Country Mike Blog

Hear some Real Country, Mister

Mike Sudhalter  |  June 19, 2007

I was just recalling my week in Nashville, walking by all of the honky-tonks one afternoon. Outside one of them, there was a man telling people to come into his honky-tonk because there was "real country music". Mister, you don't have to stand out on the corner to tell me about real country. I'll listen to it, day or night! But I'm glad he was trying to convince other folks to hear it.

Are there many better feelings than anticipating a new album by one of your favorite artists? With albums that you want, you count down the days and then feel restless the night before. Then, driving to the store and walking in, you feel like you're on a mission. A few months later, the album is tucked away in your collection. But what a great feeling that day you pick it up. I remember buying Garth Brooks' "Sevens" in November 1997 and listening to it over and over again.

Speaking of great country music, I might get a chance to see Collin Raye this week. When I think of Raye, I don't immediately think of country music, but he's definitely got an impressive collection of heartfelt songs. I've never seen his live show before, but I wouldn't mind taking advantage of the opportunity. And he's definitely country, especially compared to some of today's bubblegum sound.

The farthest thing from a bubblegum artist would be Wade Hayes. I've been on a Wade Hayes kick tonight and wonder why he's still not around. I can recall the beginning of his decline, it was 1998 after the emotional "The Day She Left Tulsa" hit the charts. He never had any hits after that one. His album was released the same day in January 1998 as the Dixie Chicks' debut. They were on the way up, he was on the way down. Was Wade too country for country? E-mail me your thoughts. I don't think anybody is too country for country, but I'm definitely biased on that issue. From "Old Enough to Know Better" to "Undo the Right", Hayes was always heavy on fiddles. How can you beat the fiddle intro from "Old Enough"? Hopefully, he'll re-emerge on to the country scene, because he's got a lot of honky-tonk music left to play for us.