CourtYard Hounds Album Review

I reviewed The Courtyard Hounds album, Amelita, in response to a One2One campaign. I received a digital copy of the music. The copy and album images was provided by One2One.

About the Band:

Emily Robinson and sister, Martie Maguire started this band to share something new with their fans. Amelita is their second album. Robinson and Maguire, who was part of the Dixie Chicks, have not been in the spotlight in years. The album contain 11 tracks. Since the first album, Robinson has got divorced, which lent a new perspective to the music. 

 “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robison. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun."

"I love this band...the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people," says Martie. "We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.”

Amelita Track Listing:

1. Sunshine
2. Amelita
3. The World Smiles
4. Aimless Upward
5. Guy Like You
6. Rock All Night
7. Phoebe
8. Divided
9. Gets You Down
10. Watch Your Step
11. The Road You Take

My Review:

I knew of the Dixie Chicks, but didn't know any songs by them. So, this was a first experience to me to listen to two former members. The album was kind of slow on some songs, catchy on others, and folksy on others. I can picture the band with long flowing hair, with flowers in their hair, with a guitar in the 60's and 70's. The girls was excellent. The songs all had a message. nothing controversial and nothing sexual. yay.  I got the digital copy of the cd last week. One of the first songs, which stood out was Sunshine. It was about someone, who likes to bring people down and who can kill the vibe in the room. Not sure if it's sarcasm, but the person is called Sunshine. Amelita was a good song, but the beat was sampled. The music sounded familiar, but I don't know from where. Amelita was very catchy. It has a spanish/latin vibe to it. Sounds like trumpets and drums. Amelita sounds like a woman, who has gone through some things with a man, and the song is trying to tell her it's not the end of the world. Amelita can move on with her life. The World Smiles is a hope song. The world smiles, if I believe in the good stuff and I open my eyes up. Aimless Upward had a good beat and message. It talked about moving forwards, despite the storms, trials, and tribulations. My eyes are wide. Aimless upward, I will rise and I'll be fine to take my time. Take my time. A guy like you was a slower song. She wants things to work out with a guy, like him. Someone who will smile and be there for you. Rock all night had a rock vibe to it. Do anything to feel alive. Rock is like a himalayan ride. I'm gonna rock all night. Phoebe had a country feel to it. Divided was a good song. She wants him to stay. It has a catchy beat as well. we spend our days together and our nights alone. so stay a little longer. don't let this feeling go to waste. when the sun comes up, i want to be there when you wake. Gets you down is another slower song. Sounds like it has a few wind instruments in the background. You can always love me. You can always love me. You can always love me. and if it don't feel right, at least you tried. but did't you try. Watch your step has a rock vibe. The road you take is another catchy tune, but on a medium pace. not too fast and not to fast. I am not alone. I can journey alone. I will leave it all to faith. It's the choice you make. It's the road you take. 

Media Links:
CYH on Twitter
CYH on Facebook
Emily Robison on Twitter
Martie McGuire on Twitter

Links To Buy Album:
iTunes
Amazon

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.