If you have, and somehow have not gouged out your eardrums with a rusty Phillips head screwdriver, then you either have greater edurance than I, or it is the much more sinister possibility that you are in fact a fan of modern pop/synthesized/bro-country...which if this happens to be the case I suggest you move on. Because you are not going to like what I say, by any means. You're probably pre-disposed to being easily offended, because you are most likely a sensitive millennial. And therefore, no one cares you are offended and your feelings don't matter to me.
Yes, it would seem that traditional country music, and in particular Outlaw country has been put in it's grave...shot down by the dogs of the music industry. These low down cowards would dare kill music with soul and depth, and force feed the masses big heaping loads of steaming shit, loosely labeled country music...yet devoid of any of the qualities that once made country music COUNTRY.
The Luke Bryans, Sam Hunts, and Florida-Georgia Lines of the industry are the symptoms of a plague that seems to have no cure in radio markets. They lack depth, thought provoking lyrics, lyrical quality in general, and pander to the city dwelling "coffee-shop country" fans that imagine country and rural life as being some sort of never ending bonfire and hay ride, interwoven with pickup trucks and slutty girls guzzling PBR. And now it's accompanied by rap solo and electronic drum beats. It's enough to make true country folks and true country fans in general just walk away from country radio altogether.
But all is not lost.
True country music is not dead. It lives on, thanks to satellite radio and the internet which has given old school and outlaw fans an outlet by which to access the good stuff.
If you need an example of what can be found, one need look no further than Sturgill Simpson.
The Kentucky born musician has traveled the world, been in the Navy, worked for a railroad company, had his own bluegrass band, struggled with alcohol, struggled with his own uncertainty, and has broke through to the front as one of the standard bearers of outlaw country. Often compared, vocally, to the late great Waylon Jennings, I do find him to have a hint of that great legendary sound within him, but Sturgill is a voice and a talent all his own.Simpson's music borderlines on experimental, with many of his lyrics posing questions about God, the nature of Fate and Free Will, cynicism, the workings of the universe itself. And yet many other lyrics bring up more down to earth topics,such as addiction, depression,personal loss.
Things you will not find these days on modern radio.
If you like your country watered down, and tainted with hip-hop, keep moving. This is not for you.
If you long for the old days, give Sturgill a listen.
Here is is performing "You Can Have The Crown" and "Some Days" At the Sun King Brewery.
