It's inevitable that up and coming artists, in any genre, will be compared to those who've gone before them. Right now, Easton Corbin is that person in country music; from the first time he hit radio airwaves, he's been compared to George Strait.
While most artists enjoy themselves being compared to well known singers, Corbin has never been happy being identified with Strait; I never really understood that, until now.
This morning I heard a song on KUPL called "Hello, Goodbye". I came in on the chorus of the song, and my first thought was, "that sounds like Vince Gill". Listening to the rest of the song, I realized it wasn't Vince; though I did have to look up who the artist was. As it turns out, it's newcomer, Tyler Farr.
Tyler is one of the artists I missed seeing in the Bing Lounge. I did go to YouTube and listen to Farr doing "Hello, Goodbye", during that performance; to me he still has that Vince Gill sound.
When I first heard Farr on the radio, a light went off in my head. I think I finally get why Easton Corbin doesn't like being compared to George Strait. Though Corbin has his own sound and style, as a newcomer, being compared to an icon like Strait can be daunting.
People expect him to do as well as Strait, right from the start, rather than giving him the chance to evolve on his own. I especially realized this when I thought Farr sounded like Vince Gill. I had put this new artist in the shoes of an icon, because I thought he sounded like Gill. When enough people do comparisons like that, an artist will most likely be held to those expectations.
I still feel Easton Corbin should be proud to be named in the same company as George Strait; though now I understand why it also frustrates him.
On April 12, 2011, no KUPL listener had started rambling on KUPL's website. There was nothing from listeners about shows in the Bing Lounge, birthdays, bears, sandwiches, or anything else imaginable.
That all changed the next day, on April 13, 2011. On that day, one year ago today, "Ramblings from a KUPL Listener" was unleashed to the internet.
Before that fateful day, I'd never posted to a blog. Being the non-technical person I am, I needed all the help I could get on how to get started, etc. Fortunately, for me at least, (I don't know how he'd see it), I had someone I could turn to with all my questions and concerns; Earthquake Jake, the brains behind the whole "listener blog". The man has to have the patience of a saint for all the questions, and insecurities I've bombarded him with in the past year!
What a year it's been though! From day one I've been able to post as much, or as little as I want; about anything I want to write about. I love that, because it gives me a chance to be creative, which is a big part of who I am.
Over the past year, I've been to several performances in the Bing Lounge, and blogged about each one. I feel very lucky to have seen such a wide range of musical talent, from newcomers, like Jaida Dreyer and Glen Templeton,to living legends, such as Vince Gill.
Often times my posts were inspired by what I'd hear on KUPL's "Simon in the Morning" show. One in particular I remember was when they had the person who does the voice of Winnie the Pooh on the show.
That interview lead to Scott, Jolynn and Jake talking about various voices they could do, which then lead to having listeners call in to do their best cartoon voices. Somewhere in the mix the Muppets were mentioned. My brain being the way it is, combined all of this into one bright idea, which I acted on, resulting in a post about the following picture.
For the record, Scott Simon actually is as tall as Jolynn Winter; for some reason I thought he wasn't, so his caricature is shorter. I could fix it easily, but it's been way more fun letting Scott kid about it.
Not all my posts have been happy ones. I remember being angered by the verdict in the Casey Anthony trial. I wrote a post in honor of Caylee Anthony, to get the anger out.
One post that turned out to possibly be my most important one to date was titled, "The Magic of Music".
I don't know how I learned about a blogging contest sponsored by the organization, MusiCares, though I remember thinking it would be fun to enter, so I did. That was in October 2011, six months in to having my blog on KUPL's website.
The point of the contest was to bring awareness to MusiCares, which helps musicians, and artists with medical, dental, and other issues, since most don't have insurance.
The winner would be on the red carpet for MusiCares at the "Grammy Honors Paul McCartney", to blog about the event.
To my utter surprise and amazement, I was actually one of the finalists chosen! Though I didn't win, and don't know where I ended in ranking, I still feel like I was a winner. I mean, there were only SIX finalists in the entire U.S., and I was one of them! It's one of those amazing times that become a milestone in one's memory; and something I would never have been able to do, had I not had this blog.
There are so many other posts I could mention here, however, as I usually do, I'm rambling again, so I won't. Let's just say, in the past 366 days, (it's leap year), I probably could have/should have had more posts out. Of the ones I did write, were all of them great? No. To be honest, there were a few times when I wrote something for the sake of writing; because it was for a Tuesday or Thursday post, which are the days KUPL listeners can earn 5000 points for finding the blog word of the day. Those are days I HAD to have something posted.
And lately, I've been in a dry spell; though just a few days ago, the ideas started happening again.
My goal for the year ahead is to continue posting blogs about anything and everything I can think of; and post more than I have been. And of course hopefully improve with time!
Thank you to anyone and everyone who's been reading my blog this past year. Though I may not know you, do know that I definitely appreciate you taking time to do so. Again, thank you!
(Today's word will be in ALL CAPS, BOLD, ITALIC, and STRIKETHROUGH.)
Christmas songs seem to be one of those things people either love or hate; with very few being in between. Personally, I love Christmas songs, enough that I've been known to play them in the middle of summer if I feel in the mood.
Then again, I'm not one for the more "traditional" Christmas music. Probably the closest I get to anything traditional are songs from Christmas shows, like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".
My all-time favorite Christmas song is "Step Into Christmas", by Elton John. Christmas time isn't official until I hear this song.
Even my favorite traditional Christmas song isn't done in a traditional style. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts make the oldie, but goodie, "Little Drummer Boy" rock!
I listen to country music 99% of the time now, so naturally I have some favorite country Christmas songs also. Staying in the offbeat vein, I have to share Montgomery Gentry's version of "Merry Christmas From the Family".
Country artist, Deborah Allen, released a song in 1984 that, in my opinion, is more rock than country. Not that it matters, because "Rockin' Little Christmas", definitely is on my list of favorites. Looking back at the video though, you can definitely tell it was the 80's!
Then again, I can think of at least three Christmas songs I like that aren't wild or crazy. I couldn't find a full video of the song, "An Angel Gets It's Wings", by Vince Gill and Trisha Yearwood; instead, I found a Target commercial from 1993. That was the year the store was promoting the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", and used the Gill/Yearwood duet in their TV ads. Anyone who bought a CD at Target, by either artist, received a free cassette tape of the entire song used in the ads.
While on the subject of angels, "The Angels Cried" by Alan Jackson and Alison Krauss also makes my list of favorite holiday tunes.
A list of Christmas music wouldn't be complete without at least one George Strait song. With that said, I present my favorite one, "Christmas Cookies".
I could go on and on with all the different Christmas songs I like and have to hear at least once every year. I think by now though you know, my idea of Christmas music is definitely not NORMAL; and I wouldn't have it any other way!
It's been five years since Vince Gill has released a CD; though you'd never know it listening to his latest offering, "Guitarslinger".
From the opening title track through the rest of the twelve songs, this CD flows as smoothly as Gill's voice, while still having wide variety in both music and subject matter.
The title track is an upbeat, almost rockish tune, that weaves a story of the floods in Nashville last year, Vince meeting Amy Grant, and other things that have happened in his life.
"When the Lady Sings the Blues" mixes country with a heavy dose of, you guessed it, the blues. Amongst the other CD song selections, this tune is right at home.
The current single, "Threaten Me with Heaven", is truly pure Vince Gill at his best. It's the type of song listeners expect from Gill, and he definitely doesn't disappoint anyone with his delivery.
It would probably be easier to list songs that fall a bit short of the rest of the music on "Guitarslinger", for instance, "If I Die". Though it fits well with the other songs, it doesn't seem to make the same impact as the others do. Yet, at the same time, "If I Die" really is a good song. That's how good "Guitarslinger" is, even the more lackluster songs are still great.
Though it's been five years, Vince Gill's latest CD is worth the wait and sure to be a classic. I'd rate it one of the best CD's of 2011.
There are so many things I want to say about Vince Gill's performance in the Bing Lounge on October 15, 2011; though if I had to use only one word, it would be AWESOME!
Anyone who listens to country knows Gill is a living legend; you wouldn't know it to see and meet him though.
When the show got started Vince walked on stage in his faded camo pants, and baggy sweatshirt, sat down and started talking and playing songs for the audience. Throughout the show, I kept thinking how different this performance was than others in the Bing Lounge.
Sure, there's been a lot of great musicians on the Monster Energy stage, and to me, everyone I've had the chance to meet has always been kind; this time was just different somehow.
Then it hit me; the difference was the "feel" of the place. Shows in the Bing Lounge are naturally intimate, it's a small venue. The difference this time, to me, was it felt more like everyone was kicked back in the living room at home, while someone was singing. It could be any living room anywhere, and the singer could be a friend of the host of the party. In this case the "living room" was the Bing Lounge, and the "host" was KUPL.
I think a big part of that is Vince didn't "act" like a living legend, or even a star; he was just another one of the guys in the standing room only crowd that day.
I was happy to hear Vince do his latest single, "Threaten Me with Heaven". I love this song; it's classic Gill through and through.
Another new song Gill performed was the title track to his new CD, "Guitarslinger". He explained to the audience that the song combines many aspects of his life and career, like meeting his wife, Amy Grant.
Though Vince didn't have time to do every hit he's had, he did do "Go Rest High on That Mountain". He mentioned that though the song isn't the biggest hit he's had, it's the song that he'll always be remembered for, in his opinion.
As I said at the beginning of this post, Vince Gill was awesome in the Bing Lounge. Though I didn't hear all his hits, I did get the chance to meet this living legend and I'm very grateful for that. It's definitely something I'll never forget.
Vince Gill is one of those artists with a voice that's instantly recognizable.
In the 80's and 90's Gill racked up a string of hits, like "Pocket Full of Gold", "One More Last Chance", and a duet with Reba McEntire, "The Heart Won't Lie".
Then, as usually happens, Vince's time in the limelight kind of faded; though he's continued his career over the years. He's put out albums and songs, and done other projects the entire time.
A few years ago, Vince had another hit, "Next Big Thing", that was pretty cool also.
Now Gill is back with a new song on radio, "Threaten Me With Heaven". The first time I heard the song on KUPL overnights, I knew it was Vince Gill; his voice is still as clear and distinctive as it's ever been. And the song is classic Vince Gill. I remember thinking people always say things go full circle, and this song is proof of that.
For now, there's isn't an "official" video for "Threaten Me With Heaven", though I did find a live version to share here.
The Doobie Brothers are one of the latest acts to jump into the country music pool. From some of the reactions I've heard, you'd think it was the end of the world. Really though, what's the big deal?
It's not like the Doobie Brothers are the first crossover from another genre into country music. Off the top of my head, I can think of several bands/artists who've come over to country, either permanently, or for a brief stay. Conway Twitty; Marty Robbins; Kenny Rogers; Vince Gill, (with Pure Prairie League); Jimmy Buffett; Van Zant; Olivia Newton-John; John Denver; Charlie Daniels, (his first commercial hit was "Uneasy Rider" in the late 70's); the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; and probably the band closest to being like the Doobie Brothers, the Eagles; to name a few.
In 2011 alone we've seen Darius Rucker; Uncle Kracker; Kid Rock; Sheryl Crow; and Aaron Lewis make strides up the country music charts. With the exception of Lewis, all these artists made the country charts before this year as well.
The pendulum can swing both ways. Carrie Underwood; Faith Hill; LeAnn Rimes; Taylor Swift; Shania Twain; and others who started their careers in country have, on occasion, made the climb up the adult contemporary, or other music charts.
On a slightly different track, I can think of at least two tribute CD's featuring country artists; "Come Together...America Salutes the Beatles", and "Common Thread: Songs of the Eagles". Neither the Beatles, or the Eagles are considered "country"; though the Eagles come close, I think.
Back to Shania...I know I'll tick a lot of people off with my opinion, though I'll state it here anyway. To me, Shania Twain is "created" country. What I mean by this is, before her success, Shania was married to Robert "Mutt" Lange, a huge name in the pop and rock worlds. A large part of Mutt Lange's success was getting artists noticed. For example, Adam Ant and Huey Lewis & the News both interacted with Lange early in their careers.
While there's no denying Shania has talent, I think Mutt knew she'd be just another voice up against Celine Dion and Barbara Streisand. Instead, he reinvented Shania, branding her as "new country", pushed her through the "back door" so to speak, and promoted the heck out of her. And it worked; who doesn't know the name Shania Twain? I honestly don't feel Shania would have been a superstar, had she not been promoted the way she was. A star, yes. A superstar, no.
Then there's Garth Brooks. While Garth is definitely more country than Shania, he did try his hand in the pop world as well; under his alter ego, "Chris Gaines". Garth also has never denied his admiration for the band Kiss. Why should he? Why should anyone have to pretend not to like something if it doesn't fit their image?
If you really think about it, it seems as though it's the media and fans who "pigeonhole" artists into certain categories. One example is a person I know who is a major Bon Jovi fan. Loves everything Jon does, except anything that even hints of country. I don't understand why this person, or anyone, feels that way.
Musicians are artists, they're creative by nature. Look at the influences of almost any musical artist in any genre; what you'll find is, most of them have a wide array of musical input they draw from. Just because an artist or band plays a certain type of music doesn't mean that's all there is to them. Everyone has different facets to them; nobody is one dimensional.
Not totally convinced? Consider this: Let's say no musician, (it could be anyone, musicians are the example I'm using), ever decided to look, or reach beyond what they'd learned naturally. All of them stayed content just playing the music they were raised on. Where would the world be musically in the 21st century? A good guess is we'd still be beating rocks with sticks, or whatever. There wouldn't be classical music, opera, jazz, big band, soul, r&b, country, rock, pop, techno, rap, hip hop, or any other genre of music; all because someone didn't branch out.
That's not to say that everyone has to like every genre of music; that's not possible. In fact, it's a pretty good bet that's why there *are* so many types of music; because someone wanted to play and/or sing something new and different. Or they didn't like what they heard and wanted something better. There are any number of theories I could list here; the point is, somewhere way back in history, someone *did* try to be different. Music has steadily evolved over the centuries from that point.
Another facet of all this is the Grand Ole Opry. It's no secret that in the past the opry has had some very ridged rules performers had to follow, or they wouldn't be allowed onto the opry stage. One rule was there were to be no drums or horn instruments allowed during the performances. Yet, artists such as Pee Wee King, and Bill Monroe bucked the system and did it anyway. Slowly, over time, the opry has made changes in it's rules, while still maintaining it's dignity and reverence.
As I stated earlier, this doesn't mean everything runs smoothly all the time; it doesn't. Again, not everyone will be happy about all situations every time. I think what people running the Grand Ole Opry have learned is, keep up with the changing times, without compromising themselves, or the opry's heritage.
There are so many facets and levels of this subject that can and should be explored. My thoughts, ideas and opinions have barely scratched the surface of this topic. With this blog getting on the long side though, let's get back to the subject of the Doobie Brothers going country.
I still don't understand what the big deal is about the Doobie Brothers doing a country song. In my opinion, any of their early hits could easily be considered a form of country music; just like the Eagles early songs.
To be honest, I really liked the raw, gritty sound the Doobies had before they were "Michael McDonaldized". Not that Michael McDonald isn't a good artist; he is. He's also done his fair share in the country music realm. I just think he took a really cool band with an edgy sound, and polished them way too much. I liked the Doobie Brothers much more when they weren't so polished.
It's that raw, gritty sound the Doobie Brothers have come back to with their latest single, "World Gone Crazy". The first time I heard the song, I knew immediately it was the Doobie Brothers. It was like that sound had never left; just took a break, and now it's back and ready to do business. If people would just give them a chance, I think they'd do country music proud. They already have a leg up on a lot of the newer country artists emerging lately.
Over all, in the long run, I think what's important, is that the history of country music, (or any genre for that matter), never be forgotten, or pushed aside; yet still be allowed to flourish and grow in different directions, rather than sit and stagnate.
