McGraw countersues Curb

Curb has said McGraw did not meet their contract because he submitted old recorded material for "Emotional Traffic."

"After a nearly 19-year relationship with Curb Records which has provided unprecedented success for both parties, Curb has taken actions that are harmful to Tim McGraw's career," a McGraw spokesman said Tuesday. "It is with great regret that he responds with a countersuit, but the label has left him with no other option."

McGraw wants unspecified punitive damages against Curb Records, an advance for his latest recordings and a legal ruling he has met the terms of his contract at Curb and is a free agent, according to an article in The Tennessean.

McGraw has been in a dispute for several years with Curb. He was upset that the label released greatest hits packages.

Two weeks ago, Curb filed a breach of contract suit against McGraw over the "Emotional Traffic" CD. McGraw has said the CD is his "absolute last album with Curb if it kills him."

While the label complained, it also released one song, Felt Good On My Lips, which went to number one. Curb said the songs were not current and did not meet the timetable of his recording contract.

McGraw has claimed the label wants to extend its contract with him.