So, here is the list for August. These are the albums I think you need to pick up and do so right away, we'll highlight each album with a song you can stream in the player:


1. Amanda Shire - Upon Hearing Violins -- Album: West Cross Timbers

Born in Mineral Wells, and raised in Lubbock, Amanda Shires is a force to be reckoned with. Amanda was the cute fiddle player in the band the Thrift Store Cowboys and has now gone on her own. Holy cow, the music she creates is truly art. It's something that has totally changed my perspective of music. Folks continue to tell me that there are no good females in this Americana/Texas music scene. When they tell me that, I'll forever point them in the direction of Amanda Shires. Not only does she have an absolutely amazing voice, can play the fiddle like no other, but she also is a songwriter. Amanda had a pen in 9 of the 11 songs on the album and one she covers is a Rod Picott tune. Rod has written songs for Fred Eaglesmith and Slaid Cleaves....so if you are gonna cover a song, then do one from a true songwriting talent. I'm totally smitten with Amanda.

2. Porterdavis - Smack You Back -- Album "Porterdavis"

If you haven't heard of the Austin, TX band Porterdavis, well it's only a matter of time until you do. Porterdavis is a trio that puts more talent into a three-piece band that you will find in a band with 6 members. Totally unique, acoustic and mind altering. The new self-titled album also features guests Gurf Morlix and Eliza Gilkyson. Look for this band to blow up in the realm of The Band Of Heathens. They have that much talent.

3. Dustin Welch - Whiskey Priest -- Album "Whiskey Priest"

Dustin is the son of songwriter/singer legend Kevin Welch. I've heard for a long time what a talent that Dustin is, well, with this new album finally available, we are able to confirm that fact. Songwriting legend James McMurtry told me the last time we talked that Dustin was the next guy that I HAD to check out. As usual, McMurtry was correct. Darkness to this young man that totally amazes me. He writes way beyond his young years

4. Guy Clark - The Guitar -- Album "Somedays The Song Writes You"

Seriously, what do you have to say about Guy Clark that has not already been written. A true founder of the Texas music scene is out with a new album, which just proves that you have to bow to his greatness. Who knows where this scene would even be without Guy to lead the way. I mean, how many of the artists in this scene only got hip to it because of Guy. Too many to name here.

5. Mike McClure Band - Light On My Hands -- Album "Onion"

Mac is back folks! Mike McClure always gets lost in the shuffle because he is the guy that so many of you know as the producer of the Ragweed albums, but let's not forget, that Mike is truly a founder of the Red Dirt Music scene. Yeah, he didn't start when Jimmy LaFave, Bob Childers or Tom Skinner were building this thing up, but Mike was right there for round two. So many have followed because of what he has done. Another great rock album from Mike. This song is for you guitar players and wanna be guitar players that know you work with your hands, not with your face

6. Houston Marcham - I Can't Go Back (with Carolyn Wonderland) -- Album "Long Gone"

I have been a big fan of Houston's work for quite a long time...many of you know, he's the guy that penned the song "Viet Nashville", a true story about how rough and unforgiving the scene is in Nashville at times. Houston is back and with a vengeance with now his 10th album, titled "Long Gone". On this song I've highlighted, Houston goes outside of his usual realm of Americana Singer-Songwriter type stuff and does a straight up amazing blues number that features the guitar work and vocals of Carolyn Wonderland. Great story to this tune.

7. Jeremy Nail & The Incidents - Ordinary Things -- Album "Jeremy Nail & The Incidents"

Coming to us from Austin, Jeremy Nail & The Incidents are keeping that true Austin roots rock sound alive, despite all the new noise ordinances in the supposed Live Music Capital. Straight up rock here kids, ain't no way around it. Great groove, fantastic vocals, lyrics and a really tight band. Fairly new to the scene, so I'm thinking big things are to come from this band if they should decide to keep going.

8. Bottle Rockets - Get On The Bus -- Album "Lean Forward"

One of the most underappreciated roots-rock/Americana band of the mid-90's, the Bottle Rockets can still bring it with a punch. These guys continue to totally amaze me, and especially by the fact that they continue to fall really under the radar except to us hardcore fans. Songs the common folk can all relate to. Heard it once said that if Uncle Tupelo was the Beatles of the alt-country movement, then the Bottle Rockets were the Rolling Stones. No better compliment can be given to this band that continue to just put out great music.

9. Mark Stuart & The Bastard Sons - Seven Miles To Memphis -- Album "Bend In The Road"

Not a new band here kids, Mark Stuart & The Bastard Sons used to be called The Bastard Sons Of Johnny Cash. Because of their old band name, many radio stations didn't have the balls to play them for fear of reprimand from the suits by just saying the band name on the microphone. Now, with lead singer Mark Stuart's name as the prominent focus on the band name, hopefully that will change. These guys are absolutely amazing. After spending quite a few years in California, Stuart has now moved to Austin, so you'll be seeing and hearing this band much more across the Lone Star State. Great driving tune we are focusing on here. If you are going on a road trip, then "Bend In The Road" is one album that needs to be with you.

10. The Coalmen - Possession -- Album "Kids With Songs"

Holy cow ladies, listen up. This one is for you. The Coalmen feature lead singer Dave Coleman's amazing vocals. Truly grabs you. The Coalmen, by the way, are from Nashville. Nashville continues to surprise us with all these really cool indie bands that get lost in the shuffle of the Music Mafia over there. So congrats to the Coalmen for keeping some great music in a truly great music town. Like The Coalmen's music, you just have to search for it, which is why we do this monthly feature in the first place. For you fans of the TV show "The Deadliest Catch", The Coalmen's song "Farther Find Me Now" is featured on that Discovery Channel show.

Ok boys and girls, hope you enjoy these. PLEASE leave some comments. Let us know what you like, what you don't, or even something you think maybe has fallen under the radar and needs to be highlighted here.

Thanks,

Shayne Hollinger

Program/Music Director

Mandatory FM

www.mandatoryfm.com