Single Review – ‘Can’t Cheat in a Small Town’ – Mark Cooke
15 years ago Liv Carter Comments Off on Single Review – ‘Can’t Cheat in a Small Town’ – Mark Cooke
Country music has a few recurring themes, two of which are cheating songs and life-in-a-small-town songs. Both are combined in Mark Cooke‘s ‘Can’t Cheat in a Small Town.’
Like Miranda Lambert‘s ‘Famous in a Small Town’, Mark Cooke’s debut points out that both the best and worst thing about living in a small town is that everyone knows everything about everyone. In an environment such as this, it’s hard to get away with misbehaving so when his lover strays, he reminds her ‘did you think I wouldn’t hear/everybody know everything that goes on here.’ Though on the surface, there’s very little bitterness, there is still a hint at taking revenge, leaving you with the impression the guy will be just fine. The lack of self-pity make this song even more interesting.
Guitar and pedal steel take turns on this neo-traditional tune. It’s just a tad over-produced, especially where the vocals are concerned. Mark’s Texas twang would probably sound even better if left alone. Overall, this song is not unlike Eric Church‘s material, though less gritty.
The first release on the brand new Cotton Valley Records, ‘Can’t Cheat in a Small Town’ has more than enough in it to ring in a nice future for both artist and label.
Mark will release a debut album later this year. For more information, visit Mark’s website.
Liv Carter
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
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