Artists to Watch in 2008 (Part 1 of 5): On Notice
Anita Cochran. Bryan White. Mark Wills. These were a few of the names on the country music radar ten years ago. My, how times change.
Each day this week I’ll be taking a look at the artists who are poised to vie for our attention in 2008; most of them will go the way of those mentioned above–talented artists who could be stars, perhaps should be stars, but, for whatever reason, are not.
That’s about the only thing that has remained the same over the past ten years–country music is a hard game. This industry can be cruel and illogical, and a person’s dreams can come crashing down in a heartbeat if their debut falters at radio.
Those artists will regroup and try again. It might be months before they get picked up by another label. It might be years. Some will go indie. Others will continue honing their craft in Nashville’s clubs and at writer’s nights and showcases. And if they are lucky enough to have a second, third, or fourth chance in this business, they had better make the most of it. For the following artists, all of whom have albums, singles, or other projects due this year, 2008 could very well be the end of the road.
The following artists are officially on notice.
Jennifer Hanson (Universal South): The responsibility for Hanson’s inability to make a splash at radio rests solely on the shoulders of her label (present and former). Capitol and U-South have failed–simply failed–to cultivate a specific, marketable image for Hanson. After four singles–all but one of which have failed to crack the Top 40–we still have no idea who Hanson is, or what she stands for, as an artist. More problematic, even, is that we have no idea why we should be excited about her music. It is irresponsible of her label to think that it can beat down radio’s doors. If Hanson is going to be successful in 2008–or ever, for that matter–she is going to need a well-crafted marketing plan that is substantially different then what has been utilized to date. Hanson is a fantastic songwriter, but that isn’t enough.
Jimmy Wayne (Valory Music Co.): There is absolutely nothing wrong with Jimmy Wayne or with Jimmy Wayne’s music. But to be successful in this business, an artist’s promotion, publicity and distribution machines all have to be firing in perfect unison behind a fantastic, engaging single. And that just hasn’t consistently come together for Wayne, a solid vocalist and genuinely nice person. As is the case with Jennifer Hanson and Universal South, I think the ball is in Valory’s hands–because Jimmy Wayne should be a major player in this game. Now it’s up to his label to make it happen. If they fail to do so, however, the time between his string of moderately successful hits and a potential comeback may be too significant an obstacle to overcome.
Rissi Palmer (1720 Entertainment): It’s not fair that Rissi Palmer has to prove more, in a shorter period of time, than her contemporaries. It’s not fair, but it is true nonetheless, and my inclination is that her upcoming follow to “Country Girl,” a Faith Hill/Carrie Underwood almost-cut titled “Hold On To Me,” is her one and only window to country radio. It’s hard enough to break a female artist in the current, male-dominated climate. But it’s even harder when she’s a black female, and when her record, on a little-known Indie label, moved a grand total of 2,600 units in its first week. And so the bottom line is that a failure with “Hold On To Me” will reinforce the views of everyone at radio and retail who thinks that Palmer is too hard a sell at country–a fact which could render future releases dead in the water. The silver lining, if there is one, is that even a mid-level hit with “Hold On To Me” transforms Palmer into a feel-good story about overcoming obstacles.
Terri Clark (BNA): Clark’s recent singles have been abysmal, niche-oriented songs that have significantly degraded her credibility as an artist. Am I the only one who thinks radio is starving for something with the honesty and vulnerability of “If I Were You”? Instead, we’re subjected to poorly written party songs that bring out the flaws in Clark’s sometimes overpowering voice, all the while held oblivious to the fact that, when given good material, she is actually a very good singer. New label BNA needs to seriously reconsider whether or not it’s a good idea to try and force-feed songs like “Dirty Girl” and “In This Life” down the throats of the country audience. Even if current single “In This Life” ends up being a hit, how does Clark follow it up? These borderline-novelty songs perpetuate equivalent material, and I can’t help but think it’s going to be almost impossible for Clark to come back with something substantial.
Lila McCann (Broken Bow): Here’s the thing: Lila McCann is completely irrelevant. Good singer? Very good. Good singles? I’ll give her that–current attempt “That’s What Angels Do” is surprisingly not-sappy, given the title. But who cares? This isn’t 1997. Country album sales were down a whopping 16% in 2007, even with new releases from the genre’s supposed retail-saviors Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. Hell, Trisha Yearwood’s stellar album Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love sold a grand total of 33,000 units in its first week at retail–and Trisha has a built-in following. Being a good vocalist and having a good song just isn’t good enough anymore, and until McCann’s team can convince us to make room at the table for the former teen phenom, her career is going nowhere.
Heartland (Country Thunder): True equation: Perfect Stranger + 13 years = Heartland. No, the 2007 incarnation doesn’t boast any of the guys who brought us that bastion of great songwriting “You Have The Right To Remain Silent.” Heartland (via Alabama), isn’t even from the same state as Perfect Stranger (Texas). But trust me…it’s the same general principle.
I bet you didn’t see a Perfect Stranger comparison coming. That’s why I get paid the big bucks, baby. Bear with me…
Perfect Stranger formed in 1986. In 1995 (nine years later), they released their first nationally-marketed single to radio, giving us all the right to change the channel. That single, which I have already named too many times in this article, climbed to #4 on the Country Singles Chart, only to be followed by efforts peaking at #52, #56, and #62, respectively.
Fast forward to present-day Nashville…
Heartland formed in the mid-nineties, and released a debut single (about ten years later) that climbed to #1 on the Country Singles Chart, only to be followed with efforts peaking at #58 and #52.
The most striking resemblance between the two bands? Both are the absolute epitome of the one-hit-wonder. Like Perfect Stranger, Heartland is a glorified bar band which features a barely capable lead vocalist. The group somehow managed to secure a Chuck-e-cheesy (but commercially viable) song, but these guys are otherwise entirely incapable of competing on a national level. “I Loved Her First” may have been a cute, awww-inspiring song that succeeded in bringing brides-to-be and their Dads to tears, but the song, like the rest of Heartland’s album, has an airy, poorly-compressed sound that wreaks of low-budget, and without another surprise, niche song to rely on, the group has a grand total of zero marketability. They will remain silent, indeed.
Be sure to read The 9513 tomorrow; in Part Two, “Comeback Kids,” I’ll be taking a look at a handful of artists who are poised to re-establish their careers in 2008.
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January 7, 2008 at 11:19 am
Perfect Stranger!!! YES!!! Man, I loved the mid nineties, Jeff Carson anyone?? Jim, you rocked this one on all points. There needs to be a sense of ugency among labels to be relevant and not just “maybe just commerical enough”. Relevancy will lead to the commercially viable vehicle that these artist need.
January 7, 2008 at 12:45 pm
This is an interesting line — but I would love to see Terri Clark come back into her own, I own every album of hers and I just believe that she gets ignored by country radio but I also agree about her most recent songs, they are not up to her standards. Lila McCann I loved her back in the day – but I am not sure that she is relevant today — will be interesting….
January 7, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Kelly–thanks. Weren’t the mid-90s awesome? ;-)
Jeff Carson is a really great guy, though. I had him sing on one of my demos, and that is just a waste of talent if you ask me…the guy’s good. I only wishh he’d had some material better than “Not On Your Love”.
Lanibug–Terri has some major chops, that’s for sure. I just think she and/or her team has been bit by the “try to find a niche” bug ever since “She Didn’t Have Time,” which I thought was a confusing and bizarre song. It’s very easy to try to cut songs for a specific audience…but it rarely works.
January 7, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Terri is my favorite artist but i have to agree she needs to have a better song put out. I went see her on new years eve and she sang a song off of her upcoming album called Gypsy Boots, it may not be the best song she’s ever recorded but it’s really good. Jennifer And Jimmy should both be big stars but they never caught on, and I don’t see eiother of them having succes again. Lila isn’t having a comeback, she’s past her prime and she doesn’t have anything to set her apart from the pack, where as before she had the age gimmick to set her apart. I agree with Heartland also they don’t have a chance to make a comeback
January 7, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I’d forgotten about Perfect Stranger, til this post…and speaking of abysmal, does anyone remember “Fire When Ready”? or Yankee Grey’s “All Things Considered”?
January 7, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Yankee Grey always confused the hell out of me. It was a band from Cincy singing a song that was culled directly from that “list of things that country music is about” that every non-country listener quotes when the topic comes up.I remember hearing that for the first time and thinking it was a joke.
January 7, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Jim, I was actually cool with Carson as well, I just used him as an example of “where are they now” wonderment. I do miss the mid-nineties for the fact that (it seemed this way i guess), more “unknowns” were able to breakthrough and actually chart top 10 or 20 singles and gain real traction. I may be suffering from “good ol days syndrome”, but if Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt, or to a lesser degree, Rhett Akins or Daryle Singletary tried to hit it big in the new millenium, I just doubt it would happen. Each of those artists had amterial that ranged from Great to Lame, and the 2 latter names had less staying power and sales success, but were good for what they truly were. Thats just not enough anymore.
January 7, 2008 at 3:49 pm
That’s a very good point, and I think your observation is right on target. One of the obvious reasons why the are less artists breaking through now is that labels have consolidated considerably in the face of shrinking sales. Aside from the fact that they are taking less chances with artists, there are less resources (in terms of cash and people) to put behind those acts not in the top few priority slots.
But there’s probably also a bit of sentimentality at play–Rhett and Daryle could, to a certain extent, be compared to current artists like Jason Alden and Jason Michael Carroll (not in style or substance, but in stature and staying power).
January 7, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I’m not sure what the rationale for this post (or the other four installments yet to come) is Jim. We all know artists hit rough patches, and that the industry is in a state of flux where short-term success is favored over long-term artist development, yet your by your own hand you seem to be saying “s*** or get off the pot” to these artists, for what reason I don’t know. Is it to pressure the labels to reconsider why these artists are signed to their rosters? There are many artists’ albums the labels won’t even let the artist release, even though they have a steady hand in guiding those artists throughout the A&R and recording processes.
There’s a natural winnowing out period for artists at labels. This all seems kind of snarky to me, because on the one hand you profess your distaste at some of these artists’ efforts, and yet at the same time seem to be intending this to act as some kind of wake up call for them to step up their game, as if these artists’ labels weren’t aware of these artists’ limited successes of late or of their rosters’ particular talents. What does it mean to be “on notice” by you? It’s a differentone thing altogether to be “on notice” from Joe Galante or Luke Lewis; they are the ones whose jobs depend on artists delivering.
If these artists can make a living doing what they do, then good for them. If they put out records they themselves are proud of, then good for them. If their labels want to keep them active and producing records, then good for them.
Let’s deal with critical judgement once the product comes to market.
January 7, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Peter–
The rationale, as noted, is that each of the artists mentioned here has an upcoming project due in 2008. Simple as that.
I think that if these artists fail to make an impact in 2008, their chances for success are going to be significantly diminished.
The purpose of the article? While I certainly hope that my commentary will be taken as a wake-up call, the bottom line is that our readers deserve to know what’s going on, what’s going on behind the scenes, and they deserve more than just after-the-fact reviews.
The things I’ve written here might be uncomfortable to some–but the things I’ve written here are true, at least to the best of my ability to determine truth based on the information that I have.
As far as whether or not it’s snarky…I honestly love it when people call me snarky. Snarky means I’m getting under people’s skin, and if I’m getting under people’s skin I must be hitting on something relevant.
January 7, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I just don’t think anyone’s surprised when labels drop artists anymore. When I worked at Sony BMG I know of at least 6 or 7 artists who got cut as Sony Nashville was merged into RLG to become Sony BMG Nashville, some just as their records were poised to come out. We had advance records serviced to us on several of those artists in hand. Some artists are still on roster and have yet to have their albums released, even after getting full-length advance music.
It’s not just a lack of success at radio these days which might doom an artist, but look at the labels themselves. Constant turnover. Overworked, smaller staffs. Does the A&R champion who signed the artist still reside at that label? How about the head of PR or New Media?
It’s not a pretty picture out there.
January 7, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Not to draw light away from the artists mentioned above, but they all have one thing in common with most re-tread artists from Nashville, TN…. the “Yawn Factor”. More bad cookies from the terminally bad cookie factory.
Jim, to help you out just a tad bit with your research, you should check out a band in Texas that is releasing a new album in 2008, Eleven Hundred Springs.
Just like the ones you mentioned, they don’t have a chance at hell at getting Top 40 airplay on today’s *country* radio, but 1100 Springs writes their own songs & arrange their own music, and have 2003 Grammy winner Lloyd Maines producing, they hit #1 on X-Country, Americana, & Texas charts with their last album from 2004 “Bandwagon” & they encompass one of the largest die hard fan bases in the state of Texas. Not too shabby I would say.
check em out!
January 8, 2008 at 5:39 am
Perfect Stranger!!
I called up “You Have the Right to Remain Silent” on my Napster and am listening to it now. It takes me right back to when my hair was a little bigger and my face was a little smoother.
I’m not saying that it’s a good song, but at the time I thought it was a good song, and that’s enough for now.
January 8, 2008 at 9:06 am
I think you have a good idea here. Although one could argue that Mark Wills should bie on this list too with his deal at Equity still lingering.
Teri Clark has to work hard because I think Ashton Shepherd has the ability to take ‘her spot’ at radio. Similar voices and younger (better looking?). Being from the same geographic area as Lila (Tacoma, WA) I hope she can get lucky bur I have my doubts.
Heartland really dropped the ball with their chance. They ARE the epitome of a one hit wonder. I wasn’t moved by their new song for Country Thunder either. Can thay last as a regional touring act? Sure. I remember my cousin saying “I like the song but that guy isn’t a good singer.”
Jennifer Hanson was signed to Capital, not Columbia. I think they (she maybe) are trying to position her as the country Sheryl Crow. Just as Sheryl Crow and Jewel are trying to corner the same market.
January 8, 2008 at 10:40 am
Matt B, who is from Tacoma? Lila and?
Just a note that while Terri is struggling on US radio she is still a Canadian darling. Fans Choice for like seven years running. Her move to BNA is a good one IF they handle her right.
This article really emphasizes the importance of labels in the music industry.
January 8, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Props to Charlie for (I believe) the first DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-inspired moniker to appear here at the 9513.
January 8, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Heidi,
Lila’s from the Tacoma area and Blaine Larsen is from the same general Seattle/Tacoma area too.
January 9, 2008 at 3:47 am
Straight up yo!
January 9, 2008 at 11:14 pm
First, that new Terri Clark song is called “In My Next Life,” and yes, it screams “lackluster” as much as much as Perfect Stranger + 13 years = Heartland.
I was extremely disappointed by “Dirty Girl” and now this single, too, because I’d assumed that, by leaving one record label and joining another, there should be some kind of artistic renaissance, an unflux of creativity that she’d long been denied at the old label (i.e. Toby Keith buying the master to “How Do You Like Me Now” so DreamWorks could release it).
My money is on Jimmy Wayne. After one virtually forgettable “hit” single (in fact, I’ve literally forgotten it), he somehow garnered a fan-base truly worthy of the source term “fanatical,” and I have a feeling the new Valory is gonna want to hit one out of the park fast (because working Jewel will be a struggle).
January 9, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Man,i just got the wind knocked outta my sails! I started Perfect Stranger in a living room in Carthage Texas in 1982 with Shayne Morrison. We never wanted to be anything other than a great “bar band”. We were the top country band in the Ark-La-Tex-Ok all through our 10 year “unknown to nashville” days. We played the Calgary Stampede every year as the featured band,and the National Rodeo Finals in Vegas every year on freemont street. We we’re doing as well and making as much money as we wanted back then,we all had houses/cars/wives/children etc. We bought our own busses after burning up 4 vans touring the southwest. We had concert level sound and lights before any other bands were carrying their own-just so we could have a consistently great sound every night. We had merch (t- shirts/8×10′s/hats/keychains/posters) that we would sell out of and re order frequently. Then we met a man who ran a construction buisness named Tony Tuthill,he said “why havent you guys ever recorded an album to sell at your shows?”. So with his push we went to Nashville and found a producer and recorded an album-without a label and with our own money! To make a long story shorter-a station in Houston got a copy of the “indie album” which had Right to remain silent on it-started playing it heavy in that big market-Curb records started seeing it bubbling up on the chart-decided they should sign us so they could make the money-we cut 2 replacement songs,shot a new picture,retitled it “Right to remain Silent” and before we knew what we were even doing we had a #4 song on the Billboard charts-and were nominated for “New Group of the Year” at the A.C.M’s in 1995! We didn’t claim to be anything other than the down to earth,regular guys you see every weekend at your local honky tonk-go back and watch some of our TNN and CMT/GAC interviews and such-all you see is everyday musicians who felt lucky to be in the spotlight,albeit a brief stint as it was. A few things i am very proud of are: we actually played on our c.d.’s (unlike all the other groups today), we had great fans who traveled many miles to make our shows, we sold in excess of 450,000 units of that first album, and whether you liked his voice or not-Steve Murray sounds like Steve Murray and you know it’s him when he comes on the air. I could care less about touring/record deals/lawyers and labels today. We had fun,we entertained with music and not gimmicks,and our fans loved us. Have a nice day.
January 9, 2008 at 11:35 pm
oops,i’ll get off my soapbox now-i got a gig tonight!
January 10, 2008 at 12:54 am
way to go Rich….I’m with ya
January 10, 2008 at 7:33 am
I’m right there with you Rich. Perfect Stranger was a GREAT band with GREAT musicians! You have every right in the world to be proud of what you’ve done up to this point….AND what you’re doing now. I had the privledge of traveling with you guys several times, and almost EVERYTIME you played, the house was PACKED. You had a great fan base, wonderful music, and ya’ll were having fun. Isn’t that the whole idea of being a musician??!!
Keep doin’ what you’re doin’!!
Rod Davis
January 10, 2008 at 8:09 am
Who the “F” wrote the “Heartland”-”Perfect Stranger” trash????
It’s usually a frustrated/unsuccessful/wannabee musician that hides behind such pencil whipping.
They are the guys that wish they had your talent.
Your a great person and an awesome musician…..when I grow up, I want to be like you :)
January 10, 2008 at 8:32 am
This is classic, especially from someone who obviously doesn’t know the guy’s involved in the band Perfect Stranger or much less country music or is probably affraid to put a foot in a true Texas Honky Tonk.
Maybe he/she should do a hell of alot more research on their subject before they open their mouth.
Perfect Stranger set out to acheive a goal and did more than that… they did it on their own, without the deep pockets and marketing of a “Nashville” record label.
My hat is off to these guy’s. Perfect Stranger broke onto the Nashville scene on their own…
You just don’t acheive this by having songs out that make you want to change the channel or do you?
This person should have exercised their right to remain silent…
Perfect Stranger busted their ass to make sure all were pleased.
Perfect Stranger can hold their head up HIGH they actually played on these RECORDINGS.
In my book, I got to tour with a great group of Guys and had alot of fun and met 1000′s of folks all over the country and the music was always great.
Rock on Rich, you have every right to be pissed brotha.
January 10, 2008 at 8:40 am
Lila sure is lookin pretty though… Wow
January 10, 2008 at 8:48 am
Rich baby I know you through Rod. I have been a
Strainger Fan years. A band I played with back a few years ago got to open for you guys. I LOVE
the music, the Band, and every thing yall did.
People like this other guy, won’t make a pimple on a good mans butt. Keep on rocken!!
January 10, 2008 at 9:07 am
Evidently I struck a chord…
January 10, 2008 at 9:25 am
Yea you did, Any explanation?
January 10, 2008 at 9:36 am
This is so very full of bull, especially from someone who obviously doesn’t know the guy’s involved in the band Perfect Stranger or much less any music at all!
Perfect Stranger set out to do what they wanted to do! A goal from their heart and did more with world tours!
The guys in Perfect Stranger are and still great musicians both recording and live. They are still bringing to folks heart warming and soulful music. And I’ll sign it http://www.AlanFox.com / http://www.shineboxmusic.com
January 10, 2008 at 9:38 am
A critic can’t judge how much work an artist has done, how many years they spent suffering in bars, how nice and friendly they are, what awards they have or haven’t won, or how much they deserve success or don’t. A critic ideally judges what he/she hears on the record, and apparently Jim is just not crazy about Perfect Stranger’s records. That’s what happens when you dare to release music to the public: it gets judged, sometimes for years to come, and occasionally in writing.
January 10, 2008 at 10:13 am
Steve–
First of all, I’d like to thank Rich for the sales figure. I wasn’t able to find a credible figure for the number of copies that album sold, but 450,000 was right around my estimate–which puts it right in line with Heartland’s (which has sold 360,000 to date, and which, I would image, will eventually end up in the same general ballpark).
Rich himself admitted that the band never wanted to be more than a great bar band–which, although I never saw them live, I imagine they were.
My comments may not have been what anyone in the band wanted to hear, but what I said was true–Perfect Stranger was not capable, for a number of reasons, of competing on a national level. And thinking anything else is delusional, because the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Look at the charts. Look at sales.
Chris N. is right–when you put your music out there for public consumption, it’s going to be judged. Sometimes harshly, but hopefully honestly. As a songwriter, I know this first hand. I deal with harsh rejection on a daily basis. And for guys who have been in the business as long as ya’ll, you should know not to take it personally.
At least Perfect Stranger made enough of a splash that we’re still talking about them today–that’s not something that very many artists can claim.
January 10, 2008 at 10:14 am
Well with that being said, a critic is a critic, but Perfect Stranger, has helped pave the way for others to follow, a new avenue to travel for an artist to be heard or maybe get a deal.
Critics have a job I guess but get ready for a responce on what is being written or said.
They accomplished more than just playing the Honky Tonks,I mean 450,000 units on a first CD, come on now that sais everything about an artist
in the industry.
What artist wouldn’t want that?
What does a record label look for in an artist? their own sound,a stand out in the crowd,and unique.
Perfect Stranger has it.
January 10, 2008 at 10:43 am
The success or failure of an artist/band often times depends on the support of their record label. Curb Records did not support Stranger even though they had a hit song!! They had bigger fish to fry. I was traveling with the Stranger guys when Curb basically just told them to have a nice day and pulled their support. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the best album they EVER did was the one they recorded on their own money at Rosewood Studio in Tyler Tx. It’s sad that it never got released….I still listen to it, and it’s MUCH better than some of the crap that is coming out of nashville right now.
These boys deserve their props, and for those attempting to do so, I salute you.
Rod Davis.
January 10, 2008 at 12:07 pm
JIM-
If what was sold and as many dates were played coast to coast to promote CD sales,and having your product in stores next to Major Lable contenders isn’t counted as competing on a national level, then what is?
Anyone knows when you start a band you begin with wanting to be the best in your region. And then if you get the chance to follow your dream of being a star then you become a national level competitor.
To wrap this up, as you can tell there is some disagreement on the subject. It does hit a nerve when your involved on a personal level and I am behind Richard on how he responded.
As far as Heartland, I wish them the best on their journey and hope they will do great.
Thanks for the debate…
January 10, 2008 at 1:47 pm
“Perfect Stranger” just wasn’t a very good band. If part of the reason they vanished so quickly is that Curb stopped promoting them, then I say this only shows Curb’s good judgement. This band was a one-hit wonder — they had one song tailor made for radio, but their vocals were so weak that they would not duplicate that success baring a miricle. Curb did the right thing to promote the band and get out while the getting was still good.
January 10, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Come on everyone, they had their one-hit and made it further than most.
I haven’t heard the band, but good, bad, or ugly, they aren’t bothering anyone these days.
Jim picked them out of the mist in order to naysay Heartland, the Perfect Stranger guys came round onry about it (so I assume they google their band name on a regular basis after all this time), there’s no need to pick on ‘em any further.
In the spirit of a youtube sensation “Leave Perfect Stranger Alone!!!! Leave em alone!!!!!”
January 10, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I just think that everyone needs to use their “right to remain silent”…Yep, I had to, everyone was thinking it and I said it!!
January 10, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Richard Raines stole my girlfriend. And he knew firsthand how much I loved Tamika because he used to watch us do it through the bus window. If he hadn’t lent me his truck to go see my cousin in Arkansas, I’d still hate him today. He was in a band?
January 10, 2008 at 3:19 pm
“hairandtoenails”….I hope you are better at cutting hair and trimming toenails than you are at spelling.
Maybe it just slipped by me, but I didn’t catch the name of YOUR hit song OR hear you singing it? It’s usually really easy to be a critic when you have no talent.
BTW….can I get a 4:30 appointment?
January 10, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Come on now, Have you boys seen the picture of Lila McCann she sure has grown up. WOW!!!
January 10, 2008 at 4:31 pm
“It’s usually really easy to be a critic when you have no talent.”
Thank goodness, or else I wouldn’t have a job!
January 10, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Rod Davis — you have no idea what kind of talent I may or may not have. Moreover, personal attacks do not make for an argument.
Moreover, the some of the best musical critics are not musicians, the best literary critics not writers, and the best political theorists not politicians.
January 11, 2008 at 12:46 am
O.K. let’s all be friends again. All this is proof that we did the right thing staying in Texas and not moving up to Nashvegas and “pro tooling” our records to death. With us it was “what ya see is what ya get”. Good or bad. I actually found this diatribe searching for info on fellow Texas artist-it was a surprise to me to read about the old band,especially in such a negative way. All the members are still very much active musicians with their own new projects. Some on a local level,some in the southwest,and some internationally with the biggest artist’s in the buisness. This is my last post i promise-so,(1) we didnt write the songs we recorded,(2) management/producer/label choose them based on “research”,(3) when you sign your first record deal and they give you a large chunk of money,you do what they tell you to do-especially when they say record these songs-they’re hits (4) we lost support from the label because of several reasons too complicated to go into here-let’s just say we took another bands place-then somebody took our place-when we realized they we’rent going to promote us anymore-we asked to be released from our deal-that took us 3 more years. (5) we worked 150 shows a year just off one hit song,till 2003,that’s a real accomplishment. Anything different,or less than perfect allways draws criticism. I still got bills to pay,kids to take to ballgames-the world keeps turning. Come out to a gig and i’ll buy ya a cold Shiner. Oh yea,i kinda like Heartland-they remind me of a young Perfect Stranger.
January 11, 2008 at 7:17 am
Well said Rich.
Rod.
January 11, 2008 at 7:20 am
hairandtoenails….
Well said too. Point taken.
Rod.
January 11, 2008 at 8:45 am
The “word” is spelled……y’all….not ya’ll
January 12, 2008 at 11:57 am
I work with Steve Murry former (singer of “Perfect Stranger”) every weekend somewhere in TX and LA. I can tell you first hand there is no one out there better. Anyone who would say his vocals are “barely capable” has no business writing any type of music review. Peole drive for miles to see his new band (Leavin Sundown) because they know he is the real deal. Some of the best country talent in the U.S. are just bar bands in Texas.
January 12, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Regarding Terri Clark:
If it turns out that she doesn’t gain traction at radio and BNA cuts her loose, she has such an established track record that she’ll be able to release new music anyway. Some indie label, an established one or an upstart looking for a credible act to launch with, will sign her and turn her loose in the studio. She’ll make an album, instead of the apparent “cut a single and see if it catches on” thing that seems to be going on right now.
I’m trying to think of a woman from that era who has jumped to an indie label and not made better music because of it, but I’m drawing a blank. Personally, I think Terri Clark’s music would benefit greatly from “die” over “do” this year.
January 12, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Kevin – As a fan of the artist that’s a highly suspect reasoning you’re using to root for Terri’s short-term failure. Artists only have a limited window of opportunity with the listening public, and who wants an artist they enjoy to suffer through a tough time just because of what you think their career might like look like on the other side if your theory pans out? Root for artists to succeed in the present tense.
January 12, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Peter Kohan is right. Also, even if Terri gets picked up by an indie, she presumably will tour more lucrative venues if she can remain on a major label and score a few top ten hits. Its just much better for her, overall, to remain on a major label. Presumably that is why she signed with BNA and not an indie after her prior label, Mercury, dumped her.
January 13, 2008 at 10:17 am
It’s more than that. This whole industry is in major flux. If you play Kevin’s argument out, Terri would have to record and release and work her new record on BNA, suffer disappointing sales, and have the label drop her. Then she would need to figure out what she wanted to do with her recording career, sign to a new label or start her own, record and work that next record, and THEN wait for the marketplace to anoint her with success (or failure) at that point.
But in the macro world – CD sales are decreasing by double digit figures annually. Will Terri Clark’s sales be any more or less than other artists of her stature? By the time of that next record circa 2009 or 2010 what sales figures will an artist like Terri reasonably expect to garner, when we’ll have a market more focused on downloads or subscription services?
March 24, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I have been listening to Steve Murray sing and play for about 25 years. Perfect Stranger was an excellent band and entertainer. Richard Raines is one of the best guitarist I have ever heard. The group was great and I hated to hear they called it quits. On another note Steve Murray is with Leavin Sundown now and they are awesome as Joe previously mentioned. If you have never heard Steve sing “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay” you dont know what you are missing. Check out “Leavin Sundown”, you wont be disappointed.
September 26, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Re: Terri Clark, first of all, thank you Jim for telling it like it is. Terri is an undeniable talent! You will probably eat those words, the bad ones anyway. Terri has a new cd about to drop in just a few months. Radio and video airplay will be running full throttle, as soon as the new cd takes off!! I can’t wait to try and count the chins that have dropped on the floor, after hearing the new tracks!!
August 14, 2009 at 1:11 am
Richard R. Did the death of your wife in 2002 play any part in the way things went with the band? I knew your wife from her childhood in NC.