Morrison-Williams,
Morrison-Williams

Label: Palo Duro Records
Year: 2005

(1 out of 5)

Morrison-Williams's self-titled debut is a part power pop, part neo-traditional country pastiche of hitmakers like Lonestar and Rascal Flatts. And as with those bands, most of the Morrison-Williams songs are lightweight fluff that sounds okay but lacks any real substance.

Shayne Morrison and Clint Williams have worked together for several years. They started out collaborating on songs for Morrison's former band, Perfect Stranger. Now on their own and signed to Palo Duro Records, they're already getting good radio exposure with their advance single, "My Girl Friday."

The grassroots fan base that helped make Perfect Stranger a success may be clamoring for more. But frankly, this is enough.

Rarely have I had to steel myself to endure repeated listening to songs like "Fighting for Love," with its echoing refrain, the corny "Preacher Michael," or the frivolous take on Shel Silverstein's "Cover of the Rolling Stone."

Most of the remaining nine tracks are innocuous enough bits of country-pop.

The one exception, and the one actually good song, is the bluegrass-tinged "Good Day to Die," an ode to those who fell at the Alamo.

Morrison and Williams seem to have the instrumental skills and vocal talents to create something original, to make a real contribution to Texas music.

But instead, at least with their debut, they are simply recycling a hackneyed Nashville sound.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

March 9, 2005