Pollstar Top Twenty Concerts

[Iktomi]

Originally Posted by michelej1

But are there new country artists out there who are creating old school country music, but just aren't getting the airplay or exposure? Like a country version of indie, maybe. I don't know, because I've never really tried to find them.

I like music that tells a story and country seems to do that more than other genres. I think that's why I veer to it. One of my earliest musical memories is the pop song Honey by Bobby Goldsboro and I would cry every time I heard it. There are a lot of country songs that follow that format, introduction, dramatic event, conclusion and I remain a sucker for it. Actually, I like Michael Jackson's Billie Jean because it tells a story too. I'm kind of easy that way.

Michele

That's an interesting idea, in regards to new artists creating old school country music. I think there are still old artists creating old school country music, but unless you're a big draw (like George Strait or Alan Jackson), you're not going to get radio play. Although, I think I'd be a little weary towards new artists creating old school sounding country music, probably since I've become more skeptical towards country music. I think I'd honestly wonder if the sound is really a genuine reflection of the artist, or is it being used as a way to gain "street cred" or to just stand out from the mainstream (in an attention-seeking way).

I'm with you on loving music that tells a story, and country does seem to do that very well. Personally, I've always had a love for its murder-ballads and the songs that would engage with my fears of isolation and loneliness. Long Black Veil by Lefty Frizzell seems to combine all of those things into one song. Actually, sometimes it's not necessarily even the words that have to tell the story, but the music itself that can give me that same feeling. Time Precious Time is a song that for some reason reminds me of driving on isolated country roads here in nowhere South Dakota. Actually, I feel that quite a few of his songs have a way of telling an emotional story just through the structure of the song and the music itself. I've always loved songs where the sound of the guitar can give you a feeling that sometimes elaborates or causes you to doubt that lyrics in the song- i.e. the tension I get from hearing sad or angry lyrics over happy and catchy melodies. Lindsey does that really well.

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by Iktomi

Actually, sometimes it's not necessarily even the words that tell the story, but the music itself that can give me that same feeling. Time Precious Time is a song that for some reason reminds me of driving on isolated country roads here in nowhere South Dakota.

Yes, sometimes lyrics are very evocative, but sometimes it's really the vocal (combined with the music) that brings a sentiment home and for me that happens a lot in country not because of the twangy accent, but because there's often a roughness to a country vocal, where the singer sounds either old or tired or hoarse and it gives me this sense that they're a little world weary or emotionally spent or breaking. Loss seems more palpable. It adds extra gravitas to the song's words and music, somehow, even if they're very simple. Or maybe it's because they're very simple.

I cried when George Jones died, not because I was saddened by his passing, but because they kept playing "He Stopped Loving her Today" and that song and the way he sang it still gets to me.

But Stevie can do that with a vocal too. That's why as awful as the Gate and Garden lyrics are, I can get wrapped up in the passionate way she says "do I love you, well I always did. Nobody knows nothing about it . . ."

I like murder ballads too. Ruby Don't Take Your Love To Town is a favorite. Ode to Billie Joe. The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.

Michele

[QueenStevie]

Swift Justice? Westboro Baptist Church Plans Protest At ‘Wh*re’ Taylor’s Concert: http://radaronline.com/exclusives/20...-taylor-swift/