CD Review: Are You Ready For The Big Show? - Radney Foster
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Fed up with her loveless marriage, the woman in the song, "Tonight," decides she wants to go downtown and cut loose a little bit in this "break free" type of tune. "If she feels like dancin' until the mornin' light, it's heart over mind, head over heels tonight." The version of "Just Call Me Lonesome" that is on this album is done with a Latin flavor instead of the regular Country style of the original single. Hearing it performed in this way, makes me think of this song as something The Mavericks would put on an album or sing at one of their concerts. "Any of ya'll get drunk and do something stupid? Well that's what this next song is about," Radney reveals before singing "School Of Hard Knocks." The last couple of breakups hit him hard and he does not think his heart will ever recover so he runs around drinking and trying to get his heart bruised and battered by falling in love again and again. Though he is going through a truly tough time and would like to graduate from that horrible "school," he is bringing the hurt upon himself and still yearns for a life full of true love, the kind that will last for all time. Along the same lines as "School Of Hard Knocks," only with a more intense and emotional sound to it, "I'm Used To It" is a mid-tempo song that is about how the man is already used to losing women but losing this one still hurts him. He is still in love with the woman and still cries about the fact that she is long gone but he says eventually he will stop talking about it and will deal with the pain. "Leaning On What Love Can Do" is my second favorite song from "Are You Ready For The Big Show?" Whenever his love needs to talk to him and let all of her feelings show, she can go to him and he will give her comfort by listening and holding her tightly in his arms. "Nobody Wins" is a song many have heard before on the radio, and like "Just Call Me Lonesome," this one is arranged differently than the original; this tune is faster-paced and you can really hear Chris Thile (of Nickel Creek) picking away on his mandolin. Whether you have heard the Kinley's version of "I'm In" or not you will absolutely love Radney's. He wrote the song along with Georgia Middleman and the contrast of Radney's male voice singing with the female background vocals really seems to make this song pop out and be unique. Mentioned above was my second favorite song, and now it is time to reveal my number one favorite - "Texas In 1880," which is a duet with another Texas artist - Pat Green, and is also included as a bonus. Foster & Lloyd originally performed this song in 1996 on their "Essential" album. This song is so popular in Texas right now, that as of July 2 the duet sat in the number three position on the Texas Music Chart and there is no telling where it will be by the next update. "And I'll ride that pony fast, like a cowboy from the West. Be young and wild and free, like Texas in 1880. Just like Texas in 1880." In a world where all country music seems to sound alike, this album is such a rare gem that is buried in a sea of fool's gold. It has easily become a fixture in my player and will remain there for a long time. Not only do you get fine quality music, you can stick the CD in your computer and see interviews and other special features. You can also learn more about Radney's website and Song of the Month Club. Song List:
Audio clips courtesy of DualTone Records.
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