Fell in love with a girl

I think I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Modern Country Music Sucks. I know I sound like an old codger (“Back in my day…”), but I’d much rather listen to Merle Haggard than the watered-down, blow-dried Hag wannabes. And I much prefer Loretta Lynn to the made-for-tv-movie bimbo parade on CMT.

Apparently, Jack White feels the same way. He produced Loretta’s latest album, called Van Lear Rose, because he’s a huge fan.

But this is not some throwaway record of a 70-year-old dying country queen! Holy shit, no! On my way to work this morning, I heard “Portland Oregon” on the Rollins College radio station, WPRK. It’s one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. Loretta wrote all of the songs on the album, and Jack produced it with the kind of simple, raw energy that I love in the White Stripes. It’s got all the honky tonkin’, cheatin’, drinkin’ and murderin’ of hardcore country combined with the we-don’t-need-no-stinking-keyboards attitude of a great Rolling Stones record.

Read this great interview they did together for the New York Times:

FRISKICS-WARREN What do you say to people who see your collaboration on this album as a publicity stunt?

LYNN Play the damn thing! It’s not a gimmick. I’ve got two more in mind, and Jack and I are going to do ’em together. When I’m on the road, I say to my fans, “How many of you know the White Stripes?” And they applaud. Country people know him.

WHITE A lot of people come to shows wearing Loretta Lynn T-shirts. The last generation, someone told me, is the first to like the same music as their parents.

I don’t have much hope that any of this album will get played on commercial radio. That’s why I listen to college stations.

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4 Responses to Fell in love with a girl

  1. Ric The Schmuck says:

    Entertainment Weekly had a story on this 2 or 3 weeks ago, and I was gonna ask you if you had heard it yet. Thought of you immediately, as a matter of fact!

    Since I haven’t bought a new album in a long time (perhaps measured in decades) I doubt I’ll be running right out and buying it. But I was interested in it, and your thoughts on it. I’m glad you like it, and I’m glad for Ms. Lynn that it’s showing off her talent (again!).

  2. Solonor says:

    I heard a story on it on NPR a bit ago, then did my usual cheap-ass audio review (listening to it in Borders). But I forgot to write about it until I heard the song this morning.

  3. Maria says:

    OMG! I SO agree with you!!! Loretta is one of my favs, as was Donna Fargo, and Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgan. As for the crap they play now… NO WAY!! My radio stays on WHTQ classic rock anyway. ;o)

  4. bran says:

    mmm…butter flavored Crisco.

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