Bernie Early began his career as a rockabilly singer in the 50's recording his smash recording "Rock Doll" for MGM. Its great to see these early legends continue to record in 2007. Both these tracks are well produced good rockers and "You Rockabilly Man" is a fitting tribute to those early years where country, R&B; fused together to form a distint sound called rockablilly.


JDH    

With the success of his daughter’s recent work, Billy Ray Cyrus returns to mainstream country music with Home at Last. Here Cyrus finds himself enriched in a deeper songwriting than his first fifteen minutes of fame may have alluded to. On the opening track, the Cyrus penned “Ready, Set, Don’t Go”, Cyrus tells a beautiful story of hating to part from his family for the open road. Each song divides itself between country and rock, but the results are all pleasing. The weepy “The Beginning” leads into the rocking “The Buffalo”. While most songs on the album linger between soft and medium, Cyrus’s delightful cover of Van Morrison’s classic “Brown Eyed Girl” gets everyone up on their feet and dancing. With Home at Last, Cyrus has shown that he has the laidback style and talent necessary to keep producing great music for years to come.
Justin Scro    

Sometime Pixies front man Charles Thompson goes by many names, though seldom his own. Spending most of the past fifteen years as Frank Black, Thompson as reverted to his Pixies moniker Black Francis for his latest release Bluefinger. It is apparent that after an album of country tinged tunes that this man needed to get back to his rock and roll instincts. While the songs themselves do not sound like the work of the Pixies, they do obscure the same territory and respect the same sensibility. Each song sounds as if it could be on Thompson’s Greatest Hits that was released earlier this year. Here Black Francis sounds fresh and rejuvenated, bring his youthful angst of the past back front and center to the mindset of an older and wiser man. The heart and soul of the nineties grunge explosion has not been as present here on Bluefinger as is has been on any other release in the past ten years. The best part about it all is that Charles Thompson/Frank Black/Black Francis created that sound himself in the late eighties.


Justin Scro    

I haven’t been the biggest Bare Jr. fan I could be, and that is all starting to change with his excellently experimental Bobby Bare Jr.’s Young Criminals Starvation League. Being recorded all at once (Eleven songs in eleven hours), Bare Jr’s latest release is his absolute finest. With its intense recording regiment, it seems that Bare Jr. has pulled magic out of his hat. With an array of guest musicians and a break-neck recording pace, Bare Jr.’s sound has never been as full. The opening atmosphere of a band tuning ups brings the listener into the world of The Longest Meow. After a moment of ambiance, Bobby and the band kick out the jams with “Bionic Beginning” and “The Heart Bionic”. “Back to Blue” brings on the horns and the slide guitar, creating a laidback sound before opening the doors to a whole new world on “Uh Wuh Oh”, the albums absolute best and most interesting track. The vocals are terrifying and inspiring at the same time. Next time around, I think Bobby should stick to his new regime and keep his great band around too.


Justin Scro    

Another Hot Damn! This girl can sing and just like Josh Turner she is absolutely one of the best female vocalist on the planet. An absolute # 1 album brilliantly produced, great songwriting and the CD flows flawlessly. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Josh and Carrie need to get together and do an entire album together. These two have their act together and they would sound great. Back to Carrie, all 13 tracks again are singles in their own right. "Flat On the Floor" is a bonafide country rocker, "So Small" is currently riding high on the Cashbox Country singles chart and still climbing, "Just A Dream" a sure wartime tear jerker. "Crazy Dreams" we can all relate to and I see Billy Dean is a co writer. I thought this song was a little crazy! "Last Name" is a rocking barroom tryst and a beautiful female version of the Randy Travis classic "I Told You So" and a new Underwood classic "Wheel of the World". This CD is classic. Five Stars
JDH    

This is what blues music has always been and is as good as it gets. This single represents and tributes other great artists of the blues genre such as: Muddy Waters, Ry Cooder and John Lee Hooker. Danny Brooks is a consummate professional who truly believes the least he can do for his audience is to give his best. And it shows! This song could have been played in the Blues Brothers Movie and felt totally at home in the presence of Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin. The song has such an infectious sense of rhythm that there is no way to not want to tap your foot clap your hands and jump up and testify, screamin’ “Hallelujah, I has been healed”.

The downside of this CD is that it is only a SINGLE and it leaves you wanting so much more. Danny Brooks is the main man for blues.




MSP    

Earlimart up the ante on their latest release, Mentor Tormentor. The opener ”Fakey Fake” starts the album off in a gentle way before splitting itself wide open with the sound of blown out drums. “Answers & Questions” has the band in more melodic territory, creating an uplifting chorus with total ease and complete command of their abilities. This song is the album’s single and it is easy to figure out why. If this song were giving the proper chance, it could easily find itself a darling of both alternative and mainstream radio, but the world doesn’t usually allow great things to happen to great bands, so I won’t hold my breath. But I will be listening to Earlimart while I wait.


Justin Scro    

Fertitta & McClintock is the strongest pair of male vocalists to come down the musical road since “The Everly Brothers” and “Simon and Garfunkle”. I am not kidding and the proof is in the hearing. Pick a song, any song from this CD, give it a listen and you will come away thinking “WOW”. That’s my point, you are at a loss for words and you will be forced to listen to another song just so you believe your ears. Pure musical heartbreak and healing, movie soundtracks for some of the greatest love stories yet to be filmed. These songs could inspire a perfect romance that would last a lifetime. It doesn’t get any better than this.

I have my favorites but it would simply be a list of the entire CD. “Second Avenue”, so strong in it’s pure simplicity. In “Love is Blind”, I can hear the Everly Brothers once again but even better this time. For love songs you will not find another CD in this decade that comes close.

David Fertitta and Steven McClintock’s have very similar voices, yet different enough to provide subtle shading of colors from one song verse to the next. I don’t know and can’t tell who is singing each part of the various songs as I listen through each track on this 14 song CD but it is reminiscent of the first time I heard the Beatles thinking “Who are these guys?” Somehow I know this will not be the last time I listen to a Fertitta & McClintock’s brand new CD. I hope I don’t have to wait long for the next one.
MSP    

Never thought I would see this genre come to light but the group His Word in Song is a moving experience. You certainly are not prepared for what you'll hear but this is some fine music folks. Theres a lot of Southern Rock, some Blues, even some doowoppish sound on "His Love". Other songs include one heck of a fine version of "Amazing Grace", "My New Mansion", "Gonna Wanna Choose", 14 tracks that make this form of Gospel music fun to listen to. Five Stars


JDH    

Jethro Tull’s latest release brings to prominence one of the greatest line-ups still playing together today. Their talents shine here on both CD and DVD. While the CD offers portability, it is on DVD that Tull truly shines. Getting to watch Ian Anderson tear through his classic tunes (and poses) brings to life the music of this great band. Even the newer tracks such as “Dot Com” stand tall against the classic on this set. The two disc live CD is unrelenting and flies by quickly. By the time the set closes with “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath”, it has been over an hour and a half of great classic rock sure to please old and new fans alike.
Justin Scro    

It is hard to believe, but this is the first album of all new material from John Fogerty in 30 years. Good things take time, and in John’s case, he had to come to terms with all of his demons personally and professionally before this album could happen. It’s called Revival for a reason and not too hard to read between the lines if you have been a CCR and Fogerty fan forever.

You get 12 tracks of pure, unencumbered Fogerty on Revival. The man has his own unique sound and style and he has never sounded better. I think I have been saying that for the past few years but I have to reiterate just how well he has weathered the storm of age and loss of popularity for his type of music. In both cases, I do not think that there has been too much of a change, in fact, I am sure new fans will be won with this album and the old guard will be delighted to hear John in such good form.

The lead off track, “Don't You Wish It Was True,” is a catchy hook laden tune with some great lyrics to help it set into your consciousness and gradually melt right into your soul. John is not singing about anything different than he did when CCR was at its zenith. This is not a detriment to his art or development; rather it is an indication of how things have stayed the same. The wars are still raging with hate and violence all around us. It grates against our nerves, and our children are listening to music that glorifies our sad state of affairs. Fogerty opts to take things, turn them around, and ask us all how we would really like things to be. He asks, “What if tomorrow, everybody under the sun, was happy just to live as one, no worries or battles to be won?” Then he says, after each segment, “lord don’t you wish it was true?” You will not only notice the familiar subject matter, but John decides to throw in a couple of old CCR licks here and there (you will know instantly when you hear them), and he even dedicates an entire song to his old gig on “Creedence Song.”

To fall in line with the 40th anniversary of the most eventful time in rock music, John wrote “Summer Of Love.” He was there, he lived it, and it comes from the heart. It comes as no surprise that it’s the hardest rocking track on the CD. “I Can’t Take It No More” revisits the anthem of the CCR classic “Fortunate Son,” and even borrows a few words from the song. “Natural Thing” is a lot of fun, and besides being a jumpin’ tune the words are spot-on. I love the line “But a man alone ain’t nothin’, every Tarzan needs his Jane.” I happen to subscribe to that theory myself. You will hear some of that familiar bluesy swamp influence that is Fogerty’s trademark - “River Is Waiting” and “Somebody” serving as fine examples. “Gunslinger” is one of my favorites and would be a pick for one of a slew of singles if was in charge of the spins at a radio station.

I found myself feeling good, disappointed in the world’s state, and fondly reminiscing about long hot summers as a child listening to the older kids playing CCR on the jukebox while I was at the neighborhood-swimming hole. This CD came all wrapped up into one emotional and spine tingling package for this listener. Now how many artists today can do that to you in one sitting? I know Mr. Fogerty can and I’m damned glad he still does. Every track is solid on this album, and without question this is one of John Fogerty’s finest hours in the studio.


01. Don't You Wish It Was True
02. Gunslinger
03. Creedence Song
04. Broken Down Cowboy
05. River Is Waiting
06. Long Dark Night
07. Summer Of Love
08. Natural Thing
09. It Ain't Right
10. I Can't Take It No More
11. Somebody Help Me
12. Longshot
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck    

Hot Damn! Just when I think all is lost with new country along comes one of the finest voices in today’s country music. At least you know its Josh the minute you hear that voice. Ole J.D. not being prejudiced one bit, even though we're both from the great state of South Carolina. Hell, I'm calling Governor Sanford in the morning to inform him of one of our greatest artist and to inform him Hootie who? "Firecracker" has already cracked the Cashbox top 10 in the Country singles and is still climbing the charts. "Another Try" is a beautiful ballad featuring Trisha Yearwood. "Trailorhood" sounds like and tells the story I'm so familiar with in parts of South Carolina. A sure single is "Baby I Go Crazy", "Nowhere Fast" a duet with Anthony Hamilton and my personal favorite on this album the beautiful love song "the Longer the Waiting", "Soulmate", "One Woman Man" and Josh's special song to his home "South Carolina Low Country", it makes that Palmetto Tree stand tall. Every one of these 13 tracks is a bonafide single a rarity seldom scene in today’s music industry. Also each song is well written and thought out and the album just flows flawlessly. If other acts would search for songs that are like those on this album we would see less crap at the top of the charts. Guaranteed #1.
JDH    

LeAnn Rimes latest release finds the young artist on her continuing journey through life. Family starts off in the roots of great country music with its title track “Family”. Rimes maturity in performance and songwriting are in full view throughout this album. While some songs explode, others provide a beautiful atmosphere and weave a tapestry usually reserved for artists much further along in their careers. Rimes is not afraid to kick out the jams either. The blues roll out on “Nothing Better to Do” and gives the album a swanky kick into high gear. Proving his country marketability yet gain, Jon Bon Jovi joins Rimes on the classic weeper “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore”. The song is an easy hit for both artists involved and showcases the newer side of country music. While “Till We Ain’t Strangers Anymore” shows the new side of country, “When You Love Someone Like That” brings in a classic favorite on board to duet with Rimes. Closing the album with a duet alongside Reba McEntire adds a touch of grace and class to an already great album.
Justin Scro    

First off, I am from Chicago. Secondly, “The Fall” off of Ministry’s Filth Pig is one of my favorite songs of all time. That being said, I move into The Last Sucker as I do all of Ministry’s material; will it be as good as “Everyday is Halloween”? I know the band hates that song, but it ranks at the high end of the list of my all time favorites, even above my beloved “The Fall”. The Last Sucker opens loud and proud, continuing the bands twenty years plus as the buzz saw guitar and drum machine champs of the world. Part of me is very happy as it sounds exactly what I thought it would sound like. The other part of me is very let down because It sounds exactly what I thought it would sound like. The vocal sampling and lead guitar work on opener “Let’s Go” keep the vibe up and the albums progresses nicely into the more evenly structured “Watch Yourself”. Every songs opens in a quite way before giving into the pull of the loud heavy guitar and industrial drums. While it is not a classic Ministry album, it is a fitting close to this great bands tenure as industrial rock gods.


Justin Scro    

Before her classic duets album, Unforgettable, Natalie Cole started off making some funky disco jams in the mid-seventies. On her first ever release, her talents are all apparent. “Needing You” incorporates some “Superstition” sized clavinet and the beat goes on. The wah-ed out guitar keeps the funk going on “Joey”, a nice even tempo-ed track that is still danceable. On the title track, “Inseparable”, Cole delivers the great balladry that would catapult her star in the early nineties. A great listen for her fans and new fans alike. At its short length, Inseparable flies by and can be listened to on repeat for hours at a stretch. Its variances in genre and sound keep it moving along steadily at a great pace throughout.
Justin Scro    

From the moment the sound arrives, Pride conjures a feeling of warmth. The slowly beaten tambourine signifies a weary and tired bunch, but the music is all a deception. Underneath the warm arrangement lie the great intentions of the low-key Phosphorescent. Like My Bloody Valentine, Guided By Voices, and Plane, Phosphorescent uses the low-fi sound to their benefit, manipulating the sound of the recording as if it were an instrument itself. Sounding like a choir of lost souls, Pride as an individualistic quality to it much like the work of Low and The Besnard Lakes. Each song has its own space, yet they all gravitate to each other. The most ambitious track, “Wolves” brings in more musicians to fill up the space, but it is also the first song on Pride that lets the vocal come front and center. At a short forty minutes, Pride is an experience worth repeat listening.


Justin Scro    

Okay, I remember how great Prince was. It was a really long time ago. Like maybe the last great thing he ever did was the Batman soundtrack in 1989. Somehow, he continues to be heralded as a genius. And while his production remains top notch, does Prince really have anything left to say? Title track lingers on, part Beatles, part soul music, the song does not stake a strong enough claim in any direction. The songs lack of focus leave it in the middle of nowhere and make it an unpleasant start to the album. The single “Guitar” starts off in Edge’s territory and winds up, well, in Prince’s. Prince of 2007, not 1982. As soon as his vocals come in, the man actually makes Lenny Kravitz sound more sincere. It is always a shame when an artist falls behind the generation of artists that they themselves had hand in influencing. The album is not a complete waste, but a few minutes into each song I find myself thinking, “I wonder if the next song will be any good”. Maybe I am being too harsh on the man, but I can not find much redemption for Prince on his latest release. Luckily, he can tour his greatest hits, and from what I hear, his live shows are amazing. The man was a genius.


Justin Scro    

Well fellas you have created a new genre called Not Sure by ole J.D. You don't know what genre you belong in. One things for sure it ain't country! Yeah it still feels good knowing that one more time you'll sell a million CD's to your very strategically demographic base because these fans are desperate for attention. Sorry, I say it like it is. Our competition can drool over this syrup all they want to and my colleagues in the industry can give me hell but the reviewers at Cashbox can tell it just the way they see it uncensored. You debuted at # 7 in our Cashbox Country albums chart much to my chagrin but I can't stop crap from rising to the top. If you are a white female between the ages of 12-50, lonely and desperate then this is your cup of tea. Drink from the CD till you get drunk, you'll need it. "Take Me Home" peaked at # 1 for two weeks and the only other song on here worth listening to twice is "Bob That Head" and thats as close to Rap as you guys can get without saying you were kin to ol Strom'. If this CD according to others in the industry is going to save the industry in the latter part of 2007 we're in big trouble. I don't know what else to say, I can't justify this CD. Two stars and thats being kind.


JDH    

Still riding high at # 1 on the Cashbox Country albums chart for 4 weeks, this is truly deserving of its #1status. Well produced and Reba's voice is like fine wine it only gets better and she performs these 11 great songs with her duet partners in style from Kenny Chesney and Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Carole King, Justin Timberlake and Kelly Clarkston. You will hear a total of 11 great songs with a 2007 rendition of the 60's Nashville Sound. Chet would have been proud. Reba did what her earlier counterparts done crossover appeal. Remember how Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline and Skeeter Davis had that pop country sound. However ole J.D. would like to know why that late seventies pop country artist, Jacky Ward was not included on this CD as a sign of respect. Sure the new country audience of today never heard of him but Jacky gave an unknown female vocalist a chance by recording 3 hit duets with him that 30 years later Reba hit with this duet album. Did someone forget where they came from or did the high and mighty record label make this deal? You know it would have been fun to see you and Jacky remake "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight", "Three Sheets To The Wind" or "That Makes Two of Us" in case you decide to make a duets 2 album. Five Stars anyway.
JDH    

Richard Young’s Autumn Response is a haunting collection of music. From the eerie, yet beautiful multi-layered opener “I Need the Light”, Young establishes himself as being as far from conventional as he is from being experimental. The album unfolds neatly, revealing a new layer of Young as each track progresses. Before we were here continues the use of layered vocals singing at different times. It is both disarming and when the voices do collide, the intent is clear. This is the sense we make out of chaos. The album veers into complete repetition as the style of music does not stray from its initial impact. However, the closing track, “Something Like Air” applies the bands vocal approach to the instrumental side of the track. This epic sixteen minute plus song draws the listener in nice and slow and holds onto them the entire time. This album is perfect for what it is, yet it keeps its reach close.


Justin Scro     

White Zombie sound-alike’s Scum of the Earth show that they are more than meets the ear on Sleaze Freak. While they can be easily grouped, Scum of the Earth are an interesting standout in the fading genre of Metal today. The guitar solos are brief, but heavy hitting, showing that this group does not need to rely on convention to push their songs forward. As the album continues, it is apparent that not much is going to change. Through is thirteen tracks, Scum of the Earth fail to evolve past the initial impact earlier on in the album. This album will certainly satisfy fans of the genre, it does not do enough with it to attract new listeners into the fold.
Justin Scro    

Angel Down, the latest release by former Skid Row front man Sebastian Bach will surprise many listeners. After recently redefining himself as ‘the nice one’ on Vh1’s Supergroup, Bach gets mean and loud on Angel Down. Sporting a great Axl Rose cameo and enough guitar chops to choke a horse, Bach delivers one of the best retro-metal albums in recent time. Bach pulls no punches from start to finish on Angel Down and it is apparent from the first ten seconds of opener “Angel Down” to closing track “Falling into You”. The dueling lead guitars of “You Don’t Understand” keeps up the pace, but also offers more melody than the previous tracks. While the entire album fits the genre and the artist, Bach is not afraid to dig deeper and push the edges of his sound. “American Metalhead” is a perfect call to arms and will easily be a staple for the genre and beyond. On Angel Down, Sebastian Bach proves that he is the definition of an “American Metalhead”.
Justin Scro    

Stepping out from his position as bass player in the great Chicago act The M’s, Joey King delivers one of the more interesting releases of the year with Singing Choir’s self titled debut. The first track attacks with full on fuzz and in your face power chords. King’s “Motor” is a heavy, yet retains the sloppy beauty of Slanted and Enchanted era Pavement. The opener heads into broken dance robot heaven on the choppy “All the Week”. The use of electronics helps Singing Choir move out of the indie sound and into a place all of its own. “California” slows the pace to let the listener regroup while offering one of the more beautiful songs on the album. Each song sails along, finding new territory around every turn. With the strength of this debut album, it is with anticipation that I await more music from this great new act.


Justin Scro    

Currently no. 1 on our Cashbox Southern Gospel Album Chart, the Perry's are one of the greatest gospel groups of this genre of music and yet every time a new release comes along its different and refreshing. "Look No Furthur" contains 12 great gospel tracks such as "I know it was the Blood", "The Potter Knows the Clay", "All ia Well" and "Second Opinion"
JDH    

Ah… Tommy James, just the name brings back memories of warm summer nights and driving with the convertible top down to the A & W drive in, with skater girl waitress, drive in theaters and hundreds of other cool outdoor fun things before computer games took up all our spare time. So you don’t remember any of that stuff? Musta happen before you were born.

This guy is just as good as he ever was back then except recording music today can result in much higher quality than when it was on 45 rpm records. Mr. James has sold, to date, over 100 million records and has been awarded 23 gold singles and 9 gold and platinum albums. So maybe he has never written a bad song, if so I can’t tell you what it was. His latest CD Hold The Fire was produced by Tommy James & James ‘Wiz’ Wisner and will undoubtedly please all of his older fans as well as many new ones.

Tommy has assembled 12 solid new songs and remakes of a couple of the older hits with totally new arrangements. “Hold The Fire” slips into philosophical words of wisdom about the importance of love to every one of us. In fact the ultimate survival of mankind depends on it. Listen to songs like Love Words, Magamation Man, Sweet Cherry Wine, Angels and Strangers, Give it All…Aw heck, listen to the whole CD, every song has a message from a guy who has plenty to say.

Tommy’s musical style hasn’t changed much over the years, which in my book makes it a very good thing. You see, the oldies are all making a huge comeback today because today’s music is lacking in a few key ingredients: Memorable melodies and lyrics that say something of importance (other than amassing large quantities of ‘bling’ while exploiting and degrading the opposite sex). So, since Tommy includes great melodies and solid lyrics with his latest songs his new music is bound to be around for many years to come. Every one of these songs can stand alone and if you give them a second and third listen they will begin to get stuck in your mind like good music always does.

I have to admit that one of my favorites is Tommy’s “I Love Christmas”. I predict that this one will stand the test of time to become a Christmas classic and favorite of everyone. It’s a memory of when he was three visiting Santa in the department store and quickly returning to the present to include a medley of a dozen other Christmas classics. Ya gotta love it.


MSP