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Post by Jesse on Jan 30, 2013 11:56:11 GMT -5
I haven't done a "Top Ten" in over a year now. The board has been pretty silent the last few weeks, so I guess it's time for another one! I've been listening quite a bit to "Outlaw Country" on SiriusXM and "Red, Rock and Blues" on DirecTV, plus, of course, my own collection of Country music going back to when I was a pre-teen. There are quite a bit of quality songs in the Country music genre that I think all Rockers who know anything about music should have in their collection. I could make a list of about a hundred, but that would bore most everybody on this site to death, so I'm keeping it at 10 and I'm sure several of you here either already have some of these in your collections or can do a list of 10 completely different songs that would be just as good as my list. Here are a few ground rules because, in this day and age....and really since at least the early '70's, the lines between what is Country and what is Rock is very blurred. I mean, you have "Country", "Outlaw Country", "Country Rock", "Southern Rock", "Rockabilly", "Amerciana", "Folk", "Folk Rock", etc. WHERE"S THE LINE? For the purposes of my list I'm going with these criteria: -Any song that has ever hit the Country Charts. Pretty easy one here. Any song that has hit the Country charts whether or not it actually SOUNDS Country is fair game for this list. -Any artist that is generally considered Country, their ENTIRE CATALOG is fair play. For instance: The Kentucky Headhunters and Charlie Daniels Band are generally considered "Country" even though large portions of their catalogs are pretty much "Rock". So what, any song from those artists are eligible for this list. -Any Rock song done by a Country aritst is available for consideration. For instance: Johnny Cash's version of the decidedly non-Country Nine Inch Nails song "Hurt" would qualify for this list. (It doesn't make mine, but maybe yours!  ) -Any Country song done by a Rock artist qualifies. Lynyrd Skynyrd's version of Merle Haggard's "Honky Tonk Nighttime Man" or George Thorogood's version of Hank Willams' "Move It On Over" would be acceptable (Again, neither make my list) -NOT ACCEPTABLE: Artists generally considered Rock who have songs (or a song) that "sound Country". Sorry, Marshall Tucker Band, The Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Grateful Dead do not qualify no matter how "Country" songs like "Fire On The Mountain", "Take It Easy", "Sweet Home Alabama"" or "Friend Of The Devil" may sound. Only exceptions would be songs by Rock artists that have hit the Country charts, i.e. "Lyin' Eyes", "Lay Down Sally" (Eric Clapton), "Sundown" (Gordon Lightfoot), "Red, White And Blue" (Lynyrd Skynyrd). Get it? No? Confused? Yes? Good, then my work here is done. Here is my list: Shit, I went too long here, I'll start with my next post. |
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Post by Jesse on Jan 30, 2013 12:33:37 GMT -5
10-Lonesome On'ry And Mean by Waylon Jennings and the 357's This was a hit for Waylon back in the '70's, but this version with his son Shooter's backing band blows away his original version. I can't find the recorded version on youtube, this is Shooter Jennings playing a similar arrangement. Doesn't quite do justice to the version I'm putting here at #10, but it does give one the idea of how this thing goes. No matter how much this rocks, it still has a bit of a Country flare to it that might be off-putting for those who don't like Country, otherwise this would be higher on my list. 9-Jolly Roger/Pirates Of The Mississippi by The Pirates Of The Mississippi. Kind of a cross between Country Rock and Surf Rock during the "Jolly Roger" intro. Once it gets into the song "Pirates Of The Mississippi" it goes decidely more Country and only the somewhat hokey lyrics keeps this from being in my top 5. Helluva song though. Can't find this one on Youtube. It's on their 1990 self titled album. Probably can hear it on iTunes. Worth checking out! 8-My Kinda Party by Jason Aldean. Newer Country artist. I'm not sure anything about this song is "Country" other than the lyrics. Some great guitar interplay at the end of this song. Better than anything I've heard on Rock radio in about 20 years. Worth a 99 cent download just for the end solos assuming you can get past some of the cornball lyrics ("You can be my tan-legged Juliet, I'll be you redneck Romeo"  WTF?) 7-T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Triit Hard hittin boogie-rock version of a somewhat Rockabilly standard that goes back to Elvis. Hot enough to burn a barn! My cover band used to play this in a set of songs that otherwise sounded like any other club band on the market....always went over well! 6- Guitar Man by Jerry Reed Another Elvis sung tune that got a good shot in the ass by a Country artist. there are several versions of this song as Jerry Reed always seemed to change it up. His original studio version is ok at best, I've seen a pretty good Funked up live version on youtube, but the one I'm going for here is from Jerry's live album "Hot Stuff" from around 1979. As far as I know, this version is not available anywhere digitally, if anyone likes it enough I have it send me a PM and I'll make sure it's part of your collection. More to come!   |
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Post by Jesse on Jan 31, 2013 11:46:08 GMT -5
5-Slow Train by Shooter Jennings with The Oak Ridge Boys. Simple tune with an irresistable hook. Should have been a huge Country hit, but wasn't. I think it's one of the catchiest songs I've heard in the last 10 years regardless of genre. What do you think? 4-TIE! Ghost Riders In The Sky by The Outlaws/ Ghost Riders In The Sky by Roy Clark. Great song no matter the version and this song goes back to the late '40's. Johnny Cash had a Country hit with it in 1979, the Outlaws followed suit on the Rock and Pop charts in 1981. However the ultimate versions are the Outlaws' live version from 1982's "High Tides Forever" collection and Roy Clark's "Live at Billy Bob's" instrumental version from only a few years ago. Which is better? I dunno. Which version in particular does every rocker need in their collection? I think you need 'em both! This is Roy's studio version which fades out just as he gets his guitar mojo going. It gives you an idea, but for his ultimate take look for the "Live At Billy Bob's" version. Really gives the Outlaws a run for their money! 3-Suspicious Minds by Dwight Yoakam. Yup, another Elvis song. So what? Outstanding version by, arguably the only guy in Country music who can really rock while still sounding Country. There is a studio and live version of this song as done by Yoakam. Either one will do, I have 'em both! What's the top 2? We'll see!  |
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Post by spacel0rd on Jan 31, 2013 15:16:52 GMT -5
I'll just name my favorite country songs:
Dixieland Delight- Alabama
Killin' Time- Clint Black
Going Out Tonight- Mary Chapin Carpenter
Goodbye Again- Mary Chapin Carpenter
You Don't Even Know Who I Am- Patty Loveless
Fancy- Reba McEntire
Smokey Mountain Rain- Ronnie Milsap
No More Looking Over My Shoulder- Travis Tritt
It's Only Make Believe- Conway Twitty
A Country Boy can Survive- Hank Jr
Fast as You- Dwight Yoakam
Seminole Wind- John Anderson
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Post by Frank on Jan 31, 2013 15:35:24 GMT -5
I always liked Fast As You by Dwight Yokum. And the song Walk Softly by the Kentucky Headhunters because my old band use to do a rocked up version of it. I believe it was originally done by Bill Monroe.
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Post by kim on Feb 1, 2013 14:44:16 GMT -5
Funny that you would mention my buddy "Lightfoots" "Sundown". The man was never considered country, at least not in THIS country. We never once thought of the man as a country artist here in Canuckville........a folk talent at best. "Sundown" was one of those tracks that stands the test of time. Most of Gord's music does....  Gord's take on the Edumund Fitzgerald is another gig altogether. The really "decent" Canadians, take Gord for what he is...one helluva folk singer...simple as that. As lackadasical as we Canucks appear to be...we are not as foolish as most of the world make us out to be...and that being said, we understand the ever changing trends in music...but still have half a brain to realize that the roots of music can be culled from many countries...Canada included. Personaly, I like the older country stuff. I also like the stuff that guys like Dave Edmunds did for it. He added a bit of a twang and a hook to some of the classics. In doing so, the man reinstalled a new found respect for the genre waaaaay back in the early 80's. It's hard to beat the original Hank Williams...and a ton of other original artists that made the older sounding country music great. I think that's what some of us are looking for and are becoming happier with in listening to??? Great thread Jesse!!! You always know how to evoke a response from the good folks here! Thanks Kim |
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Post by spacel0rd on Feb 2, 2013 7:29:15 GMT -5
I had no idea Lay Down Sally hit the country charts back then.
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Post by Jesse on Feb 2, 2013 15:11:40 GMT -5
I'll just name my favorite country songs: Dixieland Delight- Alabama Killin' Time- Clint Black Going Out Tonight- Mary Chapin Carpenter Goodbye Again- Mary Chapin Carpenter You Don't Even Know Who I Am- Patty Loveless Fancy- Reba McEntire Smokey Mountain Rain- Ronnie Milsap No More Looking Over My Shoulder- Travis Tritt It's Only Make Believe- Conway Twitty A Country Boy can Survive- Hank Jr Fast as You- Dwight Yoakam Seminole Wind- John Anderson Several of these were among candidates for my list. "Fast As You" was actuall in my top 10, but I decided "Suspicious Minds" was more suited. |
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Post by Jesse on Feb 2, 2013 15:14:44 GMT -5
Funny that you would mention my buddy "Lightfoots" "Sundown". The man was never considered country, at least not in THIS country. We never once thought of the man as a country artist here in Canuckville........a folk talent at best. "Sundown" was one of those tracks that stands the test of time. Most of Gord's music does.... Gord's take on the Edumund Fitzgerald is another gig altogether. The really "decent" Canadians, take Gord for what he is...one helluva folk singer...simple as that. As lackadasical as we Canucks appear to be...we are not as foolish as most of the world make us out to be...and that being said, we understand the ever changing trends in music...but still have half a brain to realize that the roots of music can be culled from many countries...Canada included. Personaly, I like the older country stuff. I also like the stuff that guys like Dave Edmunds did for it. He added a bit of a twang and a hook to some of the classics. In doing so, the man reinstalled a new found respect for the genre waaaaay back in the early 80's. It's hard to beat the original Hank Williams...and a ton of other original artists that made the older sounding country music great. I think that's what some of us are looking for and are becoming happier with in listening to??? Great thread Jesse!!! You always know how to evoke a response from the good folks here! Thanks Kim I don't consider Gordon Lightfoot "Country" either, but I have a book of Top 40 Country hits and I'll be damned if ol' Gordie's "Sundown" ain't in it! Says here the song spent 7 weeks in the Country top 40, topping out at #13 in 1974. |
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Post by Jesse on Feb 2, 2013 15:16:18 GMT -5
I had no idea Lay Down Sally hit the country charts back then. My sources say "Lay Down Sally" hit #26 on the Country charts in the Spring of 1978. For purposes of this thread, it qualifies! |
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Post by Jesse on Feb 2, 2013 15:28:07 GMT -5
I always liked Fast As You by Dwight Yokum. And the song Walk Softly by the Kentucky Headhunters because my old band use to do a rocked up version of it. I believe it was originally done by Bill Monroe. As I said, "Fast As You" nearly made my list. I considered several Kentucky Headhunters' songs including "Walk Softly...", but only one made my list.......This one: 2-Big Boss Man by The Kentucky Headhunters Kick-ass version of a kick-ass song. Easily the Headhunters at their Hillbilly Metal best! This is the live version, but the studio version from the album of the same name is just as good! |
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Post by Jesse on Feb 2, 2013 15:43:27 GMT -5
And now, the number 1 Country song that every rocker needs in his or her collection:
Seriously, could it be anything else?
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Post by kim on Feb 2, 2013 18:51:09 GMT -5
Funny that you would mention my buddy "Lightfoots" "Sundown". The man was never considered country, at least not in THIS country. We never once thought of the man as a country artist here in Canuckville........a folk talent at best. "Sundown" was one of those tracks that stands the test of time. Most of Gord's music does.... Gord's take on the Edumund Fitzgerald is another gig altogether. The really "decent" Canadians, take Gord for what he is...one helluva folk singer...simple as that. As lackadasical as we Canucks appear to be...we are not as foolish as most of the world make us out to be...and that being said, we understand the ever changing trends in music...but still have half a brain to realize that the roots of music can be culled from many countries...Canada included. Personaly, I like the older country stuff. I also like the stuff that guys like Dave Edmunds did for it. He added a bit of a twang and a hook to some of the classics. In doing so, the man reinstalled a new found respect for the genre waaaaay back in the early 80's. It's hard to beat the original Hank Williams...and a ton of other original artists that made the older sounding country music great. I think that's what some of us are looking for and are becoming happier with in listening to??? Great thread Jesse!!! You always know how to evoke a response from the good folks here! Thanks Kim I don't consider Gordon Lightfoot "Country" either, but I have a book of Top 40 Country hits and I'll be damned if ol' Gordie's "Sundown" ain't in it! Says here the song spent 7 weeks in the Country top 40, topping out at #13 in 1974. Now that tells ya something doesn't it now......... ;-) Thanks Kim |
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Post by Jesse on Feb 3, 2013 12:53:30 GMT -5
Best of the Rest: I can't help myself to name a few more Country tunes that I think every Rocker should have in their collection. If ANY of my top 10 floated your boat, you might want to check out some of these: Dwight Yoakam-Fast As You, Wild Ride, Little Sister, Long White Cadillac, or 1000 Miles From Nowhere. Most Dwight Yoakam songs tend to be too twangy for most non-Country music fans, but these are all pretty accessable and have some great guitar playing as well! Charlie Daniels Band-In America, Billy The Kid, Midnight Wind (1977 version), El Toreador, Still In Saigon, I've Been Down, Birmingham Blues, Indian Man. You can't go wrong with most CDB songs as his catalog on the whole is more Rock than Country. In America is easily #11 if I were to continue my list, but these others are all good starting points for any uninitiated to get into CDB. Ronnie Milsap-Stranger In My House. Until Jason Aldean's My Kinda Party, this may have been the most Rock-oriented guitar solo to ever enter the Country charts. Dolly Parton-Jolene. Fuck me if this don't sound like Buckingham/Nicks-era Fleetwood Mac! Kentucky Headhunters-Just Ask Fo' Lucy, Blue Moon Of Kentucky, Muddy Water, Stumblin', My Daddy Was A Milkman. Another "Country" artist that you can't go wrong with because the majority of their music leans more on the Rock side. These are all good, rockin' tunes to check out. Mary Chapin Carpenter-I'll Take My Chances, Quittin' Time, The Hard Way, You Win Again, Downtown Train. Not really what I think of when I think of a Country artist that a fan of Rock music needs in their collection, but if you're into singer/songwriter folk-rock, MCC's music is every bit as good as that of James Taylor, Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Carole King or Paul Simon......or Gordon Lightfoot. Kathy Mattea-Love Travels, Ready For The Storm See Mary Chapin Carpenter. Steve Earle-Copperhead Road Waylon Jennings-Ain't Livin' Long Like This, Will The Wolf Survive. Shooter Jennings-Little White Lines, Triskadekophobia Lynyrd Skynyrd-T For Texas As I said, Country songs by Rock artists count, this was originally a Jimmy Rogers song. Waylon Jennings had a hit with it too, but Skynyrd's is the ultimate version. Hank Williams Jr-All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight, Born To Boogie, Wild Steak, Lawyers, Guns And Money, Tuesday's Gone, What You Don't Know Won't Hurt You, Kaw-liga Hank was nearly on my list of 10 as I think everyone needs to hear All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight, the song he destroyed to make a Monday Night Football jingle for 20 years. Ultimately, I felt Hank's thick Southern drawl and limited vocal range would be a turn off for most non-Country fans. If that doesn't bother you, he's got a bunch of good Rockin' stuff, these are but a few. Alabama-Mountain Music, Tennessee River, Fireworks, If You're Gonna Play In Texas. Alabama is considered the Beatles of Country music since they were really the first Country band to ever have any consistant success. It's been a good 20+ years since they released any music worthy of their success, but here's a few to give you an idea what all the hoopla was about them. Jerry Reed-Amos Moses, East Bound And Down, Down On The Corner. Amos Moses nearly made my list also. His version of Down On The Corner smokes! Atlanta-Sweet Country Music. This 9 member band didn't last long, but this was a huge hit and still gets played fairly regularly on Country radio. Big And Rich-Radio. Doesn't sound very Country to me at all. If not for the drawn out intro (a good minute before anything substantive occurs), this would have been in my top 5. |
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Post by duojett71 on Feb 4, 2013 20:13:19 GMT -5
few of my favorites:
Cocaine Blues-Johnny Cash
San Quentin Blues-Johnny Cash
Luchenbach, Texas-Waylon Jenning w/Willie Nelson
Mamma Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys-Waylon and Willie
Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?-Waylon Jennings
A Thousand Miles From Nowhere-Dwight Yoakam
Fast As You-Dwight Yoakam
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Post by Jesse on Feb 4, 2013 21:21:57 GMT -5
I forgot one, then I promise, I'm done with this thread!
The Oak Ridge Boys-Seven Nation Army
Yup, THAT "Seven Nation Army"! I always hated this song, but after hearing the ORB version, I realized, I just hated the White Stripes version.
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Post by Warpig on Feb 6, 2013 6:23:15 GMT -5
Ok Jesse, you went into way too much detail as for as the rules go, so I'm just gonna list my top 10 fave country tunes if that's alright. And whoever don't own these songs...well you should.
1.Hank Williams Jr. - Living Proof
2.Merle Haggard - Sing Me Back Home
3.John Anderson - You'r Lying Blue Eyes
4.Willie Nelson & Ray Charles - Seven Spanish Angels
5.Willie Nelson - My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
6.Alabama - I'm Not That Way Anymore
7.Dwight Yoakham - I Sang Dixie
8.Johnny Cash - Sunday Morning Comin' Down
9.Randy Travis -He Walked On Water
10.George Jones - Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes
There's lot's more I could list & those 10 aren't in any paticular order..
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Post by Jesse on Feb 6, 2013 18:32:23 GMT -5
Ok Jesse, you went into way too much detail as for as the rules go, so I'm just gonna list my top 10 fave country tunes if that's alright. And whoever don't own these songs...well you should. 1.Hank Williams Jr. - Living Proof 2.Merle Haggard - Sing Me Back Home 3.John Anderson - You'r Lying Blue Eyes 4.Willie Nelson & Ray Charles - Seven Spanish Angels 5.Willie Nelson - My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys 6.Alabama - I'm Not That Way Anymore 7.Dwight Yoakham - I Sang Dixie 8.Johnny Cash - Sunday Morning Comin' Down 9.Randy Travis -He Walked On Water 10.George Jones - Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes There's lot's more I could list & those 10 aren't in any paticular order.. Ah, the rules were more for me, than anything else. You guys always play by your own rules here anyhow! Good list! I have most of these! |
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Post by spacel0rd on Feb 8, 2013 13:42:40 GMT -5
I wanna add this one:
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WTF?)
