‘Catch of the Day’ – Shenandoah – “Noise” [AUDIO]

Today we feature a group that was put together in the hot bed of southern rock and soul music, Muscle Shoals, Alabama. They came together as the house band at one of the areas top studios, but before long cut their own demo and signed with CBS Records before even having a name for the band.

When session musicians Jim Seales, Mike McGuire, Ralph Ezell, Stan Thorn and Marty Paybon decided to form a house band in 1984, they knew each other from working various sessions together around the Muscle Shoals area, and the idea of securing a gig with one of the top studios in one of the busiest music towns in the country was enticing. The group would record demo versions of song for writers to pitch to recording artists, and would back artists on recording sessions. One of the demos the group recorded found its way to CBS Records, who immediately signed them.

The group had a record contract, and yet they hadn't given themselves a name. The MGM Band was suggested by singer Marty Raybon, but it was immediately rejected by the label, due to legal concerns, but countered with two options. The group then rejected the Rhythm Rangers because they felt it didn't give the right image, but the parties agreed on the next proposal ~~ Shenandoah.

The group released it's self-titled, debut album in 1987. The album featured three singles, but it was the third one that proved to be the groups break-through. "She Doesn't Cry Anymore" became the group's first top-10 hit,

peaking at #9 on the Billboard Country Singles chart. Two more albums followed for CBS, 1989's The Road Not Taken and 1990's Extra Mile. Both albums would earn gold certification, featuring 9 top-10 singles, the group's first #1 single, "The Church on Cumberland Road", as well as 3 other chart toppers.

Shenandoah would sign with RCA Nashville in 1992, releasing their next two albums with RCA, and while they still has some success on the singles charts (three top-10 hits, including the #1 "If Bubba Can Dance (I Can Too)), the albums weren't selling. The two RCA albums failed to crack the top-30 on the albums chart, and their lone Liberty Records album, 1994's In The Vicinity of the Heart, also stalled before the top-30.

The group has released three more albums since 2004, on three different independent labels. Several greatest hits compilations have also been released, but none of those albums showed significant chart action. They are currently working on a new album, and today, we feature the group's first new single since 2001 in our spotlight. Brought to you by All American Super Car Wash of Lawton, Shenandoah and "Noise" is today's Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you're gonna want to hear it again.

Text today’s key word to 580 353-1013, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card from All American Super Car Wash of Lawton, presenting the Catch of the Day on Oklahoma’s Best Country KLAW101.

Today’s Key Word: “NOISE”