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WALKIN’ A COUNTRY MILE

Country Music Monthly Column

Walkin’ A Country Mile…with Scott Stem

It’s 2006! After months away from this column, I’m back in action reporting on all things Nashville!

Man – it seems like 2005 went by fast…but it was a great year for Country Music. “Country Music’s Biggest Night,” The CMA Awards took New York by storm.

Carrie Underwood won “American Idol” and conquered the album sales charts; Keith Urban ascended to superstardom; Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and Dierks Bentley hit new career heights; newcomers Sugarland and Miranda Lambert debuted with a strong impact; Garth Brooks came back with a hit song, a box set and a wedding to Trisha Yearwood; Lee Ann Womack, Martina McBride and Faith Hill paid tribute to the more traditional sounds; Kenny Chesney released two hit albums…And that is just scratching the surface.

Before we can look forward to 2006 however, it’s time for my personal Top 10 favorite country music albums of 2005, listed in alphabetical order.

Dierks Bentley – Modern Day Drifter

This one is rarely away from my CD player these days. Bentley will be a major player in Country Music for years to come and this album is a great demonstration of why.

Various Artists – Brokeback Mountain Soundtrack

The perfect compliment to an amazing film, this soundtrack album features Emmylou Harris performing the haunting “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” and Willie Nelson singing the Bob Dylan song, “He Was A Friend Of Mine.” There are new cuts from Teddy Thompson, Rufus Wainwright, Mary McBride and others, as well as classic songs from Steve Earle and Linda Ronstadt.

Rodney Crowell – The Outsider

Legendary singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell continues to record amazing albums, and this one is no exception. It’s emotional, it’s political, it’s spiritual – it’s real! And that’s what good Country Music is all about.

Patty Loveless – Dreamin’ My Dreams

One of Country Music’s leading ladies gave us this wonderful album in 2005. Patty’s not getting the radio air play she deserves, but this album is a fantastic listen.

Nickel Creek – Why Should the Fire Die?

The trio’s third album is a great demonstration of the continued growth that Nickel Creek has had as musicians, songwriters and performers. Anything Nickel Creek records should be in your music library.

Jon Randall – Walking Among the Living

Jon Randall should be a major Country artist. He’s an amazing vocalist; talented guitarist; gifted and award-winning songwriter; handsome; has a great personality; and he records unbelievably fantastic albums. This is hands-down one of the best albums of 2005 in any format of music. Everyone should go out and buy this album and make Randall the star he deserves to be.

Marty Stuart – Soul’s Chapel

The album Marty Stuart calls “Mississippi gospel” is one of the most spiritually fulfilling albums I’ve ever heard. It’s well named, as it is a soulful album. Most definitely Country, but full of heart and spirit. This is the album you need when in a negative mood. Put it on and your entire perspective will change. Stuart was prolific in 2005 with three albums. His other two: Live at the Ryman and Badlands: Ballads of the Lakota are also well worth your attention.

Lee Ann Womack – There’s More Where That Came From

The comeback album from Lee Ann Womack is classic ‘60s-style Country, featuring the hits “I May Hate Myself in the Morning” and “Twenty Years and Two Husbands Ago.” This album is so refreshing, and deserves its win as CMA “Album of the Year”.

The Wrights – Down This Road

The songs, the harmonies, the production – this is a true overlooked gem.

Trisha Yearwood – Jasper County

While Trisha has made several albums better than this one in her career (her Real Live Woman and Hearts in Armor albums both remain her masterpieces in my opinion), it is so fantastic to have new music from her again. This is a solid album and probably the most anticipated comeback album of 2005 after her several year break.

Yearwood possesses one of the greatest voices in music. It is so expressive and powerful, but she knows when to show restraint and when to let loose. No one’s music library should be without several Trisha Yearwood albums.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2006…

On the horizon are new projects from Rosanne Cash, Lee Roy Parnell and others. Nickel Creek’s Chris Thile has a live mandolin duet project with Mike Marshall coming out soon that’s beautiful!

An old favorite of mine is returning. Ty England, who had a top-5 hit with “Should’ve Asked Her Faster” several years ago and who toured with Garth Brooks for years as his acoustic guitarist/harmony vocalist, is back with the single “Redneck Anthem.” If you haven’t heard it yet, call your local Country radio station and request it. Check out England’s website at www.tyengland.com for more information on his upcoming album.

One of the best movies I’ve ever seen came out in 2005 – Brokeback Mountain. I’m sure by now you’ve heard the hype; you know it’s an award-winning film; you know it’s about two cowboys who fall in love and develop a passion that lasts for decades. What you need to know is that it is a life-changing film.

It causes you to think about following your heart, and what opportunities you forfeit if you don’t. Love, hate, happiness, regret, optimism, fear, responsibility, passion... there are so many lessons that come out of this movie that are applicable to every one of us, whether straight or gay.

I implore each of you to see this film and come to your own conclusions. And, I then challenge each of you to follow your heart, be it in friendship, love, employment, hobbies, or whatever. Here’s to an amazing 2006.

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