Ashley McBryde- Lindeville
Label: Warner
Producers: John Osborne, John Peets
The third studio album from country artist Ashley McBryde is the delicious kind of left-of-center detours that are nearly extinct in the catalogs of modern day acts, particularly those recording in the major label system. A pure-bred concept album based on a fictional small town inspired by the late, famed songwriter Dennis Linde (“Goodbye Earl”, “Burning Love”, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” and many more), it’s a collection of humorous, down-home anecdotes sung from the perspective of the town’s residents. These tales, among them such fantastic titles as “Brenda, Put Your Bra On”, “If These Dogs Could Talk”, “Bonfire at Tina’s” and “Gospel Night at the Strip Club”, are executed in a fashion that is both believable and endlessly entertaining. This is thanks to a blend of both small-town pride and humble self-deprecation, punctuated by a strong dose of twangy and electric country musicianship of the highest order. The most current comparison or reference is most definitely the catalog of Pistol Annies, but its true lineage most definitely calls back several generations to the classic novelties of artists like Roger Miller and Tom T. Hall, with a combination of the elevated, literate expression of John Prine. Adding another unique layer is the fact this is far more an Ashley McBryde & Friends record, then it is a solo affair. The record’s namesake only appears in the lead position on a number of key tracks and the joyously slapstick vignettes that are interspersed throughout the track-list. Otherwise, she generously forfeits the spotlight on the remainder of the songs to a wide array of talented guests, including Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammack, Pillbox Patti, Aaron Raitiere, Benjy Davis, and Brothers Osborne (John Osborne also serves as producer). This diversity only further elevates the unique nature of the record, adding an endearing country variety show feel to the festivities, and McBryde & Osborne weave all of the diverse character sketches, narrative voices, and expert musicianship together in seamless fashion. Lindeville is the kind of delightful surprise that we didn’t expect or know that we needed, and additional volumes from McBryde and her cohorts would certainly be welcome in the future.
Track Listing:
- “Brenda Put Your Bra On” featuring Caylee Hammack and Pillbox Patti (Ashley McBryde, Brandy Clark, Benjy Davis, Connie Harrington, Nicolette Hayford, Aaron Raitiere)
- “Jesus Jenny” featuring Aaron Raitiere (Raitiere, Jon Decious)
- “Dandelion Diner” (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “The Girl in the Picture” featuring Pillbox Patti (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “If These Dogs Could Talk” featuring Brandy Clark (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “Play Ball” featuring Brothers Osborne (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “Ronnie’s Pawn Shop” (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “The Missed Connection Section of the Lindeville Gazette” featuring Brandy Clark and Aaron Raitiere (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” featuring Benjy Davis (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “Forkem Family Funeral Home” (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “When Will I Be Loved” featuring Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammock and Pillbox Patti (Phil Everly)
- “Bonfire at Tina’s” featuring Brandy Clark, Caylee Hammock and Pillbox Patti (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford, Raitiere)
- “Lindeville” (McBryde, Clark, Davis, Harrington, Hayford Raitiere)
The 706 
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