Country Music Fans?

[Shystonefem]

I have to say that it was tasteless and insensitive for Blake Shelton to announce his relationship with Gwen S. THE DAY OF THE AWARDS..... I also have to say that I am thrilled that he win nothing and Miranda did!!!!!

[Martina]

It seems to me they are trying to court some kind of authenticity again. I don't know how truly talented musicians, as many of them are, perform the trash they do year after year. Money and attention are powerful incentives, I imagine.

Signs of the authenticity scare:

Eric Church's "Mr Misunderstood" -- esp the lyric "But you love your daddy's vinyl, old-time rock and roll -- Elvis Costello, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and think Jeff Tweedy is one bad mother"

LeeAnn Womack's nominations for an album of Americana music -- songs by Bruce Robison, Julie Miller, Neil Young, Hayes Carll, Mindy Smith, and Chris Knight.

Chris Stapleton doing so well. While he writes mainstream country songs for mainstream country artists, he is more of a roots performer himself. And that excellent duet with Justin Timberlake clearly put smiles on everyone's faces. Loved that Miranda wore a Chris Stapleton t-shirt as she picked up her award.

Rewarding the "Girl Crush" song so highly. It's not controversial by indy or pop standards, but it clearly shook up country radio some.

Kacey Musgraves -- there and doing well. I like some of her stuff a lot. I thought the performance last nigth was weird, but I am a little old to get all of what she is up to. Still, no question that she pushes the mainstream country radio envelope.

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There was still plenty of bro-country -- didn't Florida George Line win two awards? And the endless parade of blonde divas, including our hostess. And the typical pandering bullshit -- Brad Paisley's football thing. Still, there was less of all that and a touch of hope. There sure hasn't been much for a long long time.

Maybe it's because Americana artists are making more money, mostly from NPR listeners but still . . . . Maybe because Buddy Miller and other altcountry folks are behind the tv show Nashville. I don't know. I always thought they knew what real country music was and that it wasn't what they were playing, but that they wouldn't risk alienating their young country girl demographic to play much of it. In the past, Brad Paisley would have Willie or someone play with him during an awards show performance -- to sing along on the chorus - -but I always found those minimal acknowledgements insulting. Remember when Johnny Cash died and there was almost no recognition? I don't know. I gave up hope on mainstream country long ago. Or I thought I did.

[Kätzchen]

There are a few Country Western artists I like, but I absolutely love both singles and entire albums of songs by Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, The Statler Brothers, Lynn Anderson and Charley Pride.

But most of all, I really like Patsy Cline and The Jordanaires.



When I listen to Country Western music, this is generally the kind of style I prefer to hear.

[Martina]

Billy Joe Shaver. Great writer. Been following him since the eighties. A national treasure.

[Martina]

Buddy Miller -- guitar god, singer, writer, producer. I feel like I am home when I listen to him.

[JDeere]

I heard this song again today, I listened to the lyrics and understand how he feels in this song.

[Martina]

My favorite Merle song, maybe the best country song ever -- Mama's Hungry Eyes