Malo makes 'sophisticated' country album

NASHVILLE, July 17 (UPI) -- Former Mavericks front man Raul Malo said he wanted his new album to show that more than just twang can come out of Nashville.

"After Hours," the singer's second album of covers, features lush takes of 10 country favorites by Buck Owens, Hank Williams and others. The key, he said, was to make them sound more suited for lounges and theaters than roadhouses.

"We were like, 'Man, it'd be cool to make a record like this and kind of show a little more elegant, sophisticated side of country music," Malo said. "It doesn't have to be all hokey and corny and catchy little ditty songs. There's some sophisticated stuff there and we really wanted to show that off."