Steel Magnolia Shines With New EP

Say you're on iTunes looking for a new CD or EP to purchase. You're probably thinking, "Do I want something flirty and fun with an upbeat sound, or what about something catchy and cute (a song you know you'll be jammin' out to in your car), or maybe something sexy and soft with a lot of love to it."

A lot of choices to choose from, but one duo that comes to mind that has ALL of what I listed above is Can You Duet (reality show on CMT) winners Steel Magnolia. Steel Magnolia recently completed their first EP under the Big Machine record label. Their EP compiles five songs, including two live performances.

Although I am already a huge fan of Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones (Steel Magnolia), the EP persuaded me even more to continue to follow them and check them out when they are on tour.

The first song on the EP is "Keep On Lovin' You." It was their first single after winning Can You Duet and is also featured on the motion picture Valentine's Day soundtrack. That single has got Meghan and Josh a lot of recognition in the world of Country music. It is a top 15 hit.

"Keep On Lovin' You" is a song I hear on Froggy Radio. I just turn my volume up as loud as it goes and just drive and sing. Passing vehicles probably think I am crazy when they see me dancing and singing at the top of my lungs.

The second song is defiantly catchy and cute, yet a little flirty and fun, "Ooh La La" made its first debut on Can You Duet. After you hear it for the first time you will be singing it all the time, its "Ooh La La" GREAT.

The next song is actually the first song they wrote together "The Edge of Goodbye." It is a break up song and I'm surprised how good it is because you would never think this cute couple (after seeing them live you will see how passionate their love is) could even think of a break up song. Josh said on Can You Duet, that "The Edge of Goodbye" is what set the duo up. "At the edge of goodbye, there are always two sides that cut like a knife, no wrong, and no right when your standing on the edge of goodbye," part of the lyrics read and it's so surreal in relationship when a breakup is about to occur, its defiantly painful. Meghan continues to sing "Your callin' me at 2 am I know your whiskey'd up again and I don't really want to have to deal with this...again." To all the ladies out there, how right are those lyrics when your over 21 of course and in a relationship going bad. The song starts off with a slow beat then Meghan's lungs are for sure at work in this future hit.

Next is a song that they performed live for the EP, called "I Need You." Readers might find this title familiar because Faith Hill and Tim McGraw also sang this song. Steel Magnolia's version of this song is so different from Tim and Faith's, but I don't mean it in a bad way. The song is already a passionate song but hearing them sing it you get chills. Josh start's off singing and that is where the sexy and soft come in when you hear his voice and see how passionate they are about each other it is truly amazing. They are going to be Country music's new Johnny and June, Tim and Faith, Garth and Trisha.

To conclude their EP, is another song performed live, "Fast As You." "Fast As You" was originally sang by Dwight Yoakam, a hit by him and now a hit by Steel Magnolia. The song is exactly like its title, FAST but it is fun nonetheless. Josh and Meghan do a great rendition of this song.

Their EP is truly a great purchase. You can buy it on iTunes for $4.49. I would absolutely give this duo your support by not only purchasing their EP but voting for them for Top New Vocal Duo. Yes, I am a little partial since I am a huge Steel Magnolia fan, but if I were Roger Ebert I would give this EP two thumbs up, and I would no doubt give it 5 stars out of 5. Steel Magnolia simply amazes me and will amaze you too after you give them a listen. Big Machine Records did it right by signing them.

Western PA fans can listen to Froggy Radio to hear their current hits. Adios for now, I will be back soon with info on a new upcoming artist Walker Hayes.

Steel Magnolia is nominated for two ACM (American Country Music) Awards. Top New Vocal Duo, which is actually fan based so after you check out their EP voting will take place through March 12 on www.voteacm.com. They are also up for Top Vocal Duo (Sugarland and Brooks & Dunn are up for the award too).