Deryl Dodd
This Comanche, Texas, native weighs in with a self-titled record whose best cuts are more reminiscent ofBuck OwensthanGarth Brooks. Another ofJim Lauderdale's great Bakersfield homages, "It's Only 'Cause You're Lonely," opens the album, and Dodd quickly follows with the aching Buck-like ballad "Best I Ever Had."  He occasionally goes off track with lite-rock stuff such as the single "A Bitter End," and has a serviceable but unexciting voice, but shows more than just promise here.--Rickey Wright