CD Reviews - Various Artists - Best Of British Country 2001

1 tracks of country music from U.K. artists who have previously appeared on the industry sampler, "The Country Hotdisc," are now released to the general public on one album. All of these tracks were reviewed by me on their 'Hotdisc' release and some of my comments are listed below.

"The Wolves Cry" is an exclusive release to the Hotdisc from a young artist who is rapidly becoming one of the finest singer/songwriters in the U.K. By no means traditional country, Clive John falls into the contemporary catagory with a sound all of his own. If you haven't heard him yet, then get your local radio D.J. to play some of his music.

Dixon J Scott is a new name to me, but he has a great voice......with a slight vibrato......as he turns in an excellent performance on "He'll Never Hurt That Way Again," a wonderful ballad that leaves you just wanting to hear more from this talented singer.

John McCane with a good cover of Collin Raye's "'Scuse Moi My Heart." The song was a big success for Collin and from the way it is climbing the charts at the moment, it looks like doing the same for John.

"24/7/52" is the latest release from U.K. linedancers favourite, Dave Sheriff! The song is a self penned effort, based on a modern phrase, that is sure to please his large army of fans and maybe even gain him new ones!

Marston Ferry frontman Ray Mallett penned the humerous fun song, "Honey." All about a blow up doll, Ray says he wrote the song in protest at shoddy goods. Good fun!!!

Left Hand Drive are a band who come from Bolton in Lancashire, England, the town I was born and raised in! Although they are essentially a Country band, the track here, the self named "Left Hand Drive," penned by lead singer Steve Bidder is very Rock-a-Billy, and also very good.

"Won't Look Back Again," is a very catchy, self penned tune, from Ireland's Chris McLernon that also benefits from some great Harmonica licks. I know we are going to be hearing a lot more from this husky voiced singer.

"Halley Came To Jackson" is an excellent cover from Lucy Monroe's Moondance and one that I'm sure Mary Chapin Carpenter herself would be proud of!!!!

Written about her own child who has Cerebral Palsy, "Sweet Child Of Mine" tells of a mothers love for her child who, although disabled, in her eyes, is perfect. The song, which was recorded in Nashville and is the title track of Jenny Sinclair's soon to be released album, deserves to do well and I fully expect it to make an impression in the charts.

"The Drive" take this Rolling Stones Classic and turn it into a great Country/Rocker that is sure to go down well in the linedance clubs. "It's All Over Now" may be the title, but with quality like this, I would say this is just the beginning for this talented U.K. duo!

Listening to this release from Jon Dean Foster you could be forgiven for thing it had come straight from the other side of the big pond. "Born Survivor" is the title track of the new album from this U.K. singer/songwriter and it is an absolute cracker!!!!

One of Scotland's finest, artist and D J, Gerry Ford wrote "Don't Play Faded Love" a wonderful song, that is taken from his Nashville recorded album, "Better Man." If you like your country music traditional, they don't come much better than this.