ATTACK OF THE UNWANTED GENRES!
Some of the people that follow this blog have challenged me to choose the genres of music that I don't typically listen to and pick my top five in those genres. I'm not necessarily setting any rules for this challenge that I so readily accepted but I will try to explain my motive or reason for choosing these artists. This should be fun! My first genre is . . .

COUNTRY

Country music is a good one to start with because I never listen to it by choice but I don't detest it. I can easily recognize the talent it takes to produce good country music. In my mind there are some very good country musicians and some very bad ones. I think one of the hardest things about this challenge will be narrowing them down to only five. I know that my answers may be heavily influenced by whether I have seen them live or not, that always helps me appreciate a band or musician more. The list will be in no particular order. Alright, here we go.

1. Alan Jackson - I have appreciated Alan Jackson from the very first song I ever heard by him mostly because he writes just about all of his songs. He's a very honest songwriter and he seems to really enjoy it. He is true country to me because his music comes from the heart.

2. Dwight Yoakam - His first album Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc, Etc. was a masterpiece. He has a coolness about him that is unmatched. Another true country musician that took country back to it's roots.

3. Merle Haggard - Real Country at its best! Definitely an original. Put him up against Johnny Cash any day and he would win. If you don't agree with that I'm afraid you just don't really know country music.

4. Diamond Rio - I'm sure alot of people might disagree with me on this one but remember this is my top 5. I've seen them live and they are incredible. They know their stuff, pure talent. Great songwriting, catchy hooks, southern accent, what else do you need to be good country?

5. Alabama - They have to be, hands down, the greastest country band of all time. They have the awards to prove it. That might be all I can say.

6. Nickle Creek - I know it's a top 5 list but I said there wasn't going to be any rules. And you know I had to throw in somewhat of an Alternative/Country band. When Nickle Creek first came out they were young, inventive, and creative. Like always radio never did quite figure out what to do with them. They had a bit of airplay but then they got swept under the rug. Three words; talent, talent, talent. I'm afraid if you can't appreciate this band you just don't like music.