Americana discussion
On 21 Jan 99 at 6:15, \ wrote: Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 06:15:57 -0800 Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: "\"Doug Young aka \\\"The Iceman\\\"\"" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To:"passenger side" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Americana discussion [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rik makes a couple of points that really bug me: 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. Please tell me why this is a good thing. Rik, have you listened to country radio lately? Do you know the dreck that the "big boys" are foisting on the public? Can you honestly say that "these tunes we listen to now" aren't more interesting and just plain better than that fluff? Why shouldn't more people hear them, then? Remember there's always the delete key. g Jim, smilin' Jim, Thanks for the response and no, I don't listen to top 40 country radio and haven't in 4 years. It sounded all alike back then and when I quickly spin by cmt/gac/ I cringe and move on as in addition to still sounding alike they all look alike. Regardless of what we listen to, the lollipop country or the quality stuff that falls under the broad Americana spectrum, it all ends up in the cutout bins(no sales) or used bins. The good thing is that the knowledge gained now will serve all of us who are paying attention to the quality of non-mainstream music currently being made and when we go shopping for music we will know the difference between Robbie Fulks/Mike Ireland/Red Meat and the Garth/David Kersch/Bryan White ilk. Also, the titles noted in the post below I have found used or in closeout. I seek Timeless music. It has to sound good today and sound good 10 years from now. That is the true definition of this americana stuff. I also need info on these artists so whatever you can do to add to mine everyones knowledge base will be greatly appreciated. Also working 30 hours a week in an independant music store building up a non-existant Americana section, offering No Depression and the underrated but extremely invaluable Blue Suede News, while also overseeing the lollipop country section, I certainly do know of the stuff being shoved down Americas throats by the big boys and being called country. Enjoyed your response rik Looking over my play lists and what I also play at home, there is very little if anything 10 to 15 years old that came out of the "Trashville School of Music" that I still listen to. However, I stll regularly play off of the Uncle Tupelo releases, Blood Oranges, Rank File, Lone Justice, Robert Earl Keen, Rusty Wier, etc. The so called outlaw and alt-country stuff is still worth listening to. It doesn't date and it's not schlock. I would imagine some of this will still be wonderful long after Garth Brooks and his ilk have been forgotten. Iceman
Re: Americana discussion
On 21 Jan 99 at 21:39, Budrocket wrote: Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 21:39:40 -0500 Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: Budrocket [EMAIL PROTECTED] To:"passenger side" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Americana discussion X-To: postcard2 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Is it really necessary to toss around all the expletives in=20 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.=20 FUCK, man, you're right. Shit, I'm fucking sorry, really I am. Fucky Fuck Rockets * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * = * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Buddy Woodward - [EMAIL PROTECTED] THE GHOST ROCKETS - "Maximum Rhythm Bluegrass" http://www.hudsonet.com/~undertow/ghostrockets * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * = * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *=20 I remember when I had my first beer. rik
Re: Americana discussion
On 21 Jan 99 at 20:16, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 20:16:30 EST Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To:"passenger side" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Americana discussion But how do you know that what sounds good today *is* gonna sound good ten years from now? Does this mean you sidestep everything that includes any sort of trendy touches, be they in instrumentation or production value? That would be a bummer. That, to me, eliminates some really great music. Like Beck and Nirvana, to name two. (Likely bad examples for this *country* discussion, but what the hell.) Maybe the two best, most important rock artists of the decade who owe plenty in sound to the decade. Does that mean they aren't great? I don't think so. I'm curious to know what you think about retro acts like Wayne Hancock and the Derailers. Do you like 'em? Would you call them timeless? Just jawin', Neal Weiss Neal, Met Wayne at an appearance at a club in Rochester NY on June 11 1998. In a word the best 3 hour non stop show I ever saw. He just sang,no break, 3 song encore and Evan Johns was playing guitar with him on that tour. My brother and I got there early and introduced ourselves to him, chatted, and without a doubt one of the best performers and nicest guys around today. The club had a poster advertising his appearance and was able to procure 2 of them. All the members of the band signed and it is one of the neatest momentos of any event I have ever attended. Derailers without a doubt one of the best groups today. Can't wait to add their 4th release to my CD's. Do you know whats going on with them? Both display timeless quality in their music. Trends come and go but both these artists take distinct genres of music(Waynes affection for big band and Hank Williams) and the Derailers Bakersfield sounding style, put a 90's twist to them and introduce a whole new audience to the particular styles. Both keepers. I tend to gravitate against the trends of the times except that the swing thing got me. Nice to hear it all again but with a lot of fresh faces and varying styles. thanks for the insight, rik
Americana discussion
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
p2 webpage
On 11 Jan 99 at 22:39, Mike Hays wrote: Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 22:39:06 -0500 Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: "Mike Hays" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To:"passenger side" [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Big Thoughts and Grammy's X-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Lets get going on this webpage and with the right focus do something positive to promote the artists that are struggling to be heard. [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.lastunicorn.com [EMAIL PROTECTED] Maybe we could start such a Twang Association? All it takes is a little organization. Seems like the P2 website might be a good place to start. Let's get busy on this. Count me in. The Gavin folks might be interested in this. They've been the only trade rag to get behind the music and of course you got No Dep. Come to think of it, with the right promotion, you'll turn this into the latest thing and some a**hole corporate types will come in and Wall will have to let loose a stream of twang venom so fierce that they'll never again even think about pissing on a twang artist again. Mike Hays np: Hank Williams Move it on Over on TwangCast NOW ONLINE, www.TwangCast.com TM RealCountry netcast 24 X 7 Please Visit Then let us know what you think! Mike Hays www.MikeHays.RealCountry.net For the best country artist web hosting, www.RealCountry.net
