Comments on: The 9513 Last.fm Chart Update (6-21-09)

By: Razor X

Razor X — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:04:20 +0000

There is no such genre as “Americana”. It’s a radio format that is a catch-all category for country, folk, rock and blues. “Alt.Country” is simply country that is not commercially viable. Deana Carter was very much a part of the mainstream in the late 90s. The only difference between then and now is her music isn’t selling as well.

By: Nicolas

Nicolas — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:01:42 +0000

Alt. Country and Americana always appear as seperate sub genres for country music that I see – ie: on my Rhapsody and also on Wikipedia I believe

There’s gotta be some difference… for example, no one ever considers Deana Carter “Americana” but she’s frequently categorized “Alt. Country”

By: Stormy

Stormy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:29:56 +0000

Americana also includes folk, rock and blues, alt-country is the country side of it.

By: Sam G.

Sam G. — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:07:30 +0000

I’d love to know what separates Americana from alt-country, because I’ve generally seen them used interchangeably. And really, the phrase “alt-country” seems a little played out to me.

By: Nicolas

Nicolas — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:27:30 +0000

The Dixie Chicks aren’t Americana, they are Alternative Country

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:20:12 +0000

At least someone’s embracing “country” music, even though it’s not country music who’s doing it.

By: Brady Vercher

Brady Vercher — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 22:09:51 +0000

“Besides, who is this “Americana” you speak of that goes around stealing artists from other genres ;-)”

The same person giving stone-cold country acts big ol’ bear hugs ;)

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:43:43 +0000

Brady – I dont think Americana comandeers artists, I think the artists simply gravitate towards the community that embraces them, and who wouldnt want Lynn in their camp (well, I guess the country establishment doesnt really). In this case, Lynn’s most recent work was widely considered Americana by critics, thanks in no small part to the fact that Jack White collaborated on it. I agree that she is “country”, but what genre do you think will embrace James Hand’s next record, even though he is stone-cold country? Besides, who is this “Americana” you speak of that goes around stealing artists from other genres ;-)

By: Razor X

Razor X — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:22:39 +0000

Loretta Lynn will always be country to me.

Hear, hear!

By: Brady Vercher

Brady Vercher — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:10:18 +0000

As much as I like Gary Allan, his new single just doesn’t sound that great. I think he only got three singles off Living Hard and there were at least a couple of others that had potential.

And you hit on one of my pet peeves: when Americana tries to commandeer good country artists when they’re not commercially viable anymore, especially when they pretend there’s no such thing as a bad Americana record. Loretta Lynn will always be country to me. Between that and subtly bashing Texas in the forums, you’re skating on thin ice… ;)

Anyways, cool write up and thanks for the Portuguese country music.