 “BRANDED COUNTRY”, the
latest cd by Garlin Hackney comes with
a warning on the cover,” contents may be way too country”. Is
there really any such thing? If you measure your country by today’s
standard Nashville releases, then the answer may be yes. If you
measure your country by the contents of REAL COUNTRY
music, then the answer is NO WAY!!!
Today’s major country hit makers in general don’t
make country music. Mostly pop –crossover, or rock with a country title.
Back in the hay days of country, the polished Nashville sound included a
steel guitar and a fiddle, not a lot of smoke and mirrors.
 If
you happen to be one of the few that remember when the outlaw movement was
led by REAL OUTLAWS, like WAYLON, WILLIE, KRIS, CASH, HAG, D.A.C., then
BRANDED COUNTRY” is your next 'must
listen to' album. It contains 8 original, real country (Did I mention
REAL) songs. Seven were written by the artist himself .This is the first
album I’ve heard in a long while that resonates seventies country like
time stood still.
 A few stand out tunes on the cd are track 2.
My Heart Skips a Beat ~ Hackney bares an uncanny resemblance to Johnny
Paycheck. Track 3,
Here Comes the Night, has a lot of Charlie Rich type smoothness and
characteristics. Very polished, warm and mellow. Track 4,
Branded
Man, is a tribute to Merle Haggard. While there may never be
another “Hagg”, Hackney does a nice job on the track. I think Merle
himself would by proud that his music lives on. The last track 10.
I Don't Know Where I'm Going, features an excellent fiddle and steel
solo. It has a flow similar to some Marshal Tucker tunes but definitely a
country song!!
Overall, the vocals are very crisp and clear. The
musicians are top quality. The production is very polished and smooth. A
well made album that sounds so authentic, you’ll swear it’s a reissue of
seventies hits without all the vinyl clicks and pops. You do remember
vinyl right?
1. It Ain't Workin (without You)
2. My Heart Skips a Beat
3. Here Comes the Night
4. Branded Man
5. Standin in the Shadows
6. My Love For You
7. Nothin Your Memory Can't Do
8. Wish You Didn't Have to Go
9. Somewhere in My Mind
10. I Don't Know Where I'm Going
ATTN: Southern Rock and Country Artists - contact
WES NANCE -
Our Southern Rock and Country Reviewing Specialist.
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