Who?--Wow!

(Today's word will be in red and bold.)


By now, anyone who reads this blog knows that I really don't like "cookie-cutter" music; that stuff that all sounds the same and can be done by anyone.  I like distinct voices that I can recognize, and music that makes me pay attention to it.  It's part of why I like overnight radio, it's when listeners get to hear more of the new music and new artists than get played at other times of the day.

One new song that caught my attention is called "Merry Go 'Round".  The first time I heard it, I loved it, and was positive I knew who sang it.  I was so positive in fact, that I didn't even look it up on KUPL's playlist, to be sure I was right.  Yep, the voice *I* heard, combined with the subject matter, had me convinced "Merry Go 'Round" was by Miranda Lambert.

As it turns out, the song got played during Lola's time slot on KUPL, and she mentioned the song was by new artist, Kacey Musgraves.  Who?  Never heard of her; but there it was, Kacey Musgraves, not Miranda Lambert, does this cool tune.

Another new song on overnights is Montgomery Gentry's "I'll Keep the Kids".  Again, this was a song where I recognized the voices immediately; though I did go check KUPL's playlist this time, just to be sure.

What really caught my attention with this tune was the delivery and the wording.  While the delivery is somewhat quiet, and low-key, the wording carries a direct one-two punch to every part of the listener.  The lines of the song refer to the singer's "dad's old guitar", "grandma's ring", and other momentos the wife is wanting in the break-up.  There are also references to being "hit below the belt", with some of the requests, etc.  Then the tables turn a bit when the lyrics mention that the wife has asked for all these material things, yet not mentioned the children; thus the line, "I'll keep the kids".  Basically, "take anything you want, but if you're not going to say anything about the kids, then they're mine".

Rather than being curious as to whether this song was actually by MG, I was more curious to see who'd written "I'll Take The Kids".  As I suspected, it was written by Eddie Montgomery, while he was going through his divorce.  No surprise there; what had me saying "wow", was the intensity of the lyrics.  This is one of those songs that, even if it was done more "in your face", and louder, would still send the same message.  The fact it *is* so quiet and low-key is what makes the song even better.

Though these are only two of the new tunes out to radio, I think there may be a pattern brewing here.  The light-hearted tunes of summer are making way for the darker songs of the fall.

Though a bit depressing, here's hoping both these songs make it on the country music charts.

KUPL HAPPY HOUR-WITH MARLEE SCOTT-JUNE 24, 2011

The evening of June 24, 2011 KUPL held another “Happy Hour” for their listeners.

This time food was provided by Elephant’s Deli, and was very good.  There were nuts, veggies, sweet & sour meatballs and macaroni and cheese.  In addition, patrons had a choice of beer or wine to go with their food.

Entertainment was provided by up and coming Canadian artist, Marlee Scott. 

I’d never heard of Marlee before her performance in the Bing Lounge.  Though the set was short, Scott was very entertaining. 

Marlee started her set with a song titled, “Planet of Your Own”.  It's a song about someone "so out there", you just wonder what planet they came from.  As Marlee put it, we all know someone like that.

Though Marlee Scott doesn’t have a distinct voice of her own, (in my opinion), she is a great singer and songwriter.  She’s just different enough not to be “cookie cutter”, like some artists are.  Also, the songs she writes are from the heart and experience.  You can tell this when she talks about her music, and songwriting.

Entertainers not only need to have talent, they need to have stage presence as well.  Marlee Scott definitely has this area covered!  From the time she came out on stage, she was talking to the audience, joking around, etc., like she’d known everyone there her whole life.

Being from Canada, Marlee has had various singles released there.  Her first U.S. single, "Beautiful Maybe", is scheduled for release today, (Monday, June 27, 2011).  It's this song Marlee ended her set with. 

Before singing "Beautiful Maybe", she told about making the video.  She said she doesn't like ticks, and how, while filming the video, she was down in a hole.  During the shoot, she noticed a tick near her, but still had to go on with the taping.  Someone, off camera, managed to "save" Marlee from the tick, by stepping on it.  After putting this visual in everyone's head, Marlee said to remember that when the video comes out. 

Once Marlee had finished singing, she took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs for anyone wanting one.  Just like she was onstage, Marlee was very nice, and friendly with everyone.  She also has a great sense of humor, which shined through the entire time.

In my opinion, though Marlee Scott may not be as good, or identifiable as some country artists; she definitely shows great promise of going far in the music business.

Randy Houser--"In God's Time"

I have to admit, I'm not one for "cookie cutter" singers.  I lean more towards those who have a unique style and sound.  A voice that is recognizable from all the others you hear on the radio daily.  To me, Randy Houser is one of those singers. 

From his first radio single, "Anything Goes", to the rowdy "Boots On", Randy has been garnering attention with his diverse musical style.

His latest single, "In God's Time",  is supposed to hit radio later this month.  This isn't the usual rockin' country song Randy is known for.  It's a more introspective song that speaks of how sometimes we don't always get things when, or how we want them; that everything happens in God's time.

While "In God's Time" hasn't been "officially" recorded for CD release, early buzz on the song prompted Randy to make a video of himself singing the song. 

Hopefully when this song is released to radio, people will embrace it and believe in it as much as Randy does. 

Take a listen and see what you think.