I’m a sucker for cool chicks that can sing, play instruments, and write their own songs. I’m not a fan of country music, except the occasional female-lead, strong-lyric-and-melody-based, dance-or-sway-without-realizing-it country-pop.

I also really like to have (kid-friendly) music to listen to in the mornings, while we’re eating breakfast and getting ready for school. And sometimes, I just need a little break from Kidz Bop. Ahem.

I love the Dixie Chicks (and regularly run to “Ready To Make Nice”, which makes me bang my head and tear up at the same time). So when I heard that sisters Emily Robison and Martie McGuire had formed their own group, Court Yard Hounds, after Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie moved on, I was intrigued. Okay, really, I just jumped at the chance to hear it.

This July, they came out with their second album, Amelita, and it’s a new favorite. We’ve listened to it nonstop since I got it in the mail.

My favorite songs are the title track Amelita, Guy Like You, and Divided. Their voices are smooth as silk, their music is both danceable and soothing.

After a few years away from the limelight and the Dixie Chicks, the two sisters were ready to get back into the studio with the creation of Court Yard Hounds. Amelita. Here’s what they had to say about the group and their music: “I love this band…the way we explore new aspects of ourselves and what we can expect from each other, both musically and as people,” says Martie. “We are close. Plus, being on the road and being in the studio is like my spa from the everyday challenges of just being a mom.”

So, I blog in my living room, and they tour the country playing soulful, silky smooth, foot-tapping music. Same difference. 😉

Even though they’re beautiful and talented and glamorous, I still feel like I would love to just hang out with them. They’re relateable, you know?

You can get the album Amelita on Amazon or on iTunes. Follow along with the girls on Twitter and Facebook to see what they’re up to.

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions are 100% my own, as always.