Is Country Music a Uniquely Southern Phenomenon?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by emissary, Jan 25, 2011.

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  1. emissary

    emissary New Member

    Until I finish my degree (4 months - whoop!), I am stuck at my current position in an auto dealership, and we keep music going at all times. Well, I am about to go nuts. The mindless drivel that constitutes the musical lexicon in Texas can drive one batty.

    So tell me, those of you who are from other areas, is country music confined to the South? I hope so, because at least I can have the comfort of maybe some day escaping it.
     
  2. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    I thought was the only one. Its playing everywhere and I hate it so so much...I'm also in Texas.
     
  3. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    Is Country Music a Uniquely Southern Phenomenon?

    No. One of the most historically influential genres of country music is the "Bakersfield sound", which developed in California. It has a rough and raw feeling which is often contrasted with the slicker and more heavily orchestrated "Nashville sound". The Bakersfield sound is an important influence not only for country music, but also for "country rock" (e.g. the Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Byrds, the Grateful Dead).

    However, it is fair to note that the Bakersfield sound was historically associated with "Okies", e.g. people who relocated to California from places like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, or Missouri during the Dust Bowl era, or their descendants. Buck Owens and Merle Haggard are examples.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 25, 2011
  4. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    not much country music in Illinois. I think we have 1 country music station, and of course there are a couple of country music bars where they would play country. It's pretty much pop and rock here.
     
  5. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

  6. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    That to. What makes it worse is my best friend is from Mexico....its always fun to swing by his parents home.
     
  7. emissary

    emissary New Member

    I swear if I have to listen to Taylor Swift sing about her boyfriend one more time, I'm going to punch a baby in the face.

    Every station is country. Texas country. Nashville country. Outlaw country. Willie's Place. Religious country. Bluegrass. "Crunchry," "Krunkry," and on and on and on. And then everybody wants to stand around and talk about their personal connections to the Texas country flavor of the week. You know what? I don't care if once you and Aaron Watson reached for the same bunch of bananas in the grocery store. I think he's a bigoted idiot, and you are a fool for your hero-worship.

    This is my rant for the day. Thanks for playing along.

    MC, occasionally I'll put it on the Tejano stations just so I don't have to listen to country any more. And I do not speak any spanish.
     
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Here's a stereotype-buster: When I moved to Dominica, I was surprised to find that people there, especially older people, like Country music. In particular, I'll bet if Dolly Parton ever goes there that she'll be carried around on people's shoulders the whole time.

    -=Steve=-
     
  9. emissary

    emissary New Member

    Yuck. That just goes to show you how virally infectious the stuff really is. It's insidious.
     
  10. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Maybe, but even though Country's not my thing I have to admit that song "Ol' Red" by George Jones (and later covered by Blake Shelton) is hilarious.

    -=Steve=-
     
  11. emissary

    emissary New Member

    Oh, don't get me wrong. There are some good tunes within the genre, but they (to me) are the exception, rather than the rule. It's just that, where I am, that seems to be the only acceptable selection. I have a quick mix on Pandora that caters to my my...uhhhh...eclectic tastes. But if anyone hears anything other than good ol' Alan Jackson, then they look at you funny. I'm drowning in redneck.
     
  12. perrymk

    perrymk Member

    Instead of age, bars should discriminate by IQ. It might go like this. A person walks up to a bar, shows his IQ card, and the bouncer says "You can't drink here. Why not try that country and western bar next door?"
     
  13. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    Easy now....That would be stereotyping, just because someone listens to country does not mean they are inferior mentally.

    They go to college like the rest of us...

    [​IMG]
     
  14. friartuck

    friartuck New Member

    Up in rural Minnesota country music is huge.

    But that's just too broad a label, there's a lot of variety in the genre. The new stuff I couldn't listen to but the stuff from the 1930's to the 1970's was very good. And country music has been very influential on other types of music. Bob Dylan was influenced by Woody Guthrie who was influenced by Jimmy Rodgers (singing brakeman). Look at the influence of Johnny Cash who was influenced by gospel music. There's lots of folk crossover with country...What's Gordon Lightfoot, country or folk, you tell me...

    Every genre has it's high and low point and it's all subject to individual taste. I dislike Mozart but love Bach and Handel, just like I like Marty Robbins and Bill Monroe and dislike say a Garth Brooks. One man's medicine is another man's poison.

    Do explore a bit and you'll probably find something you like and there's a good chance it touches on another genre. And remember much of this music is channeled from the country folk in the British Isles through Appalachian music to country music. The lineage is really pretty long.
     
  15. MISin08

    MISin08 New Member

    Yep, country is big in rural San Diego County, where I'm from, y'all...it's further south than Charlotte.

    Phillip
     
  16. JWC

    JWC New Member

    Country music is a world-wide phenomenon.
     
  17. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Consider one of the following options:
    1. Buy an Internet radio (use anywhere where there is wifi)
    2. Buy a Sirius satellite radio (subscription required)
    3. Buy a shortwave radio (reception is usually poor quality for music)

    I'm also told i Phones can pick up Internet radio.

    Thank goodness for KUSC Classical KUSC
     
  18. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    I love country music!!! Most people say that I am the only Asian redneck they have ever met. :)
     
  19. emissary

    emissary New Member

    Yeah, I know. I'm a Pandora nut. The problem is that everyone here seems so mind-locked into this stereotypical Texas persona. People will walk into my office, and if I have anything outside of their mainstream playing audibly, I inevitably have to have an awkward conversation with them.

    Them (halfway quizzical): "What are you listening to?"
    Me (temporarily and optimistically engaged): "Let's see....right now it's Yo Yo Ma, up next is Serj Tankian."
    Them (already edging back towards the door): "My what?"
    Me (sigh): "Never mind...." (whilst resignedly turning down my volume)
     
  20. emissary

    emissary New Member

    That's funny, I don't care who you are. :)
     

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