Anyone Into Country? - Page 2

I don't primarily listen to country but there are a few great songs that I enjoy. One of my favorite songs ever (not just country) is When You Say Nothing At All as performed by Alison Krauss and Union Station. As cliche as it may be, it's one of the songs that I'd love to have played at my wedding.

 

I'm also a fan of George Strait's stuff. Over Christmas break a couple of years ago my mom was constantly playing songs from Pure Country. She bought one of his CDs and I Cross My Heart was a regular sound to be heard in our household. That got me introduced to more of his stuff.

 

And, of course, there are some great songs by Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Braid Paisley, Alan Jackson, and similar artists.

 

I was talking to my brother and we agreed that, from our perspective, country songs are typically awful or down-right awesome. It seems that other genres have a lot of mediocre stuff but good country songs are thoroughly great tracks. That, of course, is coming from the perspective of two guys that listen primarily to rock. People more accustomed to country music will likely disagree

I think you're essentially right with that statement.  The genre itself is leading its way towards the Americana sound.  I've been into The Avett Brothers, John Hiatt and others lately.  John Hiatt has so many albums out - yet, many of them are quite excellent.  When I'm in the mood, I love to put on some Johnny Cash.  Even Johnny's cover songs that he performed towards the end of his life are quite good to listen to.

 

I was going to see Bill Monroe actually but he cancelled due to illness and later he passed away. I love Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn. Patsy Cline of course is also a staple for anyone into serious country. I've seen Willie Nelson live. 

For me, it's hard to beat Hank Jr., David Allen Coe, Charlie Daniels Band, Waylon Jennings, WIllie Nelson and Merle Haggard.

 

But, when it comes down to it, it's hard to beat the man that wrote most of the hits:  Billy Joe Shaver.  His live album "Storytellers: Live at the Blue Bird" is one of the best live albums I've ever heard.  Might not be the best quality recording, but when he plays the songs he wrote that I know as Waylon songs, it almost makes me forget about 'Ol Waylon.

 

I definitely love the old timers though like, Hank Sr. and Bill Monroe.  Very into old folk like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seger, and Ramblin Jack Elliot, as well as the 60's bands they inspired, all of Gram Parsons bands, Grateful Dead, and NRPS.

 

Heck, I'll even dip into some new country like Toby Keith and Shooter Jennings.

 

BUT  I will not tolerate Hank III.  complete garbage and a disgrace to his family name.  Which he didn't earn.

 

"You never even call me by my name...."  

My favorite living country songwriters are Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. It's hard to top Crazy and Jolene.

Doublw post, sorry
Edited by bigshot - 10/13/11 at 1:11am

Townes van Zandt and John Prine - Two incredibly great artists and criminally overlooked country musicians. Their self-titled albums from 1969 and 1971 respectively are two of the best the genre has ever had to offer.

John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves" is also a great album since you brought him up.  Basically did duets with every big female name in country/folk at the time of release.  Iris Dement is also featured extensively on it which is a huge plus.

 

I actually posted a youtube clip of it earlier in this thread.

You gotta check out Kenny Vaughn. He loves country music.

 

I love country music. A long time fdiend of mine is the most in demand musiccian in Nashville and plays on nearly everyones albums. This brings up a topic change for me. I like Brad Piasley's guitar playing. With a good listening rig, which I'm sure everyone has, you van hear some killer undertones in his playing. Check it out if you can. I am hoping to design my rig around his playing along with Pink Floyd. If that's possible. I'm a newby at this gigh end audio stuff. Right now all I have is Sony ear monitors (full size headphones) for use in the studio. I want to get a portable set up for now but don't know what do or what to get yet. Too much information to digest right.

The Green Light, Hank Thompson

 

Somewhere there's a huge pile of these old 50s and 60s c&w TV shows. I wish they would release them!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snQylkM3RZg

AMEN to that.

 

Darn good song.

 

Also, love the NRPS username.

 

 

Hehe. Right on man.