her small town values are what keeps Lauren real. She has strong ties to her family and her West Virginia roots. If she isn't singing, you will find her at her grandparents house. To keep in touch while Lauren is traveling between cities, she has taught both of her grandparents how to text.

Lauren has spent most of the past year between home in WV and Nashville. She will be working in Reading, PA in the upcoming months to further her career. Lauren continues to surround herself with people who believe in her, becomeing a very talented singer/songwriter.


What brought you to music in the first place?
I have been interested in music since I was able to talk. Music was always playing in the car or house and I was always singing along! Belle from Beauty and the Beast, was the first person I started to imitate. Later in life, Faith Hill & then Britney Spears.

Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?
My music is a mix of rock & country put together to sound unique. I love country music and I love the sound of crazy electric guitars, so I try to incorporate both of those aspects, with my true country roots behind it. I have a very raw voice and it can go lots of ways. The director of my, "No Boys Allowed" video quotes "Lauren country rocks!" The mission behind my music is to bring something different to the table and something that is so real...which people can relate to. There is also a lot of humor in what I am singing about.

What might people be surprised to find out about you?
I have the worst luck, ever, with boys, so all my songs have ended up being very female empowering.. and to make it even better, my co-writer is a man, Seth Maynard... funny! He can get into my head and help with what I want to say better than anyone else I know!

What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?
ANYTHING Britney Spears or Kellie Pickler.... I don't have an iPod! (Laughter) But I listen to a lot of Jessie James because she reminds me of myself! Right now, Lady Gaga is in my car's CD player.

If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?
I sure hope I am on a huge tour...have tried on all the costumes from Britney Spears' videos.. and Taylor Swift and I are b-f-f-s... I will be married to Jessie McCartney.. I LOVE HIM SO MUCH! Also, I want to be on Chelsea Lately & Ellen! They are both SO funny!! Is that too much for a girl to ask?

Nickname for your guitar or other instruments?
I call my guitar my "boyfriend" because I feel like my guitar is more of a boyfriend to me than most of the boyfriends I have had!

TNS Video History- Tennessee Ernie Ford- "Sixteen Tons"