The Three Amigos of Country Hell

[DeactiveCarib]

what fits better with this
???


This:


or this trailer trash called the DBT:
???

[12vmanRick]

Oh and although I don't know his guitar talent. Are ya sure that "virtuoso" isn't a stretch. Cuz there really are few true virtuoso's out there.

personally i think he is a guitar virtuoso for today's country music, and i wouldn't say thats a stretch. What other country acts incorperate the kind of guitar work that he puts into his live shows (and records, but not nearly as much)? You will find no others (or atleast no others that are played on radio, because i can just see Jahfin saying that the Drive-By Truckers are better right now).

Here's What Capitol Nashville said about his guitar work:

As a songwriter, you put more of yourself into your music than ever before. As a vocalist, you sing with newfound passion and commitment. Already recognized as a true guitar hero, you play your instrument with even more fire and skill. "For me, it's just a matter of getting more comfortable in my own skin," Urban confesses. "I hope that there's more of me coming through in the music. I think that comes from getting comfortable with myself as a person and as a musician, but also from getting comfortable in the studio. In the end, all you can do is live and learn."

Here's what CMT.com said:
The resulting fusion of rock-style guitar work with country music has become Urban's signature style. . . . . . Critics raved about the album's unique take on country music and Urban's virtuoso guitar playing.

I can find more if you want, but i'd think its safe to say that Urban is deffinatley one of the best (if not the best IMHO) guitarist on the modern commercial country music market

I don't need more. I respect your opinion of it and your informed opinion based on what others say.

Can I just say for me FOR NOW.. I will choose to remain reserved on the matter until I decide to do more research on my own. Which I doubt will happen anytime soon since his style just does not appeal to me at this time.

[Jahfin]

Keith Urban is just another CMT pretty boy being pushed by the Nashville establishment, and yes, I've actually taken the time to listen to his music. I don't know where the Drive-By Truckers bashing comes from. All I did was make some posts about them, nowhere did I ever call them the best or even my favorite band (though they are definitely one of them). Jason Isbell is an excellent guitarist but I wouldn't necessarily call the majority of music they're making these days "country". Yes, there's elements of it in their music but they're closer to a rock n' roll band nowadays. My favorite current country music guitarist would probably be Eric "Roscoe" Ambel from Steve Earle's Dukes. As for who's best, that's up to the listener.

Regarding the mainstream argument, I don't think music (no matter the genre) is bad just because it's popular but even as far back as the 70s I found a lot of artists (Buffett included) outside of the mainstream that I liked. This was mainly because they were doing something different. Things are really no different now than they were then. If one style becomes popular and starts selling a lot of records the suits are going to sign every similar sounding band they can until it's hard to tell one band apart from the others on the airwaves. Back then Willie, Waylon, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons and many others fought tooth and nail against what was deemed acceptable by the establishment so that their individual voices could be heard. When it comes down to the music that appeals to me I'm more than likely going to go for the artist that is trying to do something different, not just because their music is different but because they're at least making an attempt to do something other than the tried and true which pretty much assures they'll get airplay on the radio and screen time on the video channels. In that regard, the likes of Toby Keith, Gretchen Wilson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, etc. don't appeal to me in the least. There's plenty of artists making music on the fringes that will never get played on commercial radio because they don't fit the narrow parameters that have been established by the mainstream.

[ragtopW]

Has anyone ever seen Nickelcreek? Guitar player for them
has written pieces for and played with the San Deigo Phill.
Vince gill still can play and Vince says the Kid from Nickelcreek
(Saras Brother) is the best he has seen in a long long time
that's pretty good.
also a few other
great players.
Howard Lease longtime Heart player
Craig Chicciato (sp) Jefferson Starship
Steve Miller that crazy Wild MT. honey instrument
JR Brown just wild when he goes off.

maybe later I can think of some more.

[Jahfin]

Has anyone ever seen Nickelcreek? Guitar player for them
has written pieces for and played with the San Deigo Phill.
Vince gill still can play and Vince says the Kid from Nickelcreek
(Saras Brother) is the best he has seen in a long long time
that's pretty good.
also a few other
great players.

I'm familiar with Nickel Creek and have seen their mandolin player Chris Thile perform at MerleFest (put on annually in North Wilkesboro, NC by Doc Watson in memory of his late son Merle) a couple of times. Sam Bush (formerly of New Grass Revival along with Bela Fleck and John Cowan) is one of my favorite mandolin players but Chris gives him a run for the money. Chris is also playing in a band now called Mutual Admiration Society that includes John Paul Jones and Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) that defy categorization. It's players like him out there pushing the boundaries that make bluegrass so exciting to listen to.

I saw Junior Brown at MerleFest too and really enjoy his "guit-steel" playing. I love how he can go from a real twangy tune to surf music without missing a beat.

[ragtopW]

Has anyone ever seen Nickelcreek? Guitar player for them
has written pieces for and played with the San Deigo Phill.
Vince gill still can play and Vince says the Kid from Nickelcreek
(Saras Brother) is the best he has seen in a long long time
that's pretty good.
also a few other
great players.

I'm familiar with Nickel Creek and have seen their mandolin player Chris Thile perform at MerleFest (put on annually in North Wilkesboro, NC by Doc Watson in memory of his late son Merle) a couple of times. Sam Bush (formerly of New Grass Revival along with Bela Fleck and John Cowan) is one of my favorite mandolin players but Chris gives him a run for the money. Chris is also playing in a band now called Mutual Admiration Society that includes John Paul Jones and Glen Phillips (Toad the Wet Sprocket) that defy categorization. It's players like him out there pushing the boundaries that make bluegrass so exciting to listen to.

the MAS came from the tour where Glen Philips opened for NC
I had not really heard much Toad stuff but I loved GP also
Nicklecreek Loved Toad. soooo also Sara from NC is
considered by Alison Krause to be better than Alison herself

a very talented band all around.

oh Add Dick Dale on great players.

[DeactiveCarib]

Keith Urban is just another CMT pretty boy being pushed by the Nashville establishment, and yes, I've actually taken the time to listen to his music.

Listen to "Rollercoaster" and "Clutterbilly" then rethink that. Two instrumental peices, both written by urban, both performed by urban (all string instruments played by urban), both nominated for grammys, one winner.

How does this make him "just another CMT pretty boy"?? I'd say he's quite different the Tim McGraw, Rascall Flatts, or Kenny Chesney (can we agree that they are all "CMT pretty boys" whatever that means?). I'll agree that he's being pushed by the Nashville establishment, but you say that as its almost a bad thing. I think its great that he's being promoted by Nashville and CMT because he deserves it. He's talented, worked hard, and it has paid off.

What songs have you heard besides "somebody like you", just curious?

[DeactiveCarib]

what fits better with this
???


This:


or this trailer trash called the DBT:
???

by the way, for those who have no clue what this is all about, it was a half-joke in response to Bocanut's Spago comment, as the photo of that fine restaraunt above happens to be Spago.

If you ever are in Maui, Las Vegas, Beverly Hills, and (i think) Chicago, go to Spago's. It is by far the best dining experience i've ever had, and trust me, i know dining.

[Jahfin]

Keith Urban is just another CMT pretty boy being pushed by the Nashville establishment, and yes, I've actually taken the time to listen to his music.

Listen to "Rollercoaster" and "Clutterbilly" then rethink that. Two instrumental peices, both written by urban, both performed by urban (all string instruments played by urban), both nominated for grammys, one winner.

Milli Vanilli won a Grammy too (and yes, I know they also had it taken away). That he won a Grammy for his playing doesn't mean he didn't deserve it but his style just doesn't appeal to me so it's a matter of to each their own. I think you know by now I'm not a Keith Urban fan nor am I likely to ever be (at least no more so than you are to become a DBTs fan). If that ever changes I'll be sure you're the first to know.

How does this make him "just another CMT pretty boy"?? I'd say he's quite different the Tim McGraw, Rascall Flatts, or Kenny Chesney (can we agree that they are all "CMT pretty boys" whatever that means?). I'll agree that he's being pushed by the Nashville establishment, but you say that as its almost a bad thing. I think its great that he's being promoted by Nashville and CMT because he deserves it. He's talented, worked hard, and it has paid off.

That is a matter of opinion. In this case mine greatly differs from yours (see above). Nashville and CMT are also pushing Big and Rich, so I don't think it's always a good thing. There's dozens more deserving artists out there that should be recieving airplay such as Buddy Miller, Steve Earle, Neko Case, Hank III, Will Kimbrough, Todd Snider, the Old 97s, etc., but they don't fit the standards Nashville is looking for so going that route is rarely even an option for them. Hell, even established artists such as Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn have a hard time getting their records played on country radio these days.

What songs have you heard besides "somebody like you", just curious?

I think I've only made it through one of his videos, I'm not positive of the title but I'm sure it's whatever his big hit single was at the time. I also saw a portion of his CMT concert but also found it unbearable to listen to. He's just not my cup of tea is all.

[DeactiveCarib]

What songs have you heard besides "somebody like you", just curious?

I think I've only made it through one of his videos, I'm not positive of the title but I'm sure it's whatever his big hit single was at the time. I also saw a portion of his CMT concert but also found it unbearable to listen to. He's just not my cup of tea is all.

I really don't think anyone can make a concrete opinion on an artist after only hearing one song once. I think you are not considering him only because he is "pop" country, which is fine, and i'm sure you will never consider looking into his earlier work, but if you ever do consider looking into it, i think you may like it. It holds lots of similarities to alt. country, as it got absolutley no airplay here, and is very different than american "pop" country. A good example of this would be his release "In The Ranch". But if you don't want to please don't, its not my place to suggest music to you as I am sure you have a plethera of artists you already like and dislike, so i guess ill stop my ramblin' right now

[Tiki Bar]

Seriously - what difference does it make? They're opinions, and they're formed in various ways. But everyone's are their own, and rarely do they change no matter how much others try to persuade them. Does it hurt my feelings if others think differently? Heck no!

But don't let me stop your silly debate - just checking in to see that you're grasping reality.

[Jahfin]

What songs have you heard besides "somebody like you", just curious?

I think I've only made it through one of his videos, I'm not positive of the title but I'm sure it's whatever his big hit single was at the time. I also saw a portion of his CMT concert but also found it unbearable to listen to. He's just not my cup of tea is all.

I really don't think anyone can make a concrete opinion on an artist after only hearing one song once. I think you are not considering him only because he is "pop" country, which is fine, and i'm sure you will never consider looking into his earlier work, but if you ever do consider looking into it, i think you may like it. It holds lots of similarities to alt. country, as it got absolutley no airplay here, and is very different than american "pop" country. A good example of this would be his release "In The Ranch". But if you don't want to please don't, its not my place to suggest music to you as I am sure you have a plethera of artists you already like and dislike, so i guess ill stop my ramblin' right now

I 've heard more than one song but the big hit single for sure. I actually did "consider" him or else I would have never taken the time to give him a listen. The fact that he is "pop" country is a big reason why his music doesn't appeal to me which is what I was saying in my previous post. Most of what sells in Nashville these days very often has very little to do with country music and has more in common with pop or rock from the 70s. As for the alt.country thing, just because it doesn't get airplay doesn't make it alt.country. In what Steve Earle calls the "great roots rock credibility scare of the late 80s", himself, K.D. Lang, Lyle Lovett, and Dwight Yoakam (along with more marginal acts such as the Wagoneers and the Perfect Strangers) broke through to country radio for a short time. Out of that pack only Dwight Yoakam still gets any regular airplay and his been rather successful playing his roots-oriented version of country music while the others fell by the wayside as the pop country of bands like Restless Heart and Sawyer Brown took over. I do appreciate the recommendation of The Ranch and am not opposed to giving it a listen.

[a1aara]

I hate the slick package that Nashville sells with a lot of the artisits. Most of these "new country" artists have no say in what music they record, what band they record with, or even how they should dress. It's no different that the Lou Pearlman produced pop boy bands. I know people love it and it sells, it's just not for me.

[Jahfin]

I hate the slick package that Nashville sells with a lot of the artisits. Most of these "new country" artists have no say in what music they record, what band they record with, or even how they should dress. It's no different that the Lou Pearlman produced pop boy bands. I know people love it and it sells, it's just not for me.

I really enjoyed the Steve Earle segment on CMT's Outlaws countdown the other night where the Nashville folks tried to tell him what kind of cover to use for his Exit O album. Tony Bowen ended up with a lap full of food but I guess he should consider himself lucky that he didn't get his ass kicked.

[DeactiveCarib]

I do appreciate the recommendation of The Ranch and am not opposed to giving it a listen.

no problem. don't buy it or anything, but if you see it at a library i'd reccomend picking it up and giving it a spin. The library is a great place to find new artists and rare cds, and you don't have to pay for the CDs either . Also, its not just that the ranch got no airplay, its that it deffinatley is (or was at its time) an "alternative" to the country music that was playing on the radio, and still is an alternative to what is playing today. The reason why it got no airplay in my opinion was because it was "too" country for nashville's standards at the time, and that album probably still is too country for today. (but let me remind you, its not nearly as "alternative" as the DBT, to me they are more southern rock than country by a longshot, but this isn't no Tim McGraw sh*t, its more country than that). Urban changed his style along with his produciton for his first big american solo release, "keith urban", but i can see him going closer back to his roots on the new album "Be Here," but nothing like "In The Ranch".

[DeactiveCarib]

In what Steve Earle calls the "great roots rock credibility scare of the late 80s", himself, K.D. Lang, Lyle Lovett, and Dwight Yoakam (along with more marginal acts such as the Wagoneers and the Perfect Strangers) broke through to country radio for a short time.

Urban actually used to open up for Dwight Yoakam

[msu#1]

Does anyone even heard all of Big n Rich's cd , I consider myself a fair musci critic and I think its a good cd, Save a horse is way overplayed , but there are some good songs on that cd

[son of a beach]

Does anyone even heard all of Big n Rich's cd , I consider myself a fair musci critic and I think its a good cd, Save a horse is way overplayed , but there are some good songs on that cd

I have it and feel the same way.
A solid album in my opinion

[tommcat327]

Does anyone even heard all of Big n Rich's cd , I consider myself a fair musci critic and I think its a good cd, Save a horse is way overplayed , but there are some good songs on that cd

the other song they played on the outlaws concert was great.i dont know if it was theirs or not but it was a great song

[DeactiveCarib]

Does anyone even heard all of Big n Rich's cd , I consider myself a fair musci critic and I think its a good cd, Save a horse is way overplayed , but there are some good songs on that cd

the other song they played on the outlaws concert was great.i dont know if it was theirs or not but it was a great song

yeah i heard that song too!! whatever that song was, it was absolutley amazing . . does anyone know??