Gretchen Wilson - Here for the Party (Dual Disc)

While the Super Audio and DVD Audio formats failed to make much a dent in sagging music sales, I have a good feeling about the new Dual Disc format. It combines the best of both CD and DVD worlds while giving audiophiles a reason to smile with the high resolution 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound.

In less than a year's time, Gretchen Wilson has emerged to become the biggest female artist in country music (who is not named Shania). As if to confirm her status, Sony BMG Nashville has re-issued Gretchen's "Here For The Party" CD as the first country CD to be released in the new, exciting Dual Disc format. The Dual Disc format is simply a two sided disc that has CD audio on one side and a DVD on the other side. Since there's a DVD side, the music is mixed in 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound (just like a movie) and a disc typically has some bonus content like videos, interviews and more.

As for the music content on the CD, it's the same as the original CD. The best tracks are also the first five tracks on the CD, four of which are Top 10 singles, "Here For The Party," "When I Think About Cheatin," "Homewrecker" and the song that started it all "Redneck Woman." Probable fifth single "Holdin' You" is the other song. The other standout track on this great CD is Gretchen's ode to her hometown: "Pocahontas Proud."

There really is nothing to lose by picking up this CD. The music is quality while the DVD side presents the first three music videos with an interview and Gretchen singing "Holding You" acoustically and performing "Outlaw Woman" with Hank Williams, Jr. on CMT's "Outlaws" show. Her acceptance speech from the CMA Awards is also featured here. The Dual Disc is a revolutionizing format. Check it out.