So many of these websites and blogs that feature the same genres of music that I like are basically all the same. I mean, they all just basically focus on what “in and popular” in their “scenes”. Everybody and their mom right now is writing about Billy Strings. I LOVE Billy, but why doesn’t some of these media outlets write about people like Moe Bandy or Tony Booth?
Well look NO FURTHER FOLKS because Gary Hayes has been here for 13 years, and I’m NOT going anywhere. And I’m going to be one of the ones that bring you people like Lacy J. Dalton.
As a recovered addict this album immediately spoke me, especially when I heard how time has not faltered her voice one bit. It is still the same powerful vocals that brought “Sixteenth Avenue” alive for Thom Schuyler.
But a very poignant part of this album begins on the second song called “An Outlaw After All”. You see Lacy J.Dalton was one of the Outlaws from the 70s who fought tooth and nail for complete control of their own work. Yep. She was one of those women who were integral in paving the way for people like Sunny Sweeney who actually cut Sixteenth Avenue.
She has always been involved in rehabilitation of prisoners in America. Those that are on their bottom, and out of hope..she is fighting for you. Jesus was an Outlaw too. Society HATED him and his teachings but people like me seek out to live like him.
I suppose many people dislike me for writing so many articles that glorify God my savior like I do. But when I hear and enjoy albums like this one I learn “What Don’t Kill Ya” makes you stronger.
This album boasts twelve songs of positivity and unity that I am adamant today’s society needs to have. It needs to have more attention to it’s release and I’m upset it took me so long to write this one. From the press release:
For the Black Sheep’ was driven by Dalton’s hope for people to come together during a time of growing division. “We are at a pivotal point in our nation, both politically and spiritually. In a Democracy like ours, no one gets everything they want. It is my hope that we can learn to agree to disagree and come to a common-sense place somewhere in the middle,” Dalton explains. “Perhaps this music can encourage us to live and let live, love our neighbors as ourselves, and realize that only by working together respectfully can we reach humanity’s highest aspirations.
The album features several standout tracks, including “Devil by A Different Name,” which challenges listeners to confront their biases and embrace one another. “The song asks us to look at our racial, religious, political, and gender-based hatreds. It reminds us that the only power worth pursuing is that of our authentic, honest, centered and grounded self,” says Dalton. Another highlight, “Heart of Hearts,” speaks to the necessity of vulnerability and emotional openness.
“It reminds us that even though it seems easier to harden our hearts to one another, it actually cuts off much of the joy and connectedness we lose by shutting down. Our feelings are what make us feel alive. In the Bible, there is a passage that says, ‘keep well the heart, for out of it come all the issues of life,” Dalton explains. “Like Kris Kristofferson says, ‘the heart is all that matters in the end.’”
“All I can hope for is that it does what is intended, to help us all look at what we’re doing, call in our better angels and replace hatred, judgement and condemnation of ‘the other’ and begin to realize that the same spirit that is in us is in all our brothers and sisters,” Dalton adds. “And I hope it gives a lot of light and a big warm hug in return.”
‘For The Black Sheep’ Track Listing:
“Devil By A Different Name” / Premiered by The Music Universe
“An Outlaw After All” / Premiered by Nashville.com
“Love Yourself” / Premiered by Skope Magazine
“What Don’t Kill Ya” / Premiered by Cowboys & Indians
“Everybody Loves To Hate” / Premiered by Guitar Girl Magazine
“For The Black Sheep” / Premiered by My Kind Of Country
“It Takes An Earthquake” / Premiered by Guitar Girl Magazine
“Heart of Hearts” / Premiered by Center Stage Magazine
“Standin’ Knee Deep” / Premiered by The Hollywood Times
“Boundless Skies” / Premiered by My Kind Of Country
“Summerland” / Premiered by M Music & Musicians Magazine
“The One Thing Worth Callin’ Your Own” / Premiered by The Hollywood Times
