If That Ain't Country

Amazon.com
Singing, "I never bought into psychological stuff / And never claimed to be a bona fide genius" on "Venus," Anthony Smith, the writer of hits for George Strait and Montgomery Gentry, summarizes what makes his decidedly unsubtle debut effort so elemental and convincing. "If That Ain't Country" and "Up to the Depth" reflect his direct yet witty, idiosyncratic lyrical spins filtered through a snarling voice. "Metropolis" conjures up Scarecrow-era John Mellencamp, the rocker closest to Smith's style. Delivered in his best raconteur mode, the witty, engaging "Airborn" tells a tale of a stunt daredevil finding romance. Bobby Terry's edgy, focused production mixes acoustic instruments with punchy amplified backing. The result? An atmosphere devoid of power ballads, empty metaphors, radio froth, and other unbearable Nashville clichés. Even Smith's reflective side avoids the bathos that undercuts many current singers. If anyone could bridge the gap between alt-country and the mainstream, Smith may be the one. In today's style-obsessed climate, it's like hearing Waylon or Hank. Jr. for the first time. --Rich Kienzle

If That Ain't Country,Anthony Smith,Mercury Nashville,Contemporary Country,Country,Country & Western,Pop

Average customer rating: Absolutely the Best Album! It doesn't get any better than this!! One of the best albums I've ever purchased My favorite record this year.... John J.

If That Ain't Country Anthony Smith Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Then Came the Night Unconditional Outlaw Jace Everett Wings of a Honky Tonk Angel ASIN: B000068TMU Release Date: 2002-08-20

Tracks:

1. Who Invented The Wheel
2. If That Ain't Country
3. John J. Blanchard
4. Impossible To Do
5. Half A Man
6. Metropolis
7. Up To The Depth
8. Airborn
9. What Brothers Do
10. Hell Of A Question
11. Venus
12. Infinity

Amazon.com

Singing, "I never bought into psychological stuff / And never claimed to be a bona fide genius" on "Venus," Anthony Smith, the writer of hits for George Strait and Montgomery Gentry, summarizes what makes his decidedly unsubtle debut effort so elemental and convincing. "If That Ain't Country" and "Up to the Depth" reflect his direct yet witty, idiosyncratic lyrical spins filtered through a snarling voice. "Metropolis" conjures up Scarecrow-era John Mellencamp, the rocker closest to Smith's style. Delivered in his best raconteur mode, the witty, engaging "Airborn" tells a tale of a stunt daredevil finding romance. Bobby Terry's edgy, focused production mixes acoustic instruments with punchy amplified backing. The result? An atmosphere devoid of power ballads, empty metaphors, radio froth, and other unbearable Nashville clichés. Even Smith's reflective side avoids the bathos that undercuts many current singers. If anyone could bridge the gap between alt-country and the mainstream, Smith may be the one. In today's style-obsessed climate, it's like hearing Waylon or Hank. Jr. for the first time. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely the Best Album!.......2005-04-13

This album needs more reviews to ensure everyone gets a chance to listen to it. Without more said, it is one of the best written collection of songs you will probably ever hear. Anthony Smith is well-known with his songwriting hits for other artists, but on his first album you will get to hear the man himself give voice (and what a voice it is) to HIS music. He reminds me of the great talent of John Prine, who has been refered to as one of America's greatest songwriters; I believe Anthony Smith will be viewed in the same light in the years to come. So, that being said, it shouldn't surprise you to know his follow-up album is first on my list.

It doesn't get any better than this!!.......2004-03-17

All I can say is this is an incredible CD from start to finish. Living in Nashville I'm lucky enough to see Anthony around town about once a month.....if you like this CD wait till you hear the new music!!!! He is a wonderful person as well.

One of the best albums I've ever purchased.......2004-02-08

I have never felt obligated to write anything about an artist on here but I had to put down my thoughts on Anthony Smith. I hardly ever purchase any "new country" but after listening to some of the samples of this album on here I was blown away by the traditional sound and knew I had to get it. I can't figure out why he didn't release more than 3 songs off of this CD. Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 are all bona fide hits. And I'm not talking about just your average country radio "hits" these are true country songs that Willie, Waylon and David Allan Coe would have all been proud to sing. I can't figure out why this guy isn't a superstar right now. He's been mostly known as a songwriter but his voice has that perfect "outlaw" sound to it. If you're a true country music fan you owe it to yourself to buy this album. Anthony, your first one was a masterpiece, can't wait to see what you have for us in the future!!

My favorite record this year...........2003-07-25

Wow, I love everything about this record. Besides the stunning songs and awesome voice, this record absolutely kicks sonic butt with a killer mix by Brian Tankersley. But the most amazing thing is the band--fresh, tight and punchy. Then I read the liner notes and find it is produced and recorded by Bobby Terry. Cool. Then I read a little farther, and find "all instruments and background vocals by Bobby Terry". Who is this guy??? It's pretty easy to pick out one man band records, but not here. This guy is a killer.

Oh yeah, did I mention the songs are killer and he sings great, with a depth that belies his age. Order it now--you will not be disappointed!

John J........2003-07-24

"In the mind of John J. Blanchard" was just the beginning of my admiration for Anthony! I call it pure country, with a whole lotta blues added in! This CD has rocked and many of my friends have really cocked an ear to listen to this guy and the messages his music sends. It is great to listen to this kind of music for a change and I am a country fan.

Average customer rating: DAC's quintisential live album I'm Burning Up The Road Don't get much better. Good But Not Great A super record for all DAC fans and others.

David Allan Coe Live: If That Ain't Country David Allan Coe Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Live at Billy Bob's Texas David Allan Coe - 17 Greatest Hits Live from the Iron Horse: Biketoberfest '01 Original Outlaw Unchained/Son of the South: Plus ASIN: B000002BVF Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

1. Talkin' To The Blues
2. Soul Shine
3. Willie, Waylon And Me
4. The Ghost Of Hank Williams
5. There's No Holes In These Hands
6. Desperate Man
7. Long Haired Redneck
8. Jack Daniels, Jack Daniels, Jack Daniels Please
9. Take This Job And Shove It
10. The Ride
11. You Never Ever Called Me By My Name
12. Would You Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)
13. When I Was A Young A Man
14. If That Ain't Country (Part 2)
15. Son Of The South

Customer Reviews:

DAC's quintisential live album.......2005-06-21

This 1997 release was Coe's first new major label album in ten years! It his his best live album due to overdub tweaking after-the fact to make sure the sound was superb. This is actually more of a southern rock album. One of Coe's finest efforts. Live at Billy Bob's is his 2nd best live album but the musicianship can't compare to this disc. Top notch!

I'm Burning Up The Road.......2003-10-29

Victoria Johns screamed like Willie, Waylon and Me. Victoria's boyfriend got the love songs like Long Haired Redneck and Would You Lay With Me. Victoria said she likes Take This Job and Shove It, that's where Brett Bodine got the commerical with Johnny Paycheck at his car in 1997. After 6 years, Johnny Died before the movie stars at Nov. 14. The Ride is good when Jeff Green make this and down the parachute after the movie Take This Job and Shove It. If That Ain't Country was hot and Son of the South is hot like The Johns brothers, Edan, Chris and Jason Johns.

Don't get much better........2001-03-13

There is only one criticism of this disc. The fact that it has an ending. You'll be looking for more when this disc comes to an end. Another two hours of the music on this album would be the only satisfying prescription.

Good But Not Great.......1999-12-12

This is an enjoyable set of country-rock featuring former Allman Brother Warren Haynes on a couple of tracks. Besides Coe's most famous tunes (Take This Job & Shove It" & "You Never Even Called Me By My Name"), the highlight is the uptempo "Desperate Man", punctuated by some lively Clapton-esque guitar, and the classic drinking-song-singalong-style "Jack Daniels." Although the only real clunker is the (thankfully) brief a capella version of "Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)", most of the tunes are slow to mid-tempo. The band never really rocks out until the closing "Son of the South." If you're looking for outlaw country with some more bite to it, check out Shaver's "Unshaven:Live" CD!

A super record for all DAC fans and others........1998-10-16

DAC is an artist who after all his years in making music still feels new. As I live in Sweden and can't see him live it`s like "beeing there" when I hear this record.

Thank's David Maj-Britt B Magnusson Sweden

Music Album:

1. Interiors [Content/Copy-Protected CD] [Original recording remastered]
2. Jam
3. Jewel of the South
4. King of the Railroad-21 Country Tracks [Import]
5. Large As Life & Twice As Natural [Import] [Original recording remastered]
6. Let Er Buck: 25 Authentic Cowboy Songs [Import]
7. Live [Import] [Live]
8. Lone Star Rag: 1937-1949, Vol. 2 [Import]
9. Love Letters
10. Mark Chesnutt

Music Album