June, 2000

CD: "PHIL COLEY"
SONGWRITER: VIRGINIA SMITH

Today I had the interesting challenge of reviewing a new CD that I received a few weeks ago. What made it unique from my usual reviews, was that I had "spoken" with the songwriter/producer, Virginia Smith, a few times, and she was particularly anxious to know how I liked her newest artist, Phil Coley -AND, my opinion of her songwriting and music! (Smith wrote all the songs on this album, joined by co-writer, Curtis Johnson for "Between The Two of Us") Now, granted, when I listen to a record, I listen to everything that goes into the final product: the artist and his talent as a performer, the lyrics in a song, the instrumentals, the production value.heck, ALL of it! But when someone thinks enough of MY opinion, to ask me to be so specific, I am both honored AND rattled! I mean, what if I don't LIKE it? What if I find the lyrics weak, or uninteresting? Or what if the artist's performance and interpretation of the songwriter's work is so poor that the song is all but lost in the shuffle?

Well, of course, that would be awful-for ME, for the writer, and for everyone else involved, including you all, the fans! And since I believe in keeping my reviews honest, it would be extremely difficult to get such a review written. And believe me, folks, it's happened before, and it'll undoubtedly happen again. BUT-I'm very happy to say that this is NOT one of those times. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I've spent listening to Phil Coley's new self-titled CD. And because I had been asked to pay special attention to the songs, themselves, it was a blessing to be able to listen to each one, coming from such a talented new artist on the scene. Coley has the kind of voice that is unmistakably, COUNTRY. Yep, traditional country, reminiscent of singers like Eddy Arnold and Marty Robbins,-smooth, non-threatening-almost sounding like he's doing a personal performance in your living room!

Ms. Smith, who's been writing songs for many years, and been honored many times for her work in country music, has continued to do what she loves most-tell a story with music. And her story-telling style makes the lyrics easy to understand and follow. She keeps up with the newer generations who' ve followed her, too, as the first track on the album, "Don't Want To Be Chained", proves! Virginia Smith is not afraid to say what's in her heart, OR on her mind. And what she's experienced and witnessed through the years, comes through in her songs' lyrics.

For all of you who love to just kick back, and listen to the smooth traditional sounds of real country music, I recommend that you visit Virginia Smith's website, Cindy Records tinpan.fortunecity.com/newengland/93 ), and click on Phil Coley's page, where you can preview his new CD. (While you're there, read about Virginia, too, her life has been a fascinating one!) I feel pretty sure, this album is one you'll want to add to your collection! Thanks, Virginia, for sending it to me, I'll listen to it often. And Phil, I hope we'll be hearing more from you, in the near future!..and as always, this has been...