Country Fans

[alexz2317]

I've been noticing the last 3 or 4 years that country music is turning more into pop. A lot of it is crap to me. Like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and these wannabe country bands and singers. Is it turning more into pop?

[BillBrown]

I've been noticing the last 3 or 4 years that country music is turning more into pop. A lot of it is crap to me. Like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and these wannabe country bands and singers. Is it turning more into pop?

Country music doesn't exist anymore, that I am aware of.

I'm a huge Country Music fan, but I don't listen to anything recorded after about 1968. The really good stuff was in the '40s and '50s.

[Esox]

Ditto. "New country" is bleeeccccch!

[roger teekell]

I'm 46 yrs old and I've been listening to country all of my life..

I enjoyed Johnny Cash and I enjoy Kenny Chesney...

Talent is talent.

If Carrie underwood is not your cup of tea listen to Toby Keith.

You don't think Carrie Underwood is a Talented singer??

I would disagree...

The girl can flat sing.

[pattyk]

Carrie underwood and that ilk are crap.

there are a lot of good oness out there, but don't listen to the teenie boppers

I can't believe how Lynard sounds these days. totally different than before.

[alexz2317]

I'm 46 yrs old and I've been listening to country all of my life..

I enjoyed Johnny Cash and I enjoy Kenny Chesney...

Talent is talent.

If Carrie underwood is not your cup of tea listen to Toby Keith.

You don't think Carrie Underwood is a Talented singer??

I would disagree...

The girl can flat sing.
Kenny Chesney is pretty good. Carrie Underwood has put out way too many man-hating songs like other new "country" singers. She has 2 good songs. I enjoy George Strait, Garth Brooks, B&D, and others. The good stuff man! As for Toby Keith, his older stuff is good, new stuff, not so good.

[Esox]

For me, it's not the up front talent. It's the crummy writing, most of which is done in boiler rooms these days.

[roger teekell]

Carrie underwood and that ilk are crap.

there are a lot of good oness out there, but don't listen to the teenie boppers

I can't believe how Lynard sounds these days. totally different than before.

Carrie Underwood is "Crap"??

Common Patty...That girl can Blow.

[55SFSDefender]

Jamey Johnson...nuff said.

[roger teekell]

Kenny Chesney is pretty good. Carrie Underwood has put out way too many man-hating songs like other new "country" singers. She has 2 good songs. I enjoy George Strait, Garth Brooks, B&D, and others. The good stuff man! As for Toby Keith, his older stuff is good, new stuff, not so good.

I like George and Garth too..

Garth just signed a deal here in Vegas at Steve Wynn's new propety..Can't wait to see the show.

But I hold no grudges against young talented singers doing whatever works for them..

Carrie and Taylor are making a HUGE amount of money doing what they do...

As long as they don't start rapping their country songs I'll be ok.:razz:

[alexz2317]

Carrie Underwood is "Crap"??

Common Patty...That girl can Blow.
I would love to experience that :pray:

[EnchantedFrog]

I just about fell out of the chair the other day watching CMT and saw the top country artist, Taylor Swift, being backed up by AC/DC.

[55SFSDefender]

If anything is dying in country music its bluegrass and traditional country. This new stuff appeals to the kids and some of it isn't so bad. As long as I can hear the following folks I'm happy:

George Strait
Garth Brooks
Toby Keith
Montgomery Gentry
Gary Allen
Dwight Yokam
Jamey Johnson
Waylon Jennings
Reba
Martina McBride
Allison Kraus
Gretchen Wilson

[SFC(R)L]

I've been noticing the last 3 or 4 years that country music is turning more into pop. A lot of it is crap to me. Like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and these wannabe country bands and singers. Is it turning more into pop?

The genre cycles with the times.

If you go back and listen to a lot of the early 80's stuff, you can feel the pop influence.

This was followed in the late 80's to mid 90's with a retro-classic resurgence led by Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and somewhat by Garth Brooks.

However, the taste always returns to classic sounds like George and Martina.

So you have to endure the teen queen du jour attempting to cross over into the mainstream by exploiting the country genre to start.

Anyone want to borrow my Webb Pierce CD?

[roger teekell]

If anything is dying in country music its bluegrass and traditional country. This new stuff appeals to the kids and some of it isn't so bad. As long as I can hear the following folks I'm happy:

George Strait
Garth Brooks
Toby Keith
Montgomery Gentry
Gary Allen
Dwight Yokam
Jamey Johnson
Waylon Jennings
Reba
Martina McBride
Allison Kraus
Gretchen Wilson
Ah..Gary Allen..

That guy puts on a GREAT show every time he hits the stage..

Good call..

[alexz2317]

I just about fell out of the chair the other day watching CMT and saw the top country artist, Taylor Swift, being backed up by AC/DC.
She also sang with Kanye, before the hoax

[alexz2317]

Clint Black FTW!!!!

[RTchoke]

Carrie Underwood is "Crap"??

Common Patty...That girl can Blow.

I don't think it's so much they can't sing, but most of the material is crap and if they tried to make it in the pop arena they would fail. Country has become the fail safe mode for those who can't run with the big dogs in the pop market.

[alexz2317]

I don't think it's so much they can't sing, but most of the material is crap and if they tried to make it in the pop arena they would fail. Country has become the fail safe mode for those who can't run with the big dogs in the pop market.
I.E. Jessica Simpson

[khigh]

There are some that are getting back to the country sound. I loved Tim McGraw and Eli Young Band in concert.

I also love:
Conway Twitty
The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristopherson, and Waylon Jennings)
Charlie Pride
David Alan Coe (most of his music- not really the songs written in prison)

[EnchantedFrog]

There are some that are getting back to the country sound. I loved Tim McGraw and Eli Young Band in concert.

I also love:
Conway Twitty
The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristopherson, and Waylon Jennings)
Charlie Pride
David Alan Coe (most of his music- not really the songs written in prison)
Conway was one of my favorites.
I like old-school country & western, country swing, and old cowboy music the best.

[pattyk]

Carrie Underwood is "Crap"??

Common Patty...That girl can Blow.

I should have worded different. she has a very good voice, but I can't stand the style of her songs.

to tell ya the truth, outside of Patsy Kline, I like my country sung by guys.

I'm just a sexist, biggotted right wing homophobe, I know:twisted:

edit to add: I do like Gretchen Wilson though. she makes me want to get drunk on whyskey!

[roger teekell]

I don't think it's so much they can't sing, but most of the material is crap and if they tried to make it in the pop arena they would fail. Country has become the fail safe mode for those who can't run with the big dogs in the pop market.
You know what I like about artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood??..

It gives young girls a place to listen to something trendy and cool without having to go to Rap and Hip-Hop.

Just a thought..

[alexz2317]

You know what I like about artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood??..

It gives young girls a place to listen to something trendy and cool without having to go to Rap and Hip-Hop.

Just a thought..
And that I agree on.

[roger teekell]

I should have worded different. she has a very good voice, but I can't stand the style of her songs.

to tell ya the truth, outside of Patsy Kline, I like my country sung by guys.

I'm just a sexist, biggotted right wing homophobe, I know:twisted:

edit to add: I do like Gretchen Wilson though. she makes me want to get drunk on whyskey!
Gretchen is HOT...

I've met her here in Vegas...

Nice Girl..

[alexz2317]

Gretchen is HOT...

I've met her here in Vegas...

Nice Girl..
She's a little too wild for my liking. Now if we go by looks, then Carrie and Taylor top my list!

[roger teekell]

And that I agree on.

My favorite artist is Kenny Chesney..

And while he is a little Poppish he is an incredible performer on stage..

I've been to every one of his concerts since I moved to Vegas...

And EVERY ONE was a GREAT SHOW..

I think for an Artist that gives 110% on stage EVERY TIME is the most important quality they can have..

And Kenney does that..

[roger teekell]

She's a little too wild for my liking. Now if we go by looks, then Carrie and Taylor top my list!

And what is not hot about being wild??:razz:

As to Carrie and Taylor..Agreed.

I saw Carrie open for Chesney in Salt Lake City Utah..

She had lost like 50 lbs. since American Idol..

Smokin hot...

Great memories too...

Dirks Bentley followed he..Great show.

[RTchoke]

You know what I like about artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood??..

It gives young girls a place to listen to something trendy and cool without having to go to Rap and Hip-Hop.

Just a thought..

I'm not going to argue that. I rather like some of the new stuff. :mrgreen:

I just don't consider it real country. :razz:

[roger teekell]

I'm not going to argue that. I rather like some of the new stuff. :mrgreen:

I just don't consider it real country. :razz:
Well a lot of people feel that way about Faith Hill..

But you can't argue with success..;)

[khigh]

You know what I like about artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood??..

It gives young girls a place to listen to something trendy and cool without having to go to Rap and Hip-Hop.

Just a thought..

One reason I can't stand Carrie Underwood- her treatment of the soldiers last year at Fort Sill.

Background: Every year Fort Sill puts on a country concert for the soldiers, soldiers in training, and families/civilians in the area. It's cheap ($17 for a ticket this year- Tim McGraw and Eli Young Band or $85 for VIPs- free food, booze, picnic tables, seating, and backstage pass). All of the stars that sing at the concert do it for free. Last year was Lynard Skynard, the year before was Trace Adkins and Reba.

Carrie said she wouldn't do it for less than $100k. My father in law was the one in charge of bringing in the acts and decided that they won't ask her again. That's when Lynard Skynard came through (tickets were $12 and they didn't get anything for it).

[mboncher]

Nope. Not a fan of new country, middle country or old country, really. BUT, that said, I do find occasionally some very good country songs here and there, but the genre as a whole makes me reach for an epi-pen.

I agree the better country was the older stuff all the way back to Hank Williams Sr. and when it was called Folk (before the hippies got at it). I have liked a few Shania Twain songs, but I think that's more carryover because I think she's hot and love the costuming. :lol:

[ChaosControl]

One reason I can't stand Carrie Underwood- her treatment of the soldiers last year at Fort Sill.

Background: Every year Fort Sill puts on a country concert for the soldiers, soldiers in training, and families/civilians in the area. It's cheap ($17 for a ticket this year- Tim McGraw and Eli Young Band or $85 for VIPs- free food, booze, picnic tables, seating, and backstage pass). All of the stars that sing at the concert do it for free. Last year was Lynard Skynard, the year before was Trace Adkins and Reba.

Carrie said she wouldn't do it for less than $100k. My father in law was the one in charge of bringing in the acts and decided that they won't ask her again. That's when Lynard Skynard came through (tickets were $12 and they didn't get anything for it).

I liked her, but that makes me have second thoughts about it...

[roger teekell]

One reason I can't stand Carrie Underwood- her treatment of the soldiers last year at Fort Sill.

Background: Every year Fort Sill puts on a country concert for the soldiers, soldiers in training, and families/civilians in the area. It's cheap ($17 for a ticket this year- Tim McGraw and Eli Young Band or $85 for VIPs- free food, booze, picnic tables, seating, and backstage pass). All of the stars that sing at the concert do it for free. Last year was Lynard Skynard, the year before was Trace Adkins and Reba.

Carrie said she wouldn't do it for less than $100k. My father in law was the one in charge of bringing in the acts and decided that they won't ask her again. That's when Lynard Skynard came through (tickets were $12 and they didn't get anything for it).

I seriously doubt that Carrie said she wouldn't do it..

As a matter of fact SHE may well have not even known about it..

That was probably what her AGENT said....

But I know in the passed she has been great with the troops..

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/music/news/article_1232416.php/Carrie_Underwood_headed_to_Persian_Gulf_to_enterta in_troops

"Underwood, who received the CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award and was nominated for two Grammy Awards, plans to perform for the troops and also have several “meet and great” with the men and women serving overseas".

Schmidt said the singer was approached by USO officials about the upcoming tour several months ago, and that she is “completely excited” about the opportunity to perform for the troops. For the tour, Underwood is expected to travel with some of her current band members.

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/07/12/carrie_underwood_to_entertain_the_troops


FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) - Carrie Underwood will headline a Salute to the Troops Concert next month at Fort Campbell. A spokeswoman for Underwood says the show is one of only a handful of live performances she is doing this summer as she works on a new album for later this year.

[roger teekell]

I liked her, but that makes me have second thoughts about it...
Do a little research Chaos..

http://blog.cmt.com/2009-07-09/carrie-underwood-we-salute-you-for-saluting-the-troops/

She also went to Iraq to entertain the troops..

http://blog.cmt.com/2009-08-17/carrie-underwoods-military-visit-makes-me-proud/


"I got to go to Iraq a couple years ago, and that was definitely an eye opening experience. It's kind of like any opportunity that comes up that works with everything that I am doing -- good thing to do," said Underwood. Like the song says, she truly is an All-American Girl.


I think the poster may not know the WHOLE story here......just sayin..

[Wake-Up]

I've been noticing the last 3 or 4 years that country music is turning more into pop. A lot of it is crap to me. Like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and these wannabe country bands and singers. Is it turning more into pop?

While the industry creates and markets it's stars, ultimately the consumers decide what is country music by their support of the record labels talent.

If you don't like the direction of the music, there must be more consumers that do like the product or the recording companies would be looking in other directions for talent.

Marketing talent only goes so far in creating a sound. If it does not sell, the jury has voted.

With all the talent represented by the genre, there must be something that brings you to radio or CD store.

Personally, I prefer local talent to the overproduced efforts out of the big studios.

[alexz2317]

While the industry creates and markets it's stars, ultimately the consumers decide what is country music by their support of the record labels talent.

If you don't like the direction of the music, there must be more consumers that do like the product or the recording companies would be looking in other directions for talent.

Marketing talent only goes so far in creating a sound. If it does not sell, the jury has voted.

With all the talent represented by the genre, there must be something that brings you to radio or CD store.

Personally, I prefer local talent to the overproduced efforts out of the big studios.
The same teenage girls who just love Carrie and Taylor are the same who don't know George Strait, Clint Black, Conway Twitty and others. They like the pop. Why did they convert her whole CD to a pop version?

[BillBrown]

Nope. Not a fan of new country, middle country or old country, really. BUT, that said, I do find occasionally some very good country songs here and there, but the genre as a whole makes me reach for an epi-pen.

I agree the better country was the older stuff all the way back to Hank Williams Sr. and when it was called Folk (before the hippies got at it). I have liked a few Shania Twain songs, but I think that's more carryover because I think she's hot and love the costuming. :lol:

Country music was called "Hillbilly" until the early 1950s. The record companies decided that the term "Country and Western" sounded better than Hillbilly did. The Western was added on to take in people like Gene Autry and Tex Ritter.

In the early 1960s, it became simply Country.

The music of the '40s and '50s bears no relationship with what passes for Country today. No one could recognize the two as being in the same genre.

It borders on blasphemy to associate someone like Kenny Chesney with Hank Williams, Roy Acuff or Lefty Frizzell and the same goes for Underwood being mentioned together with Kitty Wells or Molly O'Day.

I think the labels should be changed to clear up the confusion.
Call today's stuff Country and the old stuff Hillbilly, would work.
Better yet, call the old music Country and the new stuff Suburban Pop.

Whatever the names used, they shouldn't be classed together.

[alexz2317]

Completely Agree Bill

[mboncher]

I'm with Alex on this one too, Bill.

Still, there are occasional songs from almost any genre that I get into. Yessss.... even crap-hop or c-rap has the rare gem.

But what can you expect from someone who was weened on Choral music, new age electronica and 80's pop?

[BillBrown]

I'm with Alex on this one too, Bill.

Still, there are occasional songs from almost any genre that I get into. Yessss.... even crap-hop or c-rap has the rare gem.

But what can you expect from someone who was weened on Choral music, new age electronica and 80's pop?

Some of my favorite music is Ray Price in the 1960s.
He went from hard nosed country to a pop sound, I still liked it a lot, but it wasn't country..IMO.
Here's an example of it, if you've never heard it:

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

[PhilRocksinOHIO.]

I've also heard the argument that country music rocks. That is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard. You could have Metallica playing on stage, but if they added a fiddle and a twang to their music, it would be considered country.

The closest I will ever get to country is Molly Hatchet, old school Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, the Allman Brothers, and the Outlaws.

[alexz2317]

I've also heard the argument that country music rocks. That is the biggest load of crap I have ever heard. You could have Metallica playing on stage, but if they added a fiddle and a twang to their music, it would be considered country.

The closest I will ever get to country is Molly Hatchet, old school Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackfoot, the Allman Brothers, and the Outlaws.
And those are pretty good bands too.

[JohnRandolph]

With rare exception, there AINT been no country music since Jones stopped getting airplay.

Other sages date the end of country music with the coming of the Anti-Hank, that fat assed Okie Garth Brooks.

[BillBrown]

With rare exception, there AINT been no country music since Jones stopped getting airplay.

Other sages date the end of country music with the coming of the Anti-Hank, that fat assed Okie Garth Brooks.

I pretty much agree with that.
Although, I would date it before you did.

The first attack on traditional country music came in the late 1950s, with Patsy Cline and Jim Reeves.
Their success started the dominoes falling and ushered in the Nashville Sound- which was poppified country.

Almost everyone went over to it, with a few exceptions. Jones stayed country, for the most part, although he did put out some garbage.
Merle Haggard stayed on track. Johnny Cash held out until he married June Carter, in the late '60s.

[JediMindTrick]

I've been noticing the last 3 or 4 years that country music is turning more into pop. A lot of it is crap to me. Like Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and these wannabe country bands and singers. Is it turning more into pop?

Have you only been listening for 3 or 4 years? Carrie and Taylor are doing nothing that Shania Twain and Faith Hill didn't do ten years ago. Both Shania and Faith had a pop tinged sound and many of their songs crossed over onto the pop charts too.

[Hoobeedoo Bejesus]

My current favs...

http://www.zacbrownband.com/

http://www.sugarlandmusic.com/

[JohnRandolph]

Oh I'm lookin at the world through a windshield
watchin it slide on by me on the right....

[JediMindTrick]

I don't listen to much country but to me a bigger sign of its demise is that you've got rock groups / artists like Bon Jovi and Kid Rock crossing over onto their charts.

[ROBERTENEAL]

George Strait is good, so is Faith Hill.

But, I still think that Johnny Horton and Patsy Cline were the best ever.

[notluzn]

Sometimes..