But I do, somewhat, understand the 'blandness' issue raised. He's a good middle-of-the-road country singer, but I have trouble getting excited about his music the way I do about Hank Sr., George Jones, Merle Haggard, Ray Price, Lefty Frizzell, and several other truly great - IMO - country singers. He doesn't evince the pain and soul of these older singers singing about hard times and suffering. But why should he?

quote:

---

...do you really expect boomers to authentically sing about the hard times and suffering growing up - in fairly comfortable middle-class surroundings?

---

I've already mentioned Haggard. I know he was heavily influenced by Lefty Frizzell, but I consider Merle to have a better 'instrument'. I will also add George Jones - he has amazing dexterity and real style.

In the modern era, I'm impressed by Joe Nichols, and Joe Diffie (although I hate his southern rock-styled material); check out his 'Ships That Don't Come In'. Randy Travis has real ability, too, as does Lee Ann Womack. Mandy Barnett is another.

It makes little difference to me how many #1s these people have had - I'm talking about their technique.

Kristopherson? NO!!!! Good song-writer, but no voice to speak of.

Kenny: There's my list, but will you consider it 'valid' if it doesn't coincide with yours?

Erv: I don't think I was complaining - just expressing an opinion. I don't mind not liking Strait - and I have no need of his records.

It would certainly be a miracle if anyone's mind was ever changed by a Forum 'discussion'. We're all quick to endorse someone's view if it confirms our own, but that's about it.

If anyone's still reading this, please note that I'm talking about musicality here - not the number of hits, or air-plays that they might receive. I'm aware that Strait (and Alan Jackson - another artist who is enormously successful, but doesn't have a great voice - in my view) is something of an icon with country afficionados, but that shouldn't place him above reproach.

RR

[This message was edited by Roger Rettig on 26 June 2006 at 11:36 PM.]

------------------
Florida:Where its not against the Law to get caught Steelin.

It's fun to show off singing, maybe its ringing the heck out of a song like Merle, or growl like Conway, or wail like Waylon. But it's also impressive to deliver a song the way George does(not my cup of tea, but I appreciate it still).

As for Joe Nichols, Joe Diffie, Lee Ann Womack and Randy Travis they are great singers too and I sincerely hope their recordings careers last as long as the four individuals I cited in the first paragraph. Unfortunately I am not aware of Ms. Barnett’s recordings, but I will make it a point to purchase some.

Also, I believe in everyone’s right to express their opinion about a performer, but in all fairness to Mr. George Strait, how many of his number 1 radio releases do you believe he actually got to pick? I would imagine that the majority of songs picked for release to the radio were done by the suits at the record company.

I brought my copy of “GEORGE 50 NUMBER ONES STRAIT,” album with me to work today so I could listen to it again and I will take my own turn at taking pot shots from the readers on the Steel Guitar Form. The only songs I just don’t care for are: Love Without End; If I Know Me; So Much Like My Daddy; and The Best Day. But they are well written songs and Strait sings them great, but they are just not to my taste.

It's funny you mentioned "So Much Like my Dad"... While reading through this current thread, I thought about one from a couple of years back, where Buddy had listed that song as one of his two favorite he had recorded on as well as discussed some details of how he came up with his part. I don't think I ever really paid much attention to that song until I read his post and went back and really listened to the music. Actually, I'm quite fond of that song now as a result.

Just think about the thousands of songs Buddy has recorded on and the different artists he's recorded with... and "that" song is one of his two favorites. Wow! I like it if for no other reason than that.

http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum15/HTML/005380.html

Respectfully,
dBurr

[This message was edited by Dave Burr on 27 June 2006 at 12:19 PM.]

quote:

---

that shouldn't place him above reproach.

---

Thank you for that, Roger. I agree.

There's alot of sanctification goes on in here sometimes. I think it's silly, and all it does is discourage people from voicing well-thought, articulate opinions. It also prevents the Steel Guitar Forum from being a source of meaningful opinions and information.
Perhaps we need a Cheerleading section.

-John
p.s. I like George Strait, but I understand when someone finds it a bit sterilized and airbrushed.

It's occasionally pointed out to me that I place too much emphasis on smoothness and professionalism, and that I find it hard to listen to stuff that's a bit 'rough around the edges'. I accept this criticism, and I'm aware that there's a danger of me missing some invigorating music as a result.

That's the 'flaw' in my judgement that won't allow me to enjoy Willie's singing, either - it's a bit amateurish for my taste.

In the end, it's all down to personal taste, isn't it?

As a last word (?), I can safely say that my favourite singer of ALL is Ray Charles. He had it all - powerhouse emotion, yet great chops, and a master piano-player to boot! He was also very fond of Buddy Emmons' playing, which is, in my book, the final stamp of approval ....

Mr Strait and Mr Jackson will continue to prosper, continue to make country records, and will do it all with a total disregard for my thoughts on the matter - and thank goodness for that!

A good discussion!

Alan Jackson is right beside him in my book as far as sticking to a true country sound.

I dont listen to it enough to give everyone on the radio a fair shake, but no one else comes to my mind as sounding like country music on a so called "country" station.