The Stand-In Takes Center Stage

The most expressive of musical instruments is the voice. Such a range and depth of emotion can be conveyed from one line to another. Caitlin Rose is a another Nashville artist and is blessed with an excellent instrument in her voice. She is also a gifted songwriter.

Her latest record is The Stand-In and is a great slice of modern takes on a classic country sound. Focusing on the lady side of the house, country music in it's current popular format has become so commercialized and pop-ized that it has been rendered unlistenable. What makes good country music great is the pathos, the longing, and most importantly the element of strength imbued in the music and the lyrics. It started with Shania Twain, whose ex-hubby Mutt Lange added electric fiddles and a pop sensibility. Sure it had an element of feminism but it had no punch; it was girl-power in the form of girls-night-out-in-short-skirts-and-high-boots. Fair enough (and nothing inherently wrong with that), it was made to move records and it moved a LOT of records, but the music isn't interesting in the slightest. This has culminated in the form of Taylor Swift, who for all the praise and sales is to me absolutely terrible. It's bubblegum without any of the sweetness. And country music this ain't.

That doesn't mean good female country isn't out there. Artists like Tift Merritt, Shannon McNally, Lindi Ortega, Allison Moorer, Shelby Lynne are still doing their thing. Add Caitlin Rose to the interesting mix. The Stand-In is a classic sounding record with a modern touch. It has that Loretta and Patsy vibe on songs like "Golden Boy," "Dallas" and "Pink Champagne," goes nearly indie-rock on "Everywhere I Go" and then rocks a way Shania can only dream of in tracks like "No One To Call" and "Silver Sings."

She has such a great expressive voice. It's classic sounding but unique; that's what makes a truly great singer. Ms Rose has a wonderful instrument at her disposal and she knows how to write songs that let her gift shine. It helps she has a crackerjack of a band backing her.

Here's the best song on the record, co-written with Gary Louris of The Jayhawks, "Only A Clown." Taylor Swift wishes she could write a song this good. It has a fantastic hook in the chorus that just grabs me and makes me smile.

Of course though this song won't be a hit because the system is fixed. That's another story, though.

PS smoking is bad for you, Caitlin!