The Zac Brown Band rocked the crap out of Charlie Daniels’ classic “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” at this past Wednesday’s (11/11/09) CMA Awards. (video below)

This is one of those songs that will stand the test of time. It is also one of those songs that it is tough to categorize, which I believe is part of why it has, and will, stand the test of time. Some consider it Country, others Rock N Roll, others simply know it from their local Classic Rock radio station, and others put it in the ever-widening category of Southern Rock.

The Charlie Daniels Band originally released “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” in 1979, on the album Million Mile Reflections. Side-note: the title Million Mile Reflections is a reference to the band surpassing one million miles on the road.

Here is the Zac Brown Band’s performance of the song from the 43rd Annual CMA Awards.

In researching for this post, I came across a very interesting music video from a song called “The Devil Came Back To Georgia,” released on the 1993 album, Heroes, by Mark O’Connor. Included in the song and video are: Charlie Daniels, Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart and Travis Tritt.

Anymore (Travis Tritt Cover)

A difficult song to sing, which frankly I have no business singing, but I dig it, so here we are…

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Travis Tritt once wrote a song called “Strong Enough to Be Your Man,” as a response to Sheryl Crow’s–

Wait.  Just guess.  You know this, right?

“Strong Enough.”
Which, of course, poses the question, “Are you strong enough to be my man?”

I know.  It was a tough one.

Well, I just pulled the same stunt, friends.

I was listening to the radio when King George began crooning through those tiny little speakers, “All my exes live in Texas…”

And at first I did what I always do when I hear this song, I started two-stepping around the room with my imaginary two-stepping partner.  That song is so good for two-stepping and acting silly.

But then I thought, wait, what about all of those poor women in Texas?  What did he do to them that was SO TERRIBLE that they RAN HIM OUT?

Another side of this story needed to be told, I figured.

And so I wrote the other side of the story.

Now, I have a confession to make.  I’ve never set foot on Texas soil.  I may not have been terribly qualified to write this particular song based on that point.  However, I have been listening to lots of Texas girl Miranda Lambert lately, so I figured I could channel the right attitude and come up with a pretty decent little song.

Y’all, I just love it.

It’s a song that is SO unlike me.  I can’t say it’s terribly original, but it’s not like anything else I’ve ever written, so in that, it’s totally unique.  I’m excited to hear somebody play a little steel guitar with it, is what I’m saying.

Do you know anyone who plays steel guitar?

I realize that I maybe the only one in the whole wide world thinking this, but Garth Brooks needs to stay retired.  Who cares if he’s sold millions of albums and holds records, but who can really stay a fan of someone that retires, comes back, retires, just to come back again.  I would get tired of it.

Now I realize to Garth Brooks fans out there that he broke their hearts to spend more time with his family, which is commendable.  But take a look at country music singers like Travis Tritt, Tim Mcgraw and Faith Hill, and many others who have families, they don’t retire just to play with their fans heartstrings by not being able to make up their minds. 

You can say he does it because he misses the road, the music, or the fans, but the truth is, Garth Brooks is afraid of competition.  He’s afraid of being forgotten.  With the rising popularity of so many country music singers, one person in particular, George Strait, who needs Garth when they could have George?  George is a better singer, a better entertainer, and Garth only gives to charity when the cameras are on and the lights are flashing.  Seriously, I don’t want to go to some concert and constantly have to worry about whip lash because the singer cannot stay at the front of the stage.  And I really don’t want to take the time to listen to words through heavy breathing because he ran himself breathless.

The indecison of Garth Brooks is getting about as old as the indecisiveness of Michael Jordan or Brett Favre.  Make up your mind!

I sure hope this doesn’t make me a big hick… I always blasted this CD with all the windows down whenever I’d arrived on campus on a Friday afternoon at Hampden-Sydney—just so, you know, they knew I was there. (Fit right in with the Confederate Flag-print cell phone cover I had, too. Oh man, I just blew my cover.)

[Usually stopped at the Exxon to get a few of these for the drive over.]

This song puts me at peace with the world.

It may be in the 40s, but the sun is out, it’s Friday, and the weekend is here. It feels like a fall afternoon in Western VA, and I’m about to throw down like it’s 2002. Happy weekend, crayers.

-Carey

Why do people brag about being “politically incorrect”?  I heard it this morning in a bluegrass song.  Now I know that typically country and bluegrass skew to a certain demographic and a bluegrass collaboration with Travis Tritt, even more so, but this lyric struck me:

I’m a little rough around the edges
I didn’t come out of no GQ magazine
I don’t use a lot of big words
But I’m bent on love if you know what I mean
I ain’t in’trested in bein’ politically correct
I stand right up and say what I believe

I really don’t understand this stance.  Sure, maybe I’m not the target market because I kind of like it when my husband uses big words, but I can relate to not being into the “GQ” type.  What I mean is, I like people a little rough around the edges but, in my opinion, being politically correct just means being able to make statements about someone without the need to use prejorative terms.  Why does it feel so “restrictive” to be politically correct?  To me, it’s common decency. 

I’m sure I’ve not always said the perfect thing, but in general, I do actively try to NOT insult others.  Even if I disagree with someone, using demeaning or offensive language does nothing to help persuade my point or have an active discussion.  I just think there is a way to “stand right up and say what I believe” without losing the ability to be hurtful and disrespectful.

Ok people, I’ve had to extend my interpretation of “4th of July Weekend” so that I can deliver on the top 40 of my countdown.  These really are a great little collection of my all-time favorite country songs.  You’re going to get tired of reading “this is my favorite…” or “what a classic country jam” but you’re also going to hear some ofthe best country music ever, IMHO. I’ll do twenty jams now, then split up the top 20 into two final posts this evening.  enjoy this healthy helping of great country music.

40. Little Texas – What might have been. This song is tehe reason I own this group’s Greatest Hits album.  Agreat, great country song and a sentimental favorite of mine (hence the lofty placement in the countdown).

39. Randy Travis – Three wooden crosses. The opening to this song sounds like the start of a dirty joke, but it quickly becomes a very poignant tale of life.  Travis is a master with words.  “It’s not what you take when you leave this world, it’s what you leave behind you when you go.”  enjoy.

38. Rascal Flatts – It’s not just me. Here’s another of those couny jams hat never hit it big on the radio or charts but struck a chord with me.  A fatastic love song and, in general, one of my favorite country jams period.

37. Tim McGraw – Something like that. For a good while, if asked, I would declare thisto be my favorite ocuntry song. Fun, simple, a fond remembrance of early love.  I am a HUGE Tim Mcgraw fan and this is one of his best.

36. Johnny Cash – Walk the line. I’m not sure you need much explanation for this one.  Classic Cash.  A pioneer doing his thing and shaping the genre as he went.  We miss you Johnny (don’t worry, this isn’t the lat you’ll hear from him).

35. Travis Tritt – It’s a great day to be alive. Just a real feel-good song.  Another that might not be as high  up on others’ lists but one that just evokes a special feeling in me.  Can’t help but smile… (funky video but the song sound quality is great)

34. Steve Wariner – Holes in the floor of heaven. A very sweet song relying on a touching metaphor.  Again, this was never the mega-hit that some songs both above nd cleow might be and/or have been, but does something special for me.

33. Lonestar – Not a day goes by.  Nothing like pining over a lost love while listening to this great Lonestar lament on repeat.  What can I say, sometimes a brotehr gets emotional.  I’m a sensitive guy, ok?

32. Brad Paisley – We Danced. Certainly my favoite Paisley jam (and you know, if youv’e been following, that there have been many in this countdown).  Just another really really good love jam done in that special country music way.

31. Diamond Rio – One More Day. We’re really getting into some SERIOUS personal favorites now.  My favorite Diamond Rio jam and, obvi, one of my tops overall.  Just a real heart-wrencher. Hold htose tears in, fellas.

30. Dixie Chicks – Cowboy take me away. Probably the most popular chicks jam among the masses, and with good reason.  Singature Dixie Chicks touched with that faint hint of yearning so carefully dispensed by this great country trio.

29. Lee Ann Womack – I hope you dance. Kind of a one-hit wonder, only in the sense that the IMMENSE popularity of this song significantly overshadowed the rest of her work.  This brilliant piece about taking advantage of every moment in life isn’t such a bad signature song, I guess.

28. Alan Jackson – Livin’ on love. Ans finaly we arrive at my personal choice for Jackson’s top jam.  Simple, honest, good ol’ fashioned country love song without any of that unnecessary despair or sorrow.  A great, great piece of work.

27. Brooks and Dunn – My Maria. And the hits just keep on improving (funny, that). Another brilliant tale of a man in love.  I would say that there is a decent consensus for this as their best song.  This duo have been a staple of the industry for decades and this song is truly a country masterpiece.

26. Rascal Flatts – I’m moving on. Classic Flatts (if these relatively young guys can really have anything “classic”).  A truly moving jam (pun intended?) that really captures the emotion of pushing forward, away from the past and into uncertainty.  My favorite of their songs.

25. Garth Brooks – The Thunder Rolls. Nobody paints a picture like my man Garth.  This dark tale of a lover gone astray is chillingly beautiful.  One of the greatest country songs ever.  period.

24. The Judds – Grandpa. Speaking of some of the greatest ever tunes…what a classic song, harkening to a simpler time, a peaceful way of life.  Just a great, cozy little song.  The Judds at their best.

23. Blake Shelton – Austin. this is another personal fave.  I just really like that notion of this dude holding on for the longshot and having it pay off.  A very nice tale of love.  I’m totally feeling this song…

Blake Shelton – Austin

22. Patsy Cline – I fall to pieces. This female country music legend makes her debut on the countdown at the 22 spot.  Don’t wory folks, she still has TWO MORE songs further up the list.  Classical vocal interpretations.  Just a brilliant artist.

21. Dolly Parton – Jolene. Maybe not everyone’s favorite Dolly, but it’s definitely mine.  An honest plea from a woman in love who knows she’s met her match.  In my opinion, Dolly at her best.

So many songs, so little time.  While everyone else is out poolside with a drink in hand awaiting their barbeque, I’m hard at work grinding out this collection of tunes for your 4th of July weekend.  Let’s get right back into it.

180. Travis Tritt – Best of intentions.  I”m a pretty big Tritt fan.  I think he may only have a few tracks on the countdown, but my favorite of his work landed pretty high on this list.  This song is pretty darn good too. (sorry, no video).

Travis Tritt – Best of Intentions

179. Trisha Yearwood – She’s in love with the boy.  While country music is a male-dominated genre from the artist’s perspective, it’s still important to recognize good female country talent, and to give all you ladies out there some tunes from the female side of life.  I know how you feel about your boy E, and so does Ms. Yearwood….

178. Dierks Bentley – Sideways.  I only have two bentley jams on this countdown and you’ve already heard one.  This is another fun, fast jam about a favorite pastime of mine.

177. Shenandoah – Two dozen roses.  These guys are old-school country (well, not old like Conway Twitty, but old compared to Dierks Bentley and Taylor Swift).  IT’s important to understand the evolution of the genre.  As such, I’ve got a couple of tracks from these fellas.  Here’s the first….

176. Keith Urban – Days go by.  Yeah, he’s an Aussie, but he still has some pretty decent singing chops.  This is the second Urban jam so far, with more to come.

175. Darryl Worley – Sounds like life to me.  Here’s another jam about living life in America.  This one’s been fairly popular on the airwaves as of late. 

174. Kenny Chesney – When the sun goes down.  Another fun one from a country mega-star.  This one has him collaborating with a rock group, Uncle Kracker. 

173. Tim McGraw – Indian Outlaw.  Every listen to country musicians talk about Native Americans and think “Damn, these fools are hella racist!”?  It’s a catchy-ass song, but jeebus….

172. Brooks & Dunn.  That ain’t no way to go.  This is my jam.  I really love these guys, and you’ll be hearing plenty more from them, but this is a great first appearance on the list for this extremely popular duo.

171. Toby Keith – I wanna talk about me.  Another Toby Keith jam.  This one with a message I can certainly relate to.  As T.O. said: I love me some me. 

“Our trailer’s plenty big if we lived outside
But I can’t swing the payments on a double wide
You better hold a place in that welfare line
‘Cause I’m just livin’ on borrowed time”

With just a Dobro, acoustic guitar, and one great country blues voice, Jerry Douglas and Travis Tritt filled the North Carolina night with terrific music at the end of Day One of Merlefest 2009.

I left this morning and drove to Wilkesboro on a picture perfect spring day.  The Shenandoah was beautiful as I drove up the valley: red-buds were everywhere, and the hardwoods were just beginning to green.  Just another reason I treasure my 15 years in Staunton and go back as often as possible.

I arrived at the Wilkes Community College campus – home to Merlefest – in time to catch most of the Lovell Sisters’ act.  I’ve written about the Lovell Sisters before, but they continue to grow as musicians and as a band, with more complex arrangements and beautiful harmony singing.   They ended with a tune by that well-known bluegrass composer Jimi Hendrix.

Wayne Henderson followed on the Cabin Stage.  Wearing his Boston Red Sox hat (see photo at right) and finger-picking on a beautiful Henderson guitar, Wayne and his band-mates put some life into tunes such as the old chestnut Sweet Georgia Brown.  Henderson was also the subject of an earlier post on More to Come… as I wrote last January about his appearance in the Fretboard Journal.    Regular readers will know how much I love that magazine, so I was thrilled to walk into one of the store tents after Henderson’s set and walk straight into the Fretboard Journal table.  I had a chance to thank the editors for producing such a great magazine and to tell them of my quarterly blog posts when their current issue hits my mailbox.  They were kind enough to say they’d seen More to Come… in their Google analytics.

Peter Rowan pulled together a bluegrass band for the evening and featured Stanley Brothers’ guitarist George Shuffler on a few numbers.  Rank Stranger was the highlight – a perfect tune for Rowan’s voice and Shuffler’s guitar. 

The disappointment of the night was Dailey and Vincent.   They are the hottest new act in bluegrass, racking up awards right and left.  The playing was technically fine, but it was all just a little too canned and too contrived – even down to stopping songs, cracking a joke or two, and then picking up where they left off.   I finally wandered off to find some dinner, and only returned when I heard the beautiful voice of Tift Merritt.  Part of the “Tradition-Plus” part of Merlefest, she was new to me and brought a jazzy, singer-songwriter sensibility to the night.

The stars were out on a crystal clear night when the stars of the evening, Jerry Douglas and Travis Tritt, walked on stage a little before 10 p.m.   No band, no contrived jokes - just two very talented acoustic musicians.  After a short instrumental, Douglas and Tritt launched into the Allman Brothers’ Come and Go Blues, showcasing Douglas’ bluesy slide and Tritt’s bluesy voice.  They played for an hour-and-a-half, with each entertainer taking a short solo set in the middle, and the energy and musicianship were high throughout.  They played Tritt’s hits (Here’s a Quarter, Call Someone Who Cares), a song to warm the heart of this preservationist (Country Ain’t Country No More – about the paving over of land for suburbia), and ended with the old Elvis hit T-R-O-U-B-L-E that Tritt has made his own.  Douglas’ electric dobro was making enough music for a full band as they left a satisfied crowd.

Time to put this one to bed and get ready for a full Friday.

More to come…

DJB

Does anyone remember the fiery redhead of the late nineties who took the world by storm? No not Kathy Griffin, but Reba McEntire. Okay, maybe she didn’t take the world by storm, but she seemed to be all over the face of country radio for awhile. Then she had that TV show by the same name, Reba. I remember watching that show and thinking it was totally hilarious. I recently watched it again and it just wasn’t funny at all. Oh to be simple minded again.

I stumbled across one of her more well known songs the other day in iTunes and have been listening to it nonstop.

“I’m a Survivor” (no, not Destiny’s Child).

As I stumbled upon this, I found another gem of country from my past. After all they both start with “I’m” and are next to each other in my iPod.

Maybe I was the only kid raised on country music….