Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Country Editor, Marc Greilsamer FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word for Word: Buddy and Julie Miller * New and Notable: Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, the Derailers, LeAnn Rimes, and Guy Clark * Free Digital Downloads: Freakwater * Tribute to the Singing Brakeman: Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard, and Bob Dylan & Friends * (Im)perfect Harmony: A chat with John Prine * Down the Road Apiece: Advance Orders from the Mavericks, George Jones, and Sally Timms WORD FOR WORD: BUDDY AND JULIE MILLER ************************************* "We're more alike than most people think, maybe more than Julie thinks. We come from similar musical roots; we know all the old country stuff. Maybe because it was drilled into her, having to listen to it driving to school every day, she resists it more. Maybe that's why she wants to rock. I hear the country in her music, but she won't let me put fiddles on it anymore." --Buddy Miller "As a producer, he makes his own records with his vision, but on mine he'll really work with me until he can bring my vision forth. For someone like me, that's a rare opportunity. So many singers and songwriters of great ability get hooked up with big-name producers who force themselves on the artist. And Buddy's the most encouraging person; he even tops my mother." --Julie Miller Read more of Amazon.com's interview with the Millers at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=ts/feature/7854 NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "Under the Influence" Alan Jackson http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001T3HC/entertainmentsit The vaunted neotraditionalist dives into the past with both boots on in this all-covers collection of personal country favorites. Jackson tackles songs made famous by his biggest influences, including Merle Haggard, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr., Charley Pride, and, uh, Jimmy Buffett, who joins in on "Margaritaville." "Grass Is Blue" Dolly Parton http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002067T/entertainmentsit It seems surprising that Dolly Parton has never recorded an all-bluegrass album until now; the native Tennessean has been singing her own take on mountain music all her life. But it's certainly been worth the wait. Parton's superb new CD is studded with top-drawer pickers like Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, and Stuart Duncan, and it offers a balance between her own material and covers that range from Flatt & Scruggs, the Louvin Brothers, and Hazel Dickens to Johnny Cash, Billy Joel, and Blackfoot (yes, that Blackfoot). "Full Western Dress" Derailers http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001SICC/entertainmentsit Sure, the Derailers have an affinity for (if not an obsession with) the music of Bakersfield legend Buck Owens (who guests on a track here), but on their third studio record, they also show a taste for Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, the Byrds, and perhaps even Gerry & the Pacemakers. Even so, the band is able to blend influences into a fresh and exciting sound. "LeAnn Rimes" LeAnn Rimes http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000021XRA/entertainmentsit At 17, LeAnn Rimes is already an established country veteran with star power and a booming voice. Her new project sets her loose on a collection of tried and true classics--many associated with her major inspiration Patsy Cline--along with one new cut, "Big Deal." "Cold Dog Soup" Guy Clark http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002067S/entertainmentsit It's been just about 25 years since the Texas song crafter turned heads with his debut classic, "Old No. 1." His new record is another pared-to-the-bone, back- porch, acoustic gem, filled with more of his uniquely compelling tales and graced by his keen eye for odd details. In addition to nine Clark originals, there's a cover of Steve Earle's "Fort Worth Blues," a tribute to old buddy Townes Van Zandt that features Emmylou Harris's exquisite harmonies. FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: FREAKWATER ********************************* On "End Time" the core trio of Freakwater builds on the group's acoustic string-band musical foundation by adding an assortment of electric instruments, drums, and at times, a small string section. You can download a pair of tunes--"Good for Nothing" from the new record and the unreleased "Hellbound"--right now, exclusively and free of charge at Amazon.com: Free Downloads Buddy Miller, Brooks & Dunn, and the Mavericks are just a few of the other artists whose songs are now available for your listening pleasure in our Free Digital Downloads section at: Free Downloads TRIBUTE TO THE SINGING BRAKEMAN ******************************* Jimmie Rodgers blended traditional mountain music with the blues, gospel, and jazz he discovered while traveling the country. As a result he became the father of modern country music and its first true star. Many artists, country or not, have paid homage to this pioneering figure. Here are some noteworthy tributes: "Songs of Jimmie Rodgers" Lefty Frizzell http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JWCE/entertainmentsit Just issued on CD for the first time, this 1951 set finds the mellifluous Frizzell focusing on Rodgers's gentler side. "Same Train, a Different Time: Songs of Jimmie Rodgers" Merle Haggard http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000001SOA/entertainmentsit Actually, Hag discovered Rodgers's music through Frizzell's tribute record. "The Songs of Jimmie Rodgers: A Tribute" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000002BLD/entertainmentsit Bob Dylan lovingly assembled this collection, which features readings by a wide array of rock, folk, and country artists. (IM)PERFECT HARMONY: A CHAT WITH JOHN PRINE ******************************************* Long hailed as a solo singer-songwriter par excellence, John Prine has partnered up on his latest, "In Spite of Ourselves." Matched with the likes of Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, and Iris DeMent, the raspy-voiced folksinger puts aside his pen this time out, opting instead to pay tribute to the scrappy country duets perfected by George & Tammy and Conway & Loretta. Amazon.com editor Steven Stolder chats with Prine about getting comfortable with the sound of his own voice. Read Amazon.com's interview at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=ts/feature/1292 ADVANCE ORDERS: DOWN THE ROAD APIECE ************************************ "Super Colossal Smash Hits of the 90's" Mavericks http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000296IR/entertainmentsit Four new tunes flesh out this retrospective of one of the most unique country acts of the decade. "Live with the Possum" George Jones http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002MZ2M/entertainmentsit It would appear that "No Show" Jones actually showed up for this one! "Cowboy Sally's Twilight Laments for Lost Buckaroos" Sally Timms http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00002EPKU/entertainmentsit From Bloodshot's "insurgent" stable comes a record of quiet beauty and sleepy-time reflection. ****** Give the Perfect Gift, Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. Wish list Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-Card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. Wish card ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Country Music section at Music of the century ******
Search:
Keywords: