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Never say Never when it comes to Crappy Country Music

Years ago, back when I still prided myself on having good taste, I said that I’d never listen to crappy country music. Now that I have a husband who grew up in Tennessee and a four-year old boy with occasionally questionable taste in general, I’ve chilled out a little bit. Which means that I no longer go screaming from the room with my hands over my ears when certain country music comes on. I’ve learned. Never say never when it comes to crappy country music. Because one day, you may become a parent and have to sing along to songs like Big Green Tractor with your kid, knowing that it’s helping to build his language. It’s comical how excited Tucker gets when this song comes on. Not so comical is that I purchased it from iTunes. Never say never, friends.

Crappy country music also has a super-power. I can’t think of a single Metallica song that I’d be able to use to make a man feel better after I dumped him. Which is where Garth Brooks and The Dance comes in.  I consider Garth Brooks my gateway artist into other country music. If it weren’t for him, I’d have been less likely to give other country musicians a shot. Turns out that Lady Antebellum ain’t crappy at all. I especially like Need You Now.

What is really crappy though is this stupid song called Rain is a Good Thing. I don’t know who sings it and I don’t care. I remember hearing it for the first time during Tucker’s first birthday trip. My in-laws met us in Colorado where we had a big party with most of my family there in Estes Park. We then drove from Denver to Bozeman, MT to see my mom and her husband. As is only fair, the driver got to choose the station and my father-in-law chose country. I do admit that the first time I heard this song I perked up a little bit because who wouldn’t be at least mildly amused by whisky making somebody frisky? That’s something I can definitely relate to.  After my initial grin over the lyrics though, nothing good comes from this song. It’s crappy. It makes my ears bleed. It’s plain old crappy country music.

Ears Bleeding

So while I’ve softened up a little over the years to country music and do admit that it’s not all entirely crappy, I still prefer Metallica. What about you? What music are you surprised to admit to liking?

This has been a Twisted Mixed Tape Tuesday post, the brilliant mind child of my friend Jen Kehl. She’s awesome and likely has a much better post up this week. Today’s assignment is to make a mix of songs that you don’t usually listen to. I pass because I never listen to the Rain song. Ever. Well, except for today because I had to find it to share it. Never again though. For real.


by Kristi Campbell

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  • Kenya G. Johnson - Well I didn’t click on the ear bleeding one. I have enough of those in my head that come and go as they please. Love that your bought the tractor song and I actually like the second one. Not to country-nee at all.October 15, 2013 – 2:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kenya,
    I think that’s why I like it, too. Not too country-nee! Well said!October 15, 2013 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Jessica - I used to hate country until Garth Brooks, as well. He is pretty awesome. I’m not a big fan of anything by Luke Bryan, and I agree that Rain song is pretty much crap. Jason Aldean is always good (some of his stuff really rocks), even though that’s not one of my favorite songs by him. Lady A is always good, too. Nice list. 🙂 PS: I love Estes Park!October 15, 2013 – 2:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Jessica,
    See? Garth is totally a gateway artist! He’s way awesome! Estes Park is paradise!October 15, 2013 – 2:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Natalie - The Cat Lady Sings - Haha, this is why I always say “I like country but”. That Rain is a Good Thing song is probably the stupidest song ever. However, some country I absolutely love. So there’s a lot of push-pull there for me.
    And I laughed when reading that Garth Brooks is the gateway drug. It’s so true….October 15, 2013 – 2:28 pmReplyCancel

  • Quick Stepp- Melissa - I went country too. It’s shameful, really.
    I still refuse to listen to new country. My boyfriend and I did long-distance for a while with him in Birmingham. It was everywhere. Ugh, gross.October 15, 2013 – 2:29 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - I actually listened to Metallica today. “Nothing Else Matters.” And it totally cheered me up from my Monday, even though it’s not Monday funk.
    I’m guilty of saying that country music couldn’t make it into my playlist if my life depended on it. I did hear a song recently that I kinda liked, though! It was by Blake Shelton and it was a sad love song. And it was great!!!
    Something like, “Mine Would Be You.”October 15, 2013 – 2:30 pmReplyCancel

  • Janine Huldie - And this is why I love you, because I said this on more then a few of these posts today that country was never for me and never thought I could like anything if it were of this genre, but I too have softened over the years and listen a bit, but still would pick Metallica any day of the week, too!! 🙂October 15, 2013 – 2:37 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Natalie,
    Garth is totally the gateway! I know what you mean about the push-pull. It’s funny that you say “I like country but” because I say the almost-same thing but phrase it like “I hate country but.” Ha.
    —
    Melissa,
    Country is a little shameful anyway.
    —
    Tamara,
    I don’t know that song! I’ll have to look it up because you have such awesome taste!
    —October 15, 2013 – 2:39 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Janine,
    WHOOT TO Metallica! They’re so much better than country!
    —October 15, 2013 – 2:40 pmReplyCancel

  • Kerri - Come on you know that Tequila Makes Your Clothes Come Off I am sure that song was made for you and New Orleans 🙂

    October 15, 2013 – 2:50 pmReplyCancel

  • Lance - I like you a lot. I like your blog a lot. So, I’m just going to say, have a great day, you.

    *grumble grumble modern country music blows grumble grumble*October 15, 2013 – 2:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kerri,
    Actually, I’d NEVER heard that song! I’m laughing!!! It’s actually catchier than the rain one though so perhaps that’s why it’s less repulsive. 🙂October 15, 2013 – 2:54 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Lance,
    HA! I know. I like you too. Sorry that you lost all respect for me in a single post. And maybe even threw up a little bit.October 15, 2013 – 2:55 pmReplyCancel

  • Dream - Loved the post, but you listed the one song that is absolutely guaranteed to make me go postal. See, the husband and son’s hobby is restoring antique tractors, particularly John Deeres. They went nuts over this song and for four years now, its been their ring tones. Its to the point of nails on chalkboard for me.October 15, 2013 – 3:00 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Dream,
      UGH I’m sorry! I’d probably hate it a lot more if I’d heard it on ring tones for years too!October 15, 2013 – 3:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Emily - I’m with you on lady antebellum.also, I became a huge Bon jovi fan in my 40s…never liked him when I was younger, but I think his music reminds me of my younger,simpler self. But still, I’m pretty much a music flunkie. My husband likes to quiz me on songs when they come on the radio by asking who the artist is and I rarely get it right.October 15, 2013 – 3:18 pmReplyCancel

  • Dana - My daughter has suddenly fallen in love with country music, and I’m not a fan. Especially when I have to listen to the same song being played on repeat 10 times while she takes a 30 minute shower. Talk about ear bleeds…October 15, 2013 – 3:23 pmReplyCancel

  • Shell - I love country music but when my seven year old started singing that rain is a good thing song while we were watching his brother’s soccer game this weekend, it wasn’t such a good thing.October 15, 2013 – 4:08 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Emily,
    Love Lady Antebellum! That’s funny about your husband quizzing you on the music that comes on. I used to be much more knowledgable (and cool) (and better looking) (and smarter) than I am now.
    —
    Dana,
    Ugh. Sorry to hear about the earbleeds.
    —
    Shell,
    HAHA that’s hilarious actually!October 15, 2013 – 5:00 pmReplyCancel

  • Kate - I tease Joe that if we get married Big Green Tractor will be our song since we slow danced to it at an Aldean concert once 🙂October 15, 2013 – 5:09 pmReplyCancel

  • JenKehl - I don’t care how crappy you think your post is you always crack me up! The problem is you have no idea how funny you are. Just when you’re being regular. And I have to agree that Isaiah is why I listen to country at all right now too, it’s definitely growing on me. Play Convoy by Commander Cody for Tucker. See what he thinks.
    MWAH!October 15, 2013 – 5:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Kristi Campbell - Kate,
    AWWW! 🙂 That’s really cute. And a little worrisome.
    —
    Jen,
    You’re so nice. Thanks huge. And I’ll have to check out Convoy! Never heard of it! MWAH back at ya.October 15, 2013 – 6:32 pmReplyCancel

  • clark - don’t! you will be hearing, “Breaker…Breaker, thats a big …(whatever)” for years to come. lol

    I agree with your sentiments (well, duh!). funny how I don’t mind stupid songs, but I can’t tolerate dumb songs!
    but then, and I suspect there is a hint of this in your Post, some songs get linked to something (else) which gives it a standing in one’s life that can not be accounted for in any other way.
    The first two songs on my list are perfect examples of that… I do not enjoy the low-technique, un-sophisticated sounding sound (lol) of the song, but as a whole they got hooked into an emotional event…bam! I enjoy the song.

    (frickin life! it just doesn’t quit, does it?!)October 15, 2013 – 7:26 pmReplyCancel

  • Considerer - Certainly it tends not to be my favourite. Though there are limited pieces I do like 🙂 Glad that Tucker loves those tunes so much though 😀October 15, 2013 – 8:25 pmReplyCancel

  • thedoseofreality - I grew up in Texas, so country music has a special place in my heart. I LOVE all the songs you shared here! 🙂 Great list! And don’t event get me started on Garth Brooks and The Dance.-AshleyOctober 15, 2013 – 8:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Linda Roy - Well…I picked Garth’s wife, so there’s solidarity in that, right? Keepin’ it in the family. 😉 “Whiskey makes my girlfriend a little frisky…” hahahaOctober 15, 2013 – 9:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Louise - I’m finding it amusing how country music is like the “dirty little secret” love of nearly everyone who does this blog hop.

    Never a favourite of mine, by this stage of life I’ve come around to it – Garth Brooks, Toby Keith – and, well, I’ve developed a love for the show Nashville – which I suspect is actually Nashville’s gateway drug to win you over to their market. So far, so kinda working.October 15, 2013 – 10:13 pmReplyCancel

  • Katia - Oh, Whiskey and frisky always rhyme in country. Remember Carrie Underwood’s Right Now? This is going to sound so American Idol, but I love how every subject you address becomes yours. You made this your own and Tucker’s and your husband’s and I’m always curious to find out which way you’ll do it this time and it’s always original, yet always yours. <3 <3 <3October 15, 2013 – 10:58 pmReplyCancel

  • Sarah Almond - My husband really turned me on to country music. Now before all of you anti country peeps get all hatin on me, there is a lot of really BAD country. There’s also a lot of really good country. Like you said Lady Antebellum is one of the really good ones. They aren’t really what I’d consider straight country, more of a crossover. Most of the country that I really like is much more like rock!

    And I too HATE that rain is a good thing song, but I do like Luke Bryan. THink that one gets stuck in your head? Try “All My Friends Say”… LOL.

    I still prefer the harder rock songs over country, but I have this weird affliction called “I like Carrie Underwood” and will put my ipod on the playlist with all her songs and just leave it there…October 16, 2013 – 1:51 amReplyCancel

  • Slu - Love It!!! And “Whiskey makes my girlfriend feel a little frisky.” lol What I am talking about… Ha!!

    So enjoyed, as usual, SluOctober 16, 2013 – 6:27 amReplyCancel

  • Joy @ i can say mama - I love “Need You Now” and I am no country girl at all!October 16, 2013 – 8:46 amReplyCancel

  • Jean - I never got country but I somehow fell in love with a lot of bluegrass. I mean, honestly.October 16, 2013 – 9:11 pmReplyCancel

  • Tatum - I hope you don’t disown me as a friend for admitting this, but in one week (about 10 years ago) I went to 3 concerts; Pearl Jam, Fleetwood Mac & Yanni. Can I admit this? Yanni was seriously the most entertaining of the three. Pearl Jam was the worst. Maybe it was just a bad night for him, but Eddie Vedder was a total droll. Yanni on the other hand, if I ignored him and his hair flips and just watched his kick-ass musicians was pretty incredible. Stevie Nicks and her spinning in her full skirts was pretty cool too.

    To be clear, I own no Yanni singles or albmus, but plenty of Pearl Jam, so it really came down to who was best a performing.October 16, 2013 – 11:06 pmReplyCancel

  • Ilene - OK – Given that I’m someone who has prided myself in having “great taste in music” and vowed to NEVER listen to crappy country music, or ANY country music for that matter, this made me laugh. And if I ever decide to give country music a try, I will remember to start with Garth Brooks…October 17, 2013 – 7:51 pmReplyCancel

  • Kimberly - Nope. Not conforming to country. I can’t. Won’t. Never.October 21, 2013 – 1:15 pmReplyCancel

  • Mike - I love “Need You Now” and whiskey too for that matter. But, I don’t keep the latter in the house because it’s my crazy juice. Remember Kim Basinger in the movie “Blind Date”? Me and whiskey. Country is all my dad would listen to besides Simon and Garfunkel. Oh my gawd those week long road trips and the 8 track player. I got to pick so I always went with S & G. Yet, in 1984…huh, there is that year again…anyhoo, I went to an Alabama concert. INCREDIBLE!! We are on the same page that for me Garth Brooks really brought country music to the forefront again. Taylor Swift’s “Mean”…I can play that allllll day. But, I’m still a classic rock guy for the most part. Fun to read, Kristi! 🙂February 9, 2014 – 3:56 pmReplyCancel

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