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.

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.

Totally Biased Fan Review- Wonder Women of Country EEP – Kelly, Melissa and Brennen.

1. Fly Ya To Hawaii

2. Another Broken Heart

3. Won’t Be Worried Long

4. A Thousand Ways

5. Hanging On To You

6. I Have Met My Love Today

Quote for a fellow critic: ‘Do you feel a ripple in the space/time continuum? It’s because three of the most super powered women of country have joined forces to save country music and vanquish the forces of evil. Kelly Willis, Brennen Leigh, and Melissa Carper have officially united in what is being called the Wonder Women of Country, and we are definitely here for it.’

While I heartedly agree that this is where country is, I think that there are others out there who are repairing the damage that Bubblegum pseudo country artists like that TS Sheila and bro country and C-Rap have done.

There are those who are comparing this trio to THE trio – Dolly, Linda and Emmylou and that is a tough call, though I do agree that they are worthy apprentices.

I have always loved Kelly and Brennen is already a purple air guitar winner. I am not familiar with Melissa. I will now look her up.

Whatever the cases that are pleaded, this EEP is stupendous. 6 fabulous tracks that are really worthy of the label country music.

On the song Won’t be worried long, I can hear our country music gal, Cheryls Anderson of Andersonlane.

Aussies also had Saunders, Kane and Del – our trio. These songs are awesome. Yes, they hit the nail on the old country head. Like my fellow reviewers, I am somewhat disappointed that we only got six tracks.

I want more. Come on gals, use your super powers and give us more than six.

A very special EEP. More please.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Break Mine EP – Brothers Osborne

1

Break Mine Lyrics

 639

Produced by Mike Elizondo

Written by Shane McAnally, John Osborne, T.J. Osborne & Pete Good

2

We Ain’t Good At Breaking Up (Ft. Miranda Lambert) Lyrics

 878

Featuring Miranda Lambert

Produced by Mike Elizondo

Written by Miranda Lambert, Jesse Frasure, John Osborne & T.J. Osborne

3

Back Home Lyrics

 141

Produced by Mike Elizondo

Written by John Osborne, T.J. Osborne & Lee Miller

4

Get To Movin’ Again Lyrics

 98

Produced by Mike Elizondo

Written by John Osborne, Natalie Hemby& T.J. Osborne

Brothers Osborne have apparently released this EP for the fans, supposedly something to enjoy while they work on their next album.

Back Home and We Ain’t Good At Breakin’ Up were featured on last year’s self titled album, but the other two are new tunes.

The four songs are very different to each other. The last track is very country, so country that you singalong to it without knowing the song.

The title track is an ear worm. It will be in your head all day.

We ain’t good at breakin’ up is a smooth colllaboration with MMiranda Lambert.

Back Home is an easy, familiar kind of country song.

4 good tracks from a duo who knows each other well through blood and familiarity and a shared love for music.

Totally Biased Fan Review: Evolution – Sheryl Crow

1. Alarm Clock
2. Digging in the Dirt
3. Do It Again
4. Love Life
5. You Can’t Change the Weather
6. Evolution
7. Where?
8. Don’t Walk Away
9. Broken Record
10. Waiting in the Wings

A few years ago, Sheryl Crow recorded an album with a cast of thousands. She said that it was probably her last album. Threads was released in 2018 (wow, can’t believe that it was so long ago!).

I am glad that she changed her mind. She didn’t produce it herself this time. She wanted someone else’s touch and perspective.

Sheryl Crow has had a life that is a country song. She’s had more ups and downs than a department store lift.

She wears her heart on her sleeve and takes the punches as well as she takes the plaudits.

Of course, it comes out in her music – which has never been able to fit into one box. It is undeniably grounded in country, the twang in her voice that can’t be hidden and the gentle strumming and storytelling will always link her to it. However, her music touches spots outside the genre.

This is full of haunting, different, multi-faceted songs with lyrics that pull you in and melodies that take you on a journey.

Mike Elizondo has let Sheryl concentrate on pouring her heart out while he does the technical stuff.

This is the deluxe version which has 10 tracks and the other version has 9.

There are some classic Crow touches here – like when she isn’t pulling at your heartstrings in a ballad, she sings a fun, uptempo track with just as much meaning.

Sheryl is not your average country music artist. She bends a few different ways but she always goes back to her roots.

Her co-singers and co-writers over the years have been as varied as Peter Gabriel (here), Vince Gill, Kris Kristofferson, Keith Richards and Lucius! She doesn’t follow one road.

Her voice is as powerful as ever and she can mix it with the best.

I think that her music, like Sheryl Crow, herself, is aging well.

I’m glad that she got back in the saddle.