The State of Today’s Country Music
On 10-30-2009
at 1:14 pm
All the time we hear talk about “Today’s” Country Music. Some think it is absolutely horrible and consider it a slap in the face to the genre. However, there are some that would strongly disagree and see it as a refreshing change for country music. I can see both sides of the fence. I personally can agree that some artists are getting far away from traditional country music, but when you get down to it this is nothing new.
Back in the day when country was just a guitar, fiddle, and a banjo a few changes came about that rocked the boat…first being those “dreadful” drums! What kind of country music has drums? What now…Is that an ELECTRIC guitar I hear on that song? I think that there will always be things that change the sound of country music, but the emotions and passion will always be a constant.
Whether future generations look back on Keith Urban and Brad Paisley as the Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed of their time is yet to be said…will Carrie Underwood or Taylor Swift be the next Loretta Lynn or Brenda Lee, maybe…
I think the greatest aspect of music is the fact that it is always evolving. However, in order to keep the country “country” we have got to remember those that made it great and paved the way for today’s artists.
What aspects of “today’s” country music do you feel is keeping the tradition alive and staying true to its roots? What aspects of classic country do you feel bucked the trends at the time to start a more rocking sound?
The Associated Press ran an article today (George Jones:New Country Needs A New Name) where George Jones speaks out on the state of today’s country music. While I disagree with some of his assessment — hey, I enjoy (unashamedly) Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, and I think they are country, albeit pop-tinged to say the least — I also agree with some of it. Click on the link and let me know what you think.
Briguy- If you have not already I would like to invite you to become a fan of ours on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/PureCountryMusic I actually linked that article to our facebook page…great words of wisdom from the Possum, huh?
You have been a great contributor to our blog and think that you would have some good insight to add to our Facebook page as well. Thanks, Kyle
Sorry, not a fan of Facebook. Too much trouble and that takes place on those boards.
No problem, Briguy…we will look forward to hearing from you on here!
Country music was designed to music aimed at the rural communities of the U.S.A. That is exactly where it has it’s roots, not in L.A. or New York or any other dirty ol’ city (to quote Merle Haggard). Today’s “country” sounds like poorly rehashed 80’s pop schmaltz, not unlike the schlock produced by Richard Marx and his ilk. Since the days of Jim Reeves and other “metropolitan” country singers, there was always a place for both traditional country and “pop” country on the charts and on country radio. However, today that is not the case. Traditional country is gone from the airwaves. The only place you will find new “tradiotional” country is by researching the internet or checking out The Marty Stuart Show on RFD.
Forgive my typo’s above, but ya get the point.
Preach on Bro. Rodney. There is not a genre out there that is as intolerant as today’s modern country.