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by Scott
Stem
(EDITOR’S NOTE:
In this issue, I am happy to welcome to the monthly pages of The Midwest
BEAT, a new column written by Scott Stem, someone who is completely
plugged into the national country music scene.
Scott has "walked" a lot of country miles during the fifteen
years that he has worked in the music industry. Scott is currently
the Senior Manager of Media Relations for the Country Music Association,
where he promotes the CMA Awards, Nashville’s annual Fan Fair and all
other CMA events. In the past, Scott has been the in-house
publicist for two major artist management companies, the vice-president
of publicity for Capitol Records Nashville, and the owner/president of
his own publicity firm.
Among the many artists Scott Stem has worked closely with over the years
are – Peter Frampton, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Hank Flamingo, Ty
England, Janis Ian, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley, Mark
McGuinn, Great Plains and William Lee Golden. It was while
chasing down a Peter Frampton interview a few years ago that we
here at Midwest BEAT first came to know Scott. We are thrilled
that he will now be sharing his vast knowledge and deep love of country
music with our readers each month.
I invite you all to get yourselves fit as a fiddle by "Walkin’ A
Country Mile" with Scott Stem.)
By Scott Stem
Greetings! 2002 has been a great year. Whether you like traditional,
contemporary, bluegrass, alt-country, honky-tonk, or anything
in-between, Country music has something to satisfy your musical needs.
So, let’s get started!
2002 saw Alan Jackson’s Drive; Kenny Chesney’s "No Shoes, No
Shirt, No Problems"; Toby Keith’s "Unleashed"; Dixie
Chicks’ "Home"; and Faith Hill’s "Cry" all debut
at #1 on the pop charts – 5 albums in one year; that’s a first!
At the time of writing this article, Shania Twain’s "Up!"
and Tim McGraw’s "Tim McGraw & the Dance Hall Doctors"
have yet to be released, so even more Country CDs may debut atop all the
pop album charts before the year ends.
Digging deeper, 2002 had some additional highly anticipated albums worth
checking out. Among them were –– Ryan Adams’
"Demolition"; Johnny Cash’s "American IV: The Man Comes
Around"; The Chieftains’ "Down the Old Plank Road/The
Nashville Sessions"; Tammy Cochran’s "Life Happened";
Radney Foster’s "Another Way To Go"; Alison Krauss &
Union Station’s "Live"; SHeDAISY’s "Knock On The
Sky"; Trick Pony’s "On A Mission"; Travis Tritt’s
"Strong Enough"; Phil Vassar’s "American Child";
Kelly Willis’ "Easy"; Lee Ann Womack’s "Something
Worth Leaving Behind"; Darryl Worley’s "I Miss My
Friend"; and Dwight Yoakam’s "Please Baby: The Warner Bros.
Years Box Set".
These albums will give you a broad view of the best Country music had to
offer in 2002.
And, if you’re in the Christmas spirit (and if you’re not, you
should be by now!), Country music have the following releases awaiting
you at your favorite retail outlet:
Brooks & Dunn – "It Won’t Be Christmas
Without You"
Alan Jackson – "Let It Be Christmas"
Patty Loveless – "Bluegrass & White Snow"
Jo Dee Messina – "A Joyful Noise"
Lee Ann Womack – "Season For Romance"
and comedian/song parody-artist Cledus T. Judd offers up his
knee-slappin’ "Cledus Navidad";
Also, one of my favorite artists, Steve Wariner returns with his single
"This Christmas Prayer," which can only be ordered at his
official website, www.stevewariner.com.
You’re probably expecting a TOP 10 list of my favorite Country albums
of 2002. Well, I can’t do that. There have been so many
great albums this year that my favorites change in a matter of minutes.
Instead, I’ll give you an alphabetical list of 15 albums that I have
enjoyed this year and I think you will too.
Jameson Clark – "Workin’ On A Groove"
This album was a surprise to me. I knew nothing about this singer
and therefore had no expectations. Hello! This album is a ton of
fun. It’s rowdy, funny, sexy and more – Clark brings
honky-tonk attitude back in vogue!
Dixie Chicks – "Home"
Musically, these ladies can do no wrong in my opinion. As
expected, this album is full of great songs performed extremely well.
However this album knocks you for a loop with its acoustic and
bluegrass-tinged music. The sheer rawness of the music combined
with the weight of the lyrics is
addictive – you want to hear it over and over again. A must have from
the Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year.
Emerson Drive – "Emerson Drive"
I admit it. At first, I dismissed these young guys as Country
music’s answer to the boy bands on the pop scene. Then I heard
them perform acoustically live and I had to eat my words. These guys
have true talent and the album is a good listen.
The Flatlanders – Now Again – Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch
Hancock reunite and create one of the most natural and organic albums
I’ve heard in some time. This is truly Country music at its
best.
Hometown News – "Wheels"
This duo is a modern day version of the Everly Brothers and Simon &
Garfunkel. Tight harmonies wrap around songs about all the stages
of life and love. Don’t overlook this gem of an album – it’s
one you will treasure.
VARIOUS ARTISTS – "Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs
of Johnny Cash"
Marty Stuart produced this fine album that pays tribute to the Man in
Black. Janette Carter, Mary Chapin Carpenter, June Carter Cash,
Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris,
Keb’Mo, Little Richard, Charlie Robison, Bruce Springsteen, Travis
Tritt, Hank Williams Jr. and Dwight Yoakam update these timeless songs
with their own unique interpretations.
Patty Loveless – "Bluegrass & White Snow"
This is a Christmas album to be savored. Patty’s vocals shine on
their own; add guests Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Emmylou Harris, Rebecca
Lynn Howard, Dolly Parton, Jon Randall, Ricky Skaggs and Trisha Yearwood,
and you’d swear you were in musical heaven. Hands down, this is
my favorite new Christmas album!
Alison Moorer – "Miss Fortune"
An amazing collection from an incredible vocalist. Seductive, ballsy and
a helluva great listen.
Nickel Creek – "This Side"
In my opinion, Nickel Creek is the best thing happening in Country music
today. Chris Thile, Sara Watkins and Sean Watkins are gifted young
musicians who are expanding Country music’s borders with their fusion
of Country, bluegrass, jazz, folk, pop and more. I urge you to buy
this album now (and pick up their self-titled debut album as well). If I
can bring Nickel Creek into your lives, then I will have done my job by
exposing you to some of the finest music being made today. Dolly
Parton – Halos And Horns – Nearly 40 years in the business, and Miss
Dolly continues to reign supreme. "Stairway To Heaven"
as a bluegrass
spiritual anthem? You bet! She’s still the greatest entertainer
Country music has ever produced.
Pinmonkey – "Pinmonkey"
This is the major label debut album for a band that I predict will be a
major influence on Country music in the new century. One third
country, one third bluegrass, one third rock -- 100% enjoyable.
Their versions of Cyndi Lauper’s "I Drove All Night" and
Sugar Ray’s "Fly" are totally unique. Dolly Parton
joins them on a cover of her song "Falling Out of Love With
Me." Get in on the ground floor and pick up this album.
Rascal Flatts – "Melt"
The CMA Horizon Award-winning trio’s highly-anticipated second album.
Good songs, good harmonies – what more could you want?
Kim Richey – "Rise"
Kim’s songs paint pictures with words used in new and compelling ways.
Her music gives the illusion that she’s standing on the outside
looking in the window of our souls; in reality, she’s right here with
us as we all experience life together. A poet with an amazing voice.
Pam Tillis – "It’s All Relative: Tillis Sings Tillis"
Pam imaginatively reinterprets the songs of her legendary father Mel.
One of the hallmarks of Country music is the give and take between
musical generations. On this project father Mel gave; daughter Pam
took, re-tooled and gave back; and magic was re-born, creating classic
country for the new millennium.
Keith Urban – "Golden Road"
The Australian guitar wizard returns with an album made for popping in
your car’s CD player and turning it up loud. It’s fun, carefree and
sexy, combining a ‘70s sensibility with a modern day sound.
Let me also give honorable mentions to Steve Azar’s "Waitin’ On
Joe"; Shannon Lawson’s "Chase the Sun"; the Nitty
Gritty Dirt Band’s "Will The Circle Be Unbroken Volume III";
and Anthony Smith’s "If That Ain’t Country". These
are all worthy projects that you should check out.
So before 2003 rolls around, begin checking out the albums listed here
and build your collection of the best in modern Country music. I
guarantee, no matter what your taste in music, there is at least one
album on this list you will love.
Until February... Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and
keep it Country!
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