JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Why does modern country suck out loud?

I know this one is gonna stir up a hornets nest,but I'm a fan of "old school" country: Hank, Johnny, Willie ,Waylon, George,& Merle ect. Whenever I have the misfortune of watching GAC {like watching a car wreck, you can't turn away} or CMT {who have the occasional good program} I'm appalled at how insipid todays country artists{?} and songs are,{I won't even go into the VIDEOS!}

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bc

[This message has been edited by bcushing (edited 12-09-2005).]

... influenced by homogenized pop sold by bare midriffs, tight jeans & big boobs

--- no longer are artists working for years to hone their skills and crafts

... instead they are chosen for their modelling looks

heck, they don't even have to write - or sing... if they've got the looks, they will be 'groomed'

that being said, it's not ALL bad...

I believe the music industry is in a state of flux... what used to work no longer works... what used to sell big is now not selling... and they are scared and play it safe...

I suggest, if you wanna hear country, go listen to the great indie artists that are around... I do!!

cheers
Hummin'bird

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Vikki Flawith, Canadian Singer/Songwriter & Voice Teacher

This bird sings at:
www.vikkiflawith.com

Vikki on MySpace

Hummingbird's Wise Bird's Blog

The Shy Singer-Songwriter's Blog
The Shy Singer-Songwriter's Newsletter

I agree with you,country isn't country anymore.Give me the old time country when a song told you a story,made you laugh,cry or dance.When you could recognize the singer as soon as he sung the first line and not have to wait for the DJ to tell you who it was.

Everett

Have you heard of the Railbenders? They're a three piece outfit out of Denver CO. They sound a bit like early Johnny Cash with a little more Rock thrown in. I've been a fan for quite a while now. Their first album called Southbound was really good. Another Whiskey Saturday night is one of my favorites. There must be other great acts out there too. I agree with you though I'll take early Johnny or Merle or Tom T. over anything that's around today.

You can find the Railbenders at:
http://www.railbenders.com

Just my opinions of course,
Walter Farmer

Well BC,
Probably because they aren't recording my songs. Just kidding. The Golden Era of Country Music was from 1946, right after the Second War, until 1956 when it began to change. It was Hank Williams that opened the door to modern country music and because of his untimely death Webb Pierce held that door wide open and as a result a lot of other country artists were played on the radio and I got to hear most of that era. It's a shame that those Artists aren't played today. When it comes to country music I like to use that Davis Sister's song I'VE FORGOTTEN MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW about country music to this modern group that thinks they are giving us country music.

My grandson, now 21 is beginning to listen to the modern country and likes it. Well that's a step up from Rap.

Got a call from my Publisher yesterday that one of my songs and one of his is being pcked up by a small Artist. You can listen to them BC, and tell me if they are any good.
They are NUMBER ON THAT TRUCK and THE DEVIL IN YOUR BABY BLUES posted on www.fiverosesmusic.com. I'M A WALKING THE DOG, AND I'M NEVER BLUE,.....

I think the answer to your question is "Because if it sucked silently, nobody would make any money."

I think I agree with all y'all about the problem. I think we are already all part of the solution.

I've suggested before, on this and other boards, that The Music Biz/Nashville/whatever you want to call it is going through one of its "circle the wagons" phases, designed to preserve and enhance the revenues of those already in the circle by preventing anyone new from getting in. That's a valid business model--just dig up John D. Rockefeller and ask him. That talent and artistry don't seem to enter into it any more is not (in my opinion) surprising; when a business becomes big enough to be run by its bean-counters (apologies to John V. and other accountants--I happen to be one, too), the bottom line becomes the purpose of the business. As an ex-marketing guru, I can't fault those guys for trying to do well what they, well, do well. If you want talent and artistry, you just have to go somewhere else.

Thankfully, there *is* a "somewhere else," and we happen to be there. The good news is the public--at least, the part that appears to be interested in talent and artistry--is finding out that "somewhere else" exists, too, and more and more of 'em are patronizing it. Our job, to the extent we choose to accept it, is to market the heck out of the medium and ourselves. We have (my opinion, again) to do it ourselves, because nobody is going to help us but us. We need--and I've said this a lot, too--to help each other anywhere and everywhere we can, because (again) nobody's going to help us but us. Remember John F. Kennedy's economics proverb--"A rising tide lifts all boats." We need to work on the dang tide. My opinion, as always.

Of course, I'll still complain about The Biz, and the fact that they don't want me (leaving unanswered, please, the question whether I have any talent or artistry to begin with). But I pretty much took care of getting my feelings off my chest in traditional Joe fashion--I wrote a song about it ("Hank's Song"). So I'm really not as bothered as I used to be. And people are playing it, so hey--every time somebody sings "Naked girls in cowboy hats just ain't my soup du jour," I can feel another little nail being pounded into the coffin of The Biz. It's okay.

The thing one has to keep in mind about dinosaurs is they do die off eventually--and that's true of dinosaur business models, too. Maybe when the time comes to dance on its grave I will still be able to dance, and maybe not. Somebody will. Can the demise be hastened? Of course. By whom? Look in the mirror.

And thanks for the opportunity to vent.

Joe
www.soundclick.com/bands/7/joewrabek_music.htm

I'll bet, if we took an average age of the folks posting in this thread, that we would learn a lot about what's "wrong" with country music.

Look around, guys. People LOVE Kenny and Tim and Faith and Shania, and Big and Stupid. But...the people who love them are 15-25 years old. The same age as those who like those "bare midriffs, tight jeans & big boobs" artists.

There is nothing wrong with country music (and R&B and Rock); its just that it has moved on and our tastes have not.

LOL. We've turned into our parents

I think they were smarter than I thought they were .

Seems to me that with such large numbers, we boomers ought to have more say than we do. Maybe we do - witness the large number of "Classic Rock" stations.

What I don't understand: The boomers have large numbers and have reached the age of their maximum wealth. So why does all marketing (except for Depends and Viagra) seem focused on the young?

Is it because the boomers spend more on their kids and grandkids fun stuff than on their own? I don't have children - someone educate me.

Scott

Why? because 90% of the videos look like this:

http://www.fruitcountryvideo.com/video.html


Just buy yourself XMRadio and listen to what you want.

Unfortunately there is really only one CMT and it has the Lion share of the CD buying public.

and yes the lion share of the target market is 18-25 year olds..


And all things considered It's still better than watching Hardcore Rock Videos and Gangsta CRAP (rap)..

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DavidW:



Just buy yourself XMRadio and listen to what you want.

See how simple it is?

Unfortunately there is really only one CMT and it has the Lion share of the CD buying public.

CMT may get higher ratings than GAC or VH1-Country, but all three combined have a VERY small share of the TV audience. Country music videos are not terribly important. Radio is still far more influential in what music people buy.

Well said.

Regards,
Dave

What I meant was generally the Folks buying Country CD's. and I think CMT has become extremely important to Country Artists.
I like the CMT awards and think its the best award show going..
I also believe the Artists and A&R folk take CMT quite serious too.

P.S. - I "LOVE Kenny and Tim and Faith and Shania", I also love Pasty Cline, Dolly Parton, Gordon Lightfoot, the Tysons, "Hank, Johnny, Willie, Waylon, George,& Merle" etc... I also love Indie music... I hardly buy any CDs, I listen to music on-line.

My comments are directed generally at the music industry as a whole... country labels, like all the rest, are dealing with technological forces by sticking their heads in the sand and hanging on tighter to the 'old'.

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Vikki Flawith, Canadian Singer/Songwriter & Voice Teacher

This bird sings at:
www.vikkiflawith.com

Vikki on MySpace

Hummingbird's Wise Bird's Blog

The Shy Singer-Songwriter's Blog
The Shy Singer-Songwriter's Newsletter

[This message has been edited by Hummingbird (edited 12-12-2005).]

I can understand that it's be really frustrating to have your favorite style shift. I have that feeling about most new musicals, although there are a few great ones out there recently.

But as for Country, I have to say that it wasn't something I would have listened to 10 years or 20 years ago. The "new" Country is something I enjoy more than the old, and actually listen to a couple of hours a week (which is more than I listened to it for YEARS before that).

So I guess shifting styles lose some and gain some. Maybe it's just breaking out into sub-styles that will each have their own following - like Rock.

- James

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You can really only please one songwriter at a time. Might as well be yourself! :^)


Samples of my music at www.soundclick.com/jamesmitchell.htm

I agree James..

I actually like new country more than old country. It has a little more of a rock infusion.
Now I don't care for the hard infusion or the rap..
Of course I grew up listening to the Eagles,
CSN America..
Almost Country Rock or accoustic Folk..
Big and Rich is just Bad country rock with annoying Gibson Electrics and bad harmonies.

ALthough I think John Rich is not a bad writer. Just Don't sing em John..

I'm just overjoyed that Johnny Cash got to give Nashville a big UP YOURS!! {American Recordings} before he passed! {P.S Dave, the "fruit guys" video sums it all up! {f*****g brilliant! It should win a CMA!

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bc

[This message has been edited by bcushing (edited 12-09-2005).]

I have no predjudice whatsoever against young, attractive acts,as long as they have talent. And these experienced ears can tell bad from good {Judge,jury, executioner, thats me! LOL} And about 80%of what I hear blows! (A side note: Back in August I opened a show for Montgomery Gentry, and shortly thereafter "Something to be Proud Of" went to #1 on the Country charts. I'm glad I could give such a boost to their career! {LOL}

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bc

Ouch! Those guys need a tuned kit on those demos.

I think that old school country is now being packaged under the Americana / Alt. c ountry and Roots, genre' headings.
I know at songbird radio we play women like Dolly Parton, Rhonda Vincent, Kasey Chambers, Gillian Welch, etc... right alongside AAA and alternative artists like
Beth Orton, Tori Amos and Kaki King..
We have a diverse roster of independent women artists, as well as big label artists.
The criteria is talent.
I am not so impressed with the new blood of todays country music scene. Some of it I do like, others I can leave behind, music like art is subjective.
But I do agree that the bar has been lowered over the past few years.
I also agree with you on the American Recordings Bob, I have them all, and believe it to be some of Johns best work, as well as some of Rick Rubins best work.

And not to slight anyone here I do think that folks like the Steve Earle's of the world, still have lots to say, and will say it.
Not to mention the Lucinda Williams and Lori McKennas, who recently had (Ithink) three cuts on the new Faith Hill album.
Lori McKenna is a brilliant songwriter, If Nashville can root her out and bring her, and other writer s like her into the mainstream, maybe there is hope yet.....

L. .

Boy Howdy!

I agree that there is quite a bit of lame stuff that we hear on said networks.

I'm a member of the babyboomers, and I remember my father singing Hank and Lefty songs to me when I was a teenser.

Hank could certainly write the catchy tune, drunk and all.

But as I grew older I fell in love with rock and roll. I remember thinking that country was for older folks that weren't as hip as me. How could Johnny Cash measure up to Led Zepplin. Although he was a nasty boozing drug addict, I thought he sucked.

To this day, nothing puts me to sleep faster that hearing Merle twang something out.

Then there's Toby Keith, a very pop oriented country writer. He's good, but I feel like he's trying to write hits, and that at this point he is uninspired and out of gas, Yet we'll have to listen to him forever too.

Faith is a great singer, that's about it besides being good looking. Tim is a poser, can barely sing a lick...

That's it!! The old and the new both suck!!

Johnboy...

Another interesting thread, BC:

Entering from left center stage, arrives the "Old Windmill Tilter." Hi all. Great reading. I think I'll sit this one out. (Not!) Truman did a pretty good job "splaining" things to me in our last round. I still believe American tastes will return to more civilized Country Music. Maybe not in my lifetime but things do seem to have cycles. The only music I've bought in a storefront within the last couple of years was a collection of Piano Adagios.
I don't mean to imply that I don't like several of today's Country Artists. I just don't like the way the Industry packages the videos and seems to push "drug culture."

I happen to like almost all types of music as long as it embodies an inspiring melody, a well told tale and an artistic delivery.

All my best, RICE

(Quiet Dear, I'm having a song!)

in my worthless opinion there is nothing wrong with current country music. there are just as many good and just as many bad artists out there making music as there have been for the last 50 years.

The difference is perception and marketing.

Radio and television were designed to sell you something. the videos on CMT GAC and VH1 are advertisements. the songs you hear on the radio are advertisements.
If they want kenny or dolly or whoever to sell some more CDs then thats who you'll see and hear most of the time.

If they decided tomorrow that Joe's song "I'm Giving Mom a Dead Dog for Christmas" was the next big seller in country music - then it would be on every channel and radio - as well as on 'news' programs like ET.

Its not right, wrong, good or bad - its business.

With luck the people who decide what the public is going to like will still include a few talented people in with the face crowd.
They always have before.

Doug

Just some random thoughts:

1) I listen to almost exclusively older blues, country, and rock. But I'm listening to my personal favorites, not what was on the radio in 1949 or 1973. So while a lot of these songs "age well" I'm also selective in only listening to those songs that have stood the test of time for me.

2) I don't think there's as much artist development as there used to be. I think the industry is looking for a pretty face to put in front of a quick hit to make their money as fast as possible. The industry is very risk averse because it *seems* to be marketing driven, not artist driven. Not that I have much music industry experience to speak of.

3) I wake up to a modern country station on the radio every morning, and what mostly bugs me is that so many songs seem so... gimmicky. You hear the "clever" hook once and it's cute, but after you've heard it once or twice there's nothing left for the song to offer. I personally like songs that are perhaps more vague and deal with universal truths. Older music seemed to do that more. Modern country now is about selling you the song in two and a half minutes. There's undeniably great writing and musicianship in modern country (which is why I still listen), but many of the songs aren't written for you to be listening to it ten years from now. They want your ears NOW. Personally, I like the epics.

4) I'm probably just not the target market, and the songs aren't written for me. By and large, they don't grab me and I don't relate to them (of course, there are exceptions). That's okay, it's a big world out there, gotta have something for everyone.

No one hates the state of the business currently more than me. Especially since Im actively trying to break through it.
But in all fairness it is what it is..It's hard to have completely new ideas and concepts..EVERYTHING has been done!
Look at all the remakes of SONGS and MOVIES!

I agree with what Truman stated above...
Except R&B & Rock have taken a far bigger turn from past greatness..Please!

Faith Hill to Loretta Lynn is not the same as
Usher to Stevie Wonder or
My Chemical Romance to Led Zeppelin
Forget about it..
Cold Play to Pink Floyd ya get the point..

We tend to glorify things the past it's our nature. I'm always doing it, very nostalgic...
We always say "The Good Old Days" you forget about the sucky days. I just saw a Country CD infomercial with all giant hits from the past Biggies!
I knew and liked almost all of them and you what,they were LAME! also. Alot of these songs were just as cornball as the ones I hear today. Now remember these were popular country songs from mostly 60's and 70's.

Technology has done wonders but is also a big reason for decline. Players and singers just had to be better then period.. Just like fighters,or baseball players without Steriods!

It's all an adjustment to time remember when you had to be an actual Martial Atrist like Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris to make martial arts films..
Now its any and every actor or actress is a Kung Fu master! Who needs the guy who studied it and dedicated his whole life to it.
Same problem with music! technology...

Peace
Sub
Substudio
http://tinyurl.com/73uev




[This message has been edited by substudio (edited 12-11-2005).]

I understand exactly how you feel. The majority of country music has crossed over so far into pop that it's not even country anymore. But...obviously there's a market for it...and the industry is all about marketing.

And talk about insipid...Rascal Flats was nominated for a grammy this year for one of the most insipid songs I've ever heard. Everytime I hear it on the radio, I switch stations...come to think of it, I do that with just about every other song on my country station these days. Thank god for my George Strait CDs ; )

My band covers several "old school" country songs such as "Crazy" by Patsy Cline, "Easy Come, Easy Go" by Strait, and "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash...and we always get a great response to those, even from the younger crowd (20somethings). We also do some new country such as "Pour Me" by Trick Pony and "Play Something Country" by Brooks & Dunn...there are some songs out there that fit in very nicely with the older stuff.

Regards,
Debbie
SunDog - Jersey's Good-Time Band
http://www.sundogcountry.com

I agree that much, but not all, of the newer country is watered down pop music presented with those big boobs and bare midriffs, etc. And more than a few of the newer artist do have a talent defecit. Also, there are many that I do like.

On the other hand, someone in an earlier post said that country music has moved on and our tastes have not. I think there is a lot of truth in that. I, personally, am a huge fan of Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Connie Smith and the like. But, that was an era of country music that existed in the parameters of that era.

I remember in the 60's that almost every typical country music fan almost crapped a brick when Ernest Tubb, Bill Anderson and most of the other stars of that era started using drums in their bands. They said it would destroy the traditional sounds of country music. They were convinced that country music would simply die. There was the same outcry by country purists when Ray Price put an entire orchestra with strings on all of his cuts on his "Danny Boy" album.

Merle, George, Waylon and Willie all used drums and they are considered icons of "true" country music, rather than the slicked, groomed and packaged stars of recent years.

Those fans of today's country music are going to refer today's era of country music as traditional for them and are going to have the same complaints in twenty years that many fans have today. They are going to look at Leanne Womack, Shania Twain, Josh Gracin, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flats etc. as the stalwarts of country music, just as we many of us who grew up in the 60's think of Merle, George Jones and the like.

It's just the normal evolution of a music style. Rock and roll has done the same thing. Most of the rock of the 60's (artists like Chuck Berry, Hermann and The Hermits, The Dave Clark Five, Leslie Gore, etc) would simply be laughed off of any modern rock concert stage...and for the same general reasons.

Every form of music evolves over time...not just country. Do you think the Dead Heads that followed Jerry Garcia nd the Grateful Dead have any appreciation for Prince, The Back Street Boys, Kelly Clarkson, Beyonce? I really doubt it.

Most of us become very comfortable with what we grow up with and do not like to change too much. I am willing to bet that most people who wore flashy clothes in the 60's and 70'd tend to do so today; and those who dressed conservatively then do now, as well. Growing up with something as it was in our formative years gives us a sense of familiarity, comfort and appreciation. As those things change, we see the new influences as threats against the old, commfortable familiarity. It's just a natural occurence for most people.

I can find enough to like in just about all eras of country music. I try to keep an open mind. I have many Merle Haggard and Ray Price CDs that I listen to frequently. I also several Rascal Flats, Jo Dee Messina and Alan Jackson Cds that I like nearly as much.

If counhtry music, like all other forms of music didn't evolve, we would never have gotten to the style that we liked back in the sixties. There would have been no drums. We'd have only 3 or 4 chords in an entire song; there would be know pedal steel guitars...and those are all things that were very prevelant in the music of the 60's. I don't think Willie and Waylon would have been quite as enjoyable without drums, electric bass or pedal steel guitars! Imagine Waylon's "Rainy Day Woman" with no pedal steel guitar!

So, country music had to have progressed from that of the 40's and 50's to get to what you like so much from the 60's. The folks who enjoyed the early stuff of the 40's and 50's are probably just as upset with the music of the 60's that you and I, and many others, like so much. They saw it as modern, near rock and roll, corporate controlled music that was ruining their taste in "real" country music.

So, it all just boils down to what we grew up with, are comfortable with and we are reluctant to embrace anything else because it "ain't what it used to be when it was good". I agree that it ain't what it used to be. But, it's part of the social evolution of music of all genres. So, I just look for what I like from the current performers and ignore the rest. I am more angry with the corporate control than I am with the new music, per se.

That's my dollar and a half's worth!

Alan

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If I were but half as good as Dawg...I'd be twice as good as most.

Alan on Soundclick

Don't agree that Modern Country Sucks
It's moved on but a lot of people have not

What you are doing is remembering your teens, when you grew up with that music.

I did as well I played all of it in bands,
I also played The Beatles, and still do
with great success all over Europe, from my French Base.

The Beatles Music is as popular today as it was when they first wrote it, even with young people.

If you keep pegging Country to Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash, Dolly and Ricky Scags,
The Eagles

That's up to you, they were all great in their day and the ones still living can still put on great shows,

Even in the fifties Sixties and Seventies there were Lucky writers One Hit Wonders, In Country as well as all the other styles.

Hank wrote some beautiful songs I’d agree on that. But Music has moved on Modern songs can include subtleComposer modulations
Pedal Point, Dirty guitar, and Modern Instruments.

Once upon a time it was considered sacrilege to use drums in Blue Grass, but that changed

If modern Record Publishers did not release songs that have a modern feel with appeal to Women of around thirty five there would be no Country Music, they are the people who buy the most records , (Market Research) these people don't want re runs of sixty's and seventy's even eighties and nineties music they want New Millennium Country, that's a fact.

Don't be an old fart remember the old songs for how good they were at that time.

You can’t say all New Country Artist's Suck
there are some great acts out there,

If you do not like it maybe it's just you
Of course you are entitled to your opinion
and I am entitled to mine

BEN

Are you talking about the drums, guitar or something else altogether? I've never picked up on anything out of tune. Then again, I don't have much of an ear. Their sound is probably not the flawless canned material that rolls out of most major music centers either. Just the ramblings of a nobody from nowhere though .

Walt

Ok,
For those of you that are into the modern country music what Country CD's have you purchased in the last three years that you can highly recommend and I can go to my local Record Store and find on the shelves. I haven't found anything I want to buy for many years. But I await your "Treasures" and lists.

[This message has been edited by Ray E. Strode (edited 12-12-2005).]

Ray:

I am kind of unreasoningly proud that I have yet to buy a CD for myself of anybody for any price. And they've been out how many years?

That said, I expect to buy a couple--finally--this winter. But they'll be from a couple of independents I met at Pineyfest, not anyone commercial. I'm afraid that to get me to listen to a commercial CD, *they*'d have to pay *me* (and quite a bit, too).

Joe
www.soundclick.com/bands/7/joewrabek_music.htm

Ray,

Go to CDBaby and buy "Diamond Dust" by Claude Diamond. You will like it. Trust me.

[This message has been edited by TrumanCoyote (edited 12-12-2005).]

Truman,

Had a listen to his samples..
"Half my Doublewide" is my kinda writing..

Truman your email is non-working
tried to email you, Do you have a real one!!
Or do you choose to be off that??

[This message has been edited by DavidW (edited 12-12-2005).]

And there is a problem with this why??? heheh

Why does modern country suck out loud?

Because Toby Keith is on there.

Eh, ..been down this road enough to avoid it now. There’s good and bad in every genre and on every channel; you just gotta figure out what you like and skip the rest.

Some good artists on commercial country radio:

Gary Allan - he mixes rock, modern country and the Bakersfield sound into an appetizing blend. His latest album is as “un-Nashville” as it gets - gritty, soul searching tunes about last year’s suicide of his wife.

Brad Paisley - yeah, he’s sappy on occasion, but he’s the real deal. An expert guitarist, nice guy and solid songwriter, he’s one of the few current artists who can fill George Strait or Alan Jackson’s shoes in the coming years.

Bobby Pinson - formerly just a songwriter, Bobby released a debut album this year to critical acclaim, but little attention from radio. He’s probably a little too alt-country for Clearchannel, and definitely too linear a writer for alt-country. Great stuff.

Miranda Lambert - fiery singer who had a hand in writing all the tunes on her debut album. A Nashville Star loser, who in the end, looks to possibly be the biggest talent to ever come from the show. She rocks.

Hmmm.. tom-ai-toes/tom-ah-toes. That Rascal Flatts song (God Blessed the Broken Road, right?) was written by members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, one of the most respected country groups in recent decades - and it's probably one of the deeper songs to hit country radio in a while. I happen to think that B&D song is as insipid as modern country music can get. I appreciate the duo's work for the most part, but that song is... whew. To each his or her own.

I'm glad there's variety - there's more music to choose from now than ever before; you just have to know where to find it.

I agree with Corey
____________________________________________

Gary Allan - he mixes rock, modern country and the Bakersfield sound into an appetizing blend. His latest album is as “un-Nashville” as it gets - gritty, soul searching tunes about last year’s suicide of his wife.

Brad Paisley - yeah, he’s sappy on occasion, but he’s the real deal. An expert guitarist, nice guy and solid songwriter, he’s one of the few current artists who can fill George Strait or Alan Jackson’s shoes in the coming years.
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I have Kitty Wells, Webb Pierce, and the Louvin Bros in my Ipod, but I also have these two and they are both excellent in my opinion. It's whatever hits you and speaks to you in a way you can relate to, isn't it?I like alot of the new stuff, I am city born and raised, and while alot of it sounds alike
and repeats the same theme, alot of it tells a story you will not hear elsewhere. And what is the alternative? Hip hop? Metal? EZ listening? Salsa? Silence? Or of course my own originals, which are the most amazing songs that I know of and soon to be heard all over the world.

Herbie

Modern country sucks for exactly the same reason traditional country sucks: most of the writers, producers and singers have little creative vision and are content to churn out the same stuff over and over.

Sure, George Jones is great and all that, but if you dig out some of his old albums and listen them, about 75% of it stinks like sewer gas. Insipid? Go listen to a Barbara Mandrell album. Or a Jeannie C. Riley album.

If you want to understand, just get yourself a statistics textbook and read up on the bell curve: A small percentage of anything is way above average, and a small percentage is way below average and the huge majority is ...well...average.

Gary Allen. "The Best I Ever Had" would be the best record out of Nashville in years if ANYone else was singing it. Even so, it's still heads above most of the other stuff being pumped out by Tunetown.

How ironic that the single of the year was not written by one of the Nashville rats. None of them has the imagination to write a song like that. They are too busy writing masterpieces like "Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On," and "Something to Be Proud Of."

I'm baaaaack! Didja miss me? My ISP HAS BEEN DOWN FOR A WEEK! Glad to see I got such a response! Let's see, where were we? Johnboy, Johnny Cash and Led Zeppelin BOTH rule! and Merle is one of the best songwriters of our time! Ben, I don't like old country because I'm nostalgic, I didn't even LISTEN to country when I was young, {I was a stoner-metal head!} It wasn't until I became a musician, and matured {???!!!} a little, that I expanded my palate, so that was not a factor. Actually the "straw that broke the camels back " that set me off to start this thread occured a couple of weeks ago while I was watching GAC, {nothing else on!} I came in during a song called "Hicksville", the singer's name eludes me{a forgettable,typical, cookie-cutter pretty-boy in a cowboy hat}and the song was one of the most insipid things I've ever heard. Then, within 15 minutes,of each other, they aired videos by Trace Atkins, and Brooks and Dunn that were NEARLY IDENTICAL! {Both videos consisted of a bevy of nearly naked buxom bimbos {not a BAD thing!}grinding all over our heroes in a bar. The obvious point being that if they turn the T&A up to 11, no one will notice how bad the songs suck! Those videos of course, were followed by the bane of my existence, Big and "laughing at masses[asses}all the way to the bank"Rich flying around in a space ship. {If you listen closely, you can hear Hank,Johnny, and Waylon puking from motion sickness, from having spun round and round in their graves!
I don't think country has "moved on"as much {as with the REST of society,sadly,}as it has moved DOWN!
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bc

[This message has been edited by bcushing (edited 12-14-2005).]

The cookie-cutter in question is Jason Aldean.

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bc

I know I'm going to come off as a bitter old fart {because I am!} But did anyone watch the Country awards the other night? {What a poser-fest!} I had no choice, because the bar I was playing had it on every screen, while I spent the evening playing to about 20 "ethnically confused"white kids who would rather have been listening to tu-pac. Yes,I AM bitter! {Still beats diggin' ditches though!}

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bc

Sideman66 wrote: I don't think Willie and Waylon would have been quite as enjoyable without drums.

Again it's a matter of opinion, but most would say that Willie's Red Headed Stranger is among the top COuntry albums of all time. Once called Country Musics answer to the Beetles STG. Pepper. And for the most part it was Just Willie and his old guitar, and sister Bobby on piano. No drums, no strings, no back up vocals, just pure heart and soul. Willie was called crazy, no pun intended, for wanting to release it as it was. Nashville thought it was a cheap demo.
No strings, no drums, whats wrong with you man, you on dope?

I guess that's a different thread.

David

The Beetles???? Actually, anyone with a brain, {which of course, excludes 90% of all people associated with a major label} knows that Waylon {rest his soul] and /or Willie need no backing whatsoever.

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bc

[This message has been edited by bcushing (edited 12-24-2005).]

A common theme I see occurring is the idea that we "old schoolers"are too set in our ways, and that the game has passed us by. Truth is, I DESPERATELY want someone young and new to step up, but there doesn't seem to be anyone with the goods in todays corperate, cookie-cutter environment. Sadly, all the great ones in the entertainment field in general are dying off {Cash,Waylon, Sinatra, Brando, Ray, Lucy, Pryor, Carson, ect ect and with few exeptions, there doesn't seem to be anyone worthy to fill their shoes.

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bc

[This message has been edited by bcushing (edited 12-26-2005).]

I agree wholeheartedly. The industry has changed. It will all come around again. The song Murder on Music Row says it all.

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"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul"

Far be it from me not to beat a dead horse,but I was just watching Leno, and the musical guest was Carrie Underwood {the latest "American Idol".} Great voice, VERY nice eye- candy,well coached, slick backing band,.... god-awful,insipid,corn-ball, lame-ass song {that I'm sure will sell a million or more, and make the author a boatload of money}["Jesus take the Wheel"} {forgive me lord,for hating a song that invokes your name!} My wife just looked at me and said, "You've GOT to be kidding!" All I could do was shrug...

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bc

One option as songwriters would be to join the madness, and write insipid songs. Because today’s targeted audience is mostly females in their 20’s and younger. However, 20 or 30 years ago more country songs where written that appealed to men and women alike, who were 30 and up. Back then country wasn’t cool to the youth of America. Many saw it as apart of their parent’s generation, hokey and outdated. I’ve always like country, but when I was 15-20 I hardly knew anybody my age listing to George Jones, or Merle Haggard. However the likes of Willie and Waylon was a different story, because they were changing the face of music of their day by incorporating songs that appealed to a younger audience. The big difference is they didn’t totally abandon their country roots as many have today. Sadly bubble gum country appeals to those who spend the most money on music. Compare today’s top selling country acts with yesteryears and you will see why today’s country sucks out loud to someone who prefers true country.


David

David, I think you nailed it.

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bc

per BC:

"Truth is, I DESPERATELY want someone young and new to step up, but there doesn't seem to be anyone with the goods in todays corperate, cookie-cutter environment."

*** I just don't see anything "different" or "unique" in most of the new (talent?) that is out there...
~~shelia

www.sheliaquattlebaum.com

[This message has been edited by qbaum (edited 01-10-2006).]

[This message has been edited by qbaum (edited 01-10-2006).]