On the record...

by Susie Boyd

Please note:  Product is evaluated and reviews appear in the order in which submissions have been received.

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Cooper Boone - "Cooper Boone"

Stars: * * * 1/2

For those of you interested in hearing something a little different while heading into the late summer and early fall months, Cooper Boone has something for everyone on his brand new, self titled debut record.  It is full of solid tunes that offer some things that are slower, along with some fast tracks that will keep your toes tapping from the first chord.  The first track "Country Living" is a perfect example of one of those songs.  It puts a lot of things into perspective and truly lets the listener focus on the simple things in life.  Keeping things going with a fast pace and true "honky tonk" flare, "She's All That" describes a woman that every man would kill to have.  She has the looks, the attitude, and the charisma that keeps every man begging for more.  This track has a great sound and is perfect for anyone who is getting ready to go out for a good time.

One tune that really stands out is called "Love Revival."  It is one of those songs that brings together a perfect musical arrangement and combines them with Cooper's unique vocals and will have your head bobbing like you're at a Rascal Flatts concert.  The constant banjo roll is also an awesome addition that you don't hear much of these days.  A personal favorite is "Mending Fences."  This is a story song that will make anyone rethink certain things in their lives.  Everyone deals with issues that are out of their control and other things that they can fix, they just don't know how.  Well. Cooper puts several scenarios into words and the outcome will give you chills.

Speeding things back up, Cooper will have every listener jamming from the second "No Apologies" kicks off.  This is not the best track on the record, but it is worth listening to.  It is pretty much declaring a life of "no regrets" and not worrying about things you have done.  "What I Did Today" is by far the best track on the whole record.  Again, it is slower, it is a story song, but it is also is told by someone who truly understands how screwed up this world can be and how important it is to grow as a person in order to try to make things better for everyone.  There are constantly new albums that are coming out these days, but so many of them lack the spirit and the want to be anything more than a filler on someone's CD shelf.  Not this one!  Cooper is honest in every word and that is something that makes any record stand out.  His vocals are solid and his music is full of quality lyrics that everyone can relate to.

Album Tracks

Country Living

She's All That

All Along

Love Revival

Dirt Road Dancing

One Life

Yes!

Sizzle

Mending Fences

No Apologies

Celia's Hands

What I Did Today

Cougar Dream

One Song

Brokedown Cadillac - "Somewhere In America"

Stars - * * *

There is a new group in Country Music that is turning some heads and breaking down walls with their unique sound and diverse harmonies.  The group is called Brokedown Cadillac and they were formed by Corri English and Randy Dunham.  Their blend of styles consist of Country, Rock, Folk, and much more.  If you really pay attention, you will be able to pick out the different sub-genres of Country Music, primarily the "Bakersfield" sound.  It is not too obvious, but if you listen close, you will notice a hint of it.  Corri English is the lead vocalist.  Her sound can be compared to Shania Twain, or even one of The Wreckers, and her look can be compared to them as well.  Randy's harmonies truly tie the group together and prove there is a deep connection between the two.  If you are a movie buff, Brokedown Cadillac can be heard on several numbers off the soundtrack for the new movie "Race To Witch Mountain."

Kicking this record off is the song "Brokedown Cadillac."  It is a pretty decent track that is about a girl who is trying to get her life started.  Regardless of what anyone tries to say, life is always unpredictable and taking it by the horns seems to be the right thing to do.  "Baby's Gonna Start A Fire" is a tune that really shines bright.  It is something you can expect to hear at a bar being played by the house band.  The piano really completes the musical aspect, while the lyrics create a picture of a young couple in love.  By the time the fourth track started, the tunes really start to sound way too similar.  There are things that differentiate them, yet there is nothing that really makes them stand alone either.

Giving this record more of a Blues edge is "Love On The Run."  The musical arrangement is great, but the lyrics do not meet the expectations that some of the other tunes have delivered.  "Scarlett O'hara (Ghost Of Dixie)" is perfect.  There is a close resemblance to the legendary Bobby Gentry and Corri truly shines bright.  Your toes will be tapping as soon as the first note starts and will not stop until the last one ends.  After hearing this track, it is clear this group has what it takes to be in the music industry.  "Off The Rails" really offers the listener a story and paints the portrait of a woman who fell in love to only be left with her heart in shambles.  This is one of those songs that you can close your eyes to and visualize every word that is spoken.  Bringing this record to an end is a great acoustical tune called "Love Walks In."  Again, here is another track that is a work of art which describes the different levels of love.  For a debut record, Brokedown Cadillac offers a solid album that deserves to be listened to.  Make sure and listen to it from beginning to end or you will really miss the jewels that are on the latter half. 

Album Tracks

Brokedown Cadillac

Baby's Gonna Start A Fire

Girl With A Broken Heart

Chasing The Moon

Last Picture Show

Love On The Run

Scarlett O'hara (Ghost Of Dixie)

Off The Rails

Big City

The Breakers

Love Walks in

*****

Sarah Stanley - "Tuesday Girl"

Stars - * * *

With an open mind and interested ear, I eagerly put in a new album by up and comer Sarah Stanley into the CD player with high hopes, yet little expectation.  It is weird how the mind works when it comes to new music.  Well, any doubts that I had to begin with went away very quickly as "Tuesday Girl" kicked off with a unique sound that includes a guitar and some awesome percussion licks.  The title track's unique sound is something you could expect to here in a movie and would have been perfect for the soundtrack for "Kill Bill."  Don't ask why, it just has a sound that would have fit the movie like a glove. 

When describing certain sounds and the interesting way a song can grab your attention, the one track that comes to mind off of this record is "Sack Of Stones."  Sarah's voice almost has an angelic feel that displays total control of her range and ability to deliver a tune.  The meaning of this track may mean something different to others, but to me it is about someone who has carried the weight of the world on their shoulders for too long and now they are using it to their advantage.  They have turned these stones into lifelong lessons and learned from every mistake, which in return they are giving to everyone around them to help out in their hardships and tribulations.

"The Night Love Was Born" offers the listener something completely different than anything else on the album.  Although this is not a Jazz album and there really isn't a particular aspect that would put it in the "Diana Krall" category, yet for some reason that's the only thing that I can relate it to.  Regardless, it is a good tune that deserves to be heard.  Surprisingly enough, my personal favorite was the last track.  "When I Lose My Heart" is something you can listen to for any reason and Sarah is rockin' it the whole time.  For those of you, who are always looking for something new, give "Tuesday Girl" a listen.  For an independent album, this is a strong record that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Album Tracks

Tuesday Girl

Bluebirds And Daffodils

Wish

Sack Of Stones

Not Gonna Leave

Darling

The Night Love Was Born

Do You I Do

Here I Am

Can't Reach You

When I Lose My Heart

*****