I wrote: >Moreover, Dolly [Parton] has never struck me as a harbinger of that which is pleasing >to the ear.
Fred writes: >May I suggest you check out her two recent >roots/bluegrass albums, The Grass is Blue >and Little >Sparrow? You might change your mind. She sounds >exceedingly pleasing to >my ears ... always soulful, >sweet and funky by turns, and very down to earth. You may, and I shall. Thanks for the referral, Fred. Your point is well made. In fairness to Ms. Parton, I really should check out her more recent work before I make a blanket statement like the above. Despite having grown up in Texas (or perhaps because I did), I'm somewhat twang intolerant when it comes to my listening pleasure. My ears are still ringing from Dolly's "Nine to Five" era stuff. Back then she seemed to be more sequins than musical substance to me. When it comes to country music, I'm more of a Patsy Cline man. A tough standard to meet, I think. But, I'm more enamored of bluegrass and roots music with each passing day, and I did enjoy Dolly's collaborations with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt a while back... So, I'll give Dolly's latest a listen. Thanks for reminding me to keep an open mind. -Julius
