Finally: Mo Pitney’s Debut Album “Behind This Guitar” Coming
Finally we get some forward movement on one of the most anticipated mainstream traditional albums in a good while. Curb Records-signed singer and songwriter Mo Pitney will release his debut album Behind This Guitar on October 7th, featuring 10 of 12 co-written songs by Pitney himself, and contributions from folks we though the rest of Nashville had forgotten like Bill Anderson, Dean Dillon, Don Sampson, and David Lee Murphy.
Many of the songs on Behind This Guitar have been heard before as either singles, or in an acoustic setting, like “Country,” “I Met Merle Haggard Today,” and his current single “Girl & A Boy Thing.” Pitney has been performing on the Grand Ole Opry, shows like Larry’s Country Diner, and other live settings for years. But like many Curb-signed artists, fans have needed to be patient for a proper album release.
The release comes as more traditional-leaning mainstream country artists are starting to find greater traction after the Bro-Country era, including Jon Pardi whose recent release California Sunrise debuted at #1, while his current single “Head Over Boots” is close to cracking the Top 5. William Michael Morgan has also found some surprising success recently. Mo Pitney’s singles have struggled on radio so far, but as a more traditional artist, like Chris Stapleton and others, album sales will likely be where Pitney finds his strength.
“I can’t wait for you to hear the music that we’ve poured our hearts into over the last year,” says Pitney. “You heard it first…”
Pre-Order Behind This Guitar
Behind This Guitar Track List:
1. “Country” (Mo Pitney, Bobby Tomberlin, Bill Anderson)
2. “Clean Up On Aisle Five” (Mo Pitney, Wil Nance)
3. “Come Do A Little Life” (Mo Pitney, Wil Nance, Byron Hill)
4. “It’s Just A Dog” (Mo Pitney, Jimmy Melton, Dave Turnbull)
5. “Everywhere” (Mo Pitney, Dean Dillon, Phil O’Donnell)
6. “Boy & A Girl Thing” (Mo Pitney, Don Sampson)
7. “I Met Merle Haggard Today” (Mo Pitney, Don Sampson)
8. “Take The Chance” (Mo Pitney, Dean Dillon)
9. “When I’m With You” (Mo Pitney, David Lee Murphy)
10. “Love Her Like I Lost Her” (Mo Pitney, Dennis Duff)
11. “Behind This Guitar” (Phil O’Donnell, Casey Beathard, Don Sampson)
12. “Give Me Jesus” (Fernando Ortega)
July 29, 2016 @ 10:41 am
From what I have heard, he sounds good. But I fear he won’t break through to the mainstream. I can’t see radio giving him much more support and I can’t see the album being a big seller.
Most likely he will be dropped and will have to go onto an independent label.
However, I really hope that I am wrong.
July 29, 2016 @ 11:12 am
That’s why Chris Stapleton’s breakout was so important: It proved you don’t need radio to succeed. Pitney’s fans are traditional country fans and older folks who saw him on The Grand Ole Opry and RFD TV shows. These are the people who steer clear of radio, and buy physical albums. Pitney has almost 100,000 Facebook followers. I think this album could be bigger than some expect. Pitmey’s people are album people. That is why it was so important to get this out.
July 29, 2016 @ 11:25 am
I want to pre-order, but by the link, it only gives me the options for mp3 or vinyl. No CD option? I realize this is the first day and all, but I’ve never been more excited about an album release. Anybody else able to pre-order a CD copy?
July 29, 2016 @ 12:11 pm
My guess is that since the metadata JUST populated this morning, it hasn’t updated with the CD info yet. Can’t imagine it would only be available on MP3 or Vinyl. I’d give it a day or two and it will probably be wrinkled out. It’s also available for pre-order via iTunes, but that doesn’t help you if you’re looking for a CD.
July 30, 2016 @ 2:45 pm
My guess is that since the metadata JUST populated this morning, it hasn’t updated with the CD info yet. Can’t imagine it would only be available on MP3 or Vinyl.
i can. with how well vinyl sales are doing, i would be surprised if it wasn’t a calculated decision
July 31, 2016 @ 8:46 am
The same thing with Cody Jinks. He’s selling his CD through Facebook but not on his own site.
July 29, 2016 @ 12:28 pm
I do not want to be negative but I don’t think the prospects are good.
The main reason Chris Stapleton’s album has sold so well is because of the CMA nominations he unexpectedly garnered and more surprisingly went on to win. That made up for lack of radio support. Without those major awards, his album sales would have been far fewer. It will be interesting to see what happens with his follow up album. I don’t believe he will again win so many major awards and without radio support it will be interesting to see how his album sales hold up.
It is extremely unlikely that Pitney will either be nominated or win any major awards, therefore without radio support I don’t think his prospects of healthy album sales are good.
Album sales are very low these days. Steven Tyler’s album went to number one and sold only 16,771 units (please let’s not get into a discussion about the merits of the album). That is very poor,
Just to stick up for major record labels, I can see why they are hesitant in taking risks with traditional unknown acts. Record sales which used to be a big source of income have virtually been wiped out. Acts now really only make big money from tours. Realistically Pitney is never going to be a stadium sell out act. Therefore he is unlikely to generate big income from his tours either.
So how is a major record company expected to spend big sums of money into an act like Pitney and get a return on their investment in the end? I believe it is very difficult. That is why they are reluctant to take the risk.
Artists like Pitney are more suited to smaller independent labels with much lower promotional budgets, who can make a profit from small album sales and small to medium sized tours that acts like Pitney are most likely to generate.
It really is the death of album sales, music pirating and the advent of iTunes and the like that has killed traditional country. I believe the major record companies have had to take the decisions that they have mainly just to try and survive.
July 29, 2016 @ 7:50 pm
In terms of Mo Pitney and his album–yes, this is a very solid country album that I think appeals to both traditionalists and to those rock fans (like myself) who appreciate this kind of combination of traditional and progressive values. This is, in my opinion, how country music has “evolved” and thrived over the years, by progressing and at the same time not forgetting where it all comes from.
At the same time, though, I do think it will take many, many more artists like Pitney, and Chris Stapleton, to effect real and lasting change and counteract that whole cadre of Bromeisters who so shamelessly steal from the worst of gangsta rap and 80s arena rock, equally shamelessly name-check Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Waylon Jennings without even knowing what the hell those guys were really about, and jaw about screwing with chicks on chrome truck tailgates. The problem is bigger than any one artist or album, or even a handful of either; can solve (IMHO).
August 3, 2016 @ 5:27 pm
love this young country boy. been waiting for debut album. can’t wait for october.
July 29, 2016 @ 10:45 am
Best news of the week. Have been interested in Mo ever since “Country” came out.
July 29, 2016 @ 8:32 pm
Agree.
Go Tigers
July 29, 2016 @ 11:06 am
Trigger,
I know Mo was on a big mainstream show like bobby bones in the past. Do you see people like bones trying to champion this kid going forward?
July 29, 2016 @ 11:10 am
I don’t know. We can hate on Bobby Bones all we want, but he was an early apostle of Chris Stapleton, and he’s out there touting Lori McKenna today. Pitney’s not really Bobby’s style though, but who knows.
July 29, 2016 @ 3:02 pm
Bones tried to champion Boy And a Girl Thing when that was on radio but the label had already given up on it. He’s also had Mo Pitney on the show multiple times. Hopefully he will say something when the album comes out.
July 29, 2016 @ 11:26 am
Cant wait! His song “Its Just A Dog” absolutely kills me as a dog person. That’s one song that I only listen to alone…
July 29, 2016 @ 11:35 am
I saw him earlier this year, and he played a song I think was called ‘Silver Heart Memory.’ It was a civil war song. Was hoping to see it on the album, I don’t know, there’s just something about civil war songs that I really like. Joey & Rory’s ‘Josephine’ gives me the best kind of chills. But back to Mo, I think Trigger is right that this is going to be bigger than expected. I’m sold on this kid, and I can’t wait to own this CD.
July 29, 2016 @ 11:35 am
“Come Do a Little Life” is our first dance song next weekend.
July 29, 2016 @ 11:54 am
Dean Dillon is sure a good sign.
July 29, 2016 @ 1:38 pm
I saw Mo a year ago, and he is such a joy to watch and hear. His voice is just as good live as on the recordings, and I didn’t expect him to be a solid guitar player as well. As long as he stays true to himself and his faith, he will continue to attract a strong and steady fan base. If he compromises for a radio hit, then he’ll just be a flash in the pan.
July 29, 2016 @ 4:23 pm
My favorite artist since Brad Paisley. I love this guy. If you haven’t heard him you need to go to youtube; like him on Facebook. Really seems like a good guy.
Unfortunately, he has no chance. He’s traditional country with a great country voice.
July 29, 2016 @ 8:12 pm
Nice. I’m looking forward to this release. Way overdue.
July 30, 2016 @ 1:19 pm
Lotta good observations made above . No …it won’t sell truckloads ..won’t get serious airplay and won’t find a youth demographic unless he “Urban-izes ” it with some handlcaps at 130 bpm and , of course , a banjo and a Pitbull… BUT I’m certain there are enough folks appreciative of the real thing when they hear it that he’ll do OK in terms of exposure and set himself up for the next one and the one after that once he’s established HIS following . The other factor , and I hate to bring it up but I think we all know the importance of when it comes to stage presence , is that he’s not a hunky , douchebaggy , hat-wearin, chain- draggin , ink-riddled , five-o’clock- shadow sportin’ mainstream clone . He’s unassuming in appearance and , as such , unmarketable in that department .
I’m taking NOTHING from Mo’s intent and talent and convictions musically . I just don’t see him giving Luke or Aldean or the Kruze Kids a run for their money when it comes to selling image to teenage girls , which is really what 90% of it seems to be for ‘ country’ music these days .
All that aside , I’m really looking forward to the next batch of honest music from a real country singer . been enjoying Mark Chesnutt , Irene Kelley and Balsam Range of late .