Ad Hudler - Ad Libbing

Old Country vs. New Country
Sunday, January 10, 2010

I grew up in a small town on the High Plains of eastern Colorado where we had just one radio station; KNAB played country-western, period, and because I had no other option I rebelled against it as a teenager.

As an adult in the process of moving to Nashville, I've been re-examining country ... and here's what I've decided: I don't like the new country at all*; it sounds too much like the pop music from the 70s. Oddly, I've discovered that I do like the country I grew up with: Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Patsy Cline. You know: that music that gets all twangy. My wife bought me a collection of the old country, and I listened to it all the way up to Nashville. In my truck. Wearing my boots. Damn ... I guess I was destined to live in Nashville....although Nashville isn't really country; it just pretends to be. More on this later as Ad Hudler Author deconstructs Music City for a book.

*Okay, Taylor Swift is an exception. I think she's as cute as a newborn piglet.

3 Comments:

Tammy said...: I want to welcome you to Tennessee! I live about 1.5 hours southeast of Nashville in a very rural area and can't imagine living any where else! I agree with your opinion of "new" country. I prefer alt country or Americana. Check out John Prine (great songwriter), Todd Snider, Lucinda Williams.; January 10, 2010 8:15 PM
Ad Hudler said...: Hey, Tammy....where's home? Like near Chattanooga? Another very cool town. Have you been to the International Towing and Recovery Museum there?; January 10, 2010 9:23 PM
Tammy said...: I live in McMinnville (Warren County), which is about half way between Nashville & Chattanooga. I have visited Chattanooga a lot over the years. I really enjoy it more than Nashville. I have been to the ITR museum one time that I can recall. There is really a lot to do and see in that area.

Have you ever been to Sewanee, TN? That is gorgeous area to visit. It is home of the University of the South which has a beautiful campus. There is a park-like area call Memorial Cross that offers an amazing view of the valley.; January 11, 2010 9:20 AM