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Originally posted by stroller
Well since you know your country can you tell me anything about the Willard Grant Conspiracy? I heard a track of theirs called Soft Hand on an Uncut CD a year or two ago and I was really impressed. Can you recommend anything else by them?

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Originally posted by Rev Jules
, "I'm drawn to the complexity of country lyrics, the great stories",

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Does that not go against what our dear Rev was saying in his article?

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Originally posted by Archie

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Originally posted by Rev Jules
, "I'm drawn to the complexity of country lyrics, the great stories",

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Does that not go against what our dear Rev was saying in his article?

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You were reading closely, good stuff. Nope, it doesn't go against what I said. The following is my text, "the great country songs are really stories set to music and made to rhyme. They have storylines, characters, action, dialogue, plot twists and denouements. Stonewall Jackson's song, 'BJ the DJ', is a great example of this with it's opening verse, "A story 'bout a pal of mine / Who worked down near the Georgia line / A D.J. in a little country station". The song goes on to relate the sad demise of our hero due to his penchant for unsafe driving, "B.J. the D.J. / Only twenty-four / A wreck at ninety miles an hour / He'll spin the hits no more". Now, you don't have to make your songs as complex as that to achieve your effect since any reference to physical actions such as fighting, dancing, drinking, driving, killing or kissing will suffice." You don't HAVE to make it complex, but you can if you want. Thank you for asking.

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Originally posted by aidan
jules, I was at that gig too! WGC were great but I LOVED the hot club of cowtown!!!! what do you think of them?

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Originally posted by qorian
The truth shall set you free! Jules you may remember my country-loving admission in our Johnny Cash debates from oh-so-long-ago. (If memory serves, you didn't like Cash's cover of I See A Darkness, while I named it one of my favorite covers in the American Recordings years...Speaking of which, would you classify that as a country song? It's essentially a song about a crush, but the feel is more desperate resignation than actual loss or despair...) By the same token, I was surprised that you didn't mention Jesus as a sometimes-exception to the down-and-out rule of country. Sort of a "Nothing is any good and it never will be baby no matter what we do (but I gots jesus so i'm alright.)" sort of thing (The Byrds' "I Like the Christian Life" comes immediately to mind. Ironic coming from the band, perhaps, but certainly heartfelt in its delivery...). And the country DUET is notoriously lovey-dovey. For every "Oh What A Good Thing We Had" there's a sweetheart story. Some other on-the-fly examples: Loretta Lynn "Van Lear Rose" (as country as country gets, but it's about her parents falling in love) Uncle Tupelo "Screen Door" (not a country band, but certainly a pretty straight-up country song) Hank Williams "Hey Good Lookin'" (of course.) Don't take this to mean that I didn't COMPLETELY adore the article. I did and do. You summed it up unbelievably well, and for country knowledge you've got me beat for SURE. Plus as a how-to, you're right to leave out the optimistic tunes; happy country songs ought to be left to experts and experts only. (There are precisely zero country acts that've ever made it by writing sunny songs.) Anyone not a country legend or visionary should basically steer clear. Anyway, I'm just trying to keep the conversation roling. And, well, yes, get another couple country suggestions out of you. I admit it. like I said, the truth shall set you (me) free...

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Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now, where to start ?...Oh yeah, some recommendations for y'all. George Jones - "He Stopped Loving Her Today" Jim White - "Christmas Day" Clint Black, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Jimmy Buffet and George Strait - "Hey Good Lookin'" Chip Taylor/Carrie Rodriquez - 'There's A Hole In The Midnight" The Cash Brothers - "Nebraska" The The - "Honky Tonkin'" Now, yes, there are some happy country records and these become more popular with the popification of Music Row. Something that has been challenged with the success of 'revivalist' music such as the 'Oh Brother, where are thou' soundtrack. A good example of this pop country is the Nashville songwriter Randy Goodrum who has been covered by Boyzone. Conversely, Ronan Keating subsequently co-wrote a classic country tune with Paul Brady entitled, 'The Long Goodbye' which became a No. 1 Country hit in America for Brooks and Dunn. I'm not sure that I would describe "Hey Goodlookin'" as a happy song because Hank, as in every song, makes it sound as if he has found himself at the gates of hell. I include the above recording of that same song, though, as an example of a Hank Williams song done in a fun, laidback, upbeat way - whils't The The's version of another Hank tune gives it the full, doomsday treatment. Here are a couple of other happy, poppy tunes. 'You Won' - Keith Urban 'What a beautiful Day' - Chris Cagle 'Perfect' - Sara Evans In terms of relgious songs, Country is not a pure form but a synthesis of many genres, fused togther over time. Gospel is a strong strand in country music but it remains gospel - such as the Alabama Sacred Heart Convention. Here is modern example of it 'Sky Full of Angels' - Reba McEntire