Wednesday, July 31, 2013

"Amelita" -- The Second Album Released by the Court Yard Hounds #CYHAmelita (Review)

Disclosure: I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.



Do these two women look familiar?  If you are scratching your head trying to place them, then let me help you out.  They are Emily Robison and Martie Maguire, the two sisters from the old country band, Dixie Chicks, which were popular a few years back.  Since going their own ways to have families and explore different music avenues, these two sisters teamed up again to release their second album titled, "Amelita," under the new band name the Court Yard Hounds.


“We’re a band, not a side project. We like our sound, and we’re going to continue to do this, and share something new this time around.” Emily Robison couldn't be more clear about the game plan for the Court Yard Hounds, the group she and sister Martie Maguire head up, as they get ready to release their second album, Amelita.



Containing 11 new tracks, Robison and Maguire took a different approach with Amelita than their debut album in 2010. This album contains a new perspective, which is due in part to time passed since Robison’s divorce. “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robison. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun.




"I love this band...the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people," says Martie. "We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.” 

After recently being sent a digital download of their new album to listen to, I couldn't wait to find some quiet time from the kids to listen to each and every one of the 11 tracks.  Here is the track listing:

Amelita Track Listing:
  1. Sunshine
  2. Amelita
  3. The World Smiles
  4. Aimless Upward
  5. Guy Like You
  6. Rock All Night
  7. Phoebe
  8. Divided
  9. Gets You Down
  10. Watch Your Step
  11. The Road You Take
I was a fan of these sisters when they were a part of the ever popular band, Dixie Chicks, but, then never followed up to see what they were up to next.  Then, I started a family of my own, and listening to country radio in the car was replaced by playing lullaby or children's music in the car. :-)  So, as you can imagine, I was excited to first hear that these wonderful ladies were singing again, and turning out new albums.  

While I had hoped to listen to the entire album in one sitting, I ended up having to space out my listening time over a few days, as the girls kept waking in the night due to illness and needed my attention.  But, when I was finally done listening to all 11 tracks, I couldn't wait to listen to them again.  I could pick up similarities to sounds heard during their Dixie Chicks days, the Court Yard Hounds' are definitely making a name for themselves with the release of this album.   The sisters don't hold back in sharing personal stories that fans can relate to, especially if you are a mom. :-)  

It was hard for me to choose just one favorite song, as they were all unique and enjoyable to listen to.  But, the first three songs, especially "Amelita," I found myself going back and listening to.  What a great way to unwind after a crazy day with the kids -- pour a glass of wine, put my feet up and listen to the new "Amelita" album from the Court Yard Hounds.  It can't get any better than this! :-)

Stay up-to-date on the Court Yard Hounds' happenings by following them on Twitter and Facebook:

 
 --Buy Now --

Amelita: Court Yard Hounds is now available for purchase on CD or digital download from Amazon or iTunes.


Disclosure: I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

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