What the HELL has become of country music!?

I've never reckoned myself to be a fan of, or listen to much country music, however today I was seeking through the radio at work, when I crossed the country music station when I had to attend to a more pressing matter, upon my return, I was listening to the lyrics and couldn't believe what I was hearing. All about how a soldier being overseas, and the letters from home are the only thing keeping him going, etc. etc. bullshit, bullshit. I mean, COME ON! I've heard, and read some of Toby Keiths' lyrics on uber-patriotism, but come on, is this the shape/direction that country music is taking?! If there is one thing I cannot stand is capitalizing on 9/11 or "Gulf War II."

It DISGUSTS me!

This crap appeals to people who ain't got the
brains of a chicken.

Or Alan Jackson's sappy ass song cashing in on Sep. 11. South Park did a takeoff on it having him strum a guitar and sing "9/11" over and over again. It all started with Lee Greenwood and his shitty song. After the September attacks, my daughter's elementary school had a talent show and damn, so many kids did crappy versions of that song.

I don't see it as political. I WILL remember where I was, and this song at least captures my feeling of shock. There are better songs than the one descibed in this topic's intro on radio - and I still like many mainstream artists. I got into alt-country and traditional country more for a change, and it turns out that I listen to more of that now. I still don't regret many of my purchases, though.

Most of the newer stuff is total CRAP.

However, a lot of the older groups and stars are still recording, and they do good work.

I never did like "cryin' country" though.
(Like Tammy Wynette)

I like the Statlers, the Oaks, some others.

Outside of a very funny song he did with Wilie Nelson back in 2002, Toby Keith stinks.

the CLASSICS, willie, cash, will always have a special place in the genre, as well as my heart...

became more important than the music. Today individuals are promoted more than the music. And the music isn't much to write home about it. Even if you liked the music, stations are not ubiquitous and easy to locate on the dial. You have to go on the internet to stream.

You'll never find mythic figures again like Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, etc.

where my heart used to be.

I have to say that I agree with you about Toby Goebbels Keith. Alan Jackson has some nice stuff, too bad he fell into the 9/11 trap.

This is really a sub genre of sorts that cheapens country. It is the type of thing you play when you are draggin a naked Iraqi prisoner around on a leash.

to some of it...but then 9/11 happend and all these artists starting in with the 9/11 tribute songs...then the Iraq war...more tribute songs...and it came clear to me that they are cashing in...they know that their fans will eat it up...tribute songs sell tickets to sell out shows...number 1 hits...sell lots of albums...

but the good part is...they fade away faster...

sorry country fans...don't mean to diss your music...but come on...enough is enough...

But I've been following enough of it long enough to know there is more. I know where the bad impressions are coming from, though. I kind of go half-way when it comes to mainstream country, and if you disagree, we'll have to agree to disagree. Nothing would change the way we feel. :-)

real country is alive and kick`n, you have to know where to look but it`s better than ever..