In the never-ending conversation about how bad current Country music is... most folks are only hearing a few songs (or parts of them) on the radio before they "shut 'er down"...
There is a bunch of good Country out there.
Here is one example: HARDY
These are mostly lyric videos... Read along. He is a heck of a writer...
REDNECKER
So you think you've got some county line cred Cause you rode a dirt road or two You got a mossy oak hat on top of your head And a southern pride tattoo Yeah you might a drank a little grain alcohol Or hauled a little hay but if you think your boots Got more dirt than mine I got one thing to say
My town's smaller than your town And i got a bigger buck and bass on my wall Got a little more kick in my drawl Y'all i got little more spit in my chaw My truck's louder than your truck And my collar's a little more blue You might think that you're redneck But I'm rednecker than you Yes I am
I got a car parked in my front yard With a floorboard full of slim jeans I [*****] where i want to And i fish Where i swim yeah I bet you you ain't got it on a tailgate Or killed a copperhead a time or two Man if you're thinking you're a better Beer drinker buddy I've got news for you
My town's smaller than your town And O got a bigger buck and bass on my wall Got a little more kick in my drawl Y'all I got little more spit in my chaw My truck's louder than your truck And my tick hound's a little more blue You might think that you're redneck But I'm rednecker than you I'm rednecker than you
Yeah I'm down with the sound Of a dixie whistle raising hell Praising dale twelve in at bristol More sweat on my brow At the end of the day So needless to say
My town's smaller than your town And I got a bigger buck & bass on my wall And I ain't tryin' to talk no smack It's just the facts y'all
My truck's louder than your truck And my red white's a little more blue You might think that you're redneck But I'm rednecker than you I'm rednecker than you
THIS OLE BOY
This ole boy don't come from the city This ole boy's got some rock 'n' roll roots This ole boy still speaks Mississippi This ole boy's got some miles on these boots This ole boy done fell into something I ain't talking 'bout mud or paint But girl, you know I'm gon' give it to you country Couple things that ain't gonna change
That dog gon' hunt, this truck gon' ride The river gon' run, the fish are gon' bite Coyotes gonna howl at a full moon This ole boy's gonna love you You could take it to the bank, cash it on in As long as that third rock from the sun spins It's one of them things that's gonna stay true This ole boy, this ole boy's gonna love you Yes, he is
Yeah, this ole boys whole life looks different This ole boys got a permanent grin This ole boys saying words like commitment 'Cause she's giving me some sugar with a liquor in
That dog gon' hunt, this truck gon' ride The river gon' run, the fish are gon' bite Coyotes gonna howl at a full moon This ole boy's gonna love you You could take it to the bank, cash it on in As long as that third rock from the sun spins It's one of them things that's gonna stay true This ole boy, this ole boy's gonna love you Yeah
Smoke gon' blow, catfish gon' fry That hemp gon' flow on a Friday night
That dog gon' hunt, this truck gon' ride The river gon' run, the fish are gon' bite Coyotes gonna howl at a full moon This ole boy's gonna love you You could take it to the bank, cash it on in As long as that third rock from the sun spins It's one of them things that's gonna stay true This ole boy, this ole boy's gonna love you
It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for
So you got a truck Hell it's even got a hitch You keep it on the blacktop Thinking that ya hot stuff Take it off in a ditch And then you get stuck It ain't fun no more You got nowhere to turn One day you'll learn It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for son It's what the 4 is for
Ever since they been a slapping them Hell yeah stickers up on the side Them good ole boys been feeling Macho in that quattro wheel drive It gets her pretty little red dirt Flip flop feet in the door Then ya take it on out You drop it on down It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for
She don't mind the mud And she loves getting lost From way up on the ridge To down under the bridge Kudzu or Spanish moss Man when she climbs in She's ready to roll Coz she knows there ain't nowhere That 6.0 powerstroke can't go It's what the 4 is for (yeah)
Ever since they been a slapping them Hell yeah stickers up on the side Them good ole boys been feeling Macho in that quattro wheel drive It gets her pretty little red dirt Flip flop feet in the door Then ya take it on out You drop it on down It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for
Ever since they been a slapping them Hell yeah stickers up on the side Them good ole boys been feeling Macho in that quattro wheel drive It gets her pretty little red dirt Flip flop feet in the door Then ya take it on out You drop it on down It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for (son) It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for It's what the 4 is for
I swear this whole wide world stuck in fast forward Keep up or get left behind We like a tape rewinding in the dash board We like to ride on the retro side Stuck inside a 1990, somethin' kinda year It ain't just that blue ribbon beer
We like to throw back some lightning in a jar Paying cold cash like them good old days Throw the bucket seats back in that old Skylark Throw it in park in the dark and in the bars we play a little Don't rock the jukebox on throw back kicks Yeah, we do what we do and we don't care if it's cool Might be a little old school but it is what it is And it's throwback
Like a fish that ain't a keeper Like a not a home team home run in the bleachers Solo on it like that grundy country auctioneer It ain't only on Thursdays out here
When we throwback some lightning in a jar Paying cold cash like them good old days Throw the bucket seats back in that old Skylark Throw it in park in the dark and in the bars we play a little
Don't rock the jukebox on the jukebox Then moonwalk and boot stomp and throw back kicks Yeah, we do what we do and we don't care if its cool Might be a little old school, but it is what it is And it's throwback Yeah, it's throwback Yeah, that's right
We like to throwback some lightning in a jar Payin' old cash like them good old days Throw the bucket seats back in that old Skylark Throw it in park in the dark and in the bars we play a little Don't rock the jukebox on the jukebox Then moonwalk and boot stomp and throw back kicks
Yeah, we do what we do And we don't care if it's cool Might be a little old school But it is what it is And it's throwback
Like a fish that ain't a keeper Like a not a home team home run in the bleachers Stuck inside a 1990 somethin' kinda year
Yeah it's throwback
Songwriters: Rodney Clawson / Jordan Schmidt / Corey Crowder / Michael Hardy
good stuff. We have a station around these parts that doesn't tow the nashille current hit maker play list line. Yeah they play the hits but the veer off the path a bit. I've heard the "Rednecker than you" song, on the radio.
Whether or not he sounds like the rest of the nashville pretty boy singers these days..... well, I'll leave that discussion to someone else for now.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I just see a talented writer with well-crafted songs and well-crafted productions.
Thank you for saying it better than I could. I was struggling as to how to say it without it being lengthy; but that's exactly what you've done. In fact, my response is even longer yours... Ok, the song is still stuck in my head.
Thanks for bringing ALL of this up. Let's see how constructive it stays.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
I don't hear this kind of stuff on the 2 local so-called country stations in my area. Oh yeah, that's right, I stopped tuning in to those stations at all since they won't play anything that does not have a click, snap, pop or fake electronic finger snap track going on through the whole song. I really miss the David Lee Murphy, Diamond Rio, Lone Star, Jo Dee Messina, Phil Vassar, Colin Raye type stuff. On another note, years ago I unfortunately sold my 1965 Buick Skylark jacked up with Craiger wheels, Cherry Bomb twin exhaust, 2 door, some antique white color with chrome strips all over it, giant wooden steering wheel,bench seat in the front, 8 tracks all over the passenger side floorboard. It had a 300 cast iron engine, not the aluminum one, and a 2 speed super turbo transmission. It would shift into 2nd somewhere between 40 - 60 mph. Against all engineering odds it somehow kept up with and even beat the much lighter stock 289 Mustangs with 3 speed trannies. Well on the straight-a-ways anyway. Around the same time I had a 1978 Chevy C10 two tone baby blue and white similar looking to the truck in Rednecker video but that one looks like it might be a mid to late 80s model. Then around 2003 I sold 2 walls full of some Chilton and mostly Mitchell manuals for $300. The buyer drove 200 miles one way to get them. We loaded them into his home made plywood single axle trailer that was being pulled by a beat up Chevy S10 with no bed on it. So, what does this have to do with anything? Well, it just means I can relate to this music and these videos.
After listening some more I think this stuff would be mega radio hits if they just added finger snap tracks with substantial reverb to every song. Ain't that a shame!
Then I see the responses and am reminded why I don't post songs, or really even comment here, often.
Great thread Floyd. For what it's worth, I see Rednecker is charting at #35 on Billboard country charts. My wife said she has been hearing it on the radio.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Then I see the responses and am reminded why I don't post songs, or really even comment here, often.
Great thread Floyd. For what it's worth, I see Rednecker is charting at #35 on Billboard country charts. My wife said she has been hearing it on the radio.
Unfortunately, for me, I can't listen to our local country stations long enough to know if any of these very decent songs are getting air. That's because the only time I don't hear the irritating click/snap thing going on is during commercials. The very second I hear the Autotune-Banjo-Hip-Hop stuff I immediately change the station. I check every month or so in hopeful anticipation that the country airways start going the direction of this type of music. BTW, I'm age 54 and perform 2 - 4 times a week solo singing mostly country, some folk, some rock, and a lot of country love songs.
Unfortunately, for me, I can't listen to our local country stations long enough to know if any of these very decent songs are getting air. That's because the only time I don't hear the irritating click/snap thing going on is during commercials. The very second I hear the Autotune-Banjo-Hip-Hop stuff I immediately change the station. I check every month or so in hopeful anticipation that the country airways start going the direction of this type of music. BTW, I'm age 54 and perform 2 - 4 times a week solo singing mostly country, some folk, some rock, and a lot of country love songs.
First, have you considered a music service of some sort? Youtube is free if you don't mind the ads. I know I don't rely solely(by a LONG shot) on radio for my exposure to new songs. There's so much music that doesn't make it to the airwaves it's unreal. And we have access to it like never before!
Second, I'm just disappointed that whenever someone posts examples of current songs that don't even seem to have the elements that they claim irritates them, that they still manage to bring it to things they don't like. Floyd went out of his way to show us some current music that are really great examples of song writing. Can we agree that Floyd seems rather accomplished in this field? So, why not learn from it rather than distract from it? Keeping it on the spirit of the thread would be respectful in my opinion.
The bands you listed, by the way, I feel have some really good songs. My Grandfather would have probably completed disagreed and said those bands were/are NOT country at all. I remember hearing from more than one person, when I was younger, how Alabama wasn't a country band. Now people point to them as "real country."
So, I'm out of the conversation for this side of it. No disrespect intended. I'm all in if anyone wants to chat about what Floyd posted, or other examples.
Thanks again Floyd. I hope I didn't detract from what you posted too much.
Last edited by HearToLearn; 06/05/1911:10 AM.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
The point of my original post was to show that there is some VERY GOOD Country music out there.
I, like many others, find most of the playlist of current Country Radio somewhat "irritating". I turn it on to see what is happening and end up turning it off and finding an alternative. Of which there are MANY (alternatives). There is incredible music being made by new Country artists. It isn't necessarily finding its way to Country Radio (though sometimes it does). We (old guys) are NOT the target audience of RADIO. I spend a LOT of time listening to new artists. Looking for things that I WANT to listen to. I am finding a BUNCH of it. So, I thought I would share some as I find it. Well crafted songs mean a LOT to me. Good, listen-able production means a good deal to me (though songwriting comes first in my book). I don't mind the current "snaps-and-banjo" thing as long as it is done well (and not over done). I've used it in some of my own productions. (I'm quite fond of Brett Young 's music... and RaeLynn ). There is nothing wrong with a little innovation or "new stuff" or "borrowing from other genres". It helps Country grow and stay fresh. I don't care for Rap in Country Music, but that doesn't mean SOMEONE might not come along and "do it right". And I am open to that....(so far...not)
A lot of it is fads that will pass. Some of it will stick. Most of 90's Country was about incorporating 70's singer/songwriter/soft-rock into Country Music. A new thing. And a Golden Age of Country for me. James Taylor Countrified... When Garth Brooks brought "the rock show" to Country is was a turning point. Country became bigger than it had ever been.
Taylor Swift changed Country Music in a similar manner. She has since moved on to a different thing. But she left a mark. She is a bundle of TALENT. Old school folks (many on these forums) mocked that talent. I was a fan of her early stuff (It is SO good). And I respect her decision to take her music where SHE wants it to go (not my thing, necessarily). HER RECORD COMPANY is signing some truly talented COUNTRY artists. They are worth hearing. (Find Lauren Jenkins new record - "No Saint")
SO...
Again, the point is... there is a LOT of GOOD Country music being made. Let's share what we find. The good stuff. There is little point in bashing what you don't like. Simply turn that off. BUT...don't turn off from NEW music just because the radio is rehashing "the same tired stuff". It's what they do.
Don't turn into "that grumpy old man" bemoaning the fact that "they don't sound like Merle Haggard". Hey!, they don't sound like Garth Brooks... But, some of 'em sound REALLY good!!!
Initial impression. Yesterday’s Alan Jackson, think Chattahoochee, mashed up with today’s Brothers Osborne along with some sharp writing...that is at first glance Bro Countryish but quickly goes way beyond it — as in satirical.
I only had time at the moment to listen to that first tune - definitely didn't mind it
Looking forward to listening to your other suggestions. Country is definitely alive and kickin' - unfortunately, much of the mainstream content does leave a lot to be desired though.
These tunes are certainly different than what you hear on the big stations but...Yeah I know, here it comes. The primary subjects of most of these lyrics is still pickup trucks, beer/drinking and a hot chick or two which is exactly what the complaint is with commercial country. The music is better with these tracks though.
Where's On The Road Again, Folsom Prison, The Gambler and all the other great writing from years ago? The more I think about it the more I realize these lyrics while decent in the modern context are still weak compared to something like this:
Or this:
Just compare these lyrics to Rednecker. Mama Tried is a serious/sad story with a great hook. Coalminers Daughter is a serious song from the heart. None of these modern lyrics have anything close to this IMHO.
And I'm not even a real country fan but I loved these songs when they came out. Good, serious stuff.
There have been plenty of modern songs that are just as well-written (or BETTER) than the examples that you are citing.
Here is just one example.
Eighty-nine cents in the ash tray Half empty bottle of Gatorade rolling in the floorboard That dirty Braves cap on the dash Dog tags hanging from the rear view Old Skoal can, and cowboy boots and a Go Army Shirt Folded in the back This thing burns gas like crazy, but that’s alright People got their ways of coping Oh, and I’ve got mine
I drive your truck I roll every window down and I burn up Every back road in this town I find a field, I tear it up Till all the pain’s a cloud of dust Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck
I leave that radio playing Same old country station where you left it Yeah, man I crank it up And you’d probably punch my arm right now If you saw this tear rolling down on my face Hey, man I’m trying to be tough And Momma asked me this morning, if I’d been by your grave But that flag and stone ain’t where I feel you anyway
I drive your truck I roll every window down and I burn up Every back road in this town I find a field, I tear it up Till all the pain’s a cloud of dust Yeah, sometimes I drive your truck
I’ve cussed, I’ve prayed, I’ve said goodbye Shook my fist and asked God why These days when I’m missing you this much
I drive your truck I roll every window down And I burn up Every back road in this town I find a field, I tear it up Till all the pain’s a cloud of dust, yeah sometimes, Brother sometimes I drive your truck I drive your truck I hope you don’t mind, I hope you don’t mind I drive your truck
Songwriters: Jimmy Yeary / Connie Harrington / Jessi Alexander
LOL, on Coal Miners Daughter video, the most current lyric is the one showing - "Thanks for watching. Be sure to check out all my other videos on YouTube. Comment and subscribe." I think it'd be easy to write a song around those lines. You know, along the line of some lonely guy, lost his girl and has immersed and lost himself in making irrelevant YouTube videos.
In August 1976, the lyrics of this song inspired the country scene to write and release a lot of similar themed songs.
Convoy - CW McCall
Lyrics [On the CB] Ah, breaker one-nine, this here's the Rubber Duck. You gotta copy on me, Pig Pen, c'mon? Ah, yeah, 10-4, Pig Pen, fer shure, fer shure. By golly, it's clean clear to Flag Town, c'mon. Yeah, that's a big 10-4 there, Pig Pen, yeah, we definitely got the front door, good buddy. Mercy sakes alive, looks like we got us a convoy Was the dark of the moon on the sixth of June In a Kenworth pullin' logs Cab-over Pete with a reefer on And a Jimmy haulin' hogs We is headin' for bear on I-one-oh 'Bout a mile outta Shaky Town I says, "Pig Pen, this here's the Rubber Duck. "And I'm about to put the hammer down." [Chorus] Cause we got a little convoy Rockin' through the night. Yeah, we got a little convoy, Ain't she a beautiful sight? Come on and join our convoy Ain't nothin' gonna get in our way. We gonna roll this truckin' convoy 'Cross the U-S-A. Convoy! [On the CB] Ah, breaker, Pig Pen, this here's the Duck. And, you wanna back off them hogs? Yeah, 10-4, 'bout five mile or so. Ten, roger. Them hogs is gettin' in-tense up here. By the time we got into Tulsa Town, We had eighty-five trucks in all. But they's a roadblock up on the cloverleaf, And them bears was wall-to-wall. Yeah, them smokies is thick as bugs on a bumper; They even had a bear in the air! I says, "Callin' all trucks, this here's the Duck. "We about to go a-huntin' bear." [Chorus] [On the CB] Ah, you wanna give me a 10-9 on that, Pig Pen? Negatory, Pig Pen; you're still too close. Yeah, them hogs is startin' to close up my sinuses. Mercy sakes, you better back off another ten. Well, we rolled up Interstate 44 Like a rocket sled on rails. We tore up all of our swindle sheets, And left 'em settin' on the scales. By the time we hit that Chi-town, Them bears was a-gettin' smart: They'd brought up some reinforcements From the Illinois National Guard. There's armored cars, and tanks, and jeeps, And rigs of ev'ry size. Yeah, them chicken coops was full'a bears And choppers filled the skies. Well, we shot the line and we went for broke With a thousand screamin' trucks An' eleven long-haired Friends a' Jesus In a chartreuse micra-bus.
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Ok, the song is still stuck in my head.
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