Jesse Dayton & Brennen Leigh,
"Holdin' Our Own" and Other Country Gold Duets

Label: Stag Records
Released: 2007

(3 out of 5)

Jesse Dayton has explored many styles throughout his recording career — rockabilly, punk, blues, honky-tonk, and straight-ahead rock'n'roll, to name just a few. Add country torch songs to the list with this fall's "Holdin' Our Own" and Other Country Gold Duets. Dayton and Brennen Leigh revive the crooning couple tradition that hit its zenith from the late '60s to mid '70s, channeling George and Tammy on "Somethin' 'to Brag About" and Johnny and June on "Long Legged Guitar Pickin' Man." But the duo really shines on originals like "We Hung the Moon" and "Let's Run Away." Sometimes the approach is too cloying, with the affect overshadowing the artistry. But overall, it's an entertaining throwback that puts a modern spin on the golden age of AM country radio.

Listen: "Let's Run Away," "We Hung the Moon," "Somethin' to Brag About," "Long Legged Guitar Pickin' Man"

Buy: Amazon

December 4, 2007