I can't listen to country music. I know you, dear reader, (all 3 of you), have had that pull in your chest, the pull of emotion so strong you feel as if you are going to be crushed from the pressure. You have heard a song that causes you to think, to remember, to reflect, or to hurt. Country does that to me.
Country music tells a story in it's truest form. Not the Billy Ray Cyrus garbage, or Honky Tonk Badonkadonk Carrie Underwood mass produced pop country garbage, but actual folksy music that tells a tale of love or pain. The tortured folk voice of Johnny Cash, the grinding gravely voice of Chris Kristofferson, the crooning voice of Ronnie Millsap, Willie's voice, the voice of the true country singers.
When I wake up in the morning, I browse the channels in an effort to start some semblance of function in my brain. I hit CNN (Robin Meade is attractive), Fox News, and try to skip past CMT. A couple of mornings ago though, I heard this wonderful hillbilly Mandolin, Violin, Banjo music topped off by an angelic female voice, and one of the true country singers, Ricky Skaggs. I love the sound of this song, and Ashley Monroe's voice is truly beautiful.
As I said before, I can't stand to listen to country because of my past, and the memories of Oklahoma, love, and the misdeeds of my asinine psyche. This, however, feels good, like clean cold water on a hot day.
Here is the video. Before you go "pffft Country", just close your eyes, let her voice wash over you, listen to the music, and see if you can't enjoy the sound without considering the genre.