Is it really necessary to toss around all the expletives in
these discussions. Your passion is understandable but is
f*%$ this and that really required to make a point. I would
argue that if kids are a focus to turn on to americana you
might not be the one to lead the way.
Do we have anything better to do than postulate in perpetuity
about the sales figures and format names of something that is a
$14.99 retail investment. What's the deal with the infatuation with
sales figures and getting heard. Truly, the big boys have succeeded in
changing the way musical acts are developed and perceived by the all
consumming public. I prefer to keep it simple and enjoy the music I
find that I like regardless of format and sales figures. It's all
relative and transitional at best because in 5-10 years these tunes we
listen to now will be gathering dust in some used CD section of your
local Media Play. However, possibly conferring a focus group with
my mom and her friends will shed more light on all this. ??????
Focusing more discussions on info and impressions about non mainstream
"Americana" artists would certainly be helpful to me & those who are looking
on but perhaps not participating. The recent lengthy discussions about Garth,
although interesting and amusing,might have been better spent on artists
we haven't heard about but should. Just had the chance to hear
Cisco at the music store I work at and distinctly Bakersfield influenced.
I heard Buck Owens riffs and a general Bakersfield feel(if thats possible)
and would recommend it to anyone who likes that aspect of "Americana"
Also, if you haven't gotten around to picking up the VA-Blastered
tribute CD by all means do so. Personally hadn't heard of several
of the artists on the CD but the thrill of discovering new artists like
The Grandsons,Last Train Home, & Highway 13 is the reason why
"Americana" is so interesting. Besides, if they become successful
won't we just dismiss them as Garthing out?
Oh, by the way you gotta give Candye Kane's Swango a listen.
>From lounge,jump blues, rockabilly, and doo wop this babe
can sing it all. For excellent reviews and interesting articles be sure to check out
Country Standard time on the web at
http://hometown.aol.com/countryst/CST.html. I find the site to be a
wealth of info and not sucky in the least.
rik
Hell, I been listening to thios Alt Country shit since I bought my first *
Track tape. Back then it was called Southern Rock. Charlie Daniels,
Marshall Tucker, and the Outlaws all played COUNTRY music, no matter how
long there fucking hair was or how loud the Marshall Stack was cranked.
Willie, Waylon, Hank Jr (before he sucked) Paycheck, etc.
This music has been around forever. I don't give a fuck what the Gavin
people say or if radio embraces it, I'll continue to listen to it.
This Twang shit will be around forever, or at least until I'm dead and they
pry my Ernest Tubb and Johnny Cash records out of my hands.
This is a real exciting time in music. Anyone with a CDR can make a record.
YOU DON'T NEED NASHVILLE ANYMORE. Of course, you'll have to bust your ass
on the road to get known, but ANYONE CAN BE A STAR.
Look at me, I started my own goddamned magazine, As a result, I've struck
up conversations and friendships with people who were previously just
idols. Tut Taylor, Charlie McCoy, Don Rigsby, Danny Barnes, Steve Young,
Bill Kirchen, and more. Me, just alittle pissant with an obsolete 486
computer. The internet is a beautiful place, and not just because of all
the naked pictures either. Anyone can start a Rolling Stone, a Creem, a No
Depression. Build a website, make a radio station, showcase your music,
and start beating on doors. You ain't going to get rich, but do you want to
be a musician or a tycoon? If tycoon is your answer, then sell Amway or
something. Music and Money do NOT have to be synonyms.
Support your local musician, promote this music every chance you get. The
only way this stuff is ever going to grow will be through Grass Roots
(Grass Roots? my god, I sound like a fucking communist!) It won't ever be
big with the public, But it will always be big with me. I'll always have
room on the couch and an extra burger for a road musician. And I have a
sheet of plywood and some cinder blocks so you always got a stage in my
backyard.
I don't care if they call it Americana, Alt Country, Twang, or WGWG Pussy
Music. I like it know, I liked it then, I'll like it tomorrow. And if I get
a chance, I'll try and turn you on to it as well.
Jeff Wall
http://www.twangzine.com The Webs least sucky music magazine
727 Alder Circle - Va Beach, Va - 23462 -(757) 467-3764
