Mike Shannon “Stay Young” MHA0501
Stay Young
Somehow we all dream of eternal youth, but it stays a dream .
Through his music Mike is staying young and he intends to stay that way.
He has therefore titled his first solo CD "Stay Young".
Mike spent a long time selecting the tracks for his CD and has come up with a good variety of country styles.
Of the 13 tracks one stands out .... "It's a heartache" (the Bonnie Tyler hit).
It's not the kind of song you expect on a country album, but as Mike says : "it sounds like it should have been a country song" , and who are we to disagree ? Mike doesn't sing it raw voiced like Bonnie but in a polished warm smooth manner which is a joy to listen to.
You won't find the top 100 Country hits on this album, it is an attractive mix of old and new, famous and unknown songs.
You wil find here outstanding beautiful versions of "Long Brack Train", "Faster Horses", "Good To Go To Mexico" and the great classis "Wolverton Mountain".
Mike is blessed with a warm rich country voice and this is heard to perfection on my favourites on this album, "Hello God", "Cowboy Up", "To Do What I Do", "Stay Young" and the most beautiful song on the album "Some Gave All".
The album is produced and recorded by Nick McAlley.
I can highly recommend this CD to all who love pure interpretations of Country Music for their collections.
(Source) Jean-Pierre Onsia
Mike Shannon's 2nd solo CD - july 2007
My Kind of Music - F12612
This is the second solo CD from Mike and he has followed the same succesul format as his first CD, beautiful songs to sit back and listen to and great songs for the linedancers, such as "Jailhouse Creole" which Mike is the first artist to record and perform in the Benelux.
There are great foot tapping songs such as "If you're goin' thru Hell", "Voices of the Highlands", "Ring of Fire" (in a rocking dance version) and a beautiful duet with his Evy "Rose of My Heart". I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of her voice.
There are 2 songs written by Billy Yates "Me Marie" and "Roxanne's Bayou", and if I didn't know better, I would think they were written especially for Mike. They are perfect for his voice and a great addition to this album.
There are 2 songs written for Mike for this CD, "Pretty Mamma" written by Neil Preston and "Free as a bird" written by Neil Preston and Lori Taylor..... Country music at its best.
In the lyrics of the track "My kind of music" we understand Mike's love for Country Music.
In the 1960's Ferlin Husky had a number one hit with "Wings of a Dove", now 40 years later Mike breathes new life into the song, with much feeling.
There is a nice country version of Bobby Darin's "Dream Lover" a song from my youth.
The Show stopper (which gave me goose bumps) is "What Color is the Wind", a song written by Charlie Landsborough. This is a beautiful song with a real strong lyrics and a perfect song for Mike's voice and style.
I can truthfully say that this CD is my kind of music. It's definatly made with a lof of love and care and should appeal to a wide variety of listeners and at 15 euro it is only one euro per song. Great Value !
(Source: Jean-Pierre Onsia - B & NL Country Online)
Mike's view about the songs on this CD:
My Kind of Music: The title song, says how I feel about Country Music.
Jailhouse Creole: A great song to dance to ... two old Elvis Classics given a
new treatment.
Wings Of A Dove: A timeless classic from the fities.
One Wing In the Fire: Evy told me about this song, and when I heard it, I
knew I had to record it.
If You're Going Thru Hell: Up-tempo.... A favourite with the line dancers.
Free As A Bird: An original song in the style of Alison Krauss. Written for me
by Neil Preston & Lori Taylor, two talented British songwriters.
Dream lover: A country version of the old Bobby Darin classic.
Voices of The Highlands: Well known to most country fans... a song with a
strong Scottish flavour.
Me Marie: A strong up-tempo song, written by my friend Billy Yates.
Rose of My Heart: At last I get a chance to sing on disc with Evy.... this is a
beautiful waltz.
Ring of Fire: A good rockin' version of the Johnny Cash classic ... get your
dancin' shoes on !
Roxanne's Bayou: This is another Billy Yates song .. A swinging Cajun style
number.
What Color is The Wind: I always imagined this song was about a blind boy
asking his dad the question. This is a real listeners song ... I get chills just singing it !
Pretty Mamma: A rocking original from Neil Preston.
The Old Rugged Cross: This gospel song was my mother's favourite...
I included it in this album in her memory.
This CD is still available on Shows or thru the website e-mail address:
Mike Shannon's 3rd solo CD - july 2009
Mike Shannon "Free & Easy" - Aves 09040801
FREE & EASY
Now available on shows or through this website
bravenet.com