Justin Moore’s “Outlaws Like Me” & Perversion of the Term
On June 21st, an artist I hadn’t even heard of until a few weeks ago named Justin Moore will release an album entitled Outlaws Like Me.
I have been critical of the “new Outlaw” crowd that includes Eric Church and Josh Thompson for perverting that sacred country music term, but to their credit, and the credit of their fans who have pointed it out, neither Eric nor Josh, or Jamey Johnson have ever come out and actually called themselves “Outlaws”. They’ve have talked about their “Outlaw” ways and thrown Waylon’s name out there beside their own like they belong together. But even when I saw Marty Stuart a few weeks ago, I took careful notice that though he said, “The most Outlaw thing you can do in Nashville these days is play country music,” he stopped short in using the term about himself.
Now here comes the fresh-faced Justin Moore, signed to Big Machine, the same label as Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts, under the tutelage of the country music Antichrist Scott Borchetta, blatantly calling himself an “Outlaw”. Ironically, one of the reasons Big Machine has gone from a small-time player in the music world to a big dog is by giving their artists a little more creative freedom than most Music Row imprints. But an “Outlaw”? Fucking please.
I’ll be honest. From what I have heard from Justin Moore’s music, the guy can sing, and at first glance, I don’t find his music as offensive as some of the other “new Outlaws”. And I’m sure some of his fans will rush here to explain that when Justin says “Outlaw”, he doesn’t mean the country music kind, but I’m sorry, “Outlaw” means something very specific in country music, (<===and if you don’t know it, read that link) and you can’t play innocent about knowing exactly how people will take it when they see the title of this album. In some ways I feel bad for Justin Moore, just like I feel bad for Taylor Swift. Someone at Big Machine should have sat them down and said “Taylor, you’re not country, and Justin, you’re no Outlaw.” Instead they have to hear it from an asshole like me.
Most of these young artists don’t even know who Bobby Bare is, and what he fought for. They’re just a few years removed from mommy reading them Shel Silverstein’s Light in the Attic to scare the boogey man away, but have no idea Shel was an integral songwriter to the Outlaw movement. They don’t appreciate that 3/4’s of Waylon’s songs were love ballads, and that he hated the term “Outlaw” because it perpetuated a negative stereotype, the same exact negative stereotype that the “new Outlaws” are embracing with their misguided that being an Outlaw is about hard living.
And then yesterday it comes out that there’s a new band called The Moonshine Bandits, who are featuring Colt Ford in their debut song “For The Outlawz”. They are calling themselves “Outlaw country/rock/rap”. Now the perversions have perversions, as every fat white fuckwit who can’t sing feels entitled to his own niche and marketing angle. Eric Church meanwhile puts out a video that christens him the next in the line of Williams, Waylon, Willie, and Cash.
Legendary music writer Chet Flippo called Eric out, though he wasn’t brave enough to do it by name, saying, “As if he belongs in that pantheon of greats. Give us all a break. Well, these things always seem to sort themselves out in the end.” But of course, next week Chet will say people like me have no right to say who is country or not. And as for “these things sorting themselves out”, where is the dissension beyond Saving Country Music? As Chet alludes to, country music is supposed to be self-policing. Where are the real Outlaws stepping up to do battle with these carpetbaggers? In the early mid-2000’s, I heard songs like “Dick in Dixie” and “Put the ‘O’ Back in Country” and “Country My Ass”, and I believed them. Dale Watson said, “Get pissed and get mad.” Well, yeah Dale, I’m that already, but what am I supposed to do next? It almost feel now like those songs were simply a lyrical trend as opposed to a rallying cry.
Is XXX going to be what solves this? Trust me, as soon as XXX gets big, Music Row will steal that term as well and use it to market glorified boy bands. Where is Hank Jr., and the other legends who are supposed to keep a tight hold on this stuff? Why does it fall to an obscure blogger to do battle with this trend? In the 80’s, Jr. tilted at windmills all day, calling out New Yorkers and Northerners and gays for no reason. Now the culture of the South has been stolen right from under us and perverted for marketing purposes, and he’s off smoking grass on the set of the next Kid Rock video.
Where is Jamey Johnson, if he truly wants to be “the next one”? Mums the word coming from his camp, because he’s too afraid of saying the wrong thing, and it resulting in the next payday being a little lighter. How about stepping up and fighting for what brought you those paydays in the first place?
When Justin Moore’s “Outlaws Like Me” comes out, I will listen to it with the most un-bias perspective I can muster, and try my best to judge the music beyond the marketing. But in the meantime, I am not going to look at him as the problem, I am going to look my self and ask, “What did I do wrong? How can I resolve this? What can I do to make sure this doesn’t happen in the future?” And anybody who truly cares about country music, and specifically Outlaw country music, must do the same. If the people with the big bullhorns aren’t going to take up the slack, then we, the country music fans and the small artists, must.
I might be making too much of this. I might be preaching at the choir. I might be fighting a losing battle, or tilting at windmills myself. But at this point, if we don’t fight for the preservation of the term “Outlaw”, apparently nobody else will.
April 28, 2011 @ 8:57 am
i love listening to music because music lift my spirit high regardless of the genre for as long as it’s good. i also love to read this column because the writer’s view is funny
April 28, 2011 @ 9:16 am
Triggerman… it takes an army. Dry County Drinkers (for a while) cliamed to be “Outlaw”. Within the group, it was taken from the words of Kris Kristofferson who said the reason they are called Outlaws is because they do their music their way, with out apology or regret. The one thing we (and that we and a handful of other West Coast True Country Bands) are doing is doing what Waylon, Willie, Johnny (Cash and Paycheck), Kris and the lot of them did back in the 70’s. Unite!!! There are so many self serving bands out there that leave their bretheren left for dead. In the Digital Age it is more important NOW, more than ever that bands within their genres, in every genre UNITE. Major Labels are done… the last nail was slugged in the coffin years ago and bands (especially True Country Bands) have the opportunity to play the game their way.I gotta tell you, as a band who has been around for less than a year we, have palyed with with some amazing artists like Joe Buck, Commander Cody, Hellbound Glory, Jason & The Punknecks, The Cheatin Hearts, David Allen Coe, Truckstop Darlin and a ton of other bands, all done through Hard Work and a United Front. We’re not tooting our horn as much as we want to set an example or how to support your success regionally to continue to pursue the passion. If we all start working together as a network, we all get to enjoy the spoils. Its a lot of hard work but God Damn it feels good!!
Dry County Drinkers – Sacramento
April 28, 2011 @ 9:49 am
Trigger, you’re written some good articles, and some great ones. This is my favorite.
April 28, 2011 @ 9:51 am
Here is what you can do to combate this. .
1. Don’t talk about Jamey Johnson when you have never been to a show. And you clearly know very very little about him. I don’t even think you have bothered to read even a bio on him.
2. You asked where is the outcry from some artists?
“Where is Jamey Johnson, if he truly wants to be “the next one”? Mums the word coming from his camp, because he”™s too afraid of saying the wrong thing, and it resulting in the next payday being a little lighter. How about stepping up and fighting for what brought you those paydays in the first place?”
– When did Johnson ever state he wanted to be the “next one”? You have asked who is the savior and his name was suggested by fans. He never has said he is a savior, outlaw, etc…
So here is some info. to get your research started since you say mums the word from his camp.
So where is Johnson??? Off producing a bad ass country album with the Blind Boys of Alabama and some country legends lending a hand in it. He is with Willie on Willie’s throwdown tour, and playing Willie’s picnic on the 4th in Ft. Worth with a great line up. (but accroding to you that tour is joke now right? or “your jury is still out”… surprise you don’t take a stand on it.)
http://www.blindboys.com/
Unlike you, so caught up in bashing this stuff , they don’t pay it any mind and go off and do what they like to do. And that appears to be making country music.
You admit you know nothing about Justin Moore, yet you claim that he couldn’t possibly know anything about Shel Silverstein or the history of outlaw country.
Jesus christ, Moore is a relative new comer. Forgive him for not cutting the ground breaking album to save the country world.
You judged him on the title of his album and haven’t even heard the album???
The Eric Church video is disgusting. No excuse for it. I am not a Church fan.
And now all of a sudden your referencing Marty Stuart as if you had his back through the years when you mention that you were surprised by his live show since you type cast him as a “no-hat act” from the early ’90’s pop country movement.
April 28, 2011 @ 10:54 am
O.K I read the bio on Jamie Johnson , and I must say. He is some kind of OUTLAW. Here is a link for everyone to read just how OUTLAW he really is. WHAT A JOKE! I didnt like him before but now I feel a little sad for him. OUTLAW MY ASS
April 28, 2011 @ 10:58 am
sorry, you forgot to provide the link.
I would be interested to see it, since he has never claimed to be an outlaw.
Maybe you looked up the wrong Jamey, since you appear to have looked up Jamie Johnson.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:11 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamie_Johnson
April 28, 2011 @ 11:13 am
expected. someone that is a blind loyalty to Hank III. Talks some trash with nothing to back it up.
I am a Hank III fan, and some of his fans are embarassing for him.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:41 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamey_Johnson
OK here we go , sorry
April 28, 2011 @ 6:51 pm
EPIC FAIL.
Just admit. You havent listened to Jamey (not Jamie). You Have no point of view to share. A wiki page is weak and not at all a bio. Anyone can edit those to say whatever they want.
April 28, 2011 @ 6:48 pm
@ IceColdCountry
I couldnt agree more.
@ Trig
Why all the Johnson Bashing? Youre rails against him truly show that you are just trying to pick a fight. As I said before, He is mainstream despite being too country for mainstream. His talent got him there. He should be applauded.
And he has never put his name beside anyone elses.
April 28, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
Yes he did.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:05 pm
@ Denise
When?
April 29, 2011 @ 8:18 am
when he named his “Lonesome Song” album in the top ten of the past decade
April 29, 2011 @ 7:26 am
And I have to point out again that talent has nothing to do with being mainstream. I like some of Jamey Johnson’s stuff, so I’m not getting down on him. But there are plenty of people with as much or more talent who are squarely in the underground, and likely to stay there.
April 28, 2011 @ 10:14 am
Gonna let this fester and stir up a bit…glad I gotta hit the road today.
I can tell you, neither Justin Moore nor Moonshine Bandits are new acts.
Not being negative, but I can’t see a way that either one woulda been mentioned around before until he named the album that way. Same with their song’s title.
April 28, 2011 @ 10:22 am
Trigger, you ever think that these artists use the term “outlaw” or the name “Waylon” to honor their heroes? Maybe their not trying to make some huge industry changing statement.
You said, Waylon hated the term outlaw which I agree with but it didn’t stop him from using it sell records (wanted: the outlaws, ladies love outlaws, Don’t you think this outlaw bit has done got out of hand, Outlaw Shit, slow movin’ outlaw, etc) the same way artists today are probably using it to sell records.
I also find it funny that the name of Hank III’s first full length album was “Risin’ Outlaw”, so tell me what makes him anymore of an outlaw than Justin Moore or anyone else who uses the term? Because his daddy had outlaw cred?
You talk about throwing around Waylon’s name… hmmm like Whitey Morgan? Or Leroy Virgil? Or Roger Alan Wade? They all have used it. Where’s the hate for them? Theirs 2 sides to every coin. You can’t condemn the mainstream and raise up the underground for doing the same thing. Sorry.
Give me my Justin Moore, and Jamey Johnson. Give me my R.A.W, and Whitey Morgan. I’m not that concerned with “saving” country music. I just want to enjoy it.
April 28, 2011 @ 10:46 am
Im interested in saving country from this pop country bs but country wouldnt be the same for without Justin Moore or Eric Church or those guys i have both Erics cds and in June I’ll have both of Justins and I think its good music the problems not Justin its taylor, Carrie, Brad Paisley, i could go on forever thats the problem trigg why not focus on them??
April 28, 2011 @ 11:04 am
Eric Church, and Justin Moore calling himself an “Outlaw”, not necessarily his music, is a much bigger problem than Taylor or Carrie.
Do you want to try and defend that video? I’m serious, I would really like to hear the defense for that. Taylor isn’t trying to compare herself to anybody.
April 29, 2011 @ 2:50 am
Triggerman, did you see Eric Church on CMT Cribs? Payin respects to Swift and Rascal Flats. Funny shit for a outlaw like him
April 28, 2011 @ 11:01 am
I think they totally THINK they are paying tribute to their heroes, but the things they are paying tribute to are overindulgence that have LITTLE to NOTHING to do with the term “Outlaw” when it comes to country. A COUNTRY MUSIC OUTLAW HAS TO DO WITH FIGHTING FOR CREATIVE CONTROL OF YOUR MUSIC! It has nothing to do with Josh Thompson’s “Outlaw ” ways of partying with coeds. So yeah, if the way someone pays “tribute” is by perpetuating negative stereotypes about my heroes, then yeah, I have a problem.
“Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit” and “Outlaw Shit” were specifically written AGAINST the term “Outlaw”, NOT using it as a marketing term. Have we really listened to the lyrics of these songs?
I’m not calling Hank III an Outlaw either, and in fact, from what I’m reading of what I wrote, I’m frustrated that he won’t be more vocal against this stuff. But he has publicly said many times he doesn’t like “Risin’ Outlaw”, mainly because they put him with a producer who wanted to do it the commercial way. Then he spent the next 5 years in court trying to get two albums out that were done HIS way. THAT is being an Outlaw.
Regardless of his music, it is impossible for Justin Moore to be an Outlaw, because he’s not fighting for anything. He has willing accomplice in Scott Borchetta to pull this ruse off that he is an “Outlaw”.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:09 am
I think that outlaw has alot more to do than just music it and i love waylon but maybe he stole it from the real outlaws jesse james ring a bell anybody he was a “outlaw” bc what he did the way he lived cowboys were sometimes considered outlaws bc the way they lived. If it came down to the way you were raised and grew up making you country Justin would be more country than waylon.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:23 am
folks, Waylon is an icon in this industry. PERIOD. You can pick it apart a million ways, but he still is the icon. Whether he was rasied/lived/travelled/behaved whatever way, it doesn’t take away from his status in this industry.
It is worthless to try and compare anyone that came on the scene in the last 25 years+ to him. Justin, Jamey, Church, Hank III are not close to Waylon. So put that to bed.
This is about guys that get labled or use the term “outlaw” currently. They should never be compared to Waylon. No one will do it like that again. There is only one original.
Obviously the term outlaw when it came to Waylon meant about his music to the music world. It meant something else to the drug enforcement world.
If Justin and Church toss out the outlaw word, anyone with any brains knows it is a ploy and not on the level of Waylon, Willie, DAC, Paycheck, you name it. If some 18yr. old gets turned on to Church because of it, and then evenutally learns about Waylon, then that is great. I came through the Garth Brooks era to learn to love Hank Sr. and Waylon.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:26 am
Good or bad the term Outlaw sells records. Yes I’ve listed to those songs and Yes I know they are AGAINST the term outlaw but what about the other examples I put out there?
Also, how do you know these guys NEED to fight for creative control of their music?! I seem to enjoy it. So just MAYBE they enjoy writing it and putting it out there. Did you ever ask, Josh Thompson, Justin Moore, or Eric Church if they ENJOY making their music? No you haven’t. Not everything has to sound like what you perceive is “country music.”
And how are they, “perpetuating negative stereotypes?” Are they saying Outlaws only eat grits, beat their dog, and fuck their sister? I never knew drinking, partying, and having a good time was a negative stereotype.
You wanna see negative stereotypes go to a David Allan Coe concert. Half of those people were strung out on coke, and looked like they were from straight out of the movie Deliverance.
Every Justin Moore concert I’ve been to, I’ve been surrounded by decent human beings that have or very well may, make a positive contribution to society in the future.
Oh and if Hank III was an outlaw or so against the term he would have said fuck you to his record producer and walked out. At least by your meaning of the word.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:55 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelton_Hank_Williams_III
His record speaks for itself
April 28, 2011 @ 12:00 pm
“Hank Williams III spent much of his early career playing drums in punk rock bands during the late 1980s and early to mid 1990s. Three years after a one night stand in 1995, Hank Williams III was served papers on stage while opening for the underground band Buzzov”¢en. The judge told Williams that playing music was no real job and to come up with $60,000 in overdue child support. To avoid being branded as a deadbeat dad, Williams signed a contract with Nashville, Tennessee, music industry giant Curb Records to pay off the debt.”
hmmm…. what do you call a person that jumps to sign a contract with a big label just to make some money?
I wonder if a guy playing drums in a punk band named Joe Smith could just walk over to a huge country record label and sign a big money contract to pay some debts.
Yep, the record speaks for itself.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:15 pm
You think he jumped at that deal? He signed that deal because he had an obligation to his son. What is wrong with you? This has got off point, all im saying is there is a difference between someone who has fought with everything they have for years to have creative control, and someone that is puppet.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:20 pm
I agree with you on the fighting for and puppet deal. Totally do.
But if you think Jamey Johnson is a puppet, you don’t know anything about him and you aren’t bothering to learn.
How Johnson made “That Lonesome Song” album, that is pure and as genuine as it gets. Now he has carte blanche to do what he wants. Was “The Guitar Song” epic… maybe not, but he has a long road ahead of him with tons of promise.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:58 am
“how do you know these guys NEED to fight for creative control of their music?”
That’s exactly my point, they DON”T need to fight for it, so how can they call themselves Outlaws? Like I said, Scott Borchetta grants his artists a measure of freedom. He is a genius. First he creates Taylor Swift, gives a home to Rascal Flatts, which creates a backlash from purists. Then he creates an “Outlaw” to fulfill the backlash, so he gets your money either way. When you buy a Justin Moore album, you are propping up the same “Big Machine” that puts out Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts, even more than you’re propping up Justin Moore.
And some of those “Outlaw” things Waylon was involved in happened pre-1975 and him winning creative control. In his biography he spells out pretty candidly he did not like the term.
And I’m still waiting for the defense of the Eric Church video. Church may have some good songs, but he’s all marketing, and has been from the beginning, feigning conflicts and battles to market himself as a bad boy. That video is just the latest marketing ploy. If he’d stop the bullshit, I might be able to like him.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:13 pm
I’ve honestly never watched the video so I have no opinion on it either way. I think I’ve actually stated on here on various occasions that my problem with Mr. Church is he’s trying to be some edgy, bad ass, outlaw, which he is not.
Oh and are you telling me if I like the music Justin Moore makes I should just steal it or not even buy it at all? This way a good man who was fortunate enough to land a recording contract in Nashville fails at his dream?
April 28, 2011 @ 6:19 pm
Wow. Say it like you mean it. You make a convincing argument for uh, nothing. Really labeling DAC’s audience? Judging them to defend some manufactured outlaws? Some of the nicest people in the world were at Hank III’s show, but you might turn your nose at them.
How do you know they aren’t decent people? Wow.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:07 pm
You want to know how I know this? Because half of them were drug out of the venue by their ratty dreds for starting fights. That’s how I know.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:20 pm
Well here’s the deal Big Stem. You are stereotyping fans and the Music Row machine is stereotyping their artists. Now you got your stereotyped Outlaw artists fresh from Trashville Tennessee and fresh out of ratty dredlocked fans.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:33 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Moore_(singer)
April 28, 2011 @ 11:47 am
Your point?
April 28, 2011 @ 12:00 pm
The point is there’s nothing there that makes him an Outlaw. Same with Jamey, though in his defense, he isn’t claiming to be.
Yes Wiki is not always accurate, but that’s not the point.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:03 pm
Trig, in defending Johnson, why do you always lump Johnson in with these “fake outlaws” as you call them? You always drop his name into an article like this.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:56 am
Brad, Wikipedia is not the bible for information on people. Maybe check out personal websites, read a bit of album jackets, watch/listen to interviews.
BigStem, I hope this doesn’t reflect badly on you since some folks here don’t like me… but I think you have made very good points here and stated them very well. Better than I can.
April 28, 2011 @ 3:57 pm
Actually Icecold, I don’t dislike you at all. However, I do dislike your consistently hostile, defensive and condescending tone when addressing Triggerman and people taking the time to comment here. As Mr Bandana always says “Opinions are like assholes, everybody has one”. Just because some folks here have differing opinions than your own doesn’t make them wrong. I’m not saying your opinions make you wrong either. Please just be aware of how aggressive your posts come across. They honestly make me wince.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:03 am
Carla, I have heard that before, but my tone became my tone based on the lack of support that people have for accusations they make. Not opinions they give, but when they call out artists for things that simply are not true.
If I call out say a Scott Biram for something, I would get drilled with a ton of facts and support for why I am wrong. So, I do the same when people call out artists that I support. Whether that be Waylon, Hank III, or Johnson. Just so happens those that rip Johnson on here don’t know much about him.
April 28, 2011 @ 11:03 am
Hank lll’s bio speaks for itself. If you even put Justin or Jammie’s name in the same sentence as lll’s your blind, deaf, and dumb !
April 28, 2011 @ 11:54 am
Ok I just went to your favorite site Wikipedia and read Hanks bio. Here’s what I got out of it. He was a dead beat dad who sold himself out to pay back child support. I see why he’s so much better than Jamey Johnson or Justin Moore.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:01 pm
He didnt know he had a child until he was three years old, and when he learned about it he did the right thing by signing that deal with Curb. You think he would have ever signed that deal if not for that reason? That being said, he still fought for 14 years to release his music.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:06 pm
“he did the right thing signing with Curb..” haha. See my comment above.
Lucky for him his stage name was Hank Williams and Curb gave a shit about him. Otherwise he would be doing the right thing and bagging groceries like any other guy that fucked it up on a one night stand.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
Hank III doesn’t have that child, he doesn’t sign that deal with Curb, and he probably ends up drumming away in a rock band you never hear of and he becomes less than a footnote on wikipedia.
Instead, he hooks up with Curb and they make him put on the country act, and suddenly he is raking in the cash (only to go out in child support) but more lucretive than drumming (although he is metal/punk at heart) he takes on the Curb marketed genius of Hank III!
that child and Curb probably saved his life.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:20 pm
It doesn’t matter if he knew or not. If he was so passionate about his stance in country music he could have made that many a 100 different ways.
April 28, 2011 @ 12:50 pm
This is not a discussion about Hank III and his merits. Let’s please stay on topic.
April 28, 2011 @ 1:19 pm
Your right Trigger. So back to the topic…
You called out some merits of other artists, so what do you say to:
You asked where is the outcry from some artists?
“Where is Jamey Johnson… ”
So where is Johnson??? Off producing a bad ass country album with the Blind Boys of Alabama and some country legends lending a hand in it. (Willie, Oak Ridge Boys, Hank Jr.)
He is with Willie on Willie”™s throwdown tour, and playing Willie”™s picnic on the 4th in Ft. Worth with a great line up (Ray Price, DAC, etc…)
I guess he just isn’t giving an interview somewhere or tweeting that he doesn’t like someone using the word outlaw.
April 28, 2011 @ 6:29 pm
“You talk about throwing around Waylon”™s name”¦ hmmm like Whitey Morgan? Or Leroy Virgil? Or Roger Alan Wade? They all have used it. Where”™s the hate for them? Theirs 2 sides to every coin. You can”™t condemn the mainstream and raise up the underground for doing the same thing. Sorry. ”
I cant speak for what Virgil or RAW has said as Im not much of a follower of them but I will tell you this. I have been friends with Whitey and his band for a number of years now and I have never heard Whitey or any of the members of the band “throw” around Waylon’s name. I challenge you to find one Whitey interview where he is just “throwing” around Waylon’s name.. This very statement tells me two things.. 1.) You have no idea as to what you are talking about 2.) you’re typing things with no substance simply so you can read what you have typed.?. sorry hoss.. (oops.. sorry about that Waylon reference) im guilty now..
April 28, 2011 @ 6:48 pm
Yea he really does have no idea what he’s talking about. Especially if RAW’s “throwing around” of Waylon’s name he’s referring to is with his song “First Time I Saw Waylon.” Did you even listen to the songs before you made that comment? Wade’s song is about the immediate impact that was made on his life after he saw Waylon live. It’s a tribute to to him more than anything. These other guys are just throwing his name in songs to appeal to people and sell more albums
April 28, 2011 @ 7:05 pm
Read what I wrote.. “I cant speak for what Virgil or RAW has said as Im not much of a follower of them “..
Now if you’re telling me that Whitey referenced Waylon in one of his tunes simply to sell more album’s Im now telling you that you have no clue as to what youre talking about..
April 28, 2011 @ 7:16 pm
Actually I’m NOT telling you that he used the name Waylon Jennings to sell more albums. What I’m saying is that, how the fuck do you know someone like Jamey Johnson, or another main stream artist did?
You guys crack me up. If Whitey Morgan (who I’m a huge fan of by the way) uses Waylons name it’s out of respect. If Jamey Johnson or Josh Thompson uses his name it’s to sell records.
Their is such a blind hatred on this board for anything mainstream Nashville that you don’t have the balls to man up and recognize that their may just be a little talent down there.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:21 pm
Misfit that was supposed to be directed towards BigStem. I was agreeing with you but I hit the wrong reply. sorry about that
April 28, 2011 @ 7:43 pm
@BigStem… Dont lump me in to what you think everyone who frequents this site believes or chooses not to believe as I have never given anyone enough to think one way or another. I have said a few times that Im not completely sold on Johnson but I have never claimed he is a no talent.. Ive been one of the people who have claimed Carrie Underwood is a tremendous talent as I think she has an amazing voice. Is she my style? No.. But she has talent.
Point being.. i think you could have used better examples as artists who are throwing names around..
@Penns.. sorry .. It looked like you were talking to me..
April 28, 2011 @ 10:30 am
Trigger, there might be another song written about you similar to your belief “Mean” is about you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVK9BXL74aY
April 28, 2011 @ 10:51 am
this clip is better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNHnDz0IP7A&feature=related
April 28, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
I can’t defend Erics video trigg bc that video was just stupid and yea he needs to stop that shit I’ve said it once I won’t fight against music I like bc its not in some peoples eyes outlaw I’ll stand side by side and fight with you against taylor and carrie but just like General Robert.E.Lee said I cannot fight my own people people I love I cannot and will not sir
April 28, 2011 @ 1:24 pm
Seams like a lot of folk here know what a “Outlaw” is. I have a question, Is a “Outlaw” somebody that say stopped playing in a band say cause of moving a lot and then starts a OMB and plays from their soul that you later find out is some of the most traditionally new folk Americana music around today? AND not even come from a country background. Would this make you a “Outlaw” or just a fucking badass cause you dont know anything about the music you play naturally.
April 28, 2011 @ 1:59 pm
I don’t know that I consider simply playing/making the music you want to as “outlaw” if the measuring stick is a guy like Waylon.
Waylon didn’t simply just play music he wanted to. Fuck anyone can do that.
He changed a lot of things and not just playing music an artist likes. (I don’t know to many artists that are being held to the fire and playing music they hate).
Waylon changed how it was recorded, how contract language was written, how musicians/artists were paid, etc… It was a lot more than just “playing what you like”.
With that as a measuring stick, there aren’t to many artists that are outlaws. Que the lighting strike here but… Garth Brooks changed the game with how he negoiated his own contract and how concerts/shows became arena like rock shows. For better or worse, Garth maybe in the top 5 of country outlaws.
Staying true to yourself is important, but to be an outlaw, in the Waylon-sense… a lot more to it than that.
April 28, 2011 @ 2:18 pm
Way off. What im asking is if you play Naturally. Not even knowing what is pop or traditional. Like you have no idea what the music sounds like and you play it naturally. Are you a “Outlaw”?
April 28, 2011 @ 2:30 pm
I am sure others will comment, but I guess when I think of musical outlaw, my measuring stick is Waylon. So simply playing music, whether you know what your doing or not, doesn’t make you an outlaw. There is more to it than just playing/performing it.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:04 pm
There are Very Few real outlaws.
Waylon, Steve Earle. Kristopherson, Cash, Nelson.
Who else am I Missing?
Not DAC or Paycheck. They were trying to cash in on outlaw name.
April 29, 2011 @ 7:33 am
I disagree. Paycheck was already an outlaw back in the mid-’60s when he started one of the first independent labels in Nashville to release his stuff free from the “Nashville sound.”
As for DAC, he stopped being an outlaw when he consciously tried to become one. For the early part of his career, he already was and just didn’t know it.
April 28, 2011 @ 2:29 pm
What is with that face he’s pulling on the cover?
Anyway calling yourself an outlaw really is a childish thing to do
April 28, 2011 @ 2:36 pm
Like Bob Wayne does?
April 28, 2011 @ 5:14 pm
Big differance.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:19 pm
Explain the difference.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:22 pm
Have you seen Bob Wayne’s show? Have you read any interviews or listened to any of his songs? Have you seen it’s not a persona he is trying to get you to buy, it is exactly the persona you get. That’s the difference.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:26 am
Icecold,
Stop making tangents about every fucking artist being discussed here beyond the topic at hand, and stop intimidating my other readers/commenters or I’m going to start deleting your comments. This is NOT a discussion about the merits of Jamey Johnson, Hank III, and certainly not Bob Wayne. ENOUGH!
April 29, 2011 @ 9:50 am
You wrote an article about the perversion of the term “outlaw”
Johnson, Hank III and Bob Wayne are all connected to the term.
How is this off topic?
April 28, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
To sum it all down..many people view the term “Outlaw” differently. To me I view it in it’s purist form as it’s described in the dictionary meaning “a lawless person or habitual criminal, especially one who is a fugitive from the law” or “A person who refuses to be governed by the established rules or practices of any group” ie, rebel, non-conformist.
That’s the word for me a NON-CONFORMIST or those that push the boundaries. That’s how I view an artist and claim as an outlaw. Artists that come to mind are David Allen Coe, Waylon, and Willie because they didn’t follow the standard normal country style of music at the time. Merle Haggard and Johnny Paycheck would be considered an outlaw as well because of them serving prison sentences. Billy Joe Shaver could be considered an outlaw too due to his recent shooting stint. Hank III could be considered an outlaw because he is a non-conformist and sings his style of music which is not the typical country style type of music in todays era.
If you follow the dictionary term…(those might hate me for saying this) but Colt Ford could be considered somewhat an outlaw because he is somewhat non-conforming to standard country music. At the other end of the spectrum Jamey Johnson could be considered an outlaw because he is doing his style which is non-conforming to standard country music as well. The lines are blurry anymore because what is considered the standard “conforming” type of country music or mainstream has moved from the traditional country sound we heard in the 70’s & 80’s like Jamey Johnson to the new pop country/hick hop sound you hear today.
So to put it another way you could say Jamey Johnson would not be considered an outlaw in the 70’s & 80’s because his style of music was “conforming” in that period of time, whereas Colt Ford’s style would definately be considered outlaw. In today’s period of time though, Colt Ford would not be considered an outlaw because his style of music is “conforming” to todays music, whereas Jamey Johnson’s style of music is not the norm.
Hope that makes sense..
To me, an outlaw is a man that did things his own way,
whether you liked him or not. I did things my own way.” ”
””Johnny Paycheck[
April 28, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
I personally like Justin Moore, Eric Church, and Josh Thompson’s music, but I also like Hank III, Shooter, Lucky Tubb, Whitey Morgan, Hellbound Glory also. I understand they are different in terms of how to characterize their style of country music, but I don’t care I like them all equally. The problem I’ve always had is that only one side of the country music spectrum gets the promotional backing behind them whereas the other side is left to fend for themselves. I think all country sub-genres should be promoted and pushed to the masses equally. Let the listeners have their choice of which artists they like.
I’d have no problem with sub-genres like Hick Hop, Pop Country, Southern Rock, etc. as long as I can hear country roots in their music whether it be lyrically or musically. the only style of country music I cannot get on board with are the disney types of country music ie. Taylor, Miley and the vocal group boy-band types Rascall Flatts, Lady A, Band Perry, etc.
April 28, 2011 @ 5:52 pm
An outlaw is someone outside the law. Saying someone who is a non-conformist is an outlaw is wrong. It’s too loose of a description for me. Out side the law. Waylon was. Willie was. David Allan Coe was. It started with the Hell’s Angel affiliation if I’m correct.
Now that POP Country has run it’s best race, the OUTLAW genre will take it’s chances. That’s pretty much the direction they are headed. And it’s also being marketed and branded for consumer purchase. Just like POP.
April 28, 2011 @ 3:13 pm
This guy is pretty much the opposite of “outlaw”, which would make him an “in-law”….and nobody likes their in-laws…
Country music will only save itself when someone makes real, story telling, meaningful music that a couple million people will buy. Until then it will just have to get by on the cruddy stuff that rakes in the cash…it’s a business above all else.
April 28, 2011 @ 4:01 pm
dstate1: that is hilarious. I think we should call these faux outlaws “in-laws” from now on!
April 28, 2011 @ 3:17 pm
By the way, that video is hilarious….I’m strangely tempted to buy high priced wine and hand made shoes after watching it….Where did I park my Lexus anyway?
April 28, 2011 @ 10:25 pm
You’re cracking me up dstate!
April 28, 2011 @ 11:55 pm
I concur, dstate1 is comedy genius. Oh, and you left your Lexus parked outside your in-laws place last night.
April 28, 2011 @ 5:13 pm
It’s gonna be ok Triggerman. You have not let country down. It’s let you down.
Oh. Hell on Heels. An EOE song. great blog.
April 28, 2011 @ 5:17 pm
I call these guys outfauxs. Great article!
April 28, 2011 @ 5:44 pm
“I might be preaching at the choir.”
Sometimes you have to preach to the choir because they get so busy enjoying singing they forget the meaning of the words.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:02 pm
What in the world is that video anyway? Think differently? That is one of the most massproduced, degrading piece of garbage I’ve seen in a long while. I don’t need to vote on nothing unless I want to. Using the legends in an info mercial to sell pop/outlaw/acm awards.
It’s worse than I thought.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:16 pm
Justin Moore actually IS a pretty good singer. He (or the record label, his producer, whoever) just picks really crappy songs to sing.
I think of the whole Outlaw term like I think of the whole “I’m so country” bit: If you have to say how country or outlaw you are, you probably aren’t. (There was a quote to that effect on Country California’s “Quotable Country” from a singer whose name I can’t recall right offhand.)
And fuck Chet Flippo. He talks out of both sides of his mouth so much it’s a wonder he hasn’t run for President and won.
April 28, 2011 @ 7:33 pm
One last thing . . . This is for IceCold. Are you implying that Shelton Hank Williams the Third should be grateful to Mike Curb? For “probably saving his life?”
April 28, 2011 @ 8:11 pm
I will answer that with my own opinion.
I hate the fact that Curb screwed him, But without him NEEDING to get some money, we would have never got to hear III’s voice. In a way, curb helped us and him. I think III could give a damn less and would rather be a drummer.
April 28, 2011 @ 8:22 pm
I disagree. I don’t think anyone goes into music saying I need money. The music industry is a gamble. I think Shelton trusted Curb to do right by him and his talent and heritage. Mike Curb and Hank Jr. were friends I believe. Also, Mike Curb snubbed his own artist, like he is doing with Tim and has done with Leanne Rimes and I’m sure everyone on his label. For some reason he must think he has more musical prowess than his artists. That’s called something else. Shelton would have fulfilled his contract a long time ago and been on his way to doing what he wants to do. He was held in bondage so that Mike Curb could control the situation.
Control issues. And so in no way was Hank III’s contract with Curb Records a good thing. At least now he can move on from it.
April 28, 2011 @ 8:45 pm
@ Denise
I Agree with you, on everything you said. But III was in music before And it seems that now he has backed off from being a front man. So Am I completley wrong when I think he never had an interest in being III. He would prefer being Shelton the Drummer?
April 28, 2011 @ 8:55 pm
That’s a what if and maybe question. The facts remain and it makes no progress thinking that III would be different today if he’d not had to support his child and get a contract. Of course he would. And country music would be different today if Music Row hadn’t sold out and these pop artists had stood up to the labels like Shelton did.
April 29, 2011 @ 5:33 am
If I recall correctly, he said (through facebook) that he is working on a new country album. Doesnt’ sound like he just wants to be a drummer.
April 29, 2011 @ 8:17 am
I think I’ll listen to Hank III Risin’ Outlaw right now . . .
April 29, 2011 @ 9:10 am
The Texas/Red dirt music scene is going to be what saves country music. Not the stuff covered on this site.
Why is no one from the Texas scene covered here? Aren’t you in Texas?
You won’t even cover the most country guy in the business, Aaron Watson.
None of Texas/Red Dirt guys try to say that they’re outlaw, like the fags this site covers. They’re themselves. They play great music, relate to their fans, and just do it better.
So let’s compare some guys to Jayke Orvis for example, your country music artist of the year.
Jason Boland & the Stragglers- Released one hell of a live album, High in the Rockies, even after Jason himself ruptured a vocal cord in 2008.
Aaron Watson- The Road and the Rodeo. Way more country than anything I’ve heard here.
Wade Bowen- Live at Billy Bob’s Texas- Incredible live album.
Randy Rogers Band- Nominated for an ACM. Called “Roots rock” by the media, but they’re actually country, you just wouldn’t think so looking at Nashville.
And you trash Hayes Carll because he’s not quite as obscure as the people you like? You get a boner over some italian grumbling into a microphone and playing banjo?
You used to jump scenes on the time. What was it? ska to punk to country, etc. People don’t change. Jump to this!!!
and the list goes on and on but you get my point. What, do you have to only play in front of 5 people to be “country?” Sell 100 albums from your meth lab?
Again, the people covered on this site and making theme songs for you will not save country music. The Texas scene will.
April 29, 2011 @ 10:57 am
Hilarious.
You can also put the latest Jackson Taylor and the Sinners album that came out in Feb. which I suggested he take a look at, but I think I was off topic since that was in a blog about Taylor Swift.
By the way, that Jackson Taylor album is top top notch. (less two songs, which you know what they are pretty quick) Killer cover of “Ain’t no God in Mexico” too.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:39 pm
Ice Cold, thanks for the name drop. Never heard of J.T. and the Sinners until today. Great stuff. Definitely a band I can get into.
April 29, 2011 @ 11:16 am
Who says Aaron Watson is the most country guy in the business? Do YOU say that? Is that YOUR opinion, or a fact universally recognized?
Who said I don’t support Hayes Carll because he’s “not obscure”? Who said I don’t support Hayes Carll at all? I just re-read my review of his album, and nowhere did I read that criticism. Who said I ONLY cover bands because they are obscure? Please, find quotes on my website from me and post them here. I’d like to see them. Or are you making accusations based on assumptions?
And why when you were mentioning the “fags” I cover on this site, why did you not mention Ray Wylie Hubbard, who I cover all the time and had his last album nominated for my Album of the Year? Why didn’t you mention Billy Joe Shaver, who I cover all the time? These are both legendary country music artists who draw more than five people, who happen to not get the press coverage they deserve because they are too old. Or how about Ruby Jane, possibly my #1 artist I cover right now, who is ignored because she’s too young? Or how about Possessed by Paul James, another Texas artist?, also nominated for Album of the Year? Or Left Arm Tan from Ft. Worth who won my Song of the Year?
Huh, all of a sudden it looks like a cover more Texas music than you give me credit for.
Or how about Dale Watson and Wayne “The Train” Hancock, two very identifiable Texas artists who it is impossible to define as “obscure”? Lucky Tubb? The Quebe Sisters?
The reason Wade Bowen, Aaron Watson, Jason Boland, and Randy Rogers Band are not covered here is NOT because I do not like them or that I don’t appreciate their music. As you pointed out, Randy Rogers was nominated for an ACM, and there’s numerous websites covering this music. My charge is to cover the music nobody is covering. In a perfect world I would have time to cover these bands, but I won’t do it at the expense of bands getting no coverage. I’m only one person, I’m doing the best I can. I’m pouring my heart into this website every day, and if spending 60 hours a week to my own personal and financial demise trying to cover this music isn’t good enough for people, then I’m sorry.
I hope the Texas scene saves country music, and it very well may. But it’s chances and viability are weakened when it’s ambassadors portray themselves as a bunch of narrow-minded homofobes that can’t recognize that good music is good music, no matter where it originates from.
May 1, 2011 @ 6:11 pm
I agree with you about Aaron Watson that guy is trash. You really should give Jackson Taylor a listen if you get a chance though. All of his stuff is excellent not just the new ones I think Whiskey Sessions is by far the best.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:13 am
Just in case you can’t find it while youre shopping for hot topic clothes to go with your attitude.
http://www.texasmusicchart.com/
http://www.texasreddirtmusic.com/Home.html
http://galleywinter.com/
May 1, 2011 @ 2:44 pm
Nice work. Think I’ll pass for now. Suggest you try persuasion instead of gay and ethnic slurs (“You get a boner over some Italian…” What the hell is that?) and insulting pretty much all who enjoy this website by categorically putting down the artists covered here.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:47 am
Oh my gosh Trigger. Your deleting my posts. Your a real beauty. Can’t answer the tough questions, eh? Or support your accusations of artists you know nothing about.
What a joke. I thought you were the real deal even though I butted heads with you sometimes.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:51 am
Keep going buddy, and I’ll delete every single one of them.
Rules are rules.
http://www.forum.savingcountrymusic.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1303
#4 Excessive Back and Forths About Bands And Artists
If two people want to discuss the merits of Jamey Johnson’s music in a polite manner, on an article it is relevant to, go ahead. But endless back and forths where nothing is accomplished will not be tolerated. Polarizing artists like Jamey Johnson, Hank III, Shooter Jennings, etc, and topics like XXX will be especially watched. Make your point, agree to disagree, and move on. And where possible, move your argument to the message board.
April 29, 2011 @ 11:02 am
IceColdCountry makes these comment threads unbearable.
Ban?
April 29, 2011 @ 10:46 am
These radio outlaws don’t sing about anything that matters.
The main difference is their audience is women and teenagers.
April 29, 2011 @ 8:31 pm
Listen here.
Country music means a whole to me.
This bickering amongst people who obviously cae about jt flat out pisses me off.
Triggerman is opinonated. Good for him, ain’t that what daws your here first.
I ain’t ever seen him openly rip on Jamey Johnson. Flat out let tha crap die.
The “outlaw” thing can be debated, and that’s what started this discusion-and what it shoulda been about.
Unity, though impossible, is one thing that could help. For whatever reason, there are divides that seem unresolveable.
We all love country, no matter what that word means to us individually-otherwise, we would never have known this page existed.
I appreciate that trig shut the comments down for a bit. Some damn harsh words were fixin to come out my hands. This bickering and ridiculousness drives nuts. There are certainly better ways express opinions-and to not be defensive in the process.
Get over it.
And one last thing…ain’t not one single movement, band, scene or type gonna save country music. The only thing that will save it is people appreciating what others are trying to do within the vein and beng honest and sincere in their work.
You like “red dirt” or whatever that means…support. You like whatever goes for bluegrass these days..support it. You like honky tonk, “outlaw”, texas swing, whatevr term you want to call any of it…support it.
There is a problem with mainstream country radio..once again, we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t agree on that….maybe it’s dead..maybe it ain’t …I really don’t care. I love this music ,it saved my life…and I’m gonna keep listening.
This petty stuff going on…it ain’t much use to anyone.
April 29, 2011 @ 8:34 pm
and my grammar ain’t nearly as bad as it seems..my phone can’t keep up when i type…should be easily enough to understand what i wrote.
April 29, 2011 @ 9:24 pm
well.. that pretty much sums it up.. well said
April 29, 2011 @ 9:38 pm
You’re absolutely right. Music is something to be enjoyed. We shouldn’t be bickering about it like its politics. Well said.
July 12, 2011 @ 1:52 pm
I AGREE
April 30, 2011 @ 4:33 pm
Well-said man. I couldn’t agree with you more.
April 30, 2011 @ 6:58 am
I guess it boils down to opinion, no where in the song does Justin Moore actually say “I’m an Outlaw” or “I’m Outlaw”, he says outlaws “LIKE” me and it refers to life on the road not being as easy as one would think. Here’s an excerpt from an article at TheBoot:
But when it came to choose a title for the album, Justin picked a song he co-wrote, as it reflects much of his journey the last few years.
“It’s my favorite song off the record,” Justin says of ‘Outlaws Like Me.’ “The song is battling good and evil with yourself. Everyone’s done that. In this business, being out on the road is not always as easy as you thought it would be. This song is about dealing with that and getting back to the person you know you want to be. I just thought it was a good title; it’s expressive of where I am in life right now.”
Read the full article here: http://www.theboot.com/2011/04/26/justin-moore-outlaws-like-me-cover-track-list/
April 30, 2011 @ 1:23 pm
Like I said in the article, it doesn’t matter the qualifiers they put out there after, the name of the album will be taken to mean a country music Outlaw, which means a very specific thing. Like I said, I like the song, and I can’t find too many reasons to hate Justin Moore. But he’s no Outlaw.
April 30, 2011 @ 11:23 am
Outlaws Like Me is the TITILE TO A SONG!! An Justin Moore is signed to Valory Music.
April 30, 2011 @ 1:20 pm
And the album.
http://thevalorymusicco.com/index.cfm?id=4
“The Valory Music Co., the second of three labels established under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella, opened in November 2007.
If you give money to Justin Moore, you’re giving money to the same machine that supports Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift.
May 1, 2011 @ 8:47 am
Txreddirt would do well to keep in mind that there are those who still consider the Texas music scene to comprise “a bunch of singers who sell 100 copies of their album out of their meth lab.” I love the Texas-red dirt music, but there’s no doubt that it’s grown tremendously in the last decade or so to the point that it can’t credibly ignored. And while it still doesn’t get as much airplay as Nashville music, to their credit both traditional and non-traditional media do give it exposure now. I really can’t blame the T-man for covering the artists he does.
That said, Triggerman, I don’t think you are doing this, but I still wanted to say: please don’t judge the Texas-red dirt music scene or its fans on the rantings of one or even a few misguided souls.
May 1, 2011 @ 12:17 pm
I think Trashville is trying to appeal the pop “country” lovers who hate taylor swift, rascall flatts etc… The whole point of the outlaws were that they made there own music and screw anybody else . The Outlaws were able to combined jazz blues, rock and created incredable music.
May 1, 2011 @ 12:59 pm
I think Justin is a Outlaw so does DAC and anybody would like to argue with that oldman can try it but I dont recommend it. And that said the best music is coming outta texas Randy Rogers, Casey Donahew, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram enough said.
May 10, 2011 @ 7:11 pm
I’m glad someone mentioned Texas, yet left out a key element, as Coe and the confederate railroad once said “There’s still one outlaw left” and his name is Jackson Taylor. He released one of the most well-rounded politically charged records of 2011 and prefers to keep it underground. In the process he has attracted hardcore pockets of followers throughout the world. He does it on his own terms and his own dime. Unlike all of the Texas artists you mentioned (who i believe 3/4 of have nashville deals now) Taylor is the real deal. Do yourself a favor and check him out.
May 13, 2011 @ 2:07 am
In order to clearly prove that justin moore is NOT an outlaw you need to define what/who an outlaw, in fact, IS. If you did this in the 100 reply’s above and i didnt see it i apologize. I am just interested in seeing who you believe is the genuine article.
May 13, 2011 @ 7:50 am
This was provided above, but here it is:
https://savingcountrymusic.com/once-and-for-all-what-makes-an-outlaw
May 28, 2011 @ 6:38 pm
Well personally I can’t wait for Justin Moore to come to innsbrook Afterhours in Richmond Virginia.
June 10, 2011 @ 10:15 pm
It’s so funny to me how serious you’re taking this whole outlaw thing. You make it seem like it’s some title given to country music gods, saying it means a “very specific thing” and all of that shit. In reality it’s just what people starting calling all of those guys because of the way they lived and what they sang about. They didn’t care about what people thought and did things their way, and while I do agree with you that its a bit ridiculous to come out and say that you are an outlaw, anyone who goes out and sings the truth about their lives and doesn’t let anyone tell them how to do it could be called an outlaw. After all, thats exactly what all the outlaws before them did. And before you go saying I don’t know what I’m talking about, my dad is Paul English, the longtime drummer for Willie Nelson, and he would be the first to back me up on that.
As for your knocks on Jamey, you should be ashamed. If there is anyone who’s an “outlaw” (under your overly dramatized conditions), it is him.
June 10, 2011 @ 10:20 pm
LOVE Paul English. He’s my country brush drumming hero.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/forgotten-outlaw-paul-the-devil-english
June 10, 2011 @ 10:51 pm
Wow that’s really a great article. I wish I knew him when he was like that, because now he’s as kind and soft-spoken as could be.
June 11, 2011 @ 9:56 pm
There’s a fiddle girl I’m really in to, you might know her named Ruby Jane, who played and toured with Willie for a while, including the Family Band. I told her the story about Willie and Paul and Ft. Worth (with some edited cause of her age) and it blew her mind to think that “Sweet Paul” (as she called him) was a ruffian back in the day.
Like I acknowledged in the article, I might be making a mountain out of a molehill with this thing, but when I think of your father and Willie and Waylon, and Waylon’s drummer Ritchie Albright, and all the struggles and fights and years of slim living they had to go through before it paid off, it just irks me to think that some newcomer can come in and attempt to put himself at the same level of those pioneers and heroes. What Paul and Willie did was no small feat. They revolutionized country music.
Like I said, I do not find Justin, or Jamey’s music for that matter, as bad as many others. When this “Outlaws Like Me” album comes out, I will listen to it and try my best to judge it fairly. I just wish some would hold off on the bravado until they have the skins on the wall to back it up. Funny thing is, Jamey does have the skins on the wall, and you don’t hear a peep from him calling himself an “Outlaw”.
June 12, 2011 @ 2:02 am
Well I totally agree with you on that. I listen to some Justin Moore and a lot of his songs seem really genuine, but the calling yourself an outlaw thing is a little ridiculous. Like you said, Willie and Waylon never came out and said they were outlaws, they were called that because of the music they played and the way they lived. And I’ll have to say it is a little bit annoying if Justin is trying to put himself in the same category as all the outlaws, and it’s equally annoying if he’s just throwing the word outlaw on there to sell records.
And I believe I’ve heard my dad talk about Ruby Jane before but I’ve never actually met her. Those stories are funny to hear though. One time in the 70s I believe my dad broke his hand punching someone and was sent to the hospital. Awhile later he broke out and called my mom from a payphone and asked her to come pick him up, and when she got there he was only wearing a hospital gown, his hat, and red leather boots haha.
June 20, 2011 @ 8:19 am
Thought this is interesting song regarding this topic,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5S1sDf–PE
It is coming from Randy Houser, who is in that Nashville circle, but seems to be calling out the type of artists like Eric Church.
Randy has made his share of terrible tunes for mainstream radio, but he is a good guy and knows his country music history.
June 24, 2011 @ 8:20 am
i agree with some of the things you say no doubt its the cold hard truth..but then theres time where theres enough bullshit coming out of your mouth to fertilize the whole damn world. so until u start bashing these artist for a name they call themselves how about get off your ass and go see them live and do some damn research.
June 24, 2011 @ 9:11 am
I wouldn’t make assumptions on how researched or lazy I am. It’s funny you just posted this, as I have spent the last 3 1/2 hours with Justin’s new album on repeat, and have jotted 1 1/2 pages of notes. And speaking of fertilizer… No, I have never seen him live, but I spend on average 2-3 night a week watching live music, and if he ever had the balls to show his face in Austin TX, you’d bet I’d make a point to be there.
Album Review – Justin Moore’s “Outlaws Like Me” « Saving Country Music
June 30, 2011 @ 11:55 am
[…] I stated my concerns about the perversion of the “Outlaw” term, I said specifically about Justin Moore: “I”™ll be honest. From what I have heard from […]
August 13, 2011 @ 9:27 pm
I just found your site this week. It’s remarkable. I don’t agree with you at times, and I’m sure that will continue, but I’ll keep coming back if you keep doing a fantastic job. Great, great stuff, particularly your reviews (the Guitar Song review is incredibly well-done.) I’d love to get more when i search “Luke Bryan” on your site– he’s a figure that confuses me a great deal because
a) he seems like an incredibly likeable guy;
b) he’s got a gift for writing gold-type singles that somehow don’t seem like over-produced or pop-country monoculture crap;
c) he’s touring with Tim McGraw, which for what it’s worth has been historically a good indicator of promise;
and d) he’s not really one of the “new Outlaws” that I don’t appreciate at all, with the exception of the very talented megalomaniac Eric Church…
Anyway, great site.
August 13, 2011 @ 10:28 pm
Thanks for reading!
August 24, 2011 @ 12:16 am
I have to start off by saying that I basically just stumbled upon your website and after all the clicking and reading of both articles and comments, there’s no way in hell that I can recall exactly how I got here. Regardless of how I got here, I love the site. I also love that you, as well as other writers, not only comment on your articles, but also stand behind them and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty when you need to. Keep up the good work.
With that said, I’d like to throw in my two cents on what I believe to be the two biggest issues in this article. First, I’d like to tackle the part about today’s artists not standing up for the way the music industry as a whole is run today. My belief is that it all comes down to money and public image. Society as a whole has become so damn politically correct that even Joe Blows like myself have to watch what we say when we’re hanging out with our buddies due to the fear of a lawsuit for hurting someone’s feelings. “Celebrities” have it even worse than we do thanks to the 24 hour circus we call the media. I’m not much of a basketball fan, but I damn sure do remember Kobe being fined for calling that ref a “fucking faggot”. If any one of the big named artists (or even guys just starting out) spoke out against anything that goes against the social norm, they’d be ripped to shreds before you had a chance to read this. Nobody has any balls anymore. Everyone is comfortable right where they’re at. Everyone, that is, except for the little guy. You, me, everyone else that visits this website and many, many more that are out there somewhere.
Second, the argument over todays Outlaws. I’m sure there’s a good number of people on here who have seen the Sons Of Anarchy on FX. For those who haven’t, a quick summary would be that it is a show about an outlaw motorcycle club with the main character (Jax) being the son of one of the now dead founding members. Throughout the show, Jax reads a manuscript written by his father. There is a quote from this manuscript that I believe goes perfectly with all of this. “The true outlaw finds the balance between the passion in his heart and the reason in his mind. The solution is always an equal mix of might and right.” THIS is why Waylon was an Outlaw. This is also why the term Outlaw should have died with him, God rest his soul. Waylon found the balance between the passion in his heart (his music) and the reason in his head (eveything he did against the record labels). There are very few people today who are willing to put their neck on the line for something they believe in so strongly the way Waylon did. I love Shooter and Jackson Taylor, and they may be the closest to thing to another Outlaw that we’ve seen in a long time, but I still would not put even them on the same platform that Waylon is on. Waylon may have not liked the term, but to true country fans like us, Outlaw is in such high regard that I can’t even think of the words to describe it. I think that’s why we are very careful as to who we call an Outlaw and why we get so angry when we see it thrown around so loosely.
In the end, we, the fans have to be the ones to turn this thing around. We have to be the ones to get this watered down, pop crap off the radio and out of country music. At the very least, we have to force them to create a recognized sub-genre called “pop country” or something along those lines.
Before anyone bashes me, if anyone read this at all, I want to point out that I know there are other Outlaws besides Waylon (older musicians). I just chose to use Waylon because I am more familiar with his life and music and so on than I am with the others.
August 29, 2011 @ 10:30 pm
There are a lot of great comments above. Personally, I LOVE Waylon & I LOVE what Hank 3 does as well. Jamey may not be the country music savior some seem to think he is, but Id rather hear his song over the radio at the supermarket than another irritating Rascall Flatts one. I dont despise every song Eric Church has sang, but his claim to be “outlaw” makes me slightly nauseous. I think someone like the tiny little Justin Moore being lumped in with the New Outlaw movement is more of a marketing gimmick that he probably has no control over. He seems like the type of guy who would be into doing Ronnie Dunn styled adult contemporary crap if he actually had a voice. I dont blame him for being taken advantage of by his label. As successful as Taylor is, she didnt do it with pure talent. She is a genius marketing success story by the label that just pushed a relatively unknown artist to #1 with his mediocre sophmore release called Outlaws Like Me. Eric on the other hand, seems to actually believe he is something special, to the point of being arrogant & loudmouthed. That my friends is the greatest sin here.
But in all reality, its not the artists that we should all be hating on. It is the fans! I could go on all day about how idiotic people are for blindly swallowing everything that the media feeds them, but I dont want to lose my point. The point is that if someone is dumb enough to jump on the New Outlaw bandwagon simply because of some suit wearing city dweller’s well planned marketing campaign, there is no one to blame but them.
I dont believe that you can save the masses. I am way too cynical for that. I blame it directly on growing up next to the tiny isolated Alberta town that gave the world Nickelback. They were terrible from the start, but people ate them up.
The only thing we can do is keep on supporting the amazing artists out there who continue to release amazing pieces of art. There is little chance that any of us are going to drastically alter anyone’s point of view through anonymous internet comments. Just keep on listening to the guys doing it for the right reasons
December 16, 2011 @ 12:16 pm
Any one ever read Tale of Two Cities???…We basically find waht we’re looking for…I grew up on Hank, George, Patsy, Cash, and Hee Haw(thanks Mom)…and then heard Skynyrd, Bocephus,Waylon, Willie Alabama and a whole lotta Zepplin, Allman Bros, Maiden, Dead…Bottom line is this Jamey brougth me back to my roots…I can’t imagine what he calls himself but if his lyrics are indicative of his life these past years, he’s pretty “Outlaw” to me-especially by the standards when I was growing up. Bottom line his music totally moves you…his band on the black/white album is sick…Not many Hammond/Leslie style players playing these days even in country. His voice is like an Ozzie, or Greg Allman, one of a kind, can’t be mimiced…his phrasing is amazing…Just my two cents.
January 3, 2012 @ 1:17 pm
This article is so full of hate it is sad. Eric Church, Josh Thompson, and Justin Moore are all VERY VERY good song writers and having been to multiple shows by each they are also very good entertainers/performers…sorry if they are not signed by an underground label full of no names who never sold 100,000+ records…maybe they want to sign with a label where they can get their music out to the most people and generate the most $$…is this different from what you would do if you dedicated your life to your music? Jamey Johnson would tell you to suck his D*** cause he could care less if you thought he was an outlaw or not…he would probably tell you he was not an outlaw but a song writer/singer with a rocky past. Listen to his song redneck side of me…or is he not allowed to say redneck either because what that means in “country”…Justin’s new album is good music…”bed of my chevy” great song “run out of honkeytonks” great song.
June 25, 2012 @ 9:18 pm
Give it a rest people! I’m so sick of hearing people complain about singers who aren’t who they claim to be in their songs…they are songs. Country music isn’t about people singing about their past any more (some of it is but most of it’s not). It’s not like it used to be…today it’s about what sells. It’s about what’s popular. Why haven’t I heard a new Garth Brooks song or Tracy Lawrence song on the radio lately? It’s because all of these new, young guys and young trios come in and take over the old guys. It’s new ideas, and whatever is new is what’s in. That’s just how this new generation of country music is. I don’t like changes and I don’t like to see old singers from the 90’s and early 2000’s just disappear from the radio but that’s what has happened and that’s just something we all have to accept whether you agree with today’s music or not.
February 5, 2013 @ 5:35 pm
I’ve noticed everything you’ve laid out in the article above. This is why I’ve decided that I have to be one of the guys not afraid to speak up and say what’s going on. I’ve lost count of the folks I’ve pissed off.