Country music

youngatheart_2

Off to Texas in September and really fancy some Country music to play in the car but as we aren't fans haven't a clue where to start. Want something we can sing along with but not too many ballads. Any ideas anyone?

debs66_2

hi, there is a diverse range in this genre, and it depends on your tastes.

Keith Urban (married to Nicola Kidman), is very radio friendly, singalong, and modern. he supported Brian Adams over here a while back.

the Dixie Chicks are fabulous, but there is still some mutiny over there re their comments about George Bush (see the DVD Shut UP & Sing!). i would recommend them every time.

If you want to go older country, try Alan Jackson, George Strait, and somewhere between the two - Brad Paisley. Also in this old school try Brooks & Dunn, and old Garth Brooks tracks. If you're a 'Dixie Chicks hating' redneck, go Toby Keith :rotfl:

if you want really old school, then you want Willie Nelson, George Jones, Tammy Wynette etc.

that said, modern Country is very popular. Dolly Parton is still knocking out tracks, and the former American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood, is steaming ahead. as far as female warblers go, you can't go wrong with Martina McBride, also known as 'two lungs and a larynx'!

if you want to open your ears to something, try Bluegrass. my fave is Alison Krauss, with or without her band, Union Station. Alison just toured over here with Robert Plant and she is amazing. Union Station are the guys who played all the music (and George Clooney's voice) in the movie 'O Brother, Where Art Thou'.

if you want any more specifics, let me know your usual music tastes and i bet i can match up a country equivalent!

sad_gills_fan

Is it for while you're out there? If it is, you won't need any CDs .. they'll be a ton of radion stations to cater for any musical need.

In the US, they have really good country stations, some better than others, but mostly good if you like that kind of music.
I found alot of the stations playing Rascal Flats (sp?) last year as they were the upcoming band .. I'm off again in September so who know who it will be then!

Enjoy Texas, haven't been myself but have heard great reports about the place. :T

I like Jo Dee Messina, Reba McEntire, Brad Paisley and Alan Jackson.

Indout96

haven't a clue where to start

Just turn on the car radio as soon as you arrive;) , there are loads of country music chanels in Texas so that will be no problem. If you are looking for something over here to put on CD then Alan Jacksons new album would fit the bill but its very rare to get a full album without ballads.

Where abouts are you going in Texas?? if you go anywhere near Dallas then the short trip to Fort Worth (45 - 60mins away) is a must, its an old cattle town and home to Billy Bob's http://www.billybobstexas.com/ which is an experience we will never forget. The other must do is San Antonio which is lovely esp the river walk.
45 mins out of San Antonio towards Dallas (there is only 1 road :rotfl: ) is the cheapest outlet mall we have ever found in the US (and we shop a lot :rolleyes: )

Graham

simonSE15

I second Dixie Chicks. I bought "Wide Open Spaces" the other day - recommended album.

I also like Emmylou Harris, Taylor Swift & Carrie Underwood.

Lemmy_Caution

Most Country music is (as you already know) absolutely awful. However there are quite a few gems to be found. I shall suggest (seeing as you are going there) Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, they're O.K.

youngatheart_2

Thanks everyone. Given me a lot to think about. I've got 2 "Dixie Chicks" cds and really like them but never heard of Brad Paisley so I must check him out. Thanks to Graham for the tips. Staying at a ranch near San Antonio but don't think we will have time to get to Fort Worth this trip. Too many places not enough time!!

t-elle

http://www.usliveradio.com/texas.html selection of stations to get you in the mood over the internet

urbancookie1

Have a look at youtube for Brad Paisley video's, When we were there a couple of years ago "so much cooler on line" was being played all the time a great little sing along tune. Also Rascal Flatt's i have their cd and play it all the time, "skin" always makes me cry. apparently their the biggest selling band in the US.

And its right, you'll always have plenty of stations to tune into out there.

Have fun, its great to do a USA road trip, we love it:j

julliff

If you are going down the i35 to San Antonio, you could stop off at Gruene (pronounced "Green"), where they have a really old honky tonk dance hall. In fact, it was the one used in the film "Michael" with John Travolta.

They also have a really good old fashioned gnereal store/ice cream parlour.

Have a great time!

Oh, and as for couintryu music, I recommend the old style - Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Bob Wills etc

debs66_2

OMG, i LOVE the film Michael! youngatheart, do you have room in your suitcase for a little one...??