Burning up the charts

Yesterday, Dierks Bentley released his latest single, "Feel That Fire," to radio stations. He also made it available for download from his website to fans and executive-producer types. I added it to my iTunes playlist and called Bud over to get his expert opinion.

Bud peered over my shoulder to look at the screen while he listened, then read the title, snapped his head toward me, and said, slightly aghast, "I don't want to feel a fire!" He reached out slowly, demonstrating the hesitancy he feels about touching his hands to flames and embers.

"He's not singing about a real fire, Bud," I said. "We never, ever touch real fires." I considered trying to explain the metaphor further, but just then Dierks hit the lyric "she wants to make love on a train" and I decided that I'd already said enough to make my point.

Bud listened to the rest of the song, smiled in approval, and asked me to put it on his iPod. I agreed, assured that he was clear that Dierks was not giving him a directive on the whole fire-feeling business.

Honestly, though, I hadn't realized just how much street cred Dierks has with Bud - enough that Bud would actually consider taking his cues from his long-haired hero. The revelation has started me thinking.

So, Dierks, if you're reading - maybe you'd consider adding a track to your forthcoming album? I'm thinking "Clean That Playroom" has "hit single" written all over it...