Country(??) Music Awards Show

So last night on CBS we were presented with the supposed Academy of Country Music Awards. To be honest, I was intrigued and watch just to see what they were going to pass off as country music this time. It always amazes me how far they attempt to push the envelope of the increasing blurred definition of country music. The fact that this awards show was taking place in none other than Las Vegas, further heightened my curiosity. Of course when you think of the lights of Las Vegas, country music automatically leaps to mind, right?

From the very beginning, I knew they would not disappoint me. As Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood each delivered screaming vocals on the "country classic" Travelin' Band, made famous by CCR. Even John Fogerty showed up to join in on this one.
Yes....nothing opens a country awards show better than a screaming rendition of a classic rock song. It was Vegas, so I was expecting something unique. I could not help but think that perhaps a Elvis selection might have been a bit more appropriate. But, hey....this is the newly defined country genre.

Later we were treated to yet another inspiring musical number by Laura Bell Bundy. What? You never heard of her? Me neither....and a few seconds into her number I had figured out why. No matter how far you attempt to stretch the definition of country music, this one only qualified due to her cowboy boots. It was nothing more than a Vegas show number, and a poor one at that. Someone must have had their pockets well lined with greenbacks to get this one on a primetime country music awards show. It was beyond ridiculous.

It was not until well into the show, and after several live performances filled with screaming electric guitars, that I even seen a fiddle player. And guess what? That was from a video snipit from the Zac Brown Band, who were performing overseas for the military. I was only left to think they must not allow fiddles in Las Vegas.

Just as I was about to turn off the TV, along came Hootie. Darius Rucker, better known as pop rock singer Hootie from Hootie and the Blowfish, began his tune. When he got to the bridge, he threw it to his mandolin player, none other than Sam Bush.
Funny how it took until the final minutes of the show to get to a country performer. Even Brad Paisley, whom I admire and appreciate, and even Blake Shelton to some extent, have strayed away from the country roots and into the pop rock scene. Their talents were still evident, even tolerable, but still not country.

One thing I was left wondering. Included in the eight finalists for the Entertainer of The Year award was George Strait. Now George still strikes a true country chord, so I was curious what sets him apart from the others who have been shut out? Why you never see George Jones, Merle Haggard, or even Alan Jackson now, at any of these shows. Perhaps it is more the stance they have taken as pure country artists, and do not want to associate with the money grabbing vultures who run the genre today.

My friends, you can like it if you want....play it as loud as you can.....but it ain't country!
Now I need to go grab my Louvin Brothers CD and cleanse my country soul.