Somewhere in the Middle

Product Description:
"It's like going to bed for the very first time and then going to bed when you're 29you take your time a little bit more" This is how Jason Boland associates the difference between his brand new record and those in the band's collective past. When it comes to making music Jason doesn't feel that one record is the end-all be-all, but rather emerges as a timepiece, like the ever-faithful phases of life. And though his list of publicly proclaimed pet names and labels have suggested him as the ghost of country music past, Somewhere in the Middle, Jason Boland and The Stragglers' first album release in three years, delivers a seasoned sonic indulgence mellowed with age and wiser for the wear. Jason Boland's reputation as a voraciously untamed songsmith and performer has well preceded him over the years since emerging first in 1999 at the age of 25. With over 50,000 combined units sold independently, and backed by a fierce band of the musically well endowed, the Stragglers are Roger Ray (pedal steel, lead/rhythm guitar), Brad Rice (drums/backing vocals), and Grant Tracy (bass). Additional record contributions goes to Noah Jeffries on banjo, mandolin, and guitar.Let it be a warning to all: "Mellow" in this case does in no way translate to lukewarm. In fact, the irons in this fire come out blazing with the record's first track Hank. Even upon first listening, if you didn't know any better, you would swear that Jason Boland is linked to the Jennings' gene with his baritone saunter combined with Tracy's bouncy bass line. "Dirty Fighting Love," co-written with Red Dirt favorite Stoney LaRue, reigns with the grudge of a bitter lead guitar stopping for breaks in the desolate land of a heartbreak hang over. Love Song approaches with seemingly exhausted warning of not how love is lost, but rather how it is gained, while Mary whines with the prowess of Ray's pedal steel combined with Rice's surrendering groove so smooth it would make Jergen's jealous. With guest appearances from Billy Joe Shaver, Red Dirt pioneer Randy Crouch, Kathleen O'Keefe, Stoney LaRue, and Reckless Kelly's Cody Bronze, Somewhere in the Middle is sure not to disappoint.The title of this album is ironic in the way of its location being somewhat of a familiar place to Jason-who has been caught since early on somewhere between mainstream and up the proverbial creek without a paddle. That is until radio started flexing some muscle by exercising fans requests going way outside the lines of the Top 40 mandate. Initial spins were quick to prove that fans were a little more interested in quality than quantity. The band's debut album release of Pearl Snaps in 1999 put them on the map of the working musician. Truck Stop Diaries released in 2001 landed them the rarefied #1 spot on the Texas Music chart with "Travelin Jones," and the Gruene with Envy Album of the Year Award, an awards ceremony based solely on votes by the fans. Live and Loud at Billy Bob's was their next release in 2002 winning them the Gruene with Envy Live Album of the Year as well as securing them a Top 20 spot with Mexico or Crazy before the single had even been released. Jason has been called everything from the surfacing king of alt-swing to an outlaw, and in some cases even a liability. But all in all, at the end of the day what you have here are five guys who have been instrumental in putting quality music back on the radio airwaves, on the covers of magazines nationwide and on the lips of music goers everywhere. Produced by Lloyd Maines, Grammy award winning producer for the Dixie Chicks' smash album Home, and brought to you by the Smith Music Group whose series of "Live at Billy Bob's" releases have boosted Texas music record sales by 53%, fans can expect the new album unleashing by summers' end.Songs include: Hank; When I'm Stoned; Somewhere In the Middle; If You Want to Hear Love Song; Back to You; Stand Up to the Man; Radio's Misbehaving; Dirty Figthin' Love; 12 oz. Curls; Mary; Thunderbird Wine; Hell or Bust

Somewhere in the Middle,Jason Boland & the Stragglers,Smith Music Group,Alternative Country,Country,Neo-Traditionalist Country,Pop

Average customer rating: Too far in the "Dirt"? Boland Rules! Boland and Boys do it again! Red Dirt Music Rules !

Somewhere in the Middle Jason Boland & the Stragglers Manufacturer: Smith Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Pearl Snaps Live at Billy Bob's The Bourbon Legend Pearl Snaps Truck Stop Diaries ASIN: B0002NY7X6 Release Date: 2004-09-21

Tracks:

1. Hank
2. When I'm Stoned
3. Somewhere In The Middle
4. If You Want To Hear A Love Song
5. Back To You
6. Stand Up To The Man
7. Radio's Misbehaving
8. Dirty Fightin' Love
9. 12 Oz. Curls
10. Mary
11. Thunderbird Wine
12. Hell Or Bust
13. Untitled

Description

"It's like going to bed for the very first time and then going to bed when you're 29you take your time a little bit more" This is how Jason Boland associates the difference between his brand new record and those in the band's collective past. When it comes to making music Jason doesn't feel that one record is the end-all be-all, but rather emerges as a timepiece, like the ever-faithful phases of life. And though his list of publicly proclaimed pet names and labels have suggested him as the ghost of country music past, Somewhere in the Middle, Jason Boland and The Stragglers' first album release in three years, delivers a seasoned sonic indulgence mellowed with age and wiser for the wear. Jason Boland's reputation as a voraciously untamed songsmith and performer has well preceded him over the years since emerging first in 1999 at the age of 25. With over 50,000 combined units sold independently, and backed by a fierce band of the musically well endowed, the Stragglers are Roger Ray (pedal steel, lead/rhythm guitar), Brad Rice (drums/backing vocals), and Grant Tracy (bass). Additional record contributions goes to Noah Jeffries on banjo, mandolin, and guitar.Let it be a warning to all: "Mellow" in this case does in no way translate to lukewarm. In fact, the irons in this fire come out blazing with the record's first track Hank. Even upon first listening, if you didn't know any better, you would swear that Jason Boland is linked to the Jennings' gene with his baritone saunter combined with Tracy's bouncy bass line. "Dirty Fighting Love," co-written with Red Dirt favorite Stoney LaRue, reigns with the grudge of a bitter lead guitar stopping for breaks in the desolate land of a heartbreak hang over. Love Song approaches with seemingly exhausted warning of not how love is lost, but rather how it is gained, while Mary whines with the prowess of Ray's pedal steel combined with Rice's surrendering groove so smooth it would make Jergen's jealous. With guest appearances from Billy Joe Shaver, Red Dirt pioneer Randy Crouch, Kathleen O'Keefe, Stoney LaRue, and Reckless Kelly's Cody Bronze, Somewhere in the Middle is sure not to disappoint.The title of this album is ironic in the way of its location being somewhat of a familiar place to Jason-who has been caught since early on somewhere between mainstream and up the proverbial creek without a paddle. That is until radio started flexing some muscle by exercising fans requests going way outside the lines of the Top 40 mandate. Initial spins were quick to prove that fans were a little more interested in quality than quantity. The band's debut album release of Pearl Snaps in 1999 put them on the map of the working musician. Truck Stop Diaries released in 2001 landed them the rarefied #1 spot on the Texas Music chart with "Travelin Jones," and the Gruene with Envy Album of the Year Award, an awards ceremony based solely on votes by the fans. Live and Loud at Billy Bob's was their next release in 2002 winning them the Gruene with Envy Live Album of the Year as well as securing them a Top 20 spot with Mexico or Crazy before the single had even been released. Jason has been called everything from the surfacing king of alt-swing to an outlaw, and in some cases even a liability. But all in all, at the end of the day what you have here are five guys who have been instrumental in putting quality music back on the radio airwaves, on the covers of magazines nationwide and on the lips of music goers everywhere. Produced by Lloyd Maines, Grammy award winning producer for the Dixie Chicks' smash album Home, and brought to you by the Smith Music Group whose series of "Live at Billy Bob's" releases have boosted Texas music record sales by 53%, fans can expect the new album unleashing by summers' end.Songs include: Hank; When I'm Stoned; Somewhere In the Middle; If You Want to Hear Love Song; Back to You; Stand Up to the Man; Radio's Misbehaving; Dirty Figthin' Love; 12 oz. Curls; Mary; Thunderbird Wine; Hell or Bust

Customer Reviews:

Too far in the "Dirt"?.......2006-09-07

Jason came out with a classic country album "Pearl Snaps" some years ago, and I really thought at that time that we had ourselves a new, young "Outlaw" type of country music saviour. Yeah, that disc was that good. His next release, "Truckstop Diaries" was good, but it didn't quite match his debut, plus there was 'something" a little different about it. Since then, there's been this huge "Red Dirt Music" scene happening in Texas that's really big with the kids, mostly high-schoolers, and college students. Many (and I mean many)of these artists just don't have that much talent, and some of it is downright terrible but as long as they make music that is different than Nashville music, and there's a fiddle or two, the kids think that this is some kind of outlaw thing. I know many of Jason's buddies are writing this stuff, and hey, I do believe it's better for the kids to get into this rather than the bubblegum stuff coming out of Music Row, but I just thought Jason and the band were too talented for this. He seems to be gravitating to this genre, and to be honest, he's a better "country" artist than where he seems to be headed. Even though Billie Joe Shaver's on this, it doesn't save the album from being a disappointment for me. I still like this band, I just hope he gets back to writing some material I believe he's capable of writing; honest, hard-core redneck country. 3 1/2 stars.

Boland Rules!.......2005-09-09

Jason Boland is one of my favorite country singers. However, this album isn't as strong as some of his previous albums are. This is still a good album and its fun to listen as it is full of songs you'd expect from the straggler himself. If you like Boland or Outlaw Country then you will find this album enjoyable at the least.

Boland and Boys do it again!.......2004-10-16

For those who don't know, Jason Boland and The Stragglers music will kick you right in the tail. "Somewhere in the Middle" is not my favorite album of theirs, but it still smokes. Check out "Dirty Fightin' Love" and "Stand Up To The Man" if you want to know how its done down here in Texas. This album seems to be a bit more mature and polished (not in a bad way) than is previous material with a diverse selection of straight up roadhouse to western swing to rock. Billy Joe Shaver guests on a remake of his "Thunderbird" and that alone is worth the price of admission (Good to see BJS finally start to get his due). Check out "Pearl Snaps" and "Truckstop Dairies" also, they are exceptional also.

Red Dirt Music Rules !.......2004-09-23

Jason Boland and The Stragglers have long been one of my favorite "Red Dirt" bands. Boland's "Proud Souls" is one of the best songs ever written (in my humble opinion!).This latest CD, "Somewhere in the Middle" carries on the tradition of excellent songwriting (most are Boland compositions)and a steamy hot mix of Southern Rock and Texas-style Country. One thing that really caught my ear on this CD is Jason Boland's remarkable voice...like a young Waylon Jennings. Excellent musicianship from the Stragglers, who are obviously one of the tightest bands around. Hopefully, "Somewhere In The Middle" will open up a much wider audience to Red Dirt music in general. If you're not satisfied with the "Corporate Country music" so common on the radio these days, you owe it to yourself to give Jason and the Stragglers a listen. Prepare to fall in love with music again...I sure did !

Average customer rating: Great Album! An All-time Great! somewere in the middle

Somewhere in the Middle Eric Martin Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: I'm Going' Sane Destroy All Monsters Mr. Big Eric Martin Actual Size ASIN: B0000249FB Release Date: 2003-08-18

Tracks:

1. Fly on a Wall
2. Wink and a Smile
3. Don't Count Me Out
4. Kisses Stain
5. No One Said Goodbye
6. Better Day
7. Somewhere in the Middle
8. That's What I'm Here For
9. Somethin' from Nothing
10. Have I Been Here Before
11. Over My Heart
12. I Love the Way You Love Me

Album Description

Asia exclusive final re-press of 1992 solo album, long deleted elsewhere. WEA. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

Great Album!.......2006-05-12

All of Eric Martin's albums are amazing, but this one truly standouts. It is so honest and you can really feel each and every song.
The standouts for me on this one are Over My Heart, Fly On a Wall, Wink and a Smile and Something From Nothing. But they are all great.
This album is sure to please any music fan!

An All-time Great!.......2002-09-17

Beautiful tone of voice, with serious depth of composition skills shown here! I have not played this album without a comment from anyone within earshot saying "wow, who is THIS?" I have not played cut 3 "Don't Count Me Out" in front of a woman who has failed to either say "Aawwwwh, that's BEAUTIFUL!", or started to cry!! Cut 6 "Better Days" is almost reminicent of something George Harrison might have done with the Beatles at the turn of the millenium. Not a single bad song on this album! (I know precious few I can say that of).

somewere in the middle.......2001-03-07

this song is a very beutifull eric is a king of the music

Average customer rating:

Who's Your Cowboy Now? Rick Hays & American Steel Manufacturer: Rick Hays & American Steel ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA2L3W Release Date: 2002-01-01

Average customer rating:

Somewhere In The Middle Byron Zanos Manufacturer: Miera One Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000EBFLI6 Release Date: 2006-01-24

Tracks:

1. Pandora's Box
2. Down For You
3. Better Days
4. Secrets And Lies
5. Sleeping Sally
6. Stubborn
7. Blind Today
8. Sweet Melancholy
9. Pieces Missing
10. 21st Century Boy

Product Description

Blend of Melodic Pop/Rock with Jazz and Funk influence.

Average customer rating:

Mr. Sharafat Manufacturer: Kattguld Musik ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA7D3K Release Date: 2005-02-15

Average customer rating: Amazing Album! PURE GOLD Eric Martin solo at his best. THE PERFECT ALBUN It's something you can't explain...

Somewhere in the Middle Eric Martin Manufacturer: Pid ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000009GUZ Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

1. Fly On A Wall
2. Wink And A Smile
3. Don't Count Me Out
4. Kisses Stain
5. No One Said Goodbye
6. Better Day
7. Better Day
8. That's What I Am Here For
9. Somethin' For Nothin'
10. Have I Been Here Before
11. Over My Heart
12. I Wrote The Book

Album Description

Japanese edition of 1998 solo album by the former Mr. Bigleader with 'I Wrote The Book' added as a bonus track. NightRanger's Jack Blaze contributed much to the record,including writing some of the tracks with Martin. 12 trackstotal. An Atlantic release.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Album!.......2006-05-12

All of Eric Martin's albums are amazing, but this one truly standouts. It is so honest and you can really feel each and every song.
The standouts for me on this one are Over My Heart, Fly On a Wall, Wink and a Smile and Something From Nothing. But they are all great.
This album is sure to please any music fan!

PURE GOLD.......2002-08-18

About two years ago I purchased this Eric Martin CD. All it took was one listen for me to know that I had struck pure gold. Eric's soulful voice captivates the listener, and every track is phenomenal. It is, without a doubt, the best album/CD I have ever owned in my life. So sit back, relax, and ENJOY.

Eric Martin solo at his best........2002-01-01

Eric Martin solo at his best. "Somewhere in The Middle ' title track always gets the hair on my arms to stand up, it often brings tears to my eyes. It's a beautifully constructed song, soft yet- soul-ful, sometimes gritty hard-edged. Some country-esqe songs like "Fly on a Wall". funkier "Wink and a smile", awesome song writing on Ballads "Over My Heart", "I Love The Way You Love Me", "Kisses Stain". This is the one you want to play for your friends who may never have heard of Eric Martin. Chicks dig this one! The songs are 5x better though if you've been blessed to see him perform them live.

THE PERFECT ALBUN.......2001-12-20

ONLY ONE WORD:THE BEST ALBUN I EVER EAR.FANTASTIC VOICE ERIC AND GUITARS.

It's something you can't explain..........2000-03-10

It's a very amazing album. Contained tremendous songs... and it was in your life. It's what we called a reality description. He wrote and sing all about life and love, and in a perfect harmony. Maybe at first you'll think it's weird, but if you listen carefully to each word and each note, you'll get what we called...something you can't explain....

Average customer rating:

Somewhere in the Middle ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music ASIN: B000G8PDJO Release Date: 2002-01-08

Average customer rating:

Somewhere in Middle America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000G8P45W Release Date: 2004-10-05

Average customer rating:

Bush of Thorns Manufacturer: Fast Freddie Fourier and the Transfor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA3ZVO Release Date: 2004-06-22

Average customer rating:

Somewhere in the Middle Mango Jam Manufacturer: Roadwork ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music ASIN: B0007N6WWU Release Date: 1994-01-01

Tracks:

1. Sunshine
2. Miss Minnie
3. Mr. Valentine
4. Somewhere in the Middle
5. Shine into Me
6. Lu'au Feet
7. Customer
8. She's My Baby
9. (Bo'ner) N. Something That Departs from What Is Generally Held to Be A

Product Description

1. Sunshine 6. Luau Feet 2. Miss Minnie 7. Customer 3. Mr. Valentine 8. She's My Baby 4. Somewhere in the Middle 9. (Bo'ner) N. Something That Departs from What Is Generally Held to Be A 5. Shine into Me

Music Album:

1. Sound Ideas/Half Satin & Half Latin
2. Stardust [SACD]
3. Strictly Instrumental
4. Sunday Best: The Cream of the Solo Albums
5. Ten Feet Tall & Bulletproof
6. That's What Daddy Wants
7. That's Why I Sing This Way
8. The Best of David Houston
9. The Best of Restless Heart
10. The Complete Columbia & Monument Hits

Music Album