For fans of The International Treasures, this should get a smile on the face! The guys have released not one but two singles, the equivalent of the old school double ‘A’ side, for those who remember vinyl singles! As a side point it is interesting how vinyl singles have not followed vinyl albums in returning to the record stores, I’m unsure of the reason behind that.

The press release tells me: “2023 MCMO “Songwriter of The Year” and “Americana Band of the Year” co-nominees Doyle Turner and Ted Hajnsiewicz (Together, They Are The International Treasures) present a “proper single” from the days of vinyl 45s. Two sides = two new songs. The International Treasures teamed up with acclaimed blues country artist Molly Maher to produce their latest offering. “Last Regret” and “Whipsaw Wind” were released August 31st, 2025, so both are out there on all streaming platforms now. Both tracks were recorded at Chubby Mammal Studios in St. Paul, recorded and mixed by Head Engineer Isaac Levy and mastered by Tom Garneau of Audioactive.

Drawn from the very air itself (and a robust wi-fi signal), the combination of Ted Hajnasiewicz and Doyle Turner feels like fate.  Raised on Minneapolis rock and roll, Ted Hajnasiewicz is an award-winning songwriter and named “Maverick” artist by the Midwest Country Music Organization.  Doyle Turner is the “little bit country” side of the duo.  Doyle and Ted met on the internet in 2020, and have put their backs to the musical wall to perform songs that matter. Active performers as solo artists and various musical projects, Doyle and Ted both have a solid recording catalog. The International Treasures’ debut album, “Together, We Are The International Treasures” was released into the world in 2023. 

The guys decided the music should sound like nicotine-stained wood paneled walls infused with the Jukebox echoes of Charley Pride. Who could help them attain such a vibe?

Enter Molly Maher. Molly’s creative energy took the songs in exactly the direction Doyle and Ted had hoped. From pulling the band together, to selecting the studio and engineer, to – basically walking with Doyle and Ted through the entire creative process – Molly brought the much needed magic to this project that was…. Much needed…”

My review:

Not that it really matters, but I am listening to this in the middle of a massive thunder storm, the rain is absolutely coming down. I am cowering in a local coffee bar (not one of the big chains) with a nice cup of tea and a bun while my little one is asleep oblivious to music that needs reviewing or the rain.

 “Last Regret” is a breeze of a country track, it’s taking a walk on a late Summer’s day when there is a touch of Autumn in the air. You are easily taken into the drive, the vocals easy on the ear and the tune uplifting. It may be the last cigarette, but the memories will always linger! In that sense the sadness remains in the song for the love that got away, we all have those. I never felt sad thinking about it though, the guitar sound and melody uplifts.

“Whipsaw Wind” delivers a slightly heavier song with that touch of honky-tonk. Again the harmonies are enjoyable and the song delivers a nice down beat with the drums clear in the mix. The dual vocals work well too, with some pleasing “oohs” in the background! Both tracks fit together to create a very decent commercial radio duo release.

It’s a double A-side the way it used to be: no frills, no gimmicks, just two good songs cut for the road. The International Treasures aren’t here to reinvent country—they’re here to keep it humming.

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You can stream music from The International Treasures here

By Stevie Ritson

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