SAY WHAT?

Tim McGraw Proves That He Is The King of Country Music

Hands down, Tim McGraw has been my favorite singer for a very long time. I was hooked with the eternally infectious "I Like It, I Love It" (All I Want, 1995). But 1999's A Place in the Sun and Set This Circus Down in 2001, with the triumphant trifecta of "Please Remember Me", "The Cowboy in Me" and "Angry All the Time" offered solid evidence that a serious soul lurked beneath the radio friendly tunes.

In 2004, McGraw earned a place in Country Music history with the runaway hit "Live Like You Were Dying" from the mature, yet fun CD of the same name.

His last release, "Let It Go" (2007), is one of the best true country music CDs in recent memory.

However, he has outdone himself with his performance in May on the ACM Music Awards. While most musicians performed songs to promote their latest singles and upcoming CDs, McGraw performed an as yet unknown song "If You're Reading This." The song is not available on any recording, and is not for sale as a single. Yet it has recently entered the top 20 on Billboard! He never sounded better, and he proved himself to be worthy of his reputation. More than George Strait, Kenny Chesney or Toby Keith (all favorites of mine as well) Tim McGraw deserves to be recognized as the finest country music entertainer. I hope he is recognized with the honors that he deserves in 08!

"If You're Reading This" Live at the AMC Music Awards

Sugarland Can Save Country Music, If You Let Them!!

I can't think of a more authentic, and downright infectious sound than that of Sugarland. Their music speaks for itself.

Want To

What's Wrong With Country Music, Part I: Jesus

Songs of faith and devotion have always been a staple of the country music “ouvre”. With little exception, however, many of today’s new country music singers invoke Jesus’ name not to demonstrate true faith, awe, perseverance in the face of a struggle, or simply the beauty that is “The Mystery of the Mystery” (Dolly Parton, Coat of Many Colors, 1971). Instead singers use Jesus simply to relinquish responsibility, and make everyone believe that no matter what you do, Jesus will take care of you. The title of Carrie Underwood’s breakthrough smash hit “Jesus Take the Wheel” (Some Hearts, 2005), shows just how corrupt this new breed of pandering pseudo-Christians can be. Note to Carrie: Jesus is busy, Bitch! Take your own damn wheel and show some courage, responsibility and respect for the name you invoke! Trent Tomlinson’s “One Wing in the Fire” (Country is My Rock, 2006) is much the same- about a man who, though he means well, can’t seem to get his life together. The song pleads with Jesus to see past the man’s “faults” (i,e, drunkenness, violence, etc) and let him into heaven anyway.

In my mind, these new songs about Jesus are nothing more than an attempt by singers to demonstrate that they are worthy of entry into the country music flock: “Look at me, I believe in Jesus, so I can be a country singer”. That is not an accusation I make lightly. For almost 4 decades I have listened as great spiritual songs of faith have given way to mediocre songs more interested in asking “what can Jesus do for me?” than in exploring the depths of religious belief.

Frankly, there is nothing left to say about Jesus. Wonderful songs such as “You’ll be There” (George Strait, Somewhere down in Texas, 2005), “I Believe” (Brooks & Dunn, Hillbilly Deluxe, 2005), “When I Get Where I’m Going” (Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton, Time Well Wasted, 2005) and the magnificent “If You’re Reading This” (Tim McGraw, ACM Music Awards, 2007) demonstrate how evocatively, and humbly, religion can be explored through country music, without condescending to the listener, pandering to the radio audience, or even mentioning Jesus by name! Sugarland’s powerhouse “One Blue Sky” (Enjoy the Ride, 2006) is perhaps the perfect evocation of faith: strength and humility in the face of God’s awesome power. It is a purely spiritual song, where the survivors of a massive flood question Nature’s wrath but insist on looking heavenward for inspiration to hang on.

True songs of faith are ultimately testaments of the human condition. Unfortunately, most of today’s new crop of singers do not have the intellectual capability to see past Jesus “The Man” and simply use his name to vainly sell CDs. They are “throwin’ in with Jesus” while it is convenient for them to do so.

Random Thoughts...Good Country, Bad Country

That stupid bitch Sarah Buxton's cd is out. For those of you who don't know who she is, well she is yet another blond inexperienced bimbo who's debut single .... forget it- you're not missing anything. Anyway, on the new CD she actually sings "Stupid Boy"! Keith Urban's recent tour de force recording of this beautiful song on Love, Pain, and the Whole Crazy Thing nails the song brilliantly, with a depth of emotion and mature vocals that only a seasoned professional can deliver. Only a fool would mess with perfection. Imagine Brittany Spears singing Stairway to heaven and you are halfway there. It is awful. She has a nice voice and some of the songs on the CD show potential, but overall she is just a third rate wannabe.

I have been listening to X Country on XM Radio (Channel 12) a lot lately and have been reminded of some wonderful singers that anyone interested in the future of country music should be listening to, most notabley Neko Case (aka Neko Case and her Boyfriends). She is BRILLIANT. She has the authenticity and of Heather Miles and the sincerity Amber Digby, but her style is 100% modern country. Think Patsy Cline in the 21st Century.

Also Kevin Fowler and Gurt Morlix are fun to listen to as well. They also play plenty of the old Alt-Country standards. I am even starting to like Radney Foster a bit more. And Pat Green. If you have yet to hear Radney Foster's "Folding Money" from Are You Ready for the Big ShowLucky Ones, stop reading and download them immediately!!
and Pat Green's "Somewhere Between Texas and Mexico" from

And now, Crowded House! Huh? They're not country. Nope. But I used to love them...20 years ago! They have a new CD out, Time on Earth. A triumph. Now the country angle: Apparently, they co-wrote Silent House with Natalie Maines. The Dixie Chicks recently performed this song beautifully with a bluegrass edge on Taking the Long Way Home. Well, Crowded House performs it on their new cd as well, and it is a slow, haunting, and very very soulful descent into despair. Don't download this song. Buy the whole CD.

Billy Currington has new single that has been released for sale, "Tangled Up", and I am starting to like it, though it is definitely not a sign that Billy wants to expand his music much. I was hoping he would someday be a contender for George Strait's position as the reigning king of country music. More and more it seems like Billy is happy being a 2nd tier artist with the likes of Joe Nichols and Danielle Peck. Oh well, I am still happy to support his music. He has a wonderful voice and a unique style.

Jo Dee Messina has a new song: "Biker Chick". It sucks, but I bet I will like it after I hear it 20 times.

That's all I have for now.

JHB