Mike Clifford "THE HEARTBREAK GRILL AND BAR" ©2006 Late Bloom Records Review by Lucky Boyd Mike Clifford's unique vocal quality exudes an attitude about his songs. His true Texan delivery makes each cut a gem. Clifford's third release, "THE HEARTBREAK GRILL AND BAR" is his best to date. There is a stellar line up of pickers, a long list of perfectly written tunes, (Clifford pens 10 of the 11 cuts) and a couple of additional items worth mentioning. As a 2005 Texas Music Awards nominee, it's good to see Clifford surrounded by great company. Pauline Reese, a 2006 TMA nominee appears on the record. The eleventh track was written by 2005 TMA Male Vocalist Jay Johnson. With this level of talent, it's no wonder that the disc is destined for success. Finally, amid all the masterful tracks, there is a true diamond. Clifford's "It's All Texas Music To Me" is being talked up as an anthem to Texas musicians, and this reviewer is pushing for this forum to adopt the song as an official MTM track. (Currently, this website has two official MTM tracks, "Spicy Chicken" by Big John Mills, and "The Armadillo Song" by John Arthur Martinez) I liked Clifford's first two releases. I like this one even more. Remember this one at award nomination time. Additional review by Lucky Boyd: From the opening cut of Mike Clifford's 2004 release "ALL NIGHT ALL DAY" (Late Bloom), you get a sense that his musical influences are varied and strong. Clifford, who pens every cut of this eleven cut gem, delivers a Robert Earl Keen-style lyric with a Marty Robbins-style arrangement which in turn creates a blend that can only be found in Texas music. Clifford continues the trend through every track, offering a few instrumental surprises, but forever rendering fabulous lyrics and a flawless performance. This self-produced project shows Clifford's depth of talent and is a mere continuation of the incredible sound created by his first release "WELCOME TO THE OTHER SIDE" (Late Bloom). Each disc is expertly arranged and Clifford's voice is perfect. Mike Clifford is one of the finest talents in Texas, and as his career blossoms across the state and beyond, you don't want to be left behind. Country music has a new sound and you'll soon be the next Mike Clifford fan. Get the discs starting at $7.49!