Free iTunes Downloads

This Nashville group perfectly illustrates the mixture of twang and commercial rock that helps keep country music alive and thriving with a new generation. “Don’t Wake Me” is a cut from Love and Theft’s upcoming World Wide Open album. Members Brian Bandas, Stephen Barker Liles, and Eric Gunderson intertwine their vocals to create excellent harmonies, and there’s a fiddle not too far off in the mix of what’s primarily an uptempo rock ballad with country soul. If you like the track, check out the EP.

Missouri’s David Nail has been releasing solid, no-frills country music since 2002. He’s blessed with a confident vocal style that gives a little heartland sincerity to his poetic examinations of the day-to-day. “Red Light” is a perfect example of his charms; instead of launching into a road-rage diatribe when stuck at a stoplight, Nail finds the simplicity and beauty of those passing by, crossing the street, and otherwise involved in this ritual. Granted, his whole world outside of this street corner is crashing down around him, but still — it’s a nice image.

This four-piece country pop act was formed in Nashville last year and they’ve quickly been assembling their debut album. The group is made up of brothers Tom Gossin and Mike Gossin, Rachel Reinart, and the winner of the 2002 TV show, America’s Most Talented Kid, Cheyenne Kimball. Together they’ve whipped up a new party anthem in the form of “Wild At Heart.”

The Eli Young Band are a Texas quartet based around the soulful sounds of Mike Eli and James Young. The group puts forth a sound that is somewhere between contemporary country pop and the electric-guitar-driven classic rock of ’70s greats like the Eagles. “When It Rains” is a nice mix of acoustic rhythm guitars and slow-burning rock suitable for sunsets and long goodbyes. If you like the track, check out the album.

Canadian Adam Gregory signed his first record deal when he was hardly a teen and has since relocated to the country capital of the world: Nashville, U.S.A. On spirited “Crazy Days,” the 23-year-old crooner shows a romantic side — serenading a longtime sweetheart. Amidst springy guitars and thundering reverb, Gregory reminds his love of days when their hearts beat wildly, they watched fireflies glowing beneath the stars, and dreamed of spending forever together.

Mississippi’s Randy Houser is a newcomer the country music world, the recording side of things, at least. He’s been working as a songwriter in Nashville the past few years (most famously co-writing “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” – the Trace Adkins smash). Now on his own, “Anything Goes” is country-rock barnstormer with a touch of New Orleans-creeping up through the keys. If you like the track, check out the album.

“My Roots Are Showing” is a rip-roaring cut from Canadian country singer Crystal Shawanda. The song is a far cry from the mannered country pop that makes headlines – this cut is a heavy rocker in the vein of Gretchen Wilson with a touch of the Charlie Daniels Band. The song is taken from Shawanda’s debut, Dawn of a New Day.

This husband-and-wife duo didn’t quite win the crown on Can You Duet, but they instantly won us over with “Cheater, Cheater.” Joey’s magnetic charisma reminds us of Dolly Parton and her Tennessee drawl rises above swampy acoustics to deliver an anthem targeting two-timing husbands. She also fires a few barbs at floozies who get tangled in someone else’s marriage. Watch out.

Too bad that the Lost Trailers’ “Holler Back” wasn’t released a few months earlier. Otherwise, it very well could have been a strong dark horse for single of the summer. Opening with sassy fiddle and a humorous spoken word verse, this modern country gem builds up to a chorus featuring not only a tight backing vocalist but call and response shouts. So give “Holler Back” a listen and extend your summer — at least in spirit!

Alabama’s Jamey Johnson has building up a strong fanbase since he debuted with “The Dollar” three years ago. In that time, he’s grown as a songwriter – inviting comparisons to Trace Adkins and George Strait (both of whom have sung his songs). Indeed, Johnson’s deep, rich vocals and rock-based twang have him on the fast track towards critical and commercial success.

More information for this free itunes download »