Intelligent Life On Planet Rock
The C Word
Mr Pogs is averse to Country Music.
Over the years he has softened on the subject of Lucinda Williams - having been dragged to see her a few times and all that.
Over a couple of glasses of shiraz last night, he expressed a willingness to maybe try a little something else.
I'm thinking, nothing too overt, maybe Gram Parsons. Maybe Loretta Lynn's Van Lear Rose. Maybe Shelby Lynne. I dunno.
Would the massive care to aid my choice? And make it good, please, because I am going to have to listen to some prog
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Thank you so much to everyone who helped with this. I've had so much fun and discovered some great new-to-me artists and re-connected with some others. You're all wonderful. Big kisses!
Below a link to most of Mr P's playlist on Spotify. The missing (from Spotify) tracks are Jim White - Handcuffed to a Fence in Mississippi and Cowboy Junkies - Ooh Las Vegas.
He has to be bowled over by some of this!
http://open.spotify.com/user/gollywollypogs/playlist/4boy1uYqiBgRRsKAoOL...
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If country rock counts
How about 'No Other' Gene Clark? Sort of Byrds go prog ( and great with it).
Steve Earle?
Trancendental Blues perhaps. Covers a multitude of genres with a country angle.
Good point.
I like Steve Earle and yes I think he may well slip in under Mr Pogs' radar.
I'm open to anything that will soften him up...
And as a Byrds fan, that sounds interesting (despite the p word!)
Off to spotify. Cross fingers....
Ooh... Gene Clark
I think I'm in love. This could prove expensive. Thank you so much for recommending him. And who knows? Mr P may like him too.
But surely he's not prog? Nobody I like can possibly be prog ;-))
It's not big P Prog
'Byrds go expansive' instead? : )
Glad you like anyway!
Back to say
That after repeated listens I really do like a lot.
This thread was well worth it if only for this.
Ta muchly.
Is this Country Prog ?
Or psychedelic country ? [cf. 2:15]
or what ?
[presumably if you like it it's Pog not Prog anyway ...]
wonderful , wonderful track
The promise of the land of the big sky and the wide open plain - the dream so clear and just out of reach
isn't it just
I think I may have heard it first on the Kershaw prog--in a way I think there's a similar Big Country moment at the guitar solo in Springsteen's
Promised Land,
but the Byrds had something v special
[laughs like a drain]
Psychedelic Country I think.
Though tempted to go for pog just for the hell of it.
Try
Kathleen Edwards
Todd Snider
early Lyle Lovett or Dwight Yoakam
Thank you
I like Kathleen Edwards but not sure she really fits the bill on this occasion. Shall look further into your other recommends though.
The Caution Horses - Cowboy Junkies
Not strictly country, but country influenced.
Speaking as a prog fan, he should love it.
Sold
Cheap as chips on Amazon so I bought it. I'm sure I'll love it even if he doesn't so not entirely altruistic!
If you dont like it
I'll give you the money back myself! Glorious album.
Yes he should love it
- because it's sublime. Really not sure why it would be associated with any prog leanings; indeed, I would suggest that it's pretty much anti-prog
Sorry, I misexplained...
Just meant I love prog and the Junkies. If I absolutely had to name my 2 favourite bands, it would be Cowboy Junkies and Genesis 71-77. Go figure.
That's what I understood you to mean.
... and I'm pretty sure your money's safe. Thanks again.
Loving this too.
But like The Trinity Sessions which I already had I think I'll hold back from Mr P for now. Bit too downbeat for his taste methinks.
His loss!
And by way of consolation, you've got the rest of the Junkies catalogue to wade through. Not a single bad record in there.
Oh Excellent.!
Will do...
At The End Of Paths Taken
is their most recent studio album from a couple of years back. Not as countrified as in the past, but thinking about it, has more of an edge in parts that might appeal to Mr G.
I put a demo of one of the tracks up here:
http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk/content/song-version
Great album, well worth a try!
Get him to check out The Storys first album...
...Welsh country rock with west coast influences (with even a little bit of prog influence thrown in there in places which he may like) with great harmonies and a teeny psychedelic tinge around the edges.
An introduction to country via the back door...
Now this is totally on the money.
I'm sure he'll love it. And it's his birthday in a couple of weeks....
Townes Van Zandt
Try this for an example of how music can move a man.
Great clip
And T van Z migh be a good choice. I've got a number of odd tracks picked up here and there over the years but if I wanted to get an album - particularly one to share with Mr P - what would you recommend?
My Favourite Is
Our Mother the Mountain.
Lovely thanks
It's the one with 'Kathleen' so what I would have chosen but maybe not for MR P, who wandered in while I was listening on Spotify and made universally recognised signals (at least in this house) suggesting it belongs in what he calls my "suicide disco".
Can I help it if my celtic blood leads me to appreciate a good slice of misery?
having listened to the album a few times now
I'm picking Tecumseh Valley for Mr P's playlist anyway because I love it. So he'd better at least like it.... Or not hate it at any rate.
Rodney Crowell
You might find Rodney Crowell to his taste: try The Houston Kid or Fate's Right Hand, which is the album this come from:
Rodney has two great connections to explore. The first is his former boss Emmylou Harris. Try Elite Hotel or Luxury Liner. Wrecking Ball is really good, but not particularly countryish. Her last, All I Intended To Be is pretty good and more country in flavour.
The other connection is former wife Rosanne Cash. King's Record Shop, Interiors or Black Cadillac are all worth exploring. I've not heard The List yet, but its her album of covers from 100 songs her dad suggested. You can hear her talk about it and hear tracks on Listen Again for last Thursday's Bob Harris Country. That's a great programme to get introduced to old and new country. He goes back to The Carter Family and The Louvin Brothers for example as well as playing stuff that never gets released in the UK but can be accessed via the magic of the internet.
Rosanne can take you to Johnny Cash. All the American Recording series are worth exploring as well as the live Folsom Prison and San Quentin albums.
I endorse the Gene Clark suggestion. the double CD Flying High is a superb career overview.
For Steve Earle's early career the Ain't Ever Satisfied double album is really good. The live Just An American Boy is good covering his later career.
Interesting
I liked that. Did he work with Mary Chapin Carpenter? Reminded me powerfully of some of her better tracks.
I'm going to buy Fate's Right Hand and see how it settles with me before trying it on Mr P. I have and enjoy the EH albums you mention (and more) though not sure they're for him just now.
Johnny Cash (dare I say?) transcends country and needs no introduction to MR P.
I'm going to follow up some of your other suggestions for myself.
many thanks.
Funny
I forgot Earthbound was the track you suggested but having listened to the album a few times that's the one I chose. Great recommendation thank you.
Try Elvis
The main thing that kick started my country collection was "Almost Blue" by Elvis. Before I heard it I thought I didn't like country either.
Alison Kraus
either her solo work or her stuff with Union Station
Maybe Lambchop
would the fit the bill for something with a more laid back feel - try Nixon or Is a Woman as a starting point - not strictly country but a definite Nashville feel.
Some ideas for introductions on this thread
http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk/content/country-music-should-i-bother
I think Gram Parsons is a pretty good start.
Good luck with the prog !
Thank you
Read through all that and took notes!
As to the prog. I'll survive it.
Mr P knows that Jon Anderson is a no-go area for me (and the cats) Without him the worst it gets is dull.
And sometimes I discover the odd track that I actually like. Though obviously it can't possibly be prog if I do...
maybe you can trick him
with the Jon Anderson John Anderson typo potential.
I once played Wild and Blue by John Anderson (the country singer) at a live mic night. The rest of the people at the night were all good (or at least competent) folk musicians in their mid 50's. At the time I was about 21. I had just played New Order followed by an original song (that had lots of swearing in it) and hadn't gone down well.
So I said, "well this next one is by John Anderson, maybe some of you might have heard of him" and everyone laughed and said yes they had. But then I started playing the song and the room became filled with very confused looks.
I don't know if Mr P is into punk or post pink at all but if he is The Mekons are a very excellent gateway band. It was there covers of Wild and Blue and Lost Highway that first got me to dip my toes in the waters of country.
http://www.myspace.com/mekons
Two from Willie Nelson...
Stardust and Red Headed Stranger... both wonderful.
And Luxury Liner by Emmylou Harris is superb too.
One for the purists?
Much as I rate Willie Nelson, I'm not convinced that he would be the one to convert someone to country. However, if Emmylou Harris doesn't do it then possibly nothing will. Actually I liked Emmylou and also Linda Ronstadt when I would have claimed not to like country.
I liked Punk and Emmylou and Linda!
Nobody understood how I could like punk and country.
Perhaps this was why.
That was beautiful
Thank you. Only ever heard Zevon's version, but that was lovely. If you like country and punk, do you know these guys?
Cheers
Was of those bands I've heard of rather than being able to say I know their music but it's always the sign of a good song when it can be speeded up/slowed down and still sound good.
Is country-punk a new genre then?
Enjoyed this when looking them up.
No, Country - Punk isn't a new genre
.....type in Hellbilly or Cowpunk and you'll come up with stuff like this -
Hank III is Hank Williams grandson.
Did you know that Jason Ringenberg(above in Jason And The Scorchers)does childrens shows too? I think he's called Farmer Jason(or something like that).
Jim White
The album No Such Place on the Luaka Bop label from 2001.
Contributions from Morcheeba & others, not just your usual twang gang.
Song titles should give you a clue what we're at here:
Handcuffed To A Fence In Mississippi
10 Miles To Go On A 9 Mile Road
God Was Drunk When He Made Me
Twisted and strange, this is country for prog fans.
This is a fantastic album
Shame it's not on Spotify. I'm still enjoying chosing which track for Mr P but probably Handcuffed...
There are worse ways to go...
...than Rolling Stones-Gram Parsons-George Jones et al.
hmmm...
I would suggest Emmy Lou Harris, particularly the song Michelangelo.
Also Kris Kristofferson is a nice way in, his version of Me and Bobby McGee. I think people are right to recommend some Willie Nelson as well, his version of Crazy would do it wouldn't it? Steve Earle is also on the nose.
Late Johnny Cash moving into early when they are ready.
Dolly Parton if he has a pop side can work well.
Then of course there are country singers like John Anderson (Wild and Blue, Seminole Wind) and the amazing Hank Williams, both of whom it is tempting to think have songs so wonderful that they would convert anyone.
For someone coming to country new I would suggest making compilations rather than whole CD's, so that they can appreciate the songs in isolation as great things, to someone not yet into country completely a whole country album of the same singer/style can be overwhelming.
Good Call on compilation Goosefat
I've started making a playlist from recommends based on what i actually already have on itunes and once I've firmed it up a bi I'll see how much of that is available on spotify and share it.
Would a parton compilation
be a Dolly mixture ?
Anyway, one which took me very pleasantly by surprise was this
first heard Radio 3's wonderfully assorted Late Junction
Someone here sent me a CD-R compilation way back.
It is called "Damn! It's Americana" and it's just what gollywollypogs could do with I think.
Anyone remember sending it to me?
Was it you Twang?
Can I send a copy on to gollywollypogs?
Would gollywollypogs actually like a copy?
Nice offer Vulpes
I'd love to take you up on it if ok with the original person. Thanks.
Right now, Mr P has reminded me it's time for bed as I must be up at 6am again tomorrow. Sigh.
I think
'Twas I, dear Foxy.
I believe I did a label split between US and Canadian flags.
If so, I'm the guilty party and you should feel free to pass it on to anyone you think might like it.
Good man! Yes, 'twas thee.
I'm listening to it as I type, and it's a cracker (Eileen Rose right now).
Copy is on its way to gwp in the post today.
Thanks Guys
This is a fabulous compilation.
I have a few Americana comps and this knocks those into a wotsit.
And reminded me of catie Curtis - I have a couple of her albums and dug them out. Good Stuff.
Cough!
Slightly embarrassed, but thanks for the recommendation. Good of Foxy to pass it on to you.
I'm glad you also liked the Rodney Crowell. I'm not aware of him doing any work with Mary Chapin Carpenter. BTW her last album The Calling was brilliant. Two years on from its release I've had plenty of time to absorb it an it sticks up there with Stones In The Road and Shooting Straight.
You could go further back with Rodney and look out Diamonds And Dirt which was a country smash back in 1988 and elevated him to the pinnacle of country stardom for a time. The Houston Kid was his rebirth back in 2001 after his fall from grace.
What about the Christmas album?
I agree that The Calling was something of a return to form, not sure that I'd call it brilliant and I'm sure in years to come it will still be the 1st 3 or 4 albums that I'll reach for first but it wasn't actually her last album. In the late summer of last year she released a Christmas album. As the proud owner of all her other albums I was tempted when I saw it in the shop but decided against ownership when I saw the track listing but I've read that it is quite good (but I expect there's a "if you like that sort of thing" caveat).
In case anyone hasn't heard
Stones in the Road:
very glad my bro told me about this magnificent album--and as for the train
http://digitaljournalist.org/issue0108/train_intro.htm
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Carl, I'm hoping you might fill me in on the more recent MCC albums. I've got the following albums: State Of The Heart, Shooting Straight In The Dark, Come On, Come On, Stones In The Road and time- sex - love. I wasn't too taken with the last of these, and haven't revisited her work since. Apart from the one you mention called The Calling, are there any others I should be bothering Amazon for?
Is there an obvious "next"
for people who like SITR ?
Drop me your address,
via my Contact page.
I don't think so
Both A Place In The World and Between Here And Gone have got a couple of very good songs apiece, but overall they are, like Time Sex Love a little dull. There's probably a very good album to made out of the best tracks from those three, but I can't give a wholehearted recommendation to any of them.
The Party Doll compilation is pretty good. Ostensibly a best of it mixes live versions, rearranged versions and new material and there are probably only about 5 songs that are direct lifts from the original albums.
Her first album Hometown Girl is pleasant, but hardly hints at the excellence to come.
I'd try your local library for those other albums.
I've never heard the Xmas album. I've never bothered with them even though some of my favourite artists (I'm thinking of Shawn Colvin and Aimee Mann as well) produce them. It may be my loss. Someone out there might convince me I'm missing out on something.
I've picked up
Between Here And Gone on Amazon for 3 quid, and The Calling for 4, so even if they only yield two thirds of an album's worth of good songs between them, that's not a bad deal.
Thanks for reminding me how good she is!
Easy isn't it ?
I also have five of her albums (A Place in the World, Hometown Girl instead of Come On, Come On & Shooting Straight in the Dark) but gave up after TSL and still have a lingering feeling of dullness. Will investigate The Calling, though.
Rodney C & Mary C C
Listening back to tracks off Stones in the Road there's no real connection.
On reflection I think this was a mental association based probably on them both being on heavy rotation on the Country Music TV channel back in the mid 90s.
Will have to look for Shooting Straight if it's up there with Stones in the Road though.
Try some Ryan
Adams. There's a thread on him currently and this playlist is a good sampler
http://bit.ly/4eQ6XZ
He can go deep in-country with full twang, pedal steel and yodel blazing - but for the most part produces superb pop/rock combining the intimacy of the British artists he clearly admires and the widescreen bravura of Americana.
He occupies a space pitched somewhere between Abbey Road and Laurel Canyon.
Thanks Sheev
Nice playlist. But for Mr Pogs I've picked his cover of Hank Williams' Lovesick Blues.
I don't think the man who won't listen to Morrissey or Dylan will take to the HW vocals straight away so trying to get in by the back door.
In much the same way as I got him started eating curry by increased doses of turmeric in his spag bog years ago.
Sneaky, moi?
The Jayhawks
The Jayhawks are a great blend of country rock, harmony, melody and twang. Try "Tomorrow the green grass".
Also, Allison Moorer (Mrs Steve Earle) is fabulous.
Suzy Boguss is rather fine and has a nice mix of coutry and other rootsy influences.
Go in hard and try some George Jones. This is the real deal if the country rock stuff opens the door a bit.
Gram Parsons
Has the advantage of the Keith Richards/Stones connection which might ease his way in.
Try $1000 Wedding or Love Hurts as a good start
http://open.spotify.com/track/67nZEOZ5re0q0IueyF1dKc
http://open.spotify.com/track/72DefuF22C6aPKrWhRFCBS
Will definitely include Gram
Leaning towards She at the moment though.
Bit of bluegrass?
Del McCourey is just the ticket... Covering a Richard Thompson song here...
And I've mentioned it elsewhere, but Loudon Wainwright's 'High Wide & Handsome - The Charlie Poole Project' is just great!
Here's a little video about it...
Seconded.
And the Del McCoury Band album with Steve Earle called The Mountain is another belter.
It sure is...
That's the one I was thinking of, thanks for that - I'd forgotten the title.
Earle/ McCoury torrent
There is a superb gig which you should be able to find simply called:
Steve Earle& the Del McCoury Band, Malmo, Sweden May 11, 1999.
Excellent sound quality, great atmosphere and asuperb performance.
I have The Mountain
but I think it's all a bit too C for current purposes.
I'm going with a Steve earle track though.
Snake Oil from Copperhead Road.
Pete Molinari
Pete Molinari's album A Virtual Landslide is well worth checking out, as is his recent ep with The Jordanaires. By all accounts he's causing quite a stir in Nashville at the moment.
Kevin Montgomery
I've championed him on this site before but this guy is class and visits these shores regularly.
You just can't beat Emmylou
Country and Westerns
In my experience, many people's reaction to country music is similar to some people's reactions to the Western genre. Those that are fans see no irony whatsover; those that aren't can't get past the fact that it all seems a bit corny.
So, here's a test. Not a definitive one, and one that's only just occurred to me: play this song. If you think it's ridiculously cheesy or laughable, I'd venture to say that there's going to be some - not all - country music that isn't for you. If you think it's genuinely heartbreaking - or, actually, that it negotiates a unique middle ground between the two views - then you may want to investigate further.
Nice One
I somehow manage to find the song cheesy and laughable and simultaneously genuine and affecting.
It is a cheesy song but Loretta can sell me anything she likes.
I'm quite certain that Mr P would hate it though and I'm not expecting him to dive into the depths of Country Music - just to paddle a little at the edges (I can push him in later).
Try this
The definitive "No Show Jones Song"
I appreciate this may be a step too far in the country direction but it's just a great song.
Try approaching from a different direction......
Does Mr Pogs like a bit of soul? Solomon Burke's 2006 album "Nashville" might help ease him in. Country songs with THAT voice & guests Dolly, Emmylou, Gillian Welch, Patty Loveless & Patty Griffin.
How about
Dusty In Memphis?
Nice Idea
However I'm a big Dusty fan and so Mr P has already been made forcibly aware of this album - his reaction favourable.
I don't think it's occurred to him that some might term this album Country. SShhhhh!!!
Oooh oooh oooh
Buddy Miller. Oh and Patty Griffin.
Yes yes yes
and the first track on the fantastic eponymous Buddy & Julie Miller album is 'Keep Your Distance' by our old chum RT. Zounds!
Pop country
...has a lot to recommend it. Great chunes, great playing, and frequently a lyrical impact you didn't expect. Try this masterpiece by Martina Mcbride who is a fantastic singer, the video for which never fails to get me...
The writer's own albums , Gretchen Peters, can be purchased with complete confidence.
does anyone?...
remember a Scottish Country 'n' Western (as they used to call them) singer from the 1970's in the mould of a Val Doonican type? Safe,wholesome but entirely irrelevant. I think his name was Don? I tried a google search but as usual didn't find the answer.
He used to dress like Elvis.
apparently I do...
it's Sydney Devine!
Thanks everyone
I've now finished Mr P's playlist and there's a link to a spotify list on the first post in case anyone's interested.
Just like to reiterate my thanks to all contributors.
Even if I didn't respond to your individual post I read it and it has been/will be investigated.
It is unfirtunately now that time of year when I'm not supposed to buy cds for myself in order to give friends and family a fair crack over the festive season.
Of course I cheat on this .... but there are limits to what I can get away with unfortunately!
let us know how he gets on with it!
and fingers crossed that Mr P will be another convert to the wonderful music that is country.
Grand Ole Opry for free
Country Fans - there's a 1956 edition of the Grand Ole Opry available for free here :
http://www.wordmagazine.co.uk/content/grand-ole-opry-tv-show-1956-availa...