Savage Run - CJ Box

Every once in a while I like to settle down and read a book with a variety of tunes playing in the background – nothing too substantial I hasten to add – I am told men can’t multi task and doing two things at once is impossible! With that in mind I cranked up itunes with only one artist in mind for this book – Colt Ford. His amazing album “Chicken & Biscuits” delivered a cornucopia of tunes blending the genres of rap and country – one track stood out for me – “We like to hunt”.

I’ve always been a cowboy at heart. Who wouldn’t want to live on a small holding in Wyoming, deep in the heart of cowboy country, sitting on a porch at the end of a long day and shooting the breeze with distant neighbours?! Sounds idyllic! The sounds of Tracy Lawrence’s “If the world had a front porch” now emanating from itunes!

C.J Box is a new author for me – I confess, although well known in the US for his Joe Pickett series, that he passed me by (like a solitary tumbleweed blowing down a deserted street in the West) when the titles were first released in America – this has now been rectified!

“Laconic Joe Pickett returns to his slightly offbeat duties in Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains in C. J. Box’s Savage Run. Joe is called to the scene when an exploding cow kills a famous eco-terrorist, Stewie Woods, and his bride of three days, who were peacefully spiking trees. A visit to the cow’s pugnacious owner leaves Joe defensive, angry, and curious: Why doesn’t the rancher ask any questions about the bizarre accident that happened on his land?

Then Joe’s wife, Marybeth, begins receiving phone calls from her high-school boyfriend—-the peculiarly healthy-sounding Stewie Woods. Stewie may or may not be alive, but his old pal Hayden Powell and other environmental activists are all turning up deceased in strange circumstances. As the body count climbs, Joe tries to sort out the bad guys, the good guys, and the truly dead guys in this sometimes funny, sometimes angry sequel to Box’s award-winning first novel, Open Season.”

Corvus launched the C.J. Box season last month and are publishing, for the first time in the UK, a book a month to celebrate Box’s Wyoming based series. If you’ve missed the first title in the series (like me) then do check out “Open Season” – although related, I am assured all titles are standalone and can be read in any order.

CJ Box

I must admit when I heard that Box had chosen a game warden as the lead character for his novels I was slightly concerned, and at the same time intrigued, that he would be rather limited in what could be achieved. However, judging by the strength of “Savage Run”, my fears have been allayed – the options and room for character development are endless given the atmospheric backdrop.

The narrative is powerful, yet charming and alluring at the same time – the writing has an uncomplicated homely feel to it. “Savage Run” flows unencumbered, beginning with a well developed foundation and takes advantage of impressive character building. As the story develops Box effortlessly cranks up the gears and slowly but surely the pace intensifying until its finality is reached with a fitting and believable conclusion.

Published by Corvus “Savage Run” is available from Amazon UK & Amazon US

“On the third day of their honeymoon, infamous environmental activist Stewie Woods and his new bride, Annabel Bellotti, were spiking trees in the forest when a cow exploded and blew them up. Until then, their marriage had been happy”

How on earth do you follow that comical yet temerarious opening? I had to re-read the section (after I picked myself up off the floor) twice – I was laughing so hard I just knew this was my type of book! I’m not quite sure why but within seconds it reminded me of the US TV show “Picket Fences” where the strange and macabre regularly occurred!

The characterisation is strong, Box delivering an eclectic blend of main and supporting characters each adding colour and depth to the proceedings. Our hero is likeable and his desire to uphold the law, despite the numerous obstacles he encounters, help shape his persona.

Box doesn’t disappoint. His descriptive powers help portray Wyoming and its parks I hasten to add, as an obvious bucket list destination – by the time I’d reached the mid-point of the book I felt I had to go and check out what Wyoming had to offer – the baby elks, the bears, the fishing (but don’t forget your license!) and the enormous mountain ranges. Wyoming’s rugged ranges appear to come alive and its harsh beauty captured in Box’s prose so eloquently.

So, there we have it – I thoroughly enjoyed “Savage Run” and will certainly look forward to re-visiting Wyoming next month – even if it is via Box’s third title “Winterkill”. If you’re looking for an intelligent and captivating adventure that raises the issues of eco terrorism and holds your attention throughout then this may be the book for you! Recommended.

Published by Corvus “Savage Run” is available from Amazon UK & Amazon US

Way back in 1994 I was introduced to country music via Tim McGraw’s”Don’t Take The Girl“. It meant a lot to me then and it still does, I never tire enough from listening or watching that video – I still get shivers when I listen to the story that unfolds in the video.

As the years have passed I’ve become a staunch fan of the new country style and quite often listen to Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington, Dixie Chicks, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert …. I could go on and on!!! I digress, the reason for this post is Joe Nichols. Nichols is an amazing singer who has struggled in recent times with substance abuse checking in to rehab in 2007.

Don’t ask me why but I can’t get enough of  “As Country As She Gets”, it’s just an amazing track. Never released as a single it’s one of the stand out tracks from his 2005 “III” album. Despite the number 1 “Tequila Makes her clothes fall off” and the wonderfully moving single “I’ll Wait for You”,  “As Country As She Gets” still remains a big favourite. “III”  is a Gold album and reached number 2 in the charts.

As Country As She Gets – Lyrics

She hates goin’ anywhere in my old truck
She says it’s always muddy and it rides so rough
And there ain’t no graceful way to climb up in a dress
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

I might get her on the lake to fish with me
If the water’s smooth and the sky is blue with a nice cool breeze
But anything we catch i’ll have to clean myself
Cause i’m about as country as she gets

She’ll slip off a pair of heels
Walk barefoot across the field
Climb up on the fence just to be near me
Sometimes i think that horse still scares her half to death
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

She likes being within spending distance of a mall
Havin’ enough bars to make a cell phone call
Put her in a crowd and she’s right in her element
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

She’ll slip out on the porch sometimes
When that sun’s low in the sky
Pull up a rocking chair just to be with me
Until that first big junebug buzzes by her head
You see i’m about as country as she gets
Yeah i’m about as country as she gets

She hates goin’ anywhere in my old truck.

It’s been a while since Joe Nichols released a studio album (2007 with “Real Things”) but I have to admit it was well worth the wait if “An Old Friend Of Mine” is anything to go by.

Nichols has always been able to deliver an emotional song effortlessly and until I heard this song “I’ll Wait For You”, taken from his 2005 album III and written by Bill Anderson and Harley Allen, was my favourite song. Don’t get me wrong I love most of his songs but I’ll Wait For You had that something special and the two videos that accompanied the two versions were amazing.

Alcohol has played a huge part in his songs but few were aware of his addiction and problems with Alcohol but with the release of his new album Nichols is frank and honest about his problems. He has been sober for over a year and “An Old Friend of Mine” is his emotional storytelling account of his drinking.

It will inevitably strike a chord with people who are struggling with any form of addiction but for me, someone who is fortunate not to suffer from such an addiction, it delivers on all fronts. Emotional, honest and simple. The use of one camera doesn’t detract from the message the video brings and is key to this kind of song. Country songs are famed for a broken truck, a bitter divorce or the dog dying but this track steps up a gear and arguably provides support to those in need.

Taylor Swift's Fearless

For someone so young, Taylor Swift has sure made a huge mark on the country industry with her youthful style and energy. She writes her own music and despite being tender in years writes from her own experiences and heart.

Her latest single release is White Horse and is a more mature sounding song compared to the earlier Love Story. It’s a wonderfuly poigniant song and video all about a brakeup and a boyfriend begging for another chance. With the rain lashing against the video she deals with being let down and how looks are deceptive. The video plays below – enjoy!

Swift was the biggest selling artist in 2008 in America with combined sales of over 4 million albums. Swift’s “Fearless” and “Taylor Swift” albums ended 2008 at number three and six. Both albums reached the top of the charts in America and Canada.

She came to prominence when she released her single and tribute called “Tim McGraw”. She was and is a huge McGraw fan and despite writing a song about the cowboy had never met him at that point! The Tim McGraw single reached a high of six in 2006. The pair finally met at the ACM awards in 2007!

Just finished watching Cold Case and what a complete and awesome surprise that the entire soundtrack from the show was made up of Tim McGraw songs – all nine of them !

EPISODE 11 “THE RED AND THE BLUE” – Season 4 is the first time I’ve ever known a programme use one artist in its entirety. The other first as far as I am concerned is the use of Nashville as the centre for a cold case – mind you, very little of Nashville is used in the programme!

Doing a search for more information on the inclusion of McGraw’s music I stumbled upon a complete track listing and description of the scene – check out the site here, it’s a great resource for music used in every cold case episode. http://www.have-dog.com/coldcase/

• Tim McGraw “Just to See You Smile” Greatest Hits, Track 5 Opening Scenes.

• Tim McGraw “Something Like That” Greatest Hits, Track 10 “Where i come from, a man’s word is as good as a piece of paper.” Tim McGraw “All I Want Is A Life” [?], Track [?] Dusty shows back up, after pawning the amp.

• Mike Stinson sings “Counting My Lucky Stars”, the only other song used in the programme and not McGraw. [DOWNLOAD THE FULL SONG from http://www.larrybagby.com/music.html] Rehearsal | Truck performs his song with Edie.

• Tim McGraw “I Do But I Don’t” Everywhere, Track 5 Honey says goodbye to Truck.

• Tim McGraw “For A Little While” Everywhere, Track 2 Truck is told to cut his brother loose.
• Tim McGraw “The Cowboy In Me” Greatest Hits, Volume 2, Track 4 Truck gives Ty the bad news.
• Tim McGraw “Drugs or Jesus” Live Like You Were Dying, Track 6 Truck makes a decision.
• Tim McGraw “I’ve Got Friends That Do” Greatest Hits, Volume 2, Track 16 Closing Scenes.

Just delighted to see Cold Case use country music in one of their episodes, check it out if you can the only disappointment is that Tim McGraw didn’t guest star. I guess you can’t have everything though !

Great news for Tracy Lawrence and country music fans alike. Together with his brother and manager Laney Lawrence, the Multi-platinum recording artist has launched Rocky Comfort Records (RCR), to be based in Nashville. The label will operate as a joint venture with CO5 Nashville (a division of CO5 Music) and has secured an exclusive retail distribution agreement with A2M Distribution. As president of RCR, Laney Lawrence will oversee the operation of the label, while Tracy Lawrence will direct A&R. His first single, “Find Out Who Your Friends Are,” will be released to radio August 21 with his first studio album on the RCR/CO5 Nashville imprint scheduled for release in early 2007.

I’ve not heard this yet but i can’t wait to get my hands on some new material. It has been far too long in coming. “Then and Now“ was his last album to be released back in October 2005. The album was a collection of his greatest hits (and two new ones) and were all re-recorded due to contractual obligations. It was a smash hit with the fans and his new one due out early next year is set to be another hit..

Tim McGraw’s new single “My Little Girl” is released this week,a song that is taken from his new movie Flicka co written by Tom Douglas. Flicka which is out on October 20th in the US is a tale about a 16-year-old Katy McLaughlin dreams of fulfilling her family legacy by working on her father’s ranch in modern-day Wyoming. Tim plays her father in the film, a not surprising venture for Tim following the acting he has done in his numerous videos.

The film was filmed on location in the beautiful New Zealand and Los Angeles.

Back to the song, it is taken from the Flicka soundtrack and is currently available on Tim McGraw’s greatest hits vol 2. I love the chorus, in fact the song is typical Tim Mcgraw! It also borders on being one of my favourite songs by McGraw.

A number of visitors have been searching for the lyrics to “My Little Girl” so I thought I’d post them in full and not just the first verse. I can’t find a link to the video or song at the moment, however this is the best I’ve found so far at youtube (let the video run past the happy birthday song!). If you do see a better version please let me know. Just a quick update, I now have a link to Tim McGraw’s video for My Little Girl – it can be found here

Verse 1:
Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.
Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.
I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.
You’ve had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

Chorus:
Beautiful baby from the outside in.
Chase your dreams but always know the road that’ll lead you home again.
Go on, take on this whole world.
But to me you know you’ll always be, my little girl.

Verse 2:
When you were in trouble that crooked little smile could melt my heart of stone.
Now look at you, I’ve turned around and you’ve almost grown.
Sometimes you’re asleep I whisper “I Love You!” in the moonlight at your door.
As I walk away, I hear you say, “Daddy Love You More!”.

(Repeat Chorus)

Verse 3:
Someday, some boy will come and ask me for your hand.
But I won’t say “yes” to him unless I know, he’s the half
that makes you whole, he has a poet’s soul, and the heart of a man’s man.
I know he’ll say that he’s in love.
But between you and me. He won’t be good enough!

While talking to someone in work today about musical tastes I was trying to think what really made me stand up and listen to country music for the very first time. I honestly can’t remember but one thing I do remember, I always go back to this video. I believe this song was instrumental to me falling in love with the country genre. The song I hear you ask ? Don’t take The Girl …

It was 1994 and my very first introduction to Tim McGraw and his own style of delivering a song, it was also my first real “story” song where the video/song had a beginning, middle and ending. It always makes me shudder when I see this video, not sure why. Maybe I know subliminally that this song means so much to me and it marks a move into the genre. The other singer I enjoyed around the same time was Vince Gill but McGraw has a certain draw for me.

If you read the lyrics it’s fairly obvious what the song is about, but if you can’t quite figure it out take a look at the video found on youtube. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Johnny’s daddy was taking him fishin’
When he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate holdin’ a fishing pole
His dad looked down and smiled, said we can’t leave her behind
Son I know you don’t want her to go but someday you’ll change your mind
And Johnny said “Take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo
Take anybody that you want as long as she don’t go
Take any boy in the world
Daddy please don’t take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Ten years down the road
He held her tight and kissed her lips
In front of the picture show
Stranger came and pulled a gun
Grabbed her by the arm said “If you do what I tell you to, there won’t be any harm”
And Johnny said “Take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards
Here’s the watch that my grandpa gave me
Here’s the key to my car
Mister give it a whirl
But please don’t take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Five years down the road
There’s going to be a little one and she says it’s time to go
Doctor says the baby’s fine but you’ll have to leave
‘Cause his momma’s fading fast and Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed
Take the very breath you gave me
Take the heart from my chest
I’ll gladly take her place if you’ll let me
Make this my last request
Take me out of this world
God, please don’t take the girl

Johnny’s daddy
Was taking him fishin’