Country Music and Place

 

The author claims at the start of the article that "nature" is the foundation for country music. To what extent is that true? If it is true, does a song like Brad Paisley's "Online" have a claim to be country? Is nature present in some of the newer country music?

The author also claims that country music focuses on songs of social and cultural identity. We have certainly seen this in our discussions to date but we have discussed a generic country place identity. To what extent is being country about a place-specific identity? That is, is being country different in Indiana than it is in California, Texas, or Colorado, Australia, France, or even New Jersey? Does the song "Online" and the music of Kenny Chesney reflect a new social and cultural identity for the 21st century in which being online or going to college is as much a part of country life?

What is the contrast between California as El Dorado and "the other California" and why is it essential to the music?

The author argues that the Maddox family's music subverted the stereotype of the hillbilly. How did it do so? To what extent is the stereotypical image of the country person in country music a similar subversion?

How is Haggard's biography and location reflected in his music?

The author of today's reading gives us a nice history of the "Bakersfield Sound." What factors helped create that sound? What is the essence of "the Other California"?

Why did the Nashville tribute album flop whereas the Tulare Dust tribute album succeeded?

How does this music reflect urbanization and processes of rural restructuring?

What do you make of the author's claim that the common thread running through the music is mutual suport and respect no matter what differences there are among people. To what extent is this perhaps a surprising conclusion? Is this a theme that helps to define what it means to be "country"?