Country Mike Blog

Dean Brody, Josh Abbott represent their regions well

Mike Sudhalter  |  April 25, 2012

Dean Brody released his third album on Tuesday.

George Strait recorded a song in the 1980's called "Love Comes From The Other Side Of Town."

On Tuesday, two of the best releases in the countrymusic-sphere came from outside of Nashville.

Sure, I can't wait to hear the full albums of Kip Moore and Lee Brice, but if you're not listening to Texan Josh Abbott of the Josh Abbott Band or Canadian Dean Brody, you're really missing out.

Abbott, of tiny Idalou, Texas (near Lubbock) could be the next big thing to leave Texas for Nashville, a la the Eli Young Band.

Even Aggie fans like Country Mike enjoy the music of Tech alum Josh Abbott

But Texas Music fans are expecting that he'll take over the throne that fellow Texas Tech alum, Pat Green, once held.

And while, the Texas vs. Nashville rivalry seems to be simmering down, Abbott may be ready to re-ignite it.

He duets with Green, of all people, on "My Texas," a homage to the Lone Star State where the duo mentions different attractions, landmarks, references and restaurants in the state.

In both "Flatland Farmer" and especially in "I'll Sing About Mine," Abbott throws a few barbs toward the Nashville establishment.

Try this one on for size - "Because tractors ain't sexy and working is hard...the radio's full of rich people singing about places they've never seen...they can sing about their life, I'll sing about mine."

But here are some facts. The Texas vs. Nashville is a one-sided one. Only Texans see it. Nashville doesn't care. And Abbott's sound is very Nashville radio friendly.

So, it's only a matter of time before his songs get play in Music City.

"Touch" is the song that is the most radio friendly, but the double entendre "Dallas Love" is a great one, too, and I'd be surprised if Southwest Airlines doesn't use it in some kind of promotional way.

"Matagorda Bay" is fun and relaxing, just like a Texas beach town ought to be.

As for Brody, this is his third album. The debut received some attention in the United States, but the sophomore one was only received in Canada. Same for the third album.

This album is called "Dirt," and it seems like Brody, on the title track, followed Brad Paisley's formula for the song "Water." Still, it's a catchy and fun song.

The first single was "Canadian Girls," which was a fun ode to Canadian hobbies and traditions such as watching hockey and listening to Gordon Lightfoot.

The British Columbia native always has songs that go beyond the standard fare of a country artist and on this album, it would be "Leilah."

I can only hope that Brody's music gets heard by American listeners. That is, if he wants it too. Because we love hearing it.