INSIDE COUNTRY RADIO by: Chuck Dauphin

Los Angeles, CA -  Trace Adkins is on the fast track at Country with a new hit. "Ladies Love Country Boys" (Capitol/EMI) is his latest and our programmers are all over this one. Phil Vassar is also getting his share of attention at the format. It’s all thanks to a single called "The "Woman In My Life" (Arista/RLG) that many say is one of his best ever. Sara Evans may be fighting hard with both of the above artists as her "You’ll Always Be My Baby" (RCA/RLG) seems to be the "talk of the town".

The Wreckers are back on track with what appears to be a smash Country hit. "My Oh My" (Maverick/WB) is the one that seems to be getting lots of attention, and we have always felt that it was only a matter of time before this red hot act got their just due. Vince Gill has a good reason to be happy these days. It’s all because of his new single "The Reason Why". Carrie Underwood is also on fire with her "Before He Cheats" (Arista/RLG) single that is just about closed everywhere on our NMW panel.

LeAnn Rimes is also getting her share of radio play this week. "Some People" (Curb) is the track that is working magic at the format. Little Big Town is also holding their own and in a big way. Their "Good As Gone" (Equity) is very strong and you may want to jump on this one fast. Keith Anderson is also getting his share of attention at the format. "Podunk" (Arista/RLG) is the latest from him and it appears to be a real winner. Lee Ann Womack is also finding the love at Country radio as her "Finding My Way Back Home" (MCA Nashville) takes some bold moves this week.

Billy Currington is finding an easy path to follow as a hit maker. It’s all thanks in part to a little single that he calls "Good Directions" (Mercury/IDJMG). Keith Urban is also on fire as of late with his "Once In A Lifetime" (Capitol/EMI). The radio world seems to be having a love affair with Rascal Flatts and their "My Wish" (Lyric Street) single. Toby Keith is also getting his fair share of the action as "Crash Here Tonight" (Show Dog/Universal) remains the "talk of the town".

Brian McComas keeps building spins with "All Comes Floodin’ Down" (Katapult). Eric Church is also pulling in believers for his latest. "Two Pink Lines" (Capitol/EMI) is the cut that seems to be making things happen for him. Bailey keeps building on her new success with "Space" (BEG), Brad Paisley is keeping pace with "She’s Everything" (Arista/RLG) and Tim McGraw continues strong with his "My Little Girl" (Curb). Heartland keeps their winning way alive at #1 for another record breaking week!

Former Little Rock, Arkansas radio station executive and station owner, Steve Freeman (WAI Radio, KMVK Radio, Arkansas Priority Radio Network), has announced the launch of a new record label, S+S Mack Records (pronounced SS Mack). The label, which will have offices in Nashville and Little Rock, has signed flagship artist Keith Bryant, whose three-year relationship with Lofton Creek records produced the Billboard-charted single "Ridin’ With The Legend" in 2005. The first single from Bryant’s debut CD with S+S Mack, "Live It Slow," will be released to radio this week. The album, "Live It Slow", will be available in all major retail outlets in early spring 2007. "The goal of our label is to brand our artists, not just have successful singles," said Freeman.