Kool Kuntryclassics: CMA AWARDS AND THE GENERAL STATE OF COUNTRY MUSIC: Ive been trying to sort out what the problem really is here. My humble opinion is that since these young artists are a completely different generation, one that was brought up on hard rock, rap, and pop, naturally, theyre going to have different tastes than those of us who were brought up on True Country (steel guitars, fiddles, etc) and Rock and Roll. To me, Rock and Roll, was transformed in the mid 60s to just Rock (not sure where the Roll went). This is much the way Country Music has gone. I feel like it started in the late 80s or early 90s. They started leaving out the fiddles and steel for more guitar twang. It was such a gradual process, that most of us hardly noticed. But now it has gotten to the point that the influences of the Rock, Rap, and Pop have almost completely taken over. The voices of the artists can barely be heard, and when you do hear them, none of the lyrics rhyme and there is a complete lack of rhythm. And since the record labels and powers that be insist on session musicians, they all tend to sound alike! The artists are not allowed to show their true talent, be it with their voices or with their own music. As someone said, Hank Williams and George Jones wouldnt make it past the receptionist desk in todays studios!! The Alabama Band could just forget it, because theyd have to sound pretty much like everybody else to get their foot in the door. For True Country Music to continue, there needs to be a new name for this Post-Country agenda. Some have called todays music Crock, but thats not really fair either. There were some truly talented artists on that CMA show last night, but not really COUNTRY. They need a new genre of music (in name anyway) in order to truly showcase their talents. And, in my opinion, as long as theyre having to sound at least a little country in order to use the name and facilities and outlets that already exist, it wont get any better. They need this (COUNTRY) outlet to get the attention they need to survive. It has become a disaster!! Young artists need to be able to express their true talents -- if its NOT country, then they need a place to shine. If they are really interested in the country sound, then let the country be seen and heard.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 22:54:13 +0000