Recommendation XXXXIV: Wynonna Judd (double-shot)

Awesome awesome.  Life’s not too shabby for me.  My work hours have increased (much to one of ex-co-worker’s dismay – stealing is bad – remember that, but I do still feel sorry for him) and I am also planning my trip to California, which I will embark on in less than half a week, and in addition, I receive my tax refund in a few days.  With regards to my possible soon return to college life, for anybody who cares, I just need to find a co-signer to help me with a student loan from the bank to pay off my balance, and then I am set to go back in the fall (I, of course, will have to deal with paying off the loan and interest after graduation, so I am not excited about that).  Tonight, I’m supposed to clean up my messy room and organize my papers and letters to look decent and civilized (so I won’t have to jump obstacles and get through the mazes any longer).  Sad to admit some old habits don’t die hard.

My forty-fourth recommendation is/are: Wynonna Judd’s “I Can Only Imagine” from her 2005 Her Story: Scenes from a Lifetime album AND “Are the Good Times Really Over?” from her 2009 Sing: Chapter 1 album.  Yes, TWO covers/remakes from the powerful and feisty red-head Wynonna Judd.  How exciting.  My love for Wynonna began, I think, with one of her first solo singles, “No One Else On Earth”.  I think I grew up more with solo Wynonna more than with The Judds… though I do know, bluegrass-tinged, “Why Not Me?”, is my favorite Judds song, and “No One…” is my favorite Wy song.  Over the years, it’s been cool to see Wynonna as a genre-chameleon who can sing just about anything, and these two songs I’m going to highlight show that.  It wasn’t that hard for me to choose which ones, because these, in my mind, were instant classics to me once I heard them. Wy made them her own.  (Btw, anybody see her on NBC’s Kath & Kim earlier this month?  That was funny how they basically made the episode about her, and how the mother and daughter were crazy fans of her’s. Molly Shannon is hilarious.)

Recommendation XXXXIII: Danielle Peck

Today was an interesting day: I slept in ’til 11am (didn’t work today), ate lunch, headed to the park to take a run (I don’t get to run too often because of the cold weather and my freakin’ asthma lol), and when I got back, had to deal with a stalled car – the engine’s battery had gone out. That was my fault because stupid me left the car’s fan running on battery power while I was sitting in there for too long and it cost me. I was stuck there for about an hour, going around asking people for help like a loser and ask if they had jumper cables (I’m sure some did, but they were either scared or just mean haha). Anyway, a trio of strangers assisted me, with no problem at all, and kindness in their hearts. I think God wanted to prove two things to me today: there are still good people in this world, and don’t be an idiot and leave the battery running when it’s not necessary (and to buy jumper cables!).

My forty-third recommendation is: Danielle Peck’s “A Woman Does Too” from her 2006 Danielle Peck album.  I would still consider Danielle to be one of my favorite newer female singers in Nashville.  Her stunningly smoking beauty aside, she’s really talented and rather equipped with a distinctive and lovely voice with fine songwriting skills.  I first heard Danielle Peck’s debut single, “I Don’t”, and took to it quickly (how could you not like a song that says “The difference is: Jesus loves you… I don’t.” ?).  And sure, after I researched her myspace and saw her gorgeous pictures, I did like her more, however I was even more so impressed with her music and with one website that listed her two influences: Patty Loveless and Trisha Yearwood.  I ended up pre-ordering her debut CD through MusiCountry, which offered an autographed album cover that I couldn’t resist.  After that, with singles, “Findin’ a Good Man”, and the similar, “Bad for You”, I knew I really liked her (I’m not really into “Isn’t That Everything?”, but it is catchy, I will admit).  I also like how the first two singles I mentioned in the last sentence are pretty country, but definitely contemporary/mainstream (the choruses are traditional-country/honky-tonk-like sounding, but the beats and the rest of it are pretty pop and rock-sided, somewhat like Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine” is).

Recommendation XXXXII: Dwight Yoakam & k.d. lang

Recommendations are back!  And back to the music the readers really wanna talk about: country music.  I haven’t done one of these in like a month, so I need to get back into the groove of things again.  I am really excited for what’s to come in ‘09: Obama’s becoming president on Tuesday, I’m going to turn the big two-one in March, and life just seems good, despite the economic problems here in the household.  God has been more than good to us, and while I miss college immensely, I will get by, and hopefully can return in the fall.  I will visit my friends again in March, so I’m stoked.  Now, on to the music.

My forty-second recommendation is: Dwight Yoakam & k.d. lang’s “Sin City” from Dwight’s 1989 Just Lookin’ for a Hit album.  I’ve really been into duets and duos lately, and this one is no exception.  I didn’t find out about this collaboration until about summer 2008 and I was blown away by it’s beauty.  I never thought that Dwight Yoakam and k.d. lang would record and sing together and it’s just so special, especially on a traditional country song, a cover/remake of the Gram Parsons song.  Even though this duet is on a mostly “hits” album, I don’t believe it was ever released as a radio single, but man, it was an instant hit in my ears.  I know I’ve recommended k.d. previously, but I have yet to recommend Dwight, so I knew it was time.

Dwight is one of the coolest artists I know and I love his hard-core invocation of Buck Owens, and D.Y. has proven he’s still at the top of his game today.  I’d say my favorite track from him would either be “Turn It On, Turn It Up, Turn Me Loose”, “Guitars, Cadillacs”, or “Fast As You”.  My mom just loves his “Blame the Vain” (I do too).  He’s an impressive actor and I loved to hate his evil character in Panic Room.  The last song I bought from him was “Close Up the Honky Tonks”, but it’s totally clear to me now that I need more Yoakam in my collection!

Recommendation XXXXI: Ashley Monroe & Trent Dabbs

I’m back… been a long week and I am tired (yawn express). Long long day at both jobs. I still cannot believe that it’s December already and ‘08 is almost over (I will not not be doing a “Best Albums of 2008″ edition, sorries… maybe a best single thing. I dunno.)  Anyway, no real big update on me.  Just started paying off some loan stuff, and other payments (total craziness.  I should be spending the money on Christmas gifts! haha.)  Btw, I just recently watched The Happening on DVD, and it really really sucked.  Horrible, horrible movie in every way possible.  Now, every time I see and hear Mark Wahlberg talk, I think of that SNL bit.  Here’s to forty-one…

My forty-first recommendation is: Ashley Monroe & Trent Dabbs’s “Laying Low” from their 2008 Ashley Monroe and Trent Dabbs – EP album.  Yes, I am on a duo craze right now.  I have mentioned them before, in my Brooks & Dunn recommendation, and I discovered their music in July earlier this year.  I was real curious to know what Ashley Monroe was doing ever since her exceptional (but never released) debut album fell through with Sony Nashville.  From the clips I heard of that album, I seriously think it could have been the best debut album from anyone, that I’ve ever heard (even rivaling Lee Ann Womack’s debut, whom Ashley somewhat sounds like.  She also reminds me of Dolly Parton and Jewel).  Country radio had a big play in us never hearing it, and they missed a huge opportunity by not playing Ashley’s music.  At least, she’s doing decent as a songwriter, but her singing is just incredible and should be heard by everyone.  I was excited to see she was making new music on her myspace page, and even more thrilled to see she created new tunes with a person I had never heard of: Trent Dabbs.

Recommendation XXXX: Alan Jackson (triple-track)

Oh yes, we’ve gone and done it – we’ve made it to number forty.  I had no idea how long it would take us to reach here, but it’s been quite a journey of good music.  I’ve certainly got some worthy ideas for my upcoming recommendations/blog entries, but I like to wait and leave some space in between each one, because I feel that if a post gets buried under others, people are less likely to read it, it seems.  This one is extra special because of the artist and the big number.  Words really cannot express either one.  So, without, further ado…

My fortieth recommendation is/are: Alan Jackson’s “A Little Bluer Than That” from his 2002 Drive album, “Leave a Light On” from The Wrights’s 2005 Down This Road album, AND “Good Imitation of the Blues” from his 2006 Like Red On a Rose album.  I did tell you, or hint, that Mr. Alan Jackson would be next in the CMT Giants entry, and that time has finally arrived.  Yeah, seeing that it is forty, seems like four songs would be a better choice, but I didn’t want to overextend myself in writing lol – three is a good enough amount for me!  I also thought about choosing a Christmas song from Alan, since it is the season, but I passed (bah humbug).  Alan is my second all-time favorite artist, behind George Strait, and just before Brooks & Dunn.  His hard-core neo-traditionalism has always been one of the main reasons I’ve been drawn to him, and his music is a huge part of my upbringing in the late 80’s, ’90s, and til today.  Alan’s songs have always had that signature sound to it: traditionalism with touches of modern production added to it, that’s been a big part of his appeal and that simplicity to the music he writes and records.  He’s one of Georgia’s best exports, and we sure are glad to have him.  I won’t go through all the tunes that go along with my different (precious) memories, because that would take forever, and I did talk about him in good length on the Giants entry, so here’s what you’ll get.  From the man who brought us the pure dark-honesty of “Here In the Real World” to today’s silly, innuendo-laced “Country Boy”, let’s talk more about the A-Jax.

Recommendation XXXIX: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Back to the art of music and outta mainsteam-land, to a place where quality is, and what it’s always been essentially about: the alternative country world.  You know, the CMAs, for the most part, left a bitter taste in my mouth (Taylor Swift and Kellie Pickler’s bubblegum pop didn’t sweeten the night at all.  Just provided some more artificial “sugar” to the mess.)  Like I said in my CMA entry, I did enjoy parts of the show, but it really got me even more upset with how terrible mainstream country music really has become.  I’m not saying it should be 100% traditional country music, because that would be boring (though, there definitely needs more of that represented to remind artists and fans of what the music is).  I just wish it wasn’t all about the money and crossing-over and appealing to teenagers who don’t know what country is.  The format might be a business but quality and diversity of styles should be the #1 things on their mind, and radio stations aren’t innocent either.  They just contribute immensely to the destruction of the music. (Btw, speaking of destruction, I saw the midnight screening of the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, and man, I loved it!  Go see while it’s still in theaters! You should see 2006’s Casino Royale first, because both movies go hand-in-hand and Quantum is its sequel. Here’s the trailer.)

My thirty-ninth recommendation is: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss’s “Through the Morning, Through the Night” from their 2007 Raising Sand album.  I have been wanting to highlight this album and this particular song for months and months since I’ve had this album, but I never could find the right time.  I felt that, because I had recommended Alison before, I should wait until much later to use her again, because I’m all obsessed with rules and stuff, but I’m beginning not to care anymore lol.  It was time, and that time was today.  You need to see and hear country music for what it is and can be, and those award shows don’t really appreciate nor represent what the good part of the music is (the CMAs did give the win to Plant/Krauss for “Collaboration”, so I’ll give them that).  The first single, “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On)”, with its Beatles-like sound, I wouldn’t consider to be country, but it’s very good.  It wasn’t until last year, during Christmas-time that I was able to finally purchase and listen to all of Raising Sand, and man I was blown away.  Led Zeppelin rock legend Robert Plant and bluegrass extraordinaire Alison Krauss are the perfect partners for a project like this.  Anybody who has heard all of the material and has trouble categorizing this as a “country album”, while at the same time, labels artists like Rascal Flatts “country”, just because they call themselves that, is seriously crazy (I won’t name names, but I’ve seen it online, and it makes no sense).  The album as a whole may not be particularly country, but its influence and sound is very evident, throughout.

Recommendation XXXVIII: Shania Twain

I’m thinking that I will go back to writing posts much more often (maybe more than once a week lol), because I gotta satisfy my faithful blog audience and myself, so let’s get it done.  Honestly, right now, I’ve got nothing exciting to report about my life at the moment.  Just the same ole same ole working and sleeping, so this paragraph will be kinda short. Hmm… well, I did make a new look for the front page of my Lee Ann Womack fansite: LAW: Lee Ann Womack Online last night, so you might wanna check that out ;-) .  As for the subject of today’s blog, I bet you’re in for a surprise: you’re either pleased or disgusted (or in between, depending on your mood).  We’ll get to that…now

My thirty-eighth recommendation is: Shania’s Twain’s “I Ain’t Goin’ Down” from her 2002 Up! album.  Yes, yes, we have gotten to her (for those who didn’t know me too well before, you’re probably surprised to see her here lol).  I’m a pretty big Shania fan, and have been pretty much since “Any Man of Mine” in the ’90s.  She was certainly one of biggest definers of that decade and her music was a big part of my childhood.  Even though she’s not really “country” country, it doesn’t really matter to me.  Shania Twain’s music brought about excitement to the genre that didn’t really exist before (though, I’ve come to the conclusion, that while I love her music, I’m not particularly fond of her imitators’ music who would arise in later mainstream country music).  She did commit murder on music row, but I’m willing to forgive her for it :p (in fact, I’ll hand her the hatchet myself, say “swing away!”, look the other way, because I love her that much and will allow her to get away with it lol).  And It’s too bad that her marriage with Mutt Lange didn’t work out because I thought they made a good team together.  I hear rumors that Shania will be the “surprise performer” at this Wednesday’s CMA Awards, so I figured I’d highlight Ms. Twain for this entry (I’m so excited for new music!)  It was tough to select a track for her because most of her songs have been hit radio singles haha, so choosing one from the Up! album was the path to go.

Recommendation XXXVII: Little Big Town

It’s Election Day and I just had to make a new entry. A few hours ago, I turned in my absentee voting ballot and I’m excited (and nervous at the same time) to watch the results on TV tonight. I won’t tell you who I voted for, since this is not a political blog – it’s strictly mostly a music blog – but I will encourage strongly that anyone who can vote, to do so.  This is my first time voting, so this was my first time seeing how confusing the amendments can be (the devil is in the details…. you read the fine print on those closely!), so anyone who votes, don’t go by commercials, read up on both sides and make a well-thought-out decision based on your views.  Visiting California last week, on the trip I mentioned before, I could clearly see how the election has impacted my college and its students. It’s really made them, and I as well, more active and vocal about different issues, the likes of which I’ve never experienced in my life before, so I’m enjoying that.  Voting in most places is done at 7pm, and that’s coming up pretty soon for some areas, so get out there!  Vote!  Anyway, I know it’s been a while since my last recommendation post (over a month!), so here it is…

My thirty-seventh recommendation is: Little Big Town’s “Novocaine” from their 2007 A Place to Land album.  I thought this was a perfect song to choose for today, because it’s positive and uplifting, and a great tie in to this day (I had lots of sad songs on my list that just wouldn’t work out lol).  I’m also very glad to finally get a separate post in on Little Big Town.  I’ve been a fan of their’s since “Boondocks” came out, and like everybody else, I can’t get enough of their beautiful harmonies.  They really cannot make a bad song, or sound bad on anything they sing.  One of things I respect them a lot for is the way they change the lead vocal in their music, and don’t keep it all the same – every group member has their own individual personality and vocal, which separates them from other groups/bands.  I may not own any of their albums yet, but I’ve bought several of their material off of iTunes.  I kinda still wish that LBT was still with independent label, Equity Music Group, because their success with them was a step in the right direction for independent labels, and now they’re with Capitol Nashville (though, the new album cover looks loads better).

Recommendation XXXVI: Vince Gill (triple-track)

Now we’ve hit a milestone (for me, at least)…: number 36. This one is real special for me because it’s my lucky number (won’t tell ya why), so I needed a special artist to go with it. I had trouble choosing the artist and the songs that I’d select from them. I know it needed to be a triple track one (hmm, that sounds like a better title than “threesome”, doesn’t it?. Okay, I’m changing it to that now, because the former was almost borderline weird-ish, though it wasn’t intended to be), so I finally made a choice I was satisfied with. This post will be a kinda long one, so prepare yourself for it: take out a comfortable chair and a nice glass of something to sip on…

My thirty-sixth recommendation is/are: Vince Gill’s “Out of My Mind” and “What You Don’t Say” from his 2006 These Days album, AND “Kindly Keep It Country” from his 1998 The Key album.  Yes, yes, it is Vince!  I really couldn’t imagine not discussing him and his music, and it took me quite a while to get to him, but the time has finally come.  Vince Gill is truly one of my absolute favorites and he’s one of the one most talented people in the music industry, ever.  He can sing, write, produce, and play at the highest quality there can be, and that makes him an all-around five-star musician.  I was a fan of his back in the ’90s when I was a little boy, and I didn’t realize how great he was until I bought the Souvenirs album (a greatest hits collection) some years ago and remembered all those songs I loved back then.  As of this moment, I own 71 of his songs (not including the songs I own that include his harmonies/background vocals) and I do plan to add more (he’s probably worked with everybody that I’ve reviewed on this site already lol).  Choosing the three tracks for this recommendation was not an easy task , but I made up my mind.

Recommendation XXXV: Anita Cochran w/ the Voice of Conway Twitty

Lately, I’ve been watching some documentaries through my NetFlix because I ran out of movies I was immediately interesting in seeing, and I’ve learned that they’re really compelling to watch. The last one I saw (well, we saw… since my family watched it with me because I wanted them to) was Sicko, the latest documentary by Michael Moore. I know, I know. I think he’s kinda annoying too, and I know there’s got to be some exaggeration in the claims, but I got the general truth from it, and I thought the film was put together real well. It was about how insurance companies take extreme advantage of the American people and man, it is horrible. Didn’t know they were so evil. Recommended for anybody to watch. I’ll definitely have to research more on that. Anyway, onto my next selection… (and ooh, #36 is coming up pretty soon, my lucky number…)

My thirty-fifth recommendation is: Anita Cochran’s (with The Voice of Conway Twitty) “(I Wanna Hear) A Cheatin’ Song” from her 2004 (I Wanna Hear) A Cheatin’ Song – Single album.  I have no idea the first time I heard Anita’s music…but I know she hasn’t had too much success on the country charts.  I know she had that hit #1 duet with Steve Wariner (“What If I Said”), which I gotta admit, I never really cared for, even though I like both of them.  I think it’s too adult-contemporary-sounding and way too lovey-dovey for me lol.  Otherwise, I don’t think there’s any other hits from Ms. Cochran, which is a shame because she’s really talented.  Her vocals are somewhat like Wynonna Judd’s (I don’t like to refer to Wynonna by just her first name alone lol because her last name is part of who she is), but otherwise, IMO, Anita Cochran’s got a voice distinct from other females.  I thought I should mention this quickly (but it certainly isn’t needed lol): Anita’s first and last name spoken together have got a James Bond/Austin Powers girl-like thing sorta goin’ on with it, if you say them together (…I know, too R-rated, but I thought it would be kinda funny to bring it up real quick.  Forgive me.).