#yeehawuk

[phillystock]

Chicken on a Chain Songwriters: M Callahan Performed by: M Callahan Album: Chicken On A Chain EP Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ A song named after a rodeo bull - it doesn't really get anymore country than that. M Callahan resides firmly within the realm of the genre, and does not shy away from his roots. His performance at YeeHaw festival stood out for all of the right reasons, his low drawling vocals, slide guitar and humorous lyrics to match. Callahan has written this single around the clever and striking image of a 'chicken on a chain.' It vividly captures the excitement and anticipation of a new relationship, and the lengths that one will go to - even 'buying tampons at the stop and shop.' It's reminiscent of early Tim McGraw, with a little Merle Haggard thrown in, of course. The rock country arrangement works well with Callahan's style. Instrumentally, the focus is on the guitars, yet they make space for the vocal. The drums create a perfect beat for dancing, exactly what is needed for a summer festival. The honestly and raw emotion behind this song is easily apparent, and combined with a catchy melody, M Callahan has created a song that follows country tradition, but fits into our modern age. It is witty, and instantly memorable, and Chicken on a Chain is quickly becoming M Callahan's signature track.

[phillystock]

Chicken on a Chain Songwriters: M Callahan Performed by: M Callahan Album: Chicken On A Chain EP Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ A song named after a rodeo bull - it doesn't really get anymore country than that. M Callahan resides firmly within the realm of the genre, and does not shy away from his roots. His performance at YeeHaw festival stood out for all of the right reasons, his low drawling vocals, slide guitar and humorous lyrics to match. Callahan has written this single around the clever and striking image of a 'chicken on a chain.' It vividly captures the excitement and anticipation of a new relationship, and the lengths that one will go to - even 'buying tampons at the stop and shop.' It's reminiscent of early Tim McGraw, with a little Merle Haggard thrown in, of course. The rock country arrangement works well with Callahan's style. Instrumentally, the focus is on the guitars, yet they make space for the vocal. The drums create a perfect beat for dancing, exactly what is needed for a summer festival. The honestly and raw emotion behind this song is easily apparent, and combined with a catchy melody, M Callahan has created a song that follows country tradition, but fits into our modern age. It is witty, and instantly memorable, and Chicken on a Chain is quickly becoming M Callahan's signature track.

[phillystock]

Slow it Down Songwriters: Dexeter Performed by: Dexeter Album: Somewhere to Run Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ Dexeter are one of the stand out British bands who played at Yeehaw festival this weekend. Their blend of pop-country is focused around Dee's vocals and the simple, yet emotive lyrics. Slow it down is their latest single, and how far this band have come since their Country to Country performance is evident. The band are not overtly country, they describe themselves as Americana, but their instrumentation hints at the country genre. The upright bass, and steel guitar licks, combined with the close harmonies create a sound that is distinguishably 'Dexeter.' Slow It Down captures the feeling of a new relationship, and it is immediately relatable. The lyrics are of their time, they are modern, and the imagery is vivid: 'Keep checking my phone to see it's working fine;' with these simple words they have captured the essence of a modern relationship. Dexeter have swiftly become one of the top UK country acts to watch. Their latest single, 'Slow it Down,' is a shining example of the genre, and an exciting start to the much anticipated full album, Somewhere to Run, to be released in March. See an interview with Dexeter here: http://phillystockmusic.com/2014/07/06/dexeter-interview/

[phillystock]

Mr Brown Eyes Songwriters: Sasha McVeigh Performed by: Sasha McVeigh Star Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ Within the country tradition, the very best songs are those that tell a story. This song tells the tale of an extraordinary romance, and it just so happens that this one is true. The story behind this Mr Brown Eyes only adds to the meaning behind it, and this young singers' delivery is incredibly engaging in its sincerity. Sasha McVeigh has a distinctive voice, and displays her impressive range with Mr Brown Eyes. The falsetto in the chorus brightens the arrangement, and creates a infectious melody that stays with the audience, long after their first listen. Even with this simple arrangement, the song stands strongly on its own merit. The apparent ease with which Sasha has transformed her own story into a song is astounding. Her powerful turn of phrase shows a maturity far beyond her years, and paints such a vivid picture, from 'sipping margaritas,' to the 'sunshine state.' This song displays Sasha's potential as both a songwriter and vocalist - she is about to embark on a UK tour, and is one of the very best of UK country music talent - an act not to miss! An interview with Sasha McVeigh will be appearing later in the week at www.phillystockmusic.com