Why Are Some Country Stars Clicking on TV Specials?
Is it not enough anymore just to be stars on country radio? With three major singers announcing three big television projects this week alone, I'm wondering what the big deal is. Money, I'm sure. And fame. And exposure to new would-be fans. I mean, think of all the fans who will see Brad Paisley on CW, Carrie Underwood on FOX and Taylor Swift on Saturday Night Live who might not be country radio listeners. And this doesn't even include the long line of country artists who have been popping up on late-night talk shows and morning news programs lately. Don't get me wrong. I love the trend and am the first one to park myself on the couch when these shows come on. I'm just curious why it's happening for country stars and not other musicians. Lady Ga Ga's not hosting a Christmas special. Jay-Z isn't working on a documentary. And last time I checked, no one was asking other 19-year-old singer/songwriters to host SNL.
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Fearless will be #1 in 2009 says:
Country stars are nice people - we care about them. Brad, Carrie, and Taylor are people we want to associate with each week through the magic of TV….
Kate says:
Oh right I just remembered it’s being re-released..have to sqeeze every last penny from those wonderful adoring fans..business ain’t it grand? Wait, the fans don’t call it that it’s all about TS being their pal, their good buddy…oh yeah!
Kate says:
sorry, my post is to ‘Fearless will be #1 in 2009′
Kate says:
Shame on me for saying what I said in my previous posts, I shouldn’t have, I just couldn’t help myself, but mea culpa!
Illinois countrygirl says:
Exposure, exposure,exposure, that’s what it’s all about!
tsfan4 says:
6 new songs on fearless platinum, i can’t wait!!!
Joe says:
Oh please stop saying it’s a trend and learn country music history…..
Think back to the 60’s-80’s where every country star had their own show….
The Johnny Cash Show, Waylon Jennings, Glenn Campbell, Barbra Mandrall all had Variety shows on the major networks.
This is nothing new, and you should be ashamed of saying it’s a new trend….
Joe says:
Also go on youtube and you’ll see alot of country singers on tv shows and appearences from the early age of country music.
Syds says:
Who cares?? I for one, am excited about all of these. I don’t see what the big deal is..
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
After Taylor wins the EOTY at the CMA she will be in higher demand than she is now. It is all about exposure and a workaholic like Taylor Swift has no problem being on the East Coast one day and the West the next.
Anyone watch the stellar performances from the Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame concert this week? Spectacular!
Taylor and Carrie are doing what they love- it could be the other musicians (mentioned in this blog) see television specials as work.
Jeannie says:
It’s a no brainer. What shows are GETTING audiences? Country Music. What musicians are getting more fans? Country music. What music is FOR America? Country Music? What stars are GRATEFUL to their fans? Country Music.
TAlent. Common courtesy. Ability to laugh at themselves. History of giving back. Brad took both Carrie and Taylor on tour with him helping him in their early career, just as he did for many others.
These stars know that the only positive message in music comes from gospel or country music these days. Why would they NOT want to do their part to give hope to this country?
Wonder if all the sour grapes are from anti- country folks, that would make sense because the other genres don’t have a lot to celebrate these days, with the exception of a few, like Beyonce, who coincidentally is a class act.
goldie says:
can’t wait for taylor on snl again she will br great even better than the last time!!!!yes after taylor wins eoty she will be in even more demand than she is now!!!!!!!!!!!! goooooooooooooo taylor your the best!!!!!!!
janetgijoenurse says:
Lots of country artists have had network specials, Carrie’s is on Fox home of American Idol and produced by Simon.
Tim McGraw had three specials on the networks and his first was in his hometown, just him. He had two other ones. Faith has had three network specials, Shania has had three and Garth many. So its not that big of a deal, its not like she is the first one.
Martina, Carrie and Tim are going to be the focus of a special
on ABC called In The Spotlight. Tim is also going to be featured on an Primetime special in November. So no inventing the wheel here.
janetgijoenurse says:
You newbies that think this is a big deal and Carrie an Taylor or inventing something new should really learn your country history. They are not doing anything special that hasn’t already been done. I remember watching Johnny Cash’s show every Saturday, or Barbara Mandrell, even remember Jimmy Dean’s show.
Nashviller says:
Janiet, don’t tell them that. The kids know EVERYTHING, like the comment about Taylor winning EoTY. She’s a friggin FIELD FILLER The guys can entertain circles around her and everyone knows it
TAYLOR for EOTY says:
No such animal as a field filler - where did you ever come up with that terminology?
Taylor qualifies just on the Fearless Tour alone.
Nashviller go read the Lefsetz Letter By Bob Lefsetz after reading that glowing review you will see there is no such thing as a field filler.
Tenn says:
One persons opinion is not a fact so calm down people, no amount of gushing or advertising is going to make me like a singer I don’t like - now to the point of the blog - I used to love to watch all the country specials years ago and it was alot of fun - I can’t wait for these new ones - I’ll be tuning in!!
TY says:
I will be tuning in on all of them except SNL. Usually not home to watch it and probably wouldn’t if I was home. Loved old clips from Barbara Mandrell that my Mom had. She was one beautiful lady and very talented. Carrie reminds me of her in a lot of ways. Good for the country artists——they know how to entertain.
mahalia says:
I remember watching Johnny every week even as a preteen loved him. I remember Glen Campbell’s show, Barbara Mandrell show, remember the Statler Brothers show on TNN, the Oak Ridge Boys variety show. How about Jimmy Deans show and Mac Davis. Do you guys remember the Eddy Arnold specials or the Tennessee Ernie Ford specials. How about the George Jones show sitting on the couch visiting with other artists.
Them were the good old days when we had CMT and TNN and BOTH were country, with COUNTRY artists an country programming, none of this garbage we have now of reruns.
mahalia says:
I remember when the CMA were actually a Country music award show, an it was enough to have country artists on the show without all the POP artists performing an presenting. I remember when each of the Hall Of Fame members were called out and given a chance to come onstage and thank the people that help them in their path to the Hall of Fame. It was one of the special moments of the night. Are how about when they took the time to actually sing a song and show pictures of the ones that had died the year before.
I feel sorry for the young country fans, they missed out on them great events, country events an shows where the MUSIC was honored not just the hot flavor of the moment. See back then the MUSIC was the star, not just the person.
Redmaz says:
mahalia, I remember all that too, but you are way out of line and are truly disrespecting today’s Country Music scene. You obviously have no clue about today’s Roots music scene. Country Music is just as good if not better than ever. Just because you don’t know about it does not mean it doesn’t exist. The AMA Honors and Awards show was just last month, are you trying to tell me this awards show was NOT about the music, but the”hot flavor of the moment”? You can sit around and complain about Pop Country all you want, but Roots Country is not going away. What’s more important to you the decline of Pop Country or the resurgence of Roots Country? I think I see where your priorities are, and it’s disgusting.
Jim says:
I’m just curious why it’s happening for country stars and not other musicians.
It’s because those artists in other genres can’t write or sing and their synthesized “music” sucks, so mostly young gullible kids with limited musical exposure listen to it. The real talent and music is in country and that’s why adults listen. This is also why country needs to keep pop out to maintain integrity. SNL has had many stars with lame pop music and those like Ashlee Simpson who can’t sing. They need to have more country artists perform and host.
Nashviller says:
Jim, but Taylor can’t sing either. Have you ever seen her on one of the award shows?
Bug says:
EOTY will go to one of the guys!! Taylor has had good luck with her concerts, but EOTY will not happen. Sorry!!
DS says:
I can’t wait for SNL. It’s going to be the best ever with Taylor hosting. WTG Miss Swift.
jmang61 says:
the Etoy will go to either brad or Keith I really think you should know how to sing country songs from the heart and t.s cannot she is pop she remixes every song to pop if she was country why would she do that I guess she is trying to go both ways. in the end it will bite her back. I am so excited for Carrie Underwood’s special it will be great. I cannot wait for her album to come out on the 3rd, by the way shouldn’t t.s platinum addition count as a different album and go only towards that sales. why does she have to re-release every album like 4-5 times each. that is plain bs. Is she feared that Carrie’s album will get more attention then hers. that would be the only reason to try to re-release the same album with a few songs and videos.
Diana says:
I hate it that all these rappers/pop/rock singers are taking space on the country award shows while our singers are sitting in the audience. It ws just posted on an american idol blog that Daughtry will perform on the CMA award show. Why should he be given a slot instead of some nominee that won’t get to sing. Last years TS show disguised as CMT video award show done me in with that one. Wont be watching it this coming year. If the other country award shows keep up this trend, I can turn them off too.
Josephine Shaffer says:
I like Taylor Swift she’s really cool, i like to say hi! to her.
Josephine Shaffer says:
Just like me I’m too from Pennsylvania western Pennsylvania; Johnstown.
WHO CARES??????? says:
Of course ts is going to win eoty, her daddy will make sure of that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
goldie says:
you always say that her dady does not need to buy anything she has earned this on her own, so get over yourself!!
goldie says:
sorry i meant daddy
T J says:
I hope Taylor wins EOTY - and you’re right WHO CARES?????? so what if her daddy did buy it for her - who cares?
WHO CARES??????? says:
SHES NEVER EVER EARNED ANYTHING IN HER LIFE!
Nashviller says:
Brad is creating and co-producing a weekly show on CW…now THAT is someone dedicated to COUNTRY MUSIC. No rap or remixing here. He deserves this award more than anyone, and I’m sure he’ll get it.
goldie says:
brad are you kidding me, i saw him in concert and he was so rude, not nice at all and he sounded really bad his voice his guitar playing was ok! eoty is going to keith urban or taylor swift!!!! that’s a fact and nobody is buying anything!!!!!just jealous people say stupid things like that!!!!!TAYLOR WILL HAVE A GREAT NIGHT AT THE CMA’S AND THE AMA’S!!! CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE GRAMMY’S TO COME OUT IAM SURE TAYLOR’S NAME WILL BE CALLED ALOT!!!!!!!and well deserved!!!!
WHO CARES??????? says:
I hope one of the men get eoty, at least they earned it and it wasnt brought by their daddy!!!
me says:
Lady Gaga and Jay Z? What role models they are!!!!! Just kidding. Their music, their lifestyles are for a certain group. I may not be the biggest Carrie/Taylor fan but they are easy to look at and eay to listen to. They are not vulgar and screaming.
Nashviller says:
me, let me correct you. Carrie is easy to listen to. Taylor’s cd is easy to listen to because it is protooled. Her live voice is really bad and not so easy to listen to. But I agree, she is not vulgar.
goldie says:
sorry nashviller but I have seen cu once and she was bad hlf the people walked out last year!!! she was screaming to try and hit the high notes it was bad!!! taylor’s songs are lower for her voice she does not have to go high because mots if not all are lower to suit her voice!! I have seen taylor 3 times and each and every time she was AWSOME!!!
kayko says:
Oh for pete sakes would you guys quit argueing over who’s better. Its beyond childish, its completely juvenile. Everybody has their own taste in music, please quit trying to tell others what to think and who to like.
Jessi Tara says:
Wow. Half of you must be about 14. Or younger. SOme of you like Carrie, some like Taylor, some like Brad. Personally, I think Kenny Chesney should get EOTY again because no one works harder in country music than him. Taylor has plenty of years to win it. If she decides to stay country and stops trying so hard to sell herself to pop radio.
Joanie says:
Enough of Taylor Swift. Can’t someone else be on TV?
Kristal L. Rosebrook says:
Yes Carrie :)
Nashviller says:
goldie, your last statement loses you all credibility. Carrie NEVER misses her notes, and she does not scream. A scream is from the back of the throat above the diaphragm (the way Taylor sounds when she tries to project). Carrie uses her diaphragm to support the air and control it across her vocal chords. That’s called projection. You have no clue how good Carrie really is. Thank goodness Nashville does. the last 7 BEST FEMALE VOCALIST awards were hers.
BTW, I was at a couple of Taylor concerts and people were LAUGHING at her voice…not the kids, but the moms and dads were saying things like “how did she get a deal, she can’t sing”…and things like that.
Robin says:
goldie - you do loose credibility. Some people don’t like Carrie’s music and that’s fine, but Carrie can sing. People don’t go to see her and “walk out”. If they go to see her, then they know what music she sings, so they don’t walk out because they don’t like the music or they wouldn’t have gone in the first place. And, she’s always sounds great even sick. During her Carnival Ride tour they talked about her period of being sick and how she managed to sound great anyway. That’s from news sources that go to the concerts to pick them a part.
If you like Taylor, that’s fine, but the girl quit singing country music after her first album. And, she does not sing well live (even her own music written for her voice). While Taylor is a nice girl and I wish her all the best, she is going to have to grow as a songwriter to win me over and she’s going to need to take some more intense vocal training. I actually think she’s getting somewhat better so perhaps she is taking vocal training. She is not going to be able to carry over her 13 year old fans to adulthood unless she grows.
Her first two albums are about the exact same topic - boys. She’s 19 and should be sining about things that 19 year olds face, not 15 year olds. I realize she wrote this music herself about her own experiences, but that was 5 years ago. While five years isn’t much in adult life, it certainly is in teen life. She will be 20 years old in two short months and will still be doing concerts and singing about boys. No one calls a 20 year old a teenager and it looks desperate. I’m convinced she has the ability to move on, she just needs to grab her boot straps and do it.
She also needs to decide if she’s going to sing country music or pop music. That doesn’t mean she shouldn’t market her music to pop, but it needs to be her “real” country music that she actually put on the album and not feel the need to re-mix it. It is what it is, let it be.
goldie says:
TAYLOR is the best end of story!!!
Robin says:
Taylor is adequate at best and is great for kids. End of story.
Carrie is a great singer/entertainer/writer (even though she just started - she can tackle multiple subjects and not only uses her videos and hair to tell stories, but also uses her voice to tell stories (layers to vocals and not one dimensional vocally) - “the best” is personal opinion so that depends on the listener. She can legitimately be put in the running for the list of “the best”.
But, Taylor definitely is not in line for “the best”. The girl doesn’t sing well nor does she write seriously. Her entertainment skills are limited to hair shaking and getting kids to scream. Leaf Garrett did that and all the girls screamed “he’s the best - oooo, ahhhh, oooo - he’s so cute.” Where is he now? I think he’s done a couple of “where are they now’s”. She needs to grow up if she wants a lasting career. 13 year olds grow up. I used to like Shawn Cassidy too, and I’m pretty sure I cleared my case of his cassette’s over 20 years ago. “Love Story” equals “The Do Run Run”.
countrylover says:
I’m so TIIIIIIRED of the Carrie and Taylor bashing! Each artist has their different attributes..nuf said.
kayko says:
Countrylover,I agree. It’s really getting tiresome.
Robin says:
oh yeah, goldie - I almost forogot to address your post above about Brad.
Brad is not rude guy. No one except a random poster has ever said Brad is rude. Quit the contrary, just like most other country artists, Brad is great to his fans and concert goers. And, his guitar playing? Come on - the only one who would seriously try to call his guitar playing out is someone that thinks Taylor is a “great” guitarist. Kind of like trying to call Carrie out for her vocals. Pretty funny. No one ever tried to call Taylor out on her marketing ability and being good to her fans (her strong points). His voice, while not as perfect as some is on key more of the time than 90% of other artists out there. And, definitely his vocal quality and ability to hit notes where they are being played by the instruments is a million times better than Taylors.
Keith is definitely a great singer and guitarist too (and entertainer), so more power to him in his efforts to win EOTY along with Brad.
I find it truely fascinating that you have just mentioned in this blog that you have gone to the concerts of two people you don’t like. You know how you can tell an untruth of someone posting on a blog? If it doesn’t make sense then there is a reason. If it walks like a dog and barks like a dog.
kayko says:
Robin, I find the last paragraph of your post facinating as well. I’ve always been amazed at how people who don’t like an artist seems to be able to tell us everything that’s going on in there career. How can that be? If you don’t like someone like Taylor, Carrie, Brad etc. why are you so well versed on their career?
Just like you Robin, claiming that Taylor’s entertainment skills are limited to hair shaking and getting kids to scream yet all the reviews have praised Taylor for her perfoming skills. Did you infact go to a Taylor concert to make such a claim? If so why? You obviously don’t care for her, so as you say why would you go to her concert.
goldie says:
robin, i did not just go to a concert for them i went to see other artists and they happen to perform too the 2 nights i was there!! plus i did try and give them a chance but no luck!!taylor blows both of them away on her stage and crowd likeablity, taylor’s fans mean everything to her and she would do anything for each and every one of them and they no it!!!!!!!
Redmaz says:
Losing credibility seems to be a theme here. Pop music is not an individual genre of music. Pop music is an industry consisiting of many genres of music. Now you mainstreamers, can do what you usually do, argue, debate discuss these people all you want, but I need to draw the line when you become disrepectful to Country Music. So until basic music fundamentals, and specific genre descriptions are used, I’m afraid I’ll be weighing in on this. I’m a self proclaimed music advocate. I represent no one but myself.
Robin says:
I don’t “dislike” Taylor. I have no intent in any discussion to say she doesn’t “deserve” her career. I don’t dislike Brad or Carrie or Keith or Kenny. I do know their weakness’ and discussing them is what you do on blogs/message board, etc.
How would I know “everything” about Taylor’s career? Well, number one, I don’t dislike her. She’s not my favorite country artists, but she’s got all the pop artists beat by a million miles. I know “alot” (not “everything”) about her career because she is on CMT constantly. I also know alot about most every mainstream country artist out there and a whole heck of alot about artists who aren’t so mainstream (so I don’t live in a bubble like most here).
And, by the way, I only saw Taylor in concert because she was on Brad’s tour. I gave her credit earlier as I think she now sounds somewhat better now live than she did then. So, my conclusion is that she likely has a vocal coach helpming her and good for her (she needs one).
So, since I already answered your last question, I saw her live and I’ve seen her perform publicly since that live performance and her entertainment was limited to hair shaking. I don’t think it’s “crazy” or “uninformed” to like her, but an award should have a level of merrit that she does not bring. You can disagree if you want, but it has nothing to do with “hating” on her.
“Taylor rock”, “Taylor is the best” is all a nonsensical mantra. If someone wants to discuss they need to actually say something. The most valid argument I’ve seen is “It doesn’t matter to me that she can’t sing, etc. ect., I relate to her and therefor I connect with her and that’s all I can ask from an artist”. Now, that’s something no one can counter point and it makes sense. But, I don’t see much of that because it usually comes from people over the age of 20.
booyaa says:
for once…. i actually agree with Redmaz. oh no
Redmaz says:
I don’t know why it would be such a big shock that you actually agree with me. What I speak of is basic music fundamentals and genre description, and cannot be disputed. This is something every music fan/lover should know and is expected to know. Just with anything you love, are interested in, or are a fan of whether it be sports, politics, religion, music etc., it seems everyone should at least know it’s basic fundamentals on that given subject or topic, wouldn’t you say?
Robin says:
Here’s the problem Redmaz. You think you are on a all “country” website. You aren’t. While CMT may acknowledge non-commercial country in it’s “hidden” pages, this is a “pop” country website. And, CMT is a “pop” country cable TV station. There’s your fundamentals. Knowledge is only part of the equation, understanding your forum is the other.
Calculus is not pertinent in a High School math class no matter how true or relevant to math it is.
Redmaz says:
You are inncorrect. Not once have I ever said cmt was an all “country website. As a matter of fact, if you are the same “Robin” that I talked to before, we already had this conversation, and YOU were the one who claimed CMT was a Pop Country website, and in turn I proved you wrong by displaying proof that not only does cmt feature just Pop Country, it also features Pop Rock, R&B, Rap, Death Metal, Americana, Roots Country, Roots Rock, Blues, Bluegrass, and several other genres. To prove this, just go the the CMT home page and search artists in the genres I just listed. There is the proof.
Redmaz says:
Next I will be replying in regards to your statement “Cmt is a “pop” country cable tv station” Here is a typical list of cmt’s programming. They show some videos in the morning(Pop and Roots), but from noon through primtime, their programming includes.
Worlds Strictest Parents
Extreme Makeover/Home Edition
Trading Spouses
Are you smarter than a 5th grader
Dallas Cowboy’s Cheerleaders
Cribs 7 featuring the homes of Jamie Pressly, Leah Pemini, and Mariah Carey. This is not including the numerous movies they show. I can give you a list of them too for more proof if you wish. It’s easy to do.
So, once again you are WRONG. even though cmt has a few Pop Country events on tv, cmt is NOT a Pop country cable tv station, if it were it would have much more Pop Country programming while on air. All this can be proved by clicking “Shows” at the top of this page.
solongsowrong says:
This is only a Pop Country website? Really? I don’t see anything “hidden” about the articles on Roots music that Craig Shelburne writes about. Just because most mainstreamers skip over them, doesn’t mean they don’t exist or are hidden.
Now if you want to say this is a Pop Country fan gripe site, I’ll agree 100% with you.
tsfan says:
jmang61 “is she feared that Carrie’s album will get more attention then hers. that would be the only reason to try to re-release the same album with a few songs and videos.”
what the heck…LOL
goldie says:
cu did re released her cd to when taylor’s fearless came out!
Robin says:
Goldie - Carrie re-released CR with Christmas music at Christmas. That’s a big difference in re-releasing the same album with new music for no reason over and over again.
If Taylor was re-releasing “Fearless” with Christmas music in late October, that would make sense. Not six new songs she could have released when it original released (Sugarland’s CD had 18 songs on it). Taylor could have released a more full album the first time.
When a CD is built and has a theme and cohesivness, how does “new songs” fit into that? That’s another area where Taylor needs to grow as an artist. She needs to learn that an album should be one cohesive book, not a collection of singles.
CountryMusicFan says:
Goldie, you must be one of those obsessed Taylor fans who think the girl can do no wrong. She can’t sing to save her soul, so matter what the arrangement. I assume you heard her butchering of the National Anthem, I’m Sorry, Drive and Run. Even when the arrangements are dumbed down for her very limited range, she’s off key and pitchy.
She writes cute songs for teenagers; if that’s what you relate to, fine; but don’t think they are great music.
If you hire the best musicians money can buy for your band, get together all sorts of special effects and change your outfit alot, people won’t notice nearly as much that your singing sucks. That’s a description of Taylor’s show. It probably is entertaining if that’s what you like. My preference has always been for the stripped down type of show that lacks bells and whistles. Even the videos can get in my way, although I really like Brad’s cartoons. Brooks & Dunn can be sort of cheesy with their confetti, etc, but it doesn’t drown out the superior vocals.
And, just in case you didn’t know, Taylor has numerous co-writers for ‘her’ songs.
And its unlikely she’ll win EOTY. The money got her the nomination. But just like Rascal Flatts, who have been nominated many times, but never won, the real musical people, (not money people) who have the most votes. And they don’t vote money or bells/whistles over musical integrity.
Nashviller says:
countrymusicfan, i think i recognize you from somewhere else.
Redmaz says:
Waiting for Robin to defend herself, and her position. One thing I can’t stand is someone who can’t admit when they’re wrong. As stated before, you have no credibility. Stick with what you do, and stop disrespecting music.
Robin says:
CountryMusicFan - I disagree with you about “Drive”. I think that was one of Taylor’s most stellar performance’s. She sang it well, it fit her voice and the story was clear and “timeless”.
Robin says:
Yeah, Redmaz - CMT wouldn’t wave my comment to you all afternoon yesterday. I could post once I got home, but had save my post at work so I could just copy and paste. Be freakn’ patient. I know I responded to another post, but I take special care with your responses so I wanted to post what I’d already written.
And now, on with the show:
I am, and I claim the same thing now.
Like I said Redmaz
“While CMT “MAY ACKNOWLEDGE” non-commercial country in it’s “HIDDEN” pages, this is a “pop” country website.”
A high school match class will tell you that “calculus” exists, but that does not make it a calc class. CMT is a pop country station no matter how many roots artists they hide in the back pages.
And, all of the “pop” country culture that is added to the tv line-up only backs that up.
Robin says:
That would be “CMT wouldn’t post my comment” not “CMT wouldn’t wave my comment”. I don’t know how I managed to type wave for post, but I did.
Redmaz says:
You have been proved wrong. You are just typical mainstreamer who thinks they know it all. You are wrong, and have been proved wrong. Everything I said can be backed up by the truth. CmT is not a Pop Country station, and the cmt website is not a just a Pop Country website, and my first reply to you had nothing to do with cmt anyway. You are also full of contradictions. First you say Taylor Swift should decide whether she’s going to sing Country music or Pop music, and then later you acknowledge that there is a genre called Pop Country. Once again…Pop is NOT an individual genre of music. Pop Country is. You have no credibility. I will continue to reply until you have the courtesy to respect music by using basic music fundamentals and genre description. That’s just the way it is, and should be known by everyone who posts here.
kayko says:
Robin, a re-release by any other name is still a re-release. It doesn’t matter if it has new music, Christmas music or Polka tunes on it. It was still the same songs that CR had with new music tacted on. Just like any re-release it was done to boost sales, now if Carrie and her team were not doing it for sales they would have just released an album of Christmas songs.
Robin says:
Redmaz - Just because CMT throws out a bond to alternative country does not make it a “country” site/station. It is “pop” country.
I say that Taylor Swift’s first album is “pop” country. I say her second album is straight “pop”. That is not a contridiction. That is an opinion of the category of music recorded on those two albums. “Thriller” is a “pop” album and not a “pop” country album. That is not a contridiction. Neither is saying that “Taylor Swift is a pop country album, but “Fearless” is just pop. I’m very specific and clear.
And, actually you are the one that clearly believes they “know everything”. I set down opinions not facts. I know my audience so I don’t try to seperate “pop” country from “country”.
You have no respect for country because you continue to dismiss “pop” country. No one has to seperate it from “country” in general each time they talk about it because as you stated (in all contridictions of yourself), pop country and country are one in the same since “pop” is not a genre.
I am not seperating “pop” country as a seperate genre. I am seperating “pop” country from “pop” as I would “country” from adult contemporary/R&B/etc., etc. You are claiming that seperation is me calling them seperate genre’s, I’m just simply seperating them. Taylor needs to decide if she’s sining country music or not and “Fearless” is not country and therefor not “pop” country.
Robin says:
kayko - you are wrong. Releasing Christmas music does not change the the theme of the CD. Releasing new music on an already released CD shows Taylor is a “singles” singer and not an “album” maker.
tsfan says:
kayko - you are correct. christmas songs belong on a christmas album.
Nashviller says:
And the songs for an album belong on the album..THE FIRST TIME
Redmaz says:
To Robin, I know you’re not that ignorant, so you must be in total denial. You’ve gotten yourself in so deep now you may never get out. You seem to have trouble separating opinion from fact. Everything I stated can be corroborated, it’s entirely up to the individual whether they accept it or not. If you continue to put all of today’s country music together, and not separated Pop Country from Roots Country, be prepared to hear from me again….and again. That’s just the way it’s going to be.
solongsowrong says:
I’m still waiting to hear from Robin how all the articles by Craig Shelburne and others who write on Roots music are considered hidden, when they all appear right along side the blogs on Swift, Chesney, and all the other Pop Country artists.
I guess Robin also never bothers to look on the top left hand side of this very page to see all the sites CMT lists, that are in support of Roots music.
Your last argument was lame at best, Robin. I don’t know what charts you look at, but the last ones I checked, had Taylor Swift listed as being Pop Country. Just because you don’t agree, doesn’t make it not true. She certainly isn’t played on Roots radio. Accept it for what it is.
Last point…why does Swift have to decide if she’s singing Country or not? It’s her music, so it should be her choice what she sings. It’s up to fans to decide if they like it or not. Based on her sales, somebody must.
My favorite artist sings many different genres of music…Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, Blues, Country, Rock. Sometimes even gets recognition in the Pop world. I don’t hear anyone complaining that she needs to decide what she’s singing.
CountryMusicFan says:
solongsowrong says: “why does Swift have to decide if she’s singing Country or not? It’s her music, so it should be her choice what she sings.”
It is her music, but she seems to want to be a Pop Princess rather than a true Country artist.
solongsowrong says:
True Country artist? Now you’re talking yet another Country sub genre. Dale Watson, Tommy Alverson, Sean Austin, Long Gone Lonesome Boys, Gene Watson, Larry Jackson, Bird & Tines, Bill Hearne’s Roadhouse Revue.
Yet another Country genre that fails to mention the Pop Country artists of the day. More proof that Swift’s music is played right where it belongs.
Nashviller says:
wrong, solong. As long as it is on MY radio with that awful voice, it is played in the WRONG place. She needs to sing for a childrens network
Redmaz says:
yeah…I know what you mean Nashviller. I have the same problem with MY dinner. For example…I’ve been going to McDonalds for the last year or so for MY dinner. Each evening I order the same thing. Porterhouse steak(medium rare), baked potato/with sour cream, mixed vegatables, and a salad. They keep bringing me a Big Mac. I am considering suing them, because they are not delivering me MY dinner.
(sfip)
Nashviller says:
Try a different restaurant. It’s not rocket science..duh
solongsowrong says:
I do believe Swift is on a childrens network, Nashviller….. it’s called Kiddie Kountry. If you don’t like its #1 star, it sounds like YOU’RE listening to the WRONG radio station.
Redmaz says:
So you think I should try another restaurant? Really? So THIS you can figure out, but you can’t figure out your own situation in regards to radio? It’s the same scenario. You realize you were just set up don’t you? As Pecos Pete says…You have just been “Served”.
CountryMusicFan says:
I’d love more than one choice for a radio station. My area has ONE and its all about ‘popular’ and pandering to the younger audience. There is plenty of really good, new country music out there that isn’t protooled up the wazoo or based on the assumption that people listen to music with their eyes or that teenagers/frat rats are the only listeners with money.
T J says:
Taylor Swift music is enjoyed by all. Swift’s genius is never more apparent then when ‘You Belong With Me’ hits number one in multiple markets.
solongsowrong says:
I have about 6-7 choices in our area to listen to Country music, CountryMusicFan, but only one of them, a static infested AM station, plays anything other than that which you described. But the fact is, complaining about it doesn’t change a thing. If you don’t like what you hear, and want to hear music more pleasing to you ears, you have to turn off your local radio station and go where it’s played.
Since your presence here indicates you have time to comment about the current state of Pop Kiddie Kountry, perhaps you could better harness that time by using your computer to check out some of those artists just mentioned. Streaming Internet radio stations, checking out artist websites and my space pages, along with many other options, can bring about very pleasant and surprising treasures in your search for what you call true Country music. Once I started doing that, the local radio stations got turned off for good, and I don’t miss it one bit. I now hear more of a variety of Country music, than I ever did and personally think the state of Country music is excellent right now.
Nashviller says:
No Red, I was pointing out how narrow minded and mean you are. I don’t even listen to the radio, but purchase music I want to listen to…at multiple restaurants. You have just been proven to be an idiot!!!
CountryMusicFan says:
nashviller likes to post whatever he thinks will get people riled. No clue what his actual ‘truth’ is.
Nashviller says:
Geez, ever hear of a metaphor?
Pecos Pete says:
I’ve heard of so many, I call them a metafive. served!….again
Nashviller says:
And nasty too, just like all of them. BUILD A WALL!!!!
Nashviller says:
see? Told ya so.
Robin says:
The listeners of country radio has the ability to keep it from becoming the Disney channel. Proclaiming there are other choices doesn’t mean that country listeners have to let country radio go by the way of Disney.
solongsowrong says:
Since the Country radio I listen to isn’t going by the way of Disney, I couldn’t agree more that Country listeners have the ability to keep it from happening.
So with all this complaining going on about what is being played on commercial Country radio, what seems to be the problem?
flower says:
can’t wait to see taylor on snl she will be AWSOME!!