Attention Country Music Fans (you know who you are). Looking for new music? Tired of Shania passing herself off as country? Want to support up-and-coming acts (and I'm not talking about the Nashville Star reality TV show)? Why not turn your head in Danni Leigh's direction?

This female hat act hails from Strasburg, VA (mere minutes away from Patsy Cline's hometown of Winchester, VA). Released her first album in 1998 on Decca (Patsy's old label). But then, 'cause life sucks sometimes, Decca folded right before the album's radio release, and although MCA picked up a lot of contracts from Decca, they didn't pick up Leigh's. Back to the mines. Signed with Monument Records (Sony division). Dropped by Monument Records. Eventually released A Shot of Whiskey and a Prayer in 2001, with no label promotion. Finally signed with Audium Entertainment in 2001 and recently released Divide and Conquer. So much for the easy road to country stardom...

But here's what you need to know: Danni Leigh's got a voice. A honky-tonk, barroom, longnecks and cigarettes voice. She's got a commitment to country, not country-crossover. Hell, right now, she's even got a record label... And these are good songs. Good tear-in-your-beer/get-outta-here songs. Can't get enough of those, in my opinion. There's a lot of twang in this music - but there are also a few Sheryl Crow/crossover nods as well. Try "Sometimes" from the Divide and Conquer album for that flavor. Mostly, however, Danni Leigh's music fits solidly into a world where the Bakersfield guitar is turned up loud. In that category, check out "Longnecks, Cigarettes" and "Back in Your Arms Again" from the Shot of Whiskey and a Prayer album or "Teardrops, Teardrops" and "Mixed Up Mess of a Heart" from the 29 Nights album.

If you've got CMT, you may have seen her video for "If the Jukebox Took Teardrops" in heavy rotation. It's a pretty great video - no fuss, no muss, no high-concept, no confusing art shots (hello, Faith? are you listening?). Wouldn't it be nice if that meant that we'll be seeing more country music and less pop on CMT...

Anyway, head over to Amazon, darlin' and give the girl a listen.