You knew an old redneck like me would have to chime in. C/W music, (and we do have to make the distinction from the “old” stuff compared to what they call “country” today,) has had some great voices and songwriters. Today’s country, except for a few exceptions in genuine voice and guitar work, can be ignored, just like “pop” music, where there isn’t a dime’s worth of difference between one artist and another. I remember that one of my best and worst concert experiences occurred with the same artist, Hank Williams Jr. The first time I saw him in the early 80’s, he began the concert solo, switching medleys from guitar to piano, and singing in a bass voice that was awesome. Saw him again the next year and he was so drunk half the crowd walked out. Just following his family tradition, I guess. If anyone cares to try it, you can hear Bocefus, (Williams Jr.,) at his best on “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” from 1979. He went downhill from that, IMHO. Waylon Jennings’s “Greatest Hits” (1979) will let you hear his guitar heavy beer guzzling’ sound. And my favorite dark horse is David Allan Coe, esp. his start right after prison. He has a 1978 “Greatest Hits” album as well, but the darkest, moodiest, and most poignant country music I have ever heard is on “The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy” that is from about 1977. There is a cut called “Crazy Mary” that runs chills up and down my spine. Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” is NOT a C/W effort, but deserves a try by anyone serious about music. (Is that a strong enough statement?) Also enjoy Clint Black, George Straight, Allan Jackson, and John Anderson. Other great artists have been mentioned above, and there is also the whole other genre of ‘Country Rock.’ And Craig, forget about Albert, I’m waiting for Sugarbrie to post here. [:)] Charlie
