COUNTRY

McAlister Kemp

Country Proud (ABC/Universal) ½

In the real world - that is to say the one you're in now reading this review - it is quite possible that Country Proud will come to be seen as one of the worst country music albums ever released.

In McAlister Kemp's world - a world where bourbon-chugging, ute-driving men are men and women are glad of the fact - Country Proud is some sort of addled design for living; a world where, despite God-fearing down-home principles being held dear at all times, hard-working family men live for Friday nights and, um, to paraphrase one of this duo's more prescient world view musings, cold beer and hot women.

The main problem for us real-world denizens who expect a bit more from our music is that McAlister Kemp offer nothing here that can't be heard elsewhere, done better and usually done by Americans. Something to Build On is third-rate Brooks & Dunn, made all the more frustrating by the fact the Drew McAlister has a fine, fine voice that deserves better than the warmed-over retreads that he sings on this album.

Scott Adams

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