Manolo says, sometimes the Manolo fears for the soul of the American heartland, such was the case when he stumbled across the following collection of photos, taken at the Country Music Television Music Awards.
Carrie Underwood, the White Beyonce.
Queer Eye for the country guys.
Good Lord, who opened the gates to the asylum?
[...] Update: One of our readers, Gloria, sent in a link that brings us much concern. The CMT Music Awards used Foxworthy as a diversion to blind the fans from much more pressing matters, matters such as these. Country music has been hijacked. Tags: Country Music, Willie Nelson, roundup, Grand Ole Opry, George Jones, Kenny Rogers, Johnny Paycheck, Billy Joe Shaver, Stonewall Jackson, Loretta Lynn, CMT Music Awards, Johnny Rodriguez, Jeff Foxworthy [...]
That sound you hear is Mother Maybelle Carter spinning in her grave.
I don’t think Hank done it this a’way.
Legwarmers are a sin against the shoes right up there with crocs. Let us hope Jesus takes the wheel again.
why oh why, do people not stand up to their stylists!?! especially when something is baby-jesus-is-crying bad! not one of those people could possibly have looked in the mirror and thought “Sweet, I’m smoking tonight!”. Underwood’s wearing a little leather corset and formal shorts with leggings, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.
Frankly, it makes one long for the tasteful restraint of Dolly Parton.
Carrie Underwood is trying to be Shania Twain. Remember her performance of Man, I Feel Like A Woman? What about that song was remotely country?
Jimmy Dean once said that he didn’t leave country, country left him.
There’s basically no such thing as country music these days. Plus, Carrie Underwood is a sham anyway…
Well, this country fan prefers Big & Rich (the third pic) being doofuses to Tim & Faith being dull! (Since for some reason those seem to be the only available options in country.)
I agree with Bridey, ridiculous yes… but then so can the beloved Galliano be. At least their bumpkin off-step fashion amuses instead of bores.
NO! There is so much more in country music these days, Bridey! Look at Abigail Washburn and Uncle Earl, o Ralph Stanley, or Robert Earl Keene, or Max Stalling. There are so many real country acts, they just don’t get radio play and major label backing. It’s the same with any style of music. You have to hunt for the really good stuff.
Well who’d a thunk there would be a discussion of the status of today’s country music on the blog of the Manolo. I must agree with Sara. There is soooo much more to country music. Such a rich history and so many sub genres to choose from. Unfortunately in the quest for larger audiences many lines are being blurred and what is now called country is becoming more like genericized Pop.
Now that’s not necessarily bad if it causes listeners to start digging for the roots of what is being played today. You just never know what you might discover. So, to all the readers of the Manolo I say try to keep your minds & your ears open. There’s gold in them thar hills.
As far as the outfits are concerned….well, they might do better to broadcast the awards on the radio and not on TV.
I agree with Sara that you have to hunt for, or stumble across, the good stuff. Luckily I happened to channel surf past Austin City Limits a couple of years ago when Ralph Stanley was appearing. Went back to see who that wonderful old guy singing his heart out was and have been a fan ever since.
daisyj I loved “…the tasteful restraint of Dolly Parton.”
Oooh, look what we’re doing to the Manolo’s comments section!
I agree, Sara, gemdiva and Carol, that there are lots of great roots and bluegrass and Americana and gospel acts out there, though I’m still a fan of mainstream country music — not all of which actually sucks :) But it’s all country, and it’s a shame there’s not more room on the airwaves for the rest of it.
Regarding the last photo:
Dear Mr. Geisel,
We found the Cat in the Hat. It seems as if he also let Thing One and Thing Two run amuck; they clipped off the shirt sleeves of random attendees and relocated them to the legs of other attendees, creating a fashion nightmare. The local SPCA currently has them in quarantine; you may pick them up at your leisure.
Yours truly,
Country Music Television