Alumnus Ray Miner seems to have accomplished his purpose with his debut album, which mixes light-hearted country tunes in a compilation titled “Old Dog…New Tricks.”

His voice resembles that of Raul Malo, front man of the modern country band The Mavericks.

Miner is an Eastern Illinois University alumnus. He earned a bachelor’s degree in junior high education with a concentration in history in 1973 and a master’s degree in guidance counseling in 1981. Miner currently resides in Rantoul, Ill.

One of his many uplifting songs, “The Married Man’s National Anthem” proclaims,”There’s nothin’ that I’m doin’ today that I can’t do tomorrow/Nothin’ anybody can say gonna fill me with sorrow.”

“(The Married Man’s National Anthem)” is one of 10 delightful tracks on `Old Dog…New Tricks.'”

Miner wrote all of the songs on the album. The compilation is similar to other country albums because there is a variety of ballads and dance songs.

Miner may not have been able to release this album without the assistance of some much-appreciated friends. One in particular was very helpful with the song, “You Got Me Girl.”

“Scottie Ligon had never heard `You Got Me Girl’ before. He came in the studio and proceeded to play every single instrument for the song. Thus, every instrument you hear in this song is Ligon,” Miner said.

The album begins with the amusing song “Sweet Miss Tequila.”

In the chorus Miner sings, “It’s one, two, three four shots of tequila/Chasin’ and laughin’ and dancin’ with la senorita.” The lyrics and the beat are similar to the Garth Brooks hit “Two Pina Coladas.”

The song “I’ll Take The Beach And The Sand And The Sea” is reminiscent of Jimmy Buffet’s tropical style. “Turn To Me” has a rhythm and blues beat as well.

The sweetest ballad on the disc is the song “Angel.” The song begins: “When I talk about my baby/Words come falling from above/ `Cause my baby is an angel/ She is the one I love.” Obviously, “Angel” is about a significant other, right?

“Actually, `Angel’ is not about anyone. I was just pickin’ on the guitar one day and the words came to my mind. My wife said, `I need to write those words down!'” Miner said.

The song “Angel” may remind listeners of a Hank Williams song, while the song “Sweet Miss Tequila” has a more modern flavor.

As a whole, old and new country songs can be heard on “Old Dog…New Tricks.”

“OId Dog…New Tricks” is a great CD to pick up for all country music fans.