MUSIC: "Just By Being You (Halo and Wings)"

"I'll take off my halo if you take off your wings,
You don't have to be invincible 'cause I sure ain't no saint,
You'll always be by angel no matter what you do,
'Cause you take me to heaven just by being you."

With these poignant words, the chorus on country duo Steel Magnolia's hit single, "Just By Being You (Halo and Wings)", reaches beautifully lyrical heights. The voices of the two singers, real life couple Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones, blend perfectly and with such true emotion, you can't help but believe every honky tonk note in the country ballad. Here's hoping their forthcoming studio album has as much grit and emotion as this one song does! Head over to iTunes and download it today!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: "What I'd Give"

Words can not express how deeping saddened and disappointed I was in Sugarland's lead-off single from their upcoming fourth studio album. (So disappointed I won't even mention the title of that barely-country Jamaica-ska infused mess of a wannabe hip-hop song.)

That being said, the band offered a contest to fans to create a video for one of their favorite Sugarland songs. The winner chose the tune "What I'd Give" off their third album Love On The Inside. The song is beautiful and the videographer did an amazing job of tying together footage of the country duo to really capture the essence of the song.

I think I'll just bookmark this video and play it when, or if, Jennifer and Cristian decide to release another travesty of a single...ah, the good ole days!

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: Justin Townes Earle

Named after the late country singer Townes Van Zandt and the son of country rocker Steve Earle, Nashville native Justin Townes Earle seemed destined to be a star. His funky acoustic style, coupled with a preternatural songwriting ability and pleasant folk voice, make for a commendable musical effort.

The 28 year-old's third album in two years, Harlem River Blues, debuts tomorrow, but be sure to check out his "earlier" material, including 2009's "Midnight At The Movies" and 2008's "The Good Life". Like an old pair of jeans that you forget about how much you love them until you slip then on, Earle's music is vintage and contemporary all at once; each song makes you want to sing along until you realize you don't know the lyrics.

While the parts of his name already have household recognition, hopefully it won't be long before they collectively do. This is an up-and-coming artist worthy of your ear.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: From A Table Away

The name may not be familiar, but Sunny Sweeney is no stranger to the country music scene. Her debut album, Heartbreaker's Hall Of Fame, released back in 2007 was a hit with critics but failed to chart or really get any radio attention. Her debut single, "From A Table Away" off her untitled forthcoming album is doing the opposite, currently at #46 on Billboard's Country Chart.

The song is about a woman who sees the married man she's been seeing at a restaurant with his wife. In the course of the affair, as suspected, he's seemingly been telling her that he is miserable and will leave his wife for this mistress. The events that unfold across the room tell a different story, however.

And I heard you tell her you still love her,
So it doesn't matter what you say,
I saw it all,
From a table away.

It isn't a vengeful song - a route many country artists may have choosen to take - but one of quiet acceptance. The idea that anyone who engages in infidelity can't be as honest and pious as they seem and shouldn't be trusted in either relationship.

You can download the song for free, along with several others by going to www.people.com/free and entering the code into your iTunes account. In the meantime, before the full album drops, check out Sweeney's previous and underappreciated CD. I know I will!

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "The House Rules"

Just in time for the rowdy weekend ahead, do yourself a favor and download country new-comer Christian Kane's "The House Rules". Off his self-titled EP, the barn-raising party anthem is just what you need to have playing on repeat before going out or blasting through the speakers at the bar at closing time. Above a screaming guitar and rocking harmonica, Kane implores the crowd to just come in have a good time, checking their attitudes and problems at the door. Sounds like a plan to me!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: Big City Blues

Keith Gattis has been in the country music business for awhile now. His first self-titled album debuted in 1996 and scored the bluesy singer-songwriter a spot on the country music charts. His second album, Big City Blues, released in 2005, is a inspiring second effort overflowing with toe-tapping, gritty, soulful country music at its best. Perfectly fusing Nashville's Broadway with its Printer's Alley a couple of blocks away, his sophomore effort will not disappoint.

Some of the standout tracks include the titular track, "Big City Blues", and smooth as whisky ballad "The Bottom". My personal favorite, however, is the instrumentally sparse and haunting "Somebody Told Me" in which Gattis speaks to a soon-to-be ex-lover, imploring her with "somebody told me you're sick of your man."

Fellow Nashville artist Miranda Lambert has said she used Gattis as inspiration while recording her hit album, Revolution. It's obviously paying off for Lambert, so why not check out an under-appreciated talent for yourself!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: Getting Dressed in the Dark

In June we ZONINO!ed the country single, "Pray For You" by new-comers Jaron and the Long Road to Love. The catchy and snarky tune is a hit on the country charts and it would not be a surprise to hear about this entire album much more come awards season.

Getting Dressed in the Dark is as solid a debut as any artist could hope for. Featuring amazing melodies and awe-inspiring lyrics, the album delivers superbly on the very first listen. Aside from the aforementioned hit single, some other standout tracks include "Without Her Leaving" , about a repenting lover, and the upbeat "I Hope You Hit Traffic", which begs quaintly for a lover's return.

Get the entire album and you won't be sorry, especially when the rest of this disc slowly gains chart success over the next year. Otherwise, download the recommended songs and fall for is one well-crafted tune at a time.

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: "Pray For You"

I have an unhealthy obsession with vengeful break-up songs. Usually such songs are written and performed by a female artist against some guy who wronged her in love. Face it, it's difficult for a male artist to successfully convey this sense of being wronged without coming across as unnecessarily violent or just being a cry-baby. (In the country music genre, for example, I can't see Tim McGraw or Gary Allen having any success with the Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" or Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats.")

Newcomers Jaron and the Long Road to Love perform this feat with fantastic finesse and grit in their single "Pray For You". Formerly of the early 2000's pop duo, Evan & Jaron, the later of the twin brothers has ventured back to his folk roots with a country album due later this month, Getting Dressed In The Dark. The lead single finds the crushed guy in a quasi-spiritual state, reflecting on how the preacher tells him "we must not condemn," and to "let the good Lord do His job; you just pray for them." With this, the remainder of the song consists of a long list of biting things on his prayer list for this girl who breaks hearts.

"I pray your birthday comes and nobody calls,
I pray you're flying high when your engine stalls,
I pray all of your dreams never come true.
But most of all, I pray for you."

Wouldn't it be nice if all ex's cared so much?

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "If I Die Young"

"A penny for you thoughts,
No wait, make it a dollar.
They're worth so much more,
After I'm a gonner.
Then maybe you'll hear the words I've been singing,
It's funny when you're dead how people start listening."

The bridge of The Band Perry's single "If I Die Young" captures the youthful bouyance of the entire song. Performed with limited production and simple instrumentation by a trio of siblings, lead singer Kimberly Perry announces her musical will in a happy and ethereal voice. Not the least bit depressing, she asks to "layed down on a bed of roses" and that they "sing me away with the words of a love song." Not a bad funeral service if you ask me!

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: ACM Victories!!!

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) held its 45th annual awards show last night in Las Vegas, and wouldn't you know it? A whole bunch of our own ZONINO!ed artists and songs were not only nominated, but WON! Maybe the academy is fan of ZONINO! after all...

Congratulations to winners:

- Miranda Lambert for Album of the Year (Revolution), Video of the Year ("White Liar"), and Top Female Performer of the Year.

- Lady Antebellum for Record of the Year (Need You Now), Song of the Year ("Need You Now"), and Top Vocal Group of the Year.

- Carrie Underwood for the Triple Crown Award and the coveted Entertainer of the Year.

MUSIC: Women & Country

If Lyle Lovett, Hank Williams, and Ryan Adams joined forces to create an album, I imagine it would sound something like The Wallflower's lead singer and Bob Dylan offspring, Jakob Dylan's second solo album Women & Country. With a mostly mellow and semi-acoustic vibe, Dylan croons his way through this collection of thoughtful and clever songs that can not easily be boxed into one single genre. Combining hints of old-school country, alternative rock, jazz, swing, and perhaps even a little traditional Mexican folk music, each song is a gift in and of itself, waiting to be unwrapped by the ears and relished by the soul.

Helmed by über-producer T-Bone Burnett (albums O Brother Where Art Thou, Raising Sand, and recent Grammy-winning song "The Weary Kind") and featuring backing vocals by indie-rock queen Neko Case this album is bound to be one of the biggest records of the year. Single "Everybody's Hurting" pleas for understanding while "Lend A Hand" is a quiet call to arms for humankind with a smoky New Orlean's club feel. My favorites are tied between the coy "Smile When You Call Me That" and "Holy Rollers For Love", which could only be made more perfect by riding a horse slowly through the desert with a rose-colored sunset cresting the horizon.

Sergio del Limónar

RAIN WEEK: "Songs About Rain"

Part 1 of 5
Following the old children's rhyme, about April showers bringing May flowers, ZONINO! presents seven of our favorite "rain-themed" things.

Back in August of 2009 we did a special on Gary Allan so it only seems appropriate that we repeat his phenomenal tear-streaked ballad, "Songs About Rain".

There are many classic tunes that could easily music contenders for the list of great rain-related music, but fortunately Allan takes care of them all for us in this one song, from his See If I Care album from 2003. The heartbroken guy in the song wants nothing more that to take his mind of his current state of emotion with a happy song or two. The radio, however, has different plans and "just keeps playing songs about rain." Conway Twitty's "Rainy Night In Georgia"*, Elvis Presley's "Kentucky Rain" and British band, The Fortunes', "Here Comes That Rainy Day Feeling Again" are among the few that seem to haunt his radio dial.

Sergio del Limónar

*originally recorded by R&B artist Brook Benton in 1970 (thank you Wikipedia).

MUSIC: "Need You Now" cover

A great song is a great song, no matter the genre. About a month ago, Sergio ZONINO!ed the Lady Antebellum hit single "Need You Now". Not being a huge fan or follower of country music, it took me a second to figure out why the version I heard recently by R&B group, Ahmir, sounded so familiar.

The cover, done in four-part harmony with standard R&B stylings, holds true to all the pain, longing, and angst of the original version. Though not a duet this time around, the lyrics and message are just as powerful. The new single is available on iTunes so go download it now!

Buzzy

MUSIC: The Harters

One of the newest country acts to hit the Nashville scene is the sibling band The Harters. Hailing from Arizona, and composed of brothers Michael and Scott, along with sister and lead vocalist, Leslie, the group and their air-tight harmonies are a throw-back to classic country ballads with a modern update. The trio recently released their debut EP, Family. Love. Harmony. on iTunes with a full-length album to follow later this year.

ZONINO! featured their single "Jenny" back in August and the other songs on the aforementioned EP are just as phenomenal. Check out the catchy and sliding "Gettin' Out of Dodge" or the call-and-response "Why I Cry" and be the first of your friends to say you new the band before they exploded out of our radios and are showered with Grammy's, CMA's, and ACM's.

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: "Nothing To Lose"

I'm a little confused and disgusted by the latest musical collaboration, which, incidentally, is what lead me to investigate it in the fist place. Off of ex-Poison front-man Bret Michael's next as-yet-untitled solo album comes the single, "Nothing To Lose" featuring...(wait for it)...Miley Cyrus.

I don't know if this is some last desperate attempt at getting Bret some new younger fans (younger than the girls that watched the VH1 celeb-reality sex romp "Rock of Love") or Miley using daddy's connections to access a more mature and possibly edgier audience. Either way, I really don't want to know. I feel I would be disappointed in someone and some point in this musical journey.

Regardless, its a pretty good song and I think it has potential to chart well. With a slightly rock, slightly country vibe, Michaels sings about asking a girl to fall for him after she's been burned too many times before.

"If been totaled and put down,
Wearing my heart on my sleeve,
Yeah, those scars that you wear,
Well, I've got them to can't you see?"

If you don't think about Micheals' sexual reputation and Cyrus' age, it's a sweet song.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "Need You Now"

"And I wonder if I ever cross your mind, for me it happens all the time."

No doubt many a broken couple has asked this question to the emptiness of the night. ZONINO! favorite, country trio Lady Antebellum, nails the sentiment beautifully on their lead-off single, "Need You Now", from their sophomore album of the same name. The single has already reached the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard 100 Hot Country Songs as well as the Canadian equivalent, the Canadian Radio & Records Country Singles.

"It's a quarter after one, I'm all alone and I need you now.
I said I wouldn't call but I lost all control and I need you now.
And I don't know how I can do without; I just need you now."

"Lady A" has performed this song recently on this year's 52nd Grammy Awards ceremony and 2009's 43rd Annual CMA's, each time with heartbreaking beauty. If anyone thought this group was destined to be a flash in the country pan, they're not thinking that now!

Sergio del Limónar

MUSIC: Sarah Siskind

Please do yourself a favor and check out Sarah Siskind. Her debut album, Say It Louder, is getting all kinds of deservedly good reviews, including Bob Dylan collaborator, Al Kooper, who said it "might be 'Tapestry' for the new millennium."

Die a little when you listen to "Lovin's For Fools".

Mrs. Fitzsimmons 1

MUSIC: Emerald City EP

If you haven't checked out Connecticut native and current Nashville resident Sarah Lou Richards' recently released five song EP "Emerald City", you are behind the curve my friend! Go to iTunes immediately!

Taking inspiration from artists as diverse as mainstream acts like the Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert, and Bonnie Raitt to alternative singer-songwriters Ryan Adams, Patty Griffin, Keri Noble, and David Wilcox, Richards has crafted a debut cache of self-penned tunes that show of her talent not only as a vocalist but also as lyricist.

Supported on the guitar by step-brother Ryan Van Arkel, and recorded at Aim For Zero Studios in Waterloo, Iowa, Richards shines on the heartbreaking "Time To Go" and "Space." Also taking center stage is the motivational "Milemarker 1" which chronicles the daily struggles and triumphs of the independent artist.

Rounding out the disc are the tell-off anthem "He Wears Womens' Jeans" and soul-exposing "Made Her Stay."

This is just the start for this rising star. Be the first of your friends to get your ears tuned to this raw young and honest singer.

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "Cowboy Casanova"

Carrie Underwood is a genius. The first single, "Cowboy Casanova," from her third studio album,Play On, is a catchy country-pop confection typical of Underwood's previously released and wildly popular hits. This song becomes ZONINO!-worthy, however, because of it's video.

The song, a man-bashing anthem about a guy who uses and loses women like it's going out of style, will appeal to Underwood's female fan base without a problem. In the video, Underwood tries like an Oklahoma tumble weed catching a good breeze to appeal to the guys. Placing the video in the brothels of either the wild west or the French Quarter of New Olreans and sporting classy yet sexy period costumes inspired by the 1920's and '30's, Underwood and her troupe of fellow dancers choreograph their way through the catchy tune, all the while this said "casanova" lurks about in the shadows.

Bravo, Carrie! Looks like a great start to another year of well deserved awards for you!

Sergio del Limonar

MUSIC: "Stay" cover

One of my all-time favorite country songs of all time is the beautifully tragic and powerful "Stay" written by Jennifer Nettles and performed by her band Sugarland. The song is sung from the point of view of "the other woman" in a cheating relationship, begging the man to stay with her instead of going back to his wife. It is sad and heartbreaking and, in the end, the mistress gets up the strength to get back on her feet and walk away, effectively telling her lover to stay where he is.

I heard recently that a cover of the song was being released by British ex-boybander Ronan Keating. Keating clearly is a fan of country music as he has recorded the bluegrass staple "When You Say Nothing At All" as well as dueted with LeAnn Rimes on the moving "Last Thing On My Mind."

Keating's version of "Stay," off his recently released Winter Songs, while not quite capturing the angst and quivering sadness that only Nettles could muster, is still a decent effort. The song is ambiguous enough that, with a few noun changes, easily suits a male's perspective just as well as the original does a female's. ZONINO! to covering a great song well!