Cameron Mitchell
Chelsea No Evil
(Self-released)

Mitchell begins this 6-song EP with "Good Morning, Heartbreak," a fast country shuffle performed with an amount of glee that indicates that he's over it and happily moving on. And why not, he's soon singing "Woman in Love," an anthemic barroom thumper that celebrates the unbridled joy that comes with a new relationship. Falling in and out of love is the theme throughout, and listeners really get a good listen to Mitchell's Don Henley-esque tones on the slow "Sometimes Things Just Fade" and the tearjerker "Maybe I Was Looking for You." Mitchell closes the effort with the Tom Petty-gone-country rocker "Darlin', Let Me Warn You."

Stacy Jones
Whiskey, Wine & Water
EZ Money/Critical Sun

Jones' trip to the country goes down many a lane here; listeners go on a hayride on the Buck Owens-ish "You and Me Tonight," head for a hazy bayou during the mystery-infused "Dreams" and then pull into the roadhouse for the harmonica-embellished rockin' shuffle of the title cut. The musical styles may vary but it is Jones' voice that is the star here; with strong pipes that can belt it out like Bonnie Raitt and a penchant for understated nuance that recalls Allison Moorer, Jones keeps the party moving throughout and does it with panache.

Greg Shirley
Raised on the Run
Garage Door Records