Review: Court Yard Hounds Amelita

Hello, hello, hello friends!

I have so much to share with you, but first, I need to write about a new album: Amelita by the Court Yard Hounds.

Emily Robison and Martie Maguire are the two sisters from Dixie Chicks. After a few years away from the limelight and the Dixie Chicks, the two sisters were ready to get back into the studio with the creation of Court Yard Hounds. Amelita, out now, marks the Court Yard Hounds' second album.

The first couple of years of my college life soundtrack were filled with sounds from the Dixie Chicks. I always loved the instrumentals, so you can imagine how excited I was to listen to the Court Yard Hounds. I had no idea that the two sisters had a whole entire band of their own. 

“We’re a band, not a side project. We like our sound, and we’re going to continue to do this, and share something new this time around.” Emily Robison couldn't be more clear about the game plan for the Court Yard Hounds, the group she and sister Martie Maguire head up, as they get ready to release their second album, Amelita.

Containing 11 new tracks, Robison and Maguire took a different approach with Amelita than their debut album in 2010. This album contains a new perspective, which is due in part to time passed since Robison’s divorce. “I’ve been freed of all of those time-heals-everything kind of things,” says Robison. “Now, I’ve opened up to other ideas and ways of looking at life and the world. I think it’s not only a more hopeful album, but it’s more… well fun."

The Court Yard Hounds’ new album is a clear statement of who the girls are as artists, defining their sound as a band, with soaring songs that are personal, yet familiar and widely relatable. This is so very true on so many levels. Listening to this music, I want to pop in an old fashioned CD, and take a long road trip with my windows down, the hot Texas sun beating down on my skin as I loudly sing along. "The World Smiles" and "Aimless Upward" are a prime examples of the kinds of song I would sing along to. I like the harmony and the lyrics. I can see my bestie in the seat next to me as we harmonize together.

I know some of you may not "be in to Country music," but you should give these gals a chance! Make yourself a glass of sweet tea, sit in a rocking chair, and give the album a listen. You can find them at: Twitter & on Facebook. Or you can buy their album at: iTunes & Amazon

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.