Author Topic: Is country-western music evil? (Read 6107 times)

Tallitot · « **on:** May 17, 2009, 06:50:33 PM »

Drunkness, audultery, violence, murder. Country-western music deals with some pretty dark subject matter. Yet it proportes to be a bastion of Christian & American values. What do you think?

John of the North · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2009, 06:58:49 PM »

I think it's perfectly fine.

Quinault · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2009, 06:58:55 PM »

I don't like "new country."

And Johnny Cash's rendition of "Hurt" is the most moving and convicting piece of music I think I have heard in my life.

Salpy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2009, 06:59:33 PM »

I prefer Bluegrass.

Heorhij · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2009, 07:01:49 PM »

I admire Johnny Cash and I never even thought that he somehow "promotes" drunkenness or violence or murder. He sings what's on his mind, and that's the mind of a suffering person - what else is Christianity about?

PeterTheAleut · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2009, 07:10:10 PM »

I have a friend who often talks about this "Country and Western" Liturgy he's been working on writing, so the music can't be evil.

scamandrius · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2009, 07:24:16 PM »

It's not evil...it just sucks!

However, let me say that Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Johnny CAsh are all fine in my book. Anything after that, however, just is not worth listening to!

stashko · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2009, 07:49:11 PM »

I heard a while back, that people that listen to too much country music ,especally the sad songs are prone to commit suicide.....How true it is i don't know...

LBK · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2009, 07:51:10 PM »

Quote from: stashko on May 17, 2009, 07:49:11 PM

I heard a while back, that people that listen to too much country music ,especally the sad songs are prone to commit suicide.....How true it is i don't know...

The same could be said for a whole lot of traditional Portuguese, Spanish and Greek folk music, for a start. Much of it is lyrically quite blue and depressing.

FrChris · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2009, 08:13:49 PM »

Quote from: LBK on May 17, 2009, 07:51:10 PM

The same could be said for a whole lot of traditional Portuguese, Spanish and Greek folk music, for a start. Much of it is lyrically quite blue and depressing.

I once commented at Holy Cross that a lot of Greek folk music sounds be similar to Country music...let's just say my observation was not appreciated one bit!

Tallitot · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2009, 08:41:59 PM »

Quote from: stashko on May 17, 2009, 07:49:11 PM

I heard a while back, that people that listen to too much country music ,especally the sad songs are prone to commit suicide.....How true it is i don't know...

I remember the study, but it didn't determine if the music contributed to some ppl's depression or if persons with an existing tendency to depression gravitated to CW and it's many"I was drunk cuz you left me the day my mom got out of prison" genres.

stashko · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2009, 08:44:39 PM »

Isn't european music especially the folk music, the mother of American country folk music it had to come from somewhere...

Riddikulus · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2009, 08:55:08 PM »

Quote from: Tallitot on May 17, 2009, 08:41:59 PM

Quote from: stashko on May 17, 2009, 07:49:11 PM
I heard a while back, that people that listen to too much country music ,especally the sad songs are prone to commit suicide.....How true it is i don't know...

I remember the study, but it didn't determine if the music contributed to some ppl's depression or if persons with an existing tendency to depression gravitated to CW and it's many"I was drunk cuz you left me the day my mom got out of prison" genres.

Alveus Lacuna · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2009, 11:23:30 PM »

If it's old enough, it's usually good!

Ebor · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2009, 11:44:13 PM »

I recall long ago hearing a CW title that takes a humourous twist on this

"I've got tears in my ears (from lying on my back in my bed while I cry over you)"

Speaking as one who has sung folk music of the British Isles and the US the subjects of "Drunkness, audultery, violence, murder" are things that people made songs about and many of them were collected and preserved. Here are a few

Adultery: "Matty Groves" is one of the Great Old songs about that, along with "The House Carpenter/the Daemon Lover"
If we include betrayed love and false love and young men/women having their way then leaving there are such songs as "Blow the Candles Out", "Cold Haily Windy Night", "The Blacksmith" "The Trooper and the Maid" and "

Murder- (does that count killings in battle as well as love triangles, highwaymen and assorted other causes?) "Lily of the West" has a false woman and murder and a trial, "False Lamkin" is rather gruesome, "Bonnie George Campbell" and "The Bonnie Earl of Morey" don't come home from battle "Jesse James" gets shot in the back by the "dirty little coward/ that shot Mr. Howard/ and laid poor Jesse in his grave" while "The Streets of Laredo" had a young cowpoke gunned down in a duel; "Captain Kidd" (hanged for piracy) and I mustn't forget "Lord Randall" where he is poisoned by his sweetheart with "Eels boiled in brew"

There's plenty of accidental death by train wrecks "Casey Jones" and "The Wreck of the Old 97"; overwork "John Henry"; accidents with a horse "Blood on the Saddle", drowning at sea "The Golden Vanity", "Henry Martin","Sir Patrick Spence"; being shot by accident "The Great Silkie" (which also has unmarried procreation between the Selkie and the human woman)

Then there's drink and its effects of which is a very popular topic for songs, starting with "John Barleycorn" which compares harvesting grain and brewing ale to murder, "What Do You Do With a Drunken Sailor?" "Blow the Man Down" "The Jug of Punch" "The Old Dun Cow" "Nancy Whiskey"

Just running over a few others that I know of, there's the great Russian folksong "Stenka Razin" in which the leader of the bandits dallies with a Persian princess until his men object because they're not raiding any more. So he throws her into "Mother Volga" as an offering. "Na!" (I'm told it doesn't really mean *splash*, but it could

)

These are some of the subjects that people like to make songs or stories about, and that's the way it is.

Here is one site for some of the songs I mentioned plus many more (it's a terrific site) http://www.contemplator.com/folk.html
Here's a version of "Stenka Razin"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLd9vy3iCZs

If wanted I can provide more songs/lyrics/melodies

Ebor

Jakub · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2009, 11:55:53 PM »

Only thing out there nowadays is George Strait...

Alveus Lacuna · « **Reply #16 on:** May 18, 2009, 12:34:31 AM »

Perhaps it would not be evil if it was country-Eastern? Eh?

LBK · « **Reply #17 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:17:45 AM »

Quote

There's plenty of accidental death by train wrecks "Casey Jones" and "The Wreck of the Old 97"; overwork "John Henry"; accidents with a horse "Blood on the Saddle", drowning at sea "The Golden Vanity", "Henry Martin","Sir Patrick Spence"; being shot by accident "The Great Silkie" (which also has unmarried procreation between the Selkie and the human woman)

Hey Ebor, don't forget "Big John" (big bad John ...)!

Αριστοκλής · « **Reply #18 on:** May 18, 2009, 08:01:28 AM »

Quote from: FrChris on May 17, 2009, 08:13:49 PM

Quote from: LBK on May 17, 2009, 07:51:10 PM

The same could be said for a whole lot of traditional Portuguese, Spanish and Greek folk music, for a start. Much of it is lyrically quite blue and depressing.

I once commented at Holy Cross that a lot of Greek folk music sounds be similar to Country music...let's just say my observation was not appreciated one bit!

Now that is funny. Many years ago I was invited by a group of Greek chefs (just off the boat, real Greeks) to join them for their once a week after hours get-together. I was rather hesitant as I wondered what exactly I might have in common with them (nice guys all). Restaurants closed, we met up at one of them and then they drove me to their usual haunt...a country and western tavern with live music. Needless to say I was incredulous because they went to great lengths to entice me in joining them with promises a "wonderful entertainment, good music". Go figure. Been a C&W fan ever since.

monkvasyl · « **Reply #19 on:** May 18, 2009, 09:17:45 AM »

I like country music...grew up with it from my parents in PA, except it was more hillbilly music and nothing like what is played today. At work I either listen to country on the radio or the oldies station...this new stuff turns my stomach.

theistgal · « **Reply #20 on:** May 18, 2009, 10:49:41 AM »

On the contrary, what's interesting about country music is that you're far more likely to hear about the consequences of all these sins - from the point of view of the wronged wife or husband, or kids - than you would in music like rap or rock, which tends to glorify them.

LBK · « **Reply #21 on:** May 18, 2009, 11:00:02 AM »

Quote from: Αριστοκλής on May 18, 2009, 08:01:28 AM

Now that is funny. Many years ago I was invited by a group of Greek chefs (just off the boat, real Greeks) to join them for their once a week after hours get-together. I was rather hesitant as I wondered what exactly I might have in common with them (nice guys all). Restaurants closed, we met up at one of them and then they drove me to their usual haunt...a country and western tavern with live music. Needless to say I was incredulous because they went to great lengths to entice me in joining them with promises a "wonderful entertainment, good music". Go figure. Been a C&W fan ever since.

This is nothing new. A beloved Greek gent of blessed memory I knew very well once told me that he had friends from his National Service days (1953-55) who hailed from northern Greece (at that time VERY isolated) who were jazz buffs, through their following of American and British (especially British) shortwave radio programs. They would use military radios in the evenings before "lights out" (and sometimes after!) to tune in to get their fix of jazz.

Ebor · « **Reply #22 on:** May 18, 2009, 01:28:35 PM »

Quote from: LBK on May 18, 2009, 05:17:45 AM

Hey Ebor, don't forget "Big John" (big bad John ...)!

Ah yes, thanks for mentioning that one.

There are lots and lots of songs about matters of a more then innocent nature, aren't there.

rwprof · « **Reply #23 on:** May 18, 2009, 01:40:39 PM »

Played backwards, it is definitely evil.

monkvasyl · « **Reply #24 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:00:35 PM »

Quote from: rwprof on May 18, 2009, 01:40:39 PM

Played backwards, it is definitely evil.

That was the same with the Beatles' music...lol

ytterbiumanalyst · « **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:01:53 PM »

Quote from: monkvasyl on May 18, 2009, 02:00:35 PM

Quote from: rwprof on May 18, 2009, 01:40:39 PM
Played backwards, it is definitely evil.

That was the same with the Beatles' music...lol

Any music that, when played backwards, doesn't sound like cats knocking over a garbage can is impressive to me.

Fr. George · « **Reply #26 on:** May 18, 2009, 02:31:08 PM »

The only proper answer to the question is "yes, always."

Now bluegrass, on the other hand... magnificent.

scamandrius · « **Reply #27 on:** May 18, 2009, 04:21:00 PM »

Quote from: cleveland on May 18, 2009, 02:31:08 PM

The only proper answer to the question is "yes, always."

Now bluegrass, on the other hand... magnificent.

I most heartedly concur. Bluegrass, when performed by actual bluegrass musicians and not a bunch of country wannabes, is truly a great musical experience.

Bono Vox · « **Reply #28 on:** May 18, 2009, 04:27:33 PM »

I've been trying to tell people country music was satanic for years

monkvasyl · « **Reply #29 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:01:57 PM »

Quote from: Bono Vox on May 18, 2009, 04:27:33 PM

I've been trying to tell people country music was satanic for years

Then I guess we need some Orthodox rappers.

monkvasyl · « **Reply #30 on:** May 18, 2009, 05:12:15 PM »

One of my favorites is by Keith Urban: "God's Been Good To Me"

Well I can't believe I'm sittin' here today
Picking on my banjo with a big smile on my face
Writin' new words to an old school melody
Hey there ain't no doubt that God's been good to me

Oh the sun is shinin' on down in Tennessee
And right now where I'm right where I wanna be
I've never felt so loved, so peaceful and so free
Hey there ain't no doubt that God's been good to me

(Chorus:)
'Cause he put me smack dab in the middle of Paradise
In the heart of the city where my dreams have come alive
And everything I have, and everything I see
Is just another reminder that God's been good to me

This golden road's been long
And sometimes I've lost my way
I've been down some darkened detours
Leanin' heavy on my faith
But where the devil had me chained
Lord your love done set me free
Hallelujah! God's been good to me

(Chorus 2x)

Starlight · « **Reply #31 on:** May 18, 2009, 08:48:10 PM »

As for me, I turned into a fan of country music right after immigration to USA. And my love to the country music only strengthened with time.

Tallitot · « **Reply #32 on:** May 18, 2009, 11:20:57 PM »

Quote from: rwprof on May 18, 2009, 01:40:39 PM

Played backwards, it is definitely evil.

!kcolC eht dnuorA ckoR

Alveus Lacuna · « **Reply #33 on:** May 19, 2009, 12:40:33 AM »

Quote from: Starlight on May 18, 2009, 08:48:10 PM

As for me, I turned into a fan of country music right after immigration to USA. And my love to the country music only strengthened with time.

I need to get into it more. Can anyone suggest particular albums that they consider to be outstanding; the must-own classics?

PeterTheAleut · « **Reply #34 on:** May 19, 2009, 04:10:17 AM »

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on May 19, 2009, 12:40:33 AM

Quote from: Starlight on May 18, 2009, 08:48:10 PM
As for me, I turned into a fan of country music right after immigration to USA. And my love to the country music only strengthened with time.

I need to get into it more. Can anyone suggest particular albums that they consider to be outstanding; the must-own classics?

If you like/don't mind something not so classic and with a bit of a crossover pop/rock edge, Garth Brooks has put out a lot of good stuff. For a more classic country sound, Hank Williams, Sr. is a good place to start.

ChristusDominus · « **Reply #35 on:** May 19, 2009, 04:18:20 AM »

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on May 19, 2009, 12:40:33 AM

Quote from: Starlight on May 18, 2009, 08:48:10 PM
As for me, I turned into a fan of country music right after immigration to USA. And my love to the country music only strengthened with time.

I need to get into it more. Can anyone suggest particular albums that they consider to be outstanding; the must-own classics?

Johnny Cash is the Man!

LBK · « **Reply #36 on:** May 19, 2009, 04:37:47 AM »

Quote from: ChristusDominus on May 19, 2009, 04:18:20 AM

Johnny Cash is the Man!

Yup. Can't go wrong with The Man In Black.

Alveus Lacuna · « **Reply #37 on:** May 19, 2009, 05:51:22 AM »

Yeah, I already own some of Cash's material , in fact his is the only country music that I own at this point. Is there a particular Hank Williams, Sr. album that any of you would recommend as being particularly noteworthy?

Starlight · « **Reply #38 on:** May 19, 2009, 09:43:39 AM »

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on May 19, 2009, 05:51:22 AM

Yeah, I already own some of Cash's material , in fact his is the only country music that I own at this point. Is there a particular Hank Williams, Sr. album that any of you would recommend as being particularly noteworthy?

Probably this complation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/40_Greatest_Hits_(Hank_Williams_Sr._album)

As for suggestions above, I second them.

AMM · « **Reply #39 on:** May 19, 2009, 09:49:40 AM »

Quote

Drunkness, audultery, violence, murder. Country-western music deals with some pretty dark subject matter.

I think it deals with life.

ytterbiumanalyst · « **Reply #40 on:** May 19, 2009, 10:13:37 AM »

I highly recommend Chet Atkins' Stay Tuned. He is one of the best guitarists I have ever heard. I was fortunate enough to attend a concert the summer before he died. Amazing musician.

http://www.amazon.com/Stay-Tuned-Chet-Atkins/dp/B000OY1OG6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1242742374&sr=8-6

recent convert · « **Reply #41 on:** May 19, 2009, 11:59:26 AM »

Mandy Barnett (1990s- present, need to google search, not on any major label, also on youtube), Blue sky boys (1930s-50s),soundtrack to the movie: The Last Picture Show, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alabama, Sweetheart of the Rodeo album by the Byrds, George Jones, Dwight Yokum, Skeeter Davis etc.

Papist · « **Reply #42 on:** May 19, 2009, 12:28:40 PM »

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on May 18, 2009, 12:34:31 AM

Perhaps it would not be evil if it was country-Eastern? Eh?

Some people have a real problem with Eastern Rite Country music. They think that its not truely an organic development within the Country music community. As we all know, Eastern Rite Country music has only developed in a few jurisdictions.

ChristusDominus · « **Reply #43 on:** May 19, 2009, 03:14:36 PM »

Quote from: Papist on May 19, 2009, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on May 18, 2009, 12:34:31 AM
Perhaps it would not be evil if it was country-Eastern? Eh?
Some people have a real problem with Eastern Rite Country music. They think that its not truely an organic development within the Country music community. As we all know, Eastern Rite Country music has only developed in a few jurisdictions.

This one went way over my head

Ebor · « **Reply #44 on:** May 19, 2009, 03:20:46 PM »

Quote from: Papist on May 19, 2009, 12:28:40 PM

Quote from: Alveus Lacuna on May 18, 2009, 12:34:31 AM
Perhaps it would not be evil if it was country-Eastern? Eh?
Some people have a real problem with Eastern Rite Country music. They think that its not truely an organic development within the Country music community. As we all know, Eastern Rite Country music has only developed in a few jurisdictions.

Another Good-thing-I-wasn't-drinking-coffee-when-I-read-this moment.

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Is country-western music evil?

Author Topic: Is country-western music evil? (Read 6107 times)