Anatomy of A Country Song
Ted Holder
--
Ted Holder
Balecox
He's an oinker.
Patsi
Scott
So do I. Excellent article, Ted! He hits most of it right on.
Especially:
"Single White Female" and "we can collectively see why things are so
horribly bland." The keyword is "bland", and he chose a perfect example.
That's a pop song, nothing country about it.
"I don’t care if she won 50 awards – Faith Hill is the worst vocalist in
country music. Her performance of "This Kiss" was breathless and flat,
just like every other awards show performance during her career. ... This
mediocre excuse for a karaoke singer should stick to cosmetics
advertisements and stay away from live microphones. Any other singer in
this town with that voice and an average face would get laughed off of
Music Row." I'd say the worst vocalist is Deana Carter, but how they
could have picked anyone more bland than Faith Hill is beyond me.
"Can we all chip in and make a donation to help that Sawyer Brown guy
with his twitch?" I'd say he has enough money to buy some phenobarbitol,
why doesn't he get it.
Great find, Ted!
Country Boy
Ted Holder <edho...@swbell.net> wrote in article
<P_Rc3.193$iK6....@typhoon01.swbell.net>...
> Here's a person that tells it like it is and I agree.......
>
He's just another complainer. It's easy to complain. What constructive
comments does he say? And does he defend the artists who have truely
attempted to do something different and move country music to a new level?
No. All he does is say Chely hasn't taken any chances. In his opinion.
If she did take chances, he'd say she's not keeping to the tradition.
Because that's what taking chances is all about. There's always a
criticism one can make. He's just another old fogey. Things aren't as
good as they used to be. Except we forget that they all weren't that great
20 years ago either. Which is why there are so few people in the Country
Hall of Fame.
elen
Ted Holder wrote:
> Here's a person that tells it like it is and I agree.......
>
> --
> Ted Holder
>
> http://www.inreviewonline.com/Anatomy.htm
LOL--I also saw this on the classic newsgroup. Yes--pretty much tells it
like it is.
Elen
Scott
>
> Ted Holder wrote ...
> > Here's a person that tells it like it is and I agree.......
>
Just another? Wonder why there's so many?
> It's easy to complain.
Easier to defend the status quo.
> What constructive
> comments does he say? And does he defend the artists who have truely
> attempted to do something different and move country music to a new level?
> No.
That's not the subject of his short article.
> All he does is say Chely hasn't taken any chances.
He says much more than that.
> If she did take chances, he'd say she's not keeping to the tradition.
Can't second-guess the guy.
> Because that's what taking chances is all about.
Not. She could take chances by making something ultra-traditional.
> There's always a
> criticism one can make.
And always a defense. What's your point?
> He's just another old fogey.
That's what you are.
> Things aren't as
> good as they used to be. Except we forget that they all weren't that great
> 20 years ago either. Which is why there are so few people in the Country
> Hall of Fame.
Oh now you're speaking for the CMA. Are you in it?
KevJCoyne
>Here's a person that tells it like it is and I agree.......
>
>Ted Holder
>
He's not telling it like it is, he's telling it how he perceives it. I agree
with some of his assessments, as I have been a vocal critic of the
assembly-line music Nashville has been churning out. However, I found a lot of
his comments rude and unnecessary. Calling Faith Hill a bad singer and Bill
Engvall unfunny is one thing, but the swipe at Bryan White's sexuality was just
mean-spirited. Also, it was pretty hypocritical for him to piss and moan about
how Nashville is so preoccupied with image and then go off on a rant about the
way the Dixie Chicks dress. If he had just stopped at the Chely review, it
would've been a great article, but the personal attacks and insults at the end
undermined his credibility with me.
-----------------------------------
Kevin J. Coyne
"What a great honor. I really am surprised. I thought I'd have to be as old
as Roy Acuff or as ugly as Willie Nelson to get in the Hall of Fame." - Dolly
Parton
VGillFan1
live? She can sing alot of people under the table...she has an incredible
voice...unfortunately most of what she chooses to record doesn't show off her
voice. As far as the song "This Kiss", its a horrible song that I wish would
die a quick death!
Debbie in TN
Ted Holder
> Ted Holder wrote:
> >
> > Here's a person that tells it like it is and I agree.......
> >
> > --
> > Ted Holder
> >
>
> So do I. Excellent article, Ted! He hits most of it right on.
> Especially:
>
> "Single White Female" and "we can collectively see why things are so
> horribly bland." The keyword is "bland", and he chose a perfect example.
> That's a pop song, nothing country about it.
>
> with his twitch?" I'd say he has enough money to buy some phenobarbitol,
> why doesn't he get it.
>
> Great find, Ted!
>
I know nothing about the drug, but have heard a lot about it...
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.................
Ted
Scott Cason
>
> Ted Holder <edho...@swbell.net> wrote in article
> <P_Rc3.193$iK6....@typhoon01.swbell.net>...
> >
>
another of a growing number. Wonder why that is?
It's easy to complain. What constructive comments does he say?
Just as many constructive comments you have given defending the status
quo.
> And does he defend the artists who have truely
> attempted to do something different and move country music to a new level?
Why must country music be moved to a new level? Let's get it back to
where it was before we move it any where else.
> No. All he does is say Chely hasn't taken any chances. In his opinion.
Well, that is what he get's paid for and he is a music reviewer. Go
figure.
> If she did take chances, he'd say she's not keeping to the tradition.
> Because that's what taking chances is all about.
In today's market, taking chances is keeping with tradition. How many
units has Wright sold compared to Terri Clark?
> Things aren't as good as they used to be.
Be careful, you are beginning to sound like us.
> Except we forget that they all weren't that great
> 20 years ago either.
Conway Twitty was as good when he started as the day he died. I have
seen Merle Haggard so drunk he didn't know where he was, but he still
put on a hell of a show, 20 years ago. Trying to re-write history?
Need to take a lesson from the NAACP and the confederate flag issue
about re-writing history.
--
Rgds,
Scott in Louisville
"Never squat with your spurs on"
************************
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James Michael Randorff
(VGillFan1) writes:
>Faith Hill has an excellent voice...have you ever heard her do gospel music
>live?
I have not heard her do any gospel music live, but I have heard a recording of
"Keep Walkin' On" that she did with Shelby Lynne. Talk about a POWERFUL
song!!! That is one song that I have really ENJOYED covering. :)
Later,
~~ James Michael Randorff (jran...@aol.com)
~~ http://hometown.aol.com/jrandorff/index.html
Stress (n, syn. 'strain'): The confusion caused when the mind must resist the
urge to CHOKE THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF SOMEONE THAT REALLY DESERVES I
Country Boy
Scott Cason <ga....@home.com> wrote in article
<3775A903...@home.com>...
> Country Boy wrote:
> >
> > Ted Holder <edho...@swbell.net> wrote in article
> > <P_Rc3.193$iK6....@typhoon01.swbell.net>...
> > > Here's a person that tells it like it is and I agree.......
> > >
> >
> > He's just another complainer.
>
> another of a growing number. Wonder why that is?
>
From what I can see in this group, people seem to like to complain. You
yourself stated here that TNN only does two or three country music shows.
And you complained that there was no place for people to get in-depth
artist interviews on the TV. Yet, TNN has over a dozen country music
shows, including a George Jones show where the legend brings together
different generations in country music to discuss differences and
similarities. And the same company that owns TNN has a 24-hour country
channel that has regular shows with in-depth artist interviews, live
concerts, and music videos from the entire spectrum of country music,
including Stone Country, Jammin' Country, and others.
People complain that there's no traditional music on the radio, yet when I
bring up names like Alan Jackson, Mark Chesnutt, Lee Ann Womack, George
Strait, and newcomers like Brad Paisley and Deryl Dodd, they change the
focus to other artists who perhaps aren't as consistant. Or that they have
to sit through music by non-traditional artists to get to the songs they
like. As though that's something new.
People complain that the legends aren't getting as much attention as they
should, and the crowds for their shows are not as great because of radio
airplay. So when I offer that Buck Owens is giving a free concert at the
Santa Monica Pier, all the complainers can do is say there's no parking
there, and they hate to deal with crowds. There's always an excuse.
People complain that today's music just doesn't have the soul of the old
stuff. It's too perfect. All this digital technology is destroying
country music. Yet if you read interviews given by Owen Bradley when he
was alive, one of the chief things he feels he brought to country music was
an element of technical quality. He wanted the presentation of the music
on record to be as perfect as other genres of music, and that country music
*not* take a back seat, or be considered backward.
People complain that country radio discriminates against the older artists.
So when I point out that Kenny Rogers and George Jones currently have Top
40 hits (Kenny's is actually closer to Top 20), all they can do is complain
that not everyone is playing them. But when everyone plays other songs,
it's called a cartel. So which is it? Obviously it's a cartel only when
they don't play the songs you like.
You wonder why country isn't as "hot" as it was 5 years ago. Consider
perhaps that 5 years ago there wasn't as much dissention from within.
There weren't all the complainers who can only find fault. There were
people who tried to make things better. Who of the complainers in this
group actually has started a traditional country music club in their
community? Other than "Twanger," who of the complainers with media
background has actually used their own resources to create outlets that
support their taste in music? Who has organized traditional country music
nights at their local clubs, inviting personalities from the local radio
station so they can see there's an audience for this music? Who has used
this forum to generate interest and support for traditional country shows
on TV, such as the George Jones show or Century of Country? And then we
wonder why TNN is turning to NASCAR and non-country programs. At least
fans of NASCAR actually bring ratings to the station. When was the last
time a country music show got TNN into the Top 5?
We all bristle when someone comes into this group and posts stupid things
like "country sux." Yet it's OK when regulars in this group do nothing but
complain and attack the very music we're supposed to love and enjoy. My
love for this music was re-invigorated at this year's Fan Fair. Sure it
wasn't the big sell-out it was 4 years ago, and sure, the MerleFest got
twice as many people. But those who were there put up with a lot, yet
still managed to smile and have a good time. Perhaps some of the
complainers need to get out of their computer rooms once in a while and
hang out with the real fans of country music. Then maybe they won't be so
quick to attack this wonderful music.
William Cox
>People complain that today's music just
>doesn't have the soul of the old stuff. It's too
>perfect. All this digital technology is destroying
>country music. Yet if you read interviews given
>by Owen Bradley when he was alive, one of
>the chief things he feels he brought to country
>music was an element of technical quality. He
>wanted the presentation of the music on
>record to be as perfect as other genres of
>music, and that country music *not* take a
>back seat, or be considered backward.
was more than likely referring to the equipment and not the production.
Other than the old Castle Studio in the Tulane Hotel in downtown
Nashville, most country records were being recorded in radio station
studios, after hours, with portable disc cutting equipment. In 1955,
Owen and Harold Bradley opened the first technologically advanced studio
on what is now Music Row, A studio with perhaps the most up-to-date
equpment for it's time. Capitol, Columbia, Mercury, MGM, all the record
companies (except RCA) began using the Bradley studio. I'll agree that
country records from 1955 on sound much better sound quality than those
recorded before.
However, Owen Bradley was quoted many times as saying "Perfection is
dull!" He was concerned a heck of a lot more with "feel" than
"perfection." After Owen's death, Jan Howard said in a televised
interview on TNN's "Opry Backstage" (which I have on tape, btw) that her
record of "Evil On Your Mind" has a wrong chord on it and that Owen
wouldn't let her do it again because it "had the feel, that's it." Jack
Greene concurred. They both had a lot of hits with Owen Bradley at the
helm.
Bill
William Cox
>People complain that today's music just
>doesn't have the soul of the old stuff. It's too
>perfect. All this digital technology is destroying
>country music. Yet if you read interviews given
>by Owen Bradley when he was alive, one of
>the chief things he feels he brought to country
>music was an element of technical quality. He
>wanted the presentation of the music on
>record to be as perfect as other genres of
>music, and that country music *not* take a
>back seat, or be considered backward.
realize that Owen Bradley is a misused example.
What everyone complains about technology is the use of pitch correction
tools, being able to correct a wrong note or a single recorded lyric,
and other elements of production. Owen Bradley didn't do any of this.
Right up to his last recording session with Mandy Barnett in 1997, Owen
Bradley recorded his vocalists and musicians LIVE at the same time.
Back when he and his brother Harold opened the Bradley Studio in 1955,
there was no other way to do it. Overdubbing was still a relatively new
technique, and forget about multi-tracking. Until the advent of
multi-tracking and stereo, you recorded live, mixed the record and that
was it. The only way to change anything was to do start all over.
And, as I said in my previous post, Owen was more concerned about "feel"
than "perfection." If the recording had the right feel, he would let a
wrong chord/note slip by. I do believe his body of work speaks for
itself.
Bill
Country Boy
William Cox <WLCO...@webtv.net> wrote in article
<8839-377...@newsd-122.bryant.webtv.net>...
>
> And, as I said in my previous post, Owen was more concerned about "feel"
> than "perfection." If the recording had the right feel, he would let a
> wrong chord/note slip by. I do believe his body of work speaks for
> itself.
>
> Bill
>
These have been fascinating posts. Both of them. You're right...my
comment had to do with technology, not perfection. However, I believe the
technology and the demands for quality have accelerated the need for even
Owen's views to become dated. In my opinion Kenny Rogers is the one who
changed it all. If you listen to Kenny's records, even his early ones,
they are perfectly crafted moments in time. Milsap did it too. (Milsap's
engineer, Kyle Lehning, went on to produce hits for Randy Travis.) Every
note was perfect. They both raised the bar for country music to a new
level, to the point where the record-buying public and especially the
critics would never allow a CD to be released that wasn't perfect as far as
performance. But it all began when Owen Bradley brought technology to the
Nashville recording studios, and made them on a par with LA and NY.
Ray Zuniga
Country Boy <UDL...@prodigy.com> wrote:
>>
>These have been fascinating posts. Both of them. You're right...my
>comment had to do with technology, not perfection. However, I believe the
>technology and the demands for quality have accelerated the need for even
>Owen's views to become dated. In my opinion Kenny Rogers is the one who
>changed it all. If you listen to Kenny's records, even his early ones,
>they are perfectly crafted moments in time. Milsap did it too. (Milsap's
>engineer, Kyle Lehning, went on to produce hits for Randy Travis.) Every
>note was perfect. They both raised the bar for country music to a new
>level, to the point where the record-buying public and especially the
>critics would never allow a CD to be released that wasn't perfect as far as
>performance. But it all began when Owen Bradley brought technology to the
>Nashville recording studios, and made them on a par with LA and NY.
Good point about Milsap and Kenny Rogers. But IMHO there's not
been a better vocalist in country music then Ronnie Milsap. The
man's voice is literally a musical instrument and he plays it oh so
well. I've seen him live in concert more then any performer and can
easily say he does his vocal stunts live just as well as he does on
any of his albums. Heck some days they even seem to be better!
I'm sure they spent some time on producing those albums to sound
perfection, but I'd bet there wasn't a lot of work needed there as
compared to some artists today.
Of course Ronnie's always been one of those artists that gets
called too pop from time to time too. Wish he was still making
albums and getting airplay though. I wonder who's responsible for
the evil of not producing any more new work and leaving that man
off current country radio....
Scott
did preface it by saying that he didn't agree 100% with it, but basically
expresses how he feels. It was gratifying to know Bill Mack validated the
article.
Thanks to Mr. Mack for playing the real country songs that so many of the
other "country" radio stations refuse to play.
Country Boy
Ray Zuniga <r...@seepost.com> wrote in article
<7l7vcm$1...@ssbunews.ih.lucent.com>...
>
> Of course Ronnie's always been one of those artists that gets
> called too pop from time to time too. Wish he was still making
> albums and getting airplay though. I wonder who's responsible for
> the evil of not producing any more new work and leaving that man
> off current country radio....
>
I saw Milsap in Nashville during Fan Fair. It's actually a funny story. I
was walking along Music Row, doing some sightseeing, and I saw him and a
bunch of other musicians on the front porch of an old house, singing and
having a great time. It was incredible. I just stood and watched from the
street, too amazed to say or do anything. I've been hearing that he's been
signed to a new deal. Don't ask me who. I also remember he had a rough
time when he was at Capitol in 93 or 94. His old stuff still gets played on
the radio. I hear "She Keeps the Home Fires Burning" at least once a week.