John Michael Montgomery Enters Rehab For Substance Abuse

whoa… I like the Justin Townes Earle album ALOT, but saying it’s better than ANYTHING daddy put out is crazy talk. It’s better than some of Steve’s stuff, and probably more solid an album than many of Steve’s early releases, but it doesn’t hold a candle- for me anyway- to Train a ‘Comin or Feel Alright. I’d put JTE’s album on par with El Corazon- which was very good but not Steve’s best.

Brady, I have been meaning to ask you about your lack of admiration towards the elder Earle’s catalog. Are there any specifics to why you arent impressed? Or is it just a gut, “when you hear it, you dont like it” kinda thing? I am just curious, you know I love me some Steve Earle, so i couldnt help but ask

I think there are really four completely unique phases of Steve Earle’s career: 1) early/commercial-leaning (Guitar Town/Exit 0), 2)drugged up, devil may care rocker (Copperhead Road/Hard Way), 3) reflective/inspired/visionary (Train a ‘Comin’, I Feel Alright, El Corozon, The Mountain, Transcendental Blues), and 4) annoyingly politically motivated (Jerusalem and the rest of his catalog that I don’t care to buy). I really enjoy phase 1 and 2 and think the stuff in early 3 is among the best of any writer, any genre.

Current Steve bores me to tears.

I love the younger Earle’s release but I agree with Mike that to say it’s better than anything daddy put out is plain ridiculous.

Almost everyone who says an artist is “overly preachy” means that they don’t agree with the politics. Usually the same with people who claim they used to like someone but now they bore them to tears.

Ok, fine, you don’t like his politics but that has nothing to do with his music. This is particularly true in country music because there are so many songs about juvenile and even assinine behavior that we all give a pass on. So why pitch a fit about liberal politics?

No, it’s the politics and that has nothing to do wiht the music. That’s why it was a sad day when the modern day philosophical wizard, Beer-for-my-horses Toby Keith, took on the Dixie Chicks.

I’m telling the truth when I say that Steve Earle always bored me to tears. Copperhead Road was ok, but if I want that kind of sound, and sometimes I do, I go to Chris Knight. There will never be a better “Woe is Me” song than “It Ain’t Easy Being Me.”

Steve Earle’s debut “Guitar Town” album was revolutionary when it was first released and spawned the genre title “cow punk”. It was so radically different from the stuff on mainstream country radio at the time they gave it a few spins and then lost interest. The influence Steve’s music had on fostering the subsequent Alt. Country/Americana movements cannot be overstated. Anyone who hasn’t listened to the entire “Guitar Town” album really should make the effort if just to hear an instant classic like “Hillbilly Highway”. It may not seem so radical now, but back then it was uncharted territory…

I watched some of the Opry (up until Carrie came on) and was delighted to see a dressed up Sarah Buxton singing the duet with Dierks Bentley. Its nice that all those folks in attendance and watching on GAC to catch Carrie got to see a truly talented artist perform instead, if even for only one song in a support capacity….

PS - Thanks for the Ashley Monroe link. The thing I loved about the “Satisfied” album was how stone country so much of the music was. Now Ashley’s gone off on this folky direction which I don’t find as engaging. The same thing has happened to Rebecca Lynn Howard, so it must be something in the water….

Kelly, I’ll have to go back and check some of that stuff out. When I said “Copperhead Road” and “Guitar Town,” I meant the songs and not the albums, though; I never gave the albums a listen.

——

Funk, I assume your comment is aimed at my comment about being overly preachy. Sure, I don’t agree with his politics, but it’s not the only reason I gave for not caring for his music and it’s not even the biggest factor, but when he makes his music political, it has a little more than “nothing” to do with his music. And I didn’t pitch a fit about liberal politics. If you want to boil my comment down to two words, then go ahead.

As the Dixie Chicks go, I enjoy their music and even liked “Not Ready To Make Nice,” but they engaged in pretty childish behavior of their own that somehow is conveniently ignored.

We can agree on Chris Knight, though :)

——

Rick, do you really believe that Carrie isn’t talented? Or are you just expressing frustration because you don’t care for her?

——

Leeann, I don’t get GAC and was off on a ranch in the middle of nowhere over the weekend, so I was basing my comment off the video that Brody linked to. It was added to YouTube today, so I figured it was filmed sometime after her induction.

John Anderson’s versions of “It Ain’t Easy…” and “The Big Revival” are amazing. Actually, most of that J. Anderson CD, “Nobody’s Got it All” is awesome. It also has a surprisingly good cover of “Atlantic City.”

This CD is pretty much forgotten, but if you even minimally like John Anderson, check it out. Its one of his best.

I, actually, have no problem with Earle’s politics, but I haven’t been able to call myself a serious fan of his. I think I’m just a casual listener who likes songs of his here and there. I think it’s often the melodies that don’t catch my attention enough. That’s why I love “Guitar Town” so much; I love the melody. I like Emmylou’s version of it too, from her Live At the Ryman CD.

actually carrie didn’t sing stand by your man for her induction, she sang that back in 06 for a women of country music opry special

her last song was a jesus take the wheel duet with vince gill

Kelly,

I’ll have to take another listen to Enough Rope. I might have unfairly glossed over that one after being so underwhelmed by The Jealous Kind.

As for political songs, I agree that if they are done right, they are okay. But politics is to country music as Lisa Hartman is to Clint Black. Like some sort of infection that turns great songwriters into one-trick blithering idiots. I know that’s a bit harsh… but I used to love me some pre- Clint Black-Hartman.

I think the political songs work best when they‘re done as morality plays or more tongue in cheek. “Ellis Unit One” and “Billy Austin” are good examples of the former; Robbie Fulks’ “Countrier than Thou” and Todd Snider’s “Conservative Christian,” and “You Got Away With It” are good examples of the latter.

But things like that horrid “Bumper Sticker on an SUV” song and Steve Earle’s “Amerika 6.0” just make me cringe.

Thanks for clearing up the “Stand By Your Man” snafu. I assumed it was performed because Opry Live added it to their YouTube channel about the same time as they did the induction stuff. My bad.

I think you are right about entertainers vs. singers, Mike, but I can’t think of anyone in the current scene that is much of an entertainer who has shown any interest in the Opry. It could also be said that the industry’s focus on radio success is at fault because it produces songs and singer rather than the industry encouraging artists to go out and perform, as they used to.

People singing about their beliefs does not come off as preachy to me. People singing about, or trying to convince me why I should believe what they believe or trying to defend why they believe what they believe does.

Brady,

From “Red White and Blue:”

Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And you’ll be sorry that you messed with
The U.S. of A.
`Cause we`ll put a boot in your ass
It`s the American way

For me, a claim that something is the American way seems pretty political. I think the American way is diplomacy, which can include putting a boot in a country’s ass, but can also include winning the peace through negotiation and service and aid. You may differ, which is fine by me.

I chose this song because it is a fine example of a performer crafting a message that will be accepted and cheered. It’s political but presents the view in a way that is hard to be against. Hell, I’ll crack a beer, cheer and hold up my can like the rest because I am proud of the way my country came to the aid of Europe in several instances. The US military is our most valuable asset and I’m proud. But when this song is sung in support of our current administration that sold us on a mission to Iraq by sysematically misinforming the public and using propaganda to build momentum for our actions, I’m going to be less enthusiastic. That is the way Toby Keith meant it, which makes it political.

I’m sure you get this.

It’s just as political to call for impeachment because of the misinformation and momentum-building but in that case, it is negative rather than positive and many in our country have difficulty admitting problems.

All political, just different spins.

But Brady, Steve Earle has sold millions of records and won so many grammys…how can you not like him?? he is my BFF! OMG! IMO, you are crazy!! :p

I am with you as far as the message of a song goes to a point. I think it is fine for it to matter or not, depending on the personal atachment to the message. It isnt a black/white issue. For example, I do not share many of Earle’s political/social views, but it doesnt offend me and I really dig the way he goes about his message musically. As a Christian, I would have a hard time being ok with a song that belittled my religious views, regardless of how awesome the rockin’ might be, or who the artist is behind it. Thats just me, and I think there are times when its fine to not care about the message and there are times where it is the most important aspect. It is often-times my “gut” that tells me what I am cool with or not cool with in that regard.

Brady also said:
If someone preaches hate via music, should we give them a platform to continue to preach, even if the music is good?

I don’t think me listening to one artist or another gives them a platform. I don’t think I am advocating for Jesus when I listen to some Christian music. I can easily explain to anyone who wants to know what I find untrue about Christianity and do so when asked. In fact, I can use Christian music to inform my views.

I do have to make the personal decision whether or not I support the artist financially but I think that is a different matter.

Funk…

I don’t mind being convinced I’m wrong, but I like some entertainment along with my enlightenment. Give me a good story and work the political/religious message in between the lines, and I’ll like the song, even if it doesn’t fit my personal beliefs. For instance, I believe in the death penalty- but I think Ellis Unit One and Billy Austin are both great songs.

Give me a philosophy and let me decide if I believe it or not. Don’t hit me over the head and try and tell me what to think. There’s really a fine line there, for me at least.

Ben, you didnt ask me about my thoughts on John Walker’s blues (sorry, i cant help myself), but I really dig the perpsective of the song. I like that the song didnt make him a hero, or even sympathetic, it just made him human. It’s hilarious that Earle attempting to do that was met with such frenzied criticism by the Bill O’Riley’s of the world. Walker-Lindh was fighting for a messed up cause, no question, but I wish more people wouldve bothered to find out about him and wonder “why?”, instead of just autmotatically taggin him as a monster….

Acutally, I’m curious what John Walker thinks of John Walker’s Blues…

Mike, I agree with you about the best way to craft a song. I just don’t think there are many who are that good, so we take what we can get.

But I’ll listen again to my Christian songs with your ideas in mind. It might be the interesting or subtle messages that allow me to get past the ideology and listen to the music.

I’ll check it out Funk. Thanks.

Brady, I think we are talking past each other at this point. I think you’ve missed my point probably because I wasn’t clear. To summarize, I think Toby Keith is a performer who will make his public views on politics match those of the audience he intends to reach, as long as those views do not conflict his core values. I think more “preachy” songsriters like Steve Earle don’t see to fit any mold.

i don’t think the song ‘jerusalem’ is left or right. if you have a problem with the lyrics to that song (no matter your political beliefs), you just have problems. period. go back and listen to it. it’s not even remotely dogmatic. or leftist.

i also think steve earle would be offended if you called him a ‘liberal’. he isn’t. he’s a flat-out marxist. he’ll tell you so. he’s not a ‘liberal’. not even in the same ballpark.

but i still think steve earle remains in the top 5 songwriters to ever live.

Okay, I’ll jump into this one. :)

I don’t mind political songs when they are done right. I’ve noticed that the political songs I like and have endured tend to drive the point home without being overly obvious. I really didn’t like the post 9/11 phase in country music for this reason. See “Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning,” “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” “Bumper of My SUV,” “American Soldier,” “Have You Forgotten.” They felt like lame, contrived attempts to pander to an audience and make a quick buck and it really ticked me off.

The best political songs -in my opinion - are more subtle. Think John Lennon’s “Imagine” or Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “These Times They Are A-Changin’,” Seeger’s “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “If I Had a Hammer,” “Turn Turn Turn,” CCR’s “Fortunate Son,” Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land,” Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” All of these songs will stand the test of time and endure and have meaning throughout generations. I think the best protest songs should.

In my opinion, these songs are more powerful than what is out there today:
“Yes, and how many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind,
The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”

For those that think Keith’s song wasn’t political, it’s because you agreed with him. Many of us who didn’t turned the station because we found it offensive. (Note: We did not call in and yell and demand it be taken off the air! We simply turned the station…which is the sane and proper response.) I don’t see the Dixie Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice” as a political song. Their most “political” songs are two of their best - Patty Griffin’s “Truth #2″ and Bruce Robison’s “Travelin’ Soldier.” They are both the best sort of “protest” song.

Lastly, I was pretty excited that I knew who Steve Earle, Chris Knight, etc. were when reading these posts. Before I started reading this blog, I had never heard those names before. Now I own music from both of them and like them both. I agree with whoever said that Steve Earle is occasionally hard to understand, but I’ve enjoyed the music from him that I’ve heard. I currently have “Galway Girl” stuck in my head (yes from the movie). So, thanks for introducing me to new music!

Ah, Gaby, now I’m sad that I flipped away from the Carrie performance at the very end. I didn’t know Vince would be singing with her. I guess that’s what I get for not watching the whole Carrie performance, huh? I’ll have to admit that “Jesus Take The Wheel” is not a song that I like too much. I’m a Christian, but that song didn’t do anything for me. I didn’t start warming up to her until after that song. Hearing Vince on it whould’ve been cool though.:)

I don’t see why you have to agree with the political or ideological perspective in a song to like it for its musicality.
I dislike the sentiment of ‘Courtesy of the Red White and Blue’ but I still like the song - melody, arrangement and most of the lyrics (although I think the ‘boot in your ass’ line is cringe-worthy independent of its idealogical basis).
I’m an ardent atheist but that doesn’t diminish the impact of a song like ‘Believe’ - it works because Ronnie Dunn believes in the sentiments of the lyrics. I don’t have to - it’s the same gut punch it would be if I was a regular church-goer.
Subtlety isn’t a necessary ingredient for a great lyric - Ohio is pretty explicit and straightforward, but that doesn’t make it any less of a great song. ‘Tin soldiers and Nixon coming/We’re finally on our own/This summer I hear the drumming/Four dead in Ohio’ is a great lyric, and it would still be a great lyric if I was an idealogical doppleganger for Anne Coulter.
I’m a liberal, but I’m pretty sure I could like a song called ‘Let’s Privatize Social Security’ if Jim Lauderdale wrote it. On the other hand, I’ve heard plenty of cliched lefty anti-war songs that just make me cringe because their lyrics and melodies are terrible. I can’t imagine not buying someone’s record just because I disagree with the politics expressed on it - unless they’re promoting Neo-Nazism or the like.

Jeremy, I agree that a song can be enjoyable even if you disagree with something that is being stated in the song. the key difference here is between “disagree” and “offensive”. Brady said it earlier, if a song displays a promotion of hate, and it offends someone for any reason, it is reasonable to not like the song as a result, regardless of the musical quality. As I said earlier, I am a Christian. If I hear a song that has a great tune, and simply questions the existence of Jesus Christ, that isnt necessarily offensive. I only disagree with that sentiment (as I do not question His existence). If a different song is stating that Christians are stupid and Jesus Christ is a myth, then I would likely lean towards being offended and likely wouldnt care what the music offered from any standpoint. I stress the difference between simply not agreeing and truly being offended in this matter, because it is a large difference.

Funk, that’s probably true. If I were a Coulterite, my reaction would probably be to call the songwriters fags and suggest we invade the publishing company, kill their CEO and convert them to Christianity.

Kelly, that’s a fair point, and I agree that were I confronted with a song called something like ‘Hit The Gays Repeatedly with a Large Mallet’ or ‘Burn the Jews’ I would probably dislike the song regardless of its melodic merits.