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[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.