Country Music Awards - Last Night

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Like 10 hours have gone by since the end of the Country Music Awards program last night an no mention yet. What's up with that? #What jumped out at me were the following:

1) I finally saw the mando player pickin on AJs Remember When. Unshaven guy in a black cowboy hat. Anybody know who he is? I just love that mando part. I've long thought that if I could come back as anybody of my choosin - one of my prime choices would be AJ but maybe just bein his mando player would be good enough.

2) Almost every band (at least 90%) on display had a mando player even Reba's band had one - a girl who from a distance (never got close up) looked like RV but I doubt it was.

3) AK an Brad Paisley doin whiskey lullaby what a song I'd love to hear it a bit more bluegrass style though - I think it would become a classic - might anyway.

4) Dan Tyminski and Leanne Rimes - unimpressive.

5) George Strait - as AJ once said - just naturally cool - but dam I wish he'd try including mando and/or harmonica on one of his songs.

6) Even though I don't really agree with his politics (on dubyah anyway) I was glad to see Toby Keith recognized for the work he's done.

7) Can't wait to hear more Josh White - does Long Black Train...

8) Loretta Lynn an Vince Gill - tears in my eyes hearin that Loretta twang again.

9) Willie is startin to look a little frail - worrysome.

10) Randy Travis recognized for three wooden crosses. I'll never forget the first time I heard him sing Diggin Up Bones came out near the same time as I'd be better off in a pinebox... Was a tough time for me.

11) My 12 year-old daughter rockin out to Redneck Woman - Hell Yeah!

What did y'all think?

Take Care! -Ed-

[mpeknox]

You didn't mention the dark-haired guy from Brooks & Dunn (don't know which one is which). He was pretending to play a mandolin but I never heard it. Country music in general is in sad shape IMHO.

[John Flynn]

He was pretending to play a mandolin but I never heard it. Country music in general is in sad shape IMHO.
Steve:

Maybe it was because he didn't have a Tone Gard, LOL! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

You are so right about the state of country music. Excetpt for a few bright spots, it's all about the money now. I have a new favorite case sticker that I saw on a mando case at a workshop: "Real musicians have day jobs!" That saying gets more true every day, IMHO.

[John Zimm]

EasyEd-

I noticed that too. It was great to see so many mandos on display last night. According to the liner notes on AJ's Greatest Hits Vol 2, the mandolin player is Stuart Duncan. I am not sure if he is the studio musician and AJ tours with someone else, however. After listening to that for a minute I sat down and was picking out that mandolin riff a little-it is simple and nice to play.

I had the great fortune to meet Josh Turner one day after seeing Randy Travis for the first time. It was a great weekend. Anyway, Josh Turner is an awfully nice fellow, and his album is one of my absolute favorites these days. I was also to see Randy Travis mentioned last night. His gospel albums are some of my favorites, especially "Worship and Faith" (I love the duet with Mac Powell).

I have to disagree Steve Hall-I really enjoy country music these days. With some old time music being mainstream in country, I think the immediate future looks bright.

-John.

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Josh Turner not Josh White - doh!

Steve you need to listen to red dirt road sometime - there is mando on it an the dark haired one (I get em mixed up too) plays it.

But I'm curious - why is country in sad shape??

I think it's in better shape today than anytime in the last 20 years or more.

IMO mainstream country is and has been the umbrella for all the subgenres of country including cowboy (Ian Tyson an the like), bluegrass, southern fried rock (zz top, leonard skinner, etc), apple-at-cha mountain music, honkytonk (johnny paycheck), western swing, some folk (Emmy Lou for example is country), outlaw (waylon, etc) and some I'm sure I'm missing. At different times different types tend to come to the fore and right now we're seeing a kind of rennaisance in the use of bluegrass instruments - long overdue IMO. Since (IMO) the Chicks taught record labels and in particular Sony a lesson in musical freedom I believe there is more freedom in country today to sing the way you want - That is I believe a healthy thing. And many performers are taking advantage of it. Now is it all about money? - He!! yeah ever since we decided to worship a take no prisoners unregulated global capitalist market model (you all remember voting in favor of that don't you) everything is more about money than in the recent past. But the truth is it's always been about money! Is it right - NO - is it fair - NO - but who said the world is fair?

Now if Kid Rock an Sheryl Crow or the pop sounding part of country brings fans in an gets them turned onto Johnny Cash or Loretta or Big Mon or Marty Robbins I don't care at least they aren't rappin about killin cops or makin women bitches.

Just my $0.02 Can.

Take Care! -Ed-

[Spruce]

"But I'm curious - why is country in sad shape??
I think it's in better shape today than anytime in the last #20 years or more. "

If last night's CMA was any indicator, the genre is sad and spineless...

Interchangable production techniques (why do they have to compress the hell out of everything both on recordings and award shows?), interchangable songwriting (did someone say that all Bluegrass sounds the same??), and interchangable wardrobes...
Plug in the "beautiful" faces of the day to taste...

There was one highlight for me, and I mean one...

Someone was getting some killer tone and great licks in on what sounded like a Danelectro baritone guitar through a Vox AC30. #Just a great sound and technique...

Never did see the player or the axe...

Anyone know who that might have been?

Other than that, it was pretty much a drivel-fest for me...
Guess I'm easily entertained 'cause I just kept watching to see what cool baritone licks would come out of the TV...

[GVD]

Like 10 hours have gone by since the end of the Country Music Awards program last night an no mention yet. What's up with that? #
I would say the lack of reponses pretty much sums up modern country. It's pretty hard to get excited about something that sounds like it was just chunked off of an assembly line. I haven't wasted my time watching those bogus awards shows for years. When Brooks & Dunn can win more awards than Merle Haggard somethings wrong with the process.

GVD

[John Zimm]

I guess I get a little irritated hearing the tired old argument "it's all about the money." This capitalism some people have troubles with is very democratic-the more people like what is being done the more money they will pay for it. If you don't like it, don't buy it. It is completely fair as the people have the say in what they buy. We don't need an oligharchy of regulators to sift out for us what is "good" or "bad," we can do that ourselves.

I am off my soapbox now. Great mandolin playing last night (had to bring it back on topic).

-John.

[Scotti Adams]

...two words...Gretchen Wilson....man Id like to meet her at a Jiffy Lube somewhere...more than likely at WalMart... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ...But I do agree country music is in a sad state of affairs....I did like Whiskey Lullaby.....thats what I like about Gretchen...she taint no belly button act...just your average joan....

[mandofiddle]

I'm sure Lynard Skynard would be real happy to hear someone lump them under the umbrella of mainstream country. Yikes!

Of all the folks I've picked with in different bands, all of them despise mainstream country. Yet we play bluegrass/newgrass. Mainstream country plays no part in our influences.

[Spruce]

"This capitalism some people have troubles with is very democratic"

Yeah right....
If you believe that, I've got a great Loar-signed F5 here for you for 1.5K... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

I could rant, but let's just leave it at this...

The amount of Payola that exists in this day and age of radio and TV is mind-boggling (and extremely difficult to trace), especially when compared to the mild little episode that got Alan Freed in trouble so many light years ago...

Millions and millions of dollars change hands every year to insure that the next annointed hat act will have his face and music in front of bazillions of people on TV and radio, who then drive CD sales...

Democratic? #
Hardly.

[ronlane3]

That is Kix Brooks playing the mandolin on the B&D. (Just remember he looks more cajun than Ronnie Dunn).

[delsbrother]

LOL Bruce..

Fight the Power! ™

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Spruce says

"If last night's CMA was any indicator, the genre is sad and spineless...

Interchangable production techniques (why do they have to compress the hell out of everything both on recordings and award shows?)

- well I think it has something to do with time and space constraints doesn't it?

interchangable songwriting (did someone say that all Bluegrass sounds the same??)

- what does this mean? And to many yes all blugrass sounds the same. I been told that.

and interchangable wardrobes...

- were we watchin the same show??

Plug in the "beautiful" faces of the day to taste...

- unfortunately this is reality no matter what kind of music (bluegrass, rock, folk, you name it)! Right? No Fair? No Just reality.

There was one highlight for me, and I mean one...

Someone was getting some killer tone and great licks in on what sounded like a Danelectro baritone guitar through a Vox AC30. Just a great sound and technique...
Never did see the player or the axe...

- Glad you enjoyed the show!

GVD I wish the Hag would decide to take one last serious kick at the cat like Cash did. I could do with more of his songwritin. Mama Tried, Daddy Frank etc...
Buckley - we need regulators to keep the field level. I'm in favor of capitalism but I have to tell you it's not capitalism when 3 meat packers control the meat supply within the US an Canada. It's not capitalism when 2 or 3 utilities mutually agree not to develop additional generating capacity so that they can charge higher prices. It's not capitalism when 2 or 3 auto companies and oil companies suppress innovation in transportation. It's not capitalism when one software company controls so many facets of the market not allowing competition. Its this stuff that regulators are supposed to deal with - IMO. And they are not doing a very good job of it.

Take Care! -Ed-

[John Zimm]

Millions and millions of dollars change hands every year to insure that the next annointed hat act will have his face and music in front of bazillions of people on TV and radio, who then drive CD sales...
If you think advertising drives sales to that extent, explain the Edsel. Was that not backed by the mighty capatilistic power of the Ford empire? People didn't buy it because it was junk. Moreover, people still have the choice to not spend their money on things they don't want to buy. Advertising can't compel people to buy things against their will.


Buckley - we need regulators to keep the field level. I'm in favor of capitalism but I have to tell you it's not capitalism when 3 meat packers control the meat supply within the US an Canada. It's not capitalism when 2 or 3 utilities mutually agree not to develop additional generating capacity so that they can charge higher prices. It's not capitalism when 2 or 3 auto companies and oil companies suppress innovation in transportation. It's not capitalism when one software company controls so many facets of the market not allowing competition. Its this stuff that regulators are supposed to deal with - IMO. And they are not doing a very good job of it.
We're not talking about those other industries, we are talking about music. In non-essential items like Cds, it is not really vital to have regulators. As I said before, no one is forcing people to buy records, people buy the records they want to buy. It is very simple.


That is Kix Brooks playing the mandolin on the B&D.
Did anyone see what type of mandolin he was playing? I was trying to see but could not read the name.

-John.

[EasyEd]

Hey All Again,

Dang I might as well write off the rest of today!

mandofiddle wrote "I'm sure Lynard Skynard would be real happy to hear someone lump them under the umbrella of mainstream country. Yikes!

Of all the folks I've picked with in different bands, all of them despise mainstream country. Yet we play bluegrass/newgrass. Mainstream country plays no part in our influences."

lol I like that about Skynard. Yikes is right! However I'll stand by what I said Unfortunately many what I called subgenres of country just aren't really big enough to stand on their own and so probably get played mostly on country radio that isn't afraid to play some variety.

And what you said about many newgrass/bluegrass people despising mainstream country is no doubt true? Kinda snobbish isn't it but how else do you not "water down" what you do and how else do you validate that what you do is the best thing to do? To some extent I think it's good that there are people like that.

Personally I believe that AK has it right singing a variety of stuff with a variety of people although some of it isn't my favorite.

Variety is the spice of life even though some spices just stink.

Take care! -Ed-

[mandofiddle]

And what you said about many newgrass/bluegrass people despising mainstream country is no doubt true? Kinda snobbish isn't it but how else do you not "water down" what you do and how else do you validate that what you do is the best thing to do? To some extent I think it's good that there are people like that.
I don't think its snobbish to not like mainstream country. #I don't like top 40, and I don't think that's snobbish either. #Am I a snob for strongly disliking a genre of music because I perceive it to be driven more by making money than I do of putting out quality music? #It's my choice isn't it? #Doesn't make me a snob.

I do however listen to a LOT of underground bands that get absolutely NO radio play because they're doing things musically the way they want to do it, but instead make their living touring. They're also not lining the pockets of Clear Channel to get on their stations. Of which most stations are now days. And I listen to a lot of bluegrass acts who seem to be getting noticed just now by the more mainstream. #ot because the corporate folks like the music but because they realize there's money to be made.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by the "water down" and "validating" comment. #

I'm going to make music the way that I want to make music, whether it'll get me a lot of money or not. #Money isn't the reason I'm doing it...

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Mandofiddle no offense was intended!

I wrote "And what you said about many newgrass/bluegrass people despising mainstream country is no doubt true? Kinda snobbish isn't it but how else do you not "water down" what you do and how else do you validate that what you do is the best thing to do? To some extent I think it's good that there are people like that."

All I was trying to point out here is that some people dislike other kinds of music because it isn't their kind. For example I've no doubt some bluegrass payers ignore all other types of music but bluegrass (true of some people in other genres too). I then tried to point out that to some extent this is probably good in terms of "preserving" that kind of music. And yes some people are no doubt kinda snobbish about it.

In no way was it directed at you.

Mandofiddle wrote "I don't think its snobbish to not like mainstream country. I don't like top 40, and I don't think that's snobbish either. Am I a snob for strongly disliking a genre of music because I perceive it to be driven more by making money than I do of putting out quality music? It's my choice isn't it? Doesn't make me a snob."

I never called you a snob however I do question disliking a genre of music for no reason other than perceiving it to be driven by making money. To my way of thinking good music is good music. I think for ex that Alan Jackson does some of the best mainstream out there especially his songs like little man, where I come from, That'd be alright - all three dylanesque - clearly AJ has a social conscience besides singin great songs about family like drive and country like where were you when the world stopped turning. You don't really believe that a man like AJ did these songs just for money - do you? That bein said it is your choice.

I do however listen to a LOT of underground bands that get absolutely NO radio play because they're doing things musically the way they want to do it, but instead make their living touring. They're also not lining the pockets of Clear Channel to get on their stations. Of which most stations are now days. And I listen to a lot of bluegrass acts who seem to be getting noticed just now by the more mainstream. ot because the corporate folks like the music but because they realize there's money to be made.

I listen to a lot of small time groups as well and I seek them out - for example the thread I started on Bluegrass Nobody ever heard of. Who is Clear Channel?

Mandofiddle wrote "I'm not quite sure what you mean by the "water down" and "validating" comment."

Basically I mean't staying true to just one form of music by not letting other types influence one and by doing so validating one's position.

Mandofiddle wrote "I'm going to make music the way that I want to make music, whether it'll get me a lot of money or not. Money isn't the reason I'm doing it... "

Me neither! But good music is anywhere I find it even in mainstream country.

Take Care! -Ed-

Yeah I could make Gretchen my Be-Atch http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Scotti Adams]

..oh...go pee your pants.... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[mandofiddle]

Hey Ed, no offense taken...

When I said "Am I a snob for strongly disliking a genre of music because I perceive it to be driven more by making money than I do of putting out quality music?" I also meant I don't like the music, not just the money making perception.

Clear Channel Communications (CCC) is to radio and concerts what Microsoft is to software (operating systems). They own a lot of mainstream radio stations, promoters, venues, etc. Basically if you're not a signed artist with a major label who is kicking down money to CCC, the mainstream radion stations won't play you. They even are going as far as banning certain bands from playing all of their venues if they schedule 1 show with another venue. Or even if they use a different promoter for 1 show. It's all about kickbacks with them.

I agree that good music is everywhere. I just haven't found any I like being churned out by mainstream country or by the Top 40 industry (except for AKUS which didn't used to be mainstream). I see two things those two genres have in common. One is the amount of money to promote their music and artists. Second is that the majority of talent are also visually appealing. To me, that says there may be better music/artists waiting in the wings, but because they don't have the "look" they aren't gonna get played. Is that the industries fault? Not neccessarily. But they aren't helping things with their tactics either.

As far as the staying true to one form of music, etc... Isn't ALL music influenced by other genres, styles and forms? If it's not, then wouldn't all music sound the same and not be constantly evolving?

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

So uh Scotti an Mav I take it that Gretchen should follow the advice of that other act on the show last night and uh save a horse ride a cowboy? I take it you both have stet hats. That bein asked I do! :>)

Take Care! -Ed-

[GVD]

Who is Clear Channel?

Clear Channel is the corporation that owns approximately 90% of all the radio stations in the US. They started out as a billboard company and that is still there driving force. They only own the radio stations in order to deliver advertising. The corporate marketing folks theoretically determine what is the most blandest play list that will offend the least amount of listeners. They then force all of their stations to play the same playlist. That's why everywhere you go they play the same old crap. The individual staions have absolutely no control over their playlist. Oh and the best part is they've figured out that the country stations should be shooting for the 25-40 year old divorcee market. Anything that doesn't fit that demographic doesn't get played. In the meantime feel free to swallow all that free market hoohaw you want. If it floats your boat go for it. I suspect the same people that like modern country are the same ones that drink Lite beer and eat at McDonalds. Some of us just prefer a good microbrew, our own garden and like our music with a little soul.

GVD

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Mandofiddle wrote "When I said "Am I a snob for strongly disliking a genre of music because I perceive it to be driven more by making money than I do of putting out quality music?" I also meant I don't like the music, not just the money making perception."

Fair Enuff - No arguement from me!

Mandofiddle wrote "I agree that good music is everywhere. I just haven't found any I like being churned out by mainstream country or by the Top 40 industry (except for AKUS which didn't used to be mainstream). I see two things those two genres have in common. One is the amount of money to promote their music and artists. Second is that the majority of talent are also visually appealing. To me, that says there may be better music/artists waiting in the wings, but because they don't have the "look" they aren't gonna get played. Is that the industries fault? Not neccessarily. But they aren't helping things with their tactics either."

Again I mostly agree except that there are a number of mainstream artists that I like. The elements in common are mostly true but like you pointed out the industry isn't helpin an I too find that bothersome.

Mandofiddle wrote "As far as the staying true to one form of music, etc... Isn't ALL music influenced by other genres, styles and forms? If it's not, then wouldn't all music sound the same and not be constantly evolving?"

Yeah but I think it's the mix of purists and innovators that help it change rather than just bein swallowed up by another type of music.

GVD wrote "Clear Channel is the corporation that owns approximately 90% of all the radio stations in the US. They started out as a billboard company and that is still there driving force. They only own the radio stations in order to deliver advertising. The corporate marketing folks theoretically determine what is the most blandest play list that will offend the least amount of listeners. They then force all of their stations to play the same playlist. That's why everywhere you go they play the same old crap. The individual staions have absolutely no control over their playlist. Oh and the best part is they've figured out that the country stations should be shooting for the 25-40 year old divorcee market. Anything that doesn't fit that demographic doesn't get played. In the meantime feel free to swallow all that free market hoohaw you want. If it floats your boat go for it. I suspect the same people that like modern country are the same ones that drink Lite beer and eat at McDonalds. Some of us just prefer a good microbrew, our own garden and like our music with a little soul."

I'm American but live in Canada now an can honestly (tongue in cheek) say our beer is better than yours - we planted the garden this past weekend - and sorry never did care for soul train - do sometimes drink lite beer and eat at McDonalds. That being said "Why doesn't government do it's ####### job and put a stop to what CCC is doin? I don't really blame CCC it's a business doin what business does grow, control an pocket the cash - it's government that I put the responsibility squarely on.

Take Care! -Ed-

[doublestop]

I think many of the segments last night were unrehearsed and what's up with that. You could tell that much of the material was simply off-the-cuff. Geez, what ever happened to rehearsing. Some of it was just plain awful!!

[Bradley]

Quote #
Who is Clear Channel?

Here in Cincinnati they own 9 major radio stations who spew all the same rhetoric.Their major focus is blaming every bad thing on Democrats,supporting Limbaugh,Hannity,and Liddy.But remember the Media is controlled by Liberals and
YaDa YaDA Yada......

Back to Country Music....
If you noticed most of the major acts came out with Bluegrass instruments just shortly after the OBWAT craze hit the airwaves.They all would have a Banjo or Mando # in the background,mostly for appearance only.Very Seldom would you hear the instruments.Some of the exceptions to the rule were Alan Jackson,and a few of the more traditional acts who could more readily fit the instruments into their sound.

AS far as the music goes,it saddens me to see the future of Country music.There are some fresh new faces that could perhaps bring a new life to it but due to aindustry that is set to attract the Pop crowd,they will never reach the top.
Early on in the recent "Country Star" program there was a gal who could really sing, and actually play a mandolin.She was country/acoustic sounding...the judges told her she was "too country" and that her sound was past what Nashville was wnating to produce.

Seeing Toby KEith win any award was enough to make anybody barf....That boy should singing with Eminem as God knows he sounds like a billy goat when he sings.

In closing you boys can fight over the Redneck Woman...that means I have Sara Evans all for me!! I think she could sing Grass!! (hope my wife doesnt see this) #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[FishwaterInc]

Surely Sara can, she sang in her family's bluegrass band as a kid...bet you boys didn't know she used to play the mandolin as well, eh? ;)

[mpeknox]

whooo boy, i've been away for a while (went to see Gillian Welch for free in downtown Knoxville). she doesn't really do much for me either but she's genuine. i think my main problem with today's "country" music is that most of it just isn't country enough. don't really know how to explain that but the latest country music i heard that really moved me was Randy Travis' first album back in the 80's. after that i kinda drifted away and have never been able to get back into it. not just the music but the appearance of some of the acts...i don't care what anyone says, men who sing country music should not wear rings on their thumbs!! (Rascal Flats) something just seems very wrong about that. i guess i'm just a grasshole. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Bradley]

[QUOTE] not just the music but the appearance of some of the acts...i don't care what anyone says, men who sing country music should not wear rings on their thumbs!! (Rascal Flats) something just seems very wrong about that. i guess i'm just a grasshole.

Thats great...and very truthful....I am in tears actually.

Can you see the Possum with that Mohawk Look,or The Hag with 6 earrings in each Ear......

[Spruce]

Re: Compression:
"well I think it has something to do with time and space constraints doesn't it?"

That's really funny...thanks for that! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

No, compression is a recording/production technique that in a good case scenerio (Beatles, DGQ's 1st LP, some classical music) can enhance the listening experience, and in a bad case scenerio (most all of today's so-called Country music) can squeeze the everlovin' life out of the music.

It's astonishing (and a common topic among recording engineers) how much compression is applied to a typical country music release these days in an attempt to compete in the "volume wars"...
It's literally exausting to listen to...

"If you think advertising drives sales to that extent, explain the Edsel."

I wasn't talking about advertising, I was talking about paying the radio stations to place the material in their rotation, thus bypassing the need to advertise altogether...

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

I'm puzzled. The general opinion of today's mainstream country is that it's bad. Most say because of commercial interests - money. Mandofiddle said he flat doesn't like the music - OK - I can respect that - don't understand it but do respect it. But no one else says why. I'm curious about that. Maybe the best way to get at the question is for those of you who think it's bad to tell us who constitutes "good" country. Who are/were the good country singers. Right now I suspect that if it isn't old or bluegrass or darn close or if the singer doesn't hold down a day job it just isn't music. I don't get that - if it's really the case.

An as for this compression thing I confess I'm ignorant - what is it? Is Bill Monroe not compressed while Brooks an Dunn are? I know Monroe wasn't especially tall.

As for this CCC stuff - it's wrong but you can't blame the musicians. It obviously came into prominence since we moved to Canada in 96 cause I'm sure I'd have heard of it before then.

Take Care! -Ed-

PS Spruce I'm glad I was able to give you a good laugh. I'm an ecologist not a sound engineer.

[mandomood]

few years ago when I was doing alot of sideman work with singer songrwriters that seemed to dabble in folk, bluegrass and country territories I used to complain that I just wanted to play good music, as a player. I would listen to some acts on country radio and hear stuff that would be fun to play, great harmonies to sing...behind the scenes more...

but this 'new country' or new sound nashville is looking for is turning off alot of really good players...where are they all going to go because I know they aren't making the big bucks that the pretty/handsome faces in front are making?..

[Bradley]

[QUOTE]Right now I suspect that if it isn't old or bluegrass or darn close or if the singer doesn't hold down a day job it just isn't music. I don't get that - if it's really the case.

That would definetly open up a long list from everyone!!

I suspect that if the Distorted guitar has taken place of the Steel guitar,or the Drums have taken place of the fiddle,or if it is too "processed/electronic" sounding it is no longer country...IMHO

That pretty much takes care of everyone of the new artist except AJ and George Strait. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif

[EasyEd]

Hey All,

Bradley thanks for not takin me to task. You did say what you don't like. I tend to agree with you that spikey hair boys (Rascal Flatts) probably shouldn't sing country. Yet Rascal Flatts first big hit I'm movin on is IMO one of the best songs I've heard in years an Mayberry isn't half bad either. I guess I believe that the songs these guys sing reflect what is in their hearts and as a result I MAKE myself look past the hair, the piercings an all. Lord knows my hair was longer than it shoulda been in the 70s an look at Willie today. I'll be curious to hear what others have to say.

take Care! -Ed-

[Bradley]

Not pickin on RF by themselves,as they have some good songs.But their songs easily could have been, and are played on the Pop stations right along with the "Boy Bands" and MAdonna/Britney etc.This is true for MANY of the new groups. Which is good for their pocket books but helps distort where the boundaries are.

Heck,I'm approaching 40...maybe I am getting stubborn and set in my ways

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

There are at least two sides to this. #I have a hard time believing that anyone can sell millions of copies without that meaning that millions of people like and want to hear it. #I know I wouldn't buy something I didn't like even if it was in heavy rotation on radio or TV video.

However, there are lots of people with comparable talent that never sell anything because they never met the person who could get them into the rotation.

The system is flawed but that doesn't mean that having commercial success somehow marks down artistic merit.

Whether it is a book or a song, I like something that either I can relate to or that I can learn something from. #That being said, I'd prefer to listen to a song that meets that criteria while looking at Alison Krauss to looking at <insert random male singer's name here>.

[John Zimm]

Whether it is a book or a song, I like something that either I can relate to or that I can learn something from. That being said, I'd prefer to listen to a song that meets that criteria while looking at Alison Krauss to looking at <insert random male singer's name here>.
That's funny. Yeah, I don't care to hear AK sing, but I could look at her all day. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

-John.

[GVD]

EasyEd

GVD I wish the Hag would decide to take one last serious kick at the cat like Cash did. I could do with more of his songwritin. Mama Tried, Daddy Frank etc...

You obviously haven't listened to his last 2 releases have you Ed? If I Could Only Fly and Like Never Before are every bit as good or better than Johnny Cash's American Recordings series. The only difference is Johnny Cash was fortunate enough to have Rick Rubin produce those albums. Rubins got enough juice in the industry to get his clients work on the air. The Hag didn't have that luxury so people who only listen to CCC stations have no idea what kind of music he's making. Do yourself a favor and start listening to some of the remaining few independant stations left and you just might be suprised at what you'll hear.


EasyEd


I'm American but live in Canada now an can honestly (tongue in cheek) say our beer is better than yours - we planted the garden this past weekend - and sorry never did care for soul train - do sometimes drink lite beer and eat at McDonalds. That being said "Why doesn't government do it's ####### job and put a stop to what CCC is doin? I don't really blame CCC it's a business doin what business does grow, control an pocket the cash - it's government that I put the responsibility squarely on.


Shhh don't let Scott hear that crack about your beer being better. After being in Lawrence, KS for the Mandofest and sampling all the different fine brews at the Free State Brewery I suspect he might disagree, #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I hope your tongue was still firmly in cheek when you made the Soul Train crack? I guess I should have said music with a little substance instead of soul.

The government is only doing what the citizens let it get away with. Like you the average citizen is totally ignorant of the massive changes in station ownership rules that have been made in the last 10 years. Of course you really don't think those same media conglomerates are going to educate the public about the dangers of media monopolies do you? #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif The unfortunate part is that too many people that are informed on the subject are too apathetic to do anything about it.

GVD

[Garrett]

Rascal Flatts are important to me because its been a long time since I really wanted to beat a group up. I think Journey was the last group I really wanted to take a whack at, and I think Rascal Flatts are about musically on par with them.

Merle's last three albums are as good as anything he's ever done. But country music is pathetic today. A world where Rascal Flatts is more famous than Billy Joe Shaver is just pathetic. Complete garbage. They killed country music down on Music Row!

P.S. Speaking of Merle, any of you heard Jim Lauderdale's song Merle World? That's good! You can download it free from AMazon. "Now he's living in Merle World. All alone and missing his girl"!

[GVD]

Garrett

Rascal Flatts are important to me because its been a long time since I really wanted to beat a group up. I think Journey was the last group I really wanted to take a whack at, and I think Rascal Flatts are about musically on par with them.
ROFLMAO #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

GVD

[Spruce]

"But no one else says why."

I find the music generally irritating because it is obviously the contrived product of the Country Music Industry...

Find a nice-looking act, produce them to death, pay the stations to play the stuff, and call it a day....

For those of you who saw Frontline on PBS last night, you caught a glimpse of what I'm talking about. #
I think the reality in Country Music is probably even worse...

[John Zimm]

Rascal Flatts are important to me because its been a long time since I really wanted to beat a group up. I think Journey was the last group I really wanted to take a whack at, and I think Rascal Flatts are about musically on par with them.

LMAO. Yeah, I'd put them in the same league with Blue Oyster Cult. Thanks for the laugh.

-John.

[FishwaterInc]

i think my main problem with today's "country" music is that most of it just isn't country enough. #
OH, I know what you mean. I grew up listening to a lot of the "traditional" country, and at least in the mainstream, it's basically filled with pop music with a twang in the background. But you know, Dierks Bentley (one of Nashville's "newer acts" - in that he's just recently got a record deal in the past couple of years) is actually a good throw back to the traditional sound. The highlight would be the Del McCoury Band on the last track of the CD. And if you get Dierks first independent release CD, you'll find the traditional sound throughout the CD (and might be pleasantly surprised with a familiar fiddle and mandolin "voice" coming through -- Jason Carter & Ronnie McCoury, anyone http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif).

So thankfully, there's still hope for the future of country music...

[Spruce]

"So thankfully, there's still hope for the future of country music... "

Which country??

[Dru Lee Parsec]

That being said "Why doesn't government do it's ####### job and put a stop to what CCC is doin?

We use to have a law that one company could only one a single FM and a single AM station in a market. ClearChannel was instrumental [bribes] in convincing [kickbacks] our elected officials [spinless slugs who no longer represent the people] to repeal that law. The said that this would allow the listeners [sheep] to have better quality [be fleeced more often] radio. This is why my city,San Diego, now has at least at least 3 classic rock stations, 2 "alternative" stations, 2 Pop stations and one country (and one Christian Country) station but NO jazz outside of college radio. Oh wait, we do have that "Smooth Jazz" [ex-lax] stuff that's no more jazz than the stuff on CMT is country.

Yep, the state of the music/radio/concert business is sad indeed.

[FishwaterInc]

The Country of the little Mandolins? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif <---that was a response to Spruce's post.

[Billy]

I'll be glad when folks realise that toby keith don't have any talent.He profits off from a disaster,thanks god one second,and gets drunk or high the next.If it won'tfor him singing patriotic songs,nobody would know who he is.

[Bradley]

Thats the Gospel Truth.....He has definetly jumped on the "lets be patriotic" bandwagon and made a mint from
this so called war.

When he holds out his notes he sounds like a little lamb wanting mommas milk.....BBAAAAAAaaaaaaaa http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif