"AN INDEPENDENT VIEW"
by: Linda Fryer © January 2005

about in most of the "fan" magazines, either. We all know what you'll hear and read about in mainstream's entertainment. Although this CD is well worth the air-time, and worth the pages it would take to describe it in magazines, it isn't the "run of the mill" kind of music we're being forced to listen to today. Nope, it's much "deeper" and grittier than that stuff. It comes from a darker place, a REAL place.

Almost entirely self-written, with some help from a few of his friends, "….Heroes.." has some really great tunes on it, and some….well, some that are, for me personally, just a little "too dark". I consider myself to be pretty open-minded about music, but some of the language on this one was pretty "colorful"….even for ME! The one I'm referring to, in particular, was "Haggard & Hank" (Billy Don Burns/Hank Cochran). BUT…that said….who am I to tell a couple of songwriters how to express themselves?? If this is what it takes for Burns and friends, to describe feelings that are in their souls, well, so be it!

Lots of songs about drugs, as well. Personally, again, not MY favorite topic. But listen folks, this does NOT mean it's not good music! This material is definitely raw and often, intense. If you're the fan out there that likes it that way, then this is YOUR CD. …..and MINE! Why??

…. Cause what I DID love, among other things, were the wonderful instrumentals. Very bluegrass, at times, and very country. We even got to hear Willie's guitar licks! What a TREAT! And speaking of Willie, by far, my favorite song on this album was "Patsy" (Billy Don Burns/Hank Cochran/Mack Vickery/Charlie Booth)
..and performed by Burns, Cochran, and WILLIE! EXCELLENT!! Easily making up for anything that I may have cringed a little at, this one is just a superior song and tribute to the great Patsy Cline. And what a coup to have Willie and Hank joining in at the studio, Billy!! Generous artists, both, always willing to give a fellow musician, a helping hand…and how fitting to have them, in particular, in on this wonderful tribute to her. I'd like to see this one released as a single, to radio across the USA! Would "big business" give it a chance? Who knows? But I can guarantee REAL country fans would LOVE it!!

The first cut on this CD was "Mississippi" (Billy Don Burns/Hank Cochran)….with the great Tanya Tucker joining Billy in the studio, on this one. In the liner notes of the CD, Billy thanks her for taking time to run down to the studio, just after arriving at the airport in Nashville (from Europe!), without so much as a couple hours of sleep! How's THAT for generosity?!

This album is filled with music that is definitely not what we're used to being spoon-fed on radio….which is what makes it such a treasure. REAL country music, especially from the "dark side", is rare these days. Especially to fans who pretty much depend on 'the suits of big record labels' to give it to them. Oh, how nice to be a music journalist…(well, sometimes, anyway) I get the honor of hearing the music of some of the greatest talents in the business. And I doubt very much, I'll be turning on MY radio to the likes of Billy Don Burns, any time soon. OHHH, how I hope I'm wrong about that!

So, folks, especially those of you who enjoy something that's a bit raw and "de-glazed", find this CD (it'll be released to stores on February 22) and get it into your collection. And if you're a fan of the great Hank Cochran (and who isn't???), you'll note that he's played a huge role on this album, as well. Good friends make good songwriting partners…and vice-versa, huh? I know Billy would want me to mention all the writers and musicians who worked on this album with him, and without naming ALL the names, I can just assure you that they ALL lended GREAT talent to it. You might want to check out IndieMafia at http://www.indiemafia.com or visit Billy's website at http://www.billydonburns.com . I'm pretty sure you're gonna like this one…even with some 'colorful' language. It's worth 'sucking it up' and waiting for the really, REALLY good stuff!! And there's plenty of that!! Of course, that's just MY opinion….and only….."