Sales Rank:104 List Price: $18.98 Lowest New Price: $10.99 Lowest Used Price: $9.90 Artist(s):
The Pretenders
Tracks:
Boots Of Chinese Plastic
The Nothing Maker
Don't Lose Faith In Me
Don't Cut Your Hair
Love's A Mystery
The Last Ride
Almost Perfect
You Didn't Have To
Rosalee
Break Up The Concrete
One Thing Never Changed
Think of this long awaited studio album as if it were the first Pretenders record: musical turf that's defined by attitude, lyrical and melodic mastery, and the unexpected...and Chrissie Hynde's voice as you've always known it. "Break Up The Concrete" is an authentic slice of rock Americana, ranging from blistering punk to the most delicate storytelling as told by the queen of rock royalty herself.
Sales Rank:80 List Price: $19.98 Lowest New Price: $10.71 Lowest Used Price: $5.99 Artist(s):
Sugarland
Tracks:
All I Want To Do
It Happens
We Run
Joey
Love
Genevieve
Already Gone
Keep You
Take Me As I Am
What I'd Give
Steve Earle
Very Last Country Song
Fall Into Me
Operation: Working Vacation
Wishing
Life In A Northern Town (Live)
Come on Get Higher (Live)
When Sugarland releases their third album Love On The Inside July 22 it'll be all about the fans. Lead members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush wanted to deliver more than the average album to their loyal supporters. Together they created a Deluxe Fan Edition that will include 17 tracks (12 regular and 5 bonus) in special packaging with an expanded CD booklet, as well as access to download exclusive music video and "behind the scenes making of the album" footage.
Sugarland premiered the album's debut single "All I Want To Do" live on the Academy of Country Music awards. The single will be available at Amazon MP3 starting 6/24.
Sugarland Photos
Sugarland: Love on the Inside Cut by Cut
"All I Want To Do" The duo’s intent here was to have a lot of swing to the lead single of this album. To funk it up a bit, and keep it very hooky. Musically, this number’s somewhere between Bonnie Raitt and Jack Johnson, with some Marvin Gaye and Van Halen thrown in. "I love the flirty sound," says Jennifer Nettles. "We just always want to bring different energies, and we got to play on the lighter side this time." If you listen close, the easy percussion from Matt Chamberlain gives the song its sexy heartbeat.
"It Happens" Sometimes, you just gotta let go. That’s what this gritty little tune’s all about, says the duo. "We always say we should take the music seriously, but not ourselves," Nettles says. When the guitar comes in at the top, you know this is going to be a little more 80s pop than down-home country. Think "Walking on Sunshine". Because this tune wraps it all up with some very advisable lyrics: "Let go, laughing". And Nettles thinks the ironies, like getting in a fender bender with your ex and his new girl, shows listeners what a grand sense of humor the universe has. It’s a very uptempo way to look at a world that’s out of your control.
"We Run" New love. Young love. Green love. There’s an excitement to that experience that Sugarland has captured in this intoxicating bluegrassy rocker. Nettles admits this grew from a seed of an idea that Bush had, since he grew up playing mountain music in Tennessee. And this song lends itself to that Appalachian sound, that driving four-on-the-floor beat. You can’t really describe that feeling, so the duo chose to show it rather than tell it. The imagery--of pockets of dirt and reckless weather on the breath--convey how beautiful, messy and powerful love can be.
"Joey" Teenage love doesn’t always have a happy ending. Especially when a tear-jerker like Bill Anderson has pen in hand. He helped Nettles and Bush craft this modern take on the traditional teen tragedy, and yet much more alternative influences went into the vocals. "We ended up with a haunting wail in the chorus and this R.E.M. background vocal," says Bush of the melancholy music. "It’s simple and dark." The rich texture of this song is built around all those "what ifs" that run through your mind as you explore regret. "Nothing mitigates loss," says Nettles "But everyone has regrets, so we can all relate."
"Love" Nettles’ powerhouse pipes take center stage in this ballad. And that strength comes though in the form of questions, about how you can possibly define love. Is it the face of a child? Kindness in the eyes of a stranger? In a hotel room in Washington D.C., when Sugarland was chasing down the theme of the whole album, the topic of love came up. "No way could you ever narrow it down," Nettles says of their writing time with Tim Owens ("Settlin’"). There’s love lost, love found, new and old loves. So this tune gets right in the middle, and makes some reaches musically. Bush’s powerful voice is featured for the second half of this song. "When we were writing the back half, Jen said ‘I want you to sing these words I wrote just for you,’" recalls Bush. "I will always feel special singing those words."
"Genevieve" Nettles said that Bush had the whole first verse worked out. That verse--and his pure, sweet mandolin work--were inspiring enough. But when the idea for some three-part harmony came up, it only made this dirge of a country heartache even better. Nettles says it reminded her of some of the southern Baptist hymns she grew up on, and likes that the story’s not clear cut. "It’s a beautiful thing when we get to play characters that are complicated." There’s a mystery of who this character is that is coping with such a dramatic loss. It’s a little twisted. But that creates an even stronger pull into the lyrics.
"Already Gone" A waltz-time lope? On a country album? Writing with Bobby Pinson ("Want To"), the duo was determined to do a song in six-eight. And to keep it very personal. "This is the story of coming of age, literally and emotionally," says Nettles. And it’s such a healing tale, about a woman who is growing up, leaving home, falling in love and saying goodbye.
"Keep You" Is it possible to write an emotional song about being numb? It’s like writing a song about being loud by being quiet, Nettles and Bush think. That irony, blended with a bittersweet epiphany of knowing it’s time to walk away, make this one of the most contemporary done-me-wrong songs of our time. "Subtlety and nuance make all the difference in this song. Painting emotions with broad strokes is easy, but this time we’re using a toothbrush to dig through the finer emotions," says Nettles, comparing the duo to archeologists. And the vocal range she plays with throughout keep this song on the edgier side, because of the way she explodes into huge notes that few singers can even attempt.
"Take Me As I Am" When the curtain opens, there’s a woman in a hotel room at night. As the song unravels, so does the mystery of why she’s there. In this character-driven narrative, with a Pat Benatar influence and some solid electric guitar work, the empowering message is clear. When you reach that point, when you are comfortable in your own skin, the line about "I’m not perfect, but I’m worth it" makes all the sense in the world. This could very well be the anthem of the unsung heroes who walk among us every day. "This is a very grown-up place to get to in your life," Nettles explains.
"What I’d Give" Written with Kenny Chesney’s long-time lead guitarist Clayton Mitchell, this one builds a lingering story around some Faces era guitar and mandolin stylings. The kind that Sugarland thinks make for a story of their own. Usually in country, the song ends when the bow is tied off neatly with a lyric. But after the last lyric ends, they still had more to say musically. Nettles vocals are sultrier than they’ve ever been, and she likes the romantic implications of the lyrics. And both she and Bush agree that if you aren’t making out halfway into this six-minute yearning, then you aren’t ever going to be.
"Steve Earle" If you know anything about Steve Earle, this song will thrill you with its comic pining for his songwriting. If you don’t know him, it’ll certainly pique your curiosity. Both Nettles and Bush share a fondness for Earle’s brand of country. It taught them that country was still viable, and gave them confidence to reimagine the sound. And when the duo found out what a shameless romantic Earle was, they had to set all his comings and goings to music. This upbeat barn burner fueled by a big pedal steel, is a playful way to process a painful subject. Nettles looks at it this way: "There comes a point in life of a troubadour when the character can become heroic. Even legendary."
"Very Last Country Song" Aptly named, the last song on the album is a look at what would happen if nothing ever went wrong again. "If life stayed the way it was, if those conditions weren’t in our lives, then this would literally be the last country song," says Nettles. Everything is as it should be was the impetus and inspiration behind this song. Co-writer Tim Owens told the duo that someone had once asked him why country music was always so sad. Owens’ answer was that if bad things never happened, then what would we have to write about? The ethereal tones underneath this song stay quiet enough so the insight into the human condition can be felt. Like when you can hear Nettles smile as she sings the verse that looks back on the unexpected joy of an unexpected child.
Sales Rank:105 List Price: $12.98 Lowest New Price: $8.07 Lowest Used Price: $7.83 Artist(s):
Lady Antebellum
Tracks:
Love Don't Live Here
Lookin' For A Good Time
All We'd Ever Need
Long Gone
I Run To You
Love's Lookin' Good On You
Home Is Where the Heart Is
Things People Say
Slow Down Sister
Can't Take My Eyes Off You
One Day You Will
There has been a buzz in Music City since mid-2006 when Lady Antebellum performed together for the very first time. The trio- comprised of Hillary Scott (vocals), Charles Kelley (vocals), and Dave Haywood (vocals, acoustic guitar, keys)- says their name, "Lady Antebellum," represents a sense of nostalgia found in the songs they sing. "It felt like magic," says Hillary, remembering their first performance together, "We all felt more comfortable onstage together than we ever had alone."
A year and a half later, the buzz on Lady Antebellum is as strong as it's ever been, and the rest of the nation will soon discover why. Hillary, Charles, and Dave, three young songwriter-musicians with varied influences and backgrounds, create a sound that is fresh and unique, yet still sounds like something you've known for a long time. The debut single, "Love Don't Live Here," is only the beginning for Lady Antebellum. The "Lady A" buzz is coming...April 15!
Sales Rank:146 List Price: $18.97 Lowest New Price: $7.50 Lowest Used Price: $7.25 Artist(s):
Kellie Pickler
Tracks:
Don't You Know You're Beautiful - Kellie Pickler, Lindsey, Chris
I'm Your Woman - Kellie Pickler, Kear, Josh
Rocks Instead of Rice
Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You - Kellie Pickler, Verges, Troy
Lucky Girl - Kellie Pickler, Beavers, Brett
One Last Time
Best Days of Your Life
Somebody to Love Me
Makin' Me Fall in Love Again - Kellie Pickler, Rochelle, Karyn
Going out in Style
Kellie Pickler is a Country music artist who finished sixth on the fifth season of the Fox television series American Idol. Her debut album has sold nearly 800,000 copies and garnered three hit singles. Kellie presents her self-titled, sophomore album in 2008 with the hit single "Don't You Know You're Beautiful".During American Idol, she met her personal 'idol' and strongest influence, the country music star Dolly Parton. The 42nd Annual CMA Award nominees nominated Kelie for New Artist Of The Year!
Sales Rank:100 List Price: $18.98 Lowest New Price: $12.66 Lowest Used Price: $12.45 Artist(s):
Joan Baez
Tracks:
God Is God (Steve Earle)
Rose of Sharon (Eliza Gilkyson)
Scarlet Tide (Elvis Costello & Joseph Henry Burnett)
Day After Tomorrow (Tom Waits & Kathleen Brennan)
Henry Russell's Last Words (Diana Jones)
I Am A Wanderer (Steve Earle)
Mary (Patty Griffin)
Requiem (Eliza Gilkyson)
The Lower Road (Thea Gilmore)
Jericho Road (Steve Earle)
2008 marks Joan Baex 50th anniversary as a recording artist. The album was produced by the legendary Steve Earle. Joan gives her distinct interpretations to songs from Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Steve Earle, Patty Griffin and more. Razor and Tie.
Sales Rank:137 List Price: $18.97 Lowest New Price: $5.49 Lowest Used Price: $4.00 Artist(s):
Kenny Chesney
Tracks:
I'm Alive (with Dave Matthews)
Way Down Here
Boats
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven
Down The Road (with Mac McAnally)
Spirit Of A Storm
Ten With A Two
The Life
Key's In The Conch Shell
Nowhere To Go, Nowhere To Be
That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day (with Willie Nelson))
This deluxe version is a 2-CD connected slider pack that contains 4 bonus live tracks. It also includes a chance to be one of two lucky winners of the "Kick it Off with Kenny" contest, in which the winners will be flown to the opening of Kenny's 2009 tour (date/location are pending).
The connected element allows you to download the video to the album's smash single "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven," as well as the highly sought after animated pirate video introduction used on Kenny's 2008 "Poets and Pirates" tour. There is also a link to Kenny's website and a link to view Kenny's catalog videos.
Sales Rank:186 List Price: $18.98 Lowest New Price: $7.59 Lowest Used Price: $5.99 Artist(s):
Willie Nelson/Wynton Marsalis
Tracks:
Bright Lights, Big City - Willie Nelson, Reed, Jimmy
Night Life - Willie Nelson, Nelson
Caldonia - Willie Nelson, Moore, Fleecie
Stardust - Willie Nelson, Carmichael, H.
Basin Street Blues - Willie Nelson, Williams, Spencer
Georgia on My Mind - Willie Nelson, Carmichael, H.
Rainy Day Blues - Willie Nelson, Nelson, Willie
My Bucket's Got a Hole in It - Willie Nelson, Williams, Clarence
Ain't Nobody's Business - Willie Nelson, Porter, Grainger
That's All - Willie Nelson, Travis, Merle
The event was simply billed as "Willie Nelson Sings the Blues," but the historic two-night stand on January 12 and 13, 2007 at Jazz at Lincoln Center was far more than that. Call it a summit meeting between two American icons, Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis, two of the most significant figures in modern-day country and jazz, who discovered common ground in their love for jazz standards and the blues. Their performance stirred the sounds of New Orleans, Nashville, Austin and New York City into a brilliantly programmed mix that was equal parts down-home and cosmopolitan, with plenty of swing and just a touch of melancholy. To say that these shows were a hot ticket would be an understatement. Luckily, the tapes were rolling and the results of this unique collaboration now constitute the Blue Note album Two Men With The Blues for everyone who couldn't cram into The Allen Room. Featuring great playing from one of the hottest bands around these classic tracks are given new life by the extraordinary dual talents of Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis. At a time when most people are thinking of retirement, Willie has never been busier. His profile has been high in recent weeks with his various career retrospective releases and sold out tour and this album can rightly stake it's place alongside anything else he has done. Wynton rarely sounds so relaxed and both of these musical giants are clearly having the time of their lives together on these new interpretations of some of the greatest songs of the 20th century.