Comments on: Real heroes refuse to shut up and sing http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/ Think - it ain't illegal yet... Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:32:11 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: This is Not My Country: Last one of the Year | hell's handmaiden http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-9162 This is Not My Country: Last one of the Year | hell's handmaiden Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:18:31 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-9162 [...] Scholars & Rogues, Real heroes refuse to shut up and sing. Amen. I’ve had this fight myself, but it is a good one. There really is nothing more [...] [...] Scholars & Rogues, Real heroes refuse to shut up and sing. Amen. I’ve had this fight myself, but it is a good one. There really is nothing more [...]

]]> By: The Chief http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8445 The Chief Sat, 17 Nov 2007 08:05:59 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8445 Just have to weigh in on the Dixie Chicks, both County and Western music, and the morphing of rock into a country "branch." I'm not a country music fan - grew up in the midwest, amongst "goat-ropers," real cowboys and lots of good people, but I never developed a taste for what was then country. (Although I still enjoy my old David Allen Coe albums and live bluegrass.) I blew out my eardrums to Pure Prairie League, Eagles, Little Feat and Flying Burrito Brothers (along with Zepplin, Tull, Cat Stevens, and Jimmy Buffett). They all borrowed from country music (along with blues and other influences) to create their own sound. In the 1990's country artists began returning the favor - borrowing rock-n-roll riffs and arrangements. Lots of country today would be "pop" on an earlier playlist. And since the 80's country artists forged some interesting professional friendships such as when Tammy Wynette provided backup vocals (and had a featured role in the video) for rapper's KLF's "Justified and Ancient." I didn't put much stock in the Dixie Chicks until I saw a PBS concert they did a few years ago and was blown away by their performances. It didn't make me a "fan" after that, I just didn't mind if my wife (a real country fan) had the radio in the car when a Dixie Chicks song came on. Then came Taking the Long Way. Damned fine in my uninformed, backward, west-coast-centric opinion. I don't think their lack of awards at the CMA or other country awards shows for this album is as much a result of country music not being "ready to make nice" as much as it is a reaction to the fact that the album was produced in L.A. and not Nashville and used a studio team that was known for making pop and rock albums. It was "home cookin'." I think the west-coast experience expands their musical horizons but that may be why country fans don't think it is their best work while others like me enjoy this album so much. Sorry, gotta end this post, return to the top of the thread and restart the music. Everyone play nice. The Chief Just have to weigh in on the Dixie Chicks, both County and Western music, and the morphing of rock into a country “branch.”
I’m not a country music fan – grew up in the midwest, amongst “goat-ropers,” real cowboys and lots of good people, but I never developed a taste for what was then country. (Although I still enjoy my old David Allen Coe albums and live bluegrass.) I blew out my eardrums to Pure Prairie League, Eagles, Little Feat and Flying Burrito Brothers (along with Zepplin, Tull, Cat Stevens, and Jimmy Buffett). They all borrowed from country music (along with blues and other influences) to create their own sound. In the 1990’s country artists began returning the favor – borrowing rock-n-roll riffs and arrangements. Lots of country today would be “pop” on an earlier playlist. And since the 80’s country artists forged some interesting professional friendships such as when Tammy Wynette provided backup vocals (and had a featured role in the video) for rapper’s KLF’s “Justified and Ancient.”
I didn’t put much stock in the Dixie Chicks until I saw a PBS concert they did a few years ago and was blown away by their performances. It didn’t make me a “fan” after that, I just didn’t mind if my wife (a real country fan) had the radio in the car when a Dixie Chicks song came on. Then came Taking the Long Way. Damned fine in my uninformed, backward, west-coast-centric opinion.
I don’t think their lack of awards at the CMA or other country awards shows for this album is as much a result of country music not being “ready to make nice” as much as it is a reaction to the fact that the album was produced in L.A. and not Nashville and used a studio team that was known for making pop and rock albums. It was “home cookin’.” I think the west-coast experience expands their musical horizons but that may be why country fans don’t think it is their best work while others like me enjoy this album so much.
Sorry, gotta end this post, return to the top of the thread and restart the music.
Everyone play nice.

The Chief

]]> By: elaine http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8378 elaine Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:05:36 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8378 All the comments and original article were fantastic to read. All the comments and original article were fantastic to read.

]]> By: jeff http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8368 jeff Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:09:57 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8368 Jim, I like the Byrds/Springfield tree and all of them, but the Austin sound is my favorite. It's a good blend of country, western, Texas swing, and of course, rock. Frummox, "Man With a Big Hat" was the quintessential Austin act. I like the old Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Country is so relevant. In a way, I'm glad that some audiences are too refined in their musical tastes to enjoy country music. It allows us old rednecks to have it all to ourselves:) Of course, we're willing to spread the gospel. Right now, I'm listening to a whacked out Rap/Jazz fusion that my son sent to me. It's good music. There might be bad songs, but there's no such thing as bad music. Jeff Jim,

I like the Byrds/Springfield tree and all of them, but the Austin sound is my favorite. It’s a good blend of country, western, Texas swing, and of course, rock. Frummox, “Man With a Big Hat” was the quintessential Austin act. I like the old Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.

Country is so relevant. In a way, I’m glad that some audiences are too refined in their musical tastes to enjoy country music. It allows us old rednecks to have it all to ourselves:) Of course, we’re willing to spread the gospel.

Right now, I’m listening to a whacked out Rap/Jazz fusion that my son sent to me. It’s good music.

There might be bad songs, but there’s no such thing as bad music.

Jeff

]]> By: Dr. Slammy http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8364 Dr. Slammy Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:04:33 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8364 Glad to hear they found an audience, JS. Glad to hear they found an audience, JS.

]]> By: JS O'Brien http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8363 JS O'Brien Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:40:38 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8363 Rented it and watched it last night. Very enjoyable. And I'll be buying a lot of Dixie Chicks CDs in the near future. Rented it and watched it last night. Very enjoyable.

And I’ll be buying a lot of Dixie Chicks CDs in the near future.

]]> By: Jim Booth http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8358 Jim Booth Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:59:44 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8358 Jeff, The rock tent used to be a big one, but when the splintering of rock channels began back in the '80's, only the most overarching of country rock acts got played on rock stations (mostly those from The Byrds/Buffalo Springfield tree - Poco, Firefall, and, of course, The Eagles). Rock's loss was country's gain. It took a while to shake out, but the music emerged as alt. country and now is mainstream. That's why country doesn't simply seem more vital than rock now - it is more vital in many ways.... Jeff,

The rock tent used to be a big one, but when the splintering of rock channels began back in the ’80’s, only the most overarching of country rock acts got played on rock stations (mostly those from The Byrds/Buffalo Springfield tree – Poco, Firefall, and, of course, The Eagles).

Rock’s loss was country’s gain. It took a while to shake out, but the music emerged as alt. country and now is mainstream. That’s why country doesn’t simply seem more vital than rock now – it is more vital in many ways….

]]> By: jeff http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8346 jeff Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:03:53 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8346 Here's one of my faves. Y'all might know it as the theme song to the landmark series "Austin City Limits." Gary P Nunn 1st verse Well, when you're down on your luck, and you ain't got a buck, in London you're a goner. Even London Bridge has fallen down, and moved to Arizona, now I know why. And I'll substantiate the rumor that the English sense of humor is drier than than the Texas sand. You can put up your dukes, and you can bet your boots that I'm leavin' just as fast as I can. Chorus I wanna go home with the armadillo Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene The friendliest people and the prettiest women you've ever seen. 2nd Verse Well, it's cold over here, and I swear I wish they'd turn the heat on. And where in the world is that English girl I promised I would meet on the third floor. And of the whole damn lot, the only friend I've got is a smoke and a cheap guitar. My mind keeps roamin', my heart keeps longin' to be home in a Texas bar. Chorus 3rd Verse Well, I decided that I'd get my cowboy hat and go down to Marble Arch Station. 'Cause when a Texan fancies, he'll take his chances. Chances will be taken, that's for sure. And them Limey eyes, they were eyein' the prize that some people call manly footwear. And they said you're from down South, and when you open your mouth, you always seem to put your foot there. Repeat chorus 'til the cows come home Here’s one of my faves. Y’all might know it as the theme song to the landmark series “Austin City Limits.”

Gary P Nunn

1st verse
Well, when you’re down on your luck,
and you ain’t got a buck,
in London you’re a goner.
Even London Bridge has fallen down,
and moved to Arizona,
now I know why.
And I’ll substantiate the rumor that the English sense of humor
is drier than than the Texas sand.
You can put up your dukes, and you can bet your boots
that I’m leavin’ just as fast as I can.

Chorus
I wanna go home with the armadillo
Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene
The friendliest people and the prettiest women you’ve ever
seen.

2nd Verse
Well, it’s cold over here, and I swear
I wish they’d turn the heat on.
And where in the world is that English girl
I promised I would meet on the third floor.
And of the whole damn lot, the only friend I’ve got
is a smoke and a cheap guitar.
My mind keeps roamin’, my heart keeps longin’
to be home in a Texas bar.

Chorus

3rd Verse
Well, I decided that I’d get my cowboy hat
and go down to Marble Arch Station.
‘Cause when a Texan fancies, he’ll take his chances.
Chances will be taken, that’s for sure.
And them Limey eyes, they were eyein’ the prize
that some people call manly footwear.
And they said you’re from down South,
and when you open your mouth,
you always seem to put your foot there.

Repeat chorus ’til the cows come home

]]> By: Ann http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8345 Ann Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:54:32 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8345 I remember riding in my dad's truck, singing along to a Willie and Waylon cassette (it was my job to select and play music in the truck and I took it very seriously). My favorite song for quite a while went: <i>Take back the weed, take back the cocaine, baby, Take back the pills, take back the whiskey, too. Don't need it now, your love was all I was after, I'll make it now that I can get off on you...</i> I may not have understood the words coming out of my mouth, but I knew good music when I heard it. I remember riding in my dad’s truck, singing along to a Willie and Waylon cassette (it was my job to select and play music in the truck and I took it very seriously). My favorite song for quite a while went:

Take back the weed, take back the cocaine, baby,
Take back the pills, take back the whiskey, too.
Don’t need it now, your love was all I was after,
I’ll make it now that I can get off on you…

I may not have understood the words coming out of my mouth, but I knew good music when I heard it.

]]> By: jeff http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8341 jeff Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:47:11 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8341 Jim Booth said "What puzzles me is why country artists do better rock than most rock artists these days. Maybe it’s because they’re relevant." Although I'm a fan of rock, I still like to listen to a lot of country music. I sometimes like to sit down, grab my guitar, and belt out a couple of tunes by Hank, Jerry Jeff, Willie, and the boys. Country music, like salsa, is delightful. I think Jim knows what kind of country music I really like. I'm always glad to send out samples to anyone who wants to listen to Good Country. I bought the "Chicks" last album, and my lovely wife and I didn't think that it was their best. It was still pretty good. Mike responded to a post: "“I’m not bothered when people call a spade a spade.” Of all the expressions to use…" That expression is one of the oldest poker terms around, and it has been bastardized. Jeff Jim Booth said

“What puzzles me is why country artists do better rock than most rock artists these days.

Maybe it’s because they’re relevant.”

Although I’m a fan of rock, I still like to listen to a lot of country music. I sometimes like to sit down, grab my guitar, and belt out a couple of tunes by Hank, Jerry Jeff, Willie, and the boys. Country music, like salsa, is delightful.

I think Jim knows what kind of country music I really like. I’m always glad to send out samples to anyone who wants to listen to Good Country.

I bought the “Chicks” last album, and my lovely wife and I didn’t think that it was their best. It was still pretty good.

Mike responded to a post:

““I’m not bothered when people call a spade a spade.”

Of all the expressions to use…”

That expression is one of the oldest poker terms around, and it has been bastardized.

Jeff

]]> By: Mike Sheehan http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8338 Mike Sheehan Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:20:22 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8338 "I’m not bothered when people call a spade a spade." Of all the expressions to use... “I’m not bothered when people call a spade a spade.”

Of all the expressions to use…

]]> By: Texas Veteran http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8333 Texas Veteran Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:20:24 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8333 Wow ! Thanks for posting the video. That song and album garnered FIVE Grammy awards this year, yet The Chicks were panned by the Country Music Association awards, indicating that rednecks are still motivated by FEAR above all else. No change there, over the centuries, These are awesome musicians, and deserve all the accolades plus more - and I am not a Country music fan. When I first heard the Dixie Chicks I was absolutely amazed at their musical virtuosity, their incredible voices, and their genre defying lyrical content. There are MILLIONS of fellow Texans who are likewise embarrased and ashamed at being "linked" to this New England prep-school carpetbagger, miserable failure, closet-case, fascist wanna-be, blood swimmer, loser, war criminal, smirking sociopath. Shut Up and Sing is a very sad tale of the crumbling of American society, as fear-mongering is substituted for patriotism, cowardice becomes a virtue, and anyone with the guts to voice a contrary opinion is placed on the Terror Watch List along with 700,000 others. I only wish our so-called Democratic party would display this kind of love of country and refuse to make nice with the liars, thieves, torturers, and muderers who have stolen two elections to massively enrich their families and cronies, and sent our nation into a death spiral. What does it say about our country when minor dissent is met with such a massive orchestrated attempt to destroy the careers of people who are making a valuable and genuine contribution to our culture? What the hell are you afraid of ? NEVER FORGET ! NEVER AGAIN ! Live free or die. Fight now or surrender your children to .Big Brother. Stand up like free people, or subject future generations to a life of fear and subservience. The oath of office has been subverted in the extreme, and good people must shout out - The Emperor Wears No Clothes ! Wow ! Thanks for posting the video. That song and album garnered FIVE Grammy awards this year, yet The Chicks were panned by the Country Music Association awards, indicating that rednecks are still motivated by FEAR above all else. No change there, over the centuries, These are awesome musicians, and deserve all the accolades plus more – and I am not a Country music fan. When I first heard the Dixie Chicks I was absolutely amazed at their musical virtuosity, their incredible voices, and their genre defying lyrical content. There are MILLIONS of fellow Texans who are likewise embarrased and ashamed at being “linked” to this New England prep-school carpetbagger, miserable failure, closet-case, fascist wanna-be, blood swimmer, loser, war criminal, smirking sociopath. Shut Up and Sing is a very sad tale of the crumbling of American society, as fear-mongering is substituted for patriotism, cowardice becomes a virtue, and anyone with the guts to voice a contrary opinion is placed on the Terror Watch List along with 700,000 others. I only wish our so-called Democratic party would display this kind of love of country and refuse to make nice with the liars, thieves, torturers, and muderers who have stolen two elections to massively enrich their families and cronies, and sent our nation into a death spiral. What does it say about our country when minor dissent is met with such a massive orchestrated attempt to destroy the careers of people who are making a valuable and genuine contribution to our culture? What the hell are you afraid of ? NEVER FORGET ! NEVER AGAIN ! Live free or die. Fight now or surrender your children to .Big Brother. Stand up like free people, or subject future generations to a life of fear and subservience. The oath of office has been subverted in the extreme, and good people must shout out – The Emperor Wears No Clothes !

]]> By: Dr. Slammy http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8331 Dr. Slammy Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:56:24 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8331 Jeff: <i>shut up has always been a derisive term to me since childhood. yet it is the anthem of the right, when they cannot use fact or reason.</i> Yup. After several readings and re-readings of the 1st Amendment I've concluded that if "shut up" is all you've got, you're not much of an American. I'm sure we all want people to shut up all the time, but if you can't defeat their ignorance with reason then maybe you're the one who needs a few moments of silent reflection. Jeff:

shut up has always been a derisive term to me since childhood. yet it is the anthem of the right, when they cannot use fact or reason.

Yup. After several readings and re-readings of the 1st Amendment I’ve concluded that if “shut up” is all you’ve got, you’re not much of an American. I’m sure we all want people to shut up all the time, but if you can’t defeat their ignorance with reason then maybe you’re the one who needs a few moments of silent reflection.

]]> By: Dr. Slammy http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8329 Dr. Slammy Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:53:26 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8329 <i>It demeans both you and us to refer to a segment of the public as “toothless hillbilly former fans”. I’m not a big fan of country music, and I am aware that many ill-informed conservatives live in rural areas, but I think this kind of writing does not contribute to the progresive cause.</i> I don't feel remotely demeaned. If you feel demeaned that's up to you. And you can be progressive however best suits you. But I grew up among the toothless hillbillies - you'd probably play hell finding a Dixie Chicks record in my old neighborhood - and I feel more than okay in talking about my own in straightforward terms. There's a time for anger, even amongst the noblest of us, and I'm not bothered when people call a spade a spade. <i>The whole idea of America in 1776 was supposed to be that an informed citizenry would debate issues, and that the citizens would then determine, through voting, how the government would behave. Now, by seeking to silence dissent, disseminating misinformation, and buying journalists, we have the government determining how the citizens should think and behave.</i> My point exactly. It demeans both you and us to refer to a segment of the public as “toothless hillbilly former fans”. I’m not a big fan of country music, and I am aware that many ill-informed conservatives live in rural areas, but I think this kind of writing does not contribute to the progresive cause.

I don’t feel remotely demeaned. If you feel demeaned that’s up to you. And you can be progressive however best suits you. But I grew up among the toothless hillbillies – you’d probably play hell finding a Dixie Chicks record in my old neighborhood – and I feel more than okay in talking about my own in straightforward terms. There’s a time for anger, even amongst the noblest of us, and I’m not bothered when people call a spade a spade.

The whole idea of America in 1776 was supposed to be that an informed citizenry would debate issues, and that the citizens would then determine, through voting, how the government would behave. Now, by seeking to silence dissent, disseminating misinformation, and buying journalists, we have the government determining how the citizens should think and behave.

My point exactly.

]]> By: orangutan http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8328 orangutan Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:28:49 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8328 It demeans both you and us to refer to a segment of the public as "toothless hillbilly former fans". I'm not a big fan of country music, and I am aware that many ill-informed conservatives live in rural areas, but I think this kind of writing does not contribute to the progresive cause. The whole idea of America in 1776 was supposed to be that an informed citizenry would debate issues, and that the citizens would then determine, through voting, how the government would behave. Now, by seeking to silence dissent, disseminating misinformation, and buying journalists, we have the government determining how the citizens should think and behave. It demeans both you and us to refer to a segment of the public as “toothless hillbilly former fans”. I’m not a big fan of country music, and I am aware that many ill-informed conservatives live in rural areas, but I think this kind of writing does not contribute to the progresive cause.

The whole idea of America in 1776 was supposed to be that an informed citizenry would debate issues, and that the citizens would then determine, through voting, how the government would behave. Now, by seeking to silence dissent, disseminating misinformation, and buying journalists, we have the government determining how the citizens should think and behave.

]]> By: jeff muessig http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8327 jeff muessig Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:24:18 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8327 have been a casual fan of country over the years. my wife is a devotee and has introduced me to songs such as "earl" and other gut wrenchers. as with jack nicholsons trite line in "a few good men", " you can't stand the truth " these sheep will continue their march over the cliff, while the chicks and the rest of us miscreants will thrive and watch these poor impotent throngs continue to try to absolve the sins of this dastardly administration. they have elevated the term chicks to woman of powerful and insightful courage who have the will to question onerous behavior regardless of who is commiting it. shut up has always been a derisive term to me since childhood. yet it is the anthem of the right, when they cannot use fact or reason. have been a casual fan of country over the years. my wife is a devotee and has introduced me to songs such as “earl” and other gut wrenchers. as with jack nicholsons trite line in “a few good men”, ” you can’t stand the truth ” these sheep will continue their march over the cliff, while the chicks and the rest of us miscreants will thrive and watch these poor impotent throngs continue to try to absolve the sins of this dastardly administration. they have elevated the term chicks to woman of powerful and insightful courage who have the will to question onerous behavior regardless of who is commiting it. shut up has always been a derisive term to me since childhood. yet it is the anthem of the right, when they cannot use fact or reason.

]]> By: Dr. Slammy http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8326 Dr. Slammy Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:52:35 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8326 Darrell: A bit surprised to hear that you know as much about C&W as you do, but I probably shouldn't be. I'm not an expert on country at all, but I will say that I don't think I've ever heard any Dixie Chicks that I didn't like (and their credibility went way up in my book when I found that they'd done a Maria McKee song on <i>Wide Open Spaces</i>). And now Dan Wilson (of Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare) is all over the new disc. Mike Campbell puts in an appearance, too. So they work with some good people. Shortly after I posted this yesterday my wife went to the store and bought the new CD, and after a listen or two I'm really liking it a lot. It's still the Dixie Chicks, but we're going to have to stop calling them a country band. I've heard rock records that were nearly this country. Good on 'em. They're proving that as artists they're a lot bigger than one genre, and that isn't easy, especially for players like Emily and Martie who have never really known much else as professionals. Darrell:

A bit surprised to hear that you know as much about C&W as you do, but I probably shouldn’t be. I’m not an expert on country at all, but I will say that I don’t think I’ve ever heard any Dixie Chicks that I didn’t like (and their credibility went way up in my book when I found that they’d done a Maria McKee song on Wide Open Spaces). And now Dan Wilson (of Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare) is all over the new disc. Mike Campbell puts in an appearance, too. So they work with some good people.

Shortly after I posted this yesterday my wife went to the store and bought the new CD, and after a listen or two I’m really liking it a lot. It’s still the Dixie Chicks, but we’re going to have to stop calling them a country band. I’ve heard rock records that were nearly this country.

Good on ‘em. They’re proving that as artists they’re a lot bigger than one genre, and that isn’t easy, especially for players like Emily and Martie who have never really known much else as professionals.

]]> By: Anon http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8321 Anon Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:12:37 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8321 I was very annoyed by the recent country music quiz at dailykos.com where a huge majority of quiz takers said that they either hated or disliked country music. I'm afraid that they answered that way out of huge, incredible ignorance. I might have answered that way when I was a boy 25 or 30 years ago, but a lot of "country music" is just plain old delightful pop music. I recently started watching CMT late at night and in the morning, as an addition to my MTV- and VH1-watching, so that I would be able to find and enjoy as many delightful videos and quality songs as possible. If I weren't watching CMT, I would have missed out on so much--Josh Turner and the dance mix version of "Hick Chick" by Cowboy Troy, etc., etc., etc. Closing your eyes to all of the good stuff that comes under the country music rubric is like this idiot-snob co-worker I once had who sneered at all of the works of Walt Disney--ALL of it--because it was all just so much sentimental pap. Listening to country music does not mean you have to sit on bales of hay while twangy-voiced hillbillies play the jug or the mouth-harp. I was very annoyed by the recent country music quiz at dailykos.com where a huge majority of quiz takers said that they either hated or disliked country music. I’m afraid that they answered that way out of huge, incredible ignorance.

I might have answered that way when I was a boy 25 or 30 years ago, but a lot of “country music” is just plain old delightful pop music.

I recently started watching CMT late at night and in the morning, as an addition to my MTV- and VH1-watching, so that I would be able to find and enjoy as many delightful videos and quality songs as possible. If I weren’t watching CMT, I would have missed out on so much–Josh Turner and the dance mix version of “Hick Chick” by Cowboy Troy, etc., etc., etc.

Closing your eyes to all of the good stuff that comes under the country music rubric is like this idiot-snob co-worker I once had who sneered at all of the works of Walt Disney–ALL of it–because it was all just so much sentimental pap.

Listening to country music does not mean you have to sit on bales of hay while twangy-voiced hillbillies play the jug or the mouth-harp.

]]> By: Darrell http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8312 Darrell Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:50:46 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8312 Oh yeah before I forget. When I was interning in Nashvegas, Sony was acting like, well Sony, and not giving the Chicks their graduated royalties (basically they get a higher % of royalties when they reach a certain amount of sales). Basically they blamed a clerical error and the Chicks got eventually got some of their money. Sony got pissed and delayed the release of their album Home. Sony was giving them crap becasue they thought it was too bluegrass and it wouldn't sell. I rememebr hearing that album months before it was finally released. Hands down that album is one of the best country albums in the last 10 years even if they did have to throw in a popular cover song. Oh yeah before I forget. When I was interning in Nashvegas, Sony was acting like, well Sony, and not giving the Chicks their graduated royalties (basically they get a higher % of royalties when they reach a certain amount of sales). Basically they blamed a clerical error and the Chicks got eventually got some of their money. Sony got pissed and delayed the release of their album Home.

Sony was giving them crap becasue they thought it was too bluegrass and it wouldn’t sell. I rememebr hearing that album months before it was finally released. Hands down that album is one of the best country albums in the last 10 years even if they did have to throw in a popular cover song.

]]> By: Darrell http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/comment-page-1/#comment-8311 Darrell Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:31:44 +0000 http://www.scholarsandrogues.com/2007/11/10/some-real-heroes-refuse-to-shut-up-and-sing/#comment-8311 I saw this doc, it was pretty sweet. I find it funny that some of the the "classic" country artists like Hank and others were at some point in their life basically hated by the Nashville establishment. I predict in 10 or more years the Chicks will be the few bands/artists in county music that will be considered classic. It was no shock to me when they got ousted like that. I lived in Nashville and worked in the industry, need I say more. The state of country music is just sad. I wish I had the link to an article a music critic for the Buffalo News wrote about a Toby Keith concert. It's one of the greatest reviews i've ever read, just classic. It sums up almost all country bands today. As far as the last Chicks album, I personally didn't like "Taking the Long Way" as much as the others. But it's still pretty solid. Oh yeah for the record "Goodbye Earl" is one of the all time great country songs, period! I saw this doc, it was pretty sweet. I find it funny that some of the the “classic” country artists like Hank and others were at some point in their life basically hated by the Nashville establishment.

I predict in 10 or more years the Chicks will be the few bands/artists in county music that will be considered classic.

It was no shock to me when they got ousted like that. I lived in Nashville and worked in the industry, need I say more.

The state of country music is just sad. I wish I had the link to an article a music critic for the Buffalo News wrote about a Toby Keith concert. It’s one of the greatest reviews i’ve ever read, just classic. It sums up almost all country bands today.

As far as the last Chicks album, I personally didn’t like “Taking the Long Way” as much as the others. But it’s still pretty solid.

Oh yeah for the record “Goodbye Earl” is one of the all time great country songs, period!

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