Dancing Llama Records is pleased to announce the release of Dana Wilson’s third CD release “Nothin’ Good Ever Comes Easy”. A life-long Detroiter, singer/songwriter Dana Wilson has assembled another collection of original compositions, ably assisted by songwriting partner/guitarist Rick Matle. Herein the listener will find varied influences of Classic Rock, Country, Americana and Alternative Rock. This journey in song leads Wilson down some darker roads, casting wry reflections on life’s perplexing ironies, the plight of those affected by economic woes, yet celebrating life’s elusive joys with a reverent lyric attention to detail. Wilson here stretches his own capabilities, exploring varied vocal terrains ranging from saw-toothed whispers to keening wistful waltzes to modern hard-edged rockers. Tracks 1) “Give Me a Year (and I’ll be better)” An upbeat singable 1960’s-styled pop-friendly romp that recalls the optimistic bounce and unstoppable hooks of The Who and The Monkees. 2) "What If" finds Wilson adopting a pensive dark whisper akin to that of Canadian poet Leonard Cohen. Guitarist Matle rides in on an ebullient swell of sustained guitar, keeping the mood edgy and contemporary. 3) "Serenade for Sinners" This Celtic rocker brings on the dark night of the soul ala Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Bells”, punctuated by Ron Ellman’s haunting violin. Kid Rock’s percussionist Larry Fratangelo provides the hypnotic beat. 4) "Nothin’ Good Ever Comes Easy" Short and to the point, the title song echoes the plaintive country waltz format espoused by Neil Young. Piano and string arrangement by Henry Feinberg. 5) "Tears for the Devil" A dark and moody minor blues, a tale of a fallen man, propelled by Matle’s fluid Wes Montgomery meets Carlos Santana guitar swirls. 6) "Empty Pockets" An angry little tune, akin to the protest songs of the 1960’s, reflecting outrage at injustice, grinding into your consciousness on the drill-tip buzz of Matle’s distorted guitar. 7) "Deeper Every Day" Modern grunge rock with a touch of the 1990’s Seattle sound melds with the dark descent. 8) "House of the Rising Sun" The only cover tune on the CD, a tribute to the original British Bad Boy of the Blues, Eric Burdon. Wilson growls it out with depth and conviction, a retro nod spun over a blues/rock bed. 9) "Pleadin’ Eyes" All the elements of the perfect country love song, caressed by Matle’s gentle banjo picking, lap steel and featuring soft back-up vocals by Sheila Landis. 10) "A Tunesmith’s Tale" A saga of the balladeer of yore, guitar on his back, weaving his tales as he travels in 3/4 time. 11) “Like a Song” A sweet love song, cushioned with Ron Ellman’s dreamy violin and backup vocals by Sheila Landis. 12) “No More Cryin’ Over You” A hard rocking gem of a Tex-Mex pop tune, mega-dosed with punchy lyric alliteration. 13) “Invisible” Chiming guitar sets the stage for this wistful reverie of yearning for a lost love. 14) “I’m Not Gonna Let You In” Rockabilly rears its wooly head as Wilson warns “I’m Not Gonna Let You In”. Bluesy harmonica by Henry Feinberg. 15) “Cry On” An aching guitar riff keeps the tears flowing for Sweet Natalie, a modern day Mother Theresa. Inspired by early rock and classic country, “Nothin’ Good Ever Comes Easy” is influenced by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Counting Crows, B.B. King, U2 and the Beatles. Rick Matle, acting as songwriting partner and musical director, helped create the final vision and sound by “playing a lot of guitar”. Kid Rock sideman Larry Fratangelo plays drums throughout the CD. Musicians Dana Wilson-vocals Rick Matle-guitar, bass, banjo, lap steel, drums/programming tracks 2, 5 Larry Fratangelo-drums track 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 Ron Ellman-violin tracks 3, 11. Sheila Landis-backup vocals tracks 3, 9, 11, 12 Henry Feinberg-keyboard track 4, harmonica track 14 Dave Kroon-backup vocal track 1 Recorded at Roseview Studio, Rochester Hills MI, Rick Matle engineer