In case you missed David Nail in the MLB All-Star Legends and Celerbrities Game that aired on ESPN July 12th, here's a ling to view highlights, including coverage of his HOME RUN! (David is at 5:01)

Click Here!

Mid-Year Report: My 25 Favorite Singles

By Matt Bjorke
July 4, 2010

Yes, other websites out there are releasing these kinds of lists so I decided to join the fray. These songs aren’t in any particular order other than how they came across my mind. The majority of these songs are ‘radio’ singles and not just ‘best songs.’ It was considerably harder to get up to 25 songs for this list than it probably should’ve been, but here’s what I came up with.

“Turning Home” – David Nail

David Nail is one of the best male vocalists to breakthrough Nashville’s long line of dreamers. He mixes a love of traditional country with that of a pop-leaning background to great effect and really helps bring this Kenny Chesney co-write to life. It’s a song about revisiting your hometown after years have gone on. As somebody who is doing just that as I write this article, I can certainly relate to the words of this song.

“Sunshine (Everybody Needs A Little)” – Steve Azar

Beautiful. Simply beautiful. The light, airy melody sets a mood and this one has quickly become a romantic favorite and is well on its way to becoming a wedding first dance kind of song.

“Macon” – Jamey Johnson

Not yet an official radio single, this song nonetheless is a strong contender for one of the top single releases of 2010.

“Pray For You” – Jaron and the Long Road to Love

This song is a brilliantly constructed and playful revenge tune. Instead of scratching a car a-la Carrie Underwood, Jaron is instead praying for things to happen. I don’t think he means much of what he’s singing here except to say that he hopes the girl gets hurt as bad as she made him feel after she left him.

“The Man I Want To Be” – Chris Young

The second straight #1 hit for the former Nashville Star winner, Chris Young’s strong baritone sells a song about a guy who is thankful for finding the woman who makes him ‘want to be a better man.’ It’s a play on an old theme and while lyrics like this have been said plenty of times, it sounds great here and it’s easy to see why fans requested this song over and over the last few months.

“Temporary Home” – Carrie Underwood

The vocals are spot-on as always. The lyrics tell a great story and the melody helps deliver a strong message. If Carrie sang more songs like this and less songs like “Undo It,” I’d readily sing her praises. Perhaps someday she will. Still, this is an undeniable highlight from Play On.

“Lover, Lover” – Jerrod Niemann

Brilliant. That’s what “Lover, Lover” is. Who’d have thought that Jerrod Niemann, a tradition-loving singer/songwriter, would break through with a cover song of a 9-10 year old alt/pop hit? It’s a stroke of genius because not only is “Lover, Lover” as catchy” as anything you’re likely to hear in any given year, it also is the exact kind of song that gets people to buy albums and singles. I have loved this tune since I first heard it on Judge Jerrod and the Hung Jury last summer and I’m here to say that it’s far from Niemann’s only hit from the record.

The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

This is an easy one. Tom Douglas and Allen Shamblin’s brilliantly written ode to a home from the past is eloquently written and brilliantly performed by Miranda. It is deserving of the distinction of being a signature hit for Miranda while also being 2010’s longest-running chart-topping hit with a month at the top of the charts.

“Guinivere” – Eli Young Band

This one failed to become a huge hit for EYB but that doesn’t mean the ballad is worthy of passing over as the song, which Mike Eli co-wrote, paints a story of a girl who’s running and stumbling in circles and doesn’t let many people into her life. It’s a song that probably paints too much of an accurate picture for many people and because it hurts so much, the song didn’t find the audience it should’ve. Still, it’s brilliantly played by the band and eloquently sung by Mike Eli.

“The Snow White Rows of Arlington” – Sammy Kershaw

This song was never going to be a huge hit at country radio but the fact that Sammy Kershaw released it as a single is a testament to how strong a song it is. It tells a heart wrenching story over an achingly beautiful and simple melody. Written by Hugh Prestwood, there is nothing not to like about the song except perhaps it is/was too close to home for folks, just like the EYB tune above.

“Little White Church” – Little Big Town

Ahh, this is the Little Big Town that I remember. From the groovy melody to the fantastic lead vocal from Karen Fairchild; from the hand-claps to the harmonies, the song has it all. What’s not to love?

“Till A Woman Comes Along” – Chris Janson

I’m still shocked that this one didn’t get at least inside the Top 40. It desverved at least that fate as Chris Janson has the talent to really break out as a star. The lyrics are not your everyday slice-of-life type of songs, the vocals are country and the melody is rockin’ without ever feeling like it’s cribbing on too many other artists. Go and check this tune out if you missed it. It’s worth paying attention to.

“If I Die Young” – The Band Perry

The melody is pretty, the lyrics are mystical, the songwriting is strong and damn if Kimberly Perry doesn’t really show off a strong vocal here. Add in some strong country instrumentation and harmony vocals from her brothers Reid and Neil Perry and we have the kind of song that feels like a break-out hit while also showcasing a band that is much more than the playful ‘Hip To My Heart’ single.

“Blue Sky” – Emily West (Featuring Keith Urban)

It barely made the Top 40 (like all of Emily’s songs) but that doesn’t mean this song isn’t a gem. Emily West is a treasure of an artist and hopefully we’ll get a full-length record that will bring her the stardom she deserves, particularly when she writes such brilliant songs like “Blue Sky.”

“Sweet September” – Williams Riley

It saddens me that the trio’s record label, Golden Music, folded before the band could break through in a big way at radio and retail. This song is the strongest one Williams Riley has released to date- right behind “I’m Still Me” from last year. Hopefully they will stick it out as a band and find another label to work with to get a physical CD out in stores.

“From A Table Away” – Sunny Sweeney

This song is an interesting tune that finds Sunny singing from the prospective of ‘the other woman’ who keeps waiting for the man to leave his wife until she realizes at a restaurant, watching the still in love couple, that he will never leave the wife for her. It’s a bittersweet kind of tune and with a traditional arrangement (but contemporary enough for radio) that hopefully will help Sunny breakthrough at radio.

“Daddy Phone” – Marty Raybon

One of the best vocalists ever to score a hit at country radio, Marty Raybon’s ‘comeback’ single “Daddy Phone” may have failed to chart on Billboard but it’d be a shame to not consider this traditional country ballad one of 2010’s best tunes. Anyone who’s a divorced father with a little one or a former little child of divorce will relate to the tune. It’s heartbreaking and I sure wish I had a Daddy Phone of my own back in the day, particularly as I lived thousands of miles away from him.

“Real” – James Wesley

Talk about clever lyrics. “Real” takes the titles of reality shows and turns them into something genuine and strong. It’s a song about how real life often doesn’t mirror what is shown on reality shows. Wesley’s vocal is strong and the production serves as a great device in getting the message across. It’s country without ever losing the contemporary edge. It should be Wesley’s break-out hit.

“I Will Not Say Goodbye” – Danny Gokey

Wow. Where do I start with this one? It’s a passionate lyric with a passionate vocal by a supremely talented singer who really has connected to the material presented here. It’s a 180 from the ‘workman-like’ vocal of “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” and this one is a strong contender to sit next to Miranda’s “House That Built Me” as the best singles of 2010.

“Rain Is A Good Thing” – Luke Bryan

Talk about a song that had to overcome it’s title. After the Nashville floods of May 1-2, this one actually served as a reminder of the good things rain does instead of the negative stuff. It’s a ‘aw-shucks’ kind of song from an artist who knows exactly who he is and who he isn’t.

“In Your Arms Again” – George Canyon & Crystal Shawanda

Brilliantly written by Canyon and his producer Richard Marx, “In Your Arms Again” is a monster Canadian hit that finds Canyon singing to his wife as he’s off fighting in Afghanistan and while it’s hard for him lose anther brother, he’s still hopeful in the power of freedom and longs to return the arms of his wife, who is portrayed by Shawanda here. Their chemistry is strong and while I wish the song was released in the USA by these two artists, I can picture Reba picking up this ballad and turning it into a gigantic hit on her next album with one of the top male vocalists in country music.

“Free” – Zac Brown Band

The fifth single from The Foundation, Free is still one of my favorite tunes from the album. It is a beautifully melodic ballad with sterling performances from the whole band and the harmonies are just spotless.

“This Ain’t No Love Song” – Trace Adkins

When Trace does songs like this one, it serves as a strong reminder of what kind of singer he can be when given great material (this one’s a Marcel co-write). The video may be a paint-by-numbers track but this song certainly isn’t and it looks like it will be one of Trace’s biggest hits, as it should be.

“Ain’t Much Left Of Lovin’ You” – Randy Montana

Written by Randy with the late Joshua Ragsdale, “Ain’t Much Left of Lovin’ You” is a particularly strong and moody debut single. It’s a song that has an interesting lyric that isn’t a paint-by-numbers affair and perhaps that’s why the finle finally managed to hit the Top 40 of Billboard after 15 weeks of trying. Hopefully it will move on up the charts a-la Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy” or at least enough to get a full-length project out on the airwaves.

“Blossom In The Dust” – Mallary Hope

Mallary Hope has found two singles move near the Top 40 at country radio and “Blossom” is like “Love Lives On” in that it showcases Hope’s considerable talent. With a strong acumen for writing beautiful melodies and Martina-like messages, Mallary can certainly belt out a tune as she does here a-la Faith Hill. It seems to be very tough for any female artists to really breakthrough at radio but hopefully Mallary can be one of the few that do.

There ya have it folks, my 25 favorite singles of the year so far. Some are big hits, some aren’t but all are quality radio tunes that certainly deserve your attention too. What do you think? Do you agree with what I’ve selected here? Do you think I left out anybody? I want to hear your thoughts too! Please leave a comment or two!

DAVID NAIL
Friday, June 11, 2010
@ Joe’s Bar in Chicago, IL

Contributed by: Robin Dolezal

If you are in the city of Chicago and looking for a good country music concert than you need to look no further than Joe's Bar on Weed Street. You can see all kinds of acts within the genre. Ed’s hard work and support of country music is why he and his crew at Joe’s continue having today’s top country artists lining up for a stop in the Windy City. Continue to keep an eye on the schedule as they continue to add more shows to their calendar at www.joesbar.com.

The excitement from The Chicago Blackhawk’s win spilled into Joe’s Bar as an energetic crowd gathered for an evening to listen to one of country’s promising artists with red lights flashing to accentuate the theme for tonight’s show.

David Nail started the show with “This Time Around” a song about being a little older and a little more figured out and transitioned into the cover song “Firecracker”, by Ryan Adams. The crowd started to get rowdy as they kept singing the verse “Be your baby tonight” when signaled by the guitarist. Nail slowed thing down as he sang the title song off his album “I’m About to Come Alive” with a sincerity that said volumes about the emotion this song emulates.

To pick up the energy Nail performed the upbeat duet, ‘Strangers on a Train”. Too bad Miranda Lambert wasn’t on hand to add her robust vocals as she did on the album, but the void was filled with the enthusiasm of the harmonica and pedal steel player to add drama in just the right tempos. Before starting into his second cover song of the night Nail asked the fans to raise their glasses and toast to Waylon Jennings. “I think he wrote this song about me”, he interjected as the band began playing “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way”. The audience again cheered when the chords of the instruments transitioned into his newest hit song “Turning Home”, co-written by Kenney Chesney.

The lights then faded and the spot was focused on Nail as he played an acoustic solo on the rhythm guitar before leading the band into the song “Clouds”, a song about a gypsy choosing his never ending ways as he says goodbye to the girl of the moment. The slower ballad was the perfect musical passage into his hit song “Red Light”, co-written by one of Chicago’s favorites, Jonathan Singleton. There wasn’t a fan in sight that wasn’t singing away as the audience participation grew to levels that would have made country music radio US 99.5 proud. The red lights flashed on and off the stage creating a dramatic effect until the band again went silent. The only sound that erupted was the chords of the keyboard playing the intro to the soulful, southern classic “Mississippi”.

Men We LOVE

Is it the hats? the fit of the jeans? or that they sing the words we long to hear? All that and more! Here's to the country guys who rock our world.

DAVID NAIL
Age: 31
Status: Married
The "Red Light" singer knows who he is and isn't afraid to pamper himself.
True country: "It's someone who's comfortable in his own skin. If i put on a cowboy hat, fans would see right through me."
Product placement: "When it comes to skin care products, I'm the biggest girl. You can sell me anything if it has a cool package."

Breakout country singer David Nail's new single is called "Turning Home" which is apropos considering his recent experience "trying out" for his beloved St. Louis Cardinals this spring and having it documented for a web series on CMT.com.

"In my family there was no beach or Disney World for vacation -- just baseball," said Nail, who grew up three hours south of St. Louis in Kennett, Mo. "We'd get a cheap room as close to the stadium as we could, catch a game watching my faves like Willie McGee and Vince Coleman, and then go for a swim in the Holiday Inn indoor pool. It was great."

Nail, who played catcher in high school, became friendly with Cards manager Tony La Russa when he began volunteering for his animal rescue foundation, which prompted La Russa to grant him the look even though he claimed he was more "suspect than prospect."

Nail showed up to their spring training stadium in Jupiter, Fla., without a glove but a grin until he stepped up to the plate against former NL Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter. "He put that first pitch about four inches from my knee and it was scary as hell," Nail said. "I only took about 10 balls and then told pitching coach Dave Duncan I was done."

Nail managed to have more success in the batting cage, making contact with a few lobs under the tutelage of hitting coach Mark McGwire who jokingly surmised that Nail might have a shot with the company softball team.

His one regret was not spending much time with MVP Albert Pujols. "I think number five takes his craft pretty seriously and doesn't have a heck of a lot of time for country singers," said Nail, 31, who lives outside of Nashville with his wife Catherine and their Goldendoodle Charlie.

Nail, who will throw out the first pitch at the Cardinals game Sunday, said the best part of being with the team was the clubhouse down time where pitcher Adam Wainwright would break out into Nelly's "Down Down Baby" in his Georgia twang on the behest of his teammates and when shortstop Felipe Lopez requested that Nail freestyle some country for him.

"I didn't realize Lopez was as stout as he was until meeting him," Nail said after admitting he was a little scared. "I told him I would do whatever he wanted me to do."

Road Trips, Cincy Reds, Amber Williams, Ward's Phone, Top 10

Top Ten Must Haves for summer 09
#1 - Diesel Jeans
#2 - G Star Shirts
#3 - 70’s style cream/white loafers
#4 - Organic Tea Tree Shampoos and Conditioners
#5 – Kiehl’s All-Purpose Face Moisturizer
#6 – Red Diamond Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
#7 – Free WI-FI
#8 – Sweet Potatoes
#9 – Sperry Boat Shoes
#10 – Abercrombie Flat Front Shorts
Bonus Tracks – Blake Shelton – Startin’ Fires, The Magic Bullet, Hanes Basic White T-Shirts, U2 – No Line On The Horizon, Randy Rogers Band Trucker Hat, New Era Fitted St. Louis Cardinal Road Cap

In 39 days there will be a Mrs. David Nail and that’s both really exciting, and slightly weird.

US Airways made huge ground with me this morning.  We slept about 4 hours in Cincinnati last night due to a surprise show on the field after the Reds game, and a 6:45am flight to West Palm Beach.  We had an hour layover in Charlotte, and I simply went up to the counter to try and find an empty row to stretch out in to catch up on some sleep.  Let’s just say I’m flying over the east coast of Florida from First Class thanks to the fine gentlemen from US Airways.

Oceans leave me speechless.  I thoroughly hope to have a small place near one someday in my lifetime.

So things are picking up career wise the closer we get to the wedding.  I can’t say how lucky I am to have found someone like Catherine. To steal a line from my favorite Halfway to Hazard song, “You might have just gone crazy, trying to love a music man.”  How ironic I just quoted those guys, cause I’m almost certain they’re on the bill tonight in West Palm.

How about a little randomness?

Ward dropped his phone in a Tin Roof toilet Thursday night, and yes, the worst possible scenario you’re imagining right now was his very story.

The coffee in First Class is very much below average.

Florida has me overly excited.  The seafood I’m about to partake in at Legal’s Seafood tonight has me beyond such.

It’s a shame Kanye West is such a mess; cause the kid is so obviously talented.

I’m going to spend the weekend before my wedding in my favorite city, with 90 percent of my favorite people, and playing a club I’ve waited 5 years to play.

As tired as I am right now, I absolutely have to go to the beach today, even if it’s simply for an hour or so.

The NFL Draft is this afternoon, and this is the first year since I can remember that I won’t be watching.

I want to go fishing today.

There aren’t enough hours in the day for all that I want to do most days.

The water looks breathtaking from the sky this morning.  The weather couldn’t be anymore beautiful.

They say money can’t buy happiness, but if you could live where I’m looking at, I think you’d have a hard time finding ways to get upset.

I wish I’d seen Ray Charles live before he passed.

I’ll be in Austin and San Antonio, Texas next week
.
Red Light Road Tours is something I’ve wanted to do for years, and hopefully we’ll be coming to your city sooner rather than later.  If you haven’t heard about it, read the blog titled Red Light Road Tours.  It’s very much the genius of the fine people at UMG.

I’m not going to blog about our journeys thus far just because I want the videos we shoot to be a surprise.

Jesus Walks!!!

Oh, how did I forget?  Some guy from my earlier flight managed to spill his coke all over my leg!  I was even surprised by how calm I managed to stay!  I guess that was the price I paid for being moved to First Class for this flight.
When I saw the ocean for the first time, I was a 21-year-old naïve kid from small town Missouri, and an old friend said he felt like a father watching his 7 or 8-year-old son.  My quote as I stood there with my mouth open wide, “Dude, you could get in a boat and go to Cuba.”

Airplanes baffled me.

I’m going to do something Tuesday morning that will be the coolest thing I’ve done so far, and I will only say it involves a radio station, and probably the most famous radio personality of all-time.

I’m almost on the verge of disowning both of my favorite NFL Teams, the St Louis Rams and Tennessee Titans.  I simply don’t know what they’re thinking again with their NFL Draft Picks.

DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears in the 4th RD will be the steal so far.  It’s either the Chicago Commodores or the Vanderbilt Bears now, I don’t know, you choose!!!

I miss Catherine this afternoon.

I’m thinking we’re going to go see The Soloist tonight starring Jaime Foxx!

Nikki Taylor is on my flight home from Florida with her newborn.  She’s my height, with several, and I mean several tattoos.

I think if you brought a child on board today, you must have gotten a free round trip ticket to anywhere Southwest flies, cause there are about 15 running down the aisle like madmen!!!

I’m sitting by Amber Williams for the second flight this month, once to Vegas for the ACM’s and now home from Ft. Lauderdale!  Amber’s from Missouri as well, and happens to be one of the finest publicists in the country as far as I’m concerned…

K, found out today (Monday afternoon) that there will be a few new Red Light/Road Trips the next few weeks.  Keep glued to my Twitter to stay updated on where I’m heading next.  Till next time, RED LIGHT!!!

Flying, Dallas, JC Penny, Red Light, UCLA Baseball
Well my first flight of 2009 is the worst of my life. The only thing keeping me even remotely calm is the podcast from Kairos Brentwood on my ipod. I was excited to be going to Dallas, but I wasn’t this dang excited. To say this ride is bumpy would be to say I don’t have self-diagnosed A.D.D.

Pardon me while I put my computer up and continue praying!!!

It’s flights like this one that cause me to reflect back on the Hudson River U.S Air landing. I was at the Green Hills YMCA when I noticed several people gathering in front of the TV’s about 40 or 50 feet in front of me. I automatically knew something serious had to have happened, so I quickly ended my run and walked up to see what was going on. I watched most of the television coverage for the next few hours at home, feeling somewhat uneasy knowing I would soon begin flying again. If I ever run across that pilot during any of my future travels, I will give him the biggest hug.

Kings of Leon – Closer

This song is a ballad I suppose, and yet it makes me wish there were 5 miles of open road ahead in which to run.

My teeth hurt a bit today. I’m not sure what that’s about, but they’re definitely more sensitive than normal.

There are about 50 junior high aged girls on my flight headed to Dallas for a cheerleading competition. I leaned over to the lady beside me and said, “This would be pretty nice if I was 15 years younger.” I’m not sure she thought it was funny, but I was simply making conversation.

Ipod isn’t in spellcheck, and neither is spellcheck, which is even more odd to me.

I’m sad to be missing church Sunday. I really enjoy our Pastor in Nashville. I don’t always know what he’s talking about, but he talks in such a calm and passionate way, that I always feel good hearing it.

I’m hungry, and something tells me EJ will have eaten by the time I land.

Blogs are the single fastest way to kill time while flying. Movies are second, and listening to music is a distant third.

Blog is also absent from spellcheck.

When I look across the sky from my exit row window seat, I can’t help but wish there was a way to walk on top of the clouds.

“But before I make my way into the crowd, could I share one last kiss while we’re still in the clouds”

Clouds – David Nail

I wrote that line during one of my genius moments.

I’m about to play some shows in March, and though they’re all acoustic shows as of now, I’m going to have my keyboard player Eric Kinney out with me, and that has me overjoyed.

I listen to “Notion” by Kings of Leon and think of little Ryan Fisher, and thoughts such as these could bring a smile to the devils face.

It looks as if the flight is smoothing out, and it seems as though I’m not the only one who’s been “holding it”.

So I guess Monday we’ll see who wins The Bachelor. I’ve never seen the show until this year, and I suppose this years an exception only because now I’m more or less married. My bet is on Melissa, only because I have some pretty strong sources who tell me this, and also in the preview, it shows him proposing to a brunette, and Molly ain’t no brunette!!!

Some lady is yelling at me that I have to postpone this for a bit, so I’ll check in later….

So it’s Sunday night and I’m flying home from Dallas via Houston. While in Houston I noticed at least four or five college baseball teams. UCLA were at the gate across from me and stood out the most by far. They were all dressed in baby blue Adidas jumpsuits with matching white shoes. I have to say they looked pretty sharp. My curiosity got the best of me, and so I looked up whom they played in Houston, and found there was a tournament at Minute Maid Park where the Astros play. Rice University went unbeaten the article said, so I’m assuming they’re loaded again.

Dallas wore me out. I’m not used to staying out so late these days. Whoever decided 2pm game times were a good idea evidently didn’t realize how long it made the days. I got to see my buddy Marty Turco both days. Marty has a new baby boy who I’d not seen yet, so it was great to see him finally have another man in the house.

Last night EJ and I met up with our good friend Brooke Fendrick (former head of marketing for the Dallas Stars) at the hotel after. Brooke got married this past year, and moved back to Waco, so her being back in Dallas for the night was a pleasant added surprise.

Well I excited to be almost home. I’m going to sleep hard and long tonight. Red Light seems to be doing great. I’m still not paying attention to its existence, other than to talk about finding or recording the song.

Dallas is flashy, and I may have interest in some of the finer luxury’s this world has to offer, but whenever I’m there, I realize I’m still very much a small town kid from southeast Missouri. The other day some guys from the label played a joke on me regarding a possible endorsement with JC Penny, and they were assuming I’d be a bit uneasy do it’s “lack” of premeire clothing. Little did they know that JC Penny is my mother’s favorite store, so I was excited in a way due to the fact that I’d then most likely be able to hook her up.

K, I’m sensing this lady is about to tell me to put my computer up, so I’m not going to give her the chance. Peace out.

Please keep requesting Red Light wherever it is you live!!! Oh and it’s on itunes as well… You guys are awesome!!!