Many thanks to Hildi for graciously sharing this shot of Bucky Covington onstage in Watertown, TN. Browse Bucky's concert schedule at his official site, and don't miss a beat!
Bucky also visited with the team at Fire Rescue TV; their Facebook features a photoof Bucky with Fire Rescue TV Marketing Director Jennifer Hux and Administrative Assistant Katy Tecson. (Looks like they're in front of a green screen--could another PSA be in the works? Stay tuned...)
Bucky Covington and co-writers Rocky Covington and Ducky Medlock want a word with you in this clip posted by Help The Good Guys at YouTube. From the video's description:
All profits from the new single "Drinking Side Of Country" through
December 31st go to the International Association of Firefighters
Relief Fund for East Coast fire fighters who lost their homes or had
severe damage from Super Storm Sandy. Please email or call your local
radio station and ask them to play the song and let their audience know
to purchase the song from www.helpthegoodguys.com or iTunes.
We especially like the idea of letting local country stations know about the way that Bucky's single is helping firefighters in need--spread the word!
I won't even pretend to be objective here (please note title of blog...ahem), but as a longtime fan of Bucky Covington and his music, I'll say that knowing the back story behind Good Guys--Bucky's struggles with his former label's closure, his realization that the album needed to be truer to his real musical self, his decision to become totally hands-on with both the business and the artistic sides of his career, and his clear pride in the finished product--makes the fact that this is a truly high-quality modern country album even sweeter. I am really,really pleased with the long-awaited sophomore album by Bucky Covington, and I think you will be, too. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's enjoy Good Guys together, track-by-track.
Let's start off with a quote from the review posted here when this song first went to radio: " I Wanna Be That Feeling" spotlights that same distinctive, gritty, soulful Southern voice that inspired this blog back in '06 when Bucky was an unknown, unsigned semifinalist...The song's theme and lyrics take full advantage of Bucky's unusual,
appealing youthful-yet-experienced gravelly tone in much the same way
that his first big hit, "A Different World" (and the should-have-been hit "A Father's Love")
did so well.
As a lead off to an album, "I Wanna Be That Feeling" sounds even better--it's a welcoming, inviting uptempo charmer of a love song that draws you in and gets your toes tapping. (As a matter of fact, I wonder if radio might like to give this one a second chance somewhere down the line...)
Bucky Covington on stage in Hillsboro; photo by the very kind Judy Lang.
"I'm Alright"
The first thing that'll hit you as this song unfolds is the shimmeringly beautiful guitar intro--and then Bucky's quietly mournful delivery of this rainy-night breakup ballad proceeds to break your heart. "I'm Alright" is a stealthy killer of a song; your heart (if it isn't made of stone) will ache for the poor narrator who insists he's "alright" with the situation, when it's clear that he's anything but all right. (Listen to the way the "I don't really wanna kiss you..." line is sung, and check for a lump in your throat.) Bucky mentioned in his recent Yahoo Music interview that "I'm Alright" is one of his favorites on the album--he sounds proud of it, and that pride is absolutely warranted.
"Hold a Woman"
When the first live fan videos of this song began to hit YouTube, the bluesy, liquid feel of it made me feel so oddly nostalgic that I had to try to sort out what musical trigger it had pulled in my mind. The closest I could come (and this is a huge compliment) is that it hits the same blues/country/classic sweet spot that songs like Tony Joe White's brilliant "Rainy Night in Georgia"touch. There's a certain mix of sensual soul, sweet country and Southern flavor that'll tickle your senses every time, and between Bucky's sexy, throaty vocals, an appealingly retro arrangement (love the organ!) and those sly lyrics, this one's shaping up to be the country slow-dance sensation of the year. (Grab your own slow dance partner and see for yourself...)
I've said it before and I'll say it again--all of us just knew Bucky had a totally kickin' (being polite here) Southern party anthem in him, and this one exceeds even our highest expectations. Bucky wrote this one with his lifelong collaborators Rocky Covington and Ducky Medlock, Bucky produced this one himself, and Bucky and guest vocalist/all-around awesome guy Shooter Jennings teamed up to create the kind of rowdy musical party you're glad you were invited to, even if you know your head's gonna hurt in the morning. That "we roll" refrain is a delightful earworm you'll be singling along with before the second verse is over, and the video for Bucky's current single is a hot viral hit at the moment. (If you'd like to hear "Drinking Side of Country" on the radio, it's at your local country station right now--roll on down to the request lines and ask for Bucky by name!)
"Only Got So Much Time"
The theme is familiar--life is pretty short, so go for the gusto--but this food-for-thought song steers well clear of sticky-sweetness with down-to-earth, real-life relatable lyrics, a funky, almost John Cougar Mellencamp-esque groove, and an easygoing and sincere vocal by Bucky. It's so understated, in fact, that you'll want to listen again and again (and maybe sing along) and really take those lyrics to heart. A gem.
Photo credit: Kristin Barlowe/Monarch Publicity.
"Mama Must Be Prayin'"
This genuinely funny, breathlessly delivered look at what happens when the narrator's Mama's prayers are answered (his planned good times go bad, so to speak) is a favorite at Bucky's live shows, and it's easy to hear why. You're not gonna be able to keep up with the verses, but that "whoo hoo" at the chorus is just made for joining in.
"Sail On"
If anyone out there has any doubts about how much deeper and richer Bucky's interpretive vocal skills have become, play this track first. Lionel Richie's "Sail On" is one of the most emotionally complex songs to ever hit the charts--a mix of slow-burning anger, sorrow, resignation and chilly dismissiveness, all set to an achingly pretty melody--and Bucky absolutely, utterly nails it. He pulled this stellar, dead-on performance from somewhere deep inside himself, and it shows. Add a beautiful arrangement with graceful acoustic guitar by the legendary Mac McAnally, and you've got magic. When Bucky hits that key, climactic "Sail On, honey/Good times never felt so good" line, don't be surprised to find a pleasurable chill running down your spine. Wow.
"I Always Said You'd Be Back"
We're back into fast paced, party territory here--the narrator and his girl broke up, but he "always said you'd be back". Trouble is, she's only back to get her stuff! Cute and clever, with a fun guitar solo and a club and radio-friendly danceable beat.
"Mexicoma"
Another concert favorite--and recorded, it sounds very, very different from the live version many of us are familiar with, thanks to a slightly slower tempo and the addition of a strong dash of Mariachi-style instrumental flavor. "Mexicoma" has that beachy, breezy feeling that warms your heart and puts a smile on your face, especially at this time of year. Cue this one up, and hold on to that summer vacation sensation just a little while longer...
"I Want My Life Back"
This song was Bucky's fourth Lyric Street single, and many of Bucky's fans will recall that it got a fair amount of airplay back then. A heartfelt ballad about loss, loneliness, and cherishing what you've got, this one was best described in Country Weekly's recent review: "...songs about the struggling economy and
unemployment in the U.S. have sadly become a mainstay in country music
these days, but rarely is the topic broached with such authenticity as
in 'I Want My Life Back.' Be prepared to feel a catch in your heart when
you hear it." Bucky's thoughtful vocals here are just as good as you remember, too.
Like the previous track, this song was also released as a single to country radio, and it spent some time on the charts--but not nearly as much time as its charm and sweetness warranted. You won't be surprised to hear that I liked this one better than the Nickelback original; the bouncy banjo underpinnings and Bucky's hopeful, energetic singing give this version something special.
"A Father's Love (The Only Way He Knew How)"
Good Guys ends with this gentle, good-natured Father's Day favorite about the kind of man a lot of listeners can recognize right off the bat--the stoic, quiet, yet deeply loving kind of father who expresses his feelings with work and deeds, not flowery words. (Or, to paraphrase a favorite witty lady, "How can you tell if a manly-man really loves you? He fixes your broken stuff.") Listen to the gratitude in Bucky's voice, and you'll be reminded of a man you know--grandfather, father, uncle, husband, brother, son or friend--who fits the bill. This single got criminally lost in the label-closing shuffle just as it was taking off; it's good to have it here on Bucky's new album.
(If you'd like, you can stream the songs for a limited time at AOL Music; better yet, take the plunge and buy Good Guys at your local music outlet, or online at Amazon,iTunes, Bucky's official site, or the HelpTheGoodGuys.com store right now. A portion of the proceeds from the first week of Good Guys
album sales goes to Help the Good Guys, an organization assisting injured
firefighters and their families. News post next!--W)
Bucky Covington and Shooter Jennings sound great in this crystal clear audio-only clip of "Drinking Side of Country"--thanks to pcolson90 for posting it at YouTube. (For the full-on, wild-ride "Dukes of Hazzard"-inspired music video featuring Kellie Pickler, Mickie James, Kenny Bartram and lots of Daisy Duke wearing beauties, head on over to YouTubeand/or Maxim.com.) Bucky's September 2012 album, Good Guys, is available for pre-order at Amazon, and the single is available at iTunes now.
Well, it's safe to say we're not on Lyric Street any more!
Bucky Covington's three big hits with his former label, the Disney-owned Lyric Street Records, were a trio made up of a beautifully nostalgic mid-tempo toe-tapper ("A Different World"), a fast-paced, exhilarating love song ("It's Good to Be Us"), and a sensitive, heart-tugging ballad ("I'll Walk"). We truly loved them all--still do!--but Bucky's longtime fans knew he'd also handle a thumpin' Southern country party anthem brilliantly. Many of us hoped that "Bible and the Belt", a strong and gritty cut from his debut album Bucky Covington, would be his fourth Lyric Street single. During the long delay between albums, new songs, presumably from what would have been Bucky's sophomore Lyric Street CD, were added to his live set, and the gratifyingly rowdy "Evel Knievel" became a sing-along concert favorite, but as far as we know it was never released to radio on its own.
Folks, we finally--finally--got our Bucky Covington Southern country party anthem single right here, and it's more than we could have asked for (and to be a little politically incorrect, it's much more than I suspect Lyric Street would have let us enjoy.) "Drinking Side of Country" was written by Bucky with his longtime co-writers Rocky Covington and Ducky Medlock, it was produced by Bucky, and it features the distinctive vocals of the awesome (not gonna lie) Shooter Jennings, who certainly knows a thing or two about the joys of calling one's own artistic shots.
Lyrically, "Drinking Side of Country" does indeed cover some familiar party song territory (no-strings-attached affection and plenty-of-strings-attached trouble are easy to find when one is a traveling musician--yep) but it does so with humor, sly charm and the unmistakable ring of authenticity. You don't doubt that these guys have lived--and laughed at--much of what they're singing about, and that alone allows it to transcend the "laundry list" accusations that some might lob. And musically...well, let's talk about that hook. (You're singing it in your head right now, aren't you? "We roll, we roll, we roll...on down the highway..." Catchy? You bet. )
Needless to say, I'm enjoying this a lot. If you've been here since the beginning of Buckymania, when one of Bucky's self-penned songs, "Can't Be Wrong", made us all aware that there was a lot more to him than Idol-sanctioned covers, you're doubly happy about his fall single being one of his own co-written compositions. "Drinking Side of Country" may also be the most polarizing single Bucky's released to date, and even that's a good thing, if you think about it--sometimes trying to please everyone makes an artist ultimately displeased with himself. Bucky is who he is--the straightforward, talented guy who can bring a tear to your eye with "I'll Walk" and bring a knowing smile to your face with "Drinking Side of Country"--and that's one of the many reasons we dig him so much.
We can't wrap this up without saying a word or two about the already semi-controversial video directed by Blake Judd, which is nothing like any music video Bucky's done before. Bucky, unlike many of the male singers who we came to know via a certain TV show, has the advantage of a strong fan base from both sexes, and this particular video is definitely one for the guys. There are those who'll miss the prominent shot of paintballs in the back seat of the car, and those who'll miss the point that the whole thing is an affectionate spoof of the "Dukes of Hazzard" aesthetic rather than a literal Design for Living. But nobody, and I mean nobody, is going to fail to notice the overabundance of gorgeous babes, or the sexy cameos by Kellie Pickler and Mickie James. It's caused quite a buzz already, and it's been linked from the front page of Yahoo--a big advantage for a brand new single.
Bottom line: "Drinking Side of Country" is a smart and worthy follow-up to the lovely, romantic "I Wanna Be That Feeling", and it shows off a funny, rowdy, endearing side of Bucky's musical personality. He's a versatile performer, and the two very different, very cool songs already released from his upcoming Good Guys album underscore that point beautifully. We're looking forward to a fantastic fall!--W
Pre-order Bucky's upcoming eOne album, Good Guys, at Amazon now. "Drinking Side of Country" is now available at iTunes.
We love a good party, and it looks like this Medrock audience loved it, too! Bucky Covington and Rocky Covington shared the stage for a moment during this rowdy take on "Keep Your Hands to Yourself"; click here for another awesome Medrock video clip featuring the multi-talented Ducky Medlock on vocals. Huge thanks to Merlin1685 for posting these memories on YouTube!
Other than that...well, it's a slowish news day, so we'll close with a reminder about Bucky and his band's next live show (that'll be 2/16 at Capone's in Johnson City, TN; tickets are available behind this link) and a request nag...er, "suggestion" for his beautiful new single "I Wanna Be That Feeling", coming soon to country radio everywhere! We'll be back ASAP...
A little original (and excellent) MedRock music courtesy of PGrind74 , who describes this clip perfectly: "This is a video I made up of MedRock singing one of their originals 'GIRL'... Check them out! This band rocks! Covers/Originals, high energy, dance/rock. Band is made up of Rocky Covington doing vocals and percussion and Ducky Medlock on vocals and guitar." Many thanks to PGrind74 for sharing this at YouTube!
Bucky Covington just passed along this good news on Twitter: "Hey Nashville- Looking for something to do tonight? Go see my twin brother Rocky's band MedRock play at Anchor High in Hendersonville, TN!"The Anchor High Grill's site states that the music starts at 7 pm local time, and you'll find a Google map right here. (The address is 128 River Road in Hendersonville; wish we could be there with ya. Have fun!)
If you're not near Nashville, you've still got some sweet musical options--request Bucky's newest single, "I Wanna Be That Feeling", at your local country station, and give him a round of applause at GAC's Top 50 Videos of the 2000s poll, where the sunny "A Different World" video is in the running. Bucky's next scheduled live show happens on January 13th, when he and his band will rock Stoney'sin Evansville, IN. We'll see you soon!
Rocky Covington, Bucky Covington and Ducky Medlock are a melodic (and fun!) combination in this great video by LISAMARIE22685 ; enjoy their harmonies on "Use Somebody" above, and check out details on a brand new Medrock date below...
If you haven't been to Buckytown USA today, hop over there right now! Fran's got a fresh new Bucky Covington concert photo by the talented Robin R., as well as reminders about Bucky and his band's shows in Kansas City on December 1st and in Perryville, Maryland on December 10th.
Thursday'sAcoustic Christmas Concert is happening at the Beaumont Club, and it's a beauty; Bucky, Gloriana, Casey James and James Wesley are set to perform in what sponsor station 106-5 The WOLF calls "a singer-songwriter type setting". Our friend Glenda of Caseymania fame will be there, and you can be there too--check out the Wolf's site for info on Tuesday's and Wednesday's Ticket Hits, and be sure to bring an unwrapped new gift ($10 and up) for a needy local youngster when you go.
That December 10th date in Perryville is WXCY'sChristmas In The Countryshow; tickets are $40, and to get yours, call the station's Info Line at 866-664-1037.
Thanks again to the gracious Lacypony for this summertime shot--Bucky Covington (with Ducky Medlock at right) at the Kitsap County Fair. Click the image to browse Bucky's official concert schedule.
We've got some good concert news for Medrock's fans, too! A kind elf tells us that Ducky Medlock and Rocky Covington's eclectic (and very cool) musical collaboration is set to hit the stage at The Loading Zone in Antioch, TN on Wednesday, December 14th; the date is also listed on Medrock's Facebook. This is definitely one you won't want to miss!
Former American Idol star Bucky Covington is coming back to the area!! All week at 7:20am I’ve got your tickets AND meet & greet passes for his show in Tremont at the brand new Twisted Spoke Saloon this Saturday night, December 3rd. Brush up on your American Idol trivia all this week for your chance to win!
Sounds like fun--and a great way to get into Bucky's totally rockin' live event! For more info on Bucky's tour, be sure to bookmark his official site and Buckytown USA; and for more info on the upcoming official release of his first eOne single, "I Wanna Be That Feeling", hang on tight--it's gonna be fun watching Bucky climb the charts again! Be back soon...
Bucky Covington's smash hit Billboard #1 debut album showcased his cool, distinctive Southern voice beautifully--and it spawned three Top Ten singles ("A Different World", "It's Good to Be Us" and "I'll Walk") as well. That strong track record on radio and three-plus years of hot live shows have made Bucky's second album, I'm Alright, one of the most keenly-anticipated follow-up sets in country. We've waited patiently (and sometimes not so patiently!) through pushed-back release dates and the eventual shuttering of Bucky's former label, Lyric Street Records, but it looks as though some good news might be on the way shortly. From Bucky's latest interview with AOL's The Boot:
Bucky is still moving full-speed-ahead with his career, including churning out new music and playing several shows. "I've got a couple labels that we're looking at, and we're very excited," he hints. "They're great labels. We're just trying to finish up some details."
We sure like the sound of that! Which lucky label is going to get the chance to make hundreds of thousands of semi-patient Bucky Covington fans very, very happy? Stay tuned...
Meanwhile, Bucky and his excellent band are busy making us happy on the road--tonight, they'll rock the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center in Carlsbad, NM. Check for last-minute seats online, or hit the center's box office for info. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the music gets going at 7. This one's an all-ages event--enjoy!
Bucky and his band are also part of the big WPOC Sunday in the Countryshow, along with headliners Lady Antebellum, Eric Church and Joe Nichols--the concert's sold out, but there's lots of fun stuff on the station's event page, including photos and video of Bucky's visit with WPOC's Laurie DeYoung.
A little vintage MedRock: Ducky Medlock and Rocky Covington in a fun offstage photo from 2007. Many thanks to the very kind Janie for sharing this shot!
MedRock fans got some good news yesterday, too--the Laurinburg Exchange reports that Rocky Covington and Ducky Medlock will bring their eclectic (and very cool) musical collaboration to the High Cotton Night Club (Hwy 15-401 North in Bennettsville, SC) on October 8th. Clay Singletary will be their special guest, and this chance to enjoy these very talented men in an intimate setting is one you won't want to miss.
