Proof Country Doesn't Suck
Hank Sr. and Cash have proven as much. But if you want dark, David Lynchian Honky Tonk, there's nothing like Lil' Darlin' era Paycheck. Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton both put a Gothic spin on Country but together were also one of the greatest singing duos of all time. Same with the Louvins. On the strength of their songwriting, Mickey Newbury and Kris Kristofferson changed the face of Country and paved the way for Outlaw in Willie and Waylon. Bobbie Gentry and Tony Joe White brought a Swamp Funk sound to Country and Elvis followed suit for a career revival. Meanwhile, Glen Campbell hit the Jim Webb songbook with winning results. Hag and Buck Owens fashioned the Bakersfield sound and Gram Parsons took his cue from that. Gene Clark never seems to get the credit he deserves for his pioneering work in Country Rock. Once forgotten, now Townes Van Zandt is now revered. Same is happening to Blaze Foley. The obscure likes of Eddie Noack and Dick Curliss remain forgotten but deserve mention. Meanwhile, Charlie Rich pushed the boundaries of Country long before settling into his Silver Fox formula. Hoyt Axton's My Griffin Is Gone is what happens when Nashville drops acid. Thanks to the Alt-Country revival, Loretta Lynn cut the best record of her career in her 70's. Here are the best places to start exploring. Click an album below to read a review
