Country

I grew up in a number of different states, but I spent the better part of 15 years in the southern part of Virginia (Newport News). I heard a lot of country music out that way.

Over the years, I found that I've enjoyed a fair bit of country, but I have no frickin' clue who anyone is within the genre if their name isn't Willie Nelson or someone equally old and famous. Half the time, I just find the equivalent of modern over-processed pop music when I go looking.

Does anyone have recommendations for great country music?

Preferably well-recorded songs, but anything goes. I'm trying to find some albums and singles that are worth listening to so I can start to wrap my head around country music.

I know there's an Americana/Folksy thread, but that seems to lean heavily toward Amber Rubarth and similar artists. I'm looking for something I'd hear in a bar in the Carolinas where I throw peanut shells on the floor and half the restaurant's floor space is dedicated to square dancing.

 

I'm speaking more from my affection for the artists and songwriting than from a SQ perspective, but the following might be good starting points:

• "Cocaine and Rhinestones" - a podcast that will totally reframe how most folks view country music.
• "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" - absolutely timeless alt country
• "Teatro" - might as well mention my other favorite Daniel Lanois production
• Seed a streaming music service with the song "Footlights" by Merle Haggard and see where it takes you. You might enjoy the ride.
• If you haven't seen it recently, watch "The Last Picture Show" and see if they creates a hunger that only the OG Hank Williams can satisfy.
• You know about the Johnny Cash American records, right? Also very accessible stuff for country beginners.

Hope this helps.

 

Been buying a lot of albums for kids and I found this gem



Nasty Dan is the opening song and it's awesome

 

You could try any Chris Stapleton album, Traveller and From A Room Vol 1 & 2. Songs to try from those albums are Broken Halos, Either Way, and his version of Tennessee Whiskey.

Try Luke Combs, his album This One's For You Too (Deluxe Edition) is great. Especially the songs "Beautiful Crazy" and "One Number Away".

And finally, Brooks and Dunn just dropped an album called Reboot where they sing all their greatest hits, but they are all duets with a lot of the current country artists. That might introduce some new artists to you.

 

I like the Johnny Cash version of Hurt


Like the old Alison Krauss stuff like So Long So Wrong and Forget About it.
Haven't heard her newer stuff, guess I need to give it a listen

 

A Canadian named Coulter Wall. Good stuff. My favorite is the Imaginary Appalachia album.

 

Classic country from Heather Myles live at the Bottom Line, London 1996. Great pedal steel by Gary Brandin. Qobuz has her albums.

 

Sturgill Simpson -
Margo Price -

They're the best you're going to find in terms of modern country.