WamuFive
Platinum Member
Joined: March 2007
Posts: 1,007
|
Post by WamuFive on Sept 6, 2007 18:45:32 GMT -5
Yeah, I basically went through the same thing. My favorite music was actually rap (if you can believe that) for 2-3 years before I started listening to country. It's funny - after five years, I can specifically remember two songs that brought me to country - "Don't Happen Twice" and "Playboys Of The Southwestern World." I don't know what it is about those two songs, but I'm sure glad I heard them. When I was in middle school, rap/hip hop was all I listened to. When I got to high school, I started listening to rock/alternative. I still do now. But it wasn't until my Senior year that I finally got into country. By the time I got to college, that's what I was all about. I have since diversified a bit, but country charts are still the only ones I follow. I remember the two songs that converted me were Toby's "Dream Walkin'' and Tim's "Just To See You Smile". Those were big in the spring of '98.
|
|
|
Post by somebody60 on Sept 6, 2007 19:04:53 GMT -5
Yeah, I agree. Speaking of which, I really like Kenny's accoustic version of "When I Close My Eyes" on his "I Will Stand" album as well as Tim & Faith's accoustic performance of "I Need You", just to name a few. Both versions I feel are far superior to the regular versions, imho. Oh, I love that song! In fact, my sister used to be a super huge fan of Kenny's, so I would steal that album and listen to that song.
|
|
WamuFive
Platinum Member
Joined: March 2007
Posts: 1,007
|
Post by WamuFive on Sept 6, 2007 19:09:42 GMT -5
It's the perfect song to fall asleep to. You can't help but close your eyes, lol. Very tranquil song. Edit: Sorry to get Waaaaay off topic here. I suppose it's better than going back and forth on the same topic for 5 pages though.
|
|
mst3k
Charting
Peese shut mouf.
This space for rent
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 414
|
Post by mst3k on Sept 6, 2007 21:43:13 GMT -5
Do my eyes deceive me? Is that an Administrator posting in the country forum? Sometimes I come here just to escape the insanity. ;)
|
|
|
Post by gcizvolsfan on Sept 6, 2007 23:32:50 GMT -5
^Interesting. I wonder why that was so common in the 80's but not now. It has to do with the way charts were tabulated. Now, they are electronically monitored by BDS and Billboard uses their data to make their charts. Back in the '80's, radio stations used to report their playlists manually. I guess they weren't as accurate back then. Not only did songs fall much quicker, but the longest any song spent at #1 in the '80's was 3 weeks and 90% of them only spent 1 week. Every one of George Strait's 18 #1 singles in the 80's spent exactly 1 week at #1. I started listening to country music in the mid 80's when King George and Reba got me hooked. The first song that I remember having multiple weeks at #1 was Forever And Ever, Amen by Randy Travis. He also had I Told You So at the top for 2 weeks. Randy was a superstar back then. Just a side note but George and Reba both had their first #1's in 1982.
|
|
EmersonDrive13Rocks
5x Platinum Member
Buy COUNTRIFIED today!!!!! Includes #1 HIT "MOMENTS" as well as "A Good Man" and "You Still Own Me"!
Joined: December 2005
Posts: 5,313
|
Post by EmersonDrive13Rocks on Sept 6, 2007 23:43:04 GMT -5
I became a huge country music fan after Carrie Underwood being my favourite from season 4 of American Idol. Before that I liked country music but it wasn't my top format. I would say Hot AC, AC, and Soft Rock type music were my favourite styles. I only really became a big chart watcher when I started posting on this board although I did start following the country charts in at the being of 2005. Right now country music is my favourite but if you have seen my Personal Chart there is a lot of diversity.
|
|
dcowboy77
Platinum Member
Joined: April 2005
Posts: 1,519
|
Post by dcowboy77 on Sept 7, 2007 9:12:47 GMT -5
I think I remember Ten Pound Hammer saying that it was "Mi Vida Loca" that held the record, falling to number 21 or something, but I could be totally off. actually "mi vida loca" fell from #1 to #16.
|
|
JCMF3
Diamond Member
Joined: September 2003
Posts: 18,677
|
Post by JCMF3 on Sept 7, 2007 9:54:26 GMT -5
Has any artist,in any genre, ever debuted at #1? Yes, this happens every now and then on the rock charts. Someone can chime in if they know of any other airplay-based charts that this has happened in. This happened just this past year for Linkin Park's "What I've Done" on Alternative. It debuted at #1. And I believe that it was the first song ever to do so on Mediabase/Radio and Records (i.e., be #1 on its first week out). There have been other alternative hits that have hit #1 very quickly (like on their second week on the chart). But, unlike Garth's new one (a big mystery really), Linkin Park spent 15 weeks @ #1 and is still top 10 on that format. Here, Garth looks like he'll be lucky to spend 2 weeks in the top 10.
|
|
Free2Bme
Charting
Joined: October 2004
Posts: 133
|
Post by Free2Bme on Sept 7, 2007 21:30:52 GMT -5
So, basically, no one here remembers country music of the 60s, 70s, early 80s before it became full fledged pop / soft rock labeled as "country"?
PRE- "Urban Cowboy"? I mean, when "country wasn't cool"?
|
|
rowdawg21
6x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2005
Posts: 6,137
|
Post by rowdawg21 on Sept 7, 2007 21:35:07 GMT -5
So, basically, no one here remembers country music of the 60s, 70s, early 80s before it became full fledged pop / soft rock labeled as "country"? PRE- "Urban Cowboy"? I mean, when "country wasn't cool"? Music evolves. Even the music George Strait is making right now isn't as country as anything in the 60s or 70s.
|
|
|
Post by musiclives on Sept 7, 2007 22:13:59 GMT -5
This song will spend more than 1 week on hot country singles, it is too good not to!
|
|
Free2Bme
Charting
Joined: October 2004
Posts: 133
|
Post by Free2Bme on Sept 7, 2007 22:27:49 GMT -5
Yup, I know and understand how music evolves and I know that George Strait isn't the first "king George". There was another George who was king before him. Anyhow, you're right about his music taking on a more pop sound since the 80s. But, IMO he sounded more pop a decade ago than he does now. I guess by reading this message board I've sorta figured out why some people insist that acts such as Rascal Flats, Big & Rich, Keith Urban, Shania Twain are country. It's what the record labels are raising their target audience to believe. It almost makes my skin crawl when I read / hear someone say "I dont' like country music, but I like _________ " *(fill in the blank with any of the above mentioned names or the name of almost any current "country" artist)*. People who can say such a thing -> Do they realize what they are actually saying is, *(again fill in the blank with a "country" singers name.)* "I really don't know what real country music is. _______ is labeled as country. I like ________'s music. ________ sells a lot of "country" labled records. They play ________'s music on "country" radio and on CMT! Therefore I conclude that I like country music." You see my point? If not, just wait a couple of decades. You'll understand. So, basically, no one here remembers country music of the 60s, 70s, early 80s before it became full fledged pop / soft rock labeled as "country"? PRE- "Urban Cowboy"? I mean, when "country wasn't cool"? Music evolves. Even the music George Strait is making right now isn't as country as anything in the 60s or 70s.
|
|
S4C
Diamond Member
No longer a loser. For now.
Joined: June 2006
Posts: 11,921
|
Post by S4C on Sept 7, 2007 22:27:51 GMT -5
This song will spend more than 1 week on hot country singles, it is too good not to! Well it won't be there this next chart week, but it might make it back there in the weeks to come. Who will he have for competition? B&D, Luke, Toby, and Brad? Or will most of them be on a downhill slope by time it's back on its way to the top spot again?
|
|
S4C
Diamond Member
No longer a loser. For now.
Joined: June 2006
Posts: 11,921
|
Post by S4C on Sept 7, 2007 22:39:03 GMT -5
Yup, I know and understand how music evolves and I know that George Strait isn't the first "king George". There was another George who was king before him. Anyhow, you're right about his music taking on a more pop sound since the 80s. But, IMO he sounded more pop a decade ago than he does now. I guess by reading this message board I've sorta figured out why some people insist that acts such as Rascal Flats, Big & Rich, Keith Urban, Shania Twain are country. It's what the record labels are raising their target audience to believe. It almost makes my skin crawl when I read / hear someone say "I dont' like country music, but I like _________ " *(fill in the blank with any of the above mentioned names or the name of almost any current "country" artist)*. People who can say such a thing -> Do they realize what they are actually saying is, *(again fill in the blank with a "country" singers name.)* "I really don't know what real country music is. _______ is labeled as country. I like ________ music. ________ sells a lot of "country" labled records. Therefore I conclude that I like country music." You see my point? If not, just wait a couple of decades. You'll understand. Music evolves. Even the music George Strait is making right now isn't as country as anything in the 60s or 70s. Well with the artists you mentioned, I think you've made a well-rounded definition of "current country," as opposed to "traditional/classic country." I'm not really one for saying country is becoming more soft-rock/pop/whatever; I'd rather say it's modernizing. It's growing out of the traditional country style. If it were soft rock, it'd be labeled as soft rock. If it were pop, it'd be labeled as pop. Its labeled as country because it has a different style to it than the other formats, albeit a not as 'traditional' country one. Honestly, I think if country still had that same sound it had back when, there wouldn't be nearly as much listeners, and the format wouldn't be nearly as succesful. But thats just me I guess.
|
|
Free2Bme
Charting
Joined: October 2004
Posts: 133
|
Post by Free2Bme on Sept 7, 2007 23:11:29 GMT -5
Believe me, the stuff that is being labeld as "country" and being played on country radio these days is a far cry from ...... well, never mind. Let's just say this music sound similar to what would have been labeled as soft rock / pop / rock back in the good 'ol days. Not that the music is bad. I enjoy a variety of genres It's just that, IMO, the majority of country musc is mislabled and being played on the wrong radio stations. I do like a few of Flatts, Urban and Twain songs. Still, I don't consider 'em "country" ! :o Well with the artists you mentioned, I think you've made a well-rounded definition of "current country," as opposed to "traditional/classic country." I'm not really one for saying country is becoming more soft-rock/pop/whatever; I'd rather say it's modernizing. It's growing out of the traditional country style. If it were soft rock, it'd be labeled as soft rock. If it were pop, it'd be labeled as pop. Its labeled as country because it has a different style to it than the other formats, albeit a not as 'traditional' country one. Honestly, I think if country still had that same sound it had back when, there wouldn't be nearly as much listeners, and the format wouldn't be nearly as succesful. But thats just me I guess.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Sept 7, 2007 23:12:09 GMT -5
Music evolves. Even the music George Strait is making right now isn't as country as anything in the 60s or 70s. That's because they didn't have Pro Tools in the 1960s. (Sorry, I had to say it.) Seriously though, I don't make a big fuss over how "country" a song is, most of the time. To me, a well-written, well-sung song is just that -- no more, no less -- regardless of how radio tries to categorize it. I think that what some people don't realize about "country"/"not country" arguments is that such arguments date back practically to the beginning of country music, with crossovers such as Elvis and Johnny Cash. Honestly, I think if country still had that same sound it had back when, there wouldn't be nearly as much listeners, and the format wouldn't be nearly as succesful. But thats just me I guess. I agree with you here too. To paraphrase a certain duet from a few years back, Hank wouldn't stand a chance on today's radio, but (at least to me) that doesn't mean that murder's been committed on Music Row. (Some more extreme cases, such as modern-day Martina, have bordered on assault, but definitely not murder.)
|
|
Free2Bme
Charting
Joined: October 2004
Posts: 133
|
Post by Free2Bme on Sept 7, 2007 23:19:02 GMT -5
I never considered Elvis "country" either. ;) ..... or "The Eagles" I think that what some people don't realize about "country"/"not country" arguments is that such arguments date back practically to the beginning of country music, with crossovers such as Elvis and Johnny Cash.
|
|
jacksonfan
Charting
Got a hug from Keith - YAY!!
Joined: June 2005
Posts: 246
|
Post by jacksonfan on Sept 8, 2007 6:25:12 GMT -5
I never considered Elvis "country" either. ;) ..... or "The Eagles" Or Bon Jovi!! :o
|
|
whynotnow
Charting
Joined: June 2005
Posts: 259
|
Post by whynotnow on Sept 8, 2007 7:02:00 GMT -5
I agree with the assessment of todays Country, and I also like some of todays" EXCUSE" for country. I don't like it being called Country...I would appreciate it more if is was played in its proper genre.... George and Alan, are still more Country today then even Brad, Atkins and Turner..... and those last 3 are the only modern one's who can even be remotely called Country. I'll add Luke Bryon to that list also. P.S. Subjectively speaking... Rascal Flatts is not my cup of tea in any genre.... By the way, Garth is at minus spins on MB this morning... but I would never say I told you so I told you sol... Going to my room now.... Grin...
|
|
Free2Bme
Charting
Joined: October 2004
Posts: 133
|
Post by Free2Bme on Sept 8, 2007 10:58:53 GMT -5
I agree with the assessment of todays Country, and I also like some of todays" EXCUSE" for country. I don't like it being called Country...I would appreciate it more if is was played in its proper genre.... George and Alan, are still more Country today then even Brad, Atkins and Turner..... and those last 3 are the only modern one's who can even be remotely called Country. I'll add Luke Bryon to that list also. I'd like to toss Dierks Bentley's name into the remote country ring.... Of the other names you mentions. There is absolutely no doubt or confusion - George and Alan are country. BTW, what's the guys name (who had a song out on radio a few years back) who sounds a whole lot like Conway? Whatever happened to him? P.S. Subjectively speaking... Rascal Flatts is not my cup of tea in any genre.... As "country" as I consider myself to be I actually don't mind a little RFlatts once in a while. Namely, "What hurts the Most" and "Fast Cars and Freedom". By the way, Garth is at minus spins on MB this morning... but I would never say I told you so I told you sol... Going to my room now.... Grin... Garth? Why are you dragging Garth into this? Were we discussing Garth? :o Well.... ok then - back to "More than a Memory". The song is good. I'm sure it more than satisfies the hunger of the fans who were starving for more Garth. Is the song spectacular? No. Is the song worthy of all this attention and going straight to #1. Sure, why not? It is Garth after all. Now, if only I could figure out "why" the lyrics saying "dailing 6 numbers, to hang up the phone....." Why 6? When I dial a phone number there's 10 numbers that I have to dial. Yup, I've counted 'em on my fingers. area code (xxx) xxx-xxxx. That equals 10! Why is he dialing only 6 numbers? Maybe he recorded this song a few years ago when the area cod wasn't required. Even still there was 7 numbers, not 6! I've calculated every possible combination of dialing phone numbers.... Even going back to my childhood when we (rotary dialed) 4 numbers down the road or 5 numbers to make a call to town. All these possibilities and never do I come up with the number 6! ??? Ma Bell, please help!
|
|
WamuFive
Platinum Member
Joined: March 2007
Posts: 1,007
|
Post by WamuFive on Sept 8, 2007 11:12:26 GMT -5
Wow, you guys must have missed my lengthy "discussion" in RF's "Take Me There" thread. I see a lot of similar points being brought up. I agree with RowDawg that music evolves and should evolve--but the essential ingredients of what makes a song a "country song" shouldn't disappear. That's why people listen to country in the first place. To have artists start out as pop-country, then subtract all country ingredients that were present, but still label them as country is a joke and a diservice to the genre. I also agree with TenPoundHammer, a well-written, well-sung, well-produced song is just that--and I am all for listening to, enjoying, and embracing a great song no matter what genre it is. However, the problem is, do we have a clear-cut definition of what a great song is? Just because one (or even 2 million) person(s) think(s) that a song is so great that it can be listened to across all genres doesn't mean everyone else will. And to that end, I think you should call it like you see it. Personally, I'm pretty liberal when it comes to calling a song country. Not eveything has to be stone cold '70's George Jones country. A lot of the country music I like would be considered country-rock or pop-country. My biggest problem is with the extreme cases, the songs that are just pop being promoted to country. I think you've got to draw the line somewhere. If the only criteria for having a song being played on country radio was that it was a great song, why not play Led Zeppelin, Norah Jones, or Dave Matthews Band? I'm sure there are plenty of people who would calll their songs "great". You see, there's a slippery slope and you've gotta draw the line somewhere. The problem is, the only line that country radio cares about is the bottom line.
|
|
rowdawg21
6x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2005
Posts: 6,137
|
Post by rowdawg21 on Sept 8, 2007 11:17:49 GMT -5
BTW, what's the guys name (who had a song out on radio a few years back) who sounds a whole lot like Conway? Whatever happened to him? Jeff Bates? I don't know what he's up to right now. I'm guessing it was written when you had to dial 7 numbers. So the narrator in this song is dialing 6 numbers, but he can't go through with dialing the seventh number.
|
|
rowdawg21
6x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2005
Posts: 6,137
|
Post by rowdawg21 on Sept 8, 2007 11:23:52 GMT -5
My biggest problem is with the extreme cases, the songs that are just pop being promoted to country. I think you've got to draw the line somewhere. I won't exactly argue any of your points, but I just wanted to say this: Let's say you have someone who doesn't listen to any country or pop. Play Rascal Flatts' "Take Me There" for them, and ask them what genre they think it's from. I think you'll get a majority of people say it's country (I know most of my friends would say that). I'm not saying that makes the song country; I'm saying outsiders will probably view it as a country song.
|
|
WamuFive
Platinum Member
Joined: March 2007
Posts: 1,007
|
Post by WamuFive on Sept 8, 2007 11:27:18 GMT -5
My biggest problem is with the extreme cases, the songs that are just pop being promoted to country. I think you've got to draw the line somewhere. I won't exactly argue any of your points, but I just wanted to say this: Let's say you have someone who doesn't listen to any country or pop. Play Rascal Flatts' "Take Me There" for them, and ask them what genre they think it's from. I think you'll get a majority of people say it's country (I know most of my friends would say that). I'm not saying that makes the song country; I'm saying outsiders will probably view it as a country song. Funny you should mention that. Most of the "outside ring" artists would be called stone country by the average "city slicker" (Paisley, Chesney, Turner, Bentley, Atkins, etc.) However, Hot A/C plays RF's songs with no editing necessary. Would their songs be hits on that format if they were so country? I guess polling a few friends, maybe yes maybe no. My wife says they don't sound country. But that's just one person. But the fact that A/C audiences around the country seem to be embracing their songs leads me to believe that my wife is not in the minority.
|
|
Ten Pound Hammer
9x Platinum Member
Banned
I watched it all on my radio
Joined: August 2006
Posts: 9,595
|
Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Sept 8, 2007 12:52:04 GMT -5
I'm guessing it was written when you had to dial 7 numbers. So the narrator in this song is dialing 6 numbers, but he can't go through with dialing the seventh number. That's how I interpreted it too. Makes perfect sense to me.
|
|
WamuFive
Platinum Member
Joined: March 2007
Posts: 1,007
|
Post by WamuFive on Sept 8, 2007 13:10:49 GMT -5
I'm guessing it was written when you had to dial 7 numbers. So the narrator in this song is dialing 6 numbers, but he can't go through with dialing the seventh number. That's how I interpreted it too. Makes perfect sense to me. That's exactly what it means. Those are actually my favorite lyrics of the song.
|
|
dboulton
Charting
Joined: April 2007
Posts: 141
|
Post by dboulton on Sept 8, 2007 17:09:06 GMT -5
|
|
rowdawg21
6x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2005
Posts: 6,137
|
Post by rowdawg21 on Sept 8, 2007 17:12:40 GMT -5
Losing spins today! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA You do realize that was inevitable after his huge first week, right? He'll probably fall to #7 or #8 this week, then rebound the week after that.
|
|
dboulton
Charting
Joined: April 2007
Posts: 141
|
Post by dboulton on Sept 8, 2007 17:25:55 GMT -5
Even so, anything that begins to suggest to me that money can only manipulate the chart and give lame nonsense like this the false smell of success for so long is welcome to me. It would be a crime if Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, and even Brad Paisley were blocked by this cynical industry stitch-up
|
|
rowdawg21
6x Platinum Member
Joined: April 2005
Posts: 6,137
|
Post by rowdawg21 on Sept 8, 2007 17:30:34 GMT -5
It would be a crime if Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, and even Brad Paisley were blocked by this cynical industry stitch-up The truth is that this song didn't block anyone else from getting to #1 - it just prevented Rodney Atkins from getting a second week. If Brooks & Dunn, Toby, or Brad don't get to #1 with their current singles, Garth certainly won't be to blame.
|
|