...which I might, if I don't have anything relevant to write about, write about someday with the side of things that I have seen/heard, which could shock some…so really, expec t that soon.

Back to me, which makes me sound like Garth, I'm also the host of a syndicated world-wide show called "The Vault". It's a fairly new show, but something I'm proud of. The show is an Americana/Roots Rock show that features really unknown/indie bands. And that's it. That's really all I bring to the table. I haven't written anything that changed the world, I haven't recorded anything that changes lives.

I'm a guy that listens to music, know what I personally like, and will let those who want to, hear what I'm digging. I have this really weird sense of what I like. It's different every day honestly. One day I can't get enough Jason Boland, Merle Haggard or Willie. The next day it's all Drive-By Truckers, Band Of Heathens or Lucero. But always, and I mean always, there is always James "Mandatory" McMurtry. For those that don't know, the name "Mandatory" comes from a radio bit I have done called "Mandatory McMurtry", in that I always played a James McMurtry tune on each show I was on, no matter what station or town it was.

So, now that you know a little about the source, I wanted to pass along what I'm digging now. These are the tunes/albums that I'm listening to now and spreading on the airwaves at Mandatory FM, and anywhere I am at that moment. They are loaded in the Galleywinter Music Player and I think you should check 'em out too. Also, be sure to tune into our Mandatory Stream

1. Cody Gill Band "Consider" - Off their "King Of Your Hometown" album. Yeah, I'm a bit biased with these guys. He and the band live in Stephenville, and I've had the opportunity to watch them grow and develop. The first album from these guys was a pretty fun little debut album. It was what you would expect from the local hometown band on their first try at it. A mix of Texas Country standards, a bit of alt-country and a little straight up rock. A very valid first album that I really dug because while all that was there, the songwriting at times when Cody got away from the "cliché" Texas country sound showed some amazing promise. The second album, "King Of Your Hometown" is a night/day difference between two albums. Cody told me going into the studio on this album that it was going to be drastically different and the boy came through on that promise. I could really hear the concern in his voice that he tried to hide as to the change in "sound" for the band. Poor Cody, continues to get called a Mike McClure clone, as he did have a bit of that McClure rasp to his voice. Since that first album, however, Cody's voice has finally truly developed and found where it needs to be. That is more of an alt-rock band sound with a bit of what really can only be described as "pop-alt" vocals from Cody. It was truly a shock when I first popped in the album for that first real sit-down listening experience I like. Truly amazing sound on this one, deep, deep, deep lyrics and truly a shining moment for the "local band". Personally, I'm proud of them.

2. Buddy & Julie Miller "Written In Chalk" - For those of you who haven't yet discovered Buddy Miller, well, not to sound conceited, but you'll thank me later. Buddy Miller is one of the truly amazing artists in the Americana scene. Quite honestly, everything from Buddy is genius. He can go Blues, Country, Bluegrass or Rock in a blink of an eye. This new album might have something that could really spin you on your backside. The song is called "What You Gonna Do Leroy", that features, get this, Robert Plant. Yeah, THAT Robert Plant …..from Zeppelin. What is the song like you say? Well, Bluegrass/Blues. I didn't know it existed either, until now. Tell you how cool Buddy Miller is. Saw him in Nashville last year for the Americana Music Awards. Buddy Miller and his band was the house band for the awards show. Meaning that, he was the band that played for every artist/band that played for the show. That includes Steve Earle, James McMurtry, The Steeldrivers, Ryan Bingham/Joe Ely, Mike Fariss, Tift Merritt, Robert Plant/Allison Kraus, even Joan Baez. The dude is diverse.

I'm up against that stringent Galleywinter deadline policy, so I'll be more brief for 3-10!

3. Justin Townes Earle - "Can't Hardly Wait" off his upcoming Midnight At The Movies album. Another great one from Justin, some blues, some bluegrass, some traditional old-school country and some amazing Americana type stuff. "Can't Hardly Wait" is actually a cover of my favorite Replacements tune.

4. Randy Weeks - "I Couldn't Make It". It's off his new album "Going My Way". Austin area guy, really distinct voice. For those that may remember him, think a little Beaver Nelson type sound. Love it

5. Connor Christian - "Sunday Suit". Fun song off his new album "90 Proof Lullabies". Guys is really cool. Comes to us from Atlanta.

6. Ryebender - "Whiskey & Caffeine". This band is from Alaska. A nice mix of Gram Parsons/Green Day. Really, you can hear both in there.

7. The Resentments - "Nice To Meet You". This band was formed over a decade ago and features Stephen Bruton, "Scrappy" Jud Newcombe, as well as Jon Dee Graham in the past. The new album is called "Roselight".

8. Beaucoup Blue - "Hesitation Blues". From Philly. A little blues, folk and maybe even a slight hint vocally toward John Hiatt

9. Damon Fowler - "I Hope It's Gonna Rain". From Tampa, Florida. Holy cow. Great stuff. Has a nice southern twang and mixes Blues with Classic Country and a little Southern Rock. Does great versions of Billy Joe Shaver's "I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal" and the Hag's "Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down".

10. Mario Matteoli - "Could The Good Lord". Off his new "Golden State" album. Mario was the former lead singer for the Austin-based band The Weary Boys. Now doing a solo thing. A little Weary Boys mixed with Doug Sahm.

Now of course, these may not be your cup of tea, but something for you to check out when you are hungry for some new music. Hope you enjoy and happy hunting.

Shayne Hollinger
shayne@mandatoryfm.com

Program Director/Music Director
Mandatory FM