Comments on: Country In The 21st Century http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/ Like Kryptonite To Stupid Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:30:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.4 By: gruaud http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-191014 gruaud Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:13:20 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-191014 What? Bill Monore and Old School bluegrass are fantastic. What? Bill Monore and Old School bluegrass are fantastic.

]]> By: The Crapture http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190735 The Crapture Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:08:53 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190735 Hank III is also pretty cool, but yeah, Hank Sr is the way to go. Hank III is also pretty cool, but yeah, Hank Sr is the way to go.

]]> By: cj http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190669 cj Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:29:57 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190669 I can't stand any of the new young country singers. I am in agreement that 90's (for me) where the best time for country music in mainstream stances. I love me some Reba, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Dixie Chicks. I can’t stand any of the new young country singers. I am in agreement that 90′s (for me) where the best time for country music in mainstream stances.

I love me some Reba, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, and Dixie Chicks.

]]> By: SFC B http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190648 SFC B Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:06:45 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190648 More power to you Mr. Willis for putting what you like out there. It amazes me how freely people will tell you "what you like is crap," and that you're not enjoying the "real thing". More power to you Mr. Willis for putting what you like out there. It amazes me how freely people will tell you “what you like is crap,” and that you’re not enjoying the “real thing”.

]]> By: SFC B http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190643 SFC B Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:57:43 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190643 Actually it is about an abused woman who murders her husband, kills herself, and leaves her young daughter an orphan. It's quite an uncaring and selfish song. Actually it is about an abused woman who murders her husband, kills herself, and leaves her young daughter an orphan. It’s quite an uncaring and selfish song.

]]> By: Randy Brown http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190641 Randy Brown Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:54:13 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190641 Speaking of blacks and country...did you know that Motown tried to break into the country music market - TWICE? First from 1963-65, with records on the Mel-o-dy label; the lineup included Howard Crockett (Johnny Cash wannabe) and Dorsey Burnette. Not surprisingly, the venture was a failure; the records are collected in Hip-O's <i>Complete Motown Singles</i> box sets. In the 1970s they tried AGAIN, this time on the Melodyland label. They actually managed a couple country #1 hits with T.G. Sheppard ("Tryin' to Beat the Morning Home," an Eddie Rabbit sound-alike), and another artist was Pat Boone. PAT motherf--king BOONE!! Soon, this experiment too was dropped; Melodyland became Hitsville, a reissue label for Motown classics. Speaking of blacks and country…did you know that Motown tried to break into the country music market – TWICE? First from 1963-65, with records on the Mel-o-dy label; the lineup included Howard Crockett (Johnny Cash wannabe) and Dorsey Burnette. Not surprisingly, the venture was a failure; the records are collected in Hip-O’s Complete Motown Singles box sets.

In the 1970s they tried AGAIN, this time on the Melodyland label. They actually managed a couple country #1 hits with T.G. Sheppard (“Tryin’ to Beat the Morning Home,” an Eddie Rabbit sound-alike), and another artist was Pat Boone. PAT motherf–king BOONE!! Soon, this experiment too was dropped; Melodyland became Hitsville, a reissue label for Motown classics.

]]> By: Randy Brown http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190635 Randy Brown Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:38:46 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190635 How about that senile ol' bastard, Ronnie Reagan, thinking "Born in the USA" was a <i>patriotic</i> song? (As well as millions of idiotic WWF fans?) That's mainly why Springsteen started performing it as a country blues. How about that senile ol’ bastard, Ronnie Reagan, thinking “Born in the USA” was a patriotic song? (As well as millions of idiotic WWF fans?) That’s mainly why Springsteen started performing it as a country blues.

]]> By: Randy Brown http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190633 Randy Brown Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:34:14 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190633 That "dreary stuff" has a damn sight more life and soul (that's right, SOUL) than the adult-contempo jizz that is so popular today. If you haven't paid much attention to Johnny Cash, find a copy of "The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983," a 3-CD set released in 1992. (Not to be confused with the later 2-CD or 3-CD "Essentials".) This one follows Cash from his Sun days until almost the end of the CBS period, and is a fantastic listen all the way through. (Played it from start to finish without interruption right after he died...what an emotional experience.) Add to that his "American Recordings" CDs with Rick Rubin, especially "American IV: The Man Comes Around." That's the one with his cover of "Hurt," but it's the last song, "We'll Meet Again" (yes, the Vera Lynn oldie) that will break your heart. J.R. Cash gave it his all and made awesome music right up to the end of his life...would you be able to say the same for the "stars" of today's radio pabulum? Billy Ray Cyrus, for example, would be a forgotten bad memory if not for his even less talented daughter. While you're buying CDs, get some collections by Willie Nelson (either version of "Essential...") Emmylou Harris ("Anthology," "Songbird"), and her former mentor Gram Parsons ("Anthology"). A bit of Hank Sr. and Jr. wouldn't hut, either. Finally, Patsy Cline - she may have veered a little close to dreaded "country-politan" at times, but that soulful voice saved the day. (BTW, for some reason the "a href" tag wouldn't work right.) That “dreary stuff” has a damn sight more life and soul (that’s right, SOUL) than the adult-contempo jizz that is so popular today.

If you haven’t paid much attention to Johnny Cash, find a copy of “The Essential Johnny Cash 1955-1983,” a 3-CD set released in 1992. (Not to be confused with the later 2-CD or 3-CD “Essentials”.) This one follows Cash from his Sun days until almost the end of the CBS period, and is a fantastic listen all the way through. (Played it from start to finish without interruption right after he died…what an emotional experience.)

Add to that his “American Recordings” CDs with Rick Rubin, especially “American IV: The Man Comes Around.” That’s the one with his cover of “Hurt,” but it’s the last song, “We’ll Meet Again” (yes, the Vera Lynn oldie) that will break your heart. J.R. Cash gave it his all and made awesome music right up to the end of his life…would you be able to say the same for the “stars” of today’s radio pabulum? Billy Ray Cyrus, for example, would be a forgotten bad memory if not for his even less talented daughter.

While you’re buying CDs, get some collections by Willie Nelson (either version of “Essential…”) Emmylou Harris (“Anthology,” “Songbird”), and her former mentor Gram Parsons (“Anthology”). A bit of Hank Sr. and Jr. wouldn’t hut, either. Finally, Patsy Cline – she may have veered a little close to dreaded “country-politan” at times, but that soulful voice saved the day.

(BTW, for some reason the “a href” tag wouldn’t work right.)

]]> By: lonya http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190595 lonya Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:44:35 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190595 Today's Nashville sound is pablum. May as well be recorded in Boston. Hank Williams, Cash, Junior Brown, Jennings, Hagard. That's country. Bobby Bare's Lullabys Legends and Lies is one of the great albums ever. Ironic that all the songs on the LP were written by Shel Silverstein. Oh - and check out Ray Charles' Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music. As to Bluegrass - the finest album Dolly Parton ever made was The Grass is Blue. Today’s Nashville sound is pablum. May as well be recorded in Boston.
Hank Williams, Cash, Junior Brown, Jennings, Hagard. That’s country.
Bobby Bare’s Lullabys Legends and Lies is one of the great albums ever. Ironic that all the songs on the LP were written by Shel Silverstein.

Oh – and check out Ray Charles’ Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music.

As to Bluegrass – the finest album Dolly Parton ever made was The Grass is Blue.

]]> By: lonya http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190593 lonya Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:35:12 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190593 Well yeah, and Bruce's Glory Days is a downer yet they still play it at the Meadowlands after Giant games. Well yeah, and Bruce’s Glory Days is a downer yet they still play it at the Meadowlands after Giant games.

]]> By: Bobby Thomson http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190592 Bobby Thomson Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:30:10 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190592 This. This.

]]> By: liberalrob http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190591 liberalrob Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:18:16 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190591 Asleep at the Wheel is keeping that tradition alive. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P2JdCjdZVI" rel="nofollow">Miles and Miles of Texas</a> Asleep at the Wheel is keeping that tradition alive.

Miles and Miles of Texas

]]> By: Frank DiSalle http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190584 Frank DiSalle Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:32:55 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190584 Take all the Eagles wannabes out of country music, and you'd be lucky to have 10 bands left. Only the girls are singing country. Lemme hear ya say, "Hell, yeah!" Take all the Eagles wannabes out of country music, and you’d be lucky to have 10 bands left. Only the girls are singing country.

Lemme hear ya say, “Hell, yeah!”

]]> By: isms http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190583 isms Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:29:53 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190583 New Grass Revival is pretty hot too. New Grass Revival is pretty hot too.

]]> By: Burn http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190580 Burn Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:21:06 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190580 One of the first records I ever heard in my life was Bob Wills. Love me some western swing. One of the first records I ever heard in my life was Bob Wills. Love me some western swing.

]]> By: Duros62 http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190578 Duros62 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:15:07 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190578 Don't trust 'em if they ain't got dust on their boots. Gimme West Texas swing. Don’t trust ‘em if they ain’t got dust on their boots.

Gimme West Texas swing.

]]> By: Burn http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190577 Burn Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:13:10 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190577 George don't like him some 'young country' George don’t like him some ‘young country’

]]> By: Burn http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190576 Burn Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:11:53 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190576 Ugh, I HATE 'todays country'. It's just pop/rock lite with fiddle and banjo, maybe a dobro. I blame it all on Garth Brooks, that bastard. He ruined it forever with "The Dance" back in 1990 but at the same time, he moved the genre into the mainstream by combining rock and roll elements with his songs, and his live shows too. There are great bands today that stay in the tradition of the old timers, Sadies, old Whiskeytown, Neko Case, etc. Patsy Cline is one of my all time favorite singers ever. You can hear the pain in her voice when she sings of love that is lost...she fuckin means it! Ugh, I HATE ‘todays country’. It’s just pop/rock lite with fiddle and banjo, maybe a dobro.

I blame it all on Garth Brooks, that bastard. He ruined it forever with “The Dance” back in 1990 but at the same time, he moved the genre into the mainstream by combining rock and roll elements with his songs, and his live shows too.

There are great bands today that stay in the tradition of the old timers, Sadies, old Whiskeytown, Neko Case, etc.

Patsy Cline is one of my all time favorite singers ever. You can hear the pain in her voice when she sings of love that is lost…she fuckin means it!

]]> By: liberalrob http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190567 liberalrob Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:21:19 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190567 Oliver, not all bluegrass is the same. You may not like the "old-school" bluegrass of Bill Monroe, but you should check out artists like Tony Rice and Doc Watson before you write it all off. It's not all whiny voices and scratchy fiddles. Oliver, not all bluegrass is the same. You may not like the “old-school” bluegrass of Bill Monroe, but you should check out artists like Tony Rice and Doc Watson before you write it all off. It’s not all whiny voices and scratchy fiddles.

]]> By: liberalrob http://www.oliverwillis.com/2009/11/12/country-in-the-21st-century/#comment-190563 liberalrob Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:14:42 +0000 http://www.oliverwillis.com/?p=17601#comment-190563 Chrissie Hynde has got the sexiest voice imaginable. I could listen to her read the phone book. Chrissie Hynde has got the sexiest voice imaginable. I could listen to her read the phone book.

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