Playlist

Amazing! Just amazing! Lindale's Miranda Lambert finally notches a Top 10 hit single on Billboard's country chart with the fiery "Gunpowder & Lead," a story song about domestic abuse and eventual revenge. The track currently sits at No. 9. It took way too long for mainstream country radio to align on her side. But let's not complain because they did it with the best tune on 2007's marvelous Crazy Ex-Girlfriend CD.

Amazing! Just amazing!

Photo: Miranda Lambert all wrapped up in goodness (Courtesy of Columbia Nashville).

The first line of Stephen's story explains why I just might check out a little flick called The Wackness coming out tomorrow. The hip-hop soundtrack list alone at the bottom of the story is like, "It was all a dream! I used to read Word Up magazine!"

(Courtesy photo: Notorious B.I.G.)

Stephen Simmons writes about the sobering realities of life -- that is redemption, heartbreak, hangovers and the loneliness of the road. On his new CD, Something In Between, the Tennessee native delves more into interpersonal relationships. His songs are backed by a slew of talented musicians, from fiddle player Tammy Rogers to steel guitarist Al Perkins. Check out his website for more info.

Anyway, Mr. Simmons along with fellow Americana troubadours Mando Saenz and Jason Eady perform tonight at Love & War in Texas in Plano. Cover is only $8.

Photo: Stephen Simmons (Bob Delevante).

Spain's La Oreja de Van Gogh, the quintet with the dreamy, rhythmic folk-pop sound, has switched lead singers. The angelic-voiced Amaia Montero has departed, and in her place is Leire Martínez. Ms. Martínez makes her debut on La Oreja de Van Gogh's still-untitled upcoming CD, scheduled to be released stateside Sept. 30. Here's hoping Ms. Martínez can help maintain the gorgeous sound the group had on 2006's stunning Guapa, a Latin Grammy-winning opus. The first single from the new disc is "El Ultimo Vals," which hits radio Aug. 12.

Photo: La Oreja de Van Gogh in 2005 with Amaia Montero (Montserrat Velando).

Major coup for Dallas' Old 97's: Rhett Miller's being interviewed and performing solo songs at this very moment on NPR's Fresh Air -- you can hear it locally on KERA.FM. Or check out NPR's web site later to listen to a podcast.