Comments on: The Bird List

By: Leeann

Leeann — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:57:27 +0000

“Between me and Dan, we’re 2 for 2 so far.”

Count me on that list.

When I review an album, I listen to it at least three times, usually more, because album reviews don’t come easy to me. Furthermore, several Lambert songs (including from Revolution) are in my itunes library and have gotten considerable play. To say that an artist is overrated is one thing, but to suggest that those who are doing the overrating don’t even listen to the music is legitimately offensive.

By: C.M. Wilcox

C.M. Wilcox — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:49:06 +0000

My job (to use that term very loosely) is to offer my opinion, not encompass all possible opinions. I give my opinion, you give yours. It works pretty well as long as we don’t start assuming those who disagree are liars, not actually listening to the music, etc., which is exactly what you did in your previous comment. I speak my mind emphatically, maybe, but I never rule out the possibility that others might reasonably disagree.

By: Chuckles

Chuckles — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:07:10 +0000

all opinions that are not one’s own when stated as fact are objectionable to those that hold an opposing view. This blog often states it’s opinions of various artists whom is disapproves of in very derogatory terms, with no leeway as to the merit those artists might have in the eyes of others. So I find your taking offense to my own statement of my opinion as fact as an indicator of your own inability to see that you do the same thing yourself. Once again, my opinion, my impression based on the totality of what I’ve read on this blog and others.

By: Trailer

Trailer — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:44:58 +0000

Chuckles, I listen to both Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert weekly if not more.

Dan, Lucero (my favorite current band) is an acquired taste, but well worth a healthy sampling to see if they’re your cup of tea. Country, punk and bar rock all rolled into one.

Rick, I’d say a higher percentage of Americana/alt-country fans are left-leaning based on my experiences and message board meanderings. I have listened to and enjoyed 18/20 albums (hated Band of Heathens, haven’t heard Dave Rawlings Machine) on this list, but I lean conservative. Go figure.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:39:39 +0000

Off all those contributing blogs the only ones I visit are this one, The 9513, and Farce the Music and this list just reinforces why. Truersound took exception to my labeling most of these artists as Texas / Red Dirt at The 9513 and I must admit the catch all “Americana” moniker is more accurate. The overall style and feel of the music these artists make just doesn’t appeal to my old fogey brain, but that’s the way it goes.

I prefer male artists back from the 1940′s through the 1960′s periods but these days I favor female artists and don’t care for the token pair included on this list, but am grateful Maren Morris was not included! (lol)

I wish someone would do a scientific study to see if the list of artists above appeals more to Obamavoters than right-wing conservatives! I would just it bet it does as poor tastes in politics tend to manifest themselves in other areas as well…(lol)

By: C.M. Wilcox

C.M. Wilcox — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:28:01 +0000

There’s some truth to the underlying sentiment, but Chuckles (whose name seems a mismatch to his/her personality) couches it in pretty objectionable terms.

No one really listens to her music…

Oh? Where are you getting this information?

… but because someone decreed at some point that she was “real country” in todays pop country then she is going to make every list of best-of on any of these sites.

Every list? She only made 6/30 to secure her last place spot in the overall rankings. As far as you setting this up as a “real country” versus pop country thing, I’d say there are precious few moments of traditional country on the entire album, especially taking into account the aggressively modern production style. What matters isn’t what you call it, but that a lot of people have decided that it’s a pretty good album. And I take it in good faith that they did decide – as autonomous beings – unless you can explain who issued the decree and how they got everyone to play along. Some critics are drones, but most aren’t.

Honestly, how many of you actually listen to more than one of her songs more than 5 times since the album came out?

Between me and Dan, we’re 2 for 2 so far.

Just because you don’t like something as much as the critics do, that doesn’t mean they’re not listening as well as you are or being insincere in their choices. Tastes differ, y’know. Deal with it.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:49:52 +0000

I think there’s probably some amount of truth in Chuckles’ theory of how Miranda has been embraced by the alt-country/general critical crowd, but I would add that it’s difficult for a hype snowball to get that big if there isn’t something pretty substantial pushing it along. I have personally listened to Revolution far more than any other album this year, and I really do think it’s a strong, strong album. Not traditional country, but something really cool all the same.

I guess I’m going have to try and get into Lucero, huh? Their name keeps popping up a lot.

By: Chuckles

Chuckles — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:00:09 +0000

I get the feeling Miranda Lambert is the female Jaimee Johnson of the Country Blogs. No one really listens to her music but because someone decreed at some point that she was “real country” in todays pop country then she is going to make every list of best-of on any of these sites. Honestly, how many of you actually listen to more than one of her songs more than 5 times since the album came out?