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COUNTRY MUSIC

Artist:	"THE THOMPSON BROTHERS BAND"
Title:	"BLAME IT ON THE DOG"
Label:	RCA
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed by:	Kayla Christian
Rating:

RCA knew what they were doing when they signed up "The Thompson Brothers Band." This group is astounding, with a unique flavor all their own. Every now and again a band like this will spring up. One full of energy, deep in country roots and devoted to the classics. With pounding drums, strumming six-and 12 string guitars, and some nasal vocals that fit in as well as they need to, these guys have obviously spent a fair amount of time playing bars, which gives the record an easy confidence and well worn groove. Lead singer/ guitarist Andy Thompson, drummer Matt Thompson, and bassist Mike Whitty have been into something a little different, pushing a new country sound while staying grounded in its roots. "Blame It On The Dog" creates an honest sound of country that pushes forward from the past with the respectful rowdiness the Thompsons have used to rock honky-tonks from Music City to Maine. The brothers, Andy and Mike started in the suburbs of Boston, playing their father's 8-track tapes of Willie Nelson. Andy has been playing guitar since he was 5 and Matt got his drums when he was in the 3rd grade. At the age of 13 they added the kid down the street, Mike Whitty. They were the opening act for the British sensation "Badfinger" in Boston. Before they could drive, they were performing "The Monster Mash" across the Northeast as novelty act Boris Picket's "Crypt Kickers." The band has been together for 10 years now and have come a long way. After devoting their time to playing every bar in Massachusetts, with their own unique flavor of country spice, the Thompsons headed for Nashville with their track scholarships to Belmont University. Two years was all it took for the Thompsons to graduate to Hard Knock University. They lived in a old house on 16th Avenue with three other musicians, got a regular set of gigs at tourist traps, and also backed up local vocalists. On weekends, they played at a seedy bar south of Nashville called "Johnny's Place." It was there, playing 8 sets in rhythm with the clatter of the trains, that the Thompsons learned how to do what they do best. They enchanted the audience, got them up on their feet, tapping their toes to their own entrancing tunes, and sincere love songs. Ironically, that was probably their biggest turning point, and their worst gig. They learned how not to become a human jukebox. Roughly ten years later, they signed with RCA. "Things kind of snowballed," said Mike Whitty. "A lot of people got interested. It was being around, and getting to know, a lot of people who did it." "Blame It On The Dog" starts off revving, with the first cut "Life's Too Short," a very catchy tune that sets the mood for great listening enjoyment that will carry you into the rest of the album. Matt really burrows the beat deep into your soul. Moving directly into the next song, "Don't Mind If I Do," keeps the unique sound of "The Thompson Brothers Band" driving. My favorite on this album is "A Million Miles Away," a beautiful love ballad. So rich and enthralling, Andy's soothing voice carries you across the clouds, evoking a love that dwells deep in the heart of lovers. This one's a sincere love song, that leaves you with a sigh. "Caroline," "Drive Me Crazy," and "Run Away With You" are all catchy tunes that will find you dancing and singing along. The Thompsons' sound combines such diverse influences as Beatles-era British pop, 70's outlaw country, Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers, and even hints of Roy Orbison, in a progressive country format that has ignited audiences up and down the east coast for years. The music is heavily reminiscent of the mid-80's movement when the likes of Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakam were adding a serious rock 'n' roll edge to stone-cold honky-tonk, yet featuring the keen harmony work native to mountain-bred acts like the Everly Brothers or Charlie and Ira Louvin. "Broken For Good," a Thompson original, has a rich sound of bluegrass, bringing out the superb quality of the Thompsons that helped pull them up the ladder. Taking you right into the next song is the relentless roadhouse stomp of "Shot Me Down (Bang Bang)," followed by the pillow-soaking song "Cry," co-written with songwriter L. Russsel Brown, writer of Tony Orlando's big hit "Tie A Yellow Ribbon." Songs of love and loss, that culminate in the last call clamor of "Pick Up The Tempo," featuring Steve Earle. Most recently, the band just finished a string of dates opening for Pam Tillis, George Jones, and Bryan White, in addition to their long-time idol, Steve Earle. "Blame It On The Dog" is an enjoyable album with pure delight through and through. Let's applaud RCA for giving this group the latitude to show what it can do on its own. Nashville's record companies should let these bands be themselves more often.

Artist:	"BROOKS & DUNN"
Title:	"THE GREATEST HITS COLLECTION"
Label:	Arista
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed by:	Kayla Christian
Rating:

Hang on to your hats, "Brooks & Dunn's" "The Greatest Hits Collection" will knock your socks off! Never before has there been an album this great. Not only is it filled with fantastic music that will mesmerize you with timeless songs, but it's loaded, and I mean loaded, with 19 chart hitting songs. Most of them are #1 hits, and three are previously unreleased tracks. Both Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn were traveling that hard, bumpy road of the music industry and about to throw in the towel, when they decided to hook up as a team. That decision sky-rocketed them to such explosive staying power that even they are stunned by their own success and are honest enough to let it show. Perhaps the fact that "Brooks & Dunn" were more mature when stardom occurred makes them more grateful than others. Ronnie spent years writing, wishing, and singing in honky-tonks in Oklahoma and Texas, while Kix was in Music Town writing songs, dreaming dreams, and wearing out boots on the sidewalks of Music Row looking for a niche. Whatever the reason, they treasure their success and do not take it for granted. It all started in 1991 with their debut album, "Brand New Man," which remained on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart for over 5 years, and is the #1 best-selling album by a country duo in music history. They are the only duo in Country music history to hold the honor of "Entertainer of the Year" - the second highest RIAA certified duo in music history following "Simon & Garfunkel. In fact, they are quickly approaching sales that will surpass Simon & Garfunkel," the biggest selling duo in all musical genres. Is there a formula? Absolutely. The formula is generating one song after another, coupled by a heaping help of great non-schlock record production. Their first single, "Brand New Man," an undeniable smash, catapulted the guys beyond the stratosphere of hillbillydom, where they have become humble rulers of radio, concert halls and record sales. "Brooks & Dunn" also was the first Country artist to be the featured on the cover of over 20 million Kellogg's Corn Flakes boxes. This fifth album, "The Greatest Hits Collection," is heart to heart from Kix and Ronnie, carrying only their very best hit songs. The album includes "My Maria," "Your Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone," "Boot Scootin' Boogie," "Hard Working Man," "That Ain't No Way To Go," "Rock My World (Little Country Girl)," "Neon Moon," "Lost And Found," "She's Not The Cheatin' Kind," "Brand New Man," "We'll Burn That Bridge," "She Used To Be Mine," "Mama Don't Get Dressed Up For Nothing," "My Next Broken Heart," "Whiskey Under The Bridge," and "Little Miss Honky Tonk," along with three brand new killer songs, "Honky Tonk Truth," "He's Got You" (#2 on the Billboard country charts), and "Days Of Thunder." Heading back to Louisiana for Kix Brooks was a bittersweet experience. Being inducted into the Shreveport Music Hall of Fame was thrilling, but his father passing away from cancer left him with a heavy heart. Kix was very close to his father, who gave him the exceptional support that helps bring entertainers like Kix to stardom. Once, at the age of 12, Kix was to perform on "The Ted Mack Amateur Hour." As Kix was about to perform, the amp for his guitar went dead. Finding a loose wire, his father got on his knees and held that wire, with the speaker right in his ear, throughout the whole performance. With dedication and support that strong, it is no surprise Kix is a super star. The duo refuses to take themselves seriously; but both Kix and Ronnie are very serious about their way of life. Whether writing songs or performing, they always give more than one hundred percent. Record sales and ticket buyers have proven their resolution has not been in vain. Brooks & Dunn's "The Greatest Hits Collection" is a must for your collection. It surpasses every dollar spent, with pure, total entertainment. I highly recommend this album. With 19 record breaking hits, you can't go wrong.

Artist:	"JIM LAUDERDALE"
Title:	"WHISPER"
Label:	BNA
Available:	Any Major Music Store
Reviewed by:	Kayla Christian
Rating:

"Whisper" is a rich, deep-rooted, pure country album. "Jim Lauderdale" has mastered the unique, genuine sound of Nashville. You may not be familiar with Jim by name, but I am sure you'll recognize his level of talent. Holding his own in fast company, he has penned eight songs for "George Strait" including "Where The Sidewalk Ends" and "King of Broken Hearts," "Mark Chestnut's" #1 hit "Gonna Get A Life," "Vince Gills'" "Sparkle," and "Patty Loveless' " #1 songs "Halfway Down" and "You Don't Seem To Miss Me." He says writing country songs is like mainlining life. Born in North Carolina, and raised on the sounds from his father's scratchy radio, he studied "George Jones," "Johnny Cash," "Buck Owens," "Merle Haggard" and bushels of others influences. Many other unknowns were vital for Lauderdale to build the solid foundation he now stands on, in the center of country's past and future. With the help and encouragement of Renee Bell, Senior Director of A&R at RCA; Lauderdale was able to become the artist he always wanted to be. Listening to the first song on this CD, you will strongly appreciate the musical heritage of the South and the mountains that has been installed in Jim from an early age. "Goodbye Song" was written with his idol "Harlan Howard." Jim was very nervous about the session. He came to the studio prepared with the melody and the first line, "It's been hard to let you go/ It's all part of life I know." The whole song was written in one sitting, and Harlan came up with the title that set the tone for the whole album. With a touch that sounds like "George Jones," Jim pays homage to all the great country music that has been so delicately compiled on this record. He is paying his debt to all the creative people who helped pave the way. "Whisper" was written a couple of years ago. Even though a lot of producers enjoyed this song, Jim was able to hang on to it for himself. This is a touching, soft song, expressing a love that is deep inside, and wanting to tell all that is running through the heart. "Maybe in our autumn days/ When my hair turns grey / I will take you by the hand/ And pull you close to me/ And then I'll/ Whisper/ Whisper/ I think I love you." "Sometimes" is a song with a swinging upbeat. It produces the feeling of the struggle between the mind and the heart, trying to convince oneself that love no longer exists. "Sometimes there is nothing to do but think of you/ Sometimes it drives me out of my mind." Jim wrote this song with Frank Dycus, a true hillbilly poet, that has worked with Porter and Dolly when they had their publishing company. Frank's lyrics just make you hear music. Another song with Frank is "Take Me Down A Path (My Heart Won't Know)." While Jim was writing the lyrics the melody just joined in. It's one of those songs where the beat will definitely take you where it goes. "Take me down a path my heart won't know/ I'll follow you wherever it goes." Two other songs Jim wrote with Frank Dycus are "In Harms Way" and "Without You It Is Not The Same." "She Used To Say That To Me," a soft touch of a song, showcase Jim's unique talent with the electric guitar. This song was written with John Scott Shirrell. The song "It's Hard To Keep A Secret Anymore" just sprang up around the title. The hero's a jealous lover, partner, spouse, who sees his other half''s heart is turning toward someone else. He recognizes what's happening and can't stop it. Another song written with Harlan Howard is the fun song "We're Gone." The melody and lyrics worked so well, Jim was immediately hooked by the chorus. "Melba Montgomery" is one of Jim's all-time favorite women in country music. Together, Jim and Melba created the fantastic song "What Do You Say To That," and with "Buddy Miller" he created Hole In My Head." In writing "You're Tempting Me," Jim got an image of a woman's lips that he wanted to kiss. On the last song the album, "I'll Lead You Home," Jim talks about the young country boy who had come to the big city, and wanted to go back home, but isn't sure of how to make the trip, until he hears the small voice in his head saying "I'll Lead You Home." This song features "Ralph Stanley" and the "Clinch Mountain Boys." With "Whisper," Jim draws everybody closer with an intoxicating blend of Bakersfield backbeat, mountain ache, and a romantic edge that's as sexy as it is strong. Every once in a while a recording like this comes along, and with it, the promise of all the country music legends is born again.

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