Totally Biased Fan Review: Home on a Saturday Night – Duncan Phillips

Most people know that Duncan is my favourite living Scot. I am sure that the late, great, Karl Broadie would approve! We have had to wait for a while for this album, though Duncan has been busy with other projects and he has released quite a few singles from this album already which seems to be the trend.

Duncan’s influences are pretty obvious in his music. There’s some Celtic flavour, some songs have a bit of a Beatlesque quality, there’s some Dylan, Petty, Springsteen, Earle and really, probably all of the Travelling Wilburys meshed together.

Duncan’s music is natural to take in, literally easy to kick back to on a Saturday night or a Sunday afternoon.

He is a storyteller as most good songwriters are. The songs, therefore, generally don’t need an explanation. Living in Victoria, I have been lucky enough to be able to see Duncan’s gigs quite a bit. Thus, I know a lot of these songs well, they have just been released as singles or they’ve been waiting around to be recorded and/or released.

Some of the tunes are catchy, others you want to get out the air guitar or the dancing shoes. Mostly, though, they are stories about every day happenings and about people who we may recognise in our own lives.

You don’t necessarily have to be an alt country music fan to enjoy Duncan’s music, as it crosses a few genres, and in the end it is just damn fine music.

Of the ones that I am not so familiar with, John is probably my favourite. It is a wee bit different to the others in some ways, though it still has that strong storyline. I guess it is the change of pace and mood.

Most people who know Duncan will know the singles, but they may not know his album music. I think that I counted 5 singles on the album but there could be six, all of which I have reviewed in The Single Life.

You can always look at Duncan’s music in two different ways. You can think of it as a bunch of catchy tunes which go down smoothly or you can look at the stories. Or like me, you can do both.

Duncan always has a dose of home truths to deliver and he does it with style.

Totally Biased Fan Review: For Better or Worse – Morgan Tucker

Morgan is from Dorrigo, NSW and I can see that. It is a pretty little town in the hills. There’s a winding road in and out of it.

This album is a mixture of mountain music, folk, southern traditional music, bluegrass and a fusion of Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton.

The album is produced by Bill Chambers and Morgan Tucker. It definitely has that Bill touch.

I would class this as an album with an international feel. While it has a Highwaymen tone and his singing style is more American, his subject matter is universal.

The subjects could be a part of most cultures that have a country full of dirt roads, wide open spaces, love, loss and good and bad times. Of course there’s a song about drinking and a guitar.

I love it. He has a beard and a hat that Allan Caswell would approve of. He plays music that Allan would approve of.

This is good music. Bill Chambers never disappoints. He seems to just know what works. If you like your country, country, then this Guy is for you.

The Bottle and Me, Mary Anne, Weathervanes and Windchimes and Falling are probably my favourites. There’s not a bad one in the bunch though.

Good stuff.

Totally Biased Fan Review: The Other Side – Stefanie Duzel

In the wonderful hands of Lachlan Bryan and Damian Cafarella, it is impossible to go wrong and Stefanie keeps that tradition going.

10 songs written by Stefanie on her debut album. I met Stefanie up at her wonderful pub at Mt Macedon which was effected by fire. So sad, it was a great place. She had some struggles with that and lockdowns, but there are no struggles with this album. There are some really smashing tracks on here that are real winners.

Stefanie has performed with some big stars and wrote a song for Karise Eden. It is time now for her to concentrate on her own work and shine in her own spotlight.

Her voice sounds familiar – a mixture of some of the best singers, like a touch of Bonnie Raitt, Kathleen Edwards, Lorrie Morgan, Heather Myles and the like.

It is hard to pick favourites, they are all fine tracks but I would have to say Whiskey and Wine (Silver and Gold), Word Around Town, Double Back, the title song and most definitely Falling Down (All over Again).

He’s not a liar he just handles the truth very carelessly- is one of the best lines on the album. What a great way of phrasing it.

This album has been a long time coming and trust me, it won’t be the last album that we hear from Stefanie.

The Single Life: 25th March, 2023

One Punch Ryan is the new release from John Flanagan. It is a bit different to what we usually hear from John, but I like it just as much. It is an upbeat bluesy number. Once you get over the change in pace, it is a rippa.

Hey Jumbulla (The ghost of Mickey Brennan) is the latest history lesson from Luke O’Shea. Co-written with Zane Banks from the Banks Brothers, it tells the story of a mining disaster which happened after Mickey decided to toss it in after various warnings he gave about the safety issues. It was to be his last day in the mine, it ended up being his last day on earth, along with 95 others. Thanks Luke for bringing another story to light and to Zane who told him that story.

Simple Things is the newbie from Route 33 who are evolving and becoming a better band with every release. Together with the wonderful Brooke Schubert, this is a fabulous song.

Lots of my favourite sons today and Ryan Daykin is no exception. Tears of Sin has a very cool groove to it. It is very catchy and it has beaut lyrics. Ryan has a wonderful voice that can cross genres. This is one of his best to date.

The minute I first heard Nathan Seeckts, I knew two things, he had an enormous voice and he was one hell of a songwriter. The Wildest Thing is his latest and it is a beauty. He does make us wait for new music, but when we receive it, it is a gift.

Lloyd Back gives us Rolling Thunder. I love Lloyd’s music, it takes me right into the country – back to an old country music sound and literally back to the Bush in content but it also has some modern touches.

Elisha Francesca’s latest is Hope. The girl can sing. I think that this is her best so far. A very hummable song.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Heads Carolina, Tails California – The Best of Jo Dee Messina

I was going to review this album a few weeks ago but I had to sort out some confusing information. Some albums these days are released way after they are recorded – mainly due to Covid- but also because of the changing ways that folks get their music and how record companies and producers release more singles than albums. This album was confusing because it had 2005 and 2023 on it! I then looked into some official sites and it is actually a new release not an old release and Jo Dee is doing a tour of greatest hits.

With a lot of 90’s country artists making comebacks (for me, they never went away – 90’s American Country music is my favourite) and a lot of the best of the new American and Canadian artists singing in the 90’s style (often when they were born), Jo Dee’s release is apt.

It took me a while to catch on to Jo Dee – some of her stuff is a bit too poppy for me, but this album is definitely a best of in every respect. The songs are definitely her best.

I also think that I lean more towards singer/songwriters and Jo Dee leans more to having people write for her, plus some excellent covers, including one of Australia’s own, Tina Arena’s Burn.

I remember when she was nominated for a new talent award (in a tough field) – Vince Gill (the host with the most) couldn’t contain his enthusiasm for her. That was good enough for me. Her performance was a rush snippet in the audience – which didn’t give the listener much of a chance. But Vince knew more.

The writers of her songs are some of the best. The 90’s highlighted and promoted some of America’s very best songwriters.

Because you love me, not to be confused with because you loved me by Diane Warren (an equally good song!) is one of my faves here, the title track, Bring on the rain with Tim, Lesson in Leavin’ and Stand Beside Me are fabulous. You have to love the title – My Give a damn’s busted – with the lyrics so country.

In an interview with Jo Dee, she said that she hopes to release some long awaited for new music soon. Until then, we can relive the classics. She has a powerhouse voice.

This is an easy album to listen to. It goes fast, maybe too fast but it is quality over quantity.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Home – Kingswood

The band from Melbourne have toured with the likes of Aerosmith and AC/DC and it has rubbed off on them. Their music is Alt country but it has a rocking edge to it. I can hear Creedence and Lynyrd Skynyrd there too. There’s even a touch of America and CSN&Y there at times.

There are some wild, raunchy,bluesy guitars at play here. There are husky vocals which also have a vulnerability to them.

There’s a lot of whiskey here, the road, some angst and a bit of twang amongst the guitars too.

Good Whiskey, Burning Holes, God and Gun, Mercy and Riches are probably my favourites. The last one is very different to the others. It is a lovely song to finish on.

They do mix it up. They are not afraid to try something a little different, even a few styles in one song at times.

There are a few guests on the album, which add to the variety.

The album was produced by Eddie Spear and it would have been quite a feat to pull of with such a diverse range of styles.

This album will be liked by music fans of all descriptions. The variety will keep the listener guessing from song to song but they will find their favourite.

A rocking good album.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Stone Cold Country – Various

Most of the members of The Rolling Stones have worked on country music albums. Country Music is now returning the favour. Mick and the boys have often said that their music is the result of a love for Blues and Roots music. (Cousin to country). A famous Rock and roller once said that you can find a form of country in any song.

This album celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Rolling Stones. Apt for me who has just celebrated my 60th birthday and I’m a long time fan of the Stones and country music.

There are some notable omissions but most of my favourites are there, notably Dead Flowers, sung fabulously by Maren Morris; Wild Horses by Little Big Town; Tumbling Dice by Elle King and my number one Stones’ song, You Can’t Always Get What You Want by the brilliant Lainey Wilson.

Most of them have made sure that the Veteran Rock and Rollers’ songs sound country. There are exceptions to the rule. Jimmie Allen’s version of Miss You is very soulful and bluesy – more Al Jarreau/Sam Cooke/George Benson than country.

There is still a strong rock influence but the essence is there in some of the songs.

The Zac Brown Band do one of the most interesting versions of a Stones’ song with Paint it Black. It is a bit Celtic, a bit mountain music and at the same time very loyal to the original.

I’m not sure who Elvie Shane is, but his version of Sympathy for the Devil is pretty damn cool – though I did miss the signature belting out of woo hoo woo hoo – it is delivered but in a different way.

Steve Earle had to be on here, and he does an amazing job of Angie – just a bit lower and huskier with a bit of steel guitar. Superb!

Koe Wetzel is new to me too but he does a fine job on Shine a light and it is a fitting way to end the album.

There are some misses. I am not an Eric Church fan, so that doesn’t help, but his version of Gimme Shelter is the pits.

As much as I love Ashley McBryde, I would have liked to hear her sing Time is on my side or something like that. I can’t get no satisfaction would have been better coming from Travis Tritt or Chris Stapleton. I have heard Brooks and Dunn sing Honky Tonk Women and they do a great version. Dwight would have as well.

At a lot of Alt Country gigs that I go to in Melbourne, they finish off a gig by singing a Stones’ song. (Or Creedence). There is a lot of respect for the Stones, as there should be. You could do a whole heap of albums in tribute and still not cover all of their songs.

This is an album which has been produced with obvious care. I think the boys would be proud.

Totally Biased Fan Review – The Bluegrass Sessions, Vol 1. – Michael Carpenter and The Banks Brothers

Michael Carpenter has fingers in more pies than Big Ben. Michael and the instrumentally gifted Banks Brothers combine again for an album of bluegrass music. Michael does most of the singing but the brothers step up to the mic too.

In an added bonus, the wonderful Melody Moko sings Leaving Nowhere which should get a Golden Guitar nomination.

The album has a mixture of instrumentals and songs. Some are feisty, others are catchy and others are soulful. I particularly like Honey Alba and Lay My Bones to Rest, Version 2.

Bluegrass is one of the fastest growing forms of country music, though purists like to be independent from country music. At the very least, they are kissing cousins.

As is suggested, the Volume 1 means that the boys have more bluegrass coming.

There have been singles released already from this album. I am sure that there will be more.

There’s a lot to like about this album. It is polished yet not over produced. Enjoy.

The Single Life – 18th March 2023

Where our heart lives is a gentle, sweet tune from Anthony Baxter. Easy to mellow out to.

Actually is the latest from Ben Mastwyk. Great to hear new music from Ben. This is a wonderful song. Very catchy and singalongable.

Travis Collins always impresses and Any less any more is a fine example of what our country rocker can do.

Two Tone Pony have released A Life Well Lived. This is one of the songs of the year, so far. David Kirkpatrick (yes, that son of a gun), and his band do a great job.

Bonnie Kellett has released Gaslight which is more pop than country but either way it is a catchy song.

Troy Kemp has been doing a lot of drinking songs lately! Here for the drinks is a get up on the dance floor, three minute country rock fix.

On my own again is the latest from Morgan Evans. He is maturing as an artist. His last couple of songs have been his best.

Out the back of the house is the new one from Jen Mize and The Rough and Tumble. Our funky, bluesy, soulful groovers are at it again. Awesome song.

Nobody told me is a very cool track from one of my favourite fellas, Matt Ward. It has that 60’s drum beat and 70’s guitars. Love it.

Get on ya Harley and go for a ride. Awesome song for the road, Harley Ride by Jason McDaniel.

Raechel Whitchurch has finally released a new song, I’m not cool. On the contrary, the song is cool and so are you, Raechel.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Halfway Down Under: A tribute to Jim Lauderdale – Various Artists

Jim Lauderdale is a legendary international singer/songwriter. Australia is a bit like his home away from home. He has many fans here, including some of our very best singers and songwriters.

He is currently visiting our shores again, so what an apt time to release this amazing tribute.

One of my fave songs of all time is You Don’t Seem To Miss Me, made famous by Patty Loveless and George Jones. It seems apt that one of my favourite singers, Katie Brianna, sings it so amazingly. Emma Swift does a wonderful job on The King of Broken Hearts, Kevin Bennett is splendid with a song made for him, Head for the Hills.

Melody Pool never fails to impress and absolutely hits it out of the park with When Carolina Comes Home Again.

Georgia State Line do an amazing job of Run Like You. Shane Nicholson belts out El Dorado.

Charlie Collins does a beaut version of You’ll Know when it is right.

They are my highlights, but all 14 tracks are awesome and Michael Carpenter has done a great job of bringing Jim’s Aussie Family together and producing a fine recording.