Country Music

[Norwegian Blue]

I've been listening to Dolly Parton's album "Rock Star". The album came about after she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and jokingly said she'd better make some rock songs to justify it.

So she asked a whole bunch of rock legends whether they'd duet with her. Of course most of them agreed: it's Dolly Parton! I think the only ones who couldn't join her were Bob Seger for Night Moves (too ill) and The Rolling Stones for Satisfaction (touring).

About a third of the album is her and another singer dueting that other singer's music. Another third is Dolly and another singer singing either Dolly's someone else's song, with the remainder being Dolly solo songs, either hers or covers

Highlights:

Heart of Glass (with Debbie Harry)
I Hate Myself for Loving You (with Joan Jett)
Every Breath You Take (with Sting)
What Has Rock and Roll Ever Done For You (with Stevie Nicks)
Let it Be (with Paul and Ringo)
Bygones (with Rob Halford out of Judas Priest!)
Free Bird (with what's left of Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Satisfaction (with Pink and Brandi Carlile)

Guest musicians on various tracks include Richie Sambora, Elton John, Ann Wilson, John Fogerty, Melissa Everidge, Simon Le Bon, Nikki Sixx, Pat Benatar and Lizzo. Well worth a listen, there's something for everyone here.

 

[stax on the mull]

This band The Schramms has been around since the early 90's. They sit in the spot between mainstream and alternative but mostly unloved in either category. Self described as "nasal twang", the payoff if you get over the sometimes hard to listen to vocals of Dave Schramm is some neat stringbend guitar action.

This is their cover of the Lucinda Williams song "Side Of the Road" which I found a bit disconcerting at first, not hearing it sung in a woman's voice, but I've got to like it over the years.




This one from their 2nd album fits the nasal twang description more accurately.

 

[PatsFitztrick]

Although his name was vaguely familiar, somehow I had missed the opportunity to make the acquaintance of Mr. Ray Wylie Hubbard - until yesterday.
He has been performing for more than 50 years and has released more than a dozen albums, founded on gospel blues, folk, country and Texas rock'n'roll.
An exceptional songwriter and a gifted, sometimes quirky singer. Here's a good example.

 

[stax on the mull]

I had been listening to Lucinda Williams before I posted The Schramms cover earlier. Maybe a bit on the folkier side of country and she did re-do this in a different style but I like this version the best. Just a great song.