The Grand Ole Opry ain't so Grand Anymore

As I worked last night, I listened to the satellite radio for approximately 12 hours. the result of that is a list of my issues with "country music". the more I listen to todays country, the more I feel that a lot of it should be listed in its own category, which I would label "over-produced Nashville crap". the following is a list I have compiled to defend my argument.

1.Sugarland-horrible! I can't hear that womans voice without being filled with rage. She should have been a one hit wonder with "baby girl". First of all, I dare say it was a bold move for an artists first single to brag of their huge success. It would have been better for the whole world if the baby girl stopped singing in 2004. However, she did not, and the forced twang continues, much to my disgust.

2. Darius Rucker. Very talented singer, but he needs to go find his blowfish. He is not country, and the fact that he is continuing to have success as a "country" artist says a lot about how far Nashville has strayed.

3.Hank Williams. Everyone knows his name. He is an Icon, supposedly an inspiration for just about every country artist since 1953 when he died, yet he still has not been reinstated to the Grand Ole Opry. You would think that country music's most prestigious organization would reinstate the man who played a huge role in their early success. Now for those who don't know the history, Hank Williams was an alcoholic and drug user, and was dismissed from the Opry and told he would be reinstated when he sobered up. Unfortunately, he died before he became sober. I admit this was a valid reason for dismissal, but my objection is not based on the original decision, but rather its hypocritical actions since. first, if you were to go to Nashville and tour the Opry, the first thing you'll see outside their door is a big picture of Hank Williams. Second, if being drug and alcohol free isa a standard that the Opry enforces, then why are Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, willie nelson, and Johnny paycheck members, just to mention a few.

4. Dierks Bentley. His new album "up on the ridge" is amazing. he switched things up with this album, going back to a more blugrass/traditional style. The result is his best work, that country radio refuses to play. It upsets me greatly that rascal flats gets airtime and Dierks doesn't.

5 Hank III. This man is gifted musically. His style is very traditional (neo-traditional, as it is now called). His band is extremely talented, and they have brought back the roots of country. As a warning, he is the first "country" artist to have an explicit lyrics label on his albums. I don't support everything he sings about, but you can't deny his talent. He is a modern day outlaw of country, he hates Nashville for what it has done to music, and he is very vocal about his opinions. He is also hated by Nashville, and is never played on country radio or tv. He is the reincarnation of his Grandfather, following Hank's footsteps, but the difference between country legend and unwanted outlaw is the fact that one is dead and one is alive.

All that being said, I love country music...the real country music.

Im re-posting some Eric Church lyrics because I find them Quite fitting.

Get-ups, gimmicks
One hit wonders that don't stick
Pretty boys acting tough
Boy bands give it up

And if it looks good on TV
It'll look good on a CD
Shape it up, trim it down
Who gives a damn 'bout how it sounds

I don't think Waylon done it that way
And if he was here he'd say Hoss, neither did Hank
I ain't dogging what you're doing
But boys come on let's get real
You still got a lotta boot left to fill

You say you're the real deal
But you play what nobody feels
You sing about Johnny Cash
The man in black would've whipped your ass

I don't think Waylon done it that way
And if he was here he'd say Hoss, neither did Hank
I ain't dogging what you're doing
But boys come on let's get real
You still got a lotta boot left to fill

So so long 'til I see you again
When you're laying in the bargain bin