2011
Clancy’s Tavern
24/10/11 21:04 Filed in: Toby Keith
Toby has the ability to sing beat, ballad or comedy songs with equal ease.
Another great album from the man who has just been voted “Artist of the Decade” in Las Vegas at the American Country Awards 2011.
“Clancy’s Tavern”, the title track of this album is a true story, being the nickname of his Grandmother’s tavern in Arkansas.
Toby writes many of his own songs, twenty have reached No1. in the Country Charts earning him an amazing 75 million radio spins. He has appeared in two films and makes frequent visits to Afghanistan to entertain US servicemen. Rita
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Another great album from the man who has just been voted “Artist of the Decade” in Las Vegas at the American Country Awards 2011.
“Clancy’s Tavern”, the title track of this album is a true story, being the nickname of his Grandmother’s tavern in Arkansas.
Toby writes many of his own songs, twenty have reached No1. in the Country Charts earning him an amazing 75 million radio spins. He has appeared in two films and makes frequent visits to Afghanistan to entertain US servicemen. Rita
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Eleven
11/10/11 21:02 Filed in: Martina McBride

Since then she has earned seven “Female Vocalist of the Year” awards and sold over 18 million albums.
As the album title depicts, this is Martina’s eleventh album release and has eleven tracks. It marks her debut for the Republic Nashville label.
This album is mainly easy listening with pleasant ballads, plus a few up-tempo numbers, The album is somewhat different to the Martina that I remember from her earlier albums. Some of her choices of songs may surprise, but they may gain her some new fans by appealing to a wider audience. Mike
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Proud To Be Here (deluxe version)
15/08/11 21:58 Filed in: Trace Adkins
This album (deluxe version) contains 14 tracks.

His album “Songs About Me” (2005) sold in excess of 2 million copies.
The song “Hillbilly Bone”, a duet with Blake Shelton, won Vocal Event and Video of the Year in 2010.
He has appeared in films and television shows in the US.
This album has been a pleasure to review. It is a splendid album, one of the best I have heard recently.
I hope I have done it justice. Rita
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Charleston, SC. 1966
15/08/11 16:11 Filed in: Darius Rucker

His previous Country album achieved 3 top spots in the Billboard Singles Charts. His voice is tailor-made for country music.
He is the first African-American to top the country charts since Charlie Pride in 1983, also he has won “New Artist” award with the CMA.
He is the first African-American to top the country charts since Charlie Pride in 1983, also he has won “New Artist” award with the CMA. Darius has co-written all of the 13 songs on this album. The title “Charleston, SC. 1966” is his birthplace and year of birth.
I hope I have given an insight into the varied content of this album, which is outstanding both vocally and musically.Rita
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Red River Blue
25/07/11 16:19 Filed in: Blake Shelton
This album took Blake to the very top when it was released, outselling all the pop performers, too.

He is the current CMA ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’. His wife, Miranda Lambert, was voted ‘Best Female Vocalist’ (they were married in May 2011). He scored the most CMT Awards at this years show (Male Video of the Year and Best Web Video) and was chosen to join Reba in Las Vegas to present the ‘46th. Academy Of Country Music’ Awards. He is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
“Honey Bee” was released around the same time as his wedding and went straight to number one in all music Charts.
All credit to Blake Shelton for having the vocal ability to sing such a varied repertoire. Rita
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Roots & Wings
25/07/11 16:14 Filed in: Terri Clark
She has made seven previous albums and is the only female Canadian member of the Grand Ole Opry.
She holds the record for the most CCMA ‘Entertainer of the Year / Fan’s Choice’ awards’, having won it eight times. Three of her albums have been certified Platinum (over one million sales).
She is a Country traditionalist and songwriter, with a voice described as spirited, passionate and powerful. Her songs tend to be about real life situations, as opposed to some of the newer ladies on the Country scene who have sugar sweet feminine voices and sing mainly about young love.
All tracks except one have been written or co-written by Terri Clark, and she has been involved in the production of this album.
A truly fine album with songs on various subjects, something to suit all Country music tastes. Rita
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She holds the record for the most CCMA ‘Entertainer of the Year / Fan’s Choice’ awards’, having won it eight times. Three of her albums have been certified Platinum (over one million sales).
She is a Country traditionalist and songwriter, with a voice described as spirited, passionate and powerful. Her songs tend to be about real life situations, as opposed to some of the newer ladies on the Country scene who have sugar sweet feminine voices and sing mainly about young love.
All tracks except one have been written or co-written by Terri Clark, and she has been involved in the production of this album.
A truly fine album with songs on various subjects, something to suit all Country music tastes. Rita
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Where Country Grows
12/07/11 16:09 Filed in: Ashton Shepherd
Ashton Shepherd made her debut album “Sounds So Good” in 2008.
Her second album .“Where Country Grows” looks set to eclipse the high acclaim of her first. She has written or co-written eight of the ten tracks on this album, alongside prestigious songwriters including Dean Dillon, Troy Jones and Bobby Pinson.
This album is a great selection of well thought out lyrics, many having a fresh approach to old topics.
Ashton from Alabama, has a “twang” in her voice which I find endearing. Her phrasing and delivery of every line in each song is superb, the excellent backing music is never obtrusive.
In my opinion Aston Shepherd is the best new Country female artist that I have heard in a long while. Mike
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This album is a great selection of well thought out lyrics, many having a fresh approach to old topics.
Ashton from Alabama, has a “twang” in her voice which I find endearing. Her phrasing and delivery of every line in each song is superb, the excellent backing music is never obtrusive.
In my opinion Aston Shepherd is the best new Country female artist that I have heard in a long while. Mike
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Little Bird
11/07/11 20:57 Filed in: Kasey Chambers
This is Kasey Chambers’, who hails from Australia, fifth album.

It is my introduction to this “young sounding, sweet angelic voiced” lady.
She has written all 14 tracks on this album, and her songwriting has won many awards by the ISC (International Songwriting Competition, which is the Worlds most distinguished global songwriting event). The album “Little Bird” was released over a year ago in her native Australia but only now released globally.
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Dance Til Your Stockings Are Hot And Ravelin’
07/06/11 16:51 Filed in: The Grascals
This seven track EP by bluegrass band The Grascals is to celebrate the 50th. Anniversary of the Andy Griffiths Show.
Having never seen the Andy Griffiths Show, I have had to visualise the picture painted by this EP. It’s a Hoedown, the gals are in gingham gowns, the cowboys in their best boots, they’re dosey doe-ing and two steppin’ around the barn to a bluegrass band. The old folk are clapping hands, tapping their feet and sippin’ from a mason jar.
The Grascals are very proficient musically. This album will, without doubt, be a treat for those who can recall The Andy Griffiths Show with fondness. It will also appeal to those who enjoy bluegrass music of bygone days. Rita
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Having never seen the Andy Griffiths Show, I have had to visualise the picture painted by this EP. It’s a Hoedown, the gals are in gingham gowns, the cowboys in their best boots, they’re dosey doe-ing and two steppin’ around the barn to a bluegrass band. The old folk are clapping hands, tapping their feet and sippin’ from a mason jar.
The Grascals are very proficient musically. This album will, without doubt, be a treat for those who can recall The Andy Griffiths Show with fondness. It will also appeal to those who enjoy bluegrass music of bygone days. Rita
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Keep It Country
06/06/11 20:38 Filed in: Kenny Paul
Kenny Paul has made 18 albums and 5 DVD’s. He is from Maghera, Northern Ireland.
His albums are a mix of Irish, Country, MOR and 60’s music. This album “Keep It Country” has well known15 tracks
I think Kenny Paul has the vocal ability to be more adventurous in his choice of material. I am sure he would do justice to some of the songs in the present U.S. Country music charts.
It is a very pleasant easy listening album, admirable both musically and vocally. Rita
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His albums are a mix of Irish, Country, MOR and 60’s music. This album “Keep It Country” has well known15 tracks
I think Kenny Paul has the vocal ability to be more adventurous in his choice of material. I am sure he would do justice to some of the songs in the present U.S. Country music charts.
It is a very pleasant easy listening album, admirable both musically and vocally. Rita
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The Grascals & Friends
06/06/11 20:29 Filed in: The Grascals
The Grascals are joined on this album by Dolly Parton,

The highlight of this album is “I Am Strong” written by band member Jamie Johnson and his wife following a visit to St Jude Hospital, where they were inspired by the stories of the children being treated there. Rita
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Tennessee Rain
23/05/11 16:50 Filed in: Sarah McClurg
Sarah McClurg comes from Ottawa, Canada but she recorded this album in Nashville. She says she leans towards contemporary country, as opposed to pop/rock. She wrote three of the ten tracks.
You will not find any drinking songs, raunchy or suggestive lyrics on this album. Sarah has a very pleasant voice. Her backing vocalist and musicians, contribute admirably to this album. A good mix of both ballad and beat material. Rita
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You will not find any drinking songs, raunchy or suggestive lyrics on this album. Sarah has a very pleasant voice. Her backing vocalist and musicians, contribute admirably to this album. A good mix of both ballad and beat material. Rita
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Lucy Angel - EP
23/05/11 16:49 Filed in: Lucy Angel
Lucy Angel is a trio consisting of mother Kate and daughters Lindsay and Emily.
Kate has had many accomplishments, among them was winning the “Wrangler Country Showdown”.
Lucy Angel have toured in the U.S., Japan, Switzerland and China, where they were the first Western / American act to sing at the ‘Great Hall of the People’ in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in front of government officials and international dignitaries.
This EP of five tracks is produced by Nashville songwriter Anthony Smith and includes songs written by him.
The sleeve photo of Lucy Angel shows three very attractive ladies. I do hope they have a very attractive future in the Country Music industry, they deserve success. I look forward to hearing more from them. Rita
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Kate has had many accomplishments, among them was winning the “Wrangler Country Showdown”.
Lucy Angel have toured in the U.S., Japan, Switzerland and China, where they were the first Western / American act to sing at the ‘Great Hall of the People’ in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in front of government officials and international dignitaries.
This EP of five tracks is produced by Nashville songwriter Anthony Smith and includes songs written by him.
The sleeve photo of Lucy Angel shows three very attractive ladies. I do hope they have a very attractive future in the Country Music industry, they deserve success. I look forward to hearing more from them. Rita
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Deja Vu
14/05/11 20:31 Filed in: C'est LaVie
Musically, a very fine album. C’est La Vie must be one of the best Country music bands in the UK.
C’est La Vie formerly The Jon J Paul Band has been away from the Country scene for about ten years.
They appear to have the same line up: Jon J Paul, Tony Hornsby, Derek Thurlby and Lee Guyler. Rita
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C’est La Vie formerly The Jon J Paul Band has been away from the Country scene for about ten years.
They appear to have the same line up: Jon J Paul, Tony Hornsby, Derek Thurlby and Lee Guyler. Rita
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Loaded, Best of Blake Shelton
04/04/11 20:23 Filed in: Blake Shelton
Blake’s first single Austin reached number one in the Country Singles Charts for five weeks.
Since then he has rarely been out of the Country charts, with eight songs have reached the top position
He was voted ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’ in 2010.
His fiancee, Miranda Lambert, was voted ‘Best Female Vocalist’ the same year.
They are due to be married in May 2011.
This year Blake was chosen to join Reba in Las Vegas, to present the ‘46th. Academy Of Country Music’ awards.
He is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Rita
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Since then he has rarely been out of the Country charts, with eight songs have reached the top position
He was voted ‘Male Vocalist Of The Year’ in 2010.
His fiancee, Miranda Lambert, was voted ‘Best Female Vocalist’ the same year.
They are due to be married in May 2011.
This year Blake was chosen to join Reba in Las Vegas, to present the ‘46th. Academy Of Country Music’ awards.
He is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Rita
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Georgia Clay
22/03/11 20:27 Filed in: Josh Kelly
Josh Kelley has been making albums since 2003.
His music has been featured in movies starring his wife, actress Katherine Heigl.
His song Tidal Wave was in the film Life As We Know It, and Under the Covers in the film The Ugly Truth.
His younger brother, Charles, is a member of the chart topping Country trio Lady Antebellum.
This album Georgia Clay is a collection of songs that serve as a musical interpretation of his life story. Josh wrote or co-wrote all of the album’s eleven songs. Rita
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His music has been featured in movies starring his wife, actress Katherine Heigl.
His song Tidal Wave was in the film Life As We Know It, and Under the Covers in the film The Ugly Truth.
His younger brother, Charles, is a member of the chart topping Country trio Lady Antebellum.
This album Georgia Clay is a collection of songs that serve as a musical interpretation of his life story. Josh wrote or co-wrote all of the album’s eleven songs. Rita
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Lonesome Whistle
22/03/11 16:52 Filed in: The Roys
The Roys are a brother / sister act.
Born in Massachusetts and have won ICM (Inspirational Country Music) Duo of the Year Award for two consecutive years.
Both are very accomplished writers and musicians who have produced a very polished bluegrass album.
Although I am not a dedicated bluegrass fan, I really enjoyed this album. Mike
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Both are very accomplished writers and musicians who have produced a very polished bluegrass album.
Although I am not a dedicated bluegrass fan, I really enjoyed this album. Mike
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About Time
04/03/11 20:25 Filed in: Silver Creek

Country Music journalists, who have seen the band “live” in the UK, confirm that they are very accomplished multi-instrumentalists, who are as good on stage as they are on this studio recording. Recommendation indeed.
www.Silvercreekmusic.Net
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Austin to Boston
01/03/11 20:42 Filed in: R W Hampton
One of the leading Western vocalists in the U.S.A. who sings mainly about his own life as a working cowboy.

A very rare breed indeed these days. Rita
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LORETTA LYNN – 50TH Anniversary Collection
28/02/11 19:23 Filed in: Loretta Lynn
This album celebrates a career that has lasted 50 years.
On listening to this double album of 36 tracks, it is easy to see why Loretta Lynn has had over 75 hit songs.
The music of her early years (pre 1966) are quite basic in content, the lyrics honest and simple.
Conway Twitty sings on eight of the tracks on these albums.
I was impressed with the musical backing which never overpowered the vocals. Mike
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The music of her early years (pre 1966) are quite basic in content, the lyrics honest and simple.
Conway Twitty sings on eight of the tracks on these albums.
I was impressed with the musical backing which never overpowered the vocals. Mike
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Enjoy the Ride
19/02/11 20:45 Filed in: Dawson Reigns

He is, at the time of writing, at No.1 in the Australian Country charts with his single If Crazy Wasn’t So Beautiful which is on this album. Mike
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Greatest Hits
07/02/11 20:28 Filed in: Joe Nichols
Joe Nichols made his first album in 1996.
This is his eighth album (I own seven, but not his Christmas album).
He has had numerous entries in the Country Music charts.
It must have been a difficult choice to include only ten tracks on this “Greatest Hits” album.
This is a really splendid album which includes only a small selection of his chart hits during his fifteen years on the Country scene.
If you are not already a Joe Nichols fan this is a great introduction to his music. Rita
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He has had numerous entries in the Country Music charts.
It must have been a difficult choice to include only ten tracks on this “Greatest Hits” album.
This is a really splendid album which includes only a small selection of his chart hits during his fifteen years on the Country scene.
If you are not already a Joe Nichols fan this is a great introduction to his music. Rita
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Hemingway’s Whiskey
02/01/11 20:35 Filed in: Kenny Chesney
The albums title track “Hemingway’s Whiskey” is about the author Ernest Hemingway’s love of whisky.

He liked it neat and although it burned, he didn’t like it watered down.
I have read that the liquor inspired his writing and numbed the pain of his illness, injuries and heartache.
Is there a brand called Hemingway’s Whiskey? Rita
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