Keith, Gauthier out with new releases, sort of

Peso In My Pocket

Toby Keith's core competency is traditional country, and he remains true to it that sound on "Peso in My Pocket," his first studio album in six years and a spawn of the pandemic. One of the first things you notice are the songwriting credits. The Warrren Brothers, Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd help populate part of the roster. The album leads off with It leads off with the catchy regional favorite "Oklahoma Breakdown," it is followed by an ode to better times on "Old School. ...

The Bus Songs

People of a certain age can recall a time in America when a polyester-clad party host would reward late-night diehards with a "blue" record. These vinyl gems (or bootleg tapes) would be funny and frank, both in their language and adult subject matter. They paired well with alcohol, and just owning them could make someone a little cooler by association. Such a concept might mystify millennials who can punch up any song they imagine. But Toby Keith remembers. This collection of ...

35 mph Town

Way back in the '90's, before millions of dollars, high profile political feuds and moguldom, Toby Keith could really sing and write a pretty good song! News flash! He still can on his nostalgic, 18th album. You can hear an unexpected Merle Haggard influence all over this record. The title cut, "35 MPH" evokes a Haggard vibe. Think "Roots Of My Raising - 2015" as Keith laments the loss of the commonplace, now gone forever. What could've easily been an appeal ...