Totally Biased Fan Review: All we have is who we are – Tori Forsyth

• 1All We Are02:49
• 2Sometimes04:40
• 3Didn’t Mean A Thing03:15
• 4Alchemist03:37
• 5Good Enough04:30
• 6Made Your Bed03:49
• 7Past and Present04:02
• 8Not In Control03:05
• 9Aces and Eights02:33
• 10Happy03

She’s back. Tori was the original one to have this sound. Then along came a heap of artists who copied that sound but nobody quite got it right. It is like there are a million Elvis impersonators out there but there is only one Elvis.

Tori tried to reinvent herself for a while, and while imitation is supposed to be the highest form of flattery, I suspect that was part of the reason why she attempted the change up.

Thankfully, and by no means any disrespect to her other ventures and styles, we have the only person who can truly be Tori Forsyth back. And boy, is she back.

This is stunning. She re-entered the limelight of country music with Shane Nicholson very quietly with Golden Guitar nominated song, Sometimes. So quietly that I didn’t know that it existed until it was nominated. I am usually like a seagull with a breadcrumb when I hear about a song from either artist.

It hinted that there would be more and indeed, here it is. I went to an early gig of Tori’s at the Django Bar, and she blew me away. She obviously draws from folks like Emmylou Harris and Melanie (who recently passed away) but she’s not a copycat.

While she says that she never really left country because she is a country girl, essentially, this album is more country than she has recorded in a while. Yes, there are twists and several shades of country music, but it is country.

Tori likes to mix things up, but that voice is the centre of every song. She can sing upbeat, slow it down, go middle ground and she can still carry that load.

While Shane sings Sometimes with her, the album is produced by Scott Horscroft. It essentially has all of the same feels of her previous country work, so he doesn’t change that up too much.

He lets Tori be Tori. Like Shane did.

Alchemist has such a cool groove, it is a serious subject which almost sounds fun because of the melody.

Good Enough with Kasey Chambers is magical. I love All we are and Didn’t Mean A Thing. Every track is a winner and it is hard to pick favourites. You can’t get much more country than You made your bed. I keep thinking, (by the tune) that the bad guys are about to ride into town. Past and Present is classic Tori.

Dawn of the Dark is one of my favourite Aussie Country music albums of all time. This one will be good company for that one.

Welcome back.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Shades on Me – Andy Penkow EEP

Andy Penkow is a non-stop globe trotting Aussie who WILL be a superstar. In our eyes, he already is. He won the Purple Air Guitar for Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and that award isn’t given out lately, trust me, I know the judge.

In 2062, I will be 99 if I am still kicking- and if there is an operation to restore my hearing, I will still be listening to Andy Penkow. This relates to his song and to the facts!

He appeals to all ages. He has such a broad audience. We all admire his work ethic, his passion and above all, his music is authentic and unique.

This EEP of 7 songs from Andy is a taste of much more to come.

Andy has a rich, warm voice which makes you believe his stories and his messages. There is nothing bubblegummy about Andy Penkow or his songs.

Andy is on the verge of leaping into a bigger pond, already making some inroads overseas. His music is universal, it doesn’t have any borders.

His subjects are broad, all still having a country thread but varying in style and twang.

I love the title track. It has a cool groove and some clever lyrics. I also like The Last which is the last song on the EEP but that’s not what it is about.

The duet with Jessica Sole, Love that way again is a top song. It could be a GG contender.

There have been some singles released off the EEP already, including Bottom Shelf, which is also a favourite.

Andy always leaves you wanting more, which is what it is all about.

I may be biased, but I am also right.

Seven very enjoyable tracks from one of our very best.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Voices from the Bush – Alice Benfer

If this album doesn’t get nominated for a Golden Guitar, I will eat my old felt hat.

I have been a long time Alice fan, though that seems impossible as she still looks 12 years old.

This is what country music is all about – what Australian Country Music is, in particular.

Ronnieboy played an old Slim Dusty song on the radio this morning, Where Country Is….well, dear Slim, this is where it should be.

Alice is even from Gympie and she’s a genuine cowgirl, in the literal sense. She has that beautiful mix of Celtic and traditional Aussie country styles. She reminds me of a young Queen Anne Kirkpatrick. (I can’t give a person a higher honour). She even sings the iconic When the Rain Tumbles Down in July. The arrangement on the track is fabulous.

There have been a few singles released already, most notably Old Felt Hat, Widgee Widgee Station and Long Black Skirts.

This album is beautifully produced – the musicianship is perfection.

Voices from the bush is exactly that. It is a collection of stories of characters and experiences of the outback and of the land.

Alice comes across as shy, polite and reserved. On stage, she introduces her songs carefully and lets the songs tell the stories.

You are more likely to see pics of her beautiful cows on her Facebook page than of her performing or promoting her music. Her work is varied, entertaining the elderly and doing tribute shows of Dolly and Patsy and the like as well as her own music.

The Blacksoil Plains of the Outback, Wildflowers on the outback and Long Black Skirts are amongst my favourites. The whole album is terrific, it is hard to find fault with it.

This is Alice’s best work, and that’s a big call, as I love her music.

These are good stories. These are good songs. Alice is here to make sure that country is here long after we are gone.

This is how it is done.

The Single Life – 6th May, 2024

Lots of catching up to do!

Katie Brooke – Can’t fake that

Probably the best song from Katie so far. It doesn’t get much more country than this.

Matt Ward – Come Home Safe

Matt releases another song from his upcoming album. This is a shower song for sure. It has a catchy rhythm and you have to grab a breath as Matt’s phrasing is fast yet still has twang. Very country with a twist. Awesome song.

Raechel Whitchurch – what a time to be alive

A sad song from one of our quiet achievers. She’s constantly growing as a singer and a writer. A stunning song.

Adam Harvey – It’s getting late

One of our greatest country singers releases one of his cheeky songs, based on a neighbour who outstays his welcome. Harvey always mixes it up. You never know whether you are getting a fun song or a deep one. He always nails it.

Tyla Rodrigues- Straight Outlaw

Tyla is firmly dipping her feet into the country music pond here with some outlaw country and superior twang.

Cathy Dobson – Sundowner Drive

Cathy has recorded a new album with Angus Gill and this is our first glimpse at it. It is a bluesy, nostalgic journey with a bit of a 50’s vibe. It also has a Move it on over touch. Good stuff from one of our very best songwriters – well two, actually.

Brooke Schubert – Baby Blue Eyes

One of our best country rockers belts out this one for the dance floor.

Fumes and Fireworks Amber Lawrence and Andrew Swift

These two were made to perform together. They even won female and male golden guitars together.

They are about to tour together. This song sets the scene. Good stuff.

Will Day – Find Myself a Dirt Road

One of the most underrated singers in Australia. A powerful vocal performance with a strong song about one of the most iconic country music subjects.

Tammy Moxon – Ready Now

Tammy has one of the most genuine old school country voices in Australia. This is a terrific song, it rolls along a deserted highway.

Pete O’Brien – Black Shirt

Pete is blues Rockin’ it up with this finger picking fusion song. It is a toe tapper.

Felicity Dowd – Give and Take

Felicity gets better every time that I hear her. This is a beauty. She has soul, she is smooth. Awesome stuff.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Class of ‘89 – Craig Campbell EEP

Craig Campbell is a pretty established singer/songwriter in country music now but he doesn’t forget his greatest influences who gave him direction in the first place.

Killin’ Time is Clint Black’s song who has more than Craig’s admiration. He is still recording and performing and the 80’s and nineties were huge for him.

Too Cold at Home is Mark Chesnutt’s work. Mark has been consistently good through the years and he has also proven his longevity.

Restless Heart’s Bluest Eyes in Texas may not be an obvious choice amongst this lot but it is a good song.

On the other hand – is an obvious choice – most males in country music would choose Randy Travis.

John Michael Montgomery is also a no brainer for the time frame, though Be My Baby is a bit faster than I expected.

Anymore by Travis Tritt is Craig’s favourite song and it is also one of mine.

Craig does a beautiful job of all the songs. He is a skilled singer with a stunning voice.

Play and Stop are just that – intro and outro.

As a covers EEP, it is of a high quality.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Live at the Sydney Opera House – Morgan Evans

With a plethora of Aussie country musicians leaving our shores and residing and making music in the USA, Morgan Evans is one of that gang. He is still a Novocastrian at heart and he often returns to his homeland.

He is often compared to fellow Australian, Keith Urban, though he hasn’t quite matched Keith’s success yet. He’s not far off, though.

She where do you do a LIVE album in Australia? There’s no bigger, more impressive stage than the iconic Sydney Opera House, known all around the world.

With an enthusiastic Aussie crowd, singing, cheering and clapping our boy on, the Newcastle lad makes sure that the green and gold flavour flows.

With a beautiful interlude of Bonnie Raitt’s classic I can’t make you love me, and a heartfelt introduction to Morgan’s all too true Over For You has the most epic response from a supportive crowd.

A mix of hits, Australiana and a couple of new songs.

Kita Alexander shared one of her songs with Morgan. Aussie legend John Williamson sang one of his with Morgan.

It feels like a big Aussie Celebration event but it was a day in September last year.

It is very raw, with all of the spontaneous imperfections and natural vibes of a live gig.

It is fun and full of positive energy but it is also sad and thoughtful.

I had a chuckle at some things and a tear or two about others. I hope that this goes on DVD soon as it certainly has an impact.

We can be very proud of our Aussie boy.

Splendid. Bloody rippa.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Young, Dumb and Wild – Andy Golledge

Andy surprised us by releasing this album without any considerable warning. He likes surprising us. His country music style crosses many genres. His previous album, Strength of a Queen, came from out of the blue and against a lot of Golden Guitar norms, he earned a very popular nomination from his peers for the album.

The album was a bit left of centre but I loved it. I think that I love this one even more. My fellow Tamworth native displays more Neil Young and Neil Murray here than the traditional artists but with the stories and flavours of that traditional vibe.

There’s a bit of David Gates and Townes Van Zandt and Gram Parsons here too. In the end, it is all original but with hints of those iconic artists.

Andy doesn’t like to be pigeon holed and it is actually impossible to do that, because he is so different. He’s different yet so familiar.

Andy concentrates more on performing his live shows – he loves playing to a crowd. This comes across in his recordings too, as he performs each of these songs on the album as though he is performing in front of a live audience rather than to the four walls of a studio.

In a press statement, Golledge explained that despite the album title, the title track was actually “anything but a song about being young, dumb and wild.” Rather, he said: “It’s more about holding onto that inner child that helps you create more freely. It reflects my efforts to come to terms with performance anxiety and setting myself free on stage.”

Thus, what he does and where that is coming from are totally different stories. Many of our best artists are introverts who appear to be extroverts – much like a character actor who does their best work when they put on a mask or wear a costume or put on an accent.

Andy covers a lot of bases and a lot of emotions here. The melodies travel that proverbial rollercoaster with the lyrics.

Happiness is one of my favourite songs this year, so far. It is the last track on the album and by no means least. There’s one hell of a ride to go on until we get there.

I See a Rose, Siren and Country Band aren’t far behind. Every track is different and the crowds will lap them up. You’ll be able to have a party in your loungeroom as much as you can in a bar or a hall.

This is a top notch album from a man who just keeps getting better.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches – Connie Smith

1. 1.The Other Side Of You 02:57
2. 2.Once More 02:32
3. 3.One Of These Days 02:13
4. 4.If You Won’t Tell On Me (I Won’t Tell On You) 02:43
5. 5.Drifting and Dreaming 03:05
6. 6.Country Girl 03:00
7. 7.World Of Forgotten People02:08
8. 8.Seattle 02:55
9. 9.The Fugitive 03:22
10. 10.End of the World 02:43
11. 11.Beneath Still Waters 03:10
12. 12.The Wayward Wind 03:21

When asked if this is a covers record, Smith replied, “No. Hardly. I’m singing on behalf of my friends. Hoping to share them while passing along their songs.”

A different approach, but that is Connie Smith. She hardly follows a regular route in her career…..or in her personal life. She has never changed from one viewpoint, she is a classic country music singer. Hubby, Marty Stuart has varied his music a bit over the years, but Connie has stuck to her guns and has fired off her heart. She’s not a conformer, she’s a leader.

There are 12 songs on the album, but in traditional country music form, most of the songs are 2-3 minutes each.

Marty produced this album, Connie’s 55th. Connie has a ballsy way of singing, that is, it is not so much sweet and melodic, it is in your face and proud. At 82, her voice is probably even stronger than it was in the 1960’s.

I actually fell of the lounge when the first track came on and I’m fairly deaf.

I was thrilled that the theme to one of my favourite tv shows, Here Come the Brides, (Seattle) is included.

A song normally sung by guys, (chiefly its creator, Haggard), Connie gives The Fugitive a bit of a different spin.

Her treatment of End of the World is similarly intriguing.

Most critics are saying that Connie should stick to her original stuff and that her choices of covers are a bit left of centre. I think that is Connie though and surely at 82, she has earned the right to pick and choose.

She’s sassy and full of vim and vigour – like Patsy was. Patsy may have had a sweeter voice but both know how to belt out a tune and have that element of don’t mess with me in their delivery.

Marty’s band The Fabulous Superlatives back Connie and of course do a great job.

With Beneath Still Waters, a song that Emmylou sang with a mouthful of honey, Connie almost preaches to the congregation.

Connie is immortal, I think. When we are all pushing up daisies, she’ll still be putting out albums.

She’s an original, even when she’s singing covers….er, her friends’ songs.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Organic and Gluten Free Homemade Country Style Music (May contain traces of banjo) EP – Brian Stitt

Brian Stitt and Bill Chambers often remind us why we are here in Country Musicville in the first place.

While it is great exploring all of the 94 types of country music, it is important to listen to the type of music that started it all.

Brian and Bill’s tongue in cheek, often fun and honest look at life comes shining through in this EP. Brian covers a few traditional types here – bluegrass, mountain music, and definitely some traditional leanings.

There’s a bit of Kristofferson in the opening track (think Kris’s Silver Tongue Devil and I mode).

There’s definitely a nostalgia theme to the EP and it is never more obvious than in the very cool track – Let’s Go Back.

There’s a looking on the bright side of life despite the crap on It ain’t much but it’s all I’ve got. It’s a ‘high’ note!

I was born and raised in the city is yee ha at its best. Some great guitar! It’s toe tapping bluegrass. And yes, it contains traces of banjo!

This is 10.48 minutes of pure joy. Crank it up and listen to two mates having a blast along with another Chambers’ gift to the world, Tyler, on drums.

It is way too short, but great stuff.

The Single Life – 13th April, 2024

James Blundell – Almost ANZAC Day – James changed the climate of Country Music in Australia. He saved our beloved genre in many ways. This song continues that spirit and talent.

Kirsty Lee Akers – girls are why the west is wild

How can I argue with this? I am one of the girls! Kirsty Lee combines reason with tradition, adds some contemporary beats. I have known Kirsty before she was a superstar!

Alice Benfer – old Felt hat – I love this girl for three reasons – she is keeping traditional country alive, she is a cool person and she doesn’t know how good she is. Awesome song.

Justin Landers – The Weeping Red Rose – This is a very Kaz song. Justin always hits the nail on the head.

Colin Lillie – Honky Tonk Southern Sky – You never know what to expect from Colin. Every song is so different and they are all so good

Anthony Baxter – Pride of New England – one of our most underrated musos and of course I am a bit biased with the title being a Tamworth girl. Lovely.