| 28 April 2009
Just to get it out of the way, I understand that to admit to liking old country music but not so much the newer stuff is a
symptom many folks who put too much effort into being cool display (you know, hipsters). So it is with some risk that I'll admit to enjoying a lot of country music that was put out before I was born. Certainly, I've come to the scene late, but if you like something, you like it and shouldn't shutter about it. Growing up in the Northeast where people don't necessarily take it as granted that they're saved, America is always right and truck series racing is great, it's easy to be a little off put by the likes of Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins and Big and Rich. Certainly, they have their fans here, but we're not really saturated with their music. I don't like it, probably wouldn't like it even if it was considered cool to like it up here. Unfortunately, that's what I automatically associate with country music when I hear it and so I feel a tinge of guilt, as if I've betrayed my northern sensibilities when I admit to liking some country music. I'm stuck in a bind. I either feel the tinge for liking old stuff because that's the hipster thing to do or I feel guilty for liking some country because that's what the guy wearing the 110 Percent American shirt in F-150 likes. It's a tough spot to be in.
I guess what I like in some of the country performers I've gotten into in the last two years is the accessibility and honesty of their songs. They sing about heartbreak, loss and personal problems and it hits a nerve. The lyrics are strong and simple and the music is proud. A good old country song, like a good old soul song, can conjur up hard times, failure and rejection and it usually does it in less than three minutes. I like it a lot.
Anyway, without getting academic about it, here are ten country songs about pain I like and a brief description of why I like each.
Always Wanting You - Merle Haggard - This is the song that first piqued my interest in country music and I came across it the way a lot of people from my age group would come across Merle Haggard, which is through Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. I find this to be one of the saddest yet moving songs I've ever heard and I say that with not an ounce of pretense. Not technically inclined to comment on it, all I can say is that it's lonely, it hurts, sticks you in the past but also reminds you you're a human being and God made you to feel experience a range of emotions. Puts the pride in being hurt.
The Snakes Crawl - Charly Pride - I've never really wanted to hurt anyone or for that matter murder them, but I suppose if I experienced the betrayal in this song, I would load my piece and hide in the bushes waiting to pick a couple fuckers off. This tune is about a man whose woman sneaks out of the house at night to screw another man. Although I don't believe in killing someone, particularly a woman, I guess I could understand why he'd at least think about going Robert Blake on her. Of course, the lyrics indicate they slept in separate rooms, so maybe that was why she was seeking out another man.
Blue Eyes Cryin' In the Rain - Shania Twain and Willie Nelson version - This weepy song has probably been covered by more artists inside and outside of country music. Of all the versions I've heard, this one is the best. It must be Shania's voice and Willie Nelson's guitar solo, because live pop songs rarely leave that impression on me. Love it. I'd also versions recorded by Elvis, Johnny Russell and Carla Bozulich.
A Drunk Can't Be A Man - George Jones - Who better than sing a song like this than a guy who was a wet-brained, falldown drunk who burned through five wives and has hazy memories of taking his riding lawnmower on a 10-mile round trip to a liquor store when his car keys were hidden. I haven't listened to too much George Jones, but what I've heard I like. This song is great because anyone who can perform with an alcoholic past is pretty damn cool. The lyrics are also a bit compassionate too, which I like
Mental Revenge - Waylon Jennings - Bittnerness is pretty small-minded and creepy in real life but in a song like this is pleasing. This is probably one of Waylon Jennings's softer songs. I copied this particular version and come across it every-so-often on my iPod and it always strikes me each time as well-written, concise and very moving.
If You've Got Leavin' On Your Mind - Patsy Cline - Few people in any genre of music could sing a sad song they way Patsy Cline could. Cline's music is the domain for throwback hipsters but you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. I love this song. It's got a lot of hurt in it.
Jolene - Dolly Parton - Some people from our generation see Dolly as a novelty, a warm and accommodating personality known more for her presentation than a good song. They're probably right. But this song is a great example of not only how nice a voice she has but also the emotional quality of her singing. Without getting deep about this song, I'll just say it's really good, fast and powerful.
Skip a Rope - Henson Cargill - If you were to ask me any other song by this guy I wouldn't be able to name one. This one is about a dysfunctional family, understood through the innocence, naiveté and forthrightness of a little kid. It hits on themes like domestic violence, bigotry and criminality altogether. Not a very uplifting song, but a good one. George Jones does a great version as well.
Precious Memories - Willie Nelson - One of my favorite albums that I've purchased in the last two years is Troublemaker by Nelson. It's a gospel album that is filled with energy and love and a generally positive message for humanity. Like every song on this album, it has a country feel. It's is a warm song, a beautiful song and great to listen to at nighttime. Of all the songs I've chosen, this is probably the only one that isn't in essence depressing, but the lyrics are about reminiscing which can be bittersweet.
The Dark End of the Street - Flying Burrito Brothers - There are music aficionados out there that would not classify this song as a country tune, but it has steel guitar and Gram Parsons singing in his Georgia accent. It just happens to have a psychedelic vibe to it, but that's all good. To me, it's a country version of an amazing soul tune by a band that had invented itself in to be country.
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