I wish they were making country music like they did in the
1990’s. As my favorite artist Alan Jackson celebrates his 25th year
in country music, I find current state of country music to be less than
appealing. I like some of the acts, but on the whole it is more or less songs
about the same things – trucks, beer, hot women, etc.
The music industry as a whole has changed. Full length
albums are out. Album sales are now small and unimportant. Instead the music
industry is now about hit singles and touring. This ironically was how things
use to be in country music. The 50, 60, and first half of the 70’s were all
about hit singles and touring while album sales were small. Then Willie Nelson,
Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, and Alabama
came along and large album sales totals became the thing to have.
What once was is not likely coming back. As time moves on
things change, but it does not mean we cannot remember and relive great music
from our past. I encourage anyone who likes good music to check out great country
artists like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Clint
Black, and two personal favorites of mine Patty Loveless and Pam Tillis.
I learned long ago we do not all like the same thing, and
that is a good thing. If we all liked or disliked the same thing life would
become monotonous. And while Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean are disliked by
many, they are also loved by many.
I started this blog as a graduate school project. I got that
Master of Science degree expecting to get a one job field and ended up in
another. Life does not always go as planned. Country Music use to be something
super important to me. I loved listening to it. I bought lots of albums and
went to lots of concerts. But like Taylor Swift – who is following the Olivia Newton
John plan on how to morph from a country to a pop star – we all change. I still
like to listen to country music, and but I don’t buy albums or go to many
concerts much anymore. Part of it is the money it cost; part is the lack of
good music from the current artists.
I missed out on the Garth Brooks show here earlier this
year, and I will miss out on the Kenny Chesney – Jason Aldean show at Target
Field. That is what happens when you cannot afford $200-$500 evening that
includes concert tickets, parking, food and beverage. Back in the 90’s I saw
Alan Jackson and Faith Hill $25 and got free parking at the Minnesota State
Fair. Oh how things have changed.
Country music has changed from the 90’s too. Some think for
the better, some think for the worse. I tell people it is okay to think either
way. I have my opinion, but that does not have to be yours.
