What's a great song that most folks might not know about? Tell me the name of the song and the artist and maybe we can all get turned on to some great tunes. I'll start it off by sharing this Adam Carroll song. He's made a lot of great records over the years, but this was my entry point. Go buy Adam's records! Adam Carrol -Errol's Song ruclips.net/video/jjHW_424eiw/видео.html
This falls under the category of "folk" but Jonny Akamu's song 2 OF A KIND is epic as can be from about 13 years ago.. I wrote him and told him that, also asked for the chords lol and he replied which was awesome
Another i have to mention are Eric and Polly Rapp SWALLOWED from about 20years ago.. i had to post a few songs from their album a month ago they have nothing on youtube.. the arts are hijacked
Here's a quick playlist I just put together for this ..... ruclips.net/p/PL-wH7I5tKDG0iAdTtrwSu4D5Mg43SYkLF Hope any that bother enjoy. .... Be well out there 🤘
I got kicked out of a Merle concert at the Ryman. I was too rowdy spilling my draft beer on the head of the woman in front of me that was not enjoying the concert as much as her date. There was an article the next day...Merle commented on the ordeal... He said my songs are for the lady that got kicked out...not for the one that stayed.. I play honky-tonk music❤️
I was raised on Ernest Tubb, Loretta, Buck Owens, Merle, Conway, Hank Thompson, George Jones, many, many good ones. But people like you are the reason I quite going to big music shows, I don't care what Merle said, I don't want beer spilt on me, and I don't want to listen to some drunk who thinks they sing better than the person I PAID to hear!!
The Books on Mr Mere Howard are So Good. My Son/Dauhter got Me House of Memories & Sing Me Back Home Dec 2021. Christmas & BDay 2021. I read them 3 times in a year. I am now reading THE HAG. IT IS TAKING LONGER TO READ. Lots of Informatin in this one also. REALLY ENJOYED the First Two. Wonderful Mr Merle. Will always Love Him & His Music. Now Love His 4 Boys. 9-16-2023 8:55pm MABS
I like the way you put it. It’s so bad, every few months I turn on the radio to a country station to see how long I can stand it or to see if there is possibly one good new song out of maybe five. Usually I can’t even go to minutes, I can’t even get through the first song. If I go five songs, not one is worth a second listen!
Merle Haggard was a wounderful artist in many ways. With his cover on If I could only fly, written by Blaze Foley, an almost unknown singer-songwriter, was introduced to a broader audience, and the rest of it is history. Big thanks Otis.
"I'm not the target audience", that's a deep line that I can totally relate to, very well put. I'm almost ashamed to say that I have only in the last few years discovered Prine, Isbell, Childers etc., but they are just unknown in my area. It is a great shame I blame largely on modern radio.
David Olney, an American Folk / Singer Songwriter, I feel is lesser known than he should be.I just discovered him about a year before his passing so I never got the chance to see him perform live - my loss. He has some great songs, 1917, Barrymore Remembers, Roses, If My Eyes Were Blind, and Jerusalem Tomorrow just to name a few of my favorites, and he loved what he did, performing up til his death, RIP.
I'm glad y'all dig Tyler, Sturgill, Isbell and Stapleton, but I was hoping we might dig a little deeper. Most artists dream of being as obscure as those guys. : )
Scotty Emerick has some great stuff. Songwriter who has #1 hit credits all over the place, mostly performed by Toby Keith. Excellent guitarist who has a few videos of his own out there. Here's one of his non-mainstream originals that might tickle your fancy: ruclips.net/video/wDQANmQO2g0/видео.html Or maybe this one: ruclips.net/video/2gMg1T7QyPo/видео.html
Sonora's Death Row is a song by Blackie Farrell, a songwriter/storyteller who's been kicking around even longer than I have (I'm 75) and who has had his songs covered by many but rarely is seen doing his own stuff. He has 1 great CD produced by Gurf Morlix with help from Bill Kirchen et al. A songwriter I can relate to. Give it a listen: ruclips.net/video/px6XIbu0oqM/видео.html (Hope when my CD comes out later this year, I become as obscurely revered as Blackie.)
yeah Cody Jinks is no doubt one of today's "outlaws". a video just surfaced of him saying "f*** nashville, we don't need them we'll make our own g*ddamn club!" I like Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Travis Tritt is coming back into the game, Alan Jackson is back with another album. The artists are for sure there i'ts just nashville isn't playin them, the radios aren't playin em.
I played country music for years I play guitar and banjo country bluegrass and I was a singer songwriter and it’s not an easy life and country is definitely gone the wrong direction. I’m a traditional guy. But it’s OK I preach the gospel I got a RUclips channel and I’m leading people to Jesus Christ and that’s the most important thing. Thank you for your wonderful commentary that was amazing. Merle haggard was a great American
Jason Isbell. He is one of the best songwriters there has ever been. His album “Southeastern” is on par with John Prine’s debut self-titled album. He’s got a great unique sound, and he has nowhere near as much attention as he deserves. I would give the song “Dress Blues” a listen.
Love Jason's work....gotta say, he still couldn't carry John's guitar case in my opinion. But yeah...a good songwriter of today for sure. (Sorry, I'm a Prine-is-God guy.)
dear car. wasnt familiar with his music heard a few hear and thereseveral years ago scotty emerick gave me a copy of broken bridges he and fred worked on many of the songs together and 1 really good song by him on the record my sister was dating scott at the time really good guitarist local indie radio plays some of his songs on sunday country show sure my nephew in nash.probably saw him lots of songwriters hung out east nash. clubs he went to many shows down there cant recall title the f.e. song was one of the best from the bridges soundtrack
A tear came to my eye of cold heart when I heard that Merle had left this cruel world. Pretty Green Hills as sung by Dave Evans and written by Tom T. Hall.
Nick Shoulders. All of his stuff is so good, he walks the country line but it always feels like he is just doing his own thing. In particular his song "Rather Low" hit hard.
Hag said this years ago and unfortunately not much has changed. Most of the “country” radio stations did not play anything off of the last several albums that Merle put out later in his career. I don’t know if Ray Wylie Hubbard could be considered country but he has and still is writing good songs.
You just blew my mind with the Adam Carol name drop! I personally think he is one of the finest song writers I have ever heard. I saw Adam in Bastrop Texas playing in a small room in a bowling alley about 10 or 12 years ago and was blown away. "And we walked past the graveyard of the rusty combines" What a disruptive line. I think Radney Foster belongs in that conversation as well. Thanks Otis!
@@otisgibbs and Scott. I'm Australian and I came across Adam Caroll a few years ago just by chance on one of my many RUclips surfs. "Mr Errols Song" to me is just top shelf. "Lacy's Song", "Screen Door", "Smokey Mountain Taxi" - 'there were holes in smile' what a line!!
The Devil, God and Me by Evan Bartels, Thirteen Silver Dollars or anything by Colter Wall, there are so many , James McMurtry, Wayne "the train" Hancock, James Hand the list goes on
'Anything by Colter Wall'... will check him out but I'm wary of the words Every, All, Always and Never. Hagard referred to 'cage-rattling songs' Can Each of Mr. Walls be defined as a cage rattler? Seriously doubt it. Bottom line I think thats the problem. How many times to do hear someone say " I love Country Music'? In otherwords, if someone calls it country, I will buy it or tune in my radio to it. Corporate radio programmers love that shit. As long as it's on "Country Radio" the y consider it Great. BTW most corporate- run Country stations don't play too much Haggard or even Willie. BTW to a degree, the same can be said about Rap/ Hip-Hop programming, but IMO and thank goodness a bit less about Rock Music. I believe rock consumers are a bit more discerning, in other words just 'cause one likes Cage The Elephant, they don't necessarily like Queen, Springsteen, Foo Fighters, etc.... . Might listen to'em if they do come on the radio, but won't endorse'm and say--' oohthat's rocknroll --I love it all'
You deserve to be on the list too, Otis. You’re live songs are original, insightful, have a great soulful voice, whimsical storyteller and better than average guitar player for your stuff. Your subject matter is often personal but also cultural or society commentary. You plough a genuine furrow and although an Irish fan your life view touches me as much as your honestly held beliefs expressed in words and music.
"Ridin' back home on the Trailways bus I looked out the window ’til I saw too much And I called my parents by their own first names I played in the alley, but I didn’t play the game anymore I put away childish things"
I completely agree Otis! Great songs are still being written and performed but they are much harder to access. It takes word of mouth and you are part of that Otis and I thank you kindly. Rod Piccott ...Welding Burns is an amazing song!
Otis you are so right about modern Country Music, it's become nothing more than a pattern and a formula to make money. Modern Country isn't anything more than Country sounds infused into Pop Music for the most part or vice versa. Maybe us old schoolers are a dying breed but it used to be that Country Music told "our story" and reflected who we were. I am a Country Boy with a Rock and Roll Soul and so called Modern Country don't float my boat. Keep em coming Otis!
90% of the music is that way and has been since 2010. Before this we could here some of the artists from the 1990's and late 1980's who were good and could do hit after hit. It is like they are trying to force a style onto an artist due to the first big album they wrote which works for South Dakota since the older people born in South Dakota over 70 who are white like to pidgin hole people into a slot and keep them there for life.
I grew up listening to country music, but I've got to say the seventies were an especially fertile and creative time for country. Too much of what came later struck me as just pop music with southern accents, but I haven't really tried to keep up. On the other hand, a few days ago I saw a video of Trae Crowder, Drew Morgan, and Corey Forrester talking about their nostalgic love for the country music of the nineties.....
I love anything Haag, I was privileged enough to sit on his bus and listen to him strum, my cousin built all of his guitars. He was just the nicest person.
Hey Otis, thanks for sharing these stories with us . I was out recently working on a road on my property while listening to Hoosier National. Thanks for sharing that with us too. It was the perfect soundtrack for the sun on my back, dust in my face, and a shovel in my hand.
Heard and watched Merle Haggard say "everyone was popping pills back then thats why the music was so good".. Graham Nash really tells it like it is as well, he talks about the negative result of Woodstock where businesses figured "we can get a million kids together in one place and sell them all a coke.."
Great thoughts and conversation. Here are a few of my recommendations. Steve Tolbert - Born To Die - Dead Mans Song - The Last Dutchmans Mine: Charlie Parr - The Death of Jerry Damron - Who Killed Cock Robin : The Lowest Pair - When The Mountains Shake: Riley Baugus- Undone In Sorrow - Waterbound. (maybe some are folk but related to country.) Many more I could name. All underground but in my day would be big hits on country billboard charts
I think Sting's song, " I Hung My Head" has to be one of the best country songs that I've heard in the last 25 (?) years. I first heard it sung by Johnny Cash and was not aware of who had written it. After the song was over, I thought to myself, that has to be the best country lyric ever written... Love your stories Otis.
Alex Miller was on American idol. He did real country songs, like Merle haggard and Johnny Cash. He has a song called I’m over you so get over me. It’s really good in my opinion and I think he could bring back country music again for younger people like me. The judges on American idol kept telling him to change and do something different and I think they were completely wrong. Anyway y’all should check him out for sure
@@pkortalk yeah and listen to Luke Bryan’s songs. He has a good voice I guess but his songs are awful in my opinion and it bothers me that people call it country
For me, the one I think of is The Steeldrivers. Now, I know Cris Stapleton is huge now, but in 2005? They wrote very good music. But I never heard it pushed on the radio. Discovered them through Pandora. Fell under the same genre as other songs I liked.
This is the whole reason why I subscribed to your channel. To find new names. I commented awhile back saying I didn't know who you were, I have now watched every video you have and have been pleased. Now I have to go back through and look up names. But you have an easy listening voice and are a wonderful story teller. Almost as good as Tom T. Lol. To my credit though I had heard Spudnik Monroe before though I just didn't know who sang it. One last thing to show you your impact, this weekend we had a little get together and was drinking and playing music. I am known for playing off the wall stuff and One of your songs came on my blue tooth radio. One of the guys asked me who it was and I told him it was Otis Gibbs. He laughed and said that he had just started watching your videos on the tube and he had no idea of who you were either. Keep doing what your doing. YOU'RE MAKING AN IMPACT HERE IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI!!!!
Brother Trucker is deep and catchy. On the outlaw side, there's always Whitey Morgan and Cody Jinks. Also, I loved it a few years ago when Sturgill Simpson, not recognized by the academy, spent the evening busking outside the Country Music Awards.
EmmyLou Harris wrote most of the Tracks on her Albums Red Dirt Girl and Stumble into Grace. A must hear single is Bang The Drum Slowly written by EmmyLou and Guy Clark. I get chills every time I hear it. Emmy just keeps getting better. Hard Bargin a album from 2011 has a tribute to Gram Parsons, The Road a great song.
Thank you so much for the great channel and topics. I'm not that knowledgeable about Country music and the various sub-genre's associated, but every once in a long time I come across a great tune. I stumbled across this great band in Wyoming called 10 Cent Stranger. The song 'Like The Sea' has some of best lyrics I've heard in a long time. Lori McKenna's 'Stranger In His Kiss' is great too.
There are many great artists who will never be known to the world at large because they have to do it on there own. Lindi Ortega is a great example. She is real country and not modern though she is a modern artist. Thank you for this great video!
I was lucky to be living in Nashville and become a fan of Dave Olney about 1976-77. At that time it was just Dave and his guitar, and I saw him as a folk singer-songwriter. About a year later he founded his X-Ray band, and it was big fun to watch him turn his lovely folk songs into rock-n-roll (If My Eyes Were Blind was a great example), and then write explicitly rock songs. He was always prolific, coming up with a new song almost every weekend at Springwater and then at Cantrell's. (Otis, I hope you've seen the X-Ray performance at Austin City Limits on RUclips.) After the X-Rays disbanded, Dave consistently continued to write and perform, until he died last year. He was a founder of Americana (seemingly the intersection of folk, country and rock) ten years before the genre had a name, because he defied labels. Del McCoury did a bluegrass version of one early Olney song: ruclips.net/video/Sz9l9qFTEy0/видео.html There is too much to say here, but I can't stop without mentioning the magic Sergio Webb made when he accompanied Dave Olney: ruclips.net/video/wLb28p4hlqw/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/8bMaaac032k/видео.html
I'm gonna upload a video with Sergio tomorrow and in case you haven't seen it, I own one of David's amplifiers and made a video about it on this channel last year. : )
Love the post! Had the priviledge to hear Merle back in the 70's along with Tanya Tucker, both are in my favorite category. Ashley Mcbryde is one of my favs, Love everything by her but do check out her new one she just debuted at the Grand Old Opry last month- Whiskey and Country Music, gives me chills everytime I listen. Thanks again for all your posts.
Greetings from Nashville Mr Gibbs! I love your videos! I'm a drummer and knew Hag and many others. My personal favorite real country singer is Ron Williams. His mother is Leona Williams and his step father was Merle. I invite everyone to listen to "The Real Deal" Ron Williams! God Bless!
Otis John Prine was pretty darn good ,and just discovered you .I'm pushing 80,hoorayfor utube. Enjoy your post Otis ,keep up the good work. God bless Bob here in Maryland.
I always think of music as "pick your poison". Maybe the best thing about being alive the last 66 years is being able to easily hear all kinds of music and in all kinds of the genres they now choose to categorize it by. I just look for good music to my ear, and I find it all sorts of places and labels. I mean even Way Riley Hubbard rights really good one chord songs but I enjoy Tosca as much. Cheers to those still struggling with the art of writing a good song with good lyrics.
I wanna thank you for turning me on to an Adam Carroll song I had not heard. I learned one called Hi-Fi Love a while back that is just loaded with great lines. I drove by a old implement on my way to my gig the other day and saw a "Graveyard of Rusted Combines" and thought..man I should put that in a song. Welp leave it to Adam to beat us all to those great images. Anyway I thought I would submit one of my friend Chuck Hawthorne's songs that I think should be a classic alongside some of Merle's gems. There is something in the water down there in Texas I guess. Keep on your path brother I might have just as well put up your song 'Ghosts of our Fathers' or any number of others that only I seem to know about around here. I stopped listening to commercial radio many years ago. I am always on the lookout for a great song. Here is that tune when you get a minute..it just gives me shivers. ruclips.net/video/Xz9OhhhcGqI/видео.html
Texas country is by far the worst! It is the punk music of country. And Punk sucks. Every white boy with an acoustic guitar, these Texas country singers literally all sound the same!
I played COUNTRY music out there for 30+ years. We were doing 6 nights a week most of those years , and later 5 nights. I even played in my own Band 'Cheyenne' in Germany while stationed there with the US Army in 1980-1983. Back in Texas, We opened for any touring C&W act that came anywhere near El Paso TX. BUT when this CRAP today came out of "TRASHville, TN." on the radio...I hung up my guitar! :) I wont learn it, I wont PLAY it , I dont buy it!!! I havent listened to "cOuNtRy " radio in 15-20 years. :) They cut these cookie cutter cOuNtRy acts and throw their BS music up against the wall and SEE what sticks. Long Live the music and memories of the likes of Ray Price, Merle Haggard , Lefty Frizzell and George Jones. That CRAP aint country, Thats just BAD Rock & Roll with a a Steel guitar & Fiddle in it.
I used to hang with Dale during the 90's back when I lived and gigged in Austin. Those were really special times for a lot of us. All the musicians were very down to earth and we all hung out together in the clubs.
Got another one. This one isn't on RUclips but it is on soundcloud. Song is called 'Misery' by the Hard Soul Poets. Recorded in the early 90s produced by Fred Leblanc from New Orleans.
Benjamin Tod/Lost Dog Street Band, "I Will Rise," "Sorry for the Things," "O'Dea," "Using Again," "September Doves," "Without a Doubt" Could go on, but that'll get you started.
Hate to say this BUT, we were doing promo for an up & coming Americana artist. (I bet you'd know him) We were working regional radio ad buys in a 100-200 mile circle around Minneapolis. We got on to an 'intro slot' on the charts at #100. 3 weeks later We were up to 73 a couple more weeks we were in their top 40 and got all the way to #19. Thing is we hadn't released anything yet. Nobody had heard it! We had no hard product. When it came out it hung around some & when ad buy ended it drifted down rapidly. Money still runs the radio
I've been listening to some younger guys bring back bluegrass and country and western music. I love Kate McCannon by Coulter Wall. His stuff really hits me.
“Welding Burns” by Rod Picott (he’s lived what Springsteen sings about)... “California Snow” as recorded by Tom Russell...think it’s a co-write with Dave Alvin
Otis...thanks for saying what we’re all thinking. I sure do miss real country music and singers who don’t all sound the same. Progress? Not in my world.
Hi Otis, thanks for another great video. I grew up listening to the Jim Reeves records of my father. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and the guys. For me country music these days is rock Musik with Cowboy hats.... sure the artists are good, but I think I’m old fashioned in that respect. My personal favorites are people like David Olney, Blaze Foley, and John Prine. I myself play open stages, or did. when they were still allowed, and the number of talented unknowns at these events is amazing. For me, the best place to go to hear new, slightly unpolished, talent. Much love to ya ❤️
The song "There Goes" by Alan Jackson was a minor hit, very minor, but I thought it was a true country classic. Hank III and all of the people you mentioned, along with a ton of folks in Austin, TX. Going back to the Flying Burrito Brothers, Emily Lou Harris, there's always been great country music that never really became "mainstream". If Willie were a few years younger and hadn't written all those classics, he may have been relegated to the alt-country category. Coincidently, Burrito Brother bassist Chris Ethridge (RIP) played with Willie Nelson for decades: just look at the list of greats he co-wrote songs with! I'm inclined to agree with you Otto Gibbs: great country music has always been a fluke -- thank Gid there's lot's of it, but Nashville didn't really want Waylon and all my favorites: They just created such a buzz that they couldn't be ignored, just like all the "outlaw" rock music, from NY Dolls, Ramones, and even Guns n' Roses (the industry attempted and failed to make them sweet and pretty). I love this channel, and I'm from Warrenton, VA, where Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline, and Roy Clark got their start. I grew up on traditional country, before devolving into a "freak" and "Punk". When I came back to country, it had evolved: good and bad.
Bohemian Celt, Maybe you can help me.. I’m from down the road from you. Ended up in Culpepper last fall and caught a lil show by this black dude. Knew every country song. Did great renditions. Had a “Kanye Twitty” shirt on. I figured maybe he played in your neck of the woods. Can’t remember his name!
One of the best songs I’ve heard in the last couple years is from Nathan Golliher with the buffalo gals it’s called “down in the valley” he did a live version for the Gruhns guitar instagram feed and it’s absolutely haunting
How about 'True to life' by Uncle Tupelo. Or any number of tunes by one of my favorite bands of all time. I'm pretty sure you're familiar with them, Otis. Great topic.
Merle's genius rendered into prose. To Mr. Gibbs' point--you're 100% right, brother! I would add that nearer to the end of the 80's is when I finally began to lose interest (Lyle Lovett's first recording is 1986). Funnily, I had this same discussion with someone regarding rock music--which I love equally as well--with me saying I didn't have the time to devote to researching what's good NOW--now that the record companies ceased investing in songs, songwriting, and songwriters. Gone are the days when you could just turn on the radio--to whatever genre tickled your fancy--and find one gem after another. Unfortunately, at the age of 60 I cannot quit my day job to spend my time looking for whose music will do for me what three quarters' of the 1972 dj's playlist did for me back then. Thank you for this, though.
Glad you mentioned Marty Stuart. I absolutely love his album ‘The Pilgrim’, I don’t think there’s a bad song on it. But ‘Red Wine and Cheating Songs’ is one I really like, it has a very classic country feel and a very country subject. I think of Hank when I hear it. I think Pam Tillis is singing harmonies.
The one that rocks my world in Mo Pitney, whether a old cover of his own songs such as "clean up on Aisle Five", "A Boy & A Girl Thing" , Behind This Guitar and so many others including, " I Met Merle Haggard Today". Give a listen if you haven't t already!! Stay safe & God bless!!
A song that sticks in my mind for some reason would be “days engraved” by the .357 string band. There vocalist Josh Huber also does some great acoustic songs. PcE. X
Well, of course the no brainer is John Prine singing " I Remember Everything.." and all his songs before that last one. i often wonder what Haggard thought of John.
I know you asked for only one song but here are 3 that are in my heavy rotation: 1. Four Years of Chances, Margo Price; Good with God (feat. Brandi Carlile), Old 97s; and Turn off the News, Lukas Nelson and Promise of The Real
If you listen to Roger Creager singing live “Having Fun All Wrong” you know it’s from an artist that experienced it and then wrote about it. I’ll take that any day. Sustaining it takes hard work and some luck for every singer-songwriter to gain an audience.
I wish I had thought of it but it's so true - what's wrong with the music business, is the music business. Can any genre of music survive or flourish and remain relevant when it becomes mainstream? Also, whether it's country or rock or RnB, if those that run the industry are more motivated by what they want to stick up their nose than the quality of the music they want to listen to, that's not good prospects.
Otis I know that you know Dale Watson but he’s a favorite of mine and his song “I lie when I Drink” is probably my favorite. I could hear it 20 times a day and never turn it down.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I like the moniker 'folk music or folk artist.' Most of the music today called country music is actually simply pop music.
Just a P.S. on my comment about an artist who deserves attention. Just watched a clip from Pat McLaughlin doing a song, China Bowl. I'd never really heard his voice given his backing Prine who I love. But Pat rocks the blues really fine. i was so struck by his solo voice. What a humble man. Plus, he's from Iowa!!
I love Shake Russell songs ... Merle is my all time favorite artist, but he lived in a different world...several in his life. There can never be another Merle Haggard because of it.
John Moreland ::hang me in the tulsa county stars:: & ::you don't care for me enough to cry:: Also Benjamin todd from "lost dog" is one of the greatest folk singer/song writers of our generation...
Parker McCullem has a bunch on utube that are unreleased..... he has a unique sound and even though he has the new style look he sounds just like a good ole Texas country boy when he sings. His new song "to be loved by you" get's stuck in my head... and most importantly he is writing what he sings with very few cover songs from what I can tell.
I was going to mention dale Watson, but you already did. I ve met him a few times. great fella!! You have any funny dale Watson stories? Id love to hear em.
Glad Dale Watson got a plug. He used to live four doors down from us in Austin, and he did a photo shoot right by our backyard. We saw him play in Luckenbach, which is about as good as it gets.
Cheap Cocaine -Willi Carlisle The Joke (Taco Bowl) - Chris Acker 16 Ounce Blues- Crypt Trip Driving these blues away - Gus Clark and The Least Of His Problems Country Livin’ Blues- Jason Dea West
Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell "Two Different Things"...the entire "Begonias" album might be the greatest country album of the last twenty years and very few have heard it. I know those are strong words, but damn that album is magical.
Will always love ol Hag's song writing and music. A couple of bluegrass songs that I really enjoy - Rye Whiskey by Ronnie Bowman. Scarecrow by Volume 5. Country? Bluegrass? Don't know, but really good songs.
What's a great song that most folks might not know about? Tell me the name of the song and the artist and maybe we can all get turned on to some great tunes. I'll start it off by sharing this Adam Carroll song. He's made a lot of great records over the years, but this was my entry point. Go buy Adam's records!
Adam Carrol -Errol's Song
ruclips.net/video/jjHW_424eiw/видео.html
Robbie Fulks, “Fare thee well Carolina girls” just listened to your suggestion. Great stuff!
I’m gonna chime in and say my favorite Tyler cut is “Shake the frost”. And “long violent history” is profound as shit.
This falls under the category of "folk" but Jonny Akamu's song 2 OF A KIND is epic as can be from about 13 years ago.. I wrote him and told him that, also asked for the chords lol and he replied which was awesome
Another i have to mention are Eric and Polly Rapp SWALLOWED from about 20years ago.. i had to post a few songs from their album a month ago they have nothing on youtube.. the arts are hijacked
Here's a quick playlist I just put together for this .....
ruclips.net/p/PL-wH7I5tKDG0iAdTtrwSu4D5Mg43SYkLF
Hope any that bother enjoy. .... Be well out there 🤘
I got kicked out of a Merle concert at the Ryman. I was too rowdy spilling my draft beer on the head of the woman in front of me that was not enjoying the concert as much as her date. There was an article the next day...Merle commented on the ordeal... He said my songs are for the lady that got kicked out...not for the one that stayed.. I play honky-tonk music❤️
I was raised on Ernest Tubb, Loretta, Buck Owens, Merle, Conway, Hank Thompson, George Jones, many, many good ones. But people like you are the reason I quite going to big music shows, I don't care what Merle said, I don't want beer spilt on me, and I don't want to listen to some drunk who thinks they sing better than the person I PAID to hear!!
I believe I was at that Show.
The Books on
Mr Mere Howard are So Good. My Son/Dauhter got Me House of Memories & Sing Me Back Home Dec 2021. Christmas & BDay 2021. I read them 3 times in a year. I am now reading THE HAG. IT IS TAKING LONGER TO READ. Lots of Informatin in this one also. REALLY ENJOYED the First Two. Wonderful Mr Merle. Will always Love Him & His Music. Now Love His 4 Boys. 9-16-2023 8:55pm MABS
“Country music these days are like bad rock bands with a fiddle.”
I like the way you put it. It’s so bad, every few months I turn on the radio to a country station to see how long I can stand it or to see if there is possibly one good new song out of maybe five. Usually I can’t even go to minutes, I can’t even get through the first song. If I go five songs, not one is worth a second listen!
look up geezenslaw You Call It Country, I Call It Bad Rock n Roll
Fiddle? Hardly even that anymore. I went to a show not long ago, the "fiddle" was the intro and that was it, pop music after that.
Recall Tom Petty saying that
@@Gator198l Some of his music could be called Country now.
Merle Haggard was a wounderful artist in many ways. With his cover on If I could only fly, written by Blaze Foley, an almost unknown singer-songwriter, was introduced to a broader audience, and the rest of it is history.
Big thanks Otis.
Love the song. If I Could Fly..
My favorite song.
Anything by Colter Wall. Such a talented young man and a great guitar player.
Colter really is something special!
Colter is great. I like Hank Williams III thr most
The darker side of me. By otis gibbs. It's a must listen and one of my favorites. Why its not on every country station is beyond me.
Thank ya kindly!
"I'm not the target audience", that's a deep line that I can totally relate to, very well put. I'm almost ashamed to say that I have only in the last few years discovered Prine, Isbell, Childers etc., but they are just unknown in my area. It is a great shame I blame largely on modern radio.
Try on some John Hiatt if you like some funny stuff, and some great blues.
David Olney, an American Folk / Singer Songwriter, I feel is lesser known than he should be.I just discovered him about a year before his passing so I never got the chance to see him perform live - my loss. He has some great songs, 1917, Barrymore Remembers, Roses, If My Eyes Were Blind, and Jerusalem Tomorrow just to name a few of my favorites, and he loved what he did, performing up til his death, RIP.
Thanks for sharing! I’ll check him out!
I'm glad y'all dig Tyler, Sturgill, Isbell and Stapleton, but I was hoping we might dig a little deeper. Most artists dream of being as obscure as those guys. : )
Here's one you probably don't know Otis. Check out anything by Jack Marks...but if i had to pick a starter song I'd go with Exley's Blues.
Scotty Emerick has some great stuff. Songwriter who has #1 hit credits all over the place, mostly performed by Toby Keith. Excellent guitarist who has a few videos of his own out there. Here's one of his non-mainstream originals that might tickle your fancy: ruclips.net/video/wDQANmQO2g0/видео.html Or maybe this one: ruclips.net/video/2gMg1T7QyPo/видео.html
How's about John R Miller Otis? ruclips.net/video/AU0bPIFOD2o/видео.html
Oh, and Benjamin Tod and Riddy Arman...
Sonora's Death Row is a song by Blackie Farrell, a songwriter/storyteller who's been kicking around even longer than I have (I'm 75) and who has had his songs covered by many but rarely is seen doing his own stuff. He has 1 great CD produced by Gurf Morlix with help from Bill Kirchen et al. A songwriter I can relate to. Give it a listen: ruclips.net/video/px6XIbu0oqM/видео.html
(Hope when my CD comes out later this year, I become as obscurely revered as Blackie.)
Hard to beat the honesty of a Cody Jinks song. Resonates with his fans! "I Cast No Stones" "Somewhere in the Middle" "David" "Memory and a Dream"
2nd this on Jinks. Great great writer and vocalist. Awesome live. Man of faith and substance.
yeah Cody Jinks is no doubt one of today's "outlaws". a video just surfaced of him saying "f*** nashville, we don't need them we'll make our own g*ddamn club!" I like Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Travis Tritt is coming back into the game, Alan Jackson is back with another album. The artists are for sure there i'ts just nashville isn't playin them, the radios aren't playin em.
I played country music for years I play guitar and banjo country bluegrass and I was a singer songwriter and it’s not an easy life and country is definitely gone the wrong direction. I’m a traditional guy. But it’s OK I preach the gospel I got a RUclips channel and I’m leading people to Jesus Christ and that’s the most important thing. Thank you for your wonderful commentary that was amazing. Merle haggard was a great American
Jason Isbell. He is one of the best songwriters there has ever been. His album “Southeastern” is on par with John Prine’s debut self-titled album. He’s got a great unique sound, and he has nowhere near as much attention as he deserves. I would give the song “Dress Blues” a listen.
Love Jason's work....gotta say, he still couldn't carry John's guitar case in my opinion. But yeah...a good songwriter of today for sure. (Sorry, I'm a Prine-is-God guy.)
And anything... ANYTHING... written by Fred Eaglesmith 🤩💕❤️💕
Thanks for the recommendation Catheryn
dear car. wasnt familiar with his music heard a few hear and thereseveral years ago scotty emerick gave me a copy of broken bridges he and fred worked on many of the songs together and 1 really good song by him on the record my sister was dating scott at the time really good guitarist local indie radio plays some of his songs on sunday country show sure my nephew in nash.probably saw him lots of songwriters hung out east nash. clubs he went to many shows down there cant recall title the f.e. song was one of the best from the bridges soundtrack
Darn, you beat me to it. Fred Eaglesmith "Alcohol and pills"
@@darinblomquist422 Yup!!! Also White Rose & I Like Trains are the Diggity 🥰
@@catheryndenton1766 yep, I bought a cassette when I seen him in a small place in Shell Lake, Wis.
A tear came to my eye of cold heart when I heard that Merle had left this cruel world.
Pretty Green Hills as sung by Dave Evans and written by Tom T. Hall.
Chris Stapleton, a lot of he’s stuff grabs me by the soul. 👍🏼
This is why I listen to 98.1 in Galax Virginia on Tune-In Radio. They play Classic Country Music like We used to hear.
Nick Shoulders.
All of his stuff is so good, he walks the country line but it always feels like he is just doing his own thing.
In particular his song "Rather Low" hit hard.
Hag said this years ago and unfortunately not much has changed. Most of the “country” radio stations did not play anything off of the last several albums that Merle put out later in his career.
I don’t know if Ray Wylie Hubbard could be considered country but he has and still is writing good songs.
You just blew my mind with the Adam Carol name drop! I personally think he is one of the finest song writers I have ever heard.
I saw Adam in Bastrop Texas playing in a small room in a bowling alley about 10 or 12 years ago and was blown away. "And we walked past the graveyard of the rusty combines" What a disruptive line. I think Radney Foster belongs in that conversation as well. Thanks Otis!
Adam is one of the best writers of his generation and he's one of my favorite people!
@@otisgibbs and Scott. I'm Australian and I came across Adam Caroll a few years ago just by chance on one of my many RUclips surfs. "Mr Errols Song" to me is just top shelf. "Lacy's Song", "Screen Door", "Smokey Mountain Taxi" - 'there were holes in smile' what a line!!
Hell yeah, compadre, you mentioned Dale Watson. I have seen him numerous times at the Continental Club in Austin and The Longhorn Saloon in Ft Worth.
I love me some Dale!
The Devil, God and Me by Evan Bartels, Thirteen Silver Dollars or anything by Colter Wall, there are so many , James McMurtry, Wayne "the train" Hancock, James Hand the list goes on
thanks for the recommendation. excellent
'Anything by Colter Wall'... will check him out but I'm wary of the words Every, All, Always and Never. Hagard referred to 'cage-rattling songs' Can Each of Mr. Walls be defined as a cage rattler? Seriously doubt it. Bottom line I think thats the problem. How many times to do hear someone say " I love Country Music'? In otherwords, if someone calls it country, I will buy it or tune in my radio to it. Corporate radio programmers love that shit. As long as it's on "Country Radio"
the y consider it Great. BTW most corporate- run Country stations don't play too much Haggard or even Willie. BTW to a degree, the same can be said about Rap/ Hip-Hop programming, but IMO and thank goodness a bit less about Rock Music.
I believe rock consumers are a bit more discerning, in other words just 'cause one likes Cage The Elephant, they don't necessarily like Queen, Springsteen, Foo Fighters, etc.... . Might listen to'em if they do come on the radio, but won't endorse'm and say--' oohthat's rocknroll --I love it all'
You deserve to be on the list too, Otis. You’re live songs are original, insightful, have a great soulful voice, whimsical storyteller and better than average guitar player for your stuff. Your subject matter is often personal but also cultural or society commentary. You plough a genuine furrow and although an Irish fan your life view touches me as much as your honestly held beliefs expressed in words and music.
Thank ya kindly! : )
James McMurtry, just about anything. Since we have to name one Choctaw Bingo.
James is as good as it gets!
"Ridin' back home on the Trailways bus
I looked out the window ’til I saw too much
And I called my parents by their own first names
I played in the alley, but I didn’t play the game anymore
I put away childish things"
Ah man James Mcmurtry is a hell of an artist. So impressive, loved his music for a long time and always will.
We can’t make it here anymore
No More Buffalo
I completely agree Otis! Great songs are still being written and performed but they are much harder to access. It takes word of mouth and you are part of that Otis and I thank you kindly. Rod Piccott ...Welding Burns is an amazing song!
Rod is great!
Texas sun...leon bridges and khruangbin ... keep going back to it ....so chill
Otis you are so right about modern Country Music, it's become nothing more than a pattern and a formula to make money. Modern Country isn't anything more than Country sounds infused into Pop Music for the most part or vice versa. Maybe us old schoolers are a dying breed but it used to be that Country Music told "our story" and reflected who we were. I am a Country Boy with a Rock and Roll Soul and so called Modern Country don't float my boat. Keep em coming Otis!
90% of the music is that way and has been since 2010. Before this we could here some of the artists from the 1990's and late 1980's who were good and could do hit after hit. It is like they are trying to force a style onto an artist due to the first big album they wrote which works for South Dakota since the older people born in South Dakota over 70 who are white like to pidgin hole people into a slot and keep them there for life.
I grew up listening to country music, but I've got to say the seventies were an especially fertile and creative time for country. Too much of what came later struck me as just pop music with southern accents, but I haven't really tried to keep up. On the other hand, a few days ago I saw a video of Trae Crowder, Drew Morgan, and Corey Forrester talking about their nostalgic love for the country music of the nineties.....
I love anything Haag, I was privileged enough to sit on his bus and listen to him strum, my cousin built all of his guitars. He was just the nicest person.
Lost Dog Street Band. Can't get away from yourself. Ben is the real deal. The man knows what the real pain of life can be. Thanks Otis keep it up.
Hey Otis, thanks for sharing these stories with us . I was out recently working on a road on my property while listening to Hoosier National. Thanks for sharing that with us too. It was the perfect soundtrack for the sun on my back, dust in my face, and a shovel in my hand.
Thank you! : )
Heard and watched Merle Haggard say "everyone was popping pills back then thats why the music was so good".. Graham Nash really tells it like it is as well, he talks about the negative result of Woodstock where businesses figured "we can get a million kids together in one place and sell them all a coke.."
Great thoughts and conversation. Here are a few of my recommendations. Steve Tolbert - Born To Die - Dead Mans Song - The Last Dutchmans Mine: Charlie Parr - The Death of Jerry Damron - Who Killed Cock Robin : The Lowest Pair - When The Mountains Shake: Riley Baugus- Undone In Sorrow - Waterbound. (maybe some are folk but related to country.) Many more I could name. All underground but in my day would be big hits on country billboard charts
I think Sting's song, " I Hung My Head" has to be one of the best country songs that I've heard in the last 25 (?) years. I first heard it sung by Johnny Cash and was not aware of who had written it. After the song was over, I thought to myself, that has to be the best country lyric ever written... Love your stories Otis.
Alex Miller was on American idol. He did real country songs, like Merle haggard and Johnny Cash. He has a song called I’m over you so get over me. It’s really good in my opinion and I think he could bring back country music again for younger people like me. The judges on American idol kept telling him to change and do something different and I think they were completely wrong. Anyway y’all should check him out for sure
You are so right. Alex had the right stuff but narcissist Luke Bryant got him kicked off.
@@pkortalk yeah and listen to Luke Bryan’s songs. He has a good voice I guess but his songs are awful in my opinion and it bothers me that people call it country
Sierra Ferrell is the new queen of Country Music! Her song “Jeremiah” is instant classic
For me, the one I think of is The Steeldrivers. Now, I know Cris Stapleton is huge now, but in 2005? They wrote very good music. But I never heard it pushed on the radio. Discovered them through Pandora. Fell under the same genre as other songs I liked.
This is the whole reason why I subscribed to your channel. To find new names. I commented awhile back saying I didn't know who you were, I have now watched every video you have and have been pleased. Now I have to go back through and look up names. But you have an easy listening voice and are a wonderful story teller. Almost as good as Tom T. Lol. To my credit though I had heard Spudnik Monroe before though I just didn't know who sang it.
One last thing to show you your impact, this weekend we had a little get together and was drinking and playing music. I am known for playing off the wall stuff and One of your songs came on my blue tooth radio. One of the guys asked me who it was and I told him it was Otis Gibbs. He laughed and said that he had just started watching your videos on the tube and he had no idea of who you were either. Keep doing what your doing. YOU'RE MAKING AN IMPACT HERE IN NORTH MISSISSIPPI!!!!
Thank ya kindly, Brent!
When can we expect the "Hey friends" t-shirts to be available? It's become a comforting phrase.
Jason Isbell: Speed Trap Town and Alabama Pines and anything else that he's written.
Brother Trucker is deep and catchy. On the outlaw side, there's always Whitey Morgan and Cody Jinks. Also, I loved it a few years ago when Sturgill Simpson, not recognized by the academy, spent the evening busking outside the Country Music Awards.
EmmyLou Harris wrote most of the Tracks on her Albums Red Dirt Girl and Stumble into Grace. A must hear single is Bang The Drum Slowly written by EmmyLou and Guy Clark. I get chills every time I hear it. Emmy just keeps getting better. Hard Bargin a album from 2011 has a tribute to Gram Parsons, The Road a great song.
Thank you so much for the great channel and topics. I'm not that knowledgeable about Country music and the various sub-genre's associated, but every once in a long time I come across a great tune. I stumbled across this great band in Wyoming called 10 Cent Stranger. The song 'Like The Sea' has some of best lyrics I've heard in a long time. Lori McKenna's 'Stranger In His Kiss' is great too.
There are many great artists who will never be known to the world at large because they have to do it on there own. Lindi Ortega is a great example. She is real country and not modern though she is a modern artist. Thank you for this great video!
I was lucky to be living in Nashville and become a fan of Dave Olney about 1976-77. At that time it was just Dave and his guitar, and I saw him as a folk singer-songwriter. About a year later he founded his X-Ray band, and it was big fun to watch him turn his lovely folk songs into rock-n-roll (If My Eyes Were Blind was a great example), and then write explicitly rock songs. He was always prolific, coming up with a new song almost every weekend at Springwater and then at Cantrell's. (Otis, I hope you've seen the X-Ray performance at Austin City Limits on RUclips.)
After the X-Rays disbanded, Dave consistently continued to write and perform, until he died last year. He was a founder of Americana (seemingly the intersection of folk, country and rock) ten years before the genre had a name, because he defied labels. Del McCoury did a bluegrass version of one early Olney song: ruclips.net/video/Sz9l9qFTEy0/видео.html
There is too much to say here, but I can't stop without mentioning the magic Sergio Webb made when he accompanied Dave Olney: ruclips.net/video/wLb28p4hlqw/видео.html
and ruclips.net/video/8bMaaac032k/видео.html
I'm gonna upload a video with Sergio tomorrow and in case you haven't seen it, I own one of David's amplifiers and made a video about it on this channel last year. : )
Ryan Bingham live in Texas (2018)is one of my favorite albums and is my favorite country singer
Love the post! Had the priviledge to hear Merle back in the 70's along with Tanya Tucker, both are in my favorite category. Ashley Mcbryde is one of my favs, Love everything by her but do check out her new one she just debuted at the Grand Old Opry last month- Whiskey and Country Music, gives me chills everytime I listen. Thanks again for all your posts.
Thank you, Debra!
Greetings from Nashville Mr
Gibbs! I love your videos! I'm a drummer and knew Hag and many others. My personal favorite real country singer is Ron Williams. His mother is Leona Williams and his step father was Merle. I invite everyone to listen to
"The Real Deal" Ron Williams!
God Bless!
Thank you for bringing up Dwight!!!! His movies are awesome too!!!😎
Otis John Prine was pretty darn good ,and just discovered you .I'm pushing 80,hoorayfor utube.
Enjoy your post Otis ,keep up the good work. God bless Bob here in Maryland.
Thank you, Bob! : )
I always think of music as "pick your poison". Maybe the best thing about being alive the last 66 years is being able to easily hear all kinds of music and in all kinds of the genres they now choose to categorize it by. I just look for good music to my ear, and I find it all sorts of places and labels. I mean even Way Riley Hubbard rights really good one chord songs but I enjoy Tosca as much. Cheers to those still struggling with the art of writing a good song with good lyrics.
"Back From The Grave" by Waylon Payne and "The Scheme of Things" by Pam Tillis both made my best of 2020 playlist.
I wanna thank you for turning me on to an Adam Carroll song I had not heard. I learned one called Hi-Fi Love a while back that is just loaded with great lines. I drove by a old implement on my way to my gig the other day and saw a "Graveyard of Rusted Combines" and thought..man I should put that in a song. Welp leave it to Adam to beat us all to those great images. Anyway I thought I would submit one of my friend Chuck Hawthorne's songs that I think should be a classic alongside some of Merle's gems. There is something in the water down there in Texas I guess. Keep on your path brother I might have just as well put up your song 'Ghosts of our Fathers' or any number of others that only I seem to know about around here. I stopped listening to commercial radio many years ago. I am always on the lookout for a great song. Here is that tune when you get a minute..it just gives me shivers. ruclips.net/video/Xz9OhhhcGqI/видео.html
Comal county blue by Jason Boland and the Stragglers.
Texas country is by far the worst! It is the punk music of country. And Punk sucks. Every white boy with an acoustic guitar, these Texas country singers literally all sound the same!
Big fan of that song "Darker Side of Me..." Just can't remember who sings it. ;)
Thank ya kindly!
I had to listen to this a few times to get my brain wrapped around this. You are spot on correct!
"What It Means" by Drive-by Truckers is a good tune that was just released a couple years ago.
I played COUNTRY music out there for 30+ years. We were doing 6 nights a week most of those years , and later 5 nights. I even played in my own Band 'Cheyenne' in Germany while stationed there with the US Army in 1980-1983. Back in Texas, We opened for any touring C&W act that came anywhere near El Paso TX.
BUT when this CRAP today came out of "TRASHville, TN." on the radio...I hung up my guitar! :) I wont learn it, I wont PLAY it , I dont buy it!!!
I havent listened to "cOuNtRy " radio in 15-20 years. :) They cut these cookie cutter cOuNtRy acts and throw their BS music up against the wall and SEE what sticks.
Long Live the music and memories of the likes of Ray Price, Merle Haggard , Lefty Frizzell and George Jones.
That CRAP aint country, Thats just BAD Rock & Roll with a a Steel guitar & Fiddle in it.
That’s the best I’ve heard on how to explain the junk. From Hag and you Ottis. Another great post. Thank you
I used to hang with Dale during the 90's back when I lived and gigged in Austin. Those were really special times for a lot of us. All the musicians were very down to earth and we all hung out together in the clubs.
Thank you, Mike!
Got another one. This one isn't on RUclips but it is on soundcloud. Song is called 'Misery' by the Hard Soul Poets. Recorded in the early 90s produced by Fred Leblanc from New Orleans.
Benjamin Tod/Lost Dog Street Band, "I Will Rise," "Sorry for the Things," "O'Dea," "Using Again," "September Doves," "Without a Doubt"
Could go on, but that'll get you started.
Hate to say this BUT, we were doing promo for an up & coming Americana artist. (I bet you'd know him) We were working regional radio ad buys in a 100-200 mile circle around Minneapolis. We got on to an 'intro slot' on the charts at #100. 3 weeks later We were up to 73 a couple more weeks we were in their top 40 and got all the way to #19. Thing is we hadn't released anything yet. Nobody had heard it! We had no hard product. When it came out it hung around some & when ad buy ended it drifted down rapidly. Money still runs the radio
“no one is gonna love you better” a duet Heather Myles and Merle Haggard. Just a great song!
I've been listening to some younger guys bring back bluegrass and country and western music. I love Kate McCannon by Coulter Wall. His stuff really hits me.
“Welding Burns” by Rod Picott (he’s lived what Springsteen sings about)... “California Snow” as recorded by Tom Russell...think it’s a co-write with Dave Alvin
Otis...thanks for saying what we’re all thinking. I sure do miss real country music and singers who don’t all sound the same. Progress? Not in my world.
Hi Otis, thanks for another great video. I grew up listening to the Jim Reeves records of my father. Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and the guys. For me country music these days is rock Musik with Cowboy hats.... sure the artists are good, but I think I’m old fashioned in that respect. My personal favorites are people like David Olney, Blaze Foley, and John Prine. I myself play open stages, or did. when they were still allowed, and the number of talented unknowns at these events is amazing. For me, the best place to go to hear new, slightly unpolished, talent. Much love to ya ❤️
The song "There Goes" by Alan Jackson was a minor hit, very minor, but I thought it was a true country classic. Hank III and all of the people you mentioned, along with a ton of folks in Austin, TX. Going back to the Flying Burrito Brothers, Emily Lou Harris, there's always been great country music that never really became "mainstream". If Willie were a few years younger and hadn't written all those classics, he may have been relegated to the alt-country category. Coincidently, Burrito Brother bassist Chris Ethridge (RIP) played with Willie Nelson for decades: just look at the list of greats he co-wrote songs with! I'm inclined to agree with you Otto Gibbs: great country music has always been a fluke -- thank Gid there's lot's of it, but Nashville didn't really want Waylon and all my favorites: They just created such a buzz that they couldn't be ignored, just like all the "outlaw" rock music, from NY Dolls, Ramones, and even Guns n' Roses (the industry attempted and failed to make them sweet and pretty). I love this channel, and I'm from Warrenton, VA, where Jimmy Dean, Patsy Cline, and Roy Clark got their start. I grew up on traditional country, before devolving into a "freak" and "Punk". When I came back to country, it had evolved: good and bad.
sometimes I think that alt-country is, nowadays, what country should've alway been
Bohemian Celt,
Maybe you can help me.. I’m from down the road from you. Ended up in Culpepper last fall and caught a lil show by this black dude. Knew every country song. Did great renditions. Had a “Kanye Twitty” shirt on. I figured maybe he played in your neck of the woods.
Can’t remember his name!
One of the best songs I’ve heard in the last couple years is from Nathan Golliher with the buffalo gals it’s called “down in the valley” he did a live version for the Gruhns guitar instagram feed and it’s absolutely haunting
Great Perspective Otis, Many Thanks
How about 'True to life' by Uncle Tupelo. Or any number of tunes by one of my favorite bands of all time. I'm pretty sure you're familiar with them, Otis. Great topic.
Merle's genius rendered into prose. To Mr. Gibbs' point--you're 100% right, brother! I would add that nearer to the end of the 80's is when I finally began to lose interest (Lyle Lovett's first recording is 1986). Funnily, I had this same discussion with someone regarding rock music--which I love equally as well--with me saying I didn't have the time to devote to researching what's good NOW--now that the record companies ceased investing in songs, songwriting, and songwriters. Gone are the days when you could just turn on the radio--to whatever genre tickled your fancy--and find one gem after another. Unfortunately, at the age of 60 I cannot quit my day job to spend my time looking for whose music will do for me what three quarters' of the 1972 dj's playlist did for me back then. Thank you for this, though.
Thank you for introducing me to Adam carrol you are seriously providing a service with these recommendations
Thanks for checking him out, Luke!
Chris Knight has been writing incredible tunes for over two decades. Down the river is one of my favorites, but Chris has a huge trough to drink from🤠
Glad you mentioned Marty Stuart. I absolutely love his album ‘The Pilgrim’, I don’t think there’s a bad song on it. But ‘Red Wine and Cheating Songs’ is one I really like, it has a very classic country feel and a very country subject. I think of Hank when I hear it. I think Pam Tillis is singing harmonies.
The one that rocks my world in Mo Pitney, whether a old cover of his own songs such as "clean up on Aisle Five", "A Boy & A Girl Thing" , Behind This Guitar and so many others including, " I Met Merle Haggard Today". Give a listen if you haven't t already!! Stay safe & God bless!!
A song that sticks in my mind for some reason would be “days engraved” by the .357 string band. There vocalist Josh Huber also does some great acoustic songs.
PcE. X
Otis, thanks ------Lines around your eyes- -- by the great singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams
Todays country is lacking "western", it is mostly mainstream pop. Great video.
Well, of course the no brainer is John Prine singing " I Remember Everything.." and all his songs before that last one. i often wonder what Haggard thought of John.
I know you asked for only one song but here are 3 that are in my heavy rotation: 1. Four Years of Chances, Margo Price; Good with God (feat. Brandi Carlile), Old 97s; and Turn off the News, Lukas Nelson and Promise of The Real
If you listen to Roger Creager singing live “Having Fun All Wrong” you know it’s from an artist that experienced it and then wrote about it. I’ll take that any day. Sustaining it takes hard work and some luck for every singer-songwriter to gain an audience.
I wish I had thought of it but it's so true - what's wrong with the music business, is the music business. Can any genre of music survive or flourish and remain relevant when it becomes mainstream?
Also, whether it's country or rock or RnB, if those that run the industry are more motivated by what they want to stick up their nose than the quality of the music they want to listen to, that's not good prospects.
Otis I know that you know Dale Watson but he’s a favorite of mine and his song “I lie when I Drink” is probably my favorite. I could hear it 20 times a day and never turn it down.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I like the moniker 'folk music or folk artist.' Most of the music today called country music is actually simply pop music.
Just a P.S. on my comment about an artist who deserves attention. Just watched a clip from Pat McLaughlin doing a song, China Bowl. I'd never really heard his voice given his backing Prine who I love. But Pat rocks the blues really fine. i was so struck by his solo voice. What a humble man. Plus, he's from Iowa!!
I love Shake Russell songs ... Merle is my all time favorite artist, but he lived in a different world...several in his life. There can never be another Merle Haggard because of it.
John Moreland ::hang me in the tulsa county stars:: & ::you don't care for me enough to cry::
Also Benjamin todd from "lost dog" is one of the greatest folk singer/song writers of our generation...
John is a good soul and a damn fine writer!
Hal Ketchum's 'I Miss My Mary' blew me away the first time I heard it, and it still does.
Parker McCullem has a bunch on utube that are unreleased..... he has a unique sound and even though he has the new style look he sounds just like a good ole Texas country boy when he sings. His new song "to be loved by you" get's stuck in my head... and most importantly he is writing what he sings with very few cover songs from what I can tell.
I was going to mention dale Watson, but you already did. I ve met him a few times. great fella!! You have any funny dale Watson stories? Id love to hear em.
Sean Rowe. His cover of 1952 Vincent Black Lightning is one of the most passionate songs I've heard.
Hi Otis. Really liking these stories. Merle was so great. Thanks for these videos . Just subbed.All the best
Thank you, John!
Glad Dale Watson got a plug. He used to live four doors down from us in Austin, and he did a photo shoot right by our backyard. We saw him play in Luckenbach, which is about as good as it gets.
That's beautiful, David!
Victor Velardez, Pickers Prayer.
Really almost any one of the hundreds of tunes written by this man. The greatest of the unknowns.
One Horse Town-Blackberry Smoke
Cheap Cocaine -Willi Carlisle
The Joke (Taco Bowl) - Chris Acker
16 Ounce Blues- Crypt Trip
Driving these blues away - Gus Clark and The Least Of His Problems
Country Livin’ Blues- Jason Dea West
TALENT= Emylou Harris "Calling My Children Home" too good for radio!
Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell "Two Different Things"...the entire "Begonias" album might be the greatest country album of the last twenty years and very few have heard it. I know those are strong words, but damn that album is magical.
This is a really good suggestion, Bill! i miss seeing Thad around Nashville and I was very happy to see him recently on Fallon.
Will always love ol Hag's song writing and music.
A couple of bluegrass songs that I really enjoy - Rye Whiskey by Ronnie Bowman. Scarecrow by Volume 5.
Country? Bluegrass? Don't know, but really good songs.