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Got something
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The Water Cooler: So just where does country music stand? Precariously no doubt. But those of us who care passionately about it's future can do something about it! A suggested solution: Make your passion viable. It isn't the CMA, CMT, GAC or mainstream radio who define country music. It's the music itself. If you don't buy mainstream's definition -- then put your passion where your mouth is and seek out the literally hundreds of artists and bands still making real country music. Give them your support. Catch them live. Pick up their CDs. Instead of getting involved in another endless Shania/Faith debate start a new thread on someone whose music has touched you. Instead of talking about what's wrong with country music -- share with others what's right about it.. Your Thoughts?Johnny: It's high time for a country music business reality check. What becomes popular in our consumer driven pop culture is a reflection of the tastes and resulting purchasing habits of the majority of a given market. It has absolutely nothing whatsoever to with quality of a product, or artistic integrity as in the case of music. It is about commerce. It’s about money, nothing else. If someone took a dump on a plastic disc, and it sold, we’d see more and more crap on plastic discs in the stores. It’s marketing 101. Today more than ever, pop artists are a commodity; nothing more than packaged products on a shelf. They’re like boxes of cereal in a supermarket, except that cereal is at least more nourishing. Dick Cavett summed it up perfectly: "As long as the American public continues to accept crap, companies will continue to dispense it." It’s true. Most people who are not involved in any aspect of the music industry have such a superficial glimpse of what it's really all about and how it really works. Some of the things that I hear fans say would just boggle your mind. For example a popular Country performer, whose name I won't mention, was recently involved in a radio contest in which he was giving away a motorcycle. This 40+ year old fan, who by the way is obsessed to an unhealthy extent , told me how nice he was to be giving away this $15,000 bike. She wouldn't believe it when I told her that he didn't actually buy this bike to give away, and that it was his label who made the purchase. That's just one example of how the public are clueless, and are just being manipulated. A lot of money and resources are pumped into telling you how great someone is and shoving him/her down your throat. You could say that country music is no longer a means of artistic expression, period! It hasn't been since industry people ventured out into the mountains and other rural areas, and made field recordings of "hillbillies." They discovered there was a market for the music. Over the ensuing years, in order to expand that market the music became more and more diluted with pop elements for the purpose of making it more palatable to a broader audience. Why? Yes, you guessed it - to make more money! "Hillbilly Music", as you call it, then goes from being expressive songs, passed down orally from generation to generation of Irish, English, and Welsh, immigrants, to being a mere product on a shelf, existing for the single purpose of selling as many units as possible. There’s nothing at all wrong with making money. I, However, look to the smaller labels like Rounder and such for what I think is the better music; written by better writers and performed by a variety of great players and not a pool of about twenty five sessions musicians in Nashville doing all the work, (and we wonder why everything sounds alike!) Those are the integrity labels. If there were more industry heads like Tony Brown, and a few others, we might be hearing better stuff in the mainstream as well. There’s a lot of good music out there, I just wish there was more of it on radio. Corporate radio is geared toward the sheeple. I do think that if most consumers were more educated about music in general, and how it is made and marketed, that knowledge would result in a deeper appreciation for the good stuff, and their tastes in many cases would change. I’ve seen it happen over and over. If our popular culture is truly an accurate reflection of our society, boy, are we in sad shape. Now as for the CMA, of which I am a voting member. The CMA is misnamed. It should be the CMBA, the Country Music Business Association. The organization cares not one iota about the art of country music. It’s only concern is to grow the market and to increase the bottom line. That’s it! The voting membership in countries other than the US and Canada is growing rapidly. This means that the music will become watered down and the character stripped of it in order to make it palatable to those listeners. If you think it’s garbage now, just wait. As a sideman here in Nashville, I'm frustrated with not having any involvement with projects of any artistic value. That's because they barely exist. I know a lot of players who feel the same way. There seems to be a growing but silent rift between Nashville musicians and the writers, especially these Nashville Songwriter’s Association (NSAI) robots who just train each other to write the Hallmark card-like stuff that we've been hearing over and over. There’s no originality in the mainstream. I don’t know any major players in Nashville who even listen to the stuff they work on. Unfortunately as sidemen it’s the writers and artists we depend upon. There’s not much we can say or do.
Thank goodness for the smaller labels. They're the only sources of quality music produced here with any modicum of integrity and artistic merit. Yes, it's all about money. Fortunately, I think the growing "Americana" market is going to provide us with a better product. However, it probably won't be long before the major labels pick up on it, and turn it into garbage as well.
I’m really convinced that at the end of every workday at the Hallmark greeting card company, the whistle blows and all the sappy greeting card writers go home, sit at their desks, and write the songs we’re hearing on Country radio. And about "artists", a term I use loosely, thanks to videos it's become 98% looks and packagability and 2% talent. It's all about marketing. Don't even get me started on cut and paste digital recording techniques, or on those who can't sing in the studio or live without being put through autotune. That's a whole other story.
By the way, what happened to the outlaws? I think we’re now in the midst of Country’s "Sissy Boy" movement. But that’s also another story. Je'Ne W: I'm not sure where Country Music Stands today ' I feel we should put out best foot forward and keep listening to the best Country music Their is - The legends of Country Music. And for the up Coming Artist who has something to offer in Traditional or real Country swing . This generation of folks who love good down home country music must agree ' and we must stand up for our rights as citizens . We need to get involved in our own organization and play good country music, let them know you care. I am an up coming artist relationships with Nashville... my 2nd cd will be released May 2nd. I welcome you to my website www.jenewest.com Thank you for your time.... Greg B: In response to Mark: No were not crazy, &change is NOT always good. In this case (the case of not hearing REAL country music) change is BAD. We WANT real country. Lynn L I totally agree with the article. I am an up and coming 'real' country artist. Nashville does not listen to what people want. That's been proven. I and my band recently won the local round of the Colgate Country Showdown with a traditional Texas swing song. Apparently even the judges liked what they heard and there were ten of them. Some were booking agents, some were in artist management, some were club owners. All in different fields of the music industry. It's sad that an artist has to practically buy they're way to the top. It doesn't stand on sheer talent anymore. It's politics and money. If major radio stations would take back control of what the fans want to hear, maybe Nashville would take notice. Thank God for indie stations. If you are looking for some real country music, please check out my soon to be released cd, Back In The Swing Of Things. Song clips will be available on my website soon. Just keep checking. www.leadingedgeband.com. Please be sure and sign the guestbook. I would love to have your comments posted. I am so glad that I found this website. To find the worldwide opinion that what radio is playing is not real country music is reassuring.Mark: Are you crazy?! Faith, Tim, and Shania are very talented people. They're not destroying country music, they're changing it. And last time I checked change is always good. I understand that everyone has a different opinion, but seriously don't you think you're being a little hard on the new country generation. I mean, if you think you could do better than they could why aren't you famous. I personally enjoy all of their music and think they're adding a nice new twist to country music. Charlotte (Colorado): Hello! Found your web site and wanted to put in my 2 cents worth on Wayne Warner. This guy is just amazing. He rocks with his newest single, Turbo Twang. Wayne is a one of a kind guy, he takes time for his fans and lets them know that without them he could not be who he is, and that is awesome. No matter how big he is he still remembers the folks that took him to the top! Here in Colorado there is one radio station that takes the time to play the listeners requests, that is Kiss Country 105.3 FM KZKS with Michael in the Mid Day. This guy rocks, he is the blind guy. No lie, he is but knows how to put out what the listeners what and like to hear, and we love listening to Wayne Warner on Kiss Country. Wayne is the bomb! Joe Berry (Smokey Mtn Country Radio Live on Live 365.com) Hello folks, While I admire what you are doing and agree with you the fact is you will not change Big radio policy through legal channels. Here is why and I know as I looked into doing this. 1. They are loaded with money, Money is power, and legal justice unfortunately is how much you can afford. 2. If you take them to court they will stall it off until you are as old as your great great grandmother. 3. At best they would be fined and go right back to doing what they do now. 4.. It might would be possible with the right attorney such as Tommy Britton of Myrtle Beach SC if everyone would stick together but the sad part is these Independent artist have to much to lose to battle these corps. 5 If you proceed with legal battles and lose they will bury you with counter attacks and paper work. Final assumption: It is winnable but in order to do so and make a change you have to do the following A. Organize a major part of the Indie artist, labels and songwriters. Note: they would have to know up front they would have to go to court and face these corps. or it would be of no use what so ever B. You would have to have an attorney willing, and with enough knowledge to take on these corp. giants. C. It would also have to be in a state where the federal judges prevented stall offs and would tell them when their attorney couldn't be there because he was sick for the 5th time that they had better be there or he would proceed without them. D. This attorney would have to be able and willing to do this on a percentage basis or you would need some mighty deep pockets because they've got them. E. You will also have to have a judge that will look at the facts. These corps are so powerful in politics that you could have all the evidence to prove your case and he would simply throw it out as inadmissible unless you have one not afraid to buck the good ole boy system. There is my two cents worth but let me add this. We are gaining ground by the internet radio and independent radio stations playing good independent traditional country music. The listeners are searching the web according to Warner music . Allison (Maine) Regarding July's Editorial " Nashville's Thinking Problem" My comments on Indy artists needing breaks.. I've read all the articles & comments regarding how CMT & GAC have been going for more pop music (or what I call diabetic coma inducing sounds) & backing away from the real Country music. Then I toured Nashville for a month to see what was going on out there & came across Indy acts that will probably never be heard because 99.9% sing the same sugarcoated pop styles, and it's just not true country. From the late-80's to March 2003, I was a personal assistant to a several musicians and decided it was time to take a sabbatical after my last charge passed away. I moved home to Maine but took a month long vacation back to Nashville in October 2003 to visit friends & family. I'm so glad I did. A couple nights before leaving the town, I wandered into a club just for the hell of it and happened to hear on open mike this phenomenal guy named Austin Young lilt out 4 songs. What captivated me about Mr. Young was his ability to sing in the true style of country. Just to appease the fans, who were obviously wanting the rock side of the genre, he belted out a modern day catchy upbeat pop tune that reminded me of Brad Paisley. His gilded southern accent melted through his tunes & kept me riveted to my chair. I wasn't able to talk to him between songs because he had too many friends around, so I got my server to bring out the club owner to inquire about this Austin Young. I learned Mr. Young not only wrote his own songs, but he also produced AND distributed them on his own time and money! I THEN learned he had written the 9/11 song "These Colors Don't Run," a song I remembered well because my last boss said, "Now there's a guy who knows country music." Mr. Young also wrote, produced, distributed a 3 song mini-disc with graphics called "Makin' My Mark." Two CDs and 1 chart hit song, and yet no one wants him because he doesn't cause an insulin reaction. Here's a guy who sings country ballads in the style of George Strait, Alan Jackson, Marty Stewart, Johnny Paycheck, & other known hard country hitters, yet no hot shot agent or label will touch him because he's out of the current mainstream. He's also not receiving air time on any music radio stations or a showcase spotlight on CMT for the same reason. Talent like his is being wasted in dives because he doesn't fit into the genre of sugarcoated pop country. That night I fired off an email to CMT to see if they'd take a look at him. A week later they said weren't interested in Indies. "Once he gets a label, then contact us," the email ended. I haven't heard back from Austin City Limits or Sessions. Tell me.. how are up and comings like Austin Young are supposed to get labels let alone producers & agents if they're not given an Indy shot on prime time, whether it be TV or radio? Do they have to sing just like Shania or Garth before they can actually get back to their heart's desire, which is to sing die-hard country tunes? I sure hope this guy sticks it out and someone picks him up quick. He could be the cement that puts country back into the music. And if he ever needs a personal assistant, all he has to do is call. I'm his! Sheryl (Calif) I just want to say I'm sick of hearing the same 20 songs on the radio. I have been a fan of Wade Hayes since 94 and I think he has one of the best voices out there... Am I wrong? I just don't understand country music.. How can they play Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow but yet overlook great voices like Wade's and many others Don't get me wrong I like Toby, and quite a few others I would just like to hear the rest of the talent out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thanks
R. Reagan: Hey, I just found your website and it
is great to know I'm not alone!!! Thumbs up to Sirius radio for their all Elvis station! Now if we can convince them to give us an all Hank,Sr. station! Keith L: Just ran across your site, and I must say that I found it refreshing. I grew-up the hillbilly son of hillbillies in the hills of southwest Virginia in the late 60's and early 70's, weaned on Ray Price, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, Conway Twitty/Loretta Lynn, Osborne Brothers, on and on. As a transplanted Hillbilly now living in a Northern city I can honestly say that, aside from a stack of old vinyl taken from back home, I only own 6 contemporary country music releases: 5 by Dwight Yoakum (the reigning king of Country music) and 1 by Iris Dement. My butt puckers and my short hairs tingle when I hear what passes for country music on the radio these days. Could someone just take Garth, Toby and Tania out and shoot them and get it over with? The truly sad part of this mess is that the crap that passes for country is all the rage back home with people who should know better. This Nashville bubblegum drivel has infected even the minds of died-in-the-wool hillbillies. Cory E: Hello! I just wanted to put my 2 Cents in while I've got the chance. Let's just say that I am a huge music fan rather it be Rock N Roll, Jazz, Bluegrass COUNTRY, etc. I enjoy anything that gets me going or hits me where i can feel it. Which brings me to CROSS CANADIAN RAGWEED... they ROCK!!!!! I love everything I have heard from them thus far and have even got my dad trying to play along with their "Soul Gravy" on his guitar. I can't decide which I like better..."Leave me alone" or "Sick and Tired". I heard them on CMT and have been stuck every Since. I ran out and bought Soul Gravy when the free DVD of their concert came with it and then it got stolen and the copy I bought last didn't have the DVD. Is there any way I can get it? I've already ordered a copy of there "Purple". Can't wait to hear it. Well, thanks for listening and I'm going to spread their word!!! TCB's note: You can find the limited edition CD/DVD version of Soul Gravy here
This week's Opry (Apr 17) Tony G (NC) I just watched Wynonna on the Opry and am as angry as I've ever been at the stupidity that goes on there. When we never, ever see great country singers like Heather Myles, Kelly Willis & Allison Moorer, we get to see this travesty that isn't even decent rock & roll. In the last three months, I've attended concerts by Jerry Jeff Walker (and opening act Michael Harrell Reno), Kate Campbell, & Guy Clark (with Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Iron). These three shows contained intelligent country songwriting, something sorely lacking in today's Nashville "product". This week I ordered CD's by Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez, The Mavericks & Ray Wylie Hubbard. Next month I'm going to go see The Flatlanders, Arlo Guthrie & Janis Ian. There is good music out there if we want it. Don't look for it on Country radio. I was living in California when Johnny Cash died and there was a new "country" station in the area at the time, soliciting opinions about their format via voice messages on the phone. I called them and left the following message: "If you're not playing Johnny Cash today, you can't call yourself country. You've lost me!" Keep up the good work in directing folks to the music that's still happening. Nashville Star, WSM and GAC Bobbie: Just exactly what is happening with the broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry on GAC Country? Have they already switched to the proposed pay-per-view? For the last two weeks, we’ve been subjected to reruns. Now, looking at the scheduled line-up for this coming Saturday, it’s going to be another rerun. What gives? I presently am a subscriber of Comcast but I’ve thinking very, very seriously of going back to the Dish Network so that I can get something country. GAC is not living up to its name and promises and that’s called false advertising and, by some, a real con job. GAC seems to be a video channel only. And, while I’m at it, how about Nashville Star! That’s proving to be a mess and a half. The Warren Brothers should go back to whatever they did before they thought they were entertainers, if whatever it was will still have them. They wouldn’t know talent if it reached out and slapped them. And the other judge is just a "suit" masquerading as a country fan. The only judge on the panel who is really knowledgeable is Tracey Gershon. Why don’t they have someone like Jeannie Seeley, Ray Pillow or Carol Lee Cooper as a judge? They’re true, red white and blue country right down to their souls. American Idol did the guest celebrity judge thing with Ashford & Simpson this week. But, please, if they go that route, have someone who knows country music, its roots and where it’s going. The panel they have now has already voted off all the talent there was there and poured more cruel and inhuman insults than they should be allowed. If you can’t give constructive criticism and do better than the one they’re criticizing, then keep your mouths shut. I think Gregory and Stacie Michelle got a real raw deal—they’re stars already and should bear in mind that a lot of our current performers lost talent shows; i.e., Randy Travis. Thanks for listening and letting me air my views. I welcome your comments. CMA Music Festival Bethany B: A few weeks back, a Nashville news program carried what they called a breaking story with Ed Benson touting the fact that the "Nashville Music Festival" (or some such generic name) will be carried for 2 hours on CBS this year. This festival used to be known as Fan Fair, but of course, since the goal of the CMA and Mr. Benson is to broaden the fan base, they're changing the the content, the image and the marketing of the event. "Broaden the fan base," is, as you may know, the euphemism for "Heaven forbid anyone should think it's country!" The overall tone of the news segment was arrogant and smug, and I think every country music fan and TCB reader should note, the word 'country' was never once used in the "big" announcement. Is WSM Living In Its Last Days? Barbara: Commenting on the latest editorial; I agree with you. I don't think the radio stations play what half the people want to hear. How can music be too country? If you are listening to a country station, you would expect to hear a mixture of styles of country music, not a mix of pop and rock. yes the new people have talent but do all of them belong on the country charts? Truly they don't seem to care enough to comb their hair or dress properly. If you are going to be a star look like one. If some of the older stars got half as much marketing as the new stars I am sure they would still be turning out hits. After all their songs keep turning up and becoming hits for some of the new stars. My brownie troop used to sing a song about friends that said, "make new friends but keep the old, one is silver the other is gold." Now please substitute the word stars for the word friends and you may understand. Barbara F: They should not mess with WSM its been great all these years, it should be on more TV stations and on in more states. Some of us want to hear more old country music not just the pop stuff. Thank you. Rob L: I love Country/Americana music. I never listen to one second of commercial country stations. Who is the target audience? The music SUCKS! All these guys sound exactly the same. I feel the same way about the junk on pop radio. ’ve known a lot of musicians in my life and I bet that most of these artists are really OK but have sold their souls to Nashville. This is not just a country problem. All commercial radio is soulless crap. There are a few good independents around but they are few and far between. FM in the late 60’s and early 70’s plus the local country stations were the apex of radio. So, I just ride down the road listening to my home made CD’s of Cash, Haggard, Price, Owens, the Robison brothers, Robert Keen, Gram Parsons, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Stevie Ray and well you get the idea. Please, God, let us have radio back. Barbara (from Chicago) Regarding Anne Marie's editorial: You sure nailed it to the wall lady, and I applaud you. Those people in power in the music business are making Branson Missouri rich. You can go there and hear more good country music than you have in years in Nashville. Also in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Thanks TCB for letting me sound off again. Barbara F: My name is Barbara and I have been a country music fan fifty some years and even though I like some of the new stuff out there I don't want to hear it all the time. There are a lot of people going to Branson Mo and making them wealthy down there because that is the place to see and hear real country. I am sixty years old and I went through the rock years and guess what a lot of the entertainers who had careers in rock back in the 50's & 60's wound up being country stars. A lot of what they call country today is pop or early rock, but it sure should not be called country. Thanks for allowing me to get it off my chest. Give me Jones, Pride, Haggard, Strait, Lynn, Shepherd, Seely, Reba, Jackson, Anderson, and Price. They are my faves. Also please think about how many old songs have been recorded by new people and have became million sellers. What does that say about the kind of music people want to hear if they are given a choice? Not everyone buys cd's based on who the artist is, some of us actually listen to the tunes. Ok hand me my cane and let me toddle off my soap box. Thanks for giving me a place to vent.
Luke: I
just read the editorial, well said! I
especially think you're comments on the downloading are true. I've
not downloaded anything for some time now,
but when I did, it was something that
wasn't worth buying. I don't work 2 1/2 hours to buy something that
may have 1 or 2 good songs on it, most of which weren't even
written by the artist performing the song.
I'm tired of hearing about these new guys
bitching about people stealing their music, when in reality, they
shouldn't have much of a claim to it.
There is so much good stuff out there that, like you said,
you can't hear on the radio. Hank III is a
perfect example of that. An awesome
singer/song writer who follows the Williams family tradition of
throwing the "rule book" out the window,
and writing his own. Before I knew
anything about a Hank III, I saw his CD in a store a couple of years
ago. Not knowing what was on it, I didn't
buy it, but went on home and downloaded a
couple of tracks off of it. I liked those tracks, and the
very next day, I went and bought the album. When he released
another, I knew what it was like, so I
bought it. It's sad when you always see a
piece of work like "Risin' Outlaw" stocked on the shelves when you
know that it is only there because so many
people haven't heard it. It's even sadder
when you see an empty shelf of Kenny Chesney CD's that everyone
bought because they had been so brainwashed. And, this is coming from a guy who is only 19. Great site, I'm glad I found it. J Eldridge: I believe this all the way. I'm boycotting Nashville. I didn't know what till do till I found this site. It sounds like Austin is the place to be. I'm really getting into the music there. I HATE all the crap in Nashville. But it is the same crap they have been doing for years it is they just slapped traditional country in the face. Keep up the good work on this site and ill keep coming. September Editorial Worthy or Not?Paul D: A number of years ago I wrote a letter to Emmylou Harris, who was at that time, I believe president of the CMHoF urging an accelerated induction class to include Webb Pierce, Ray Price, George Jones, Carl Smith and Buck Owens (in roughly that order of priority) to be inducted, All were still living at the time although Pierce was beginning to be on shaky ground healthwise. I've always had a high regard for Ms Harris, whom I regard as one of the greatest background and harmony singers ever, but sad to relate , she did not reply to my letter. In the ensuing years all have finally been inducted, although Pierce was posthumously so. The CMHoF has not only erred in inducting too few inductees but has gotten the sequence wrong in many cases. Pierce, Smith, Jones, Price and Owens were at least 10 years too late, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash a few years too soon. Rod Brasfield and Whitey Ford (The Duke of Paducah) were okay choices for an expanded Hall but for the restrictive conditions under which the Hall was operating, they were unworthy selections. Jimmy Dickens and Bill Carlisle likewise (although I am a big Dickens fan). I don't even know where to start as to whom else to induct: performers Franklin Delano (Del) Reeves, Wynn Stewart, Bobby Bare, Tom T. Hall, The Osborne Brothers, Jack Greene, Stonewall Jackson, Jimmy Dean, Skeeter Davis, Jeanie Seely, Emmylou Harris and Connie Smith come readily to mind, as to songwriters such as Dallas Frazier, Leon Payne and Dean Dillon session men such as Junior Husky, Johnny Gimble, Roy Wiggins, Roy Nichols and John Hughey as well as pioneers such as Milton Brown, Emmett Miller, Vernon Dalhart and Rex Griffin Oh well
Janice B:
The passings
of Johnny Cash and Roy Horton make it 4 members who have died in
2003. However I don't expect any more changes in induction policies.
Also without
the special group of 2001 Webb Pierce would still have been passed
over.
Finding TCB As a lark, the Boston country radio station had a "you make the call" request show last night. I called and requested "Murder on Music Row." The DJ told me they'd never played that song. I WONDER WHY!?! Passing of Johnny Cash Travis: Losing Johnny Cash this morning makes one think. How many more Oaks will fall before Country radio will recognize the ones that are left. August Editorial Clues for the CluelessJohn B. I have been a country performer for 50 years. I have also produced, etc. I had a female e-mail me a while back and wanted some Country Songs as they were going to do some recording. (I am also a writer) She asked me if I had any in the style of Lionel Richey?? What??? If she would have said Merle Haggard, now that's country!!!! That I understand. Donald M: Ok you asked for it ! I have gone into store looking for Country Music that I want to hear. Hmm! It's a shame that I can find only half of what I'm looking for. Radio, is a joke! How dare there call it country music. CMA, maybe you ought to listen on a program called pal talk. A lot of people are playing the HILLBILLY music and sing it to boot ! I also belong to one of the msn web site that talks about Country Music and how it has die. Murder on Music Row, that right. And the price for the CD that are out there. I don't want a concert in my living room. Oh I forgot the price of that has gone up to. I am sure Hank Williams won't do it your way CMA. And believe or not that man still selling today Hmmm! That alright you go ahead and bite the hands that feeds ya. Cause if you don't go back, something new is coming and the business you big wigs are turning away is going to be someone else bread and butter sooner than you think. It already in the plans as I write this. Consumer are tied of not getting what they want. So a new group is coming to town. I won't even tell you the name. For I know you not listening to the people so it your lost. Just a Country Boy @ Heart Donnie AKA O-HillBillie Travis A: Once again Ms. Harrington's editorial has hit the nail. To the music/radio folks who continue to neglect real Country music We will continue to find our music where we can via the web, indie artists, and unsigned artists. We will buy their cd's, and pay money to see them perform. Your music and artists will continue to fail until you get the hint. We were here pre-Garth/Gaines, and we'll be here when you finally figure it out. Here's hoping you come to your senses sooner rather than later Domi (France): To my opinion, only on this site I can find the news about true country music. Now, I have been fortunate enough to attend concerts in June 2003 from Kevin Fowler and Chris Wall, David Ball, Perfect Stranger. They are so great!!! I did not know a lot about "Americana"? Because I am French, live in Paris. Like so many country fans I feel tired of those supposed country artists advertised on CMT and such. This June, I came back from my TX vacations with all of the albums of Kevin Fowler, and with Roger Creager, Max Stalling, George Strait. How disappointed I am that some of my favorites Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Daryle Worley put some wonderful new song on once again "greatest hits" album, the best way to kill sales in country music, because, personally, as far as I got all of the albums of these artists I don't feel like buying one more "greatest hits" just for 2 or 3 new songs. Now I am waiting impatiently for the new album of Joni Harms, my only country western favorite female singer, it's called "Let's put the western back in the country" at Wildcatter Records. Perfect Stranger will have a new CD too, I hope it will be as beautiful as their first record. Country Jack: man, I'm with you. I just wish you ran the radio station and the record company and the promotion's. Whoever it is, the guy in New York or wherever, that is callin' the shot's on this deal, is some kinda sales guru, to have convinced all these geeks to sell us, the true country fan, writer, picker and grinner, down the sewer of what ever this is that they cram down our throats, cause we don't know how to judge for ourselves what we like or don't appreciate as country music. i dropped the CMA before 1980 because it dropped it's purpose a and went for the bux$$. now the CMA, is concerned about the future of country music. that's too bad. at least there will be room for real indy start-up's one more time. come on back indy's and show your stuff ! thank God for indy labels and country music. Ron W: To Take Country Back, I have just read your editorial for July, 2003 and agree with you 100%. I have submitted my thoughts a couple of times to your site in the past. it is very sad what has happened to country music and the true country music entertainers. you are right in that this industry has gone from what the performers loved and enjoyed doing , to these new "performers" making it obvious they are in it for financial gains. Alan Jackson & George Strait's song " Murder on Music Row" says it all. TNN (THE NASHVILLE NETWORK) was country now its THE NATIONAL NETWORK. what a change to a variety channel. Garth Brooks is still trying to figure out what he wants to do. Leanne Rimes wants her father to keep his hands off her monies, and Shania Twain says in her commercial for one of her concerts "if your ready to rock I'm ready to roll" Its pretty obvious they're in the wrong field. Lord help us & country music !! Tony Conway: As someone who loves country music old and new you do not have a clue what you are talking about? I am on the board of directors of the Country Music Assoc and Chairman of Fan Fair, you have the wrong information in your July story, If you would bother to check the source on your story you might get the truth, Call Ed Benson at the CMA and ask him the questions you made false statements about, or call me and ask about Fan Fair. Sorry but the negative stories like you did are what is killing the Country music Industry. TCB note: An open invitation has been extended to Mr. Conway and the CMA to share their rebuttal marks to Ms. Harrington's editorial. Contrary to the comments made by Mr. Conway, TCB believes that open and honest discussion around the issues of country music can only have a positive effect on the longevity of country music. Carol H (Tx): Sorry Mr. Conway. I don't think YOU know what you're talking about. I've learned more about real country music from the good folks here at TCB than anywhere else. If anything these people should be applauded for helping to keep the music alive! What big business has done to country music is a disgrace! Travis A: Dear Mr. Tony Conway, Your response to Ms. Harrington's editorial only proves her point, what's killing Country music today is the lack there of on the radio! You have absolutely no concept of what Country music is, was or will be. If you did, I would be able to hear it on the radio, instead of the mindless sugarcoated pop that you're trying to force feed down our throats. Are you people ashamed of Country music or is anything less than one million records sold unacceptable? The concept is fairly simple as I see it: abandon the market research, record, promote Country music. How is it that an artist like Dale Watson has no record deal? Nashville did not learn a thing from Waylon Jennings. I'm sure this email will go unread and fall on deaf ears, and you'll continue to stay in denial until the end of time. Eric C: I have ignored country radio since about 1996 when it started to go downhill. Since then I have occasionally tuned in to see if it has changed, and unfortunately it has gotten worst instead of better. I remember what first got me interested in "real" country music. Does anybody remember a nationally syndicated show that came on Saturday night called "Country Gold Saturday Night" with Mike Fitzgerald. I started back in the late 80's listening to that show being only 11 or 12 at the time. I remember cuttin' my teeth, so to speak, on Marty Robbins, Dave Dudley, Conway Twitty, Buck Owens, and many, many others. Luckily at the time Nashville was in the Neo-Traditionalist movement with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Randy Travis, Alan Jackson, Mark Collie, and several others. So, I was glad to be exposed to what real country music was, and now I know what I am missing. Since 1996, the industry has gone downhill and I have been hopping mad ever since. However, that did not stop me from listening to real country music and going "underground", so to speak, in order to get what I want. Now to address the issue of how to take country back. Let me use a well-known scenario that occurred back in the early 1990's, and maybe we can learn something from it. I am not only a 'real' country music fan, I like many other forms of music too. I loved the hard rock scene of the mid 80's to the early 90's with bands like Firehouse, Metallica, Megadeth, Motley Crue, Van Halen, and many others. Then the death bell tolled for this form of authentic and melodic hard rock and along came Grunge and Progressive Rock via a band called Nirvana. How did this occur? If one has watched the endless VH1 and MTV documentaries about this form of music, one would find a common theme that is prevalent and had long been the banner for punk rock.That theme was that they didn't care about what the mainstream thought in regards to their music. They played what they liked and wanted to hear, regardless of what the mainstream media thought. Many bands didn't care if they had a record deal or if they even played on the radio. They just played for whoever would listen, and people listened. Mainstream media caught on to what was going on in Seattle, Washington and realized that people did like and want to hear this music and promoted it themselves. Now I said all that to say all this. Those of us who like and listen to real country music do not need the CMA or any other form of mainstream media to pay attention to us. Who cares what they think. We are obviously barking up the wrong tree! Anybody who has working knowledge of the music industry knows that notoriety comes from touring and getting your message to those who are willing to listen, not radio. Radio exists for the advertiser, not the listener, and record labels exist for the money, and the artist exists for the fan. Let the mainstream come to us, when they realize that 'real' country music is still relevant and sought after today. Also, for those who are looking for real country artists who are still waving the honky tonk banner check out these sites: allmusicguide.com; bloodshotrecords.com; watermelonrecords.com; littledogrecords.com Also, keep watching Austin City Limits on PBS and Sessions at West 54th, who occasionally puts 'real' country acts on the show. Yeeeeeee-haaawwwww!!!!! Glenn J. "The Ambassador Of The Bakersfield Sound" Pogatchnik: I am very encouraged that traditional Country Music even with it's ups and downs will prevail. Being from Bakersfield for many years many of these "city slickers" that have moved into Bakersfield have tried their best to eradicate our "hillbilly image." They seem hellbent to achieve this objective. In the last several years they have tore down two very famous nightclubs where Merle and Buck played. This would have been equivalent to tearing down the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. However this has not prevented our beloved "Bakersfield Sound" from thriving. We may not have as many of the taverns that were around in the "golden era" but believe you me there is a abundance of talent and live music abounds in basements, private parties, Moose Lodges and VFW halls just like ol' Merle and Buck used to play when they were nobodys. We currently have a site dedicated to our beloved Bakersfield Sound at www.rockabillyhall.com/Bakersfield.html Currently we receive over 50 hits a week which in my view is respectable. I believe the current music scene is all about demographics .As we baby boomers aged we were privy to buying some of the best music ever recorded. There were over 40 million of us that was a pretty easy sell. I think most of us had a lot of disposable income. Music was our life and we didn't have all the distractions that young folks have that the media are competing for today. Also how do improve on such artists as Buck, Merle, Gene Watson, Vern Gosdin, Waylon, Willie, Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Loretta Lynn etc. The world we live in is very tumultuous and fast paced and sometimes very confusing. I believe all music reflects this current state of affairs and added to that a lousy economy. So let's all hang in there and let the fans make the decision on how Country Music survives. As long as Fender guitar company keeps selling Telecasters Country Music will be played just the way we like it in Bakersfield. Kay M: I have to say a lot more people would go back to fan fair if they would straighten out. Since moving from the fairgrounds many of us boycott it and won't go back, Move fan fair back to during the week so the artists can do their weekend gigs, that is when they make money. You can't blame them for not showing up when there is money to be made. And their main season is summer.. I am speaking for a lot of people especially us old timers from Fan fair, and I can say a couple hundred or more.
Crossfire1958: I finally made
an effort to catch up with the rest of the world and got on the
internet! And, halla-lu-yah, right off the bat I found your
website! You can't imagine what a comfort it is to me to find
some kindred spirits. Take Country Back! That's a great name,
I just wish there were something we could do to actually take
country back. SSAllen: (Austin Tx) Case 1 I am just in awe that the author of this article put into words what Nashville execs have needed to hear for a long time. The music coming out of Nashville right now needs to take an immediate right turn or you might as well go ahead and merge "country" with "pop." I respect all artists, as I am one, so this is not a personal stab at any of them, but for example: Faith Hill's sings some song that if I was her producer I would not have had the gall to record in the first place, much less would I have let it escape from the studio, but unfortunately, that is not the case. They released it on the country radios, then they turned it into a dance tune that they playin clubs. Now, I know that once a song is recorded, it is free reign to whomever wants to cover it or change its arrangement, but GOOD LORD - All I think when I hear something that off the wall is "Why was it even a "country" song anyway? Can you see Loretta Lynn recording a song EVER that COULD EVEN BE MADE A DANCE TUNE?? Case number 2# I am a country singer. I auditioned for Nashville Star, which I know some people thought was cheesy, but what the hell? At any rate, in the regional auditions green room, we were all sitting around talking and singing, and someone asked a girl in our circle what song she wanted to sing. People were throwing out ideas: Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Mandy Barnett, Wanda Jackson, to which she responded, and I quote," I don't know any songs by any of them. Whos Merle Haggard?"
DEAR GOD
HELP THIS INDUSTRY!! She was auditioning for a country music
talent show, and had not a clue who some of the most important
staples of that industry are. Now, for the kicker...She was
picked for the top five in that regional audition by a judge who
is also an artist who used to be country, but has turned pop
Nashville act, who I am choosing not to name specifically.
Anyway, his reasoning was because he wanted to see her on stage
again in her bra-like top and low slung belly baring skirt. She
chose an original that sounded more like a Sheryl Crow song that
a country song (and I love SC, but she isnt country-YET-I think
she is moving that way ie Kid Rock) and a popish mainstream
country tune for her cover song!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, she made
it onto the show! What does this mean? Looks over talent?
Bellys over Bravado?? W. Newton: Nashville's Thinkin Problem. As producer for David Ball who coined the phrase "Thinkin Problem", I agree with everything you said in your article. I just want to add that county music is alive and kicking here on Music Row, David and I are working on the new follow up album to "Amigo" which sold over 300,000 units mostly as a result of the first single, "Riding With Pvt. Malone". The second two singles after that were completely ignored by the reporting stations, and I don't think it had to do with the music. I think on a level playing field where it's about the music and not the money, we would have had two or three more radio hits and would've sold a million copies. I think you summed up why that didn't happen. The worst problems resulted from the decision a few years ago by the few companies that control radio to reduce their play list by as much as half. It's just simple math, the listeners now have half as many chances to hear the great songs that make them want to buy an album. Change that, and start enforcing the laws that exist about payola in all of it's forms, and you'll start hearing better music in a very short time. I know because I hear so much great music all the time from my friends on Music Row, and its sad that so little of it gets out to the fans. A fellow fan for life, Wood Newton M. Anderson: I used to feel guilty giving up on Country radio - no more. I hung in there for a long time, hoping to hear something that excited me, that made me want to go out and spend my hard-earned dollars. After 30 years of listening, no more. My quandary is, where can I hear good NEW music (other than Take Country Back?) And, if I am not within easy access of my PC, that rules out internet radio. I'm relegated to listening to my old CD's, which I love, but I would really like to hear some new music to get excited about. The music industry wants to blame the fans for the decline of record sales.....specifically, the downloading of music. Number one, I don't believe that the rampant music downloaders are country music fans. Secondly, give us a product that we want to buy! I would never download music that I intend to purchase. The music that I download is the old music that I already paid for years ago, when I bought the albums! There are now three, count 'em, three, artists whose music I will buy faithfully. Other than that, it's a situation of "show me". Show me that there is something on the CD that makes me want to buy it. Of course, I'd never know that, because I'll never hear it on the radio. You can imagine my dismay when I opened my latest issue of Country Music Magazine and read the letter from the editor, telling me that this would be my last issue of Country Music! But of course, to make it up to me, they're going to fulfill my remaining subscription by sending me issues of that rag, Country Weekly. Country Weekly makes me ashamed to admit that I'm a Country fan. I have subscribed to Country Music for years and have even saved all my issues. I have to admit, I've noticed a decline in the quality of the magazine recently - what the stars are wearing, how they're doing their hair, the cooking column - however, the music reviews still maintained their high degree of quality. Of course, if Country Weekly actually prints reviews, I'm sure every CD is GREAT. I especially look forward to the part of the review that will tell me what the star was wearing when she recorded a particular track, or who he happened to be dating at the time that track #5 was laid down. Speaking of the CMA and specifically, the CMA Awards Show, I still remember when the slogan was, "October Is Country Music Month." Boy, does that make me feel like a relic. Now, I don't even know when it's going to be broadcast in any particular year; and worse, I don't even care. It used to be a highly anticipated ritual to watch the awards - it was a highlight of my year. I debated the merits of each nominee and made my own predictions for who would win in each category. With the advent of VCR's, I'd record the program. I'm sorry to say that, as someone who would be politely referred to as a "rabid" Country Music fan, I now only have a passing familiarity with some of the nominees and performers. I've basically given up trying to maintain any excitement toward the music that I have loved my whole life. And that makes me sad. I guess that's what I feel more than anything - sadness for what I have lost. Dave S: Just want to chip in with my 2 cents. My wife and I own a commercial FM station in central Pennsylvania. We air Jones CD Country, and place our own musical choices within each hours' programming - usually Texas-style country or Americana selections, no less than twice every hour. Just this simple expression (seven minutes an hour) of our own music choices is driving the local large chain country stations crazy. Listeners will hear something we added, call the three other "corporate country" stations to hear it, and be told they can't play it "because it's not on the charts." And these morons wonder why audience shares are shrinking! Look, folks - it's not brain surgery, it's radio. Play the best music available, and listeners will respond. It's that simple - and in today's media environment, that difficult. To learn more about how we are standing up for what country music can and should be, click to our website, www.bear999.com. Browse "new and underappreciated artists" to see how much music you're missing. And sign our guestbook while you're there. Thanks in advance for your support. Fek38: Your editorial about Nashville's thinkin hit the nail on the head. I remember when fan fair 1st started and it was a blast. Not anymore. I think I'll go check out Branson instead of going back to Nashville. Ken: Well said..................I wonder if anyone on music row is listening? Thank God, Dale Watson & his Lonestars will be playing in a little Honky Tonk in Buffalo NY next week! Bethany B: What's In a Name? "Mainstream country?" "Pop country?" What exactly is that? A name can be a trademark. A descriptive term can become a trademark. A trademark functions as a way to help us identify goods and services. One purpose of a trademark is to prevent consumers from being misled or intentionally confused about products or services. A strong trademark can help prevent businesses from stealing the goodwill another business has built up. So what, you are asking, does a trademark have to do with country music? I believe very strongly that if we as country music consumers keep talking about "Nashville country, mainstream country, pop country, etc.," just as if it were country music then we ourselves are contributing to the theft of the goodwill and the identity country music created for itself. We're tarnishing our own product and we're making our own trademark generic. Take a minute to think about the term 'country music' as if it were a trademark. If 'country' was a legal trademark and you owned it, wouldn't you feel that Nashville has infringed on your product's identity? The TCB editorial stated, "Nashville is synonymous with country music," but I disagree. The establishment that is now in Nashville; The CMA, CMT, Gaylord, many of the record labels, etc. may have stolen the goodwill built up by authentic country music, but Nashville is no longer synonymous with country music. Nashville is now synonymous with the music it is creating, which is Nashville-pop. They may have appropriated the term or label or trademark 'country' to further their own agenda and promote their own brand of music, but what they are marketing is not country music. If you substitute the term 'Nashville-pop' in many places in the TCB editorial, you will see that it is the Nashville-pop industry that is making itself irrelevant and it is Nashville-pop that is now on life support. That's a process we need to help along. Therefore, I am again begging all of you who are fans of country; please stop using the 'trademark' country to describe the music coming out of Nashville. It is NASHVILLE-POP; it is not country. I know I am preaching to choir, but come on - it no longer bears any resemblance to country music. It is now a genre of music all its own. You know it when you hear it, and I can characterize it for you; its contrived and lifeless, it has no heart, no melody, no beat, no "gravel in its gut or spit in its eye." AnnMarie, you yourself said the CMA needs to recognize that Nashville music is "not even in the country music ballpark" and you are so right! Nashville-pop has nothing to do with real country music. Can we stop acting as if it does or even as if it should? A trademark is acquired through use in commerce and the more it is used in relation to one product, the stronger it becomes. Do you see how important it is for us to take back our trademark? As fans of country music we've got to stop supporting this rampant infringement on our trademark. I know we can and we must begin to change that tune at the grass roots level by never again invoking the misnomers 'Nashville country,' mainstream country,' or 'pop country.' Using those phrases confuses the consumer and robs authentic country of its goodwill and its product identity. Do you see how important it is to country music to distinguish itself from other products such as Nashville-pop? Call that genre of music what it intended itself to be, and what it really is; Nashville-pop. I recall when I first came to Nashville over a year ago; I had the opportunity to speak with Garth Fundis, the President of the Grammy organization. I asked him only one question. I asked that the organization consider creating a Grammy category for authentic country music. He answered that in fact, that topic was frequently raised within the organization and a category addition was under consideration. Since that conversation however, I have recognized the error of my ways. For years I have resented finding myself in a position where I was always using adjectives to describe the music I love; authentic country traditional country, real country, etc. We've all been doing this so people will be clear that we like country music. Now I want to turn the tables and make those who are infringing on my music's identity get their own adjectives and their own trademark. I want to Take Country Back! Let them add a category for Nashville-pop! If you are a country music fan please continue to boycott everything that has to do with the Nashville-pop industry, this includes CMT, CMA, ACM, Nashville-pop magazines such as Country Weekly, CDs, and radio stations that insist on representing Nashville-pop as if it were country music. Ignore it all. Don't give your time, your energy or your money to Nashville-pop. At the same time, try and change the way you are looking at the industry; country music is NOT dying, Nashville-pop is dying. Country music is still organic and it is flourishing and being nurtured on websites like TCB and in locations like Austin and Australia and yes, even on radio stations such as WSM in Nashville! I love country music! What kind of music to you like? May Editorial: Doing The Right Thing The Wrong Way Annie and Peter: (Germany) We just want to write our opinion to your editorial. Perhaps it's interesting to you to hear from country fans outside the US. We also don't like the re-re-issuing of CDs. Especially for country fans here in Europe it is a very bad policy. Often the record labels issue a CD here in Europe with a different cover and perhaps with one or two different tracks than the original US release. Sometimes you'll get the same CD with a different cover and title and if you don't know about that, you easily can buy the same CD twice, as you might think it's a new release. Here in Germany it's also very difficult to buy Country CDs in stores. But thanks to the internet buying Country Music is much easier now. But you have to be careful and get as much information as you can get about the CDs you like to have. Kind regards from Germany and LET THERE BE REAL COUNTRY MUSIC Clif F: Not only the older artists are having this done to them. Example, Darryl Worley, Have You Forgotten? for about $19.00 you get 16 cuts (great you think). When you look a little deeper, you find that 12 of these cuts were on his first two cd's. That's like buying a new V-8 pickup with six old spark plugs. I don't think so! Sorry Darryl, I like your music, just not that much. Mark A: I couldn't agree more! Look at the release's for Stevie Ray Vaughn since his untimely death in 1991. SRV "Live", Greatest Hits, Greatest Hit's 2, Live DVD/3 CD set box, and I'm sure I missed a few along the way. The industry has exploited the fans of legendary singers since they found out the death of them means money in there pockets. Unfortunately, most fans are like sheep and they will be lead astray out of what they think is devotion when in reality the fans are being exploited like a grieving family at the hands of a funeral home director. Just my .02 cents... Ron W: I agree with your article of re-issuing re-issues. I have always loved true country music. I had purchased Johnny Cash's hurt cd with video. i have played this cd many times but could never get the video to play, but today after reading your editorial I understand why the video doesn't play "its not there" It's sad to be ripped off by people (low-life's) who are using the talents & reputation of such a great man and entertainer as Johnny Cash is for their own financial gains. this also goes for other great talents of country music, Ray Price, Waylon and others. Johnny G: I agree. I knew about the Waylon Live! situation well before that CD came out, and was thrilled when it was finally released. It was not, however, all from the same show. If you read the liner notes, the unreleased stuff was from another show (right around the same time). That was o.k. with me, but it bugged me that they put the first half of the original album, then the unreleased stuff, then the second half of the original album. Now you say that they are doing the same thing again! Oh well, I'll gladly spend my $ for prime live Waylon. That is one of my 5 all-time favorite albums. I didn't know the Man Called Hoss and Will the Wolf Survive LP's were so scarce. April's Editorial: Do Unto Others? TCB note: We knew going into this month's editorial that this would be a topic that would evoke heated emotion and much passion from whatever position our reader's took. We felt that it was more important to bring the discussion forward despite the negative responses rather than take the safe road and say nothing. Take Country Back was founded on the premise that many freedoms had been taken from the country music fan in terms of being able to find the kind of music they wanted outside of the mainstream offerings. To squash our reader's freedom of speech liberties now would be the last thing we'd want to do -- so this month, as always, we will share all your responses. In addition to promoting and supporting free speech for everyone we also support all of the coalition forces and pray for their safe return. Ruth R: I think that the Dixie chicks should be on every radio station again .The Dixie chicks are a really good group. I personally don't care what some people think .There are an awful lot of people who still love them and ,want to hear there songs (new and old). If everyone judged us all on the words that we spoke out about ,where would we all be? I can't damn the Dixie chicks for what Natalie Maines said (no one is perfect) .As far as Natalie Maines goes ,all I can say is Natalie keep singing, never give up. Fight for what you truly love doing and, demand that your songs be heard .Country music just isn't the same without you . Good luck to you all. People should put away there angriness and see what country music is missing, (that's the Dixie chicks). Gary R: I suppose I am quite late replying to the April editorial but I had to say one thing after reading Mr. Malone's complaints as well as some of the other "replies". I agree that the Dixie Chicks, like all American citizens have the RIGHT to say anything - the constitution says so. BUT, what about being responsible for what they say? My biggest complaint is WHERE she said it - in London? That to me borders on treason - if she had said this in Texas then that would be her RIGHT...but in a foreign country? Thanks for allowing me to say my feelings... TJ L: Dear Folks At Take Country Back, This in response to your current editorial. The other reader who mentioned double standards has it right. I have to laugh at these people with selective amnesia who think they're more qualified to express their opinions than celebrities are. I've got two words for them. Ronald Reagan. Hollyweird actor for 25 years, co-starred with a chimp in that American classic Bedtime For Bonzo. He went on to become our 40th president and served two terms. Next, go count all the spoiled, filthy rich millionaire politicians we have. Bush isn't among them? It's not the celebrities' fault that the media is more interested in what they say than in what the average Joe says. Joe doesn't sell, he buys. So blame the media and not the celebrities who are only airing their opinions the way every other American Joe is. That's one of the pitfalls of democracy. Capitalism. Radio station owners are another bunch of hypocrites. Ms. Maines isn't the first or only singer to voice a dissenting opinion towards Bush and his policies in this country or in another one. The Beastie Boys, Neil Young, Zack de la Rocha, Steve Earle, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Santana, Sheryl Crow, OutKast, Pearl Jam, System of a Down, Lenny Kravitz, John Mellencamp, the list is endless. They've all made stronger and harsher criticisms verbally or in their songs, but their music hasn't been pulled from the airwaves. It looks suspiciously like the Dixie Chicks have been singled out as a scapegoat and are being held to a different standard than any other performer. Pocketbook boycotts and stating your disagreement with a comment is perfectly within people's 1st amendment rights. That line is crossed when organized smear campaigns, acts of vandalism, threats of death or bodily harm are made and brought into the picture. Those are not rights granted to anyone under the Constitution, they are called crimes. Those that carry out such actions are not patriotic Americans, they're called criminals. I agree with the statements that opposing policy doesn't equal non-support of the troops. You don't kill the messenger because you don't like the message he delivered. Bush's cutting the benefits of our Vets by billions of dollars right after he declared war with Iraq is his idea of supporting our troops? It isn't mine. More than 100 of our soldiers died so far fighting Bush's war. How is this war with Iraq defending American soil and the rights and freedoms of Americans? Iraq didn't attack the U.S. or any other country. Bush has proven one thing by his war that supports the arguments against it. Iraq wasn't a threat to the U.S. or the world. A few decaying relics left over from the Iran-Iraq war don't constitute an "imminent" threat. Hussein being a brutal dictator was never a question, but the fact remains there are hundreds of equally brutal dictators and governments throughout the world. Is the U.S. going to overthrow them all next? By Bush's current policy, it makes the U.S. morally responsible to do that now. Logistically impossible and something which is not for our government to take upon itself to do. Bush's first responsibility is to the American people and to see to it that American soil is adequately protected. Terrorism will never be eradicated, it's now a fact of life that we can only try our best to be prepared for. Billions upon billions of dollars are being spent overseas on a cause with questionable motives, while the first responders of our country have had to grovel to be granted a tiny fraction of that amount, which is still not enough to even equip each one with a gas mask. The American people are told to go to the hardware store to buy duct tape and plastic to protect themselves. The U.S. and the world are no safer now than before initiating a war with Iraq. Yo mama, Osama and his band of terrorists are still on the loose. They have attacked us time and again. Maybe if Bush had spent a fraction of the time, energy and money going after Osama as he has Hussein, Osama would no longer still be a very real threat. The embarrassment is not Americans who speak out against what they feel is morally or politically wrong. It's the disgusting set of double standards that exists in this country and that an illiterate and uncouth military deserter who views the Constitution as being irrelevant to him and who has shown little interest in his own people, wound up as president and commander-in-chief of the United States military. Not only will I exercise my right to say it publicly, I'd gladly say it to his face. I apologize for being longwinded and that this is probably too long to add to your comment area, but thank you for letting me get this off my chest. I wanted to let you know I support the points brought up in Malone's letter and your latest editorial. Keep up the good work. Dennis D: Just because Natalie Maines has the Constitutional right to put down the President of the United States in a foreign country, and in front of a foreign audience, does not mean she should have done it. We all have rights but that doesn't mean it is necessarily prudent or smart to exercise them. It depends on the situation. She may technically be an American, but she certainly isn't a very good example of one. In fact, she is an embarrassment to this country by saying what she did. There's a time to speak up and there's a time to shut up. She messed up royally. Over 100 American soldiers have died to make her and her family's life safer. She should be ashamed. Tom M: Do unto others... Wow, celebrities , is there anything they don't know? Miss Natalie can say anything she wants. I can boo if I want. And If I bought a CD, which I haven't, I can burn it if I want. I don't have the forum she has but I don't give her opinion any more weight than any other. Has she said anything similar in America? ...in Texas?
Al B: I suspect the idea of
stereotypes does apply. At one time, the majority of country music
listeners were the rural Whites who (at least according to one set
of statistics I've seen) die in wars in far greater numbers than
their percent of the population would indicate. Many country music
fans still identify with these rural roots even if they live in the
big city. With the country at war, they may feel as if they and/or
their loved ones are being insulted or endangered when people don't
rally around the nation's leader. Those who feel that way should
not buy a Dixie Chicks CD - problem solved. As someone else pointed
out, most of us are smart enough to figure out how to change the
station when we hear something we don't like. Eric K: Howdy, I was not familiar with your site before but found the link @Hicks with Sticks. I wanted to take a second and drop a line about the Natalie Maines controversy. First, let me say I am a 2nd generation transplanted Hillbilly living in Indiana. I perform traditional style country music. I will also say further that my political leanings are neither conservative or liberal, I think both sides have their fair share of idiots and reasonable people. I read through both the articles by Mr. Flippo and Mr. Malone, respectively and agree and disagree with both. Here's my personal take on it. Natalie Maines has every right to express her concern as well as country music fans have their right to express theirs with their pocketbooks. It shocks and saddens me as a patriotic American to see people burning the Dixie Chicks CDs just as much when I see anti-war protestors here or abroad. Why? Because both are equally anti-American. I think few anti-war protestors have any real feelings for or against the government by terror regime in Iraq, I think they just don't like war, or they just don't like America. Where were the protests when we went into Bosnia? As far as burning CD's, well that's stupid! Go buy something you like, instead of wasting your money and polluting the air w/noxious fumes. If you don't like the Dixie Chicks, don't patronize their concerts, buy their records or watch their videos, etc. As far as what Natalie Maines said, here's why I would take offense to what she said just like I take offense to the likes of Martin Sheen, Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, et al. How offended would I have been when my grandfather was in France in WWII or my other grandpa in Korea In 1951 if some attractive, young millionaire, female singer had come out against the war. Celebrities live charmed lives. How divorced from each other are the realities of a soldier making $14k a year driving a tank through the desert and a singer who gets $14k a night for a concert. By the very nature of their profession and their success they have a responsibility to choose their words very carefully or suffer the wrath of public opinion. We are all free to speak our minds, but please, let's all do so with a little reason, respect and forethought.
James L: There seems to be a
little confusion here about "rights". Janice B: I certainly applaud Malone. As for 800 fans verse 8000 I will go along with the recent NY Times article that Clear Channel , etc., is using their influence. Larry H: Speaking of the outrage about Natalie Maine's statement that she was ashamed to be from the same state as George W. Bush---where was this same outrage when the late Johnny Russell, among others, stood on the stage of the Grand Ol' Opry and ridiculed President Clinton, his wife and his then pre-teen daughter? Where was the outrage when Ricky Skaggs, at Bush political rallies before the 2000 election, would make his asinine comments about VP Gore? Could this be your usual Republican double standard?Larry B: Wow, a left-wing country music site. You should have quite a future. Not. The Chicks should not be banned from radio play for their political views. They should be banned because their music sucks. March's Editorial: They Can’t See The Forest For The TreesLynn R: Well, I can't say I've always agreed with the articles, but I do agree with this one. I have two boys, 9 and 11. Last year Brittany Spears was "It" as far as music went. This year they don't even know who she is. Two months ago it was Avril Lavigne. Now they could care less. I have been a fan of Don Williams and Merle Haggard since I was 16 years old (well over 25 years ago). They were artists you could stick with because they consistently put out great music. You could pick up one of their albums, not have heard any of the songs on it before, and still feel safe in paying out the money for it because you knew you were going to like it. There are many new artists who have a song or two that I like but I wouldn't take the chance on buying an album without previously having heard it. I am hearing more of the kind of country music that I want to hear on the internet then I am on my local country radio station. And I really appreciate this newsletter because it has exposed me to a lot of great country singers that I would never have heard on the radio. If an artist can be called "too country" than that's the artist I want to hear!! Keep up the good work. Casey S: I happened to stumble upon your site today and I just want to applaud you for your latest article. I am a Native Texan that was raised listening to Don Williams, Willy, Waylon, Merle and many others. When I started college, I was exposed to an up and coming genre know as Texas country. I immediately fell in love with this movement while listening to artists such as Pat Green, CCR, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Max Stalling, and many others. Finally, music that tells it like it is and really appeals to my generation. You see, I am 25 years old and have graduated from college now but I still listen to Texas Country and Red Dirt Artists religiously. However, I am yet another in this age group that has been turned off by mainstream country. By the way, I really love your site. February's Editorial: The Disney-fication Of Country MusicAl B: In February's editorial, you made me think of another example of political-correctness gone bad. If Loretta Lynn were doing "One's on the Way" today, there would be idiots denouncing her for advocating child abuse. "One needs a spanking" - how terrible!Wildfire: I really enjoyed AnnMarie Harrington's article. She tells it like it is. That is what country music has always been about and as country goes will always be in that vein. Some of the artists that are promoted out there today could use a few lessons from some of the greats of the past. Not to take anything away from what some of them are doing if you remember the words to one of Johnny Cash's songs, "What is Truth" I really enjoy the music of most of the older artists and some of the new ones like Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley just to name two. Another one I have discovered is Billy Yates. His CD "If I Could Go Back" has some real country on it. For one artist to put out 10 songs that should have at least six of them on the charts makes me eagerly await his next release.January's Editorial: CountryMusicTravesty C. Buggs Coombs/Tone Chaperones: First off, I'd like to thank Laurie for the kind words in her reviews of our latest discs. Being a trad/alt. country band from Michigan is not an easy road, and when we receive such kind words about our work, we appreciate it. Thank you Laurie, and TCB. I'm not going to get into the whole what is country, what is not thing, but I do have some views. I must admit that I don't watch CMT too often, especially since they've deleted Billy Block's Western Beat, and Jammin' Country. That seemed to be the only time you'd see the Derailers, or Rodney Crowell etc. I also think that for the most part, Country Radio is about as bad as it can get. (at least around here). I realize it's a money thing, and big money gets it's way, but big money has no heart or soul. My main problem with radio, and TV. is not what they're playing, it's what they're not playing. Why does it have to be so narrow minded, and formatted. If the big stations can call Tim McGraw, and Shania country, then why can't they play some real country also. The late Waylon, Willie, Cash Jones, Haggard, still are making great recordings. So why no airplay? That's not even getting into the new generation of country purists. What about Dale Watson, Wylie's Wild West, Rex Hobart, Bill Kirchen, and Jr. Brown? Here's a good example of what I'm talking about. About a year ago or more, one of the big radio stations in my area was promoting a Jr. Brown show. However, if you called and requested him, they would just say I'm sorry he's not on our playlist. How can anybody make sense of that? I'm just saying there's room for everybody. At least in the South and Southwest you can find a real country station from time to time. Our band has found that at least a handful of stations are doing specialty shows that feature independent, and traditional, or as most of it is referred to alt. country, if for only an hour or two a week. Hats off to them. I've told the band many times that if we lived in Texas, we'd never be out of work, and people would understand and appreciate what we do. I don't mean to sound like I'm crying, and MI. is a great state, and we do have a small handful of people who dig what we do, but just think if all types of country got aired, instead of a handful of artists who pretty much do as they're told by record moguls in Nashville, NYC, and L.A. Oh well, in a perfect world Robbie Fulks, and Kelly Willis would be household names. Thanks for letting me ramble. Pat J: I agree with you about CMT I watch CMT only on Saturday evenings, And am very disappointed and happy to have a channel changer handy. To me true country is very straight, it tells great stories! I have a lot of CDs from Alan Jackson to Ray Price, they are both great!! Cliff F: I would have to agree on the dislike of CMT. I think I really started disliking them when they started Most Wanted Live in the lobby of the Hall of Fame. To me that was like a slap in the face and a kick in the nether regions. Never mention the Hall, never mention the history within the walls, never show respect for what's there and by all means don't let any real country lovers sit in audience.... we only want teen bubble headed girls and buff guys. BARFFFFFFFFF I saw where Toby must read your editorial, he is grounded. He keeps grounded people around him so he doesn't get to thinking he's a legend in his own mind. To late!!! CMT has begun to realize that people are not watching their trash. People are looking at GAC.... at least they have a show with classics (for what it's worth) and they did do an interview with Leland Martin. And you are right about the Opry. The only way to enjoy it is online or if your lucky, on the radio or luckier still, in the audience. It is sad to think that the young country fans think the Opry is only one hour long. They are really surprised when they find out it's a 2 and a half hour show. CMT can do what ever they want. I don't watch it. Ron W: I just read your complete article and agree with every word that was written. it is sad what has happened to country music, and the traditional country music artists. I must admit that when Garth Brooks first came on the scene I did enjoy some of his music, but when he couldn't make up his mind on whether he wanted to retire, play baseball, get a divorce or turn to rock&roll I lost interest very quickly. it was very obvious he was in country music for fame & fortune not because he was devoted to country and appreciated his fans. Shania ,Leanne & Faith all belong in the same group as Brittney, Christina & Jennifer. I'm a man but these women turn me off when I think of the influence they are sending across to our younger generations. Thank you for allowing me to have my say! Dwight: - CountryMusicTravesty - Right On! James L: Yes, the country music genre has been hijacked by the large corporations. I listen to country music all the time, yet I have not tuned in to a contemporary country radio station for any length of time in the last eight years. Many contemporary country artists have very good voices and put out an occasional song I like, but it is not "country" music. But, like a lot of products and services the large corporations have taken over and ruined in the pursuit of higher profits (don't get me going down that road), things will never return to the way they were in the past. There is little sentimentality in business. True country music will survive as a niche genre, much like it was in the late 1950's and 1960's, after rock and roll pushed it completely off the airways. But now, thanks to the Internet, those of us who love real country music will be able to find and enjoy as much of it as we want. P. Frey: I strongly differ with you in your assessment of country music. Yes, some of these entertainers have crossed over to "pop" music and it doesn't sound much country. However, were it not for these artists and some of the other top artists in country music the last few years--where do you think country music would be? Many of these barely unknown artists would be lost in the dust if they did not have the draw of these bigger artists to bring viewers to CMT or to open concerts for these superstars. And your comments re Toby Keith are way out of line. I've seen him in concert 2 times this last year and his concerts are fun and entertaining--the best country concerts I've ever attended and I'm not a young person and I've seen many. You need to get all of his 9 cd's and listen to them--especially to many of the unreleased songs and many written or co-written by Mr. Keith himself. They are emotionally moving to listen to and please--give no preference to the Dixie Chicks who sings songs about killing Earl and going on the Grand Ole Opry an singing "White Trash Wedding" from their current cd. I do like Alan Jackson and yes, Waylon was my all time favorite country artist until this last 1-1/2 years and now it is Toby Keith. He's has a lot in common with Waylon fighting with the music industry to do it his way and look where he is today. You say you like Waylon. Listen to Toby sing "Die With Your Boots On" and tell me it isn't a "Waylon" song. Merle Haggard called Toby the night CMT had the Live, Unleashed and Uncut song and requested Toby sing his song --said he understood Toby knew the words to all of his songs and Toby replied that he did. Merle and Willie are two of Toby's favorite artists and he has said so many times. They seem to like him. Can you not even give him some respect? Bottom line, Toby's now a superstar--and along with the others of that status in country music today--country music would barely survive if at all. Rock, pop, hip-hop all have the top sales and they would crush country music without these country superstars you refer to so negatively. People who tune in to these country superstars also see and hear those you speak about and without these stars, where would those people be? Article: Radio Active |
