I don't like country music. I've said that till it sounds like the refrain of a classic. There's something about it that just......I cringe.
However, I looked at my iTunes downloads today and realized that my last 10 purchases have been country: LeeAnn Womack's "Last Call," Trace Adkins' something about memory, three John Corbett songs, a Kenny Chesney--I don't even know who these people are (except Corbett--Chris on "Northern Exposure" and one of my most favorite characters in TVland.) The songs are ones I ran into randomly and related to in some way. And I just got the new Alison Krauss/Robert Plant cd. Country? Not sure, but sorta.
Furthermore, one of my guilty pleasures right now is the CMT show "Gone Country," where celebs are competing for a chance to record for some guy I've never heard of named Rich something or something Rich--they think it's worth competing for, at any rate. The attraction? George Clinton trying to sing country, and Mickey Dolenz doing a kick-ass job of singing country. Yea, Mickey of the Monkees--see why I'm watching? Shelia E is on and doing an impressive job, too. But Mickey's gonna win!
So why do I think I don't like country? As a guitar player and storyteller, I should like it. That's what it is, really. And I like pop/folk, and heard a lot of roots country when I took my country music class in grad school--which required a night at a Honky-Tonk and learning the Texas Two-Step. Lots of fun.
So again, why...redux. I think I've figured it out: uber-emotionalism, which I'm not comfortable with, and traditional values, meaning theology that I find unsound, unthinking patriotism, and frequent gender stereotyping and objectification.
I think too much. I think I'm proving that again. (Hence, discomfort with uber-emotionalism). Maybe I need to weed through the annoying country and just enjoy some of the Honky-Tonk, life story type songs. Pop music isn't really catching my interest now; it might be time to find some cowboy boots and change the station on my radio!
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I handed you a treasured album - Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood" which is country influenced in its sound and story-telling qualities, but lacks the traditional hallmarks/weakness that turn you away.
ReplyDeleteYou better listen to it again...and again...and again...
There are aspects of country i like. I get tired of the repetition and rather callous lyrics, but there are saving graces. its rather organic at least in its origin. When it's best its simplistic. However, what i really love is the story telling aspect of it all.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to realize, as you have, that its roots are in fundy values and traditional male centric values. These values hold fast in a lower income white population so it is reflecting its audience. Appreciating country means appreciating this audience. Not an easy thing to do when you really look into their beliefs... even if you are a borderline part of that culture.
Yep. because I think too much, too many core assumptions about the songs grate on me. But I'm too fast to stereotype it and miss songs I would really like because of the stigma of being "country."
ReplyDeleteAnd I have been listening and will more, Devin. The cd reminds me of Harry Chapin, somehow. Love Harry Chapin! (I'm not logged in, so the site doesn't know me. That's so cute)
I have always had a special place in my heart for country music. that place has become much smaller in recent years, but i still enjoy the strumming of a banjo or steel guitar from time to time. I dont think about gender stereo typing or any of the intellectual issues that plague others when i listen to it. it would ruin it for me.
ReplyDeleteand jj, DONT change the channel on the radio, all the country on today sucks to say the least. just keep the names Loretta lynn, Alabama, Charlie Daniels, and Bobby Osborne and the Rocky Top X-press in mind when ur shopping for new music.
heres one of my favorites at the Grand Ole Opry. sounds better in person though! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIcYGPJJJ_g
this links better.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9prNixjbg
For the sake of argument, Charlie Daniels and Alamba are a hybrid, often called Southern Rock. And I break out in hives at the Grand Ole Orpy--early exposure to Minnie Pearl insured that!
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