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Post new topic Lots of Talk about Country Aint What it Used to be
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Author Topic:  Lots of Talk about Country Aint What it Used to be
Larry Lenhart


From:
Ponca City, Oklahoma
Post  Posted 30 Apr 2000 11:50 am    
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I see alot of posts on this forum in regards to the fact that country music is so much different now, and it isnt as good as it used to be, etc. Time Changes Everything as the song says and it isnt necessarily for the better. Buck Owens was not thought of as country when he started, and now he is considered "traditional". I am just thankfull for todays technology that I dont have to listen to the radio and that I can buy just about every conceivable type of music on CD and listen to what I choose. Many of the old records are now available on CD format and the sound is naturally improved. Rather than belaboring the issue about what is country-what is not country, what the DJs are playing and what the studios are recording, I just go on my merry way and enjoy my CDs and ALL of the Steel guitar music that is available now. There is a ton of stuff out there that is great and exactly what I want and that is what I buy and listen to and dont worry about the rest of it-it wouldnt do me or anyone else any good anyway. Since I am not a studio musician or a band member, I am also lucky enough to play exactly what I want on the steel too. We live in a great age. Just my 2 cents worth. (BTW I am 53).
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Tony Palmer


From:
St Augustine,FL
Post  Posted 4 May 2000 4:00 am    
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Larry, I could be wrong, but I think the message behind the complaints from everyone about the lack of traditional country is how it impacts them as steel guitar players.
In other words, there aren't as many gigs for steel players anymore.
If you went through the 70's and 80's playing steel, you had tons of gigs.
Now, they really are few and far between for a steel player, and this is tied directly to the decline of traditional country music.

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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 4 May 2000 4:15 am    
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"Country" at one time meant a certain style and type of music. Now, it seems anything can be "country" (e.g. Martina's current Rap style song). I like some of the current "country" but I prefer the traditional. One of things that turns me off to radio is the short play lists. You hear a particular song and an hour later it's played again.

As far as jobs for steel, I don't think it's any worse than it's ever been. The $$ seems to be the big issue, and a lot of the (local) bands I've talked to would love to have a steel but they can't get enough money to afford it. Many places will only pay enough money for 2 or 3 pieces, anymore. One band I work with still has a steel because the singer also doubles on bass (and he is an ex steeler which helps). I've been asked about working with another band next winter but I've also been asked to double on lead guitar - for the same reason $$.


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Steel tryin

 

From:
Macon, Ga.
Post  Posted 4 May 2000 6:07 am    
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Maybe it's just the fact that REAL COUNTRY
has come and gone, just like REAL Rock& Roll.
I think it's time to enjoy the past and play
all the standards with all your HEART. REAL
COUNTRY deserves no less.
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Richard Sinkler


From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
Post  Posted 4 May 2000 3:07 pm    
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Here in the San Francisco/San Jose area, there are practically NO gigs at all. I remember in the 70's & 80's, a steel player could have his choice of just about any gig in this area. Heck, I would work for beer money just for the chance to play live again.

Jack, I think you are incorrect as to the label you put on Martina's new song. It should be (C)rap.

------------------
Carter D10 8p/10k
Richard Sinkler BS, www.sinkler.com

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