Any contemporary country lovers here?

[picksail]

Pop fodder disguised as country.

I've been known to produce this type of music.

[Rob G]

Dave Martin, & All,


Quote:"Umm... Perhaps you don't realize that CMT is owned by MTV. That may help you to understand what's going on. It's not at ALL about country music - it's about selling ads. A great example, one Nashville artist was approached by CMT to do "Crossroads"; she said, "Great! I want to do it with Tony Bennett". CMT turned her down flat, saying "Tony Bennett doesn't fit our demographic".

Don't think that because something is or is not played on CMT, that it's 'country' - it simply does (or does not) fit the sales demographic that the network wants to attract, so that they can sell advertising time."


-Dave Martin














You've stated a decent premise for why CMT plays music/video from such diverse artists. But, Country music like so many other genre's is ever expanding with sub genre's so on, & so forth. One reason why folk, bluegrass, blues, & rock get played on CMT is because the sonic borderlines of other musical genre's, & tastes is so close that CMT can get away with it.

But, I think you might want to look at the headliner of this post. It says 'Contemporary'. Which means a more modern, or up to date style of Country. Same thing as if you attach the 'Contemporary' label on 'Christian Music', or any other genre. 'Contemporary Christian Music' does'nt sound like the 'Christian Music' of the European Renaissance, or Middle ages. 'Contemporary Christian Music' does'nt sound like the 'Negro Spirituals' of the 1800's 'Southern Gospel', or 'Traditional Gospel''. But, it's still 'Christian Music'. Same thing with what's played on CMT today. It's definatly not what you'd heard from 'Buck Owens', the 'Hee Haw' gang, or your traditional 'Square Dance' theme. But, it's still 'Country Music'.

And, I for one like it('Country Music'). I like it alot along with 'Hip Hop', 'Rock', & 'R n B'. I mean how do you think I stay sane in doing what I do for a living(which is producing music) whilst continuing to love what I do for a living. I listen to a multitude of genre's including 'Classical', 'Jazz', 'Latin', & so on, & so forth. These 'Country' players are extremely gifted, & remain one of the genre's where people actually 'play' the instruments. Now I'm not knocking people who sample, or sequence music because that takes special gifts as well (to craft samples, & electronic sound sources together into one cohesive musical work that appeals to people). But, you can't take away the fact that Nashville, & 'Country' musicians in general are some of the best instrumentalists on the planet. I for one am glad to see a resurgence in the sales, & chart action of 'Country' music artists.

Another thing you might have to try to explain away for all of us is why does 'Billboard' magazine place 'Nickle Creek' on the 'Country Charts', as well as why 'Country Radio' plays 'Nickle Creek' on the airwaves. I think the modern day format defines the genre more so than the sound of a particular genre's musical, or purist roots.


Rob G..


P.S.:And, by the way I already knew about the Viacom transaction.

[T.RayBullard]

Originally Posted by Rob G

Another thing you might have to try to explain away for all of us is why does 'Billboard' magazine place 'Nickle Creek' on the 'Country Charts', as well as why 'Country Radio' plays 'Nickle Creek' on the airwaves.

I dont give a continental damn what CMT or COuntry Radio or MTV or Much Music says Nickle Creek is...it is bluegrass. Country stations play it probably because there arent any commercial bluegrass stations and because the song is catchy....The Band can appeal to country and bluegrass fans..but it is not country.

Bluegrass has an instantly recognizeable structure...."labels" mean nothing to me. I go by what ive been taught of music structure and composition, not by demographic data or Marketing Terms.

Hell, improper marketing is one of the things that is wrong with music....and commercial radio isnt helping anything either..

[JSAudioTN]

Wow. Good stuff on here...

I really like acoustic based music more than most of the stuff that gets airplay nowadays...

Here's my list...

The Duhks, The Greencards, Alison Krauss & Union Station (& all their side projects), The Grascals, Chris Thile, Nickel Creek, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Ryan Shupe, Old Crow Medicine Show,...

I guess that's all I can think of right now,.. and the workflow in this town is pretty cool, though most (but not all) of the credit for that (in my opinion) goes to the musicians.

[Dave Martin]

Originally Posted by JSAudioTN

I guess that's all I can think of right now,.. and the workflow in this town is pretty cool, though most (but not all) of the credit for that (in my opinion) goes to the musicians.

Here's a scary thought - I think the workflow here is due in large part to the musicians union and their rules about three hour sessions running into producers who wanted to get as much work as possible out of the musicians - and the musicians were up to the task.

When I moved here in 1985, 3 songs were still considered to be the norm on a session. Shortly after than, the clients began to expect rhythm tracks to be finished on 4 songs in a session, and a couple of years after that, 5 songs. And I know a couple of publishers/songwriters who think that they OUGHT to be able to get 6...

[Midlandmorgan]

I'm not a fan of newer country, but there are some exceptions ...

To me, its hard to tell the difference between 80s/90s pop and 'new country'... production styles seemingly drifting toward the bazillion track over compressed kinda stuff, and lyrics seem to have less and less significance anymore.

(Take a listen to Vern Gosdin's "You Don't Know Lonely Until Its Chiseled in Stone" vs anything on the top 40 rigt now...

Maybe I'm off base, but I think the new vs old can be explained in the recording techniques as well as lyrics...get everybody in the room playing their parts, interacting, and limit the amount of post, and some of the newer stuff might come off as sounding old style, which I prefer.

Do NOT get me started on "Texas Country"...

[amost]

They still pretty much expect 5 for demos.

[T.RayBullard]

he Duhks, The Greencards, Alison Krauss & Union Station (& all their side projects), The Grascals, Chris Thile, Nickel Creek, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Ryan Shupe, Old Crow Medicine Show,...

Now see, I would consider all those artists primarily bluegrass too. Matter of fact, that looks like a MerleFest bill if I ever saw one! The two genres are similar, but are different in structure and approach. I love all those groups too, but where I am from, Bluegrass is one Genre and country is another.

[WeekendWanker]

As a songwriter, I'm a fan of the quality of the craft of contemporay country songs, they far surpass what's going on in most pop music. As with everything, there's a lot of crap out there, but there are some clever, clever songs with perfect meter and rhymes which manage to convey a short story's worth of information in a catchy three minute ditty. If you think that's easy, give it a try.

As an aside, you guys who love bluegrass-based music like Allison Krauss and Nickel should check out the group Mountain Heart. I just got their new CD "Wide Open" and it's wonderful.

[T9c]

But, you have to admit, to the casual listener or fan it doesn't make any difference what genre is what. Someone said or alluded to this earlier that 'country music' has become a melting pot of all kinds of music. Back in the 60's and 70's you could clearly define the country genre. Thanks to some very progressive minded musicians AND artists, it all started to change in the late 70's. Guys like Hank Jr. and many others helped re-define or better yet, obscure the original country genre. IMO they also saved country music in a way, bringing rock, pop, blues and jazz into the fray. Hell, you could even say Bob Wills was more jazz/swing than country in his day. Yet, we wouldn't dare say Bob wasn't 'country' today. As for Nickle Creek and Alison, et al, I'd call them newgrass because bluegrass really is divided into 2 camps right now: Traditional and new. Both camps are going strong too, but just like 'country' music started to adopt all the other genre's back in the 80's, in the new millenium bluegrass is also making the move.


I'm really surprised to see how many fellow gearslutz are so progressive in their favorite artists. I think it's very enlightening that no one has mentioned country-pop giants like Shania, Urban, Faith and Tim, and Toby or Garth on their favs lists.

I think the reason for pop country for being so prevalent is that there's always some kind of (some would call it sophmoric) hook/word play that draws the listener into the story, if you could call it that. Most non-musician types can associate with this than the super human pickin skills of Chris Thile, Brent Mason, Jerry Douglas, Mark O'Connor and so on. Us musician types would generally prefer the latter.

Rick

[T9c]

Originally Posted by Weekend******

As with everything, there's a lot of crap out there, but there are some clever, clever songs with perfect meter and rhymes which manage to convey a short story's worth of information in a catchy three minute ditty. If you think that's easy, give it a try.

As an aside, you guys who love bluegrass-based music like Allison Krauss and Nickel should check out the group Mountain Heart. I just got their new CD "Wide Open" and it's wonderful.

Or as I always say, It ain't easy being bad.

Yeah bro, Mountain Heart IS AWESOME.

[T.RayBullard]

I am very fond of the group

Doyle Lawson and QuickSilver too....Gospel message...but man, are they good!

[FredrikCarno]

Buddy Miller I think is worth listening to... not only cause he is emmylous guitarist.
what do you all think about hacienda brothers record from 2005 produced by the great Dan Penn is that country enough for you...

I think Salomon Brurke is recording a country record in buddy millers home studio right about now, interesting or what....

Regards

Fredrik Carno
Sweden

Been a lurker here for some time but this post really got me going

[RainbowStorm]

Originally Posted by FredrikCarno

Buddy Miller I think is worth listening to... not only cause he is emmylous guitarist.
what do you all think about hacienda brothers record from 2005 produced by the great Dan Penn is that country enough for you...

I think Salomon Brurke is recording a country record in buddy millers home studio right about now, interesting or what....

Regards

Fredrik Carno
Sweden

Been a lurker here for some time but this post really got me going

That's really cool! You are very welcome to join the discussion Fredrik!

[Tone Laborer]

I saw Emmy Lou with the Nashramblers, live at Willie Nelson's place here in Austin, an outdoor venue on a warm Texas night under the oak trees, hand's down my favorite concert. Amazing harmonies, all acoustic, just magical.

Personally, I think Rascal Flatts is horrible name, so I tried not to like them but, but they're damn good. Great vocals, tight songs. Maybe to pop for some, but I think they walk the line well.

Pat Green. Lyle Lovett. Radney Foster. Dixie Chicks.

Someone said Iris Dement. Do they play her on contemporary country? I wish. For me, her songs are like simple windows to the human soul. An artist in the truest sense of the word.

I'm old so , I love the old stuff as well, probadly the most. Waylon Jennings "Dreaming My Dreams" , should be required listening.

Good stuff is out there, but you have to look for it. I'm enjoying reading you alls preferences.

[pan60]

i think Lyle Lovett is very under rated by many, he is a very talented individual.

[Tone Laborer]

I saw Emmy Lou with the Nashramblers, live at Willie Nelson's place here in Austin, an outdoor venue on a warm Texas night under the oak trees, hand's down my favorite concert. Amazing harmonies, all acoustic, just magical.

Personally, I think Rascal Flatts is horrible name, so I tried not to like them but, but they're damn good. Great vocals, tight songs. Maybe to pop for some, but I think they walk the line well.

Pat Green. Lyle Lovett. Radney Foster.

Someone said Iris Dement. Do they play her on contempory country? I wish. For me, her songs are like simple windows to the human soul. An artist in the truest since of the word.

I'm old so , I love the old stuff as well, probadly the most. Waylon Jennings "Dreaming My Dreams" , should be required listening.

[T.RayBullard]

Austin City Limits....they have some good ones there..

speaking of that, ive got several shows on DVD if anyone wants...

[macr0w]

RED NECKS, WHITE SOCKS AND BLUE RIBBON BEER! GIMMIE A HELL YEAH! (try to make hell have 2 syllables, ie: hay-ell)

[KrisNY]

I'm into alt country - does that count? Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Hank III (whatever you'd consider him)...

- Kris

[amost]

Hank III (whatever you'd consider him)...

That would be Tricephus.

[pan60]

i like Lucinda Williams from time to time.

[T.RayBullard]

Originally Posted by KrisNY

I'm into alt country - does that count? Ryan Adams, Whiskeytown, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Uncle Tupelo, Hank III (whatever you'd consider him)...

- Kris

Yessir! They keep the spirit alive. I love all those guys too..

[scottyjneilson]

Originally Posted by T.RayBullard

he Duhks, The Greencards, Alison Krauss & Union Station (& all their side projects), The Grascals, Chris Thile, Nickel Creek, Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, Ryan Shupe, Old Crow Medicine Show,...

Now see, I would consider all those artists primarily bluegrass too. Matter of fact, that looks like a MerleFest bill if I ever saw one! The two genres are similar, but are different in structure and approach. I love all those groups too, but where I am from, Bluegrass is one Genre and country is another.

Agreed. I feel the same way, but I gotta say particularly that boy Ryan Shupe can play any style he wants ! that man is one of the most talented musicians i Have ever heard in my life. Banjo, Bass, Guitar, Piano, Fiddle hewwww. He records locally and my older brother and him go way back had the opportunity to hear him jam out in person

[Denus]

REVIVAL OF A DEAD THREAD!!! w00t

Might as well plug some Texas Country while we're at it

introducing the Brandon Bush Band!

[jimmoon]

Out of the more recent acts I like Sugarland, Wreckers, Little Big Town, the guy that wroe "you should have seen it in color", others on a song by song basis.

I like the way that George Straight songs sound. Lots of bass on some of them.

[roostert]

Originally Posted by Dave Martin

Here's a scary thought - I think the workflow here is due in large part to the musicians union and their rules about three hour sessions running into producers who wanted to get as much work as possible out of the musicians - and the musicians were up to the task.

When I moved here in 1985, 3 songs were still considered to be the norm on a session. Shortly after than, the clients began to expect rhythm tracks to be finished on 4 songs in a session, and a couple of years after that, 5 songs. And I know a couple of publishers/songwriters who think that they OUGHT to be able to get 6...

Well, I agree. But you can also thank our friends in digital audio land. Back when we had to rewind tape between takes, things went slower. Also, we could usually only fit 4 songs on a reel at 15 ips. Wanted to cut at 30 a lot, but wasn't "cost effective"...now, we get 5 very consistently and sometimes 6. DAW's move quick! Thursday/Friday I cut 32 songs with a seven piece. Amazing tracks, and not cookie cutter....It can be done. You just need a good "captain" and great players on the ship.

[Teddy Ray]

Originally Posted by RainbowStorm

I'm just curious. After posting hundreds of posts here I'm still not sure are there many here that like country music the way I do... I LOVE contemporary country music, artists like Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, LeAnn Rimes ... and basically everything where Brent Mason plays electric guitar and Eddie Bayers plays drums... Just to become more familiar with each other, why don't you tell us what your favorite country artists are in a reply to this thread...!

Please don't mention anything you DON'T like...

Alright.. my favorite subject. I am an alt country addict, expert, and musician! the new stuff I can't stand...but
rather than go on a diatribe about what the genre is or is not.. I will list some albums that to me, define it, have made it what it is today.. when you want more, come right on back!
Jamey Johnston

Josh Turner

Darrel Scott




The Old 97s: Too Far to Care
DeYarmond Edison: Silent Signs
Wilco-Being There
Jayhawks--Hollywood Town Hall
Whiskeytown-Strangers ALmanac, Faithless Street
Richard Buckner-Devotion and Doubt
Slobberbone-everything you thought was right was wrong today
Kris Kristofferson – Kristofferson
John Prine – John Prine
John Hartford – Aereo-Plain
Paul Siebel – Jack-Knife Gypsy
Tom T. Hall – In Search Of A Song
Steve Young - Seven Bridges Road
Willis Alan Ramsey – Willis Alan Ramsey
The Flatlanders – More A Legend Than A Band
Billy Joe Shaver – Old Five And Dimers Like Me
Waylon Jennings – Honky Tonk Heroes
Doug Sahm – Doug Sahm and Band
Jerry Jeff Walker – Viva Terlingua
Willie Nelson – Shotgun Willie
Townes Van Zandt – Live At The Old Quarter
Gram Parsons – Grievous Angel
Guy Clark – Old No. 1
Butch Hancock - West Texas Waltzes & Dust-Blown Tractor Tunes
Joe Ely – Honky Tonk Masquerade
Terry Allen – Lubbock (On Everything)
the Meat Purveyors--more songs about buildings and cows
bad Livers--dust on the bible
marah-lets cut the crap and hook up tonight
lucinda williams, car wheels on a gravel road
the gourds-bolsa de aqua
Blue Mountain-Dog Days
Uncle Tupelo-Anodyne
Son Volt-Wide Swing Tremolo
ryan Adams--heartbreaker
john hiatt- bring the family
scott miller- thus always to tyrants
the blasters-american music
steve earle-guitar town
robbie fulks- south mouth
gillian welch--time the revelator
alejandro escovedo-gravity

[robertshaw]

contemporary country is really just the new hair metal. I like hair metal too. Many song lyrics are similar, lots of shredding, rigid processed drums, tenor screams and an 'image' to go along with it.....

it's all good, including the production. Some of the best polished produced records are from the new country scene, which I love the sonic flavor. The gtr playing is lots of self indulgence which I'm a big fan of too.