REVIEWS...

Each month, this section will be updated with other music fans' reviews of music, videos, or whatever else is submitted to me.  I have included a contact email address for those who submit reviews.  If you submit a review and do not wish to be listed for contact, let me know.  Please give feedback on the reviews.

These album reviews are from Michael Holland.

I just picked up the new Trisha Yearwood entitled "Inside Out."  Although her last cd was ambitious, it did not have the emotional impact of her greatest work. Yearwood is at her best when she uses her soulful voice to the utmost expression, and "Inside Out" evokes that soul throughout.  The cd starts off with a bang with a lovely ballad "Love Alone."  The chorus shimmers: "e don't need no bag of silver/We don't need no fields of gold/Don't it make you high/Make you want to fly/Knowing we can live on love alone."  The cd then moves into the current single "I Would Have Loved You Anyway" where the influence of Linda Ronstadt is apparent.  Roseanne Cash makes a special appearance on the cover of "Seven Year Ache."  Yearwood has the right kind of voice to remake this song, and her rendition is charming, and it is good to hear from Ms. Cash again. Two stand out tracks include the duet with Don Henley on the title cut and "Melancholy blue," two gorgeous ballads that showcase Yearwood impeccable taste in selecting music that resonates.  Also noteworthy is the TreyBruce/Rebecca Lynn Howard composition "I Don't Paint Myself Into Corners."  Overall, this is a splendid return for Yearwood. 

 ****out of **** stars.

K.T. Oslin, "Live Close By, Visit Often" - K.T. Oslin tends to record a new cd every 6-7 years, and what a shame it is for music listeners to go without her charismatic voice and views on life. Ms. Oslin used a variety of musical influences on the new cd from Latin influences, to blues, and even dance music.  The album was produced by Raul Malo of The Mavericks, and the album offers the following treats. The opening title cut is full of sass, and it is quite splendid. Ms. Oslin sings about wanting a man, not as a husband, but for a little companionship.  It has all the makings of a hit single, but expands the limitations set forth at country radio. "I Can't Remember Not Loving You" is a perfect country song...beautifully performed. And Ms. Oslin does a remake of the Rosemary Clooney classic, "Come On-A My House" that blends dance and electronica together...a real treat.  This is a noteworthy album from an artist that dares to be herself.  The musical worldrejoices...

*** 1/2 out of ****

Patty Loveless, "Mountain Soul" - Ms. Loveless released the right album at the right time.  Though she had been planning on an album of Appalachian music for quite some time now, the resurgence in popularity of the genre coincided with the album's release.  Though she has always been a critic's darling and an "important" singer, this album really shows her influence in the Nashville community, and establishes her as one of the all-time greats.  Ms. Loveless is the perfect singer to record Appalachian music.  The roots of Appalachian music is telling stories through the voice.  The voice itself is an instrument to create mournful tones.  Since Ms. Loveless' voice embodies these elements, it is appropriate.  Sparsely produced, the cd uncovers many gems.  "The Boys Are Back In Town" opens the cd.  This frolicking number jump starts the album, and the voices really shine.  "Daniel Prayed" is just absolutely gorgeous.  It tells the biblical tale of Daniel and the lions' den.  Travis Tritt guests on a few duets on the cd as well, "Out Of Control Raging Fire" and "I Know You're Married (But I Love You Still)." Their voices blend perfectly, and it makes you wonder why these two artists have not recorded together sooner.  Two highlights of the cd are "Pretty Little Miss" which is a sonic masterpiece, and "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive" which chronicles the plight of the coal miners as they migrate to farms, and eventually to the Midwest where they worked in steel mills.  Just a wonderful, beautiful, mournful song, and it's all Patty!!! 

**** out of ****