Song of the Week: Dirty Politics by Whiskey Rivers

Just in time for today's election, Whiskey Rivers gives us a soundtrack for the day's newscycle. Dirty Politics is an uptempo modern country tribute to America's other national pastime. Whether Democrat or Republican, Dirty Politics takes shots at both sides. While certainly not an in depth critique of the shortcomings of our political parties, it does offer soundbite cliches to remind both sides that they have a ways to go to earn the trust and respect of the voters. And even though politics may be a dirty business, it's still youre right to vote. So go exercise your right today!

Album of the Week: Lowe Country,the songs of Nick Lowe

Somehwere between disco and hair bands, rock and roll was in danger of losing its identity. Nick Lowe (and occasional bandmate Dave Edmunds) stepped into the musical void to remind Rock of its early country and rockabilly roots. Now country music has stepped up to honor this crossover legend. Fiesta Red Records has just released an alt country tribute album to Nick Lowe, entitled Lowe Country. Nick Lowe was well respected in the early 80's for bending musical genres and fusing rock, pop, and country (and off the beaten path lyrics) to create a distinctive hybrid sound before any kind of music was preceded by the term "alt." Some of Lowe's masterworks are reinterpreted (although his biggest hit, "Cruel To Be Kind," is mysteriously missing) on this album by many of today's emerging alt-country stars. Nick Lowe's music definitely stands the test of time, and it's refreshing to hear them arranged in a new way. Much of the pop influence has been scrubbed from the original versions on this album. In their place is a healthy dose of banjo and steel guitar. Alt Country darling Caitlin Rose does a yearning, almost Patsy Cline take on "Lately I've Let Things Slide." Hayes Carll does a steel guitar tinged version of "I'm Gonna Start Living Again If It Kills Me." Newcomers Chatham County Line do an ironic down home version of "Heart of the City." But the song that benefits the most from the alt-country love is "All Men Are Liars" by Robert Ellis. Ellis manages to stay true to both tone and tempo while somehow converting it from a tongue in cheek pop song to a straight up country "unplugged" number. Nick Lowe's songs sound fresh and new again here. And the album's musical lineup is a great introduction to many of today's new alt-country stars. And if that weren't enough incentive to check out this disc, Fiesta Records is donating proceeds to benenfit victims of the 2010 Nashville floods and 2011 Texas wild fires! So here's your chance to get goods while you do good!

Song of the Week: Queen of the Minor Key

Queen of the Minor Key by Ellen Jewell is a great rockabilly rave up to get you started on your weekend. Sounding a little like Patsy Cline sings Gene Vincent, Queen of the Minor Key will take you back to music's unscripted past where the lines between rock and country were easily blurred. Ellen Jewell is a time-warping, genre-bending siren who defies description. Like Southern Culture on the Skids, Ellen combines elements of rockabilly, surf music, jazz and traditional country to create a whole that's larger than the sum of the parts. This song is from her album of the same name which was released over a year ago. It was brought to our attention by Brite Revolution Records, who have just released a killer Americana sampler. The best part is that it's free! So check out Ellen Jewell, Darrell Scott, The Trishas and a host of other great bands - I gurantee you'll find something you like! Then do yourself a favor and go buy one of their albums. As for us, we're starting with Queen of the Minor Key by Ellen Jewell!

Album of the Week(ish) Sooner by Liz Frame and the Kickers

Liz Frame and the Kickers deliver that authentic, rootsy Americana sound that we love so much. Sounding a bit like Gram Parsons meets Cowboy Junkies, Liz and the Kickers (Liz Frame: vocals and guitar,Kristine Malpica: percussion and vocals,Lynne Taylor: bass and vocals,Chuck Melchin: guitars, mandolin and vocals) create an earthy, soothing sound that rocks the body and soul like a swimging hammock on a warm June afternoon. Their new album, Sooner, is packed with irresistable licks and insightful lyrics. Liz and company set the tone with the first song, Win. Liz sings "Johnny's just a junkie with a monkey on his back...He's gonna fight every last demon that brought him down - and he's gonna win." Right away they let you know their take on life, which they elaborate on throughout the album: life isn't always fair, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it all depends on the timing. This is especially true when it comes to love. In Girl Of Little Faith, Liz sings "when I leave I don't look back." But in Come Back To Me she yearns for her lover's return. Apparently he arrives too late as in the song Sooner, Liz sings "you should've come to me sooner than today, back when I would have done just about anything to make you stay." The toll of love's near misses makes Liz feel like "The Devil Put A Bullseye On My Back" in the song of the same name. She wails that "he ain't ever gonna be happy till I'm broken as a girl can be." Yet despite the pain, Liz is (and indeed all of us are) somehow drawn back to love like the junkie is drawn back to his addiction in the album's first song. After love's ups and downs in the previous songs, Liz still feels compelled to sing in, I Wanna Be Your Baby, that "I wanna be the blood running through your veins, I wanna be the joy that you can't contain... I wanna be your baby." Liz makes you feel the depth of her lyrics with her emotional and sensual vocals. The Kickers provide subtle yet gorgeous background harmonies. And the gentle wailing of steel guitars adds further resonance to the music's impact. A wonderful album from start to finish. They only way they could have made it better would have been to release it "Sooner."

Album of the Week: High, Wide & Handsome by The Trishas

The Trishas weave effortlessly beautiful harmonies with expert musicianship in their debut CD, High, Wide & Handsome. The first song on the album, "Mother of Invention" reels you in with with their irresistable harmonies and simple guitar and banjo arrangements. Sounding a little like "Didn't Leave Nobody But the Baby" from Oh Brother Where Art Thou, "Mother of Invention" has that same siren-song quality and hypnotic appeal. Singing, "In interesting conditions you discover who you really are," the Trishas invite you on a journey of musical discovery of their own. But like those silver screen sirens, The Trishas turn the tables after the first song. After singing about the possibilites and inspirations that privation can bring, they focus the rest of the songs on the deeper privation of lost love. But instead of finding possibilities and inspirations, they discover only broken hearts and fools. In songs like "Liars and Fools," "The Fool," and "Little Sweet Cigars," the Trishas make clear that love is a fool's game from the start. They sum it up succinctly in "Little Sweet Cigars" singing "when you're kissed by a fool then you're fooled by a kiss." Other songs paint an equally bleak picture of love's entanglements. In songs like "Cheater's Game," "Why," and "Strangers," they sing about life after love's flame burns out. In "Strangers," for instance they lament that "I'd like to introduce myself to the one I used to know so well." But if love's fire burns out, the Trishas prove that music's fire never does. In "Looking At Me," they advise that "a fire burns slow if you know how to build it." And again in "One Down," they sing, "if there's nothing left to burn, set yourself on fire." And this album is indeed a slow, sultry burn. Sounding at times like torch singers (especially on "Cold Blooded Love,") The four members of the Trishas smolder their way through love's ups and downs culminating in one of the album's finest moments, "Rainin' Inside." A John Prine-esque blues ballad that begins, "Billie Holliday is killing me, like she's been reading my mind. I dropped the needle on her yesterday and I've been listening all this time," "Rainin' Inside" demonstrates that these ladies sing the blues with the best of them.

Song of the Week: Back When by the Carper Family

"Back When" is a roots-Country, lover's lament from The Carper Family. With beautiful vocal harmonies and expert musicianship, "Back When" (from the album of the same name) takes listeners on a musical journey to back when Country music was fresh and new. Like a modern day Andrews Sisters singing covers of Bob Wills, these three Southern sirens (Melissa Carper, Beth Chrisman and Jenn Miori) evoke feelings from another era. No electric guitars, no vocal effects, no post production trickery; The Carper Family delivers hearfelt and well honed roots Country at its best. Singing of love's later stages, after the bloom has left the rose; The Carper Family wonders aloud why the love letters no longer come. Pondering love's fading passions, they sing "why can't back when happen again." Many critics of modern country music may be tempted to ask that same question. But thanks to the Carper Family "Back When" can indeed happen again.

Curmudgeons Rejoice!

Since before Elvis first shook his pelvis onstage, there has always been a small but very vocal portion of music fans who have insisted that older songs are better. Well now, those of us who fall into that category can shout a hearty "I told you so!" as MSN Music News reports that for the first time ever old albums are outselling new ones. (So that's where our album sales are going!) According to Nielson music analyst, David Bakula, the primary catalyst for the trend is cost: Catalog albums are usually priced between $5.99 and $10.99, while new albums are often $13-$18. "I really, truly do believe that there probably is a consumer that is buying music here that wasn't buying music in the past," Speaking of which, for today only you can pick up your very own digital copy of Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison for only $2.99 at Amazon.

Album of the Week: Now & Then by Westbound

Westbound is an amazing musical duo from Houston Texas. Consisting of one-man-band John Stoll and musical songbird Rebecca Ferguson, Westbound plays authentic American roots music. While Nashville and Austin fight over the face of Country music, Westbound beautifully represents the heart of Country. Without overdoing production or attitude, Westbound gets right to the essence of the music. With an organic sound that seems to bubble up from the earth itself and flow clear and pure as a mountain stream, Now & Then is a trip in time to the very beginnings of American music. Like T Bone Burnett's masterful production of the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, Now & Then represents a time and place before mass communication, when singing was only done by those with something to say. Even so, Rebecca's voice brings these songs to life in the present tense. Her haunting portrayal of the jilted lover in "Railroad Boy," makes you feel the pain of lost love when she sings how she died "to show the world that I died for love." Her lilting, yet powerful voice is used to wonderful effect in the revival-like songs, "Go Down Moses" and "Wayfaring Stranger." She brings full emotional impact to each of these songs of love and love lost, and sin and salvation. The sparse, melodic rhythms of John's acoustic guitar and banjo perfectly pair and blend with Rebecca's earthy voice. And although much of the album tells of loss and regret, one of the highlights is "At Dawning (I Love You)." Simple, yet elegent Rececca sings, "When the dawn flames in the sky, when the birds wake and cry, when the day shines anew, I love you." This is as honest and sincere a confession of love as I've heard put to music. Westbound has created a beautifully harmonious blending of voice and instrument, of lyric and song and of past and present. You can bet that I'll be listening to this album more than just "Now & Then."

The Original Honky Tonk Angel Gets Her Wings

Family Reunion is saddened by the passing of Kitty Wells. The "Queen of Country Music" She is the original trailblazer for women in country music. She scored her first number one hist in 1952. She was named the Country Female Artist of the Year an unparalleled 14 years in a row. Every female country artist from Patsy Cline to Tanya Tucker to Carrie Underwood have reached their heights by standing on her shoulders. God bless you Kitty. You will be missed and remembered!

CMT salutes One Star Flag

We told you about our friends in Casey Donahew band in our review of Double Wide Dream. Now CMT is taking note as well. Their video for One Star Flag has just premiered on CMT. Congratulations to Casey and the band! We know this is just the beginning for you!

Song of the Week: How How How by Turnstile Junkpile

Hope everyone's summer is off to a good start. As you can tell by our light blogging, we've been enjoying the lazy days of summer as well. But we'll try to get back in the groove of things. To help kick things off, we'd like to share a band we recently discovered from the deep south - of England! Tunstile Junkpile is an alt-country band from London who describe themselves as "a four-piece band influenced by alt-country, sixties soul, southern twang, a healthy disregard for the ageing process, and the finest Polish lager that their corner shop sells." No matter how you tag them, we like them. We're especially fond of "How How How" from their debut EP Everything Is Cheaper Than It Looks. The song has an irresistable banjo and drum driven melody with some nice bass and harmonica thrown in for good measure. If I didn't know any better, I'd swear these guys were another great alt country band from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But knowing their true British identity, I detect the faint influence of Beggar's Banquet era Stones or Muswell Hillbilly Kinks. In fact if Ray Davies played banjo, I'm sure he would sound a lot like Tunstile Junkpile - and I mean that as a complement to them both. Like a Ray Davies song, "How, How How" has its share of cynical wit. Thumbing their noses at some unidentified son of privelege, they taunt, "Hey, hey, hey your daddy's gone away. Sixteen and boring and nobody wants to play." And if the message doesn't come through clear enough, they double down with, "It's time you realize your not God's only son..." They swagger through the rest of the EP showing off their self described influences of rock, country and soul to varying degrees. Although the EP may be "Cheaper than it looks," the music is every bit as rich as it sounds.

We Won! We Won!

Family Reunion is proud to announce that FAMILY ALBUM has won the

2012 ICMA Award

for

Country Album of the Year!

You can check out the entire ICMA Awards show on The Nashville Network. Our part comes in at about 1:01:50.

Thanks to all the fans and judges who selected us for this incredible honor. We are absolutely thrilled, humbled, and amazed!

Family Reunion steps out in fashion!

Family Reunion was honored to be invited to play live at the "Experience Music & Fashion" show at the Hard Rock in Nashville on Wednesday, June 6th. Sadly, we were not able to coordinate our schedules to play the event. However, several of our songs were featured during the show which highlighted the fashions of world famous clothing designer, "Manuel." The event was headlined by Phil Vassar and featured several up and coming new country acts. In addition, proceeds from the event are going to benefit the “I’ll Fly Away Foundation”, formed to bring music education and preservation to school and college students throughout the US.

Album of the Week: Uncle Bones by Mark Lucas

Uncle Bones by Mark Lucas is musical storytelling at its finest. The album opens with a southern fried version of the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice (How often do you get to throw a Eurydice reference into an album review?) Apparently the lord of the underworld is in need of a new fiddler (after getting his butt kicked by Charlie Daniels no doubt!) So he arranges to steal away the new bride of the most talented musician in the area. Desperate to get her back, the fiddler offers his musical services in exchange for the release of his beloved bride. But unlike the Charlie Daniels face off with "Uncle Bones," this story does not have a happy ending. The second song continues the story fest with a variation of the folk tale of the girl whose tears turn to pearls. As you might guess, greed gets the better of those who are supposed to care for her and she is forced to make a tragic decision. Mark continues the expert story weaving with tales of a father bearing embers to the end of the world ("Carrying Fire"), and a widow who phones her husband's casket ("Pick Up") and even a Hannibal Lechtor inspired account of a killer who speaks in riddles ("Dragon Reel".) He does add touches of humor with "Everyday I Have the Greens" and "Grits and Redeye Gravy." All of the songs are thought provoking and mesmerizing. Luckily, he includes the lyrics for each on his website. Not to be lost in the magical spell of these wonderful stories is the fantastic, down-home music that permeates each story in song. The accoustic guitars, fiddles, and banjos set the perfect Deep South backdrop for his original Southern Mythology. He has been compared to Ray Wylie Hubbard (and rightfully so) and he compares favorably to Darrell Scott as well. When you're in the mood to kick off your dance shoes and really listen to some great music, this is an album you'll want to come back to again and again.

Happy Memorial Day: Song of the Week

Yes, I know you've heard this song before and yes, it's not even close to new, but this Memorial Day please take a moment to remember everything our soldiers sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you and God bless you to all our soldiers!

100 Stations and Counting!

Hey Y’all, Family Reunion is now getting airplay on over 100 US Country radio stations! Here’s some of our newest radio family: WXRO in Beaver Dam WI KXOX in Sweetwater, TX KWRE in Warrenton, MO If you’re in the area (either real world or cyberspace,) give ‘em a ring (or line of text) and ask to hear Family Reunion on their station. Thanks. We’ll see ya’ on the radio!

Song of the Week: Same Old Road by Travis Linville

Here's a song to help you start your weekend, especially if your weekend plans include any sort of roadtrip. Same Old Road by Travis Linville is a catchy, bluesy take on the nomadic life of a musician. Punctuated with nice guitar and harmonica riffs, Same Old Road rises above the usual life-on-the road lament by seeing the bigger picture behind the travelling metaphor. No matter what we do for a living, Travis reminds us we are all on a road trip through our own life. And as he rightly points out, "It's the journey that I'm looking for, it's not the pot of gold; I'm walking down the same old road." So no matter where you journey takes you, I hope it's filled with good friends, good memories, and good music - like Same Old Road!

John Rich helps St. Jude take a sad song and make it better

Country star, TV star, businessman, and philanthropist John Rich is putting his assets in the saddle to ride to the rescue for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Having already raised $700,000 for St. Jude from his appearance on last year's Celbebrity Apprentice, John Rich is back at it leading a benefit concert to raise even more money. John and musical partner Big Kenny along with Kelly Pickler, Darious Rucker and Jeff Foxxworthy will present a kickoff concert to the 2012 FedEx St. Jude Golf Classic in Memphis, TN. The concert takes place on June 5th at the Cannon Center. For those who can't make the concert, you can still donate via the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital website. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children.

Album of the Week: Tired Eyes by The Washers

From the first guitar notes of "Good Ol' Days" it's clear that The Washers' new album, Tired Eyes is not your typical Country album. It is unashamedly as much Rock as it is Country. Like the delicious taste combination that is a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, The Washers have combined two great musical tastes into one tasty piece of ear candy. From the Black Crowes' influenced "Everybody But Me" and the soaring guitars of "Good Ol' Days" to the down home "Couple Extra Dollars" and the unplugged "Park Light, Drive," The Washers move confortably and competently from crunchy guitar chords to melodic banjo lines. Much like Old 97s and Reckless Kelly, The Washers straddle that line between alt-country and roots rock with spledid precision. Splitting time between Country and Rock might leave some bands feeling like they're dancing with two left feet. But in the song, "Two Left Feet," The Washers sing, "I've got two left feet and they're bound to take me somewhere, take me to a place I've never known. Yea these two left feet sure did see a lot of dark days, but I'm proud to say I'm standing on my own." However you try to label them, they definitely stand on their own. Whether you're a country fan or a rock fan, if you like brilliant guitar work and catchy melodies you need to check out the Washers.

Family Reunion is on Sound Machine Country

We'd like to give a special "Howdy" and "Thanks" to DJ Bear over at Sound Machine Country Radio for adding Family Reunion to their awesome and extensive playlist (and for helping us overcome our own technical issues!)

Get Fit with Family Reunion!

Thanks to Dale, Jay and all our friends at American Family Fitness for including our song, A Hard Man (Is Good to Find) in their guided fitness workouts! Hopefully, there'll be a few more "hard men" in the near future!

-Cousin Carrie

Song of the Week: Bread on the Table by Exile

Before we get to this week's song of the week, please remember to vote for our 3 ICMA Award nominations for
Album of the Year, Family Album
Song of the Year, YES
and Best Country Band, Family Reunion
Thanks to all who have voted so far! We appreciate every single vote!

For this week's featured song, we were excited to learn that Exile had released their first studio work in 15 years! So of course, that made our decision easy. "Bread on the Table" is the lead song on their new EP, People Get Ready. It is a cajun influenced uptempo country rocker that brings to mind "Shake Me Up" era Little Feat. It's a working man tribute to all of us who are working hard each day just to put a little "bread on the table." Singing from the heart of middle America, they declare, "Momma needs a break, baby's got the flu, trying to stretch a paycheck just to make due. Gotta pay the rent, forget about the cable, it's hard enough putting bread on the table." So if we have to work hard to make ends meet, we may as well have a happy song to sing while we're at it, "Bread on the Table" is the perfect "whistle while you work" song to help get you through.
Ordinarily we don't review EPs here; however, we feel the need to point out that the rest of this EP is very good. The remainder of songs slide into that easy, soulful, yet firmly country groove that they made famous with "Kiss You All Over." In fact, this EP was released in response to the positive reaction they got from their re-release of "Kiss You All Over" with Trace Adkins late last year. I hope this EP continues the positive reaction from the single. I'd love to see Exile come out of exile and grace us with another full length album!

Album of the Week: Rocketbuster by Wylie and the Wild West

Sorry for the light blogging around here lately. We've been doing interviews and sending out TONS of emails (how much does an email weigh anyway?) to help promote voting for our 3 ICMA Award nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Country Band. But we haven't forgotten about y'all. We'll start getting back to normal around here soon. To help get us back on track, here's an album we'd like to share with y'all..

Wylie and the Wild West saddle up for another Western-inspired rockabilly rodeo on Rocketbuster. Wylie and company mix it up with rockin' country, texas swing, campfire ballads and of course, Wylie's trademark yodel. The album sprinkles in touches of humor with "Yo Yo Ma" and the sad-but-true "Ugly Girl Blues" (Here I sit devasted, my libido derailed and my ego deflated. I got no where to go, an ugly girl told me no.) The track "Willing Horse" is the best of the slower tempo songs; a gentle, cautionary tale for those who want everything and want it now, and perhaps for those who love them as well (You're asking too much, you're pushing too hard, you're never satisfied. Baby you're gonna ride that willin' horse to death.)But Wylie and the talented Wild West really shine when they kick it into high gear, as on the album's first two tracks. "Buck Up and Huck It" is a high octane rockabilly number that recalls the best of Webb Wilder. The song (and title) are a reminder to "man up" and face your troubles head on. A lesson we all need to hear from time to time. "5 Days to Friday" is another get up out of your seat and dance tune. With a steady blues backbeat and rollicking piano, it will help you count down the days til the weekend in style. But no matter where you are on your weekend countdown, Rocketbuster is sure to give you a little lift to help you "Buck Up and Huck It" and make it through the week.

ICMA Update

Hey Y'all, sorry we've been a little light on the blogging lately. We're still chasing our tails here trying to round up votes for our 3 ICMA Nominations. In case you missed our subtle requests earlier,
PLEASE VOTE FOR FAMILY REUNION for

Song of the Year: Yes
Album of the Year: Family Album
Best Country Band: Family Reunion

Please visit the ICMA voting page and show us some love!

Song of the Week: He's Alive by Dolly Parton

Family Reunion has had a lot to be thankful for this week in the wake of our THREE ICMA Award nominations. But this Good Friday, we pause to remember something to truly be thankful for (and we're not just talking about Dolly Parton!) Happy Easter everyone!

It's A Major Award!

Music Industry News Network has just posted an article about our 3 ICMA nominations! Check out the article here.
And don't forget to vote for Family Reunion at the ICMA site here.

Song of the Year: YES
Album of the Year: Family Album
Best Country Band: Family Reunion

Vote Early, Vote Often!

We were all set to blog today about the great time we had down at Tin Pan South in Nashville last week. But when we checked our email this morning, we learned that we had made the finalist list for the ICMA Awards in three different categories!
We are nominated for:

Song of the Year: YES

Album of the Year: Family Album

Best Country Band: Family Reunion

So, we'll have to tell you about Tin Pan South later in the week. In the meantime, PLEASE visit the ICMA site and vote for FAMILY REUNION!
Thanks so much. We love you guys and couldn't do this without you!

Song of the Week: Bitter, Drunk and Cold

Our friends, The Far West, have just released their first video. It's the lead single from their self titled debut album called, "Bitter Drunk and Cold." This song evokes the early sixties Bakersfield sound of country's golden age. The steel guitar work really shines in this song and Lee Briante's voice is perfectly suited for this "me against the world" lament. The video was shot as an homage to early sixties variety shows like The Johnny Cash Show and The Porter Wagoner Show. Lee and bassist Rob Black give a nifty behind the scenes interview about the video on the site No Depression. Although the song is called "Bitter, Drunk and Cold" it will leave you feeling happy, warm and well, the rest is up to you.

Family Notes

Check it out! Family Album just received a wonderful review on CountryChart.com. They gave special praise to Cousin JD's vocals on "Judy My Dear." They said, "The song "Yes" has a cool vibe reminiscent of the best duets of Faith Hill and Tim McGraw." And they called "Peas Porridge Cold" "country gold." We couldn't be more excited! Thanks to BJ and the good folks over at The Chart. We feel your love and we're sending some right back!
Also this week, our album went live on Earbits online radio. For all our techie fans, you can check us out here.
Thanks for all the emails and support. We love all of our fans and love getting your emails. Keep 'em coming!

Read more: http://www.countrychart.com/#ixzz1prhXT6mI

Album of the Week: Dance In The Sun by The Deadfields

There's some great music coming out of North Carolina lately. (Hopefuly that takes some of the sting out of Duke's loss to Lehigh!) We've already shared NC bands The Great Unknowns and Possum Jenkins with you. Now meet The Deadfields. If their debut album, Dance in the Sun, doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will. With Alabama-inspired vocal harmonies and richly textured and uptempo melodies like Jake Owen at his giddiest, Dance in the Sun is a modern, countrified, Ode to Joy. Maybe that's because half the songs are about love. Not lust, not love gone wrong, but full on, swept out of your senses, even when it's wrong it's right, LOVE. In "Be Your Fool" they sing, "If I ain't all that, and you won't call me your man, well girl that's cool. I'll be your fool." Even the bad times and mistakes are redeemed by love. In "Into Your Arms" they sing, "every turn that I missed, I thought it was a waste of my time. But falling down was a gift, somehow showing me the way...into your arms." The love fest continues with the clever "Lay the Blame" and the sweet "Dandelions," and culminates in "We Stick Together." Avoiding cliches (both lyrically and musically) The Deadfields plumb the often mined territories of love and come out with gold where so many others come out with coal. They then turn their sights on those other two sources of joy: home and alcohol. In "Carolina Backroads" and "Where I'm From" they celebrate the small town joys of their Carolina home. In "Gasoline" and the 'wish I'd thought of that' "Liquor Ain't So Hard" they put the shine in moonshine. Singing, "Tonight I'm dreaming of those low country breezes and ol' summer evenings where the livin's easy and the liqour ain't so hard." Indeed, this album is the perfect nightcap to a perfect day of dancing in the sun.

UPDATE: Missing Girl Found

If any of our readers are in the North Carolina area, please keep an eye out for Miss. Autumn Nance. She's been missing for two days. This notice was originally posted on IMCA's site and we want to share it here as well. Every pair of eyes on the lookout helps!

UPDATE!!!!
The Greensboro Police have reported that Autumn has been found and reunited with her family. No other details were reported in the story. But thanks to everyone who helped post this notice and expressed support!

Song of the Week: Song of Ireland by Eddie Rabbitt

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we're changing up our normal song of the week routine and featuring a classic from Eddie Rabbitt. No leprechauns, no stereotypes, just a wonderful tribute to the Emerald Isle. Enjoy and Erin go Bragh!

Album of the Week: Hard Times and Alcohol by Rae Rae

Rae Rae's debut album, Hard Times and Alcohol, starts off with a double shot (make that a triple) of smokin' country blues. With a "Miranda Lambert meets Reckless Kelly" combination of attitude and reckless abandon, Rae Rae pours her heart and soul in every drink, I mean song, she serves up. I'm not sure which of the five stages of grief is the "passing out at the bar" stage, but Rae Rae begins her story there in "Hard Times and Alcohol." Singing, "I'm the fool to blame for why I feel this way, but now I've got the remedy," she makes it clear that she's seen her share of hard times. Between rounds, she takes time out in "Mama Hold On" to promise her mother that no matter how bad things have been, there will be better times ahead. She finishes whatever is left in the bottle on the rave up, "Drunk Drunk." After the alcohol wears off (or runs out) Rae Rae sobers up and faces the hard times that remain. Realizing the futility of looking for answers at the bottom of a glass, Rae Rae has a clearer and, occasionally optimistic, assessment of where life has led her. Sitll wrestling with relationships in songs like, "Love and Hate," "Tougher on You," and the beautifully poignant, "93 in November," she nevertheless finds the inner strength to face life's challenges head on - and that strength shines through in her voice. Like the characters in her song, "Heroes Try," she comes to realize that "people often fail, but heroes try." With her strong, emotionally compelling voice and her honest lyrics, Rae Rae doe more than just try, she succeeds.

We're on YouTube

Hey y'all, we just put up our very first, and very rough, attempt at a video for our song Blue Collar King. We'll try to add a few more in the near future as we get to them. In the meantime, those of you in our extanded family with camcorders and computers, feel free to create your own video version of Blue Collar King. Send us a copy or send us a link and we'll post it here!

Album of the Week: LONG RIDE HOME by Darrell Scott

Long Ride Home is the perfect name for Darrell Scott's new album. Listening to it makes you feel right at home, at over an hour in length it's certainly long, and along the way it's one hell of a ride. From the "Sunday Morning,Coming Down," feel of "It Must Be Sunday" to the ragtime inspired, "Still Got A Ways To Go," and at all points in between Darrel Scott blends his expert musicianship with masterful storytelling to create an immensely satisfying musical experience. Blending the syles and influences of fellow troubadors Buck Owens, Guy Clark, and Joe Ely, Darrell delivers track after track of earnest, musical poetry. With expert phrasing (both musically and lyrically) Darrell is able to take a mundane scene like the parking lot of a local bar and turn it into a scene from a Tennessee Williams play. With a vocal assist from Guy Clark, "Out in the Parking Lot" transforms a nightly event into high theater. Darrell shows off his playful side too in "No Use Living For Today" singing, "There's no use living for today, well today was once tomorrow and today's tomorrow's yesterday." And that playful side is part of what distinguishes Darrell from so many other singer/songwriters. He avoids the trap of many of his peers of just writing in shades of blue. Although the blues are well represented here with songs like "The Country Boy" and "Candle for a Cowoby;" Darrell paints with a full palette, fleshing out his blues with shades of burnt orange, magenta and many others to capture the full range of emotions. Even when he's telling a tragic story, it's with the remembrance of good times that came before and a hope for the good times that might yet come again. This theme is perfectly summed up in "Still Got a Ways to Go," which starts off with the bluesy lament that "It's been some hard living and I still got a ways to go," but soon gives way to the awareness that, "I look outside at this beautiful day, the sun is shining, lighting up my way. I got to get out of here and get me a fishing pole." And so life goes, filled with ups and downs on the long ride home to our maker; but along the way we can be thankful that Darrell Scott has provided a wonderful soundtrack for that ride.

CMT Highlights New Country Talent

CMT has a nice feature on some up and coming country artists who have decided to brave the mean streets of Nashville and leave their mark on the town. As you know, we try to keep you posted on new country bands and singers around here as well. We also like to pay attention to bands outside of Nashville like Holly Renee Allen in Virginia and The Far West in California and the Casey Donahew Band in Texas. Wherever you find them, keep supporting new Country Music artists!

Best Damn Country Mix - February 2012

Holly Renee Allen: Miss Christine - A righteous revelation, Lucinda Williams mixed with Janis Joplin
Gretchen Peters: Matador - Fine cowboy poetry with a Bonnie Raitt voice
Family Reunion: Dulcita - A south of the border romance in 3/4 time
The Great Unknowns: Lexington - Melodic, guitar driven alt-country brilliance
Possum Jenkins: Copper Coin - Janglin' guitars and harmoica backing irresistably optimistic lyrics
Rae Rae: Drunk Drunk - Good, good country rock with Gretchen Wilson Attitude
The Washers: Everybody But Me - Crunchy southern rock that's impossible to sit still to
Southbound Lane: Southbound Lane - Uptempo, banjo-driven Texas troubadour number; so nice they named it twice
Darrell Scott: Hopkinsville - Dwight Yokam style honky tonk number
Lew Card: Watermelon Time - John Prine wrapped in a tasty rind
The Creak: Fool's Gold - Jazzy bluegrass or bluesy jazzgrass as good as gold
The James Low Western Front: Whiskey Farmer - LoFi country blues with feeling
Cory Morrow: Hold Us Together - A love song to the world

Family Notes: We're on Pandora!

Hey y'all! We've just been added to the Pandora playlist! For those of you who listen to pandora.com internet radio, just type in Family Reunion in the artist search box, and we'll respond by playing one of our songs right on your computer! Make sure you give us the big "thumbs up!" And if the mood strikes, consider adding us as a "seed" artist or song to your own personal Pandora station. Thanks so much for listening. We'll see you on the radio (and your computer!)

Album of the Week: EVERY ROAD IS DIFFERENT by Southbound Lane

Southbound Lane out of Dallas Texas is another great Lone Star treasure in the style of Mickey and the Motorcars and Jason Boland & the Stragglers. On Every Road is Different they show off their Texas musical stylings in grand form. Sounding a bit like Old 97s on their uptempo numbers and a bit like fellow Texan Robert Earl Keen on their ballads, the cummulative effect is like finding a lost "On the Border" era Eagles album. Of course, there's the obligatory song about Texas in "Waco" where they recount the simple joys of living on a shoestring budget in college. "All Your Fault" is a great uptempo, banjo driven tune that's lyrically reminiscent of the Eagles' "Already Gone." Both the lyrics and the music on this ablum show great diversity, exploring life's ups and downs with keen insight punctuated with irresistable rhythms perfeclty timed to suit the mood. The storytelling really shines in "Roger Dale" and "Hero." In "Roger Dale," they explore the lasting impact of seeking vengeance singing, "My mother raised him, but he wasn't her son, he was her brother and now she's got none." In "Hero," they pay heartfelt tribute to a fallen soldier. Without getting political or patriotic, they deal openly and honestly with the loss and grief, yet proud remembrance of a true hero: "He said fightin' for your country is something inside you, it's really not something you choose." And as life unfolds before us, we often wonder how much of it is based on our choices and how much is fate. And in the end the best we can do is just do our best, and enjoy all life has to offer as we cruise down that Southbound Lane.

Sugarland memo to lawyers: "It Happens"

Where there's smoke, there's fire and where there is human tragedy there's blood-sucking lawyers to try to profit from it. CMT reports that Sugarland has been forced to hire an attorney to address claims that they were somehow responsible for the gail force winds that led to last August's stage collapse tragedy. It seems to me that if Sugarland could control the weather, they'd have better things to do with it than attack their own fans. I don't mean to make light of the suffering of those who lost family members. I can only hope that time helps dull the intensity of their pain. But launching frivolous lawsuits won't help the pain and it won't honor the memory of those who perished trying to watch a band they loved.

Album of the Week: Corry Morrow Live at Billy Bob's

Cory Morrow Live at Billy Bob's is one of the most ambitious live projects I've ever seen. First, he fills the CD with over an hour of rockin' Texas honky tonkin' country. Next, he includes a DVD of the show so you can feel like you were there (and by the way, if you haven't been to Billy Bob's, get yourself to Fort Worth and check it out ASAP!) Then, he's even released a second Live at Billy Bob's CD that just features his acoustic work - and he includes a free DVD with that one as well. But the best part of Corry Morrow Live at Billy Bob's isn't its quantity, it's the quality. Song after song of authentic Texas road house music. You want drinkin' songs, he's got 'em. You want songs about cheatin' hearts, they're right here. You want random shout outs to Austin, Houston, and other Texas points of interest, tell you what! But over the energy and excitement of this live performance, Cory's lyrics still stand out. He is a true Texas Troubadour. With lines like, "I was a good kid with good intentions.Did everything that they said I should.The road to hell knows me well, now I’m finding it ain’t no damn good." Cory ponders the choice between living good and living well. On love, Cory sings, "I've searched most of my life, Just to find myself thats what Ive tried to do, but Ive spent my soul searching for you." But Cory doesn't lose sight of the really important things as he demonstrates in the show stopping closing number: "Beer." So grab a Lonestar and drink in the excitement of this great live show captured on CD!

We're an app!

You know you spend way too much time on your smart phone, so what's one more little app? We've set up a Family Reunion app on Android. Now you can keep up with us on the go. And it's free! (assuming you already have a smart phone) Let us know what you think!

Song of the Week: Love Finds Everyone

This week's featured song is a Valentine's gift from Cory Morrow called, "Love Finds Everyone." It is a beautiful ballad not just for those in love, but for those who hope to be. It is a song of encouragement even when we find ourselves between loves. Cory sings, "Right when you think you'll never find it, love finds everyone." Like our own song, "Hey Broken Hearted" (although with a much more uplifting title,) Cory sings a message of hope and faith from the heart of someone who has had to count on both. With a cheerful melody and some nice mandolin flourishes, "Love Finds Everyone," is a call for all of us to remember to keep our hearts open.
On behalf of Cory, and all of us at Family Reunion, we hope your hearts are filled with love this Valentine's Day!

Album of the Week: RED DIRT SOUL by Holly Renee Allen

Holly Renee Allen is a fiery, country/blues siren. And she smokes and smolders through her new album, Red Dirt Soul. Sounding like a southern fried Susan Tedeschi, Holly moves effortlessly between country, blues and gospel like Bonnie Raitt in her prime. The album (brilliantly produced by Martin Kearns) features smokin' blues guitar and gospel background singers adding just the right emotional backdrop to her soulful, earnest vocals. This is an album that you feel before you hear it. She sings empassioned songs of sin ("First Time Love Kind of Thing", "Fresh Ink") and salvation ("Miss Christine", "The Way") and she dives headfirst into the deep end of both. In "Fresh Ink" she sings, "Fresh ink and whiskey kisses, cheap motels where lovers lie; call it what you want to - I can't stop thinking about you. And nothin's gonna keep me from lovin' you tonight." Then in "The Way" she sings, "The Lord spoke out in a voice of thunder, a light shone bright upon my face, He wrapped me up in the wings of angels. He said, 'Believe on me, I AM the Way.'" Between these polar opposites lies the essence of our human existence. Holly is in tune with her own essence, and shares with us the joys and heartaches, the longings and regrets, the hopes and memories of someone who has lived with open eyes and an open heart. While most of these songs reflect on her past(like the lost love of "Old Flames" or the departed family of "The Last One Standing," I, for one, get the sense that Holly Renee Allen's best days still lie ahead.

A Little Love from the Family

Hey y'all, to help everyone get in the Valentine's spirit, we're offering our ballad, YES, for free on CDBaby. But you better hurry, unlike true love, this offer won't last!

Best Damn Country Mix - January 2012

Hey ya'll! It's that time of month again. Here's our roundup of our favorite new country songs of the past month. Enjoy!

Corry Morrow: Beer - It's recorded live at Billy Bob's and it's about beer, what more could you want!
JP & The Gilberts: Fancy Drinkin' Time - When the occasion calls for more than beer, this accordian driven rave up will quench your thirst.
South Bound Lane: Waco - Texans singing about Texas as only Texans can.
Possum Jenkins: Mile Past Broke - So good, they've got they're own genre called Carolinicana.
Family Reunion: A Hard Man (Is Good to Find) - A party anthem for the hell on heels women.
Kellie Pickler: Tough - Tough song about never backing down.
The Great Unknowns: I'm Gonna Get My Heart Broken - Great soul searching tale of life after love's biggest letdown.
Dear Sister: Hey Oh - Canadian country trio with beautifully simple guitars backing beautiful harmonies.
Shelby Lynne: Revelation Road - A rustic, Bonnie Raitt style groove.
Lew Card: Chattanooga Blues - Joe Ely style Texas country blues.
Hellbound Glory: Bastard Child - Unapologetic outlaw country.
Minor Injuries: Indecisive - guitar driven alt-country insight into men's committment phobias.
The Little Willies: Wide Open Road - Nice retro charm from Nora Jones and company.
Dierks Bently: Home - A gentle reminder of what's really important.

Song of the Week: Indecisive by The Minor Injuries

"Indecisive" by The Minor Injuries is a great alt-country song - No, it's a great roots rock song. As you can tell, I still haven't sorted out this subgenre pigeonholing thing. But whatever you call it, Indecisive is a great, loose, lo-fi tune. Like a strangely satisfying combination of Whiskeytown and The Velvet Underground, The Minor Injuries have a great laid-back stream of consciousness feel. They're testing the waters with a self titled EP. The first song on the EP, "Indecisive," is a brutally honest look at one of those "on the fence" relationships. Singing, "I can't decide what to do about you. I'm just seeking out the optimum," The Minor Injuries give insight into men's committment phobias. Yes, the relationship is good enough to stay in, but what if something better comes along? Although this state of mind is no fun for either party, The Minor Injuries wax philosophic by adding, "There's no such thing as making sense out of making love." Although romance can make you indecisive at times, there's no indecision about loving this song.

Our song, Blue Collar King, is in a song contest at Hoss the Boss!
Pleasse take a second and vote for us! You can vote once a day through the end of the month.
We really appreciate your support.
Thanks y'all!

Album of the Week: THE BILL MONROE COLLECTION by Tony Rice

In honor of bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe's 100th birthday (Sep 13, 2011), guitar virtuoso Tony Rice has released a personal tribute entitled The Bill Monroe Collection (release date January 31, 2012). As Country music drifts further into pop sensibilities, it's nice to stop sometimes and remember where the music began. We were thrilled with the release of early recordings of Hank Williams and Buck Owens last year, and this release (although not by Bill Monroe himself) continues that spotlight on Country's great originators. Known as the "Father of Bluegrass," Bill Monroe had an enormous influence on the early days of Country all the way through the late 70s. For those of you not familiar with the style known as bluegrass, think of the song "Rocky Top" - lots of furious fiddling and banjo strumming mixed with slower country waltzes, all paying tribute to the simple joys of country living. Tony does a wonderful job paying homage to the genre and the man who invented it. Although he omits some of Bill Monroe's most famous songs ("Blue Moon of Kentucky" and "I Saw the Light" come to mind), Tony more than makes up for it with his enthusiastic and authentic renditions of 14 Bill Monroe Classics, most notably his take on "I'm on My Way Back to the Old Home." With over 40 years of experience at "pickin and grinnin," Tony uses his considerable talents to shine a glorious light on a true Country legend. For those of you new to Bluegrass, I hope this collection serves as a nice introduction to help you "see the light."

Etta James dies at age 73

I'd like to take a break from our usual country beat to honor the passing of blues giant, Etta James. Country owes a great deal to the blues and gospel singers who came before, and Etta was one of the best at blending those two styles. You'll hear a lot of her song "At Last" in the coming days in her memory. But I'd like to remember her for her joyful spirit,which I think is better captured on "Something's Got a Hold on Me"
Thank you for your music Etta. Heaven's choir just got a little better.

Song of the Week: Love Doesn't Live Here by Bryan Cole

As you might guess from the title, "Love Doesn't Live Here," by Bryan Cole is not our usual weekend party song. But it is a highly polished power ballad that reminds me of early Tim McGraw or Vince Gill. Bryan's first CD, Wide Open Road, earned a lot of attention from industry insiders like Cashbox and Music Row and this song looks to continue that trend. With melodic guitars and background vocals in support, Bryan sings about that most Country of topics, the broken heart. But in a twist on the familiar theme, in "Love Doesn't Live Here," it's the woman who ends up on the wrong side of the locked door. Singing,"sometimes the distance makes you stronger, and other times it can make you fall apart," Bryan points out that in love you don't always get a second chance. At one point or other in a relationship many of us (not me mind you, but many) have heard the line, "I just need a little space." Well Bryan gives that space, and lot more, as he makes clear that once you leave there's no coming back. So as in many a Country song before, it is Bryan's on again off again love who learns "you don't know what love is 'til it breaks your heart." It's a hard lesson to learn, but where would Country music be without it.

Merle Haggard won't sing If We Make It Through December in January

Merle Haggard has been hospitalized for pneumonia. Publicist Tresa Redburn reported that Hag is recuperating in a hospital in Macon, GA. According to his tour manager,Frank Mull, Merle has been feeling ill since leaving his home in northern California last week. His next several shows through the end of the month have been cancelled.
We'll keep you posted as we learn more. In the meantime our thoughts and prayers are with Hag for a speedy recovery.

Resolving Resolutions

I've been thinking lately (as many have)about New Year's resolutions and goals and plans, etc. And it occurs to me that many of the same lessons I've learned about achieving personal goals can apply to bands. So, for what it's worth, here's the top 3 things I've picked up along the way to stay focused as the year wears on:

1. Set specific and attainable goals, not resolutions
Individually, it's more effective to say I will skip dessert one night a week than it is to say "I resolve to lose weight."
Same with bands. It's much more effective to say "I will send out 10 press kits each week." than to say, "I will become famous."

2. Adjust your goals as circumstances change.
If your goal was to get one gig a week and you reach it,congratulations! Now raise that goal to two or three shows a week. Success has a way of building on its own momemtum.

3. Make sure to give thanks
When you stick with your specific goals, you will see results. They won't always be the spectacular "cover of the Rolling Stone" type results, but they will come nevertheless. Remember to give thanks for them, write them down even. Keeping a "gratitude journal" will help you see that your efforts are bearing fruit and will help you stay motivated on those days when everything seems to go wrong.

So far, in the first two weeks of 2012, Family Reunion is grateful for:
48 new fans on Jango internet radio
Being in the Top 10 new Country bands on Jango
Acceptance to the Pandora online playlist (with songs showing in March)
Our first CD review in the Dallas Morning News
A committment for an additional online review in April
Several other newspapers and blogs requesting review copies of our CD
Our first nationally issued press release
Our first restock order on CDs sold through CD Baby

And that's just the first two weeks of January!
We hope your 2012 is just as joyful.
Drop us a line if you have any other ideas for sticking with your New Year's resolutions and goals.

Cousin JD

Album of the Week: CAROLINACANA by Possum Jenkins

If you like your Country a little on the bluesy side, then pack your bags and take a trip to CAROLINACANA. Possum Jenkins serves up a heaping helping of 14 tracks worth of Piedmont blues perfectly seasoned with tradtional country, gospel, and even country-rock spiciness. They hit a mid-tempo blues groove that's perfectly punctuated by Brent Buckner's soulful harmonica (the best blues harp this side of Blues Traveller.) This CD makes me want to kick off my shoes, step out on the deck with a pitcher of my favorite summertime beverage and just play this disc over and over as I sit back, forget about everything else and just watch the clouds roll by.
Like my bandmates in Family Reunion, Possum Jenkins shares songwriting and vocal duties, creating a mixture of perspectives and vocal diversity. The result is a richly textured collection of songs that caputre the lows and highs of life's grand parade. From the regrets of "Cheatin Song" and "Been There Before" to the cautious optimism of "Mile Past Broke" and "All Is Not Lost" and ultimately to the jubilation of "Better Light" and "Know The Way," Possum Jenkins ponders life's twists and turns with honesty, integrity, and always a hopeful view toward tomorrow. As in "All Is Not Lost," they sing, "We all leave here with nothing, no matter what you bought. As long as there's something in your heart right now, then all is not lost." Indeed all the songs on CAROLINACANA are infused with a spiritual awareness. "A Toast" reminds us that, "You make your own luck and your own Hell." And in the bluesy, gospel song "Know The Way" they sing, "And when I die don't worry cause the worryin's all been done. I'll take care of that part and leave the rest up for the living." Their music reminds us that there will be a better day after this day and a better life after this life. So if you can't find me for the next few days, it's not becuase I'm dead - I'm just playin' Possum!