Ray Scott Promises A Little Less Polish on Upcoming Album “Guitar For Sale”
Ray Scott is country. There’s never been any question of that. And as one of the most successful independent traditional country artists in Nashville, he’s garnered a devout following of true country fans from his songs and voice that speak to the real struggles of average people.
But just because something is real country doesn’t mean it’s real good. Though Ray has always marched to the beat of his own drum, sometimes his music has come with the same polish that makes some of mainstream Nashville’s country music less than 100% appealing. Not to say polish is always bad by any stretch, but a little bit of grit can go a long way. And that’s what Ray Scott is promising to deliver in his upcoming record Guitar For Sale out June 9th.
“When I went into the studio with my friend, and new producer, Michael Hughes, my goal was to do something a little different, something live tracked that’s not so polished, maybe even rough in spots, with the hope we’d come out with a product that had elements reminiscent of the way music first hit my ears when I was a young’un,” Ray Scott says about his fifth album. Scott’s debut album was released via Warner Bros. Nashville in 2005. Since then he’s released his records independently.
“It wasn’t my intent to worry about what the rest of Nashville was doing… ‘course it never has been. I’m proud to say I think we accomplished that,” Ray says about the new record.
Ahead of the release, Scott has released a lead single called “Livin’ This Way.” “In keeping with my habit of honesty in songwriting, I thought it was a good way introduce this new project,” he says.
Ray Scott / Guitar For Sale Track List:
1 – Livin’ This Way
2 – Put Down The Bottle
3 – The Fire
4 – Soberin’ Up
5 – Pray For The Fish
6 – Put Down That Gun
7 – Growin’ Old
8 – Worth Killin’ For
9 – Life Ain’t Long Enough
10 – Doin’ Me Wrong
11 – Guitar For Sale
April 11, 2017 @ 11:50 am
I had no idea he had a new project coming out and I am really excited about it after hearing that first song. I’ve always liked his stuff, and I think his debut album is one of the strongest “mainstream” debut albums of the past 20 years or so — really not a bad track on it, and even the “radio friendly” single “My Kind of Music” is enjoyable.
December 4, 2022 @ 7:46 pm
She don’t like to play my kinda music, she’s never heard a Waylon Jennings song. That song actually peaked at #39 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making it Scott’s highest charting single, and one of only two charting singles of his career.
April 11, 2017 @ 3:01 pm
He has a lot to make up for. Great Voice. Hope he does.
April 11, 2017 @ 3:06 pm
“But just because it’s real country doesn’t mean it’s real good.” Yes. Looking forward to hearing this.
April 11, 2017 @ 3:29 pm
But why does he not like Poland?
April 11, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
I’ve met Ray a few times. I’ve got to say he is one of the most genuine artists I think I’ve ever met. To me anyway, he comes off as understanding that fans, even though they can get annoying, write his paycheck in the end. I try to see him when I can and support him. Well worth it!
April 11, 2017 @ 8:16 pm
This first track doesn’t kill me, but I believe in Ray Scott. We’ve crossed paths from time to time through the years and I have to say that I respect him as a country music artist and as a person. No bullshit here. He’s very authentic in my book.
April 11, 2017 @ 8:33 pm
His song “livin this way” is a really true song for me from the new album. It really puts into perspective why we do things we know are bad for us. Like drink too much and maybe chew or smoke. We know they could kill us, but at the same time they are the only way we feel we can get through the day sometimes, and cope with our problems. They might not be good solutions, but they are solutions for some people. It’s a really down and out song but that’s how people feel sometimes, which is exactly why I love real country music.
April 12, 2017 @ 5:24 am
Man, I like the sound of that song. Looking forward to hearing the whole album.
April 12, 2017 @ 7:10 am
Ray has always been kind of hit and miss for me. Each album has a good song or two, but never enough to put him over the top. Maybe this will be the album that does that.
April 12, 2017 @ 8:31 am
I have been following Ray Scott for years and listening to his music, even though I’ve only mentioned him in passing until now. Every so often I get an email or a commenter who says, “How can say you’re saving country music if you’ve never featured Ray Scott. He’s country!!” But my one issue with his music, even though he’s got a great voice and some good songs, is that it has that Nashville polish to it. It’s too perfect or something. That’s why I found this quote from him so interesting and important enough to post about. I think a new producer will go a long way for Ray Scott. Everything is there, it just needs to be presented better, in my opinion.
April 12, 2017 @ 9:14 am
Looking forward to the album. I really liked his Rayality album, but only a song or two on the rest of his stuff.
April 12, 2017 @ 10:29 am
This place has a complaint about every artist that isn’t named Jason Isbelle or Justin Townes Earl.
April 12, 2017 @ 11:49 am
And, up to his last album, Sturgill Simpson.
April 12, 2017 @ 1:05 pm
I have a complaint about every artist because I’m a critic and it is my job to find critical things to say about music, including, if not especially, music I look favorably upon. That includes Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, and especially Justin Townes Earle, all of which I have written negative reviews for. Wait, maybe not Isbell, but I’ve had critical things to say. The reason you criticize is in hopes of pushing artists to improve.
April 15, 2017 @ 8:43 am
So you’re complaining about complaining??
April 14, 2017 @ 8:04 am
Cant wait for the entire album release! Huge fan.
April 15, 2017 @ 7:43 am
Now this guy is getting it done. Cranked.