Rodney Hayden - 12 Ounce World (2008)

Written, produced, recorded, and released by the artist and his band, Rodney Hayden’s homespun 12 Ounce World is a truly independent project in every sense of the word. And who needs a high-powered record label or a big recording budget when you can make music like this on your own? 12 Ounce World may not be a musical revelation, but it very well may be indicative of the coming music industry revolution–it is, after all, the finest self-made country album I’ve ever heard.

A brilliantly mixed album that is underlined throughout by the standout guitar work of bandmate Matt Slusher, Hayden’s latest is one of a rare breed, so good at certain points that it’s easy to forget you’re listening to the songs of a regionally successful Texas act and not a country music legend.

On “Huntsville,” Hayden sings about guilt, death and loneliness with a booming delivery that channels Cash, and the song itself wouldn’t be at all out of place beside the genre’s finest prison songs.

Likewise, “Lonesome, Heartbroke, and Blue,” which features a mournful, howling vocal performance and a haunting steel guitar track, is an eerie dirge that would, in any other time during country music’s tumultuous history, surely be a hit. As it stands, any artist who is interested in cutting real country music should take a listen to this song. Are you paying attention Alan Jackson?

Track List:

01 - 12 Ounce World
02 - Something Stronger Than Me
03 - Huntsville
04 - Waltz With Me
05 - Darling I'm Falling For You
06 - Lonesome Heartbroke And Blue
07 - Pour A Drink
08 - Last Plane Out Of Tulsa
09 - I'm The One For You
10 - That's How Long (My Love Will Last)
11 - Song For Momma

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