What’s the Difference: Texas vs. Nashville; The Devil Makes Three Free Live Session
- Brad from Galleywinter on the homogenization of the Texas music scene:
When it came back into flavor in the late 90’s, it had an edge and was different. Then, as has been pointed out so many times here and elsewhere, the scene got flooded with no-talent hacks singing bad beer-soaked GCDC poetry. People that can’t write, sing, or play squeezing out those few truly talented and innovative artists who are doing something original. The first wave pointed to guys like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark and Robert Earl keen as their inspiration. Next, after a couple of years, a rock influence seeped in and Bruce Springsteen’s name was bandied alongside Kurt Cobain, the Toadies and even Prince. Then, a younger wave of guys came through that pointed to guys in the first wave as their influences and unabashedly copied them.
- Leave a comment at Country California suggesting a piece of headwear for Kristian Bush for a chance to win a copy of Sugarland’s new Live on the Inside CD/DVD package.
- For week 17 of his Nashville or Bust column, Nathan Rabin covers Billy Joe Shaver:
At 33, Shaver was in many ways an old man—another reason I relate to him. He looked like eight miles of bad road leading to eight more miles of bad road, and had a whiskey-soaked croak that made the sandpaper delivery of his outlaw contemporaries sound as polished as Bing Crosby by comparison.
- The CMT New Music Video Evaluation Team commented on the latest offerings from Sugarland (”Nightswimming/Joey” from the live DVD), Lee Ann Womack (”Solitary Thinkin’”), and Katie Armiger (”Gone”).
- Country Universe continued its coverage of the ’90s with a list of essential songs from Mark Chesnutt.
- Leading up to George Strait’s first Houston show in several years, Houston Press’ Rocks Off blog will be taking a look at different aspects of his catalog. The first post in the series asked whether there was an artist who has as many songs dealing with torment and heartbreak as Morrissey, although “not in the same grandly emotional ornate way, but in a more sober and uniquely stoic Texas fashion.” The conclusion — George Strait.
- What’s hiding in Jamey Johnson’s beard?
- Ben Salmon says Jennifer Nettles sounded terrific during Sugarland’s concert in Bend, Oregon last week and posted several pictures of the duo. I’d just like to know what’s up with those sandals.
- Holly Williams talked about her new album with Denise Quan for CNN.
- George Strait is one of Amazon’s Spotlight Artists of the Month, with some of his earlier albums going for $6.98. Even his upcoming album, Twang, can be pre-ordered for the discounted price of $7.99.
- Mandatory FM Program/Music Director Shayne Hollinger shared his top tracks for the month of August, including new songs from Amanda Shires (MySpace), Guy Clark (MySpace), and Mark Stuart & The Bastard Sons (formerly known as Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash | MySpace).
- The folks over at HearYa recorded a live session with The Devil Makes Three in their studio and posted the audio for your downloading pleasure.
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Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash // Billy Joe Shaver // Bruce Springsteen // George Strait // Guy Clark // Holly Williams // Jennifer Nettles // Johnny Cash // Katie Armiger // Kristian Bush // Lee Ann Womack // Mark Chesnutt // Mark Stuart // Robert Earl Keen // Sugarland // The Bastard Sons // The Devil Makes Three // Townes Van Zandt
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August 5, 2009 at 11:25 am Permalink
I completely see what Brad is saying in regards to Texas music. With the success of “texas music” as an industry, there have been many bands that seem to have success that arent near as talented as many of the acts that came before them and blazed the trail. There is more of a market for them now than there was 10-15 years ago, thanks to the Ingram’s, Robison’s and Robert Earl Keen’s of the world. I guess the acceptance of mediocrity by the masses is a sign of how booming things are with a given scene, really.
August 5, 2009 at 12:20 pm Permalink
Thanks for the tip on the Devil Makes Three live sessions!
August 5, 2009 at 12:40 pm Permalink
While we’re thanking people, thanks for the Strait album discount tip. I’m a sucker for bargains and I want to finish out my recent Strait collection. Most of the discounted albums are ones that I actually don’t have yet.
August 5, 2009 at 2:11 pm Permalink
LOL What’s in Jamey’s beard.
August 5, 2009 at 5:59 pm Permalink
Gosh, I had such high hopes for Amanda Shires’ new “West Cross Timbers” album, but seeing it applauded by Shayne Hollinger makes me really nervous! (lol)
Wow, criticism of the Texas music scene by Kelly Dearmore! Hell must have frozen over today! (lol)
Can anyone explain to me the Nashville saga of Katie Armiger? Her label has put out two albums and numerous radio singles and music videos, but none of it has gained any real market traction anywhere to my knowledge. I think Katie has some talent but she doesn’t bowl me over like Ashley Monroe or Megan Mullins. Does her label think if they continue to promote her like this long enough she is guaranteed to make it big eventually? That label has deep pockets and big plans for Katie so it will be interesting to see how it pans out in the long run.
August 5, 2009 at 6:08 pm Permalink
Jennifer’s sandals make her feet look like they are bleeding
August 6, 2009 at 9:15 am Permalink
Concerning the Texas music article: I have been to two Cross Canadian Ragweed shows. The first was a couple of years ago, and I’d gone to see Rodney Crowell open up for them (I know, its shameful). First of all, all of those ingrates in the crowd had no clue the experience they were having with Rodney Crowell up there playing. I was amazed to see how mesmerized the audience was by this band that sounded just like Stoney Larue and Randy Rogers (both of which had opened for them as well).
Fast forward to this past May. Me, a friend and her mom went to see Cross Canadian Ragweed at the Tin Roof. We went with her mom because she “loves them”. Well, I realized halfway through the openers set that the mom thought we were watching Cross Canadian Ragweed. Just an observation on the Texas scenes audience. At least here in Nashville.
August 6, 2009 at 9:50 am Permalink
Idlewild – There is a huge difference between the music of LaRue, Ragweed and Randy Rogers. You’re simply not listening if you cant see that, given the fiddle-driven country that makes up much of Rogers catalog and pure southern rock of Ragweed.
I also am not a fan of the drunken, frat-filled crowds that go to these shows much of the time, but thats going to be found at any sporting event, concert or public celebration of just about any sort. Also, it’s simply misguided to suggest that a young, drunk crowd looking to rock out is going to pay attention to someone like Crowell, even as great as he is. the booker didnt pack that bill very well. What kind of reception do you think Townes Van Zandt would’ve seen had he opened for Molly Hatchett back in the day?
I suggest you visit the acoustic stage performances at the Larry Joe Taylor festival or a Guy Clark show in Austin (or Walt Wilkins anywhere) to see how many Texans can truly appreciate more than just the fast paced rock of Ragweed while they get drunk.
August 6, 2009 at 9:57 am Permalink
Holy cow! The difference between the Randy Rogers Band (who I love) and Ragweed (who I don’t like) is vastly different to my ears.
August 6, 2009 at 11:20 am Permalink
Devil Makes Three did real well on the bluegrass charts, but they’re not exactly your typical BG band for sure! They’d do well with the Avetts type of crowd.
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