I realized if I didn't shorten them up, I was never going to finish. Here's a few more.
51. Old Country–-Mark Chesnutt
Another one the early 90's new traditionalist. Lots of good songs here.
52. Louisiana Man-–Doug Kershaw
Older song about a Cajun out trapping and making his way in the world.
53. Third Rate Romance--The Amazing Rhythm Aces
Great 70's Country Rock hit. Russell Smith, your lead singer, was also involved in the wonder rythm and bluegrass ensemble Run C&W.
54. She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful-–Sammy Kershaw
Another one the early 90's new traditionalist. Lots of good songs here. (Oooh, cut and paste) I was actually a member of his fan club at one time (another story for another day. He also covered the previous song (#53) for a hit.
55. Divers Do It Deeper–-David Allan Coe
Not his most famous song, but one of my favorites off his Ten Years of Hits CD. Also did some adult material.
56. Promises--Eric Clapton
Another non-country artist, but only in the strictest sense. This song and Lay Down Sally are definitely county, a Tulsa Time was a Dow Williams cover.
57. Walkin' to Jerusalem–-Tracy Byrd
More 90's traditional stuff that I'm so fond of.
58. Wasted Days and Wasted Nights–-Freddy Fender
Good classic country song. Fender had a decent career, then hit again later with the Texas Tornados.
59. Georgia on My Mind–-Ray Charles
Ray Charles. Just a scosh below Johnny Cash on the icon totem pole. Did Country, Jazz Rock, Pop, R&B, Gospel, and everything inside, outside, mixed, pure, blended fused, scattered and covered. This is probably his most famous song, but it's hard to nail down on one for him, moreso that anyone else.
60. Keep Your Hands to Yourself-–Georgia Satellites
Wonderful little Southern Rock song. Big hit.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
100 songs 41-50
41. Midnight Hauler -- Razzy Bailey
Another trucking song. I really like this song on it's own merits, but I really enjoyed Bailey when I was a kid, too.
42. Long Black Train -- Josh Turner
When people say that today's country is too pop, I like to point out this young man. He's very traditional and just a good country singer. This gospel tinged song is a good example. It's odd because the song never made the top 10, but it charted for a long stretch, making it still a big hit.
43. SqueezeBox -- The Who
Here is my first non-country, nowhere near country artist on my list. However, the song has a country flavor to it, what with the banjo sound, and the accordion subject matter, if you want to believe that's what they are singing about.
44. Backside of Thirty -- John Conlee
Another of the Late 70's/mid 80's country pop artists that I like so well. This sad tale of love lost just beats out Rose Colored Glasses as my favorite. Before parlaying his DJ career into a singing career, Conlee was a mortician.
45. Baby’s Got her Blue Jeans On - Mel McDaniel
Again, long list of hits for McDaniel. I think this is probably his most recognized, and it's a fun song.
46. Some Broken Hearts Never Mend -- Don Williams
Interesting that I picked this one over Tulsa Time or I Believe in Love. All 3 are great, as are most of Williams' catalog.
47. Saginaw, Michigan –- Lefty Frizzell
Here's a classic song. This one is about a young man who couldn't gain his lady's father acceptance, but wins her in the end. Frizell had a lot of influence on later artists like Merle Haggard and George Jones, so he is a very important figure in the history of country music.
48. We Tell Ourselves –- Clint Black
This song has a good guitar lick in it, which must be why I originally chose it. On reflection, Better Man and State Of Mind are better songs. Nothin' But the Tailights is good too. Black is married to actress Lisa Hartman. Clint and I both have issues making up our minds, as I had a hard time picking a favorite, and he sand both Killin' Time and No Time to Kill. Which is it man?
49. Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old –- Garth Brooks
From about 1990 to 1995 or so, everything Brooks touched turn to gold. He was hot. Lots of good country and not so country music from him. This one was the first, and the best.
50. John Deere Green –- Joe Diffie
Diffie came right after Brooks and Black in the new tradition phase that country hit in the early 90's. I'm still a big Diffie fan. This is a fun small mid-western town ditty.
Another trucking song. I really like this song on it's own merits, but I really enjoyed Bailey when I was a kid, too.
42. Long Black Train -- Josh Turner
When people say that today's country is too pop, I like to point out this young man. He's very traditional and just a good country singer. This gospel tinged song is a good example. It's odd because the song never made the top 10, but it charted for a long stretch, making it still a big hit.
43. SqueezeBox -- The Who
Here is my first non-country, nowhere near country artist on my list. However, the song has a country flavor to it, what with the banjo sound, and the accordion subject matter, if you want to believe that's what they are singing about.
44. Backside of Thirty -- John Conlee
Another of the Late 70's/mid 80's country pop artists that I like so well. This sad tale of love lost just beats out Rose Colored Glasses as my favorite. Before parlaying his DJ career into a singing career, Conlee was a mortician.
45. Baby’s Got her Blue Jeans On - Mel McDaniel
Again, long list of hits for McDaniel. I think this is probably his most recognized, and it's a fun song.
46. Some Broken Hearts Never Mend -- Don Williams
Interesting that I picked this one over Tulsa Time or I Believe in Love. All 3 are great, as are most of Williams' catalog.
47. Saginaw, Michigan –- Lefty Frizzell
Here's a classic song. This one is about a young man who couldn't gain his lady's father acceptance, but wins her in the end. Frizell had a lot of influence on later artists like Merle Haggard and George Jones, so he is a very important figure in the history of country music.
48. We Tell Ourselves –- Clint Black
This song has a good guitar lick in it, which must be why I originally chose it. On reflection, Better Man and State Of Mind are better songs. Nothin' But the Tailights is good too. Black is married to actress Lisa Hartman. Clint and I both have issues making up our minds, as I had a hard time picking a favorite, and he sand both Killin' Time and No Time to Kill. Which is it man?
49. Much Too Young to Feel This Damn Old –- Garth Brooks
From about 1990 to 1995 or so, everything Brooks touched turn to gold. He was hot. Lots of good country and not so country music from him. This one was the first, and the best.
50. John Deere Green –- Joe Diffie
Diffie came right after Brooks and Black in the new tradition phase that country hit in the early 90's. I'm still a big Diffie fan. This is a fun small mid-western town ditty.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
100 songs 31-40
31. Holding Her and Loving You -- Earl Thomas Conley
Earl Thomas Conley, not to confused with John Conlee or Con Hunley. Bunches of hits out of Conley. This slow sad one was recently redone by Clay Walker.
32. Memphis in the Meantime -- John Hiatt
Getting out on the fringes of country. Hiatt has recently had some success with movie and TV soundtracks using his stuff. Hiatt has had several good country and country pop songs out there, without a lot of chart success. He has written a bunch of hit songs though. I really like this one about putting the country aside for a while and listening to some blues for a while. Honorable mention to Tennessee Plates.
33. Wicked Game -- Chris Isaak
Isaak is pretty pop, but he's still had some pretty country material. This song had a standard black and white band standing and sing the song video. Then they reshot it with Isaak frolicking in the sand with a model, and it started to gain ground. Add David Lynch using it in Wild at Heart and it was a smash hit. Issak also had a TV show (aptly named The Chris Isaak Show) and several other good songs, though not so many hits. This one has a great guitar part and it accentuates Isaak's Orbison-esque voice.
34. Velvet Chains -- Gary Morris
Did I mention that John Hiatt wrote a bunch of hit songs? Here's one of them. Gary Morris was pretty successful back in the mid-80's country pop days. The music a lot of people point out as bad country pop, I suppose, but it's actually some of my favorite stuff. Morris, an avid hunter and fisherman, also enjoyed success on Broadway on productions of La Boheme and Les Miserables. The song is about staying with a woman you like, plus it has a little double entendre thing happening.
35 Reggae Cowboy –- Bellamy Brothers
More mid eighties country pop stuff. Lots and lots of good stuff from David and Howard. Probably most famous for their late 70's crossover hit Let Your Love Flow, or Old Hippie. Really good duo. I like this one because it has some island stuff mixed in with country.
36. 1982 -- Randy Travis
Travis was hot stuff back when this song was a hit. He was first of the a more traditional movement, counteracting the 80's pop stuff I talked about above. This song was about a lost love.
37. That’s What You Do When You’re in Love –- Forrester Sisters
More of the mid 80's pop stuff. I was fond the Forrester Sisters, and I really like this song of forgiveness.
38. You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation –- Ronny McDowell
Still with this country pop stuff. McDowell was the voice of Elvis in the 1979 Elvis TV movie starring Kurt Russell, the 1990's Elvis TV series, and several other Elvis projects. He had several country hits, this one about settling down being my favorite.
39. It’s a Cheatin’ Situation –- Moe Bandy
Bandy had several hits, his first being Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life. This one about the IRS... ok, that's just little joke, it's a regular county cheating song. Honorable mention to I Cheated Me Right Out of You.
40. Roll On, Big Mama -- Joe Stampley
One of my other favorite sub-genres, the trucking song. This is one of my favorites. Honorable mention to his version of Double Shot of My Baby's Love.
Also, I have to mention Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley had several hits as a duet, which is why they were right together on the countdown. These include the song Where's The Dress, which got them sued by Boy George, You Always Leave Me Holding the Bag and Good Ol' Boys.
Earl Thomas Conley, not to confused with John Conlee or Con Hunley. Bunches of hits out of Conley. This slow sad one was recently redone by Clay Walker.
32. Memphis in the Meantime -- John Hiatt
Getting out on the fringes of country. Hiatt has recently had some success with movie and TV soundtracks using his stuff. Hiatt has had several good country and country pop songs out there, without a lot of chart success. He has written a bunch of hit songs though. I really like this one about putting the country aside for a while and listening to some blues for a while. Honorable mention to Tennessee Plates.
33. Wicked Game -- Chris Isaak
Isaak is pretty pop, but he's still had some pretty country material. This song had a standard black and white band standing and sing the song video. Then they reshot it with Isaak frolicking in the sand with a model, and it started to gain ground. Add David Lynch using it in Wild at Heart and it was a smash hit. Issak also had a TV show (aptly named The Chris Isaak Show) and several other good songs, though not so many hits. This one has a great guitar part and it accentuates Isaak's Orbison-esque voice.
34. Velvet Chains -- Gary Morris
Did I mention that John Hiatt wrote a bunch of hit songs? Here's one of them. Gary Morris was pretty successful back in the mid-80's country pop days. The music a lot of people point out as bad country pop, I suppose, but it's actually some of my favorite stuff. Morris, an avid hunter and fisherman, also enjoyed success on Broadway on productions of La Boheme and Les Miserables. The song is about staying with a woman you like, plus it has a little double entendre thing happening.
35 Reggae Cowboy –- Bellamy Brothers
More mid eighties country pop stuff. Lots and lots of good stuff from David and Howard. Probably most famous for their late 70's crossover hit Let Your Love Flow, or Old Hippie. Really good duo. I like this one because it has some island stuff mixed in with country.
36. 1982 -- Randy Travis
Travis was hot stuff back when this song was a hit. He was first of the a more traditional movement, counteracting the 80's pop stuff I talked about above. This song was about a lost love.
37. That’s What You Do When You’re in Love –- Forrester Sisters
More of the mid 80's pop stuff. I was fond the Forrester Sisters, and I really like this song of forgiveness.
38. You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation –- Ronny McDowell
Still with this country pop stuff. McDowell was the voice of Elvis in the 1979 Elvis TV movie starring Kurt Russell, the 1990's Elvis TV series, and several other Elvis projects. He had several country hits, this one about settling down being my favorite.
39. It’s a Cheatin’ Situation –- Moe Bandy
Bandy had several hits, his first being Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life. This one about the IRS... ok, that's just little joke, it's a regular county cheating song. Honorable mention to I Cheated Me Right Out of You.
40. Roll On, Big Mama -- Joe Stampley
One of my other favorite sub-genres, the trucking song. This is one of my favorites. Honorable mention to his version of Double Shot of My Baby's Love.
Also, I have to mention Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley had several hits as a duet, which is why they were right together on the countdown. These include the song Where's The Dress, which got them sued by Boy George, You Always Leave Me Holding the Bag and Good Ol' Boys.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
100 Songs 21-30
21. Trying to Love Two Women -- The Oak Ridge Boys
This is probably my favorite Oak Ridge Boys song. Lots of songs on their list too. (My wife told me I make that comment on almost every artist. It's true though) I like this one, because, hey, Trying to Love Two Women IS like a ball and chain. Back when I was single, I either had nothing happening and no prospects, or 2 or 3 gals interested at once. This songs features William Lee Golden a little more than most Oak Ridge Boys songs (save Ozark Mountain Jubilee).
22. Boney Fingers -- Hoyt Axton
Work your fingers to the bone, what do you get? One of the best lines in music history, IMHO. Good old country song about trying to keep things together through the hard times. Should also mention Della and the Dealer, and the fact that Hoyt Axton wrote Joy to the World, the big Three Dog Night hit. (and his mother wrote Heartbreak Hotel). Hoyt did a lot of acting, too. Well rounded career.
23. She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime -- Johnny Duncan
Duncan had plenty of good song out when I was a little kid. Always loved his music, and this song is one of my favorites. Also, I could have chosen his version of Come A Little Bit Closer that featured Janie Fricke, as did Thinkin' Of a Rendezvous.
24. The Weekend -- Steve Wariner
Steve Wariner has always been an odd one for me. I never like his songs when they are new, but a few years later, I start liking his old songs. This is a sad little song about a short fling that wasn't so short for the singer.
25. When I Call Your Name -- Vince Gill
Sad one from Vince Gill. Vince is a great singer and a great guiter picker, too. Lots of good choices from here. Oklahoma Borderline is probably my second favorite.
26. Heard It in a Love Song -- Marshall Tucker Band
They played this song a lot on country radio when I was kid, so I don't consider it rock (The rock and pop songs don't show up till much later) Toy Caldwell was the man on the guitar, and the flute is a change of pace. (not a lot of flute outside of classical music. Considering I don't listen to much Jethro Tull, this is probably about it) Can't You See also deserves mention.
27. When You're Hot, You're Hot -- Jerry Reed
La la la la la la, la la la la. Great song. Jerry Reed is another wonderful guitar picker and another prolific actor. He's also one with a whole catalog of great songs. East Bound and Down from Smokey and the Bandit is probably Reed's most well known.
28 I Never Picked Cotton -- Roy Clark
Buck Owens' Hew Haw co-host and Branson fixture. He's also a very talented guitar and banjo picker. Here's one of the many country songs about hard times and leading a life of crime. A college math professor had a messy divorce and was a big fan of Thank God and Greyhound, You Gone, but I'll stick with this song.
29. In America -- Charlie Daniels
Uber-patriotic anthem from The Charlies Daniels Band. Lots of great songs, yet again. Did you know Daniels played guitar on Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline album? He was also missing part of a finger on his right hand, due to a sawing accident. Luckily, it was his picking hand and not his chording hand, and we got to visit the Devil down in Georgia and Wooley Swamp with him. In America is my favorite, though.
30. Texas in 1880 -- Foster and Lloyd
Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd were a big part of the late 80's early 90's neo traditional movement, though I suppose they were more neo than traditional. This is a rodeo song, one of my favorite sub-genres of Country and Western music. Several good songs from this duo (and a few more decent one if you add Foster's solo career.)
This is probably my favorite Oak Ridge Boys song. Lots of songs on their list too. (My wife told me I make that comment on almost every artist. It's true though) I like this one, because, hey, Trying to Love Two Women IS like a ball and chain. Back when I was single, I either had nothing happening and no prospects, or 2 or 3 gals interested at once. This songs features William Lee Golden a little more than most Oak Ridge Boys songs (save Ozark Mountain Jubilee).
22. Boney Fingers -- Hoyt Axton
Work your fingers to the bone, what do you get? One of the best lines in music history, IMHO. Good old country song about trying to keep things together through the hard times. Should also mention Della and the Dealer, and the fact that Hoyt Axton wrote Joy to the World, the big Three Dog Night hit. (and his mother wrote Heartbreak Hotel). Hoyt did a lot of acting, too. Well rounded career.
23. She Can Put Her Shoes Under My Bed Anytime -- Johnny Duncan
Duncan had plenty of good song out when I was a little kid. Always loved his music, and this song is one of my favorites. Also, I could have chosen his version of Come A Little Bit Closer that featured Janie Fricke, as did Thinkin' Of a Rendezvous.
24. The Weekend -- Steve Wariner
Steve Wariner has always been an odd one for me. I never like his songs when they are new, but a few years later, I start liking his old songs. This is a sad little song about a short fling that wasn't so short for the singer.
25. When I Call Your Name -- Vince Gill
Sad one from Vince Gill. Vince is a great singer and a great guiter picker, too. Lots of good choices from here. Oklahoma Borderline is probably my second favorite.
26. Heard It in a Love Song -- Marshall Tucker Band
They played this song a lot on country radio when I was kid, so I don't consider it rock (The rock and pop songs don't show up till much later) Toy Caldwell was the man on the guitar, and the flute is a change of pace. (not a lot of flute outside of classical music. Considering I don't listen to much Jethro Tull, this is probably about it) Can't You See also deserves mention.
27. When You're Hot, You're Hot -- Jerry Reed
La la la la la la, la la la la. Great song. Jerry Reed is another wonderful guitar picker and another prolific actor. He's also one with a whole catalog of great songs. East Bound and Down from Smokey and the Bandit is probably Reed's most well known.
28 I Never Picked Cotton -- Roy Clark
Buck Owens' Hew Haw co-host and Branson fixture. He's also a very talented guitar and banjo picker. Here's one of the many country songs about hard times and leading a life of crime. A college math professor had a messy divorce and was a big fan of Thank God and Greyhound, You Gone, but I'll stick with this song.
29. In America -- Charlie Daniels
Uber-patriotic anthem from The Charlies Daniels Band. Lots of great songs, yet again. Did you know Daniels played guitar on Bob Dylan's Nashville Skyline album? He was also missing part of a finger on his right hand, due to a sawing accident. Luckily, it was his picking hand and not his chording hand, and we got to visit the Devil down in Georgia and Wooley Swamp with him. In America is my favorite, though.
30. Texas in 1880 -- Foster and Lloyd
Radney Foster and Bill Lloyd were a big part of the late 80's early 90's neo traditional movement, though I suppose they were more neo than traditional. This is a rodeo song, one of my favorite sub-genres of Country and Western music. Several good songs from this duo (and a few more decent one if you add Foster's solo career.)
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