New Insights, Loretta Lynn, and a Cop-Out...

This first part is irrelevant to most of what follows...but humor me?

Being the word-nerd that I am, as I was typing "cop-out" up there in the title I thought to myself..."do I even know what that means?" So I decided to look it up. (see below if you'd like to know)

cop-out also cop·out (kpout)

n. Slang

1. A failure to fulfill a commitment or responsibility or to face a difficulty squarely.

2. A person who fails to fulfill a commitment or responsibility.

3. An excuse for inaction or evasion.

I'll get to the cop-out in a bit...promise.

Anyway...

This morning wasn't a great day for my challenge. I hated every song I heard on the radio while driving from my house to work. I can't really blame the music though...I get that way with any genre from time to time. But alas, per my instructions, I kept the radio on and audible. (I'm kind of proud of myself...though, I was tempted to keep it tuned into the station that had a commerical...only tempted.)

Mini-confession time: I'm actually starting to enjoy this challenge (depsite this morning's set back). It's fun to emerse yourself in something unfamiliar. We'll see if the fondness continues to grow...I truly hope it does. It's never a bad thing to expand your musical horizons...or at least to be willing to.

Findings: I have a few more country music findings to share...I know you're all so excited (all 2 of you).

Loretta Lynn wears fancy dresses and I like them. (more on her in a bit)

I still twitch a little when I sing lyrics that are gramatically incorrect. It happens more than I'd like it to in country music. I just can't stand the word "ain't"...even if it's used correctly.

Country songs tell a story. They're usually a little bit cheesy, but not always. I like it.

Also, I'm really into Miranda Lambert this week. She was a guest on The Voice (and sang with Dia Frampton) and I think she did a great job. Plus, she and Blake are possible the most adorable couple in all the land.

**SIDE NOTE/SPOILER ALERT**

I was thrilled that Javier Colon won The Voice. He was my favorite from day 1! His voice is like Butter!!! I was also thrilled that he only beat Dia by 2% of the vote. She also has a unique and amazing tone/voice.

**END SIDE NOTE/SPOILER ALERT**

Now, it's Loretta Lynn time! Huzzah!  I decided to listen to only her music yesterday, as a sort of tribute to a true country music icon. I’ve always been intrigued by her, but never sat down and actually listened to her music. I started out with her newest album “Van Lear Rose” (produced by none other than Jack White—who I happen to think is kind of amazing) and followed that up with her older material. You can definitely hear his influence compared to Lynn’s older music (which has influenced other country greats..like Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks). I probably listened to 'Van Lear Rose' 2 or 3 times through..it's really great....

Ok kids, time for the cop-out. I had these grand plans for my Loretta Lynn post...but I sort of lost steam yesterday due to a moment of girly emotional distress and had to make the executive decision to do something different. So instead of my own post about Loretta, I'll refer all of you lovely readers to her website (http://www.lorettalynn.com/) . They have a wonderful bio on her. It's full of all sorts of fun facts (and interesting ones as well)...for example:

• She was married at 14! (crazy!)
• Her husbands nick name was "doolittle"...or "doo"
• She was heavily influenced by Patsy Cline (whom everyone should adore)
• By the early 80's, Loretta had 52 top 10 singles and 16 #1 hits!
• Also, please take note of how fabulous she still looks! I mean, she's pushing 80, folks!

Here are a few stats that are also on the website:

• Studio Albums –54
• Compilation Albums –15
• Singles –88
• B-sides –4
• Music Videos –7
• Soundtracks –1
• Tribute and Cover Albums –1
• No. 1 Singles (USA) –16
• No. 1 Singles (overall) –23

I’m amazed at some of these stats. One that stood out is the Music Video category. Artists today thrive off of music videos. It’s a way to improve the fan base for a song. A perfect example of this is Lady Gaga. Her videos are very intricate and have a certain kind of production value that amplifies a song beyond what it could be sans a video. I don’t know that country music has to do that. It’s kind of a cool revelation. (I haven't ventured into the world of country music videos yet though...so I could be wrong.) Maybe i'll explore that next week?

Well, that's what i've got today...I'm working on a fun post though...about being single at 25 and the challenges that brings. It's going to be interesting.  So, keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, have a wonderful (and safe) July 4th weekend! Blow something up...and remember those who have served or currently serve in our military...even if you don't fully believe in the reason they're fighting...be grateful that someone is fighting. I know I am. 

   Peace.

-M 

One week In...

Well, I'm one week into my Country Music Challenge and I have a confession. I didn't really listen all that much last week...

In my defense, I was working a summer camp and didn't have access to any sort of music device.  So, I can honestly say that, other than the praise and worship music from camp, I didn't listen to any other music either. That's okay right? Should I add a few days to the challenge or just leave it as it is? hmm....

In the short time that I have been doing the challenge (and the total of 3 days that i've actually listened to a substantial amount of country music) I am already finding myself with songs stuck in my head...and to tell you the truth, I don't really mind all that much. Am I becoming a country music fan? Or is it merely a result of what i'm hearing having no choice but to get stuck in my brain? I guess I'll find out as time goes on.

I have learned a few things about country music though...I'll share them as the challenge goes on. Here are a few:

You can't go wrong with a song featuring Jimmy Buffet. Truth.

I tend to enjoy the southern rock vibe more than the twangy more traditional vibe.

Beting pretty gets you further than actual talent in some cases, much like all other music genres.

Also, I'm mildly obsessed with the song "Colder Weather" by Zac Brown Band. For serious. What's wrong with me?! It really is a great song though...

FYI: My future posts won't be all about this challenge...It'll just be a segment or occasional post. I'm also going to start spotlighting country music artists soon...starting with the great Loretta Lynn. She has always been fascinating to me.  Until then...

   Peace.

-M

Country Music Challenge...

I have decided that I need to broaden my musical horizons and therefore I have given myself a music challenge. It's kind of easy to give yourself a challenge (chances are it won't actually be all that challenging) but for people who know me, they know that country music is not in my musical vocabulary. It seems only fair to the country music genre that I give it a try. So i've given myself a 1 month challenge.

Starting today, I will listen to nothing but country music (with a few rules/exceptions) for 1 month (June 20-July 20)....It' won't be too difficult, right?

There are only a few rules (self-established, of course):

1. When i'm in my car, I have to have the radio on and at an audible volume!
2. If I'm at home and I have the radio on, I have to have it on country.
3. There are 3 radio stations that I can listen to (all country). One plays top 40 country (is that actually a thing?), and the other two play a variety of classic and modern country...(bring on the twang!)
4. I obviously cannot control the radios of those around me, so if I happen to be in someone elses car (or within hearing distance from any other music device) I can't help it.
5. On the off chance that all three of these stations are on a commerical break, I can switch to a different (non-country) station for a max of 2 songs. (I have to be strict or i'll never switch back!)
6. At work, I'll listen to a country Pandora station (or a combination of several).

That about covers the rules. Now, I guess i'll explain why I decided to do this in the first place...

1. I've always considered myself to be a "music snob" of sorts and I have come to the conclusion that it's no fun. It practically breaks my heart when someone won't give the music I love a listen, and it's hypocritcal for me be the same way towards country music fans and the music they love, right? right.
2. I might actually grow to like it. Sure, i'm not going into this with the anticipation that i'm going to be a die-hard country music fan by the time I'm done, but perhaps i'll find elements that make me want to add country to my musical arsenal. Stranger things have happened.
3. I'm on the verge of bored with my current music catalog and I think I need something different. This challenge is definitely different!
4. If this challenge goes well, perhaps I'll try some other genre in the future...or maybe just a band...except Nickelback. I'll stick with my "music snob" status on that one...for life.

I plan to catalog some of my findings along the way (how scientific sounding, right?). Enjoy.

Peace.
-M