B+ Brad Paisley
Moonshine in the Trunk
Sony Nashville/Arista
It can't be a coincidence that in the era of bro country -- the tight jeans-tailgate party world of country king Luke Bryan, et. al. -- that Brad Paisley would include "Shattered Glass," an unabashed feminist anthem on his latest shot out of Nashville. Bet you 100 backstage passes that "Shattered Glass" won't get a sniff of approval by the scolds who took Paisley to task for "Accidental Racist," an ambitious misstep on the racial divide from 2013's Wheelhouse.
"Shattered Glass" aside, Moonshine in the Trunk has more of a middle-of-the-road feel, with intoxicated singalong anthems anchoring the record ("Crushin' It," "Limes" and the first single, "Riverbank"). Paisley hasn't forgotten how to make you laugh ("Gone Green," the redneck environmental tune, is vintage Paisley) or how to make room to show off his guitar skills. However, this disc comes one year after the last one. Paisley used to take more time than that and, frankly, it shows.
Is it better than the best of Luke Bryan? Oh yeah, but it's no American Saturday Night.
Hot tracks:"Crushin' It," "Gone Green," "Shattered Glass."
-- WERNER TRIESCHMANN
A Christopher Denny
If the Roses Don't Kill Us
Partisan Records
Welcome back, Christopher Denny, from whatever shadows and darkness and madness that sent you down that long and ugly road of self-destruction.
Welcome back, son of North Little Rock, with your voice like Jimmie Dale Gilmore's and Iris DeMent's, but so very much your own, that barroom falsetto croon that can make the hair stand up on the back of one's neck.
Welcome back and thanks for bringing these songs, these stories from out there on the edge that drip with honesty and heart and soul, the steel guitar weeping, the horns and organ adding texture, and, of course, your voice and lyrics.
It's a great record, Christopher Denny, one of the best we've heard all year. But mostly just welcome back. It would have been a shame to lose you.
Hot tracks: "Happy Sad," "Watch Me Shine," "God's Height" "If the Roses Don't Kill Us."
-- SEAN CLANCY
B Various Artists
Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Motley Crue
Big Machine
Country artists have long paid tribute to rock acts compatible with country music, from the Eagles to Buddy Holly to The Beatles and Rolling Stones. But heavy metal band Motley Crue? For anyone listening to the arena-rock crunch in country music in recent years, covering the Crue isn't a surprise at all.
What may be a surprise is how ferociously some of country's more mild-mannered acts rise to the occasion. Rascal Flatts has never come close to rocking as hard as on its version of "Kickstart My Heart," which sets the bar for others.
Florida Georgia Line pales in comparison with the formulaic "If I Die Tomorrow." Same for Cassadee Pope, who lacks authority on "The Animal in Me," even with Cheap Trick's Robin Zander as a duet partner.
In stores and online today.
Hot tracks: Arkansas' Justin Moore's "Home Sweet Home," with its Lynyrd Skynyrd-guitar tone and soulful vocals; The Mavericks' use of Latin rhythm on "Dr. Feelgood" to enhance its dramatic story; Eli Young Band's sweetly melodic "Don't Go Away Mad"; and LeAnn Rimes' swinging "Smokin' in the Boys Room."
-- MICHAEL McCALL
The Associated Press
A-Dr. John
Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch
Concord
Goodness only knows how many tributes to American music and jazz great Louis Armstrong have been recorded. But this one has a different origin: Dr. John says Armstrong's spirit came to him in a dream and told him to "Take my music and do it your way."
That's exactly what he did in creating this cool New Orleans-jazz-R&B fusion. John recruited a fabulous guest list, especially trombone players -- Armstrong's instrument. Arturo Sandoval, Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, James Andrews and Wendell Brunious bring class and great musical and emotional depth.
The album opens with Armstrong's hit, "What a Wonderful World." Payton and the Blind Boys of Alabama join John for cool New Orleans swing. Sandoval and singer Telmary shine on a Latinized "Tight Like This," while Andrews impresses on a brass band-style "Dippermouth Blues." "Mack the Knife" gets a strutting arrangement with Blanchard playing his heart out, a spirited vocal from John and a cool rap by Mike Ladd. Other guests include Bonnie Raitt on a sweet "I've Got the World on a String" and Shemekia Copeland on "Sweet Hunk O' Trash."
What makes this set soar are strong and fresh arrangements and sharp performances that bring a fresh look at a priceless body of work.
Hot tracks:"Mack the Knife," "Dippermouth Blues," a lovely "That's My Home," "When You're Smiling" (with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), a haunting "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" with Anthony Hamilton.
-- ELLIS WIDNER
Style on 08/26/2014