New Live Video From The Mavericks - "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down" (Live at Austin City Limits)

The Mavericks perform "All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down" as part of ACL Celebrates 50 Years in 2024. Austin City Limits released the performance yesterday as a tribute to The Mavericks' frontman, Raul Malo, who passed away earlier this week.

 

Obituary: Raul Malo, Grammy-Winning Frontman of The Mavericks, 1965–2025

Raul Malo, the unmistakable voice and visionary frontman of The Mavericks, passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 60. His bandmates shared the news with “the deepest grief,” honoring not only a musical giant but a friend, brother, and creative force whose impact transcended genres, cultures, and generations.

Born with a voice that could fill any room—and a spirit that could lift one—Raul was a force of human nature. Anyone fortunate enough to share space with him felt it instantly: an infectious energy, a boundless curiosity, and a generosity of heart that matched his artistic ambition. Over more than three decades, he entertained millions around the world, redefining American music along the way. His towering creative contributions helped shape a sound that blended country, rock, Latin rhythms, vintage pop, and global influences into something unmistakably Mavericks—music that felt like America in all its multilingual, multicultural richness.

Across his remarkable career, Raul helped craft a timeless catalog that cemented The Mavericks as one of the most distinctive bands of their generation. His soaring vocals powered hits such as “Dance the Night Away,” “Here Comes the Rain,” “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” “O What a Thrill,” and “Back in Your Arms Again”—songs that became staples not just of their genre, but of American music itself. Whether delivering a heart-wrenching ballad or a jubilant, horn-soaked anthem, Raul infused every performance with emotional depth and musical daring. His ability to blend country storytelling with Cuban influences, rock-and-roll swagger, and genre-defying arrangements shaped a legacy that future artists will study and admire for decades to come.

His spirited, magnetic performances earned The Mavericks a massive and loyal following, while Raul’s remarkable songwriting and musicianship propelled the band to multiple Grammy, ACM, and CMA Awards. Yet the accolades he cherished most stemmed from his lifelong commitment to preserving and elevating the multi-lingual American musical repertoire. In 2020, he made history with the first album ever to debut at No. 1 on both the Latin Pop and Folk-Americana charts—a milestone that embodied everything he believed music could and should be: borderless, timeless, and unifying.

This devotion to cultural preservation was matched only by Raul’s passion for inspiring the next generation. A steadfast champion of music education, he worked tirelessly to ensure that every child—regardless of background—had the chance to discover the joy, confidence, and connection that music brings. For these contributions, he was honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Music Council of the United States’ American Eagle Award.

Though his earthly body has passed, Raul’s spirit will continue to resonate—in heaven, as his bandmates wrote, and here on earth in the music, joy, and light he poured into the world. His voice, warm and mighty; his songs, heartfelt and enduring; and his vision, bold and border-crossing, will echo for generations. Fans, fellow musicians, and the countless individuals he touched will carry his legacy forward each time they hear the opening swell of a beloved Mavericks tune or the soaring notes of his unmistakable tenor.

Raul is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Betty; their sons Dino, Victor, and Max; his mother, Norma; his sister, Carol; and his Mavericks brothers—Paul Deakin, Eddie Perez, and Jerry Dale McFadden—who stood beside him on stages across the world for decades.

He leaves behind not just a catalog of extraordinary music, but a blueprint for what American artistry can be: fearless, inclusive, and brimming with heart.

New Music Video From Raul Malo and Kelley Mickwee - "Tennessee Valentine"

That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes: Stapleton, Rimes, Collie, Malo, Monroe & More

With the nation getting vaccinated at a record clip and herd immunity getting ever so closer with each passing minute, a day on the horizon in which we get back to a day full of live shows and normalcy seems within reach. It certainly has ramped up the country music machine and lots of news from a lot of country music vets was released this week. Here's some snapshots. 

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Some new music videos over the last week:

Aloe Blacc & LeAnn Rimes - "I Do" - watch HERE

Leslie Jordan ft. Chris & Morgane Stapleton - "Farther Along" - watch HERE

Ashley Monroe - "'Til It Breaks" - watch HERE

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Midland, in conjunction with their music label and CMT have released a new musical documentary of sorts that highlights their origin story. It's called Midland: The Sonic Ranch Documentary. Here's the description: "In the Spring of 2014, Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, and Cameron Duddy took 11 days out of their very separate lives to head down to the Sonic Ranch, a studio nestled along the dusty American side of the Rio Grande outside El Paso, Texas. Midland was not so much a band as an experiment fueled by an assortment of spirits - but mostly tequila and the possibilities painted in their imaginations. They had no record label or manager and they had never played a show together. These recordings capture three friends, at a live-in studio in the desert, trying to make a dream come true." You can watch the doc HERE.

 

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Rising country newcomer Tiera has released her self-titled debut EP.  The Alabama-native was the flagship songwriter for Nicolle Galyon’s female-driven publishing house, Songs & Daughters. She was inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2020 and was honored by the AIMP for their Rising Songwriters Class of 2020. Tiera also hosts an Apple Music Country radio station.

“When I put out ‘Found It In You’ I hadn’t planned to release a full EP, but as my fans grasped onto the single I decided to release this whole collection of songs,” says Tiera. “It was really important for me to release my first full project independently because I wanted to make my stamp on country music in my own way. This is my way of introducing everyone to who I am as an artist. I wrote all of the songs with my friends and favorite collaborators; it is 100% true to me and I hope people have just as much fun listening to these songs as we did writing them.”

Tiera Track List:

“Found It In You” (Tiera, Cameron Bedell)

“Not Your Girl” (Tiera, Cameron Bedell, Jack Newsome)

“Laid Back” (Tiera, Mike Robinson, Rocky Block, Sarah Troy)

“Miles” ft. BRELAND (Tiera, Cameron Bedell, Daniel Breland, Jared Scott)

“Shut It Down” (Tiera, Cameron Bedell, Jared Scott, Neil Medley)

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Country music vet Mark Collie announced the upcoming release of his new album Book of My Blues set for June 4, 2021 on BFD/Audium Nashville/Orchard in association with Harvest Entertainment, Creator Label Co., and Collie Kuhl Music. The first single, “Born Ready” is available on all digital services today along with an accompanying video that is one of a series of music videos from the album directed by acclaimed director and screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh and shot by award-winning cinematographer Tom Stern.

The themes in Book of My Blues, those of love, lust, betrayal, addiction, recovery, damnation, and redemption are derived from the graphic novel Rockabilly Hitman, a long-gestating collaboration between Collie and director Hensleigh (“The Punisher,” “Die Hard with a Vengeance,” “Armageddon” and the soon-to-be-released “Ice Road” starring Liam Neeson) that depicts the exploits of rockabilly singer Jesse Wayne Hardin, who by night is an avenger of evil, as he travels the hard backroads from Muscle Shoals to Memphis, from the Mississippi Delta to Music City.

“Writing songs from the perspective of this character has been an enlightening journey. Some of my life experiences are in that character and I have stood at many of those same crossroads,” commented Collie. “Every line and nuance is intended to help bring Jesse Wayne and the ‘Book of My Blues’ to life. There are a lot of ways to describe the music, maybe Roadhouse Rock, Southern Gothic, Americana, Country, but at its core it’s a reflection of me and many others who came before me.”

The album features twelve original songs written or co-written by Collie, plus three rockabilly classics – “Hey Boba Lou” by Ronnie Hawkins, Jacqueline Magill and Robbie Robertson of The Band fame, “Night Train to Memphis” written by Country Music Hall of Fame member Owen Bradley along with Marvin Hughes and Beasley Smith, and the rockabilly standard by Carl Perkins, “Matchbox.” The album was co-produced by Kenny Greenberg (whose producer credits include Allison Moore, Josh Turner, Toby Keith and the Mavericks) and Chad Cromwell (whose credits include his work with Joe Walsh, Neil Young, Willie Nelson and Boz Scaggs).

The co-writers with Collie reads as a who’s who of songwriter elite, including Collie’s long-time friend Billy Bob Thornton who combines with him on the title cut, Tom Douglas, Gary Nicholson and John Scott Sherill, as well as Jonathan Hensleigh and co-producers Greenberg and Cromwell.

Track Listing with songwriters:

1. Book of My Blues with Billy Bob Thornton (Mark Collie, Billy Bob Thornton)

2. Born Ready (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Gary Nicholson)

3. On the Wings of Your Love (Mark Collie)

4. Right This Wrong (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg)

R. Matchbox (Carl Perkins)

5. Holly Springs (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)

6. Unfinished Hurting (Mark Collie, Tom Douglas)

7. Queen of A Hungry Heart (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)

8. Sinking Sand (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)

H. Hey Boba Lou (Ronnie Hawkins, Jacqueline Magill, Robbie Robertson)

9. Put the Gun Down (Mark Collie)

10. Walk the Floor, Kill the Lights, Slam the Door (Mark Collie, John Scott Sherill)

11. A Little Every Day (Mark Collie, Kenny Greenberg, Chad Cromwell)

12. The Son of a Gun (Mark Collie, Jonathan Hensleigh)

13. M. Night Train to Memphis (Owen Bradley, Marvin Hughes, Beasley Smith)

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Dillon Carmichael delivers his distinctive Kentucky-bred deep holler baritone that's far more 90s country than much on the radio dial today on his ‘Hot Beer’ EP, out May 14. The 6-track collection is chock-full of music from standout songwriters including Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Jessi Alexander, David Lee Murphy and others. 

This week, Carmichael shares his rendition of Montgomery Gentry’s “Lucky Man,” a song close to his heart — not only because it was recorded by his uncle Eddie Montgomery, but also because the pandemic has allowed him to reflect on the many reasons he has to be thankful. The visualizer with this song includes an Opry performance, family and friends, the cities his career has allowed him to visit, and on top of that, his recent engagement. Watch the heartwarming video here: youtu.be/wdxSdn2ZYqs 

“Lucky Man” follows the Bakersfield-tinged title track “Hot Beer" and TikTok-viral hit “Sawin’ Logs,” which both showcase Carmichael's knee-slapping humor and were produced with the help of Jon Pardi. In the hilarious “Big Truck," Carmichael questions the motives of his girlfriend’s affection — is it because of his big heart or his lift kit? On a more serious note, “Somewhere She Ain’t” addresses heartbreak, and “Since You’ve Been In It” is a traditional Carmichael love song. 

‘Hot Beer’ is part I of Carmichael’s new music, and a full LP is expected later this year. 

1. Hot Beer (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson) 

2. Big Truck (Dillon Carmichael, Jessi Alexander, David Lee Murphy) 

3. Lucky Man (David Lee, Dave Turnbull) 

4. Somewhere She Ain’t (Carmichael, Alexander, Ben Hayslip) 

5. Since You’ve Been In It (Carmichael, Ray Fulcher, Michael Whitworth, Daniel Ross) 

6. Sawin’ Logs (Brandon Kinney, Brice Long, Wynn Varble)

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Mavericks frontman Raul Malo released a large collection of songs he recorded over the last year this week and has called the album Quarantunes, Vol. 1. 

Malo says about the project, “As the pictures came in of empty streets across the globe, it was apparent this pandemic was going to last a while. This project stemmed from the idea that we were all in this together — everyone at home, doing what they can. It started in my home studio one rainy day, just me and the Mellotron, recording songs I’d never done before. As time went on, I brought in other talented players to contribute: Hector Tellez Jr, my sons Dino and Max, my friends The Band of Heathens, and of course The Mavericks. Although this quarantine chapter will be behind us one day, I hope this record can serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always room for a song.”

1. Love

2. Spanish Eyes

3. Ramblin' Rose

4. Solamente Una Vez

5. Wooden Heart

6. Galway Bay

7. Cha Cha Cha D'Amour

8. Jersey Girl

9. Santa Lucia (feat. Lisset Diaz )

10. Hey Gumbaree

11. Besame Mucho

12. Forever and Ever

13. Perfídia (feat. Hector Tellez Jr )

14. Maria Elena (feat. Hector Tellez Jr )

15. I Just Want To Dance With You

16. Moonglow

17. Those Were The Days

18. Brazil

19. All Of Me

20. My Way

21. The Sound Of Silence

22. Every Little Thing About You

23. Here Comes The Sun (feat. The Mavericks )

24. (Waiting For) The World To End (feat. The Mavericks )

25. Sweet Caroline (feat. The Mavericks )

26. Sinners and Saints (feat. The Mavericks )

27. Ventura Highway (feat. Hector Tellez Jr )

28. Back In Your Arms Again (feat. The Mavericks )

29. My Sweet Lord (feat. The Band of Heathens )

30. A Change is Gonna Come

New Music Video From The Mavericks' Raul Malo and Jamey Johnson - "To All The Girls I've Loved Before"

New Music Video From The Mavericks - "Blame It On Your Heart"

That Nashville Sound Friday Newsbytes - New Blackberry Smoke Project, Tim McGraw Little River Band Cover & New Music Videos

Everybody keep your head up, call someone who might be sitting in isolation by themselves and if you have it within your means, consider buying a piece of merchandise from your favorite independent artist's website today.   Heaven knows, they can use the help with all these shows being cancelled.  Today's news includes a new album announcement and a slew of new music videos and music performances.

~ Tim McGraw unveiled an awesome video shot a few months back in Australia of a before-concert cover of "Cool Change" with then-tour mate Eric Paslay. Says McGraw, "We love to sing covers backstage to warm up before the show—and sometimes we have friends join us….. Digging through the archives and sharing these with you while we’ve got some downtime. Hope you enjoy!!! Here’s a Little River Band cover we did back in Australia last year with Eric Paslay."

~ The Maverick's lead singer Raul Malo has been quietly releasing black and white shot videos of a series he's calling Quarantunes- covers of songs he loves- each day and they're worth a watch if just to marvel at the wonder of his voice.

~ Vlogger Grady Smith posted a new video of his review of Kelsea Ballerini's new album.

~ Blackberry Smoke will release a special new EP, Live From Capricorn Sound Studios, on June 19 with a portion of all proceeds going to the Recording Academy’s MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Recorded earlier this year at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon, GA, the project consists of six new versions of songs that have special ties to the historic studio and town.

Blackberry Smoke’s new version of “Midnight Rider,” originally recorded by The Allman Brothers Band, is premiering today at Relix in celebration of two special anniversaries: the formation of The Allman Brothers Band on March 26, 1969 and the release of “Midnight Rider” on the same day in 1971. Watch the live performance video HERE. 

The new project marks a significant moment in Capricorn Sound Studios’ history as it was the first time a major band has done a professional recording at the studio in over 40 years. Additional songs featured on the EP are renditions of The Marshall Tucker Band’s “Take The Highway” with special guest Marcus Henderson on the flute, The Allman Brothers Band’s “Revival,” Little Richard’s “Southern Child” and Wet Willie’s “Keep On Smiling” and “Grits Ain’t Groceries,” both featuring special guest vocals from Jimmy Hall—a member of Wet Willie during Capricorn’s peak years, who returned to the studio to record these tracks. 

~ New music videos and live performance videos premiering over the last couple days- click on the song title to watch the video:

      Brantley Gilbert - "Fire't Up"

      Zac Brown - "Dream Sellin'"

      Butch Walker - "Pretty Crazy"

      Ashley Monroe - "Honey"

      Ben Rector - "Yesterday"

      William Michael Morgan - "When You Say Nothing At All"

      Erin Enderlin - "Queen of Marina del Rey"

      Kenny Chesney - "Here and Now"

New Music Video From The Mavericks - "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?"

The Mavericks Cover Their Heroes and Inspirations on Nov. 1 Release of Play the Hits

Artist: The Mavericks

Album: Play the Hits

Label: Mono Mundo

Release date: November 1, 2019

“As musicians, you are always listening to other songs and you find inspiration and you talk about, ‘Oh man, one day we’re going to record this.’ But other things get in the way. You hear every reason in the world as to why not do a covers record, but now we’re in charge, so if we’re not going to do it now, when the hell are we going to?” The Mavericks lead singer Raul Malo told Rolling Stone. "You see those in the truck stops. ‘So-and-So Artist of Yesteryear Plays the Hits,’ and it’s some awful recording they were forced to do, and they’re selling for 3.99,” Malo laughs. “This is basically our version of that record, but hopefully with a little more care, and certainly more thought put into it.”

Three decades in, The Mavericks are as popular as ever, with a diverse and devoted following. Despite this covers album, they’ve refused to be a nostalgia act. “People come and yell for the newer songs,” enthuses longtime keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden. Drummer and co-founder Paul Deakin has a perspective on the durability of the band: “The reason for our longevity is that we’ve been able to take control of the music we play, how we play it, and where and when we play it. We’ve made enough mistakes once, twice or three times, but now we run the show. We can keep the creative spark that’s so central to what we do.”

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, and pay tribute to artists and songs that have been part of the journey, the Mavericks give us a brand new album called Play the Hits, featuring songs they cut their teeth on, all made famous by other people, disassembled and totally reimagined by the Mavericks as a testament to how great the songs are and how the band can get inside the material and make it their own.

“The Mavericks in a way has been our experiment,” muses Raul. “It’s the ‘why not’ band. Why not just do it? It’s more fun that way. We’re not beholden to any one genre. We’re not beholden to anything. And you know, all it has to do is just sound good.” Yes, that’s about it.

Track listing and songwriter credits:

Swingin’ (John David Anderson, Lionel A Delmore)
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (Waylon Jennings)
Blame It On Your Heart (Harlan Howard, Kostas Lazarides)
Don’t You Ever Get Tired (Of Hurting Me) (Hank Cochran)
Before The Next Teardrop Falls (Vivian Keith, Ben Peters)
Hungry Heart (Bruce Springsteen)
Why Can’t She Be You (Hank Cochran)
Once Upon A Time (feat. Martina McBride) (Barney Ales, Dave Hamilton, Clarence Paul, William Stevenson)
Don’t Be Cruel (Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley)
Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain (Fred Rose)

I’m Leaving It Up To You (Don Harris, Dewey Steven Terry) 

New Music Video From The Mavericks - "Christmas Time (Is Coming 'Round Again)

New Music Video From The Mavericks - "Brand New Day"

The Mavericks To Drop Brand New Day In Late March

Artist: The Mavericks
Album: Brand New Day
Label: Mono Mundo
Release date: March 31, 2017

The Mavericks have announced the March 31 release of Brand New Day, their first independent studio album on their own label Mono Mundo Recordings/Thirty Tigers. After years on major labels, The Mavericks chose to set a new course with the founding of Mono Mundo and the release of their first live album, 2016’s captivating All Night Live, Volume 1. On Brand New Day, the veteran band sets out to prove that they may have not even reached their apex yet.

The 10 songs that make up Brand New Day feature The Mavericks genre-defying style. The album opens with the tejano/bluegrass-inspired “Rolling Along”, which sets a tone before the wall-of-sound power of the title track thrusts the listener deep into the musical journey. From the ‘60’s flavored “Easy As It Seems” to the accordion-fueled shuffle of “I Will Be Yours” to the quieter soul of “Goodnight Waltz”, Brand New Day finds the band uncovering new sounds.

The Mavericks formed in Miami, FL in the late-1980’s, eventually moving to Nashville and launching what would be an incredible career that featured hits, sold out tours and the creation of a large and loyal fan base. The Mavericks created a one-of-a-kind sound that seamlessly blended elements of rock, Latino, folk, blues, country and more. Following a nine year hiatus, The Mavericks re-formed in 2012 going on to release two more highly acclaimed studio albums and toured relentlessly bringing their exhilarating live shows to longtime fans and new generations worldwide.

Led by the vocals of Raul Malo, the driving swing of drummer Paul Deakin, guitarist Eddie Perez and keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden, their unique style and sound cannot be neatly confined to any one genre or demographic, but has found its way onto several of our year-end favorites lists here at That Nashville Sound.

New Music City Roots Performance Music Video From Raul Malo - "Here Comes The Rain"

New Live Performance Music Video From The Mavericks- "I Said I Love You"

Ashley Monroe, The Mavericks and Townes Van Zandt All Have Upcoming Albums Unveiled

Three distinctly diverse country artists all had new projects unveiled this week by Ashley Monroe (also with the Pistol Annies), The Mavericks (with lead singer Raul Malo), and (postumously) Townes Van Zandt.

Press release on Ashley Monroe's Like a Rose:

Ashley Monroe, a member of the critically acclaimed trio Pistol Annies, will release her first Warner Nashville solo album, Like A Rose, to digital outlets on December 18, 2012.  The physical CD drops at retail January 22, 2013.

Most folks, as soon as they hear Ashley Monroe, instantly recognize one thing: she’s the real deal. Her songs resonate so profoundly because they reflect the experiences of an artist who, although she is just 26, has already seen both the best and worst that life has to offer.

Like a Rose has been a long time coming. Monroe has been creating music for more than half of her life—attracting along the way kudos from such music world giants as Dolly Parton, Guy Clark, Vince Gill and Jack White. Her new, full-length album release serves both to fill in the back-story and impart to us who she is today. At times her songs are dead serious, at others utterly hilarious, but always Monroe is an original with a compelling story to share.

Monroe spent her childhood in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she immersed herself in all varieties of music ranging from country—she’s not-too-distantly related to members of the legendary Carter Family—to rock, pop, rap and even opera. When she was 11, Monroe won a talent contest singing “I Want To Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and two years later her father gave Ashley her first guitar. She developed a passion for writing songs, discovering that she could easily communicate her thoughts and sentiments through a six-string and her dynamic, exceptional voice.

Shortly thereafter tragedy struck, upending the young girl’s world. Monroe’s father was diagnosed with cancer and died when Ashley was 13. The young girl immersed herself in music. Monroe and her mother moved to Nashville so that Ashley could pursue her dream. It didn’t take long to find believers. Within a year Monroe had signed a song publishing deal, secured a recording contract and released a single, “Satisfied,” a sizable hit that put her on the map. Then another roadblock: Her record label merged with a larger company, and declined to release her already-recorded album. Although the Satisfied album found a home on iTunes, Ashley, only 20, was, in a sense, back where she’d started.

She didn’t let that stop her though, and with a lot of hard work and determination, Monroe kept honing her craft and putting herself in front of anyone who would listen. Her fandom grew steadily and fellow artists began to notice.

In 2008, Ashley cut a highly praised EP with singer-songwriter Trent Dabbs and a few years later, at the invitation of Jack White, she sang background vocals on an album he was producing by the iconic country-rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson. And just to prove how versatile she is, Monroe also contributed vocals to the track “Bruises” on the 2012 album California 37 by the rock band Train.

Despite her list of previous accomplishments, everything she’s done so far feels like it’s been pointing the way toward Like a Rose. With songs that run the gamut from feel-good to controversial to contemplative, the album, produced by country music titan Vince Gill, offers the full range of Ashley Monroe’s songwriting and performing skills. To maintain the honesty of Ashley’s songs, Gill and the singer chose to record the album the way most of the greatest albums ever were made: sans gimmickry. “We just got the band in a circle and started playing the songs,” Ashley says, “and once we felt like we had a feel for it, I’d do my vocal live—I never went back in to do a second vocal. Everyone put everything we had into the songs. There was a buzz in the room. We all had fun—it felt like a big old family, the way records used to be made.”

Some of the songs were newly written for the album; others date back several years and felt right to revisit. The semi-autobiographical title track, one of the uncontestable highlights of the set, was co-written about six years ago with another totem of the American song-crafting community, Texan legend Guy Clark.

One song that is bound to raise some eyebrows refers to the same favored flower of the title tune, but in a much different sense: “Weed Instead of Roses” tells of a woman’s desire to get a gift she actually desires from her beau, not just something that smells good.

“You Got Me,” co-written by Monroe and Karen Fairchild. Says Ashley, “It’s about an addiction to something—one thing or another, whether you’re stuck in a bad relationship or alcohol or whatever it is—and you try to hide it and fight it but you’re kind of saying, ‘Alright, you got me.’

On a more light-hearted note is “Monroe Suede,” based on “a slick character that tries to get away all the time.” Another is the self-explanatory “You Ain't Dolly (And You Ain't Porter),” a duet featuring CMA Entertainer of the Year Blake Shelton. “Morning After” confronts that uneasy feeling that often follows a too-good time and “She’s Driving Me Out Of Your Mind,” written with Jon Randall Stewart, comes straight from one of Ashley’s many journals. “Two Weeks Late” was suggested by singer-songwriter Shane McAnally, who co-wrote it with Monroe. “He came in and said, ‘I heard this phrase at the ATM: I’m a dollar short and two weeks late.’ That was another one that just fell out. I grabbed the guitar and we started writing it up.

“Used,” another standout, is an update of a song that appeared on Monroe’s Satisfied album. “It came to me when I was about 17 and my manager at the time had just bought me this old 1950s Gibson guitar,” she says. It came into my mind that things are worth more used, and I thought about my mom, who had lost my dad when she was 38. I was thinking, she had two kids, she’s been through a lot, and, bless her heart, it’s all gonna be worth it. Vince and I worked up this new version, which made it fresh for me.”

News on the Mavericks' new album, In Time:

Grammy-winning group, The Mavericks, announce the release of In Time, their first album in seven years and their first for The Valory Music Co., slated for release on January 29th. The project will be released in conjunction with the band’s 20th anniversary of their first major label album release.

The Mavericks' distinct sound, which has taken Country to places the genre has never been, is again evident throughout the new 14-track album, produced by lead singer Raul Malo and Niko Bolas (Neil Young, Warren Zevon).

With their new album, time melts once again and the band that defied definitions, blurred genres and made everybody feel good, is back. Whether it’s the Buck Owens-influenced “Dance In The Moonlight,” the panoramic Orbison-esque “Born To Be Blue,” the horn-punctuated retro noir “Back In Your Arms Again” or Tejano-esque “All Over Again,” The Mavericks have once again found the way to make genre-defying soul music.

For Malo, the lead singer with the rich supple voice that’s second to only Roy Orbison in its ability to convey lonesome, desire and vivre; drummer Paul Deakin and multi-instrumentalist Robert Reynolds; as well as longtime collaborator keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden and seasoned guitarist Eddie Perez, life has become richer in terms of experience, playing acumen and a sense of their own musicality. It has also deepened the connection between them in a way that heightens the singular chemistry that made the award-winning band one of the most exciting live acts in any musical genre.

And lastly, info on the Townes Van Zandt album, Sunshine Boy: The Unheard Studio Sessions and Demos 1971-1972:

Omnivore Records will give listeners more to discover in Townes Van Zandt when the 28-song, two-CD set is released on February 5, 2013. The recordings that comprise the set have been hidden away in the vault since their initial recording and are now presented with the cooperation of the estate. Due to acquisitions by various labels of the initial Poppy Records recordings, these session recordings have sat on the shelf with no one knowing quite where to find them — until now.

Following ten studio albums, several singles and several live albums, the troubled life of the influential singer-songwriter, performer and poet came to a close on New Years Day 1997.

Omnivore is pleased to finally be able to present, after many years in the works, a two-CD set of previously unavailable music from the Texas singer-songwriter’s classic albums High, Low & In Between and The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. One disc features outtakes and alternate takes/mixes of tracks from the sessions for those LPs; the other highlights solo demos. The set offers a window into the work that went into those two brilliant recordings, from a time when Van Zandt was at the height of his songwriting powers.

With alternate takes and mixes of songs like “To Live Is To Fly” (presented in both alternate take and demo form) and the classic "Pancho & Lefty" (a mix made alongside the known version, but without the strings and horns of the commercial version), Sunshine Boy is an essential release for all true Townes Van Zandt fans. The quiet and largely solo demo disc provides an intimate portrait of Van Zandt demo-ing songs, some of which would become his best-known compositions.

As Escott explains, “alternate versions add an entirely new dimension, like seeing someone you thought you knew so well in a new light. The new songs are simply good to have when it seemed the barrel was empty. And so here are more than two hours of Townes Van Zandt — music unheard since the engineer peeled off a little splicing tape to seal the box 40 years ago.”

Escott’s comprehensive liner notes, unseen photographs from the era and some entirely unheard songs, make this collection a must-have for fans of one of the best songwriters of his time.

New Live Music Video From The Mavericks- "Born To Be Blue"

New Music Video From Raul Malo- "I'll Be Home For Christmas"

The Mavericks To Reunite In 2012

Meeting in their native Florida in the early ‘90s, the Mavericks went on to record such hits as “What a Crying Shame” (1992), “There Goes My Heart” (1994), “O What a Thrill” (1994), “Here Comes the Rain” (1995) and “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down” (1996). In 1995, they received a Grammy for “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal,” and won Country Music Awards for “Best Vocal Group” in 1995-96 and Academy of Country Music Awards in 1994 and 1995 for “Best Group.”

But by 2003, the hits had stopped and the band had split from MCA Nashville, the group broke up. Raul Malo (vocals, guitar), Robert Reynolds (bass) and Paul Deakin (drums) all went their separate ways. Now, nearly nine years later, word has come out that the band will be reuniting in 2012 for a tour and possible new recordings.


Lead singer Malo says, “I’m excited to get back together with the band. This time out, we’ll get to do things right and finish what we started on our own terms — not subject to the powers that be.”

Reynolds adds, “Time away has really allowed me to miss the guys and the music we made together. We owe it to the fans as a thank you. The thing that saddened me was trying to imagine never playing those songs with my fellow Mavs and for the fans that showed us such love. Its time to correct that, here we come again.”

And according to Deakin, “I’ve always thought of The Mavericks as one of those bands that had an inexplicable chemistry that resulted in a kind of magic on stage. Possibly the relentless pursuit of fun helped the mojo along. The stage is one of those rare places that you instantly get back what you put out.  The Mavericks had a lot of fun putting out over the years.  I can't wait to get back on this horse again.”

Lorrie Morgan Set To Release Classics Collection

Lorrie Morgan is set to release A Moment On Time on October 27. This collection of evergreen classics includes “If You’ve Got Leavin’ On Your Mind,” a personal favorite of Lorrie’s that she calls “the ultimate Country ballad.”

With more than 30 charted Billboard singles, 14 top ten hits and 7 of her 12 albums having gone gold and platinum, country’s Lorrie Morgan could easily rest on her laurels. Not Lorrie. Always an overachiever, the sultry singer gives it her all on this album.

Morgan is joined by a stellar cast of musicians and guests on A Moment In Time, which includes duets with Tracy Lawrence on “After The Fire is Gone” and Raul Malo on “Easy Lovin’.” The album captures Lorrie’s crystalline vocals on timeless classics like “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” and “Cry,” all of which Morgan delivers with heartfelt and heartbreaking honesty.

Lorrie was just 13 when she made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing with her dad, country star George Morgan. In 1984, she made history as the youngest member ever inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Lorrie heads to Broadway in January to begin rehearsals for her starring role in the stage adaptation of “Pure Country.”

Country Stars Put Their Own Spin On Best 1970's Rock Tunes

If you’re like me and a product of the 70’s, you probably look back at the music of that decade fondly as do I. The music compilation experts over at Time Life have put together a collection of 15 classic 70’s rock tunes and had some of today’s country stars put their spin on it. Gone Country: 70s Rock features the songs you grew up with performed by some big Nashville names. The CD includes Aerosmith's Dream On performed by Deanna Carter, Neil Young's Heart of Gold performed by Vince Gill, Bad Company's Can't Get Enough performed by Lorrie Morgan, Fleetwood Mac's Say You Love Me by Pam Tillis, and many more. At $10, it seems like a pretty unique buy. Here’s the track list…

1 Rock and Roll- Marty Stuart 3:57
2 Takin' Care of Business- John Berry 4:47
3 Say You Love Me- Pam Tillis 4:27
4 Heart of Gold- Vince Gill 7:16
5 Jet Airliner- Joe Diffie 4:02
6 Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)- Raul Malo 3:53
7 Your Song- John Anderson 4:49
8 It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (But I Like It)- Rebecca Lynn Howard 4:00
9 Layla- Collin Raye 5:04
10 Dream On- Deana Carter 4:35
11 Don't Go Breaking My Heart- Tanya Tucker and Ty Herndon 5:18
12 Just Got Paid- Sammy Kershaw 5:40
13 Can't Get Enough- Lorrie Morgan 4:50
14 I Want You to Want Me- John Cowan 5:25
15 Closer to the Heart- Bo Bice 3:42