As an artist, he has too many hit songs to count. He has recorded and produced his own albums. He may or may not have multiple personalities but heck, that's part of his charm. Texas singer/songwriter Granger Smith is set to release his 9th studio album Dirt Road Driveway on April 16th. With so much under his belt, what can you expect from one of Texas Country's true renaissance men?

Dirt Road Driveway picks right up where his last album Poets and Prisoners left off. Granger does what he does best here with well crafted and very catchy tunes flowing track after track on this new album. Granger has a way to put into words the back-roads, drinking beer in a field, muddy truck tires songs and make them more sincere and enjoyable than most mainstream artists today. In short, you believe he has done those things, or that he may even have a muddy Chevy sitting in his dirt road driveway.

He put his signature ballad stamp on the song "Easy" that is sure to be a hit with couples everywhere.  With the coming of age tale "19 Forever" Granger weaves a story all too familiar with young love. And the country boy and girl summer anthem "We Do it in a Field" rounds out a solid album.

Rest easy though, for you fans of his ever popular redneck alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr. there are two EDJ tracks on the album. "The Country Boy Song" is here as well as one new track. Earl contributed a special track to this album called "Country Boy Love." And yes, it is an Earl Dibbles Jr love song... It is a must hear. I really have no words to do it justice.

All in all, Dirt Road Driveway is another in a string of Granger hits. With the release of this album I am sure the momentum will continue for him and his crew. They will sell out show after show and rock crowd after crowd. And I ain't just runnin' my mouth.

For more on Granger go here

Til Next Time...

Brandon

brandon@txrdr.com

@just_a_blogger on Twitter

Zane Williams ‘Overnight Success”

 - Justin Frazell

I can’t help but be biased here.  I am a huge fan of Zane Williams.  Like many of you, I have much anticipated the release of this album, “Overnight Success”.   When I was handed an early copy of the record, on the “sharpie” label, and asked to review it, I was thrilled and completely honored.   

Zane Williams is no “Overnight Success”, unless you go by the definition he gives in the first track of the CD.  It’s the title track of the new record and may just as much be a biography of Zane’s career as a musician as it is an instructional manual for those longing for a career in music.  Where as it comes off a bit comical, there’s a ton of truth in the lyrics.   As a fan, Zane let’s you in on the joke of how some perceive the successes of their favorite band.  As a performer, you will undoubtedly laugh and find that Zane has nailed it.  Great start to the record!

“Sure Felt Like Goodbye”, is the second track on the record and is the current single.  This was the first song any of us had heard from this project and if you were not already a Zane Williams fan, this song should have certainly made you one.

 Now the next couple of cuts on “Overnight Success” cover every emotion imaginable.

Miss someone?  Really bad?  “On A Good Day”. It won't bring them back, but Zane does an excellent job here of nailing what you're most likely feeling.

 Feeling thankful for that special lady by your side? “When You've Got A Women” is an instant anniversary day request.

 Ready to hit the reset button on your love life guys but your not quiet sure you're ready to face the consequences of tasting what appears to be a finer wine? “Damned” is your song. Maybe all of our song at one point or another.

 Everyone talks about how glorious the day will be to leave the phone, office or put the “smart” device down for a day, weekend or forever. We've all longed to escape, rest our minds and refresh with the natural glories of this life. Want to hear a great song about it all? “Simple Things”.

 Zane's, “the one that got away” song. Even mentions that in the lyric. “Front Row Ticket to The One That Got Away.” We've all felt like we've been here before. Maybe you still do and this will encourage you to make that move. “Little Too Late”.

 It's Saturday. The business of the world and your honey do list are beckoning. Ever wanted to punt the day away and spend the day marinating in your own sheets with the one you love. “Kissin'”.

 “Hands of Working Man”. Tried and true tested blue collar anthem here. Mark my words, although there is a full plate of great songs on this CD, this will be the one that someone from Nashville calls and ask if artist A, B or C can cut it.

 Merle Haggard struggled to make it through December. Zane Williams is tired of the struggle all together. THIS song is so THAT song it is unmistakable. I love this tune. Could easily be my favorite on the whole project.

 All things said, Zane Williams “Overnight Success” in my opinion, is a stellar record. If you have a pocket full of change I would strongly suggest you invest your money in the CD and let your ears, heart and soul reap the benefits. By all means go see Zane Williams LIVE. Stick around after the show and catch him at the merch booth and be sure to congratulate him on his overnight success. Thirteen years later.

www.zanewilliamsmusic.com  

America's Son, the 5th album from Oklahoma's No Justice, has found the band making a return to their country roots. The band readily admits they tried something different on their last release with front man Steve Rice explaining "This album will have more of a country sound then our last album had." If you are a fan of their last album do not worry though. Fans of both the more country sounding and rocking versions of No Justice should appreciate this release as it really is just chock full of good No Justice tunes.

The two singles that were released prior to the album release "Shot In The Dark" & "Never Gonna Be Enough" quickly took their place towards the top of the Texas Music Charts. Perhaps due to new perspective from a couple new band members there are new versions of a couple of No Justice classics that have been simply improved upon perfection.

Steve says that the slower "I'm pouring my heart out" beginning to the new version of "Red Dress" is closer to the way he intended the song to play the first time around but it was cut down due to time constraints. One of my favorite NJ songs "Don't Walk Away" also makes an appearance on America's Son. The keyboards added to the song by newest band member Bryce Conway have reinvented, rejuvenated and resurrected an already incredible song.

The song "Give You a Ring" was co-written with Texas singer/songwriter Casey Donahew as was "Let's Not Say Goodbye Again." Both of these songs also appeared on Donahew's 2011 release Double Wide Dream but No Justice have absolutely put their mark on them and claimed them as their own. Casey Donahew isn't the only notable name adding talents to the new album however. Elizabeth Cook fresh off her "Leather and Lace" duet with Aaron Watson lends backing vocals as does singer/songwriter Jason Isbell.

The album's title track "America's Son" is a beautifully written song lyrically that is about a guy who answers the call of the road and leaves behind a love that just won't fade. I could go on and on about every song but I won't. The rest of the songs on the album are all worthy of notice but I will leave a few gems for you to discover. Take a listen and see for yourself.

Bottom line here; Steve Rice, Cody Patton, Justin Morris, Bryce Conway and Armando Lopez have put together a can't miss effort. Ten years, 5 albums and a strong new lineup have given No Justice a formidable foothold in the Texas/ Oklahoma music scene. This type of quality album will only serve to cement them as a mainstay for another 10 years.

For more on No Justice go here

To buy America's Son click here 

Til next time.

Brandon Meyers

brandon@txrdr.com

brndn76@gmail.com

So, did ya hear? The Departed released their album ADVENTUS last week. With this being the first album of original material from Cody Canada let's just address the elephant in the room right now. To say that any music coming from a band that formed out of the remains of the Red Dirt juggernaut Cross Canadian Ragweed was going to face comparisons in their future was inevitable. Well other reviews have done that. In fact I personally counted at least 5, so why beat a dead horse? Let's all try and do what Canada is doing. Carry on and just enjoy the music.

Steve Littleton, Chris Doege, Jeremy Plato, Seth James and Cody Canada have come together to become a major Texas music scene powerhouse. The melding of the songwriting skills of Canada and James has brought out the best in both and the musical talents of Plato, Doege and Littleton are a perfect compliment. One of the stand out factors on the album is the back and forth "I'll take this one and you get the next one" swapping of lead vocals between Cody and Seth. Of the 14 tracks on ADVENTUS it is a dead heat with Canada and James splitting lead vocal duties on most. One amazing instrumental and a hidden gem with vocals by Plato round out this album to near perfection.

Being a long time fan of the music that Seth, Cody, and Plato had done prior to forming The Departed my hopes were high for this album, and it did not disappoint. One of the things I always appreciated about their music was that I could easily relate to the songs. ADVENTUS proves no different. "Worth The Fight" is a rock infused track proclaiming that even the hard stuff is often worth the fight.  The Seth James penned song "Prayer For The Lonely" is a song detailing the pain of dealing with loss, and written in a way that listeners can relate from more than one angle. "250,000 Things' is a sweet and simple ballad showing the love and hardships felt by a parent often gone and missing the little daily things in life.

I could go on all day gushing out praise about every song on this album, but I won't. It contains in your face rock, incredible ballads, beautifully written lyrics and musical talent that is second to none. What I will say is that this band has provided an outlet and a partnership that has helped create some of the best work ever put out by these five guys. The Departed have shown that they are more than just Cody Canada's new band. They have proven that they are a great band that is doing great music and just happen to have Cody as a member and I for one, cannot wait to see where the road will take them.

For more on The Departed go here

Brandon Meyers

brandon@txrdr.com

brndn76@gmail.com

Stop! Do not read any more of this article unless you are a lover of great story telling songwriting. I am about to introduce you fine folks to a guy who is a quiet legend in the Oklahoma Red Dirt music scene. His name is Tom Skinner.

Tom Skinner has been a staple of the Red Dirt scene in Oklahoma since before bands like the Great Divide and Cross Canadian Ragweed started cutting their teeth. He is likely one of the most respected songwriters you have never heard of.

Tom has recently released a self-titled full length CD that has been one of the hidden jewels of the year. The album was released on 598 Recordings, a label owned and operated by Mike McClure (front man for the Great Divide). McClure also adds producing credits along side Joe Hardy who has worked with Ragweed, ZZ Top, Whiskey Myers and many others. Not bad company.

Skinner's talent for story telling is clear on the tracks "Hollis" and "I love This Game." Strong and powerful lyrics run throughout what is probably the album's best track "All You Can Do". A beautiful ballad with Susan Herndon "Favorite Cup" and the slightly eccentric lyrics in "Nickel's Worth of Difference" round out an amazing showcase of the eclectic styling of Skinner's songwriting. 

At a time when the story telling songwriter seems to be becoming an endangered species, Tom Skinner has given the remaining troubadours a voice. Maybe it is a voice different than most, but as fans we should embrace the great music that stands apart and speaks to us. After all, if nothing sounded different, everything would sound the same. And that is a road I would not want to travel.

For more on Tom Skinner go here

Brandon Meyers

brandon@txrdr.com

brndn76@gmail.com