Nothin' Unexpected by Ags Connolly

"The best singer-songwriter in the country field that this country has ever turned out" - Country Music People

The second album from traditional country singer-songwriter Ags Connolly was released three years after his debut ‘How About Now’. A notoriously slow songwriter, Ags wanted to present a selection of songs that would appeal to his existing followers and also catch the ear of the uninitiated.
The opener ‘I Hope You’re Unhappy’ is in the classic Texas honky tonk style that is associated with Ags, mixing as it does melancholic, slightly ironic lyrics with an undeniably danceable melody. This style is evident elsewhere on the album in the songs ‘Neon Jail’ and ‘Haunts Like This’. A new direction though, is found on the Tex-Mex flavours of ‘Do You Realise That Now’ and the title track, ‘Nothin’ Unexpected’, which use accordion and fiddle to give that unmistakable south-of-the-border texture. Clearly, Ags’ influences are far-reaching and this is also illustrated by his cover of Loudon Wainwright III’s ‘I Suppose’, presented here in an old-school country form.
Born, raised and still residing in rural West Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom, Ags discovered country music late. Already a student of lyrics and songwriting, he soon realised he was on a path there was no turning back from. His latest album continues down that path, and stays as straight and true to it as ever.
"This second album has taken me a while to put together, following on from my debut in 2014. I wanted to ensure it met people's expectations while also evolving from 'How About Now'. It was great to have producer Dean Owens and the same superb musicians on board again, not to mention contributions from The Mavericks' Michael Guerra on accordion and Grand Ole Opry staff member Eamon McLoughlin on fiddle. I believe in the strength of the songs and I'm excited about how these guys helped bring them to life. I hope you will be too.“

Tracklist

1.	I Hope You're Unhappy	3:06

2.	Do You Realise That Now	3:43

3.	When The Loner Gets Lonely	3:23

4.	Neon Jail	2:47

5.	I Suppose	3:07

6.	Nothin' Unexpected	4:43

7.	Haunts Like This	2:43

8.	Fifteen Years	4:39

9.	Slow Burner	4:15

10.	I Should've Closed The Book	3:33

Credits

released February 3, 2017

All songs written by Ags Connolly except ‘I Suppose’, written by Loudon Wainwright III © Snowden Music Inc. administered by Spirit Two Music, Inc. (ASCAP). All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

Produced by Dean Owens

Ags Connolly - vocals, acoustic guitar, Nashville high strung guitar
Stuart Nisbet - electric guitars, nylon string guitar, pedal steel guitar, lap steel guitar, mandolin, dobro, backing vocals
Kev McGuire - stand-up bass
Jim McDermott - drums, percussion
Andy May - piano
Eamon McLoughlin - fiddle, viola
Michael Guerra - accordion
Dean Owens - backing vocals, glockenspiel on ‘Slow Burner’

Recorded by Garry Boyle at Castlesound Studios and Slate Room Studio, Pencaitland
Mastered by Garry Boyle at Slate Room Studio

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