Monday, 10 February 2014

IN WHICH BEAR OBSERVES A MUSICAL CHANGE

We all know the rules for any given piece of life. And things move along just fine — until someone changes the rules.


Music for the "Good Ol' Boys"

I can't say I'm much of a fan of country and western music. Sunday afternoon with a good book and some Bach on the cd is just fine, thank you. 

But both the radio stations for which I worked were country music stations. I worked in news so I didn't get to play much music, but I picked up a bit of a taste for country just because I worked there. Sort of like osmosis, or something. There's Waylon, and Willie, and Johnny (several Johns actually), and Kris, and Charlie, and Patsy, and Tammy, and Dolly, and all the rest of them. You could get your money by Cash or Paychek. You know what I'm talking about. 

Anyhow, the themes are pretty common. How he/she did her/him wrong. The pick-up truck or 18-wheeler. The cattle. The dog. Yeah. Yeah. You know "the rules." 

By the way, do you now what happens when you play a cowboy song backwards? The guy finds his truck, the dog comes home, and the wife quits crying. You can trust the Bear on that.


Cowgirl anthem for the 21st Century

Well, things were fine until a perky young miss came along with her own ideas. Her name is Kacey Musgraves, and she's from Texas (naturally). Her first albums came out in 2002 and 2003, and basically went nowhere. At 25, she has won a Country Music Association award (last year), and two Grammies (this year), so this gal knows her business. And her latest album, called Same Trailer, Different Park, is doing pretty well. As is this single, "Follow Your Arrow," which is not entirely according to "the rules."



If you are not quite sure what you heard, or you're not sure if you can believe it, you can check the words.

Yup! That young woman has her own ideas all right.

 Blessings and Bear hugs, friends!


Tonight's Weather Report
Dark, partly coudy, about half moon; -25C (-13F) with a wind chill down to -28C (-18F).

35 comments:

  1. Greetings! I am a classic country music fan and have been forever! I loved listening to my grandmother whistle the tunes as she whipped up batches of homemade biscuits .... And that was a mighty long time ago, Bear!

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    1. Thanks for the reminiscence about your grandma's music and biscuits routine. And that's probably not so long ago. I'll bet no earlier than the 1940s - 50s.

      Blessings and Bear hugs, Helen!

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  2. -18F .....brrrrr. Our strange snow-and-cold storm has now changed into an expected week of heavy rain. It is 43 outside at 1AM; wow, what a change!

    I had never heard of her then saw her sing this song at one of the awards shows, and thought she was quite unique and marvelous. A lovely change from Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, both of whom I have come to practically despise because they've allowed themselves too much exposure. Besides, Kacey M really does sing country.

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    1. Don't worry, Lydia: -28C isn't too bad. Really. Just bundle up, and off you go. Glad you like Kacey — I think she will have an interesting career!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

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  3. Dear Bear
    Evidently you sent a music video but it didn't materialize. Just as well as I'm not a fan of country music either..... in spite of the fact that I live in Montana and am exposed to the stuff constantly. I think I still live in the past with the danceable beats of the 40's 50's and 60's music.
    But what the hey, any music is good for the soul.
    enjoy your week.

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    1. Sorry the link didn't work for you, Manzi; it's from You Tube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ8xqyoZXCc). Danceable beats from the 40s-60s; sounds good to me!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  4. I love the part about playing sad songs backwards. Our lives need different ways of looking at things.

    That is a really great attitude, Bear!

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the story, and my attitude! Thanks, KK.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  5. I've never been much of a country music fan, but now you've made me think about what I've been missing! Great post, Bear! You got me smiling now :-)

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    1. I just see what's happening in the world, and report on what Bears Noting. So there you go. Glad you're smiling.

      I hope the weekend went well, for you and the family.

      Blessings and Bear hugs, DJan.

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  6. WOW she really does understand the way the world seems to work now:) Hug B

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  7. I am not a big fan of country music and don't seek it out when turning on my radio. However, I do enjoy many of the oldies, like Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline and a few others who have crossed over to pop. I will check out this girl that you recommended.

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    1. Glad you enjoy some things country. And I think Kasey will continue to come up with interesting songs.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  8. We know a thing or two about country music down here in Texas. ;)

    Good for Kacey. I wish her success.

    Oh, Evil Twin just told me her arrow hit the wall and broke. Oops. It's gonna be a long day around here.

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    1. Yep, I expected to hear that from "deep in the heart of Texas." That's great!

      As for Evil Twin, well, may I delicately suggest a bit of accident-proneness? Perhaps just a little.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  9. I love the words, and she has a beautiful voice.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Right, and right, again, Janie!

      Blesings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  10. Damned if you do, and damned if you don't...smart gal.

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    1. So very life-like, indeed, Susan.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  11. Not a fan of country music but just like any other roots music, I can see why it has such a big following. It's about real life.. and often told with humour. Bitter cold here too.. at least overnight. Keep warm, Bear.

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    1. Real life is what people understand, and with which they identify. You're so right Hilary.

      Blessing and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  12. I wonder if you've listened recently to Johnny Cash's 'Ballad of Ira Hayes'? There have always been some country musicians who have stepped away from the norm and he was a major one.

    Ira Hayes Ira Hayes call him drunken Ira Hayes he won't answer anymore
    Not the whiskey drinking Indian nor the marine that went to war

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    1. Not recently, no. But I have some vague recollections. Thanks for the reminder, susan.

      Blessings and Bear hugs! Best regards to Crow (who I suspect has gone to the Olympics).

      Delete
  13. She is wonderful.
    Thanks for sharing.

    I never was a fan of country music till my son became a fan a few years ago (he is 25) and now we both really enjoy it.
    When he comes to visit we listen together :)

    Be well.

    Hugs
    Margie

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    1. She is indeed wonderful, Margie! I wonder what she will do next?

      I hope you and your son keep enjoying country music.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  14. luv it but this can be a dangerous song to someone who can take it to extremes. lol
    Life is not all about you. Man is a social creature so conservatism is a better way to go. But hey Who's judging. No one is perfect. lol
    I always loved country.

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    1. Great thoughts, m'lady! Thank you for sharing them.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!

      Delete
  15. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm 13 February 2014 14:55

    I can't stand country music. I can listen to anything else, but country makes my nerves stand on end.


    Bear says:

    Country girl who does't like county music. That's fine. Living in stereotypes does not bring life to people.

    Blessings and Bear hugs, Lisa!

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  16. I've heard that joke about playing a country song backwards...funny.

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  17. Yes it is funny, Mary. Too bad people couldn't make their lives work backward, like the record.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

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  18. I think I'm going to listen to my life backwards and stop at the happy beginning!

    Thanks Bear

    Sx

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  19. I don't think I have heard about playing a country song backward. I like some of all types of music. It's the words that will make or break it for me- and if there are no words..it's the beat I seek!

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  20. Hi Rob-bear! Although I’m not a big fan of country western music (I am a fan of Bach), I do like some of it. I didn’t know you had worked for the news dept of two country western radio stations, how interesting. LOL about what happens when you play a cowboy song backwards!

    I’m not familiar with Kacey Musgraves’ music but I’ve heard of her and I had heard she won awards. Listened to the song, thanks for posting the video. Can’t say I really care for the entire song but I do like her points about hypocrisy. She certainly is interesting and bold, good for her. She has a great voice. Blessing and Bear Hugs to you! Stay warm and cozy in the den this winter!

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  21. Yes, those lyrics are certainly very different from the Johnny Cash lyrics I love!

    Have a happy Sunday. ☺

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  22. I'm not usually a fan of country either, just because of the politics of it except for Dolly Parton, not sure what she is categorised as, but this is all very interesting. Great believer in the backwards!

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So glad you've dropped by the Bear's den. Please leave a note -- getting notes is such fun, and often informative. I'll get back to you, here or by e-mail, as soon as I can (or, if it's winter, after I wake up). 'Til then, please Bear with me.
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