Marie Crichton Country Show:
Top Albums of 2014 and Notables
Top Albums of 2014 and Notables
Scroll down to discover
a) All the new releases in 2014 including ones played on Marie Crichton’s BBC Radio Shropshire
Country Show
b) Discover which Country/ Americana albums made the Official UK Top 100 chart
c) All the 2014 country albums which charted on the American Billboard Charts
(Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart/ Billboard Top Country Albums Chart)
with Debut sales where known
shown in blue)
d) Country Music People share
their Critics’ Choice picks of 2014 along with an Index of CD’s reviewed in
2014.
* NOTE * Visit our Country Music Store Page
All the Forthcoming and Country/Alt Country/ American albums so far
released in 2015. An expanded and comprehensive listing of Country/Alt Country/
American albums released in 2014.
Marie
Crichton’s BBC Radio Shropshire Country Show –
TOP 20 ALBUMS of 2014
Comment: Stunning
vocal and beautiful songs, bluegrass at its best.
Comment: Superb
debut from 1/3 of the Pistol Annies. This is what a modern country album should
sound like, it is solid country and one for the girls, 12 tracks of misery...
and I love it.
Comment: Great
to hear another fine debut from a very talented songwriter whose music has been
cut by the likes of Terri Clark and Sara Evans.
(From The Heart
is a lovely bluegrass album, while Fly is a delicate piano driven
singer-songwriter sound. Great idea for a double project)
Comment: After a
few years away from music it is exciting to have this album. It may mark a new
direction, but her voice is as pure as ever.
Comment: I have
to confess to not being that familiar with his music until I heard this, but
once I researched his name I realised all the great songs he has written, this
is a refreshing album.
Comment: Two
wonderful releases in one year from this incredibly talented family band;
proving the point that you cannot beat blood harmony.
Comment: Great
to hear a live album from one of my favourite singers, hopefully she will be
touring the UK this summer...watch this space.
Comment: She has
always had country roots, but this album is her first official country album
and it really suits her, so I hope there will be more, she certainly comes home
on this one.
Comment: Another
great album from a singer-songwriter who has had her music recorded by Trisha
Yearwood, Blake Shelton and Miley Cyrus.
Worthy Notables
#11 - #20:
11. Garth Brooks - Blame it All on My Roots
Bumper Box set and Man Against The Machine CD - Smart Choice Music - Amazon.com
Comment: Garth
made a comeback as only Garth could... huge, great music continuing in Garth
style, which his fans will enjoy.
Comment: Although
only some of the songs are new, it is a nice package with modern remakes of old
favourites like Walkaway Joe and The Song Remembers When.
Comment: Very
strong album, one of his best in recent years, the deluxe version has a
whopping 17 tracks.
Comment: Really
talented bluegrass singer-songwriter who deserves to become a household name, a
fine example of country meets bluegrass.
Comment: Great
debut, having him stop by and sing live emphasised his talent and was a
definite year highlight.
Comment: I would
say one of, if not the best album by a UK male I've heard, like an English
George Jones with a package of beautifully crafted, stone country songs.
Comment: Well
Known and incredibly talented singer Ilse Delange teamed up with fellow singer
songwriter Waylon and formed this refreshing duo. A a nice European offering of
country music. Their performance on the Eurovision Song Contest was the best of
the night and I line dance to 'Calm After The Storm.
Comment: Another
lovely bluegrass album, which fills the gap for those of us who love modern,
but also 'country' music.
Comment: A
similarly great bluegrass meets country album. Her voice reminds me at times of
Jeannie kendall and that can only be a good thing.
Comment: He may
be hanging up his travelling boots, but he sure rode out in style; recruiting
his country music friends to sing with him on a really sincere live album.
So how did
National, local BBC, UK Internet Radio and local community radio stations
playing country music along with online streaming services help to sell the
music in the shops and at online retailers?
Which Country/ Americana Albums charted
on the Official UK Albums Top 100 during 2014?
- 19 Country/ Americana Albums made the Top 100.
- The highest charting debut was logged by Johnny Cash with OUT AMONG THE
STARS at No.4 (19,347 sales)
- The biggest selling debut was Dolly Parton with her 2-CD BLUE SMOKE / THE BEST OF with a debut
at No.6 selling 20,860 copies. As it was a compilation it did not appear
on the Official Country chart.
- The third biggest selling debut was First Aid Kit's STAY GOLD (11,281
sales; No.11 debut) followed by
Garth Brooks MAN AGAINST
MACHINE (7,608 sales, No.23 debut) and fifth was Lady Antebellum’s 747 (5,998 sales; No.12 debut)
- UK duo Ward Thomas with FROM WHERE WE STAND were inside the Top 40 on the mid-week chart but landed just outside on the chart on the published Sunday frame with 2,473 sales and made a bow at No.41. They out charted and out sold 4 of the biggest names from America (2 now 2015 ACM Nominated albums) as Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw and Eric Church sold fewer numbers with just one week on the top 100 compared to the achievement by 20-year old twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy Ward Thomas who had a 5-week Top 100 run!
UK Charting Albums in 2014:
Mary Chapin Carpenter SONGS FROM THE MOVIE Official UK Albums Top 100
debut at No.95
(chart week Feb 1, 2014)
Sheryl Crowe
FEELS LIKE HOME Official UK Albums Top 100 debut at No.16 (5,498 sales; chart week
Feb 8, 2014), then #21 (4,500 copies), then #51 (2,300 copies), then #79
Rosanne Cash
THE RIVER & THE THREAD debut at No.25 (4,267 sales; chart week Feb 22, 2014),
then #47, then #69, then off the chart
Blackberry Smoke THE WHIPPOORWILL Official UK Albums Top 100 debut at No.30
(2,973 sales; chart week March 1, 2014) then off the chart
Eric Church
THE OUTSIDERS debut at No.70 (1,272 sales; chart week March 8, 2014),
then off the chart
Johnny Cash
with OUT AMONG THE STARS debut at No.4 (19,347 sales; chart week April 12, 2014),then #6 (10,374
copies),then #9 (7,292 copies),then #12 (4,000+ copies), then #21 (3,300 –
3,800 copies), then #42 (2,200 copies), then #46 (1,800 copies), then #68
(1,400 copies), then #32 (3,000 copies), then #29 (3,000 copies), then #25
(around 4,400 copies), then #46, then
#80 (1,000 copies), then fell off the Top 100
Emmylou Harris WRECKING BALL debut at No.100 (sales less than 980; chart week April
26, 2014)
The Common Linnets eponymous album debut No.40 (2,004 sales; chart week May 24, 2014)
then fell off the top 100
Miranda Lambert PLATINUM debut at No.52 (1,725 sales; chart week June 14, 2014)
then off the chart
First Aid Kit's STAY GOLD debuts at No.11 (11,281 sales; chart week June 21, 2014),
then #16 (4,000+ sales); then #30 (2,500 sales); then #68 (1,700 sales)
Dolly Parton BLUE SMOKE / THE BEST OF debut at No.6 (20,860 sales; chart week June 21, 2014), then #6 (13,962
sales); then #7 (13,983 sales); then #4 (28,256 copies), then #3 (18,568
sales), then #3 (15,408 sales), then #2 (13,602 sales), then #2 (14,998 sales),
then #2 (16,665 sales), then #3 (10,905 sales)
then #7 (8,940 sales), then #10 (7,738 sales), then #11 (6,062 sales).
It ended its initial 12 week engagement in the Top 10, dipping 10-11 (6,062
sales; down 22% on previous week 7,738; 12-week total 189,961). The album set
went on to be certified PLATINUM and as of the chart 31st January 2015
it had sold another 2,000 copies moving 27-42
with a 33-week chart estimated total of 374,500 copies!
Willie Nelson BAND OF BROTHERS debut at No.52 (1,589 copies; chart week July 5, 2014)
Ward Thomas
FROM WHERE WE STAND debut at No.41 (2,473 sales; chart week August 2, 2014),
then #93 (1,000 sales), then #94 (950 sales), then #95 (930 sales) , then #94
(980 sales) then fell off the top 100
Blackberry Smoke LEAVE A SCAR: LIVE NORTH CAROLINA debut at No.35 (2,181 sales; chart week
August 30, 2014), then fell off the top 100.
Brad Paisley
MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK debut at No.34 (2,387 sales; chart week September 6,
2014)
Tim McGraw
with SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN debut at No.72 debut (1,383 sales; chart week Oct 4,
2014),
Lucinda Williams with DOWN WHERE THE SPIRIT MEETS THE BONE debut at No.23 (4,101 sales; chart week
Oct 11, 2014), then #66 (1,400 sales),
Lady Antebellum with 747 debut at #12 (5,998 sales; chart week Oct 18, 2014),
then #21 (4,000 sales), then #50 (1,700 sales), then #71 (sales less than 1,500
copies, 4-week total 13,200), then off the chart
Garth Brooks
MAN AGAINST MACHINE debut at #23 (7,608 sales; chart Week Nov 22, 2014),
then #45 (3,400 sales estimated), then #74 (2,500 sales) then fell off the top
100
Of Note:
Taylor Swift full on official POP and went stratospheric with
fifth studio album 1989. It opened
atop the UK chart with sales of 90,336
copies, her second Official Albums Chart No.1. It became the fastest-selling
album of the year by a female artist thus far overtaking previous record holder
The X Factor winner Sam Bailey,
whose debut THE POWER OF LOVE sold 72,644
copies in its first week of release. As of the chart week 31st January 2015
“1989” fell 4-7 selling 13,737 copies with a 13-week total of 470,456.
You+Me, a Pop/ Folk duo made up of Canadian singer/songwriter Dallas Green and the formidable Pink (who had placed eight solo studio
albums and compilations in the Top 15 since 2000) made a bow at No.10
(7,948 sales) with their debut album titled Rose Ave on the chart frame October
25, 2014. In it’s second week it fell 10-39 (2,172 sales, 2-week total 10,120)
Official UK Top 100
Singles
There was ONLY one country
single which made the Official UK Top
100 Singles Chart on the chart dated
March 22, 2014 when C2C Country To
Country 2014 headliner Brad Paisley
moved up from No.154 to No.100 in his second week with “Mona Lisa” (Arista Nashville). It became
Paisley's first UK Top 100 single after being “B” then “A” playlisted by BBC
Radio 2 for 5 weeks from the weeks commencing Saturday Feb 8, 2014 to March
15th.
Of Note: Folk singer Sally Barker with “To Love Somebody”
(UMTV) entered at No.81 (sales around 2,800 – 2,900) for the week ending April
5, 2014. Sally was one of 4 contestants who qualified for the final of The
Voice UK
New releases played on Marie Crichton’s
BBC Country Show during 2014
2014 COUNTRY ALBUMS
- All the new releases in 2014 including ones
played on Marie Crichton’s BBC Radio Shropshire Country Show.
- Those marked
in RED
are ones Marie particularly enjoyed during 2014.
- All the 2014 country albums
which charted on the American Billboard Charts
(Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart/ Billboard Top Country Albums
Chart) with Debut sales where known shown in blue)
JANUARY 2014
TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang - ICONIC DUETS (Self-Released)
Erica Sunshine Lee - THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN
Keith Urban - FUSE
Jennifer Nettles - THAT GIRL (Mercury Nashville)
Jon Pardi - WRITE YOU A SONG (Capitol Nashville)
Mary Chapin Carpenter - SONGS FROM THE MOVIE
(Rounder Records)
Rosanne Cash -THE RIVER & THE THREAD (Blue Note Records)
Blackie and the Rodeo Kings - SOUTH (Thirty Tigers)
Lone Justice - THE VAUGHT TAPES 1983
(Omnivore)
Charlie Farley - HOG HEAVEN (Average Joes
Entertainment-Backroad Records)
Railroad Earth - LAST OF THE OUTLAWS
Florida Georgia Line - iTunes SESSIONS
Beth Nielsen Chapman - UNCOVERED
Home Free - CRAZY LIFE
Lucinda Williams - SELF TITLED (remastered)
Jenna Jentry - JENNA JENTRY (EP)
Jason Eady - DAYLIGHT & THE DARK (self-released)
Los Lonely Boys - REVELATION (LonelyTone)
Ray Benson - A LITTLE PIECE (Bismeaux)
Blue Highway - THE GAME (Rounder)
Hard Working Americans - HARD WORKING AMERICANS (Melvin Records/Thirty Tigers)
Doug Paisley - STRONG FEELINGS
Now That’s What I Call Country Ballads (Various Artists)
Holly Norman - Appalachian Angel
Vince Gill and Paul Franklin -
BAKERSFIELD (Deluxe Cracker Barrel Edition)
Sheryl Crow - FEELS LIKE HOME
Rhonda Vincent - ONLY ME Only Me (Upper Management)
North 40 - SING YOUR OWN Song (Rhymetown)
Iain Matthews - THE ART OF OBSCURITY
(Omnivore)
Laura Cantrell - NO WAY THERE FROM HERE
Dave Barnes - GOLDEN DAYS
Amy Ray - GOODNIGHT TENDER
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
January (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Jennifer Nettles THAT GIRL (Mercury Nashville) 54,091 copies;
#5 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Jon Pardi
Write You A Song (Capitol Nashville) 17,050 copies;
#14 Billboard 200/ #3 Country
Mary Chapin Carpenter SONGS FROM THE MOVIE (Rounder Records) 4,000+ copies; #75 Billboard 200/ #6 Billboard Folk
Rosanne Cash
THE RIVER & THE THREAD (Blue Note Records) 18,566
copies; #11 Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Florida Georgia Line - iTunes SESSIONS; 5,000
copies; #63 Billboard 200/ #11 Country
Cody Johnson
COWBOY LIKE ME; 8,144 copies; #33 Billboard
200/ #7 Country
Home Free
CRAZY LIFE; 6,000 copies; #40 Billboard 200/ #8
Country
Lucinda Williams SELF TITLED (re-mastered); 6,000 copies;
#39 / #1 Top Catalog Albums
Jason Eady
DAYLIGHT & THE DARK (self-released) #45 Country
Various Now That’s What I Call Country Ballads; 5,500
copies; #56 Billboard 200/ #9 Country
Rhonda Vincent ONLY ME Only Me (Upper Management) less than 2,000
copies; #36 Country/ #1 Bluegrass
FEBRUARY 2014
Tim McGraw - LOVE STORY (Curb Records)
Jace Everett - Terra Rosa
Eric Paslay - ERIC PASLAY (EMI Nashville)
Suzy Bogguss - LUCKY
Toby Keith -DOUBLE SHOT (Show Dog/Universal) - 2 pack CD (includes
Clancy's Tavern (Deluxe Edition) and Bullets In The Gun (Deluxe Edition)
Whiskey Myers - Early Morning Shakes;
Moonshine Bandits -CALICOUNTRY (Average Joes)
Emmylou Harris - LIVE IN 1978 (All Access)
Dirk Powell - WALKING THROUGH CLAY (Sugar Hill)
Will Kimbrough - SIDESHOW LOVE
Jarrod Dickenson - Songs from Willow St
Thomas Rhett - It Goes Like This
Clay Walker - Best Of (Curb Records)
Eric Church -THE OUTSIDERS (EMI Nashville)
Frankie Ballard - SUNSHINE & WHISKEY (Warner Bros.)
Steve Holy - BEST OF (Curb Records)
Desert Rose Band - BEST OF THE DESERT
ROSE BAND (Curb Records)
Irene Kelley - PENNSYLVANIA COAL (Patio Records)
Rod Picott -HANG YOUR HOPES ON A CROOKED NAIL
Hurray for the Riff Raff - SMALL TOWN HEROES (ATO Records) Alt/Americana
Curtis Grimes - OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE (Artist Mgmt Partners)
Robert Ellis - LIGHTS FROM THE CHEMICAL PLANT
Matt Kennon SIMPLIFIED (self-release)
DAN SEALS - Definitive collection
Blackberry Smoke - THE WHIPPOORWILL
Cole Swindell - COLE SWINDELL (Warner Records/WMN)
Lydia Loveless - SOMEWHERE ELSE (Bloodshot Records)
Ralph Stanley & Ralph Stanley II - SIDE BY SIDE (Rebel)
Clayton Anderson - RIGHT WHERE I BELONG
Cody Johnson - COWBOY LIKE ME
Dierks Bentley - RISER (Capitol Nashville/UMG)
Twin Forks -TWIN FORKS (Dine Alone Records)
Hannah & Maggie - IN THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS
Chris Janson -TAKE IT TO THE BANK (EP)
Artie Rodriguez - I’LL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO DRINK ABOUT
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
February (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Tim McGraw
LOVE STORY (Curb Records); 3,000 copies; #116
Billboard 200/ #19 Country
Eric Paslay
ERIC PASLAY (EMI Nashville) 10,655 copies; #31
Billboard 200/ #4 Country
Whiskey Myers - Early Morning Shakes; 6,000 copies;
#54 Billboard 200/ #10 Country
Moonshine Bandits CALICOUNTRY (Average Joes); 3,000 copies;
#126 Billboard 200/ #22 Country
Eric Church
THE OUTSIDERS (EMI Nashville) 287,668 copies;
#1 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Frankie Ballard SUNSHINE & WHISKEY (Warner Bros. Records) 11,000
copies; #35 Billboard 200/ #5 Country
Cole Swindell COLE SWINDELL (Warner Bros. Records/WMN) 63,247
copies; #3 Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Dierks Bentley RISER (Capitol Nashville/UMG) 63,000 copies; #6 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
MARCH 2014
Stephanie Manns - CLOSER (UK singer)
Bryan White - SHINE (Indie)
Bill Anderson - LIFE! (TBD)
Kevin Fowler - HOW COUNTRY ARE YA? (Kevin Fowler Records-Thirty Tigers)
David Nail - I'M A FIRE (MCA Nashville)
Eli Young Band -TEN THOUSAND TOWNS (Republic
Nashville)
Chuck Mead - FREE STATE SERENADE
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
featuring Edie Brickell LIVE (Rounder)
Sundy Best- BRING UP THE SUN (eOne)
Bill Emerson and Sweet Dixie- DANCIN' ANNIE (Rural Rhythm Records)
Dallas Smith - TIPPIN’ POINT (EP)
Carrie Ann Carrol - YOU SHOULD KN0W
Amelia White - Old Postcard
David Pack -
NAPA CROSSROADSHannah Aldridge - Razor Wire
Sara Evans - SLOW ME DOWN (RCA Nashville)
Don Williams - REFLECTIONS (Sugar Hill)
Cowboy Troy - KING OF CLUBS
Luke Bryan - Spring Break 6... Like We Ain't Ever (EP)
Matt Stillwell - RIGHT ON TIME
Jo Dee Messina - ME (Indie)
Ronnie Milsap - SUMMER (Legacy Recordings)
Samantha Landrum - Hometown
Various Artists 2014 ACM Awards Zinepak
Johnny Cash - OUT AMONG THE STARS
Johnny Cash - OUT AMONG THE STARS
Jerrod Niemann - HIGH NOON
Sarah Davidson - Self-titled EP;
Special Concensus - Country
Boy: A Bluegrass Tribute to John Denver
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
March (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Kevin Fowler
HOW COUNTRY ARE YA? (Kevin Fowler Records-Thirty Tigers) 5,000 copies, #66 Billboard 200/ #9 Country
David Nail
I'M A FIRE (MCA Nashville) 23,434 copies; #13
Billboard 200/ #3 Country
Eli Young Band TEN THOUSAND TOWNS (Republic Nashville) 35,947
copies; #5 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Sundy Best
BRING UP THE SUN (eOne) 5,000 copies; #70
Billboard 200/ #11 Country
Dallas Smith
TIPPIN’ POINT (EP) 2,000 copies; #31 Country
Sara Evans
SLOW ME DOWN (RCA Nashville) 26,509 copies; #9
Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Don Williams REFLECTIONS (Sugar Hill) 3,000 copies; #124 Billboard 200/ #19 Country
Luke Bryan
Spring Break 6... Like We Ain't Ever (EP) 74,296
copies; #2 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Jo Dee Messina ME (Indie) 2,600 copies; #156 Billboard
200/ #19 Country
Various Artists 2014 ACM Awards Zinepak; 12,632 copies; #28 Billboard 200/ #5 Country
Johnny Cash
OUT AMONG THE STARS (TBD) 53,804 copies; #3
Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Jerrod Niemann HIGH NOON 14,261 copies; #18 Billboard
200/ #3 Country
Sarah Davidson Self-titled EP; 1,900 copies; #30
Country
APRIL 2014
Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley and
more) - Looking
into You: A Tribute to Jackson
Browne (Music Road)
Hank Williams III - RAMBLIN' MAN (Curb)
The Infamous Stringdusters -LET IT GO (High Recordings)
Dan + Shay DAN + SHAY (Warner Brothers)
Josh Thompson - TURN IT UP (Show Dog)
Charlie Daniels Band - OFF THE GRID- DOIN' IT DYLAN (Blue Hat Records)
Nickel Creek - A DOTTED LINE (Nonesuch)
Working Man's Poet: A TRIBUTE TO MERLE HAGGARD
Merle Haggard - Okie From Muskogee 45th Anniversary
Jessi Alexander - DOWN HOME
Charlie Landsborough - HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE
Wayne Taylor - MOVIN' ON
Buzz Cason - TROUBADOUR HEART
Shook Twins - WHAT WE DO
Martina McBride - EVERLASTING (Kobalt Records)
Ronnie Dunn - PEACE LOVE AND COUNTRY MUSIC
Carlene Carter
- CARTER GIRL (Rounder)
Rodney Crowell - TARPAPER SKY (New West Records)
Oak Ridge Boys - BOYS NIGHT OUT (Cleopatra
Records)
Jessica Lea Mayfield - MAKE MY HEAD SING (ATO Records)
Randy Rogers Band - HOMEMADE TAMALES LIVE
AT FLOORE'S
Bobby Bare, Jr.- UNDEFEATED (Bloodshot)
Bobby Bare, Jr.- UNDEFEATED (Bloodshot)
Marty Stuart - THE GOSPEL SONGS OF
MARTY STUART (Gaither Music Group)
The Secret Sisters - PUT YOUR NEEDLE DOWN (Republic Records)
Ray Price - BEAUTY IS..THE FINAL
SESSION
Jessie James Decker COMIN’ HOME
Hank Williams THE GARDEN SPOT PROGRAMS, 1950 (EP Vinyl)
Various Artists - NASHVILLE:
Black Prairie - FORTUNE
Rachele Lynae - self-titled debut album
Trinity River Band - BETTER THAN BLUE
Bryan Sutton - INTO MY OWN (Sugar Hill Records)Danielle
Bradbery - self titled
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
April (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Looking into You: A Tribute To Jackson Browne (Music
Road) Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley and more) 8,000 copies; #44 Billboard 200
Hank Williams III RAMBLIN' MAN (Curb) #37 Country
Dan + Shay
DAN + SHAY (Warner Brothers) 28,648 copies; #6
Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Josh Thompson TURN IT UP (Show Dog) 9,384 copies; #36
Billboard 200/ #7 Country
Nickel Creek
A DOTTED LINE (Nonesuch) 27,041 copies; #7
Billboard 200
Working Man's Poet: A Tribute To Merle Haggard"; 4,600 copies; #85 Billboard 200/ #17 Country
Martina McBride EVERLASTING (Kobalt Records) 20,880 copies;
#7 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Ronnie Dunn
PEACE LOVE AND COUNTRY MUSIC 1,000 copies; #55
Country
Carlene Carter CARTER GIRL (Rounder) 1,400 copies; #40
Country
Rodney Crowell TARPAPER SKY (New West Records) 3,000 copies;
#168 Billboard 200/ #25 Country
Oak Ridge Boys BOYS NIGHT OUT (Cleopatra Records) 1,200
copies; did not chart on Top 50 Country albums
Randy Rogers Band HOMEMADE TAMALES- LIVE AT FLOORE'S (Room 8 Records/Thirty Tigers
Records) 5,000 copies; #70 Billboard 200/ #11
Country
The Secret Sisters - Put Your Needle Down The Secret Sisters (Republic Records) 3,700 copies; #110 Billboard 200/ #18 Country/ #1
Billboard Heatseekers/ #3 Folk
Ray Price Beauty
Is..The Final Sessions 3,300 copies; #143 Billboard 200/ #22 Country
Jessie James Decker COMIN’ HOME; 11,144 copies; #28
Billboard 200/ #5 Country/ #9 Billboard Digital Albums
Various Artists NASHVILLE: On the Record; 17,790 copies; #8 Billboard 200/ #2 Country
MAY 2014
Hunter Hayes STORYLINE,
Leah Turner LEAH TURNER EP
The Music of Nashville Season 2, Volume 2 – Nashville Cast
Nikki Lane - RIGHT THING
Dolly Parton -
BLUE SMOKE
Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner - JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME - Complete Recordings (Bear
Family)
Radney Foster - EVERYTHING I SHOULD HAVE SAID
Rascal Flatts - REWIND
Sturgill Simpson - METAMODERN
SOUNDS IN COUNTRY MUSIC
Mindy Miller - LET IT BURN
Brigitte De Meyer - SAVANNAH ROAD
Brigitte De Meyer - SAVANNAH ROAD
Cassadee Pope - FRAME BY FRAME
Brantley Gilbert - JUST AS I AM
Chatham County Line -TIGHTROPE (Yep Roc)
Jolie Holland - WINE DARK SEA
Various- Mud Digger Volume 5,
Hank Williams - THE GARDEN SPOT PROGRAM, 1950;
Jake Worthington "The Voice: The Complete Season 6 Collection"
Heather Dickson - EVENTUALLY
Common Linnets - self titled
Kris Delmhorst - Blood Test
Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - OUR YEAR
Jamie O'Neal - ETERNAL (Shanachie Entertainment/Momentum Label Group)
Bryan White - SHINE
Nanci Griffith - BLUE ROSES FROM THE MOONS REMASTERED
(Friday Music)
Jamie Lynn Spears - THE JOURNEY (EP)
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
May (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Hunter Hayes
STORYLINE, 69,187 copies, #3 Billboard 200/ #1
Country
The Music of Nashville Season 2, Volume 2 - Official Soundtrack (Big Machine) 16,626 copies; #13 Billboard 200/ #4 Country
Dolly Parton
BLUE SMOKE, 36,762 copies; #6 Billboard 200/ #2
Country
Rascal Flatts – REWIND, 61,207 copies; #5 Billboard
200/ #1 Country
Sturgill Simpson - METAMODERN SOUNDS IN COUNTRY MUSIC, 5,500
copies; #59 Billboard 200 / #11 Country
Brantley Gilbert JUST AS I AM, 211,288 copies; #2
Billboard B200/ #1 Country
Various Mud Digger Volume 5, 7,202 copies;
#38 Billboard 200/ #8 Country
Hank Williams - THE GARDEN SPOT PROGRAM, 1950; #43 Country
Jake Worthington "The Voice: The Complete Season 6 Collection"; #36 Country
Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison - OUR YEAR #40 Country
Jamie Lynn Spears - The Journey (EP), 2,000 copies; #193
Billboard 200/ #24 Country
JUNE 2014
Joni Harms - FROM
OREGON TO IRELAND
Lucy Hale - ROAD BETWEEN
Miranda Lambert - PLATINUM
Various - Now That’s What I Call Country Vol.7
Joshua Scott Jones - THE HEALING (Loudmouth)
Randy Travis - HYMNS: 17 TIMELESS SONGS OF FAITH
Billy Ray Cyrus - ICON: THE DISTANCE (Mercury UME)
Big Smo - KUNTRY LIVIN
Megan & Liz - SIMPLE LIFE (EP)
Linda Martell - COLOR ME COUNTRY (first-time CD issue; emerged in 1970)
Robby Johnson - Feel Good Song
The Osborne Brothers - NASHVILLE (Pinecastle Records)
The Gentlemen of Bluegrass- CAROLINA MEMORIES (Pinecastle Records)
Gene Watson- MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COUNTRY
Mary Gauthier - TROUBLE & LOVE
Demun Jones - JONES COUNTY
Danny Boone - FISH GREASE
First Aid Kit- STAY GOLD
Amy
McCarley - Jet Engines
Robby
Hecht - self titled
Veronica Ballestrini - FLIP SIDE
Willie Nelson - BAND OF BROTHERS,
Caroline Rose- I Will Not Be Afraid
Zoe Muth - world of strangers
The Duhks - BEYOND THE BLUE
Breelan Angel - DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
Kelsey Waldon - GOLDMINE (Label TBA)
American Young - Self titled EP;
Bubba Sparxxx - Made On McCosh Mill Road
The
Jimmy Buffett Collection: SUN, SEA &
MARGARITAS PART 2
John Hinshelwood - LOWERING THE TONE
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
June (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Lucy Hale -
ROAD BETWEEN, 18,236 copies; #14 Billboard 200/
#4 Country
Miranda Lambert - PLATINUM, 179,646 copies; #1
Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Various Now That’s What I Call Country Vol.7; 30,223
copies; #11 Billboard 200/ #3 Country
Randy Travis
- HYMNS: 17 TIMELESS SONGS OF FAITH, #50 Country
Big Smo – KUNTRY
LIVIN, 8,724 copies; #31 Billboard 200/ #9
Country
Megan & Liz - SIMPLE LIFE EP; #35 Country
Gene Watson
MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COUNTRY; #48 Country
Demun Jones
- JONES COUNTY; #30 Country
Danny Boone
- FISH GREASE; #31Country
First Aid Kit STAY GOLD; 14,559 copies; #23 Billboard 200
Willie Nelson - BAND OF BROTHERS, 37,441 copies; #6
Billboard 200/ #1 Country
American Young - Self titled EP; #39 Country
Bubba Sparxxx Made On McCosh Mill Road #49 Country
JULY 2014
James House - BROKEN
GLASS TWISTED STEEL
Jim Lauderdale - I'M A SONG (Sky Crunch)
Old Crow Medicine Show - REMEDY,
Colt Ford - THANKS FOR LISTENING,
I Draw Slow WHITE WAVE CHAPEL (Pinecastle Records)
Blackberry Smoke - LEAVE A SCAR - LIVE IN
NORTH CAROLINA (Double CD & DVD);
Blackhawk - BROTHERS OF THE
SOUTHLAND;
Mary Sarah - BRIDGES (144 Entertainment)
Rob Heron and The Teapad Orchestra - TALK ABOUT THE WEATHER
Cowboy Jack Clement - FOR ONCE AND FOR ALL (IRS Records)
Jess Klein - LEARNING FAITH
Tennessee Ernie Ford Amazing Grace:14 Treasured Hymns,
Roger Creager ROAD SHOW (7 Track EP);
Sammy Kershaw - Do You Know Me? A Tribute To George Jones,
Billy Joe Shaver - LONG IN THE TOOTH
Billy Joe Shaver - LONG IN THE TOOTH
Dave Sheriff - HIGHWAY NUMBER 9
Polly Barrett - PROBABLY ME
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
July (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Old Crow Medicine Show – REMEDY, 16,648 copies;
#15 Billboard 200/ #4 Country
Colt Ford
- THANKS FOR LISTENING, 23,260 copies; #10
Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Blackberry Smoke LEAVE A SCAR - LIVE IN NORTH
CAROLINA (Double CD & DVD); 2,400 copies;
#128 Billboard 200/ #17 Country
Blackhawk -
BROTHERS OF THE SOUTHLAND; #44 Country
Tennessee Ernie Ford Amazing Grace: 14 Treasured Hymns, #159 Billboard
200/ #19 Country).
Roger Creager ROAD SHOW (7 Track EP); #172 Billboard 200/ #20 Country
Sammy Kershaw - Do You Know Me? A Tribute To George Jones, #37 Country
AUGUST 2014
Billy Joe Shaver - LONG IN THE TOOTH
Sunny Sweeney - PROVOKED (Thirty Tigers / Aunt Daddy Records)
Valerie Smith - THE HUMAN
CONDITION (Bell Buckle Records)
Micky & The Motorcars - HEARTS FROM ABOVE;
Billie Joe Shaver - LONG IN THE TOOTH;
Shooter Jennings - EP DON’T WAIT UP FOR
GEORGE
LeAnn Rimes - GREATEST HITS & DANCE LIKE YOU DON'T GIVE A. GREATEST HITS: REMIXES;
LeAnn Rimes - GREATEST HITS & DANCE LIKE YOU DON'T GIVE A. GREATEST HITS: REMIXES;
Malcolm Holcombe - PITIFUL BLUES
The Great Jim Reeves - 8CD Set Jim Reeves (H&H Records)
Bernie Heany - DARE TO DREAM
Donna Hughes - FROM THE HEART / FLY (Double
Disc)
Bernie Nelson - BLUE
Sam Hunt - X2C (EP)
Randy Travis - Influence Vol. 2: THE MAN I AM
Miller's Daughter - So Hollywood
Chase Rice - IGNITE THE NIGHT
Nashville Outlaws: A TRIBUTE TO MÖTLEY CRÜE (Various Artists)
Sarah Dunn Band - YOU OR THE WHISKEY
Joanna Mosca - HAVE A LITTLE MERCY (EP)
Ray Stevens - GOSPEL COLLECTION, VOLUME ONE
Joel Crouse -EVEN THE RIVER RUNS
Brad Paisley - MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK
Brushville - Self-Titled
Shovels & Rope SWIMMIN TIME
Lenny Cooper - THE GRIND
Kasey Chambers - BITTERSWEET
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
August (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Sunny Sweeney - PROVOKED (Thirty Tigers / Aunt Daddy Records); 2,200 copies; #165
Billboard 200/ #20 Country
Micky & The Motorcars - HEARTS FROM ABOVE; 2,400
copies ; #150 Billboard 200/ #17 Country
Billie Joe Shaver - LONG IN THE TOOTH; 2,200+ copies;
#157 Billboard 200/ #19 Country
Shooter Jennings - EP DON’T WAIT UP (For George); 1,900 copies;
#23 Country chart (outside the BB200) selling 1,900
LeAnn Rimes
- GREATEST HITS & DANCE LIKE YOU DON'T GIVE A... GREATEST HITS: REMIXES;
#50 Country
Sam Hunt -
X2C (EP) ; 8,059 copies; #36 Billboard 200 / #5
Country
Randy Travis
- Influence Vol. 2: THE MAN I AM; #41 Country
Chase Rice
- IGNITE THE NIGHT; 43,899 copies; #3 Billboard
200 / #1 Country
Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Mötley Crüe; 30,654 copies;
#5 Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Joel Crouse
EVEN THE RIVER RUNS; 2,000 copies; #183
Billboard 200 / #20 Country
Brad Paisley
- MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK; 53,312 copies; #2
Billboard 200 / #1 Country
Shovels & Rope SWIMMIN TIME; 12,619 copies; #20
Billboard 200 / #1 Folk
Lenny Cooper - THE GRIND; 2,400 copies;
#142 Billboard 200 / #17 Country
SEPTEMBER 2014
Jacqui Sharkey - LOVE AND OTHER THINGS
Calico - RANCHO
CALIFORNIA
Terri Clark - SOME SONGS
(BareTrack Records-Universal Music Canada)
The Roys - THE VIEW
Frank Foster RHYTHM AND WHISKEY
Karyn Rochelle - Self Titled
Alabama - Angels Among Us: Hymns
& Gospel Favorites
Red Molly - THE RED ALBUM
Lee Brice - I DON'T DANCE
Dustin Lynch - WHERE IT'S AT
Brothers Osborne - Self-Titled EP
Justin Townes Earle SINGLE MOTHERS
Lynne Hanson - RIVER OF SAND
Westwind, Wendy Crowe & Jonathan Maness - LINGER FOR A WHILE
Tim McGraw - SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN
George Strait - THE COWBOY
RIDES AWAY
Garth Brooks THE ULTIMATE HITS (reissued)
The Earls of Leicester THE EARLS OF LEICESTER
Front Country - Sake Of The Sound
Front Country - Sake Of The Sound
Kenny Chesney - THE BIG REVIVAL
Lee Ann Womack - THE WAY I’M LIVIN’
Lee Ann Womack - THE WAY I’M LIVIN’
Big & Rich - GRAVITY
Lori McKenna - NUMBERED DOORS
NU-BLU - ALL THE WAY
Josh Abbott Band -TUESDAY NIGHT EP
Ricky Skaggs & Sharon White - HEARTS LIKE OURS
Lucinda Williams - DOWN WHERE THE SPIRIT MEETS THE BONE (Double album)
Lady Antebellum - 747
Jon Weisberger - I'VE BEEN
MOSTLY AWAKE (feat The Lonesome Heirs)
Blake Shelton - BRINGING
BACK THE SUNSHINE
Marty Stuart - SATURDAY NIGHT & SUNDAY MORNING (Superlatone)
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
September (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Frank Foster
RHYTHM AND WHISKEY; 9,070 copies; #20 Billboard
200/ #4 Country
Alabama - Angels Among Us: Hymns & Gospel Favorites; 8,000 copies; #33 Billboard 200/ #6 Country
Lee Brice
- I DON'T DANCE; 38,495 copies; #5 Billboard
200/ #1 Country
Dustin Lynch
- WHERE IT'S AT; 30,866 copies; #8 Billboard
200/ #2 Country
Brothers Osborne - Self-Titled EP; 1,600 copies; #23
Country
Justin Townes Earle SINGLE MOTHERS; 5,300 copies; #56
Billboard 200/ #19 Rock
Tim McGraw - SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 71,253
copies, #3 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
George Strait - THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY: Live From AT&T Stadium 51,318 copies; #4 Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Garth Brooks
THE ULTIMATE HITS (reissued); 9,000 copies; #27
Billboard 200
The Earls of Leicester THE EARLS OF LEICESTER; 2,000
copies; #159 Billboard 200/ #1 Bluegrass
Kenny Chesney - THE BIG REVIVAL 129,670
copies; #2 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Lee Ann Womack - THE WAY I’M LIVIN’ 3,400 copies; #99
Billboard 200/ #18 Country
Big & Rich – GRAVITY 7,000 copies; #51 Billboard
200/ #8 Country
Josh Abbott Band TUESDAY NIGHT EP; 5,500 copies; #58
Billboard 200/ #12 Country
Blake Shelton - BRINGING BACK THE SUNSHINE 100,544 copies;
#1 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Lady Antebellum – 747; 73,944
copies; #2 Billboard 200/ #2 Country
Marty Stuart
- SATURDAY NIGHT & SUNDAY MORNING (Superlatone) 2,300
copies, #24 Country
Lucinda Williams - DOWN WHERE THE SPIRIT MEETS THE BONE (Double album) 19,707 copies; #13 Billboard 200
OCTOBER 2014
JJ Barrie - NO CHARGE
Hal Ketchum - I’M THE TROUBADOUR (Music Row Records)
Jason Aldean - OLD BOOTS, NEW DIRT
Ray Scott - Self-Titled
Doug Seegers - GOING DOWN TO THE RIVER
Brian Collins -
HEALING HIGHWAY (Blue Light Entertainment)
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn - Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
Various Artists - The Soundtrack THE BEST OF ME
Minnie Driver - Ask Me To Dance
Trinity River Band - ON A MORNING LIKE THIS
Adrian Duffy & The Mayo Brothers - STORM BREAKING (Single)
Guy Clark - An American Dream: 4 Classic Albums 1978-1992
Angaleena Presley - AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS
Florida Georgia Line - ANYTHING GOES
The Swon Brothers - THE SWON BROTHERS
Lonesome River Band - TURN ON A DIME (Mountain Home)
James Hand - STORMCLOUDS IN HEAVEN
Johnny Orr Band - DOWN SOUTH (EP)
Mac Powell - SOUTHPAW
The Dirty River Boys - THE DIRTY RIVER BOYS
You+Me’s - ROSE AVE.
Little Big Town - PAIN KILLER
Twang and Round (Kuntry Twang & Lil Round) - POUR ANOTHER ROUND
Becky Buller - 'TWEEN EARTH AND SKY
The Stray Birds - BEST MEDICINE
Reed Foehl - LOST IN THE WEST
Jawga Boyz & Dez - WINDSHIELD
Lisa McHugh - A LIFE THAT'S GOOD
Taylor Swift - 1989
Sam Hunt - MONTEVALLO
Darius Rucker - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Home Free FULL OF CHEER
Alan Jackson - LET IT BE CHRISTMAS (Re-Issued)
Gretchen Wilson - STILL HERE FOR THE PARTY (Live)
Joey+Rory - COUNTRY
CLASSICS: A Tapestry Of Our Musical
Heritage (Universal Music Cat.)
Alvin Stardust - ALVIN
Stoney Larue - AVIATOR
Wade Bowen - WADE BOWEN
The LACS - NOTHING IN PARTICULAR
Rodney Carrington LAUGHTER'S GOOD
The Cains Trio - STAY ON BOARD
Crystal Yates - I BELIEVE
Blackhawk - GREATEST HITS & MORE
Brian Davis - ALL ABOUT THAT LIFE EP
LeAnn Rimes - ONE CHRISTMAS: CHAPTER ONE
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
October (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Jason Aldean - OLD BOOTS, NEW DIRT; 278,096
copies; #1 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Doug Seegers - GOING DOWN TO THE RIVER; 1,900
copies; #25 Country
Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn - Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, #8 Folk
Various Artists - The Soundtrack THE BEST OF ME; 6,200 copies; #54 Billboard 200/ #12 Country
Angaleena Presley - AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS; 1,000 copies;
#29 Country
Florida Georgia Line - ANYTHING GOES; 197,105
copies; #1 Billboard 200/ #1
The Swon Brothers - THE SWON BROTHERS; 10,288
copies; #28 Billboard 200/ #6 Country
The Dirty River Boys - THE DIRTY RIVER BOYS; #34 Country
You+Me’s - ROSE AVE.; 49,672 copies;
#4 Billboard/ #1 Folk Album
Little Big Town - PAIN KILLER; 41,979 copies; #7
Billboard 200/ #3 Country
Jawga Boyz & Dez - WINDSHIELD; 2,467 copies; #155 Billboard 200/ #22
Country
Taylor Swift
- 1989; 1,286,544 copies; #1 Billboard 200
Sam Hunt -
MONTEVALLO; 69,849 copies; #3 Billboard 200/ #1
Country
Darius Rucker - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS; 8,887
copies; #43 Billboard 200/ #7 Country
Home Free FULL OF CHEER; 6,108 copies;
#65 Billboard 200/ #14 Country
Stoney Larue - AVIATOR; 5,254 copies;
#72 Billboard 200/ #17 Country
Wade Bowen - WADE BOWEN; 8,556 copies;
#47 Billboard 200/ #9 Country
The LACS - NOTHING IN PARTICULAR; 4,594
copies; #86 Billboard 200/ #17 Country
Rodney Carrington LAUGHTER'S GOOD; 4,356
copies; #91 Billboard 200/ #23 Country
Brian Davis ALL ABOUT THAT LIFE EP; 1,000
copies; #45 Country
LeAnn Rimes One Christmas: Chapter One; 1,000
copies; #47 Country
NOVEMBER 2014
Charley Pride - THE ULTIMATE HITS COLLECTION
Mary Duff - THE COUNTRY COLLECTION
Cody Joe Hodges - The Good Stuff
The Doobie Brothers - SOUTHBOUND
Nashille Cast CHRISTMAS With NASHVILLE
David Shelby - OH YEAH (EP)
Maddie & Tae – Self Titled (debut EP)
Ronnie Milsap - THE RCA ALBUMS COLLECTION (21-CD Box Set)
John Denver - ALL OF MY MEMORIES: The John Denver Collection
Garth Brooks - MAN AGAINST MACHINE
Zac Brown Band - GREATEST HITS: SO FAR
Jeff Bates - ME AND CONWAY
Trisha Yearwood - PRIZEFIGHTER: HIT AFTER HIT
Seth Alley - self-titled EP
Reba McEntire - JUST A LITTLE LOVE / MY KIND OF COUNTRY
Sara Evans - AT CHRISTMAS
Cole Swindell - DOWN HOME SESSIONS EP
Daniel O'Donnell - STAND BESIDE ME (CD+DVD Box set)
Larry Sparks - Lonesome And Then
Some... - A Classic 50th Celebration
Nell Robinson - THE ROSE OF NO-MAN'S LAND
The Roys - BLUEGRASS KINDA CHRISTMAS
The cast of ABC-TV's "NASHVILLE" - CHRISTMAS WITH NASHVILLE (Holiday Album)
Tim Rushlow & His Big Band - CLASSIC CHRISTMAS
Caitlyn Smith - EVERYTHING TO YOU (EP)
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
November (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
The Doobie Brothers – SOUTHBOUND; 16,350 copies;
#16 Billboard 200/ #7 Country
Nashille Cast CHRISTMAS With NASHVILLE; 3,795
copies; #105 Billboard 200/ #23 Country
Maddie & Tae - debut EP; 2,775 copies;
#164 Billboard 200/ #28 Country
John Denver - ALL OF MY MEMORIES: The John Denver Collection; #44
Country
Garth Brooks - MAN AGAINST MACHINE, 130,000
physical copies; #4 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
Zac Brown Band - Greatest Hits: So Far; 19,974
copies; #20 Billboard 200/ #5 Country
Faron Young - WINE ME UP THE BEST OF THE MERCURY YEARS
Tracy Lawrence: Greatest Hits- Evolution
Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson - DECEMBER DAY: WILLIE'S STASH VOL. 1
Sundy Best - SALVATION CITY
Carrie Underwood - GREATEST HITS: DECADE
Jamey Johnson - THE CHRISTMAS SONG (Thirty Tigers)
Billboard Country Albums Debuts:
December (Chart Issue Dated weeks)
Trisha Yearwood - PRIZEFIGHTER: Hit After Hit; 12,898 copies; #33 Billboard 200/ #7 Country
Cole Swindell - DOWN HOME SESSIONS EP 12,000
copies; #36 Billboard 200/ #8 Country
Sara Evans
AT CHRISTMAS; 3,700 copies; #135 Billboard 200/
# 21 Country
Dallas Smith
LIFTED (EP); #39 Country.
Jamey Johnson THE CHRISTMAS SONG; #43 Country
Sundy Best
SALVATION CITY; #22 Country
Willie Nelson December Day Willie's Stash Vol.1; #26 Country
Corey Smith
MAYSVILLE IN THE MEANTIME; #37 Country
Carrie Underwood Greatest Hits: Decade #1; 93,714 copies;
#4 Billboard 200/ #1 Country
The Nashville Season 3, Volume 1 Official Soundtrack; 11,000 copies; #75
Billboard 200/ #10 Country
Country Music
People share their Critics’ Choice picks of 2014 along with an Index of 2014
for all the CD’s they reviewed and rated in their excellent UK publication
(January 2015 Issue available from W.H.Smith)
Find them: WEBSITE
- FACEBOOK -
ONLINE Subscription - SUBSCRIPTION FORM
Annual Round-up of the 2014
country music albums and full listings on the 2014 reviews and features (Pages
60 – 63)
The releases shown in Bold
were their 5 STAR and Album of the Month Choices were marked with an asterisk
(*)
Best read Full Screen,
select Single Page then adjust the Zoom Setting and page through
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