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As a rule, I can’t stand country music. The sound just grates against every fibre of my being. There are exceptions to this rule, but since they are so few I can’t remember what they are, and so can’t list them for you.
I also have problems with the subject matter. I mean seriously, how many versions of the same story do we really need? Woman leaves, dog/horse/guitar dies, man goes drivin’, truck breaks down, man drinks whisky, woman is seen fraternisin’ with another man, man feels all lonesome, twang twang twang.
Aussie country singers give me the irrits too, largely because they feel the need to put on that fake country twangy accent when they sing. Though I guess an Australian singing country music is silly enough to begin with – they probably feel that the accent can’t make things any worse.
Australian country singer Adam Brand is a prime example of this kind of musical offender, and when I came across his version of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ I nearly gave it a miss because…well why wouldn’t you? But the fact that it was part of Andrew Denton’s Triple M Musical Challenge, a radio segment I remember hearing a few years ago, made me interested enough to check it out. Each week Denton got an artist into the studio and challenged them to perform a song that was completely outside their usual genre. It was sensational – I remember The Wiggles doing ‘Long Way To The Top’ especially well.
Once I got over the fake-twang factor of Brand’s contribution, I actually really got to enjoy it. It’s fast paced and he plays it straight, but doesn’t take himself too seriously either. I love the ‘two tickets to Willie Nelson’ part too. I’ve actually listened to it 9 times now. Look out…I might be on the turn….
Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus Cover) – Adam Brand
Side note: The original spent three weeks at #1 here back in 2000. Good lord, what a bunch of philistines we are.
I tend to agree with you on Aussie country, seems “try hard”. But there’s some outstanding alt-country/Americana out there.
I like this track.
i was a little scared there, for just a moment, when i read your title. : )
ita on the country music thing, too, in general. there’s very little of it i can stomach. plus, i think a lot of american singers lay the twang on a bit thick as well.
that said, i have a lovely cover of fleetwood mac’s “songbird” sung by none other than willie nelson, so you never know what will work and what won’t!
Try hard is EXACTLY the right term for Aussie country Chris, spot on! They shouldn’t even bother gettin outta bed for it. Glad you like the track – the playcount on this baby is in the midteens now…and climbing.
And Marcy I thought people might have that reaction! I also reckon I’ve probably had a visitor or two who’ve dropped by hoping for a couple of free tickets or something and have left disappointed. I probably should’ve put a bit of a disclaimer up there…how very misleading of me!
oh, you’re a sly one alright!
i had a post up almost two years ago with outlandish country music song titles that i get hits on to this day, and i always feel sorry for the people who are actually looking for country music, coz i’m sure they are mighty disappointed. : )
huhhmmm…..mention of troy baby in this one? i think not. consider me un-subscribing from your blog baby.
This was recorded as part of a radio show called “Andrew Denton’s Musical Challenge” – artists had to sing a song from a different genre than what they normally sing
Yes – I also enjoyed the Wiggles doing AC/DC. Can’t get much more removed than that!