Thus, because of Crest Whitestrips and the machine behind them, not just country radio has changed; country music has changed, too. More than any other genre, country is a fine-tuned jingle. Most songs are written by a cadre of writers — some geniuses, most hacks — many of whom excel at finding universal emotions and translating them into greeting-card poesy. When it comes time for most stars to record a new album, they go shopping with their managers and record-label executives for hits. Thus, such artists are better able to roll with changes in taste, style and national mood. Ten years ago, Travis Tritt's biggest hit was "Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)." More recently, his comeback hit was "It's a Great Day to Be Alive." Only those who don't listen to country radio still think the music is about beer and heartbreak. Today, the men are singing love songs and apologies to women while sassy women are singing about dissing the men.
Says it all. Not that I'm a fan of bluegrass, but I think they should bring back the booze and truck songs. Why aren't young men considered a target demographic for country music. It's kinda sad.
This is why the music industry is dying. The music is nothing, selling toothpaste is what it is all about! I bought the OBWAT soundtrack when it first came out and also Down From The Mountain, Allison and Union Station and other bluegrass artists but still have NEVER heard any bluegrass played on a "country music radio station"! The corporate interests have a death grip on the radio and are running country music right into the ground. They don't give a damn what the fans want to hear. I can only hope that ways are found to go around these roadblocks. There are many bluegrass festivals around the country and if these cd's keep selling the powers that be will have to pay attention someday.
Radio Radio
by Elvis Costello
I was tuning in the shine on the light night dial
doing anything my radio advised
with every one of those late night stations
playing songs bringing tears to me eyes
I was seriously thinking about hiding the receiver
when the switch broke 'cause it's old
They're saying things that I can hardly believe.
They really think we're getting out of control.
Radio is a sound salvation
Radio is cleaning up the nation
They say you better listen to the voice of reason
But they don't give you any choice
'cause they think that it's treason.
So you had better do as you are told.
You better listen to the radio.
I wanna bite the hand that feeds me.
I wanna bite that hand so badly.
I want to make them wish they'd never seen me.
Some of my friends sit around every evening
and they worry about the times ahead
But everybody else is overwhelmed by indifference
and the promise of an early death
You either shut up or get cut out;
they don't wanna hear about it.
It's only inches on the reel-to-reel.
And the radio is in the hands of such a lot of fools
tryin' to anaesthetise the way that you feel
[Chorus]
Wonderful radio
Marvelous radio
Wonderful radio
Radio, radio...
Check out their Country music offerings.
I'm also a little partial towards Marty Robbins and Charley Pride...
"Ragged Old Flag" & "America" were released at the end of last year.
"The Fabulous Johnny Cash" (his first album after leaving Sun), "Orange Blossom Special", "Ride That Train", "Hymns by Johnny Cash" and "Carryin' On With Johnny Cash & June Carter" were released a week ago.
I have 5 of the 7. "Ragged Old Flag" & the Johnny/June one are the standouts.
Can't stand the crap that passes for country these days...
Country is as widely varied as any genre, more varied than most. There's a station in Farmville Virginia whose owner is considering putting his broadcasts on satellite. He plays some of the top 40 and intermixes stuff from a wide range of sources from the Amazing Rhythm Aces new stuff to Patty Loveless's new CD. WVHL, 92.9 is the station.
Of all the country stations in the greater Richmond area, you can't tell one from the other. They all play exactly the same stuff over and over.
Figgers.
Then I put a site on the web to get rich. Kept it going over a year, got lots of hits, no buys.
Then I discovered napster and finally figured out why would anyone buy music of an unknown when all that free music of knowns is available.
Guess thats a little off subject, but as an unknown songwriter:
I always played in country bands, my favorite for more reasons than the music. But, I write songs that vary from country to rock, some even vary with cajun to classical flavor. I was raised at home on country and classical.