The Americana and roots music authority

Listen to new music from the Mavericks, win a copy of the disc

**NOTE: This contest is now closed and winners have been chosen. Congratulations to Rhonda Hunter and Kat Keith, and thanks to everyone who entered!

The Mavericks have the kind of story that would probably not even be possible in the musical landscape of 2013. For one thing, the troupe formed after singer-songwriter Raul Malo met Robert Reynolds at a record store (remember those?). They discovered they had a similar taste in music and were quite capable of making it. So, Reynolds talked his friend Paul into becoming their drummer, followed by the addition of a guitarist. They dropped their first self-titled album in 1991 and spent the ensuing decade drawing crowds and pushing boundaries in the country/rock/roots/whatever world.

Finally, in 2003, they split up and went their separate ways toward solo careers and other band projects. (Raul Malo has had a quite-notable solo career and Reynolds has played in a band with members of Wilco and Cheap Trick, among others.)

Now, reunited, the Mavericks sound poised to take on the world all over again. The disc, In Time, is a rollicking, high-energy rock record, tinged with elements of Latin music, country, and trad-style pop. It's a high-energy affair with enticing instrumentation and creative elements of roots music peppering tunes that drip with straight-up great songwriting. From the very first track, they establish they've come to rip things up, and they don't let the ball drop across all 14 tracks.

According to the press release:

"Maybe the space [of the eight-year hiatus] has given us a sense not of how it can happen, but what can happen when we come together," says Deakin, who has spent the years apart balancing master-level carpentry with touring with David Mead and Jason White. "Just being there, and experiencing it, you don't think about it. But there is definitely something when you get Raul, Robert, Eddie, Jerry Dale, and I in a room together that's magical."

We're so fond of the disc we've teamed up with the folks at Big Machine to give a couple copies away to two lucky ND community members. To enter this contest, just listen to the album stream below and then leave a comment telling us which track is your favorite and why.

You have until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Mar. 8, to enter the contest. Winners will be chosen at random and notified the next day. (Anyone is welcome to enter but the CD prize can only be shipped to a U.S. address.)

To enter, simply scroll to the bottom of this page and leave your comment in the comment box. Comments entered as separate blog posts, or via Facebook or Twitter, will not be counted.

Good luck, and enjoy!

Comment by Zendelle on March 1, 2013 at 3:49am: "All Over Again" is my new favorite song! Can't sit still - gotta get up and dance!

Comment by Scott Ingles on March 1, 2013 at 4:29am: Thats not my name!!

Comment by joe werfelman on March 1, 2013 at 4:39am: Every song is great on this monster record. I'll go with "Allover again"becaus

ofthe synchroncity between the guitar,the accordion and the horns

on this festive rocker

Comment by Barbara Halleck on March 1, 2013 at 5:00am: Great news that the Mavericks are back together. Come unto Me -- it has that sexy, swinging sound. Combine that with RM's vocals, it's a real keeper.

Comment by JTD on March 1, 2013 at 5:15am: I really love Amsterdam Moon. It has that classic Mavericks/TexMex sound (is that Flaco on the squeezebox?) blended with Raul's romantic, soaring vocals. Man, I'm so glad these guys are together again!

Comment by Craig Piechura on March 1, 2013 at 5:27am: I liked this band before and I like them now because practically every new song they do sounds like an old classic.

Comment by Mike Hopkins on March 1, 2013 at 5:33am: "Come Unto Me" is a great one in either language!

Comment by Peggy Louttit Harp on March 1, 2013 at 6:25am: This made my day!

Comment by Steve Cinocco on March 1, 2013 at 6:42am: These are all great songs - it's hard to pick just one. I'll go with "Come Unto Me" because of the memories it evokes of last year's AMAs. With all due respect to those who received their lifetime achievement awards, the Mavericks and Alabama Shakes stole that show.

Comment by Pete on March 1, 2013 at 6:44am: We have a new record store in Pittsburgh: Rather Ripped Records -- located in the Lawrenceville neighborhood on Butler Street. This is a sequel to the Rather Ripped that was founded in Berkeley, CA in the late 60s/early 70s...Russ has an endless supply of fascinating stories, new & used cds, lps, & concert dvds, used hawaiian shirts and flannels...i'll bet he's even got a Mavericks record or two...