C & W - June
C & W MUSIC

Reviewed by Donn Jehs

Donn's Rating Scale:
$$$$$- worth every penny
$$$$- a solid investment
$$$ - if you can spare the change
$$ - only if you can burn money
$ - keep that pocketbook shut

Title:"HOMEGROWN"
Artist:"BLUE MOUNTAIN"
Label:Roadrunner Records
Available:Any Major Music Store
Rating:$$$$

This is the second full length album from the country/rock/blues group Blue Mountain, and it is a pleasure to listen to. The group, from the small town of Oxford, Mississippi, is made up of Cary Hudson (vocals, guitar), his wife, Laurie Stirrat (vocals,bass), Frank Coutch (vocals,drums) and Willie (the dog,vocals).

This reminded me a lot of listening to one of the MTV 's Unplugged sessions with the presence of the acoustic guitar throughout the album and the relaxed and easy tone of the vocals. It is obvious that this group is comfortable with their music and each other.

The music varies from rocking numbers like the opening cut, "Bloody 98," with slick guitar, play and a banjo solo by Cary, to solid blues like "It Ain't Easy To Love A Liar" and "Town Clown."

One of the most enjoyable cuts is a little ditty entitled "Black Dog" - a drinking song if I ever heard one - which is followed immmediately by "Generic America," which has the most cutting lyrics: "shopping malls and prison walls all look the same to me." This track, along with "Dead End Street," offer a blistering commentary on life in urban America.

Cary's voice does tend to get to you after several songs, being kind of nasal, whiny, Tom Petty sound, but for the most part it fits the lyrics well. I do wish we could hear a bit more from his wife, Laurie. From what little I heard she has a good voice which may not go with most of the songs, but I'm sure an outlet could be found to use her talent. Willie the dog's barking is a cute touch, but the novelty will wear off, and good luck charm or not, he doesn't add much to the mix and is liable to distract the listener if overdone.

The final cut on the album, "Rain," is an instrumental recorded with the background of a rainstorm, and has a lovely monotony that only a natural wonder can get away with.

This album is what I call "front porch" music. It makes you want to sit on the swing and sip a cool one as the words and music roll over you on a starry Southern night. So take a seat and let Homegrow(o)n you.


Title:"EVERYWHERE"
Artist:"TIM McGRAW"
Label:Curb Records (Sony)
Available:Any Major Music Store
Rating:$$$$

Artist: Tim McGraw Hot on the heels of his hugely successful "Spontaneous Combustion" album and tour last year, Tim is back with his fourth album to once again prove he has his fingers on the pulse of the heart of country. The pre-released "It's Your Love," a duet with wife and fellow country artist Faith Hill, has already made it's way to the top of the country charts.

While not quite up to his last effort, there is plenty to like on this album besides the above-mentioned ballad. In an interesting juxtaposition, the cut that follows takes us from the glories of love to the anguish of the betrayed in "Ain't That The Way It Always Ends." It is obvious that ballads are the strength of this album, although there is light relief in the form of "Hard On The Ticker," a song with some great lyrics and a catchy tag line. Look for this tune to become a charttopper if it is released as a single.

The bonus cut, "You Turn Me On," is also nice upbeat end to a well crafted album. As good as "It's Your Love" is, the best ballad on the album is "You Just get Better All The Time," with just the right touch of wistful remembrance to put a lump in your throat.

The only fault with many of the songs is their reliance upon tried and true cliches, without some of the experimentation that McGraw has shown in his earlier albums. While well executed, and worth listening to, there is that missing touch of originality that would make this an exceptional album. However, fans everywhere will probably send this album to the top of the charts.

Artist: MILA MASON
Album: "THAT'S ENOUGH OF THAT"
Label: Atlantic
Rating: $$$$


For a debut album this lady carries a lot of weight, with songs from some of the best writers in Nashville, and she delivers the goods. While she does an excellent job with the ballads, her real strength lies in the kind of upbeat sound that will catch your ear and send your toes a tappin. One cut especially, "Hot to Molly," is done with just the right amount of verve. This is a woman who should give Shania Twain a run for her money. The LAST thing on your mind when you listen to this album will be the title cut!

Artist: KEVIN SHARP
Album: "MEASURE OF A MAN"
Label: Asylum Records
Rating: $$$


This debut album from one of the most inspiring of young country singers, back from the brink of death from cancer, has it's high points - the title track is sung with feeling and makes a great first impression. But on some of the more soulful ballads, Kevin confuses plaintive with whiny, and makes them just that little less feeling. On upbeat numbers, like "Love Bomb," he lets himself go and we enjoy the music with him. While this album doesn't quite measure up, the talent is there and we can look for more good music in the future.


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