Eric Church - “His Kind Of Money (My Kind Of Love)”
“His Kind Of Money (My Kind Of Love)” is the first single from Eric Church’s upcoming sophomore album. It’s a good song, not as transcendent as Church would have you believe, but still good, nonetheless, maybe even really good. Although the song is worth a few spins, it isn’t without it’s faults. Hank Williams’ “A Mansion On The Hill” covers nearly the same exact theme, albeit with much more emotion.
Whereas “A Mansion On The Hill” tells us the the mansion is loveless, Church’s song doesn’t give us any solid reason that the man with money isn’t capable of loving his ex the way he does, other than he can bait her hook and win her a prize at the fair–and it requires us to believe there is a direct correlation between money and a lack of love. Church doesn’t inject any sorrow into the performance over losing his girl and gives us no reason to sympathize with him.
Despite the song reaching to be a little more profound than it is, Church’s vocal and the infectious beat combine for a seriously fun listen–if you’re willing to look past the superficial treatment of the lyric, but sometimes music needs to be fun.
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April 1, 2008 at 2:08 pm Permalink
not as transcendent as Church would have you believe
To me, that sums up Eric Church’s whole career. They pitch him as if he’s a new Kristofferson- edgy, thoughtful, and daring - but he’s nothing more than Chris Cagle with a beard. In fact, he’s far more insidious than Cagle, because Cagle’s music doesn’t offer itself up as being extraordinarily thoughtful or meaningful.
Sometimes music does need to be fun - who doesn’t like fun music - but in pretending to handle these topics while consistently offering superficial, soulless, and unintelligent analysis, I’d argue that Church is minimizing the dignity of the human experience.
And when we as critics continually say “yeah, this song is about unwanted pregnancy/the death penalty/the alienation that comes with being in a lower class and it chooses to offer crashing symbols and silly hooks instead of anything human or insightful, but it is fun” than we become collaborators in the minimization of the dignity of the human experience as well as the re-labeling of the country genre as a genre that favors superficial pop choruses over mature, important exploration of the human experience.
If Eric Church wants to play with the big kids (Kristofferson, Shaver, Nelson, Hagard, Cash, Townes, Earle, etc etc) he needs to do much, much, much better than he’s been doing so far.
In case you may not have noticed, I am not an Eric Church fan.
April 1, 2008 at 2:37 pm Permalink
For people who aren’t fans of Eric Church, I would love to hear your opinion of a song called “Those I’ve Loved Along The Way,” which will be on his second album. You can hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMzAMFw0Vzg
April 1, 2008 at 2:53 pm Permalink
I agree with everything you said, Ben, I just think this song recounts Church’s personal experience rather than a greater social experience and given that, I think it’s OK to look past the flaws. Even though I don’t buy into Church’s hype and don’t consider his material to be great, I don’t think that disqualifies him from writing anything good.
April 1, 2008 at 3:01 pm Permalink
Hey, I have to respect a guy who gets kicked off a Rascal Flatts tour!:)
April 1, 2008 at 3:39 pm Permalink
I have to disagree with Brady’s comment: I do not think that an artist gets a pass because he or she is writing from their own experiences rather than “a greater social experience.” The fact that he has access to ‘Mansion on the Hill’ or ‘Billy Austin’ or any number of amazing country music, not to mention the ability to tap into the experiences of others, means that there is no excuse to be superficial. I do not mean to discount individual experiences or that every song must be life or death. I think songwriters have a special responsibility to express something more profound than the perfunctory and easily discernable idea that a girl would be willing to forgo LOVE for MONEY. And even if Eric Church is unwilling to do this: for the love of all that is country at least make it lyrically INTERESTING! One’s own personal experiences should be interesting, and should ring true. Indeed, to fail on both substance and craft, in my opinion, is to write a bad song. Yes, it is catchy, and singable, but what makes it unique? Why write a song like ‘Mansion on the Hill’ and yet do it worse on all accounts than Hank Williams? I like the thought of rehashing familiar themes, you can’t be a country songwriter and not deal with heartache, cheating, drinking, class issues, etc. but to be an important or interesting songwriter you must offer something more than the song just “sounding good.” Nashville can do this with its eyes closed: what we need are SONGWRITERS!
April 1, 2008 at 5:25 pm Permalink
Wow. Eric is getting blasted in a quite eloquent way with both barrels on this one. I must admit I enjoy the single and album reviews on The 9513 better than other country music blogs just because the reviews are usually thoughtful and intelligent, and even deep and profound at times. What never ceases to amaze me is that this thoughtfulness and clarity is being directed at “Top 40 Mainstream Country Muzak” releases geared for pop-rock country radio! Its as if top art critics who specialize in the classic masters are forced to review kindergarten finger paintings as that is all that is currently available in their field for review.
Country radio these days has carved out an audience that thrives on shallow, mediocre music so it shouldn’t be surprising that so much of big label Nashville’s output is just that as it’s designed that way. I think most Top 40 country music these days not only “demeans the human experience and condition” but also the proud history of the country music form itself. This song is no different than most of it’s contemporaries, but at least it is catchy.
As for Eric Church, I saw him perform at the first Stagecoach Festival in May 2007 and he was so generic I wandered off to the Bluegrass tent during his set. I agree with the majority of you fine folks that the hype surrounding Eric’s “artistry” far exceeds the reality. The Chris Cagle comparison was spot on as these two artists fall into my same mental musical niche labelled “Success Beyond Substance” due to dedicated fan bases I can’t quite grasp.
The 9513 is where the Ivory Tower and the hog wallow consistently collide and the results are always entertaining and worth the time to read….
April 1, 2008 at 5:56 pm Permalink
Wow… Eric is just getting torn up here.
I think he has a great talent at tapping into a certain market through his songwriting. I find myself relating to nearly all of his songs (except “Two Pink Lines”, thank God, haha).
He has a very defined style, and is a consistent performer.
People have to realize… this guy is trying to make it in mainstream country. He’s not a Cash, Kristofferson, or Waylon, but put “Sinner’s Like Me” up against “Bob That Head” or “Do You Want Fries with That?” and try to tell me it’s not thoughtful.
Compared to most of what is mainstream country these days, Eric is a breath of fresh air.
April 1, 2008 at 6:13 pm Permalink
I agree with Pierce. Eric is a breath of fresh air. I also think that everybody is reading way too much into this. Not all songs have to reflect on life experiences and serious matters. Do you think that Brad Paisley really takes girls out and checks them for ticks? I wonder if Trace Adkins really slaps his grandma when he sees a hot ba-dunk-a-dunk? And did Carrie Underwood really trash that guys truck? I don’t think any of these really happened. Yes, maybe. But doubtful. So, I think that most of you just need to lighten up and not take this stuff so seriously. Don’t take this the wrong way, I am not saying that I am offended or anything. But, just like the rest of you I have my own opinion, which is: if you don’t like Eric Church or his music (or even his live shows for that matter) then don’t listen to him and move on. Pure and simple.
April 1, 2008 at 6:24 pm Permalink
Pierce,
People have to realize… this guy is trying to make it in mainstream country. He’s not a Cash, Kristofferson, or Waylon
First off all, this is from his website
“His is music that looks its listener in the eye and speaks plainly about the human condition. It is a line that passes through Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings to John Prine and Steve Earle, and is finding a handful of torchbearers in this new century.”
So the comparison is his, not mine, and he fails by it.
Not to mention that Cash, Kristofferson, and Waylon all made it in mainstream country in their day. Are people so fundamentally different today that they need everything dumbed down and revved up?
put “Sinner’s Like Me” up against “Bob That Head” or “Do You Want Fries with That?” and try to tell me it’s not thoughtful.
I will tell you it’s not thoughtful. In fact it’s worse, because “Bob That Head” doesn’t pretend to significance.
Compared to most of what is mainstream country these days, Eric is a breath of fresh air.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and if Eric Church’s music really moves you, then I’m happy you found something you like, but “Eric Church: Pretending to be less banal than some of his contemporaries” is not a slogan that endears him to me.
April 1, 2008 at 6:33 pm Permalink
To: Hollerin’ Ben
I am not trying to start anything by saying this, so please don’t take this with an attitude or in the wrong way. But, if you don’t like Eric Church that much then why are you even bothering listening to his new song (or any of them) and commenting on this page. Seriously, I am not trying to get you going or anything but when I don’t like and artist I just don’t listen them.
April 1, 2008 at 6:45 pm Permalink
Nony_A
A fair question and here is your answer.
I think it’s the responsibility of country music fans and writers to hold their music up to a high standard. I think that real life in important and I think that country music should reflect that. I believe that country music is an American artform that has contributed to humanity in a meaningful way and I’d like to see it continue to impact the world. I also revere the artists that have laid country music’ foundations, the same artists that Eric was presumptuous enough to compare himself to because he figured it’d help his marketing.
For all of those reasons I’m concerned with the music of Eric Church.
April 1, 2008 at 7:07 pm Permalink
Hollerin’ Ben:
As I had a fair question you had a fair answer. I am sure you can tell I do enjoy Eric Church. And I am also sure you can tell that I am not one of those crazy fans that freak out when somebody doesn’t agree (that was back in my junior high boy band days, j/k i never liked them). I do have to say though, at least you have done your research on the guy, and you don’t have blanks in your gun. I like the fact that you have educated yourself on the subject. So you have my kudos and respect. (shhh, don’t tell other Eric Church fans, lol.) It was good chatting you Ben, have a good night.
April 1, 2008 at 7:11 pm Permalink
I’m a big Eric Church fan, I agree he isnt the next Steve Earle or Kris Kristofferson, but amongst todays Country artists he is clearly one of the best writers. I think he is much better than Cagle, I would compare him more to someone like Dierks Bentley in terms of song writing.
April 1, 2008 at 11:14 pm Permalink
No reason to get involved in the argument. Both sides seem to be well represented. I think a main point here is if you can stand mainstream nashville music at the moment or not. If you can, you probably like Eric Church and believe he writes better than most of his contemporaries. If you don’t you fault him for trying to live up to past legends and failing. Me…I like the song, loved the first album, can’t wait to hear the new one.
April 2, 2008 at 5:45 am Permalink
I think I’ll have to echo Corey’s sentiment here. I see both sides of the argument, but I do appreciate today’s country music. While my tastes definitely lean toward a more traditional sound, I still enjoy today’s music. So, at the risk of sounding shallow or not deep enough, as someone who appreciate’s current country music, I like Eric Church just fine. He’s not my favorite, but I enjoyed his first album. As for this song, it doesn’t necessarily catch my attention, but it’s alright.
April 2, 2008 at 7:21 am Permalink
eric church strikes me as a talented guy. in comparison with most country music nowadays, he could be described as the most sophisticated third-grader. does he hold his own with the likes of steve earle or johnny cash or merle haggard or willie nelson? short answer–no. long answer–NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. not even close. but at least his songs aren’t bone-headed stupid like ‘bob your head’. it bodes well for good future work. he may have it in him.
April 2, 2008 at 8:40 am Permalink
It’s a fun song, a sing along song with great sound and voculs, sung by someone with more passion than anyone else performing today, what more can you ask for?
I agree with you, sometimes music just needs to be fun and I think this one hit the mark! I, too, give it a big THUMBS UP! Way to go Eric Church!!!!
April 2, 2008 at 8:42 am Permalink
You know what they say about opinions, so I thought that I would share mine. To be honest I had pretty much discounted all mainstream country music…I mean one can only hear clever catch phrases and songs about the beach so often before one’s mind goes numb. That was when I had the extraordinary luck to buy tickets to see the legendary Bob Seger. To be honest when we arrived at the show we weren’t sure who was opening for him, but that didn’t matter, I had waited years to see Bob! So when the opening act took the stage I still didn’t recognize anything they were playing, but I will tell you this….I was “IN”..the very first song brought me to my feet and I still haven’t sat down…song after song hit home for me. Turns out that the opening act was Eric Church and the ECB. I purchased “Sinners Like Me” the very next day. SLM is one of the first CDs I have purchased in many years that I didn’t have to skip tracks on to make it through.
I have a good deal of respect for an artist who has written everything he has put out there. For me this shows that he is proud of his work and has a true desire to share his experiences and I can get behind that. As a matter of fact, I have. The fan base I have seen develop behind Eric is nothing short of amazing. I might also add that he and his entire band are the friendliest, most genuine artists I have ever had the pleasure of meeting…which goes a long way in building that fan base and true dedication.
Whether or not he is the next Kris, Johnny, or Merle….well, that remains to be seen, but I can tell you where my “money” is. I am very proud to be a fan of an artist who does their music their way even in the face of adversity.
It is understandable that not everyone will relate to every artist or “get” every song. However, when it comes to “MONEY”…I say..sit back and enjoy! It is a fun, catchy tune that will have you singing along in no time…Enjoy…and for the record…I have often wondered “who would bait my hook”?
SB
April 2, 2008 at 9:08 am Permalink
Here we go again - I guess this question is aimed at Hollerin’ Ben but anyone who wants can chime in.
Johnny Cash hired songwriters most of his career. Why is he automatically included in the list of great writers. Hell, he paid Shaver to write songs for him, so why are they in the same sentence?
April 2, 2008 at 9:14 am Permalink
And now that I’ve read the comments, here is another note for Hollerin’ Ben.
Summer is coming. Lighten up. Take a minute out of your deep life and go water skiing.
I don’t know about you, but on some Friday nights during summer, I like to go out, drink some beer and dance to a band having a ball. Creating that atmosphere takes some talent too.
Or is your real name Sue? How do you do!
April 2, 2008 at 11:57 am Permalink
About 4 years ago, I had the pleasure of shifting my music genre to country. I was an avid classic rock (Southern Rock) and modern rock listener. When I reached a point in my life in which monotony was inevitable, I began listening to Tim McGraw and Toby Keith to change things up.
Fast forward to last fall when a group of buddies asked me to go to a concert with them. I was hesitant because I had only heard two, maybe three of Eric Church’s songs. I was a moderate fan of Two Pink Lines and his hit Guys Like Me spoke directly to me. I decided to go and it has been the best decision of my country music listening career.
Following the show, I got the album and played it over and over and over. I would sit for hours on end replaying each track. Livin’ Part of Life is now my favorite song and I am absolutely excited about this upcoming album. His songs reached out to his listeners. He sings about things that happen in my life almost everyday. As Trace Adkins says: “songs about me and who I am…”
If His Kind Of Money (My Kind Of Love) is any preview of Carolina, I believe we are in for a real treat. Despite the criticism that he does not capture his audience in emotion, he does portray something we’ve seen time and time again. While money, or a lack thereof, is not directly correlated with the amount of love someone can transpire, we have seen many times the person with the money typically wins the girl. I know this can be based off fictional movies and stories, but that extra little security may play more beneficial in a relationship. I am confident Church will continue to sing songs about me and who I am while continuing to capture my attention and my playlist.
April 2, 2008 at 12:08 pm Permalink
mark, I, too, love “Livin’ Part Of Life”, for some unknown reason.
April 2, 2008 at 12:20 pm Permalink
I just want to throw this in there because everyone here seems to be professional music reviewers! Eric writes about topics he cares about and I think that is obvious in his music. I have seen him perform 3 times in the past year, and he is an amazing performer; if you’re not a fan, I recomend you check out a show. Church is a real breath of fresh air, and as far as I can tell, there are a lot of fans out there that even though country’s fading, they’re still waving that flag. I think Eric’s music challenges today’s country music industry to always grow and always be better. He writes all his own material, and I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone who does that, and still puts out albums where skipping a track is not needed.
For the record, I’m not here to make friends, so I’ll say this; from the sound of most of your reviews, it sounds like some of you listen to country music, and review country music, hell some of you might even write country music, but it doesn’t sound like too many of you actually enjoy country music. Some of you do, and for them it’s obvious, but there are a lot of reviewers who seem like they’d rather here an orchestra than a fiddle or a slide guitar.
April 2, 2008 at 12:28 pm Permalink
i can’t remember exactly, why did he get kicked of the rascal flats tour, was it because he played too long??
April 2, 2008 at 12:34 pm Permalink
It’s a SONG …not and ESSAY! He is entitled to only tell one side of the story and leave the rest for your imagination ;)
It’s ERIC freakin CHURCH.
He rocks.period.
April 2, 2008 at 12:38 pm Permalink
Sorry, but anything less than awesome isn’t good enough for Eric. He’s true, he’s fun and he’s just amazing! There isn’t one song that is bad on that first CD! I can listen to it over and over for days on end and never get tired. I love the new stuff and can’t wait for more. Carolina leaves me in tears - I CAN RELATE! Gets to me each time I hear it! Kudos a million times to Eric!
April 2, 2008 at 12:40 pm Permalink
ONE MORE THING!!! I happen to LOVE Chris Cagle too! But they are 2 different men to me, 2 different artists!
April 2, 2008 at 12:47 pm Permalink
The story is that he got kicked off the Rascal Flatts tour for playing too loud and too long while at MSG in New York. After being dismissed, he came up with a Me and Myself Tour (the tour he was kicked off was Me and My Gang Tour) and played at small venues and bars at each stop remaining on the tour. People who had bought tickets to the Rascal Flatts show could get into to these shows to also see Eric. He also is damn proud to be kicked off for playing too long and too loud.
April 2, 2008 at 1:09 pm Permalink
I would be proud too!:)
April 2, 2008 at 1:14 pm Permalink
Still not sure how playing “Two Pink Lines” at higher volume makes it any more badass.
April 2, 2008 at 1:18 pm Permalink
At first, I did not think that this was one of Eric Church’s better songs. But the more I hear it, the more I like it. It’s definately a good jam. I think it starts off a little rocky but it seems Church gets more into it as the song goes on.
I am a huge Church fan. I understand where the writer is coming from but I overall have to disagree with him. I don’t think Church is the next Waylon or Merle. Those men are legends. Eric Church is, however, a new and edgy country-rocker looking to improve today’s country music.
April 2, 2008 at 1:22 pm Permalink
Well, you can’t win ‘em all, and it appears that the people have spoken. Despite nearly everyone recognizing that he isn’t even in the same league as those he compares himself to, Eric “The most sophisticated third grader” Church is viewed favorably by the people. Well done Mr. Church.
Funk
Fair question and here is my opinion on it.
In no way do I think that an artist is obligated to record all of his own material in order to be weighty or important. In fact, I think that far too great an emphasis has been placed on those artists who do. I do think that country artists have an obligation to record songs that at least attempt to live up to the great songs in the country music canon, whether that song is from their own pen, or from the pen of another writer.
Johnny Cash wrote “Folsom Prison Blues”, “I Still Miss Someone”, “I Walk The Line”, “Flesh And Blood”, “Drive On” and many others. For my money, that puts him in the list of great writers.
Also, dude, the day that the best drinking music I can find is frattish Eric Church mindlessly droning on about how “rough around the edges” he is, while singing to a slick, friendly, pop-rock track, is a sad day indeed.
Matt
I’m glad you’ve found an artist you like, that being said, it’s all over but the crying for country music when not liking Eric Church means that you don’t really enjoy country music.
That’s all for me on this one though, score one for Eric Church.
April 2, 2008 at 1:23 pm Permalink
Looks like the Church Choir has arrived and they’re all singing the same tune.
I’m assuming Church had a contract with Rascal Flatts that laid out how long he would perform, so breaking that contract and bragging about it is a rather immature thing to do and not really worth being proud of, even if it is Rascal Flatts. It’s like a kid saying a prearranged deal doesn’t count because his fingers were crossed. I believe that MSG has some pretty stiff fines for not sticking to schedule, as well.
April 2, 2008 at 2:09 pm Permalink
Yeah, I think overplaying your welcome is a little amateurish but who knows there isn’t more to that story.
And back to Hollerin’ Ben, I didn’t say or even suggest that the song is the best drinking song around. Or if I did, I need to tighten up my writing. What I meant, is that it is what it is. Soemtimes you write for posterity and sometimes you write because you want the crowd to have fun and sometimes you write because the RV has a payment coming up. It’s not all-classics, all-the-time. They wouldn’t be classics if they all were.
April 2, 2008 at 2:23 pm Permalink
I’m sure I should feel that Church should have stuck to the rules, but I just can’t muster up my usual propensity for following ethics when it comes to a Rascal Flatts concert. That’s probably the best thing people heard at those concerts…and I’m not even an Eric Church enthusiast pursee.
The Church fans have spoken out at country universe too. Kevin even gave his song a pretty positive review and nobody’s response matched Ben’s and they’re still rather defensive of him. We even had to delete one comment because it was very distasteful. The people on his message board found it and were dissatisfied with the B+ grade. So, he’s got some passionate fans…too passionate I guess.
April 2, 2008 at 2:39 pm Permalink
I am a huge Eric Church fan, have not stopped listening to his cd since it came out in August 2006. I have read alot of what the “choir” has said over the past couple of years, and watched them grow but never became a part of them. The reason being is I have to agree with Leann the Church Choir is out of control. They seem to think that they are the only Eric Church fans and that he is their’s first.
If anything is going to kill Eric Church’s shot at making it big it may be the Choir to be quite honest. With all of the crap on country radio right now, a B+ is a decent grade, and a thumbs up is all you can ask for. Don’t try to make his songwriting out to be perfect cause it’s not, he has “alot of boot left to fill” and someday he may very well do it. But Eric and the Choir have some growing up to do before that can happen.
April 2, 2008 at 2:42 pm Permalink
It’s funny, the most vitriolic letters I get aren’t about bad reviews, they’re about good reviews that just aren’t as wildly enthusiastic as the fans would prefer. I was just excoriated the other day for “only” giving the new Alan Jackson three and a half stars.
April 2, 2008 at 2:43 pm Permalink
On second thought…the fact that Church agreed to a RF tour in the first place may just prove Ben’s point…
April 2, 2008 at 2:44 pm Permalink
Leeann, I think a B+ is pretty fair if not slightly high, so it’s pretty ridiculous that they’d get up in arms over that.
John, Wow, a voice of reason speaks up.
April 2, 2008 at 2:52 pm Permalink
Yeah, John, it’s good to hear your voice of reason.
Brady, I agree, a B+ is a good grade in my opinion. I wouldn’t give something in the A range unless it’s a stand out. Of course, I know I get flack for being a tough grader. I cannot deny, though, that my grades are subjective, according to my music taste…that’s why anyone can start or write for a blog who wants to these days.
April 2, 2008 at 2:55 pm Permalink
Interesting point, Chris N.
April 2, 2008 at 2:56 pm Permalink
I think part of the reason he went on the RF tour was the same reason he wrote “my kind of love”. After a show of his in Michigan my brother and I were sitting at the bar with him. In the process of BS’n my brother asked him about this song. He said it’s influenced by a girl that left him for a member of Rascal Flatts. He said it was in the first few months that he moved to Nashville. Flatts was starting to break it, met the dude, and she dumped his a**.
April 2, 2008 at 3:05 pm Permalink
I should clear up that the comments on Kevin’s review were actually polite and not overtly annoyed by the B+ grade. Aside from the comment that we had to delete, I got the impression that they were unhappy by the grade because our blog stats showed that the review was posted on his message board and that’s where I saw the disgruntlement from the street team. So, you won’t find nasty comments or anything on that thread at country universe, despite how it might have seemed from my previous comment.
April 2, 2008 at 3:08 pm Permalink
I again agree with you Leann, I just think they are a little overzealous.
April 2, 2008 at 4:51 pm Permalink
I think everyone tends to be overzealous over anything they are passionate about. It’s just not Eric Church fans ~ you can find that in just about any fan club. People get behind their artist and are willing to fight for what they believe in ~ it’s what makes us human.
In regards to the song, the girl came back to Eric, so maybe if the real life ending was a little different ~ maybe the song would have a different attitude about it. However, I think the whole thing has been overanalyzed and is just meant to be a fun song.
If you don’t like what Eric sings or is offering to country music, than turn off your radio and don’t buy his cd ~ but I think you’ll miss out. It’s nice to have something different out there than Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts.
April 2, 2008 at 4:58 pm Permalink
Another thing to keep in mind is that while we seem to agree that he does not at the moment stack up to the aforementioned artists, this isn’t the first review of his that has created a great buzz of activity on the comment section here. So while there are people who are extremely in favor of what he is doing and there are people who are lukewarm to him, he is creating a buzz, and as a new and developing artist, that is something to be appreciated. I also think that this might set the record for most bickering over a “thumbs up” review. Nonetheless, we must not lose sight that he is trying to make it in Nashville, and it took Waylon, Willie, and the rest of them a long time to break the mold and make the music that made them legendary. Can Eric do that? I don’t know, maybe not. But gaining the loyal fan base that he has with relatively small airplay is impressive. Maybe as he matures, his writing will too. If we all don’t like mainstream country music, is it wrong to be optimistic about so people who at least want to break away from the mold of what is mainstream these days?
April 2, 2008 at 5:02 pm Permalink
Corey ~ I agree with your comment.
Very well stated.
April 2, 2008 at 5:15 pm Permalink
It’s cool to have zeal for your favorite artists, but it’s better to remember that one wins people over with honey rather than vinegar. I’ve really never been convinced about an artist by passionate rants or manipulation. I’m convinced by well reasoned descriptions of why an artist or their work is good. For instance, Ben’s Townes Earle review was convincing. Likewise, Kevin has turned me on to many female artists that I have overlooked in the past. An argument that I recently read as to why we should like Strait’s “I Saw God Today”, which cited his daughter’s car accident as the reason, is just the manipulative argument that turns me off even more. Furthermore, comments like “you’ve got to be an idiot not to like so and so” certainly doesn’t convince me. Okay, I’m jumping off the soapbox and going back to writing an album review now.
April 2, 2008 at 5:20 pm Permalink
I think we are all saying the same thing just in different ways. And I will continue to support Eric in my way.
April 2, 2008 at 5:21 pm Permalink
Lynn, the girl came back in real life? I don’t think the song mentions anything about that.
Corey, the buzz is mainly coming from a post over on his fan club, so I don’t think it’s indicative of too much. Willie had already written some monster hits, including “Crazy” for Patsy Cline, before he made it as an artist. And Waylon, while able to write some of his own songs, knew when to record other people’s material.
What exactly about Eric Church is different from the mainstream mold?
April 2, 2008 at 5:40 pm Permalink
The song doesn’t mention it, but Eric has talked about her coming back in an interview or two.
Leeann ~ I do agree that passionate rants and manipulation is not the best way win over people to your favorite artists. When I stated that “you’ll miss out” not to give Eric Church a chance, I by no means intended anyone who doesn’t like his music is an idiot. Not everyone is going to like the same music or artists - what fun would that be if we were all were exactly the same. However, I like to give every artist a fair chance ~ even if it is just a song or two I listen to and then decided it’s not my cup of tea.
My problem - is Eric Church or any artist really that bad, that people have nothing else better to do than to go around saying how much they don’t like him a singer or songwriter. For some people, it is just their job to do music reviews, and I think a thumbs up review is a great review and I have no complaints with that at all, but I don’t like people coming on boards saying how much they dislike an artist just to stir the pot.
Instead of focusing all that negative energy on artists people don’t like, why don’t they focus that energy on promoting artists they do like?
About the whole RF thing - I doubt any of us know the exact details of what happened and my guess is it just wasn’t the Madison Square incident that caused Eric to be kicked off the tour. Since we aren’t Eric or his camp, or Rascal Flatts and their camp ~ we have no way of knowing 100% for sure of what happened ~ just tad bits of information we heard along the way.
April 2, 2008 at 5:53 pm Permalink
Lynn, sorry, I wasn’t directing my rant to you. It was more about the over zealous fans who get angry. I didn’t think your comment was at all in that category.
April 2, 2008 at 5:54 pm Permalink
with the number of comments on this thread you’d think someone had posted another negative Phil Stacey review or something!! Obviously Mr Church has a dedicated fan base and this song hits with some and not with others… i too feel like he is being promoted like a songwriter for the ages yet i have not heard anything truly worthy of those accolades….
April 2, 2008 at 6:14 pm Permalink
Thanks Leeann!
April 2, 2008 at 7:09 pm Permalink
Brady, I understand your point and I’m not even saying that he is the next Willie or Waylon, however my point was it took them awhile to be able to do what they wanted with their music and make the impact that we know them for. Yes, writing “Crazy” is a big deal, but people remember Willie much more once he started doing Outlaws, or Red Headed Stranger. As for Waylon picking the right songs, its seems that part of people not like mainstream country is that the crop of songwriters aren’t writing the kind of songs we think should be “country music”. Therefore, he shouldn’t be getting other people’s songs. As for the mainstream thing. I agree that his stuff isn’t too far from the mainstream, but having your second single release be about “waiting on two pink lines” is the most mainstream idea.
April 2, 2008 at 7:15 pm Permalink
Just to put this out there, I am (obviously) a fan of Eric Church’s. I do listen to country radio. I appreciate many of the songs. However, I was raised listening to it, and I’m from Indiana, so exposure to other kinds of music in the country genre weren’t always there. But I have tried hard to learn about the history of the music so I am more knowledgeable and respectful. In doing that, I am more repelled by things on the radio today. However, I think the things that bugs me the most about comments here is that they tend to be so pessimistic and down. You have to take the context of the music for what it is. Today there just ain’t any Cash’s, or Haggards, or Owen’s. The few that compare are often shunned by the radio, or at the tail end of their careers. The great thing about country music is that even if they aren’t writing a song like I Walk The Line, or Workin’ Man’s Blues, they are still writing songs that everyday people can relate to and listen to.
April 2, 2008 at 8:18 pm Permalink
Even given my occasional run-ins with overzealous fans, it’s nice that people still care so much about music. ‘Cuz I do too.
April 2, 2008 at 9:05 pm Permalink
You have to take the context of the music for what it is. Today there just ain’t any Cash’s, or Haggards, or Owen’s
I’d argue that part of the reason that there aren’t any Cashs, Haggards, or Owens, is precicely because people no longer hold country artists to a high standard.
Everyone is willing to applaud the “most sophisticated 3rd grader”, and willing to accept songs with the veneer of importance, rather than actual depth.
There is no objective reason why new artists should be any less talented, or their music should be any less mature, impactful, or important than that of Cash and Haggard.
In fact, being that now an artist can carry thousands upon thousands of classic country songs in their pocket, they have all the more reason to put out artistically competitive material.
But why bother working hard to be able to write like Kristofferson when everybody deems it acceptable to be slightly more weighty than Rascall Flatts?
April 2, 2008 at 10:13 pm Permalink
We probably do hold the to a much lower standard than we should, but I doubt that songwriters (who do that as a profession) say that they just won’t work hard to write like Kristofferson when they can just put out stuff like suitable for RF. I guess I still optimistically hope that people write songs because they love to write songs. However, with those “thousands upon thousands of classic country songs in their pockets”, it is much more difficult to top those songs. I know I have heard Merle Haggard say in a interview that he thinks it is harder to write today, because much of the good material has already been taken. Once again, this is not an excuse. However, we just might be digging way to deep at someone who is putting out just their second record and 5th single.
April 3, 2008 at 8:19 am Permalink
Church rocks and you can dog him all you want. He is real and his songs are real. He probably doesn’t care if you dog him. Go ahead, while he saves country music from all these wanna-bees and boy bands.
April 3, 2008 at 10:01 am Permalink
Well I guess what it all boils down to is opinion. I am an Eric Church fan. I do not rant or get upset over bad reviews (tho I admit I don’t get ‘em lol).
Do I think he’s the most innovative artists around today? No. Show me one who is tho….lol…everything has been done before.
But do I feel he’s true and genuine….yes. That’s what I get from him. And Eric is Smart. He has let his fans “in” - he gets to know us and learns about us and remembers us….and I’m admitting that is part of the appeal…..but with out the music (for me) it wouldn’t matter anyway….it’s just icing on the cake. But the way he treats *US* is what makes us so amazing loyal.
I’m the one who actually started the thread on his boards about the review that gave him a B+. Honestly if you knew the choir….we were all THRILLED that he got a B+. When I stated “Should have been an A+” it was done VERY lightheartedly….and the following posts pretty much followed.
We are allowed to do that on his boards. We love the man….We love his music. You don’t have to agree with us….but that doesn’t make us wrong.
There will always be overly zealous fans….for any artist….it’s just what it is. Overall his fan base represents him very well. He knows that. We know that. Because one or two people make irrational or out of line comments - don’t attribute it to the entire choir.
For the record….scrolling thru the names of people who posted here….I only see a few choir members…..some of those who have posted positively towards Eric I have never seen before…so it’s not just the choir posting positive comments~or atleast they are not active board members.
Mind you - I am new to country music - about 2 years now. And while people rave about Johnny Cash and Waylon and Patsy Cline…..for me….I just don’t get them. I’m sorry. But people like Eric (and Joe Nichols and Brad Paisley)have drawn me into country music…..and SLOWLY I am learning to appreciate and understand the older artists.
As for lowering standards in music….i do think it’s across the boards. (Heck i think it’s done in society as a whole….look at the movies, tv shows and our KIDS). I “left” the rock scene because it was so…..watered down and bland. But I”m sure there are people who would disagree with me on that. Maybe that is what you are feeling about the newer country acts today.
I’m sorry this has just turned in to a long babbling post. I have alot of thoughts tho.
anyway - I’m an Eric Church fan….and I”m proud of the fact. Do I agree with Hollerin’ Ben? No. Do I respect his right to an opinion - yes - Definately as I’m sure he respects my rights to my opinions. Will you see me come here and trash anti-eric people? no. But is it wrong to say on ERIC’S Boards, there to support the artist, “hey I just don’t get why they don’t like eric?”
April 3, 2008 at 2:55 pm Permalink
Patti….I admire you and the choir’s willingness to work so hard for Eric. I know Eric and his family and I know for a fact he appreciates your commitment and continued support! As for Eric’s songwriting…find me 10 artist out of Nashville within the last 10 years who have wrote or co-wrote every single track that they released on a album that they have actually released to the public!! Off the top of my head I can only think of 3 and Eric’s included within those 3. Nashville (meaning the industry) now days is more worried about if you are marketable instead of what you are trying to portray through song. I know you have to have the “It” factor in Nashville before you take any steps towards being a successful artist and the question I have is..what’s it gonna take to be able to start hearing “Real” people singing about there own “Real” issues? Our society is fixated on Pop music…we always have been..but why have we let Country Music’s sound have those same ideas? What happened to the Waylon’s and the Haggards who weren’t afraid to write about controversial issues (”Two Pink Lines”, “Lightning”)??? I do know that Eric writes from experiences and also he writes from his heart and he totally draws in his listeners and makes you feel what he is trying to portray through song!! Eric has not been given his time of day that he so totally deserves from Country Music and that just goes to show you that pop music is still the dominating force in Nashville. “Sinners Like Me” was by far one of the best albums released in 06′…PERIOD!!! He covered everything you would hear 20 years ago from the Prides to the Shavers, but said it all the way he wanted to say it..in his own way! In fact, Eric did use co-writers who have written many of the Pop Country songs that you hear on the radio today, but Eric still did it in his own way and his own fashion!! “Carolina” without a question displays many different takes on subject matters that we all deal with everyday, but the cool thing is…Eric’s lived them!!! RF can sing about holes in the walls all they want, but I don’t think Gary from (RF) actually would do something like that…if Eric wrote it…you bet your money that he ’s lived it, and experienced it!!! I am not playing favorites to Eric just because the relationship that I have with his family, but I am playing favorites for Eric because he’s the realest thing to hit radio since Kris!!! Hopefully when “Carolina” is released…you to will change your opinions about him and truly see what a great artist he really is!! If you still feel the same about him after reviewing his entire album, and after you see him live…then all I can say is to get outside a little bit more and LIVE…and try to get out from behind your cubicle walls..your hearing and thought process is being effected.. :)
“Carolina” to be released August of 08′ So go pick you up a copy and request his new single
CHEERS!!
BTW…For all the bashers….take a glance at this…Even the N.Y. Times sees a good artist in Country Music sometimes..
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/17/arts/music/17chur.html?pagewanted=1&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/R/Recordings%20(Audio)
April 3, 2008 at 5:06 pm Permalink
for all of you who have something bad to say about eric…Go see him live! Hes amazing.
April 3, 2008 at 6:37 pm Permalink
Marc, Writing or cowriting every song on an album isn’t a statement of quality or talent and just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should. A case in point would be Chuck Wicks’ debut album in which he had a credit on 9 of the 11 songs, but that doesn’t necesarily make them good.
Eric Church had a co-write on every song on his debut album, but only one was written solely by himself (”Lightning”).
That being said, Alan Jackson released a 17 song album less than a month ago in which all of the songs were written solely by him, no co-writes there.
Bobby Pinson has two albums since ‘05 with his name on every song.
Ashton Shepherd released her debut album in which only song didn’t bear her name.
Miranda Lambert has 8 of 11 credits on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and all but one credit on Kerosene.
Jamey Johnson had 11 of 13 writing credits on That Lonesome Song.
Brad Paisley has at least 9 writing credits on each of his studio albums and was credited on all of the songs on his debut album except for one.
A lot of these artists have written hits for other singers as well. Has Eric written hits for anyone else?
I don’t even dislike Eric, but there’s a ton of guys not in Nashville putting out albums full of their own material and writing better songs than Church, so quit with this free pass stuff that just because he’s in Nashville that it somehow makes it worth more. Eric isn’t putting out anything that’s in your face honest and he’s not leading a revolution against pop country.
April 3, 2008 at 7:26 pm Permalink
“Find me 10 artist out of Nashville within the last 10 years who have wrote or co-wrote every single track that they released on a album that they have actually released to the public!!”
I’ll bite:
Taylor Swift
Alan Jackson
LeAnn Rimes
Toby Keith
Kenny Chesney
Sugarland
Big & Rich
Dierks Bentley
Shania Twain
Vince Gill
Bonus: Phil Vassar
Arguably non-eligible bonus: Dixie Chicks
April 3, 2008 at 8:44 pm Permalink
“A lot of these artists have written hits for other singers as well. Has Eric written hits for anyone else?”
He actually wrote Terri Clark’s “The World Needs A Drink,” but I think that’s all. It made it to #26 on Billboard.
April 3, 2008 at 9:19 pm Permalink
That being said, Alan Jackson released a 17 song album less than a month ago in which all of the songs were written solely by him, no co-writes there.
Yeah, but I think Jackson had to go through a near divorce to get his songs. Let’s not expect that from everyone or there will be fewer quality country artists than quality people who run for President.
April 3, 2008 at 9:20 pm Permalink
Brad Paisley has at least 9 writing credits on each of his studio albums and was credited on all of the songs on his debut album except for one.
Yeah, and I’m sure he’s damn proud of that Tick credit. My Gawd, a sophisticated third-grader could write those lyrics.
It’s not quantity that counts. I hope.
April 3, 2008 at 10:55 pm Permalink
Ah, come on, Funk. Was that just a jab at Alan Jackson because you’re frustrated that people are criticizing Eric Church or do you really believe it? I don’t think his new CD has really anything to do with his marriage troubles of ten years ago. Yes, songs here and there, but not the stuff on the 17 song album that Brady referenced.
While I don
April 3, 2008 at 10:57 pm Permalink
Sorry for my unfinished thought at the end of the above post that I didn’t delete. It’s not worth finishing though.
April 4, 2008 at 7:12 am Permalink
Brady,
ok…I agree with you to some extent..some artist in Nashville are getting what they want on there albums and some u mentioned like Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Ashton Shepherd and Miranda Lambert who are all worthy notes and are great songwriters…I like their direction for country music…but lets face it…Pop is over running our Country…PERIOD!!!!
If you don’t know, “Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the Southern United States and the Appalachian Mountains. It has roots in traditional folk music, Celtic music, blues, gospel music, hokum, and old-time music”-wikipedia
I don’t see in this statement, nothing about “Pop” and I believe that Nashville just seems to be pushing “Pop Country” more than true Country music! I guess I am just proud of what my ancestors started and don’t want people messing it up!! haha Nashville though really is pushing this type of market a lot stronger than what Country use to be which was “Traditional Country Music”. Do you not agree?
I work in the business myself and have heard rumors that a lot of these labels in Nashville are gonna be going back to the traditional sound…and stray away from having so much of the pop sound that they like so much…but I have yet to see this change. I actually have heard rumors of this for almost 4 years, but I guess these labels know that pop does sale and there all about putting that extra money in their pocketbooks which in return for a traditional up and coming artist, sucks! Why is this?
Back on the Eric topic:
Funk…HAHAHA…I agree totally bout the “Tick” song…although whitey and catchy for radio…I do believe that Eric’s songs are much more in your face and Mike your right…Eric did write “I Think The World Needs A Drink” and it did very well for Terry Clark, but that was the only chance that Eric really needed to prove what a great writer he really is. I know Eric’s website compares him to legends, but that’s someone else’s opinion just like these comments we leave…so don’t bash Eric for trying and working as hard as he has already and what he’s gonna be doing in the future. Yes, he might have had co-writers on every track, but that’s what makes it a great song, when you bring in other peoples experiences! Eric’s gonna do just fine in Country music..
April 4, 2008 at 1:41 pm Permalink
Leeann, I was actually trying to praise Jackson, not attach. (And I really don’t have an opinion on Church - OK, I do about some of this songs, but I’m not a fan or an anti-fan.) The confused point I was trying to make is that Jackson has lived more life than many young song writers and it all adds up to one’s ability to tell the truth. Sometimes that happens because age can bring wisdom and that brings the ability to see the important frmo superficial. It also can bring the ability to be truthful, which is harder than most think.
Another thing wisdom can bring is the ability to tell a story that gets to the heart of a matter, but does it coming from an angle of some sort. That is miles away from “in your face.” In your face can be fun and good for a song or two but if I am listening to an entire album, I want to have to think a bit.
April 8, 2008 at 7:47 pm Permalink
I think whoever does not like Eric church should not write on this wall. Nothing is wrong with this song i love it. I do not know why someone mentioned “I’d argue that Church is minimizing the dignity of the human experience.” This is just a feel good awesome song. He was not going for that. If you want a song like that listen to “Lightening”, which he wrote by himself.Eric church will be a legend. It just might take him a couple years. This is only his second album, there’s more to come.
April 8, 2008 at 10:20 pm Permalink
Pat - I’m a huge Eric Church fan, but I think it’s silly to say whoever is not a fan should not leave a comment on this song. This isn’t his fan club board - people have the right to give their opinions.
April 10, 2008 at 6:11 pm Permalink
You guys are nuts. Eric Church is the best artist in country music right now.
April 11, 2008 at 9:20 am Permalink
This is not a wall.
April 16, 2008 at 1:48 pm Permalink
I’ve been reading this thread for a while but didn’t comment because I am a “choir” member and didn’t want to seem to be overzealous and possibly “ruin” his career. haha.
At this point, I just wanted to add that Eric has also written “that’ll get you ten” by jeff bates.
Also, I’m fairly surprised by the intensity which people are arguing against eric. I strongly dislike several artists in country music right now but have never really wanted to put the energy into something like this. Any press is good press… and I’m glad that Eric’s music is getting people talking… either way. In life, in the music business, anywhere- not everybody is going to like you. But if everybody is talking about you… at least you’re on their mind!
April 16, 2008 at 1:53 pm Permalink
oh one more thing…
someone commented that ‘just because you can write, doesn’t mean you should’ and named some other people who i guess the poster felt write better…
honestly, some of the other artists who’ve been brought up (i won’t say who, as it’s irrelevant and i respect other people for liking these artists)- i happen to dislike their writing style, or their songs. in a lot of people’s opinions… eric should be writing.
i think a lot of country music’s popular scene right now hinges on exposure, not the quality of music at all.
April 16, 2008 at 1:58 pm Permalink
Megan, I really respect your class and restraint here. I wish I had such restraint regarding my favorite artists.
April 16, 2008 at 2:09 pm Permalink
I like Eric just fine, I’m just a little skeptical that he’s the savior of country music.
April 16, 2008 at 2:23 pm Permalink
Megan, a lot of what you said seems to be in response to the last comment I made which in turn was pointing out the fallacy of assuming the ability to write is a testament of quality. The list of artists was merely to point out that Eric isn’t the only one with writing credits on all the songs on his album. None of it was meant to be taken as a statement of quality in relation to any of the artists listed, it was simply meant to point out that just because Eric helps write his own material that it doesn’t automatically make it good or different.
I pointed out a few of the flaws of the song in the review and since writing it and reading through the responses, I’ve come to view the song differently and probably wouldn’t give it a positive rating. My reasons being the superficial treatment of the lyric and that if he doesn’t bring anything new to the subject (he actually brings a lot less than “Mansion On The Hill”), then it’s equatable to a bland “band camp story.” If he’d actually injected any sort of emotion into the performance, then it might stand on it’s own a little better.
I also think it’s kinda funny that he can’t keep his story straight as to why he actually wrote the song, considering that his bio declares “Honesty is my number one responsibility.”
April 16, 2008 at 2:25 pm Permalink
I always knew you’d come around Brady!
April 16, 2008 at 3:20 pm Permalink
Well I think Eric is a great singer & songwriter. Some of the singers every song they sing has the same tune (Taylor Swift) for one. listen to her songs they all sound alike. Some of the new singers Eric Church can sing rings around! Ive worn out 2 of Sinners Like Me cds & on my 3rd one. Cant wait till Aug. when the new one comes out.
April 16, 2008 at 7:34 pm Permalink
Thanks Leeann :)
Brady… I really was responding to the discussion in general.. starting off with your comment but also some other comments about artists.
I still like the song but I’m glad that those of you who don’t like it at least gave it enough of a listen to form an opinion. Ya win some, ya lose some!
April 16, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
I enjoy Eric Church’s music. I didn’t grow up listening to Kristofferson, Shaver, Nelson, Haggard, Cash, Townes or Earle so I could care less if he does or doesn’t sound/write like them. Way to go Eric, you got a B+!
BTW, I’ve never purchased a cd or downloaded a song based on a critics review. Why would I let someone else tell me how to enjoy a song??
April 16, 2008 at 8:46 pm Permalink
The Four Horsemen…did you know that ALL of them had songs written by David Allan Coe? Did you know that HE(David Allan Coe) is a HUGE supporter of the KKK, and IS a klansman?? Have you ever listened to a great majority of his music? I invite you to download “Ni**er Fuc*er” or “I’d just like to Fu*k you one more time”…or “There’s nothing like a BJ in the morning” and then tell me that those OTHER songs that Hank, Johnny, Willie and Merle were singing were written by a quality individual. All of his marketable music was written to pay the bills..Not because he had a great message to pass along. Eric may not be the most eloquent at injecting your perceived “proper” emotion into his songs, but at least he’s not expressing hate and bigotry…nor is he supporting someone who is.
I am a proud member of his “Choir” and I’ll be the first to admit that some of his songs may not be “deep” and “meaningful”..but they are songs that speak to some of us. And always positively.
That said, I want to point out ONE thing that someone said above, when they quoted Eric’s bio. Eric didn’t write his bio…his PR people did. Therefore, before you label him as a false advertisement, use your head for more than thinking up big words (or do you use http://www.thesaurus.com for that?) and do some actual research.
Patti, Great Post darlin’! I think you summed it up perfectly! We love Eric’s music, but we love Eric…the person. He’s a truly genuine man who knows his fans…and appreciates them. That’s the draw. The music and shows are icing.
April 16, 2008 at 8:49 pm Permalink
Oh, one more thing…I saw Kristoffer*snooze* play in October with my mother…I literally FELL ASLEEP! Anti-war sentiment is fine and all…but can you PLEASE entertain me whilst preaching to me? After all, $70 is a LOT to spend on a nap!
April 16, 2008 at 9:23 pm Permalink
Tammi, so you’re going to attempt to prop up Eric Church by discrediting great songwriters via their association with a questionable individual? Do you have a credible source to back up your claim that David Allen Coe is a supporter of the KKK? You do realize that Hank died when DAC was 13, right?
Now that you’ve gone off on that tirade, are you inviting people to download music illegally? Are you suggesting that Eric Church associates with people of questionable character who would dare to not tell the truth when writing his bio? And you do realize that the snippet about honesty being his responsibility was a direct quote from Eric’s bio and comments from his fan club suggest that he’s told multiple stories about why he wrote this song, which means there are a few lies somewhere in there.
You might want to be a little more careful when you go around trying to paint everyone else as questionable individuals. I just wanted to point out the ridiculousness and fallacies in the arguments you used to support Eric Church. I don’t dislike Eric, but if this is the kind of stuff we can expect from the Choir, then I understand the claim that y’all do him a disservice.
April 16, 2008 at 9:34 pm Permalink
she may have done all the things you claim she’s done Brady…
but you have to admit that she did them with panache.
that’s a synonym for style, just ask thesaurus.com
April 16, 2008 at 10:20 pm Permalink
Too bad her panache was obfuscated by her prevarications. (thesaurus.com doesn’t know what panache means =/)
April 16, 2008 at 11:12 pm Permalink
Tammi mentions David Allan Coe and the KKK. I know David Allan Coe has a reputation as a racist, and some of his songs certainly suggest that he is racist.
Interestingly, a 1999 DAC album called “Recommended for Airplay,” has a song “It Takes All Kinds of People” with an anti-racist line, ” Color does not matter, black white read or brown/It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round.”
For what its worth, the song also contains a verse about cross-dressing, a verse about breast implants, and a verse about Michael Jackson’s changing skin-color. DAC is strange, if nothing else.
I have no idea what’s in DAC’s heart, though. However, his song “The Ride” is one of my favorites, and “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” is up there, too.
April 17, 2008 at 6:23 am Permalink
Where did I ever say that I thought all of that was fact? I never did. But I find it HILARIOUS that you guys all think that I think it’s true.
DAC IS a racist…and he DID sell a LOT of music to the genres “GREATS”..He is a person of questionable nature. Those are facts. Is he a confirmed Klansman? I don’t know. I was just spouting BS and trying to sell it…..JUST LIKE YOU! And apparently I did a good job. I took something that I heard and touted it as gospel. JUST LIKE YOU.
The internet is a forum where everyone can say whatever they want. Take it how you will.
If some of my comments offended anyone…oh well. If my opinions are way off base and you don’t agree, again…oh well.
April 17, 2008 at 8:29 am Permalink
Did you know that Tammi is a HUGE supporter of the KKK, and IS a klansman?
Just spoutin’ BS, y’all! It’s the Internet!
April 17, 2008 at 8:57 am Permalink
For all you know Chris N., I COULD be (I’m not, but I could be!) Watch out those of you not of European descent…or if you have dark hair, a big nose and like to pinch your pennies. *eye roll*
Ok, this conversation has taken a turn for the ridiculous.
All I was really trying to say is that **I** like Eric’s music, whether you do or not. While I may not have expressed myself in such a way that indicates my farts smell better than yours (to further the ridiculousness of this conversation, that was a “South Park” reference for all of you wondering what I’m referring to-since only smart people who have a general disdain for the rest of the world and their opposing views “get” it and therefore are better than the rest of us), I’m still entitled to my opinion. Whether or not you agree that Eric Church has the potential to be lumped in with “The Greats” or not, I’m entitled to my opinion …and enjoyment.
And pooh on you for trying to take that away.
Maybe I was raised differently, being from the Midwest and cattle/corn country and all, but my Momma taught me that “if you don’t have something nice to say, shut your damn mouth!”
Just sayin’…
April 17, 2008 at 9:57 am Permalink
Who tried to take your opinion away?
April 17, 2008 at 2:47 pm Permalink
*sigh* I’m going to pull the woman’s end of an argument here and just say “whatever”.
April 17, 2008 at 3:04 pm Permalink
I’m going to do the man thing and not express my feelings anymore.
April 17, 2008 at 3:15 pm Permalink
Tammi…
What?!
April 22, 2008 at 1:10 pm Permalink
Well im a big fan of Eric ive got to see him live and meet him too. He is great, one of my faves!
This is a really good song (though not my fav by him) but i dont think its “trying to be more profound than it is” its just good song!
April 24, 2008 at 3:36 pm Permalink
Man it kills me to see the people who are hating on his songs for him singing about his life. I’m sorry but at this point in country music, I think a down to earth song here and there is AWESOME. I can’t take anymore phony music. If you want deep deep messages ,seek counseling, if you want the best concert I have seen (IMHO) and the most down to earth band I have EVER and am guessing WILL EVER see, get to a church show.
April 24, 2008 at 3:52 pm Permalink
I hate it when people sing about their lives! Dammit!
April 24, 2008 at 10:52 pm Permalink
i love eric church and not because i read or delve into each song before i approve it for my own liking, i listen and if it makes me feel good and i can relate then i give it the thumbs up. To most of the comments above, maybe its not the artist nowadays that are bringing down country music but people like you that are way to over critical of something that “is supposed to be fun sometimes”….what, its music when is it not supposed to be fun, even when the song is emotional and heart felt, it is still a song and an expression that is enjoyed and in my opinion fun. Take a break from from being so anal and maybe you might actually relax enough to enjoy music like most. Also who is anyone to say how some one else thoughts are interpreted. There are quotes from his website that people on here use to slaughter Church, but keep in mind if what he says is his opinion then it is correct to him, maybe not you, but in reallity why would that matter at all to him? That is why i have to agree with the some of the comments, if you dont like the music pick up and move on, but dont criticize the music you dont like because you think you have some sort of understanding of a constantly changing, highly opinionated subjuct such as music, when in reality you have your own opinion and that is all. All that said, i will be purchasing a copy of the new album the first day it is available.
April 26, 2008 at 1:57 pm Permalink
Totally agreeing with you 2_Tall!
July 27, 2008 at 5:32 pm Permalink
This is a great follow-up to a really good debut album in my opinion. I saw him live opening for Dierks Bentley, and although not a ton of people knew him beforehand, he put on a good show. I look forward to his next album!
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