blessingx

Sorry, I should have been more specific. Sure there are a ton of optimistic Country songs, but this list is filled with personal optimism (a better relationship, that big fish, etc.), not a cultural optimism towards the future (the country is getting better, modern technology can be good, etc.)? I can't think of five of those (unless you bring in the afterlife, then a ton of Bluegrass). Again it's so often looking back when talking larger. And sure we can make some generalizations. It wouldn't be a genre, even in contemporary growth, if we couldn't. Even while picking out this songs differences (if anyone agrees with me), it and the video are filled with generalizations. All the flag waving, hats, "my grandpa in WWII", etc. It's Country. The contemporary scene is what's most interesting. The Blues roots are indeed important to all of this (and trajectory similar), but doesn't it seem in the interest of preserving a "timelessness," (even while diversifying in some aspects), the genre it's increasing looking back? You could make the same claim about Dylan, Prine, etc. too. Modern technology in most of these songs stop at the telephone and automobile still. This song leapfrogs decades forward, no? And says the next discovery could be even greater. The country and world could be better through new solutions, not solely through old values. Anyway, I'm repeating myself, maybe off my rocker and definitely drunk, but finally I don't think anyone is kicking around Country in this thread. As far as I can tell we're all fans. Really in the end I'm not sure this is any different than when I first heard (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding by the other Elvis. Thought - "This a punk song?"* * Note: I'm in no way comparing quality.

Nice. BTW, preview of Chrome is officially out. Seems stable and fast. Google Chrome for Mac Info here.

I agree even the "sub-genres" within Country can be diverse, and individual obvious examples such as Loretta Lynn and gender imbalances or Steve Earle and judicial racial inequality can be made, but like my Punk comment, each genre has its own subject bias' (imagine a Blues song focused on nuclear submarines). At least contemporary Country (and likely further back) seems (correct me if I'm oversimplifying) to usually be about looking to the core of a personal or cultural past (something that may jive well with certain fans racism, but more directly doesn't point them to "video chats," robots, wind energy and jobs in paleobotany). This is the opposite, no? Someone name five Country songs primarily about an optimistic future (here, not heaven)? Hell, I can't name five that have anything positive to say about computers.

Is it just me or has Country music made a rather large shift? I'm a fan, but it's not exactly known for a tradition of embracing the future (not to mention racial harmony, gender equality, modern technology/alternative fuels, harmonious international relations, etc.). A single song, by a not overwhelmingly talented artist, but is this a sign of the genres future? Man, it's like a punk song encouraging love towards the previous generation - 'cause, you know, they tried. Doesn't happen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JAH_V3gb5c

Just keep playing D's Op.22 over and over.

Kinda creepy Apple iPod/GE ecomagination-like LA anti-terrorist iWatch ad

Thanks. Already forwarded.

I've had my issues with Guns 'N Roses over the years, but now I understand.

Speakin' of feelin' good...

Long lines outside Scottsdale, Arizona MS store grand opening! Manager hung with another crowd a couple years ago.

Enjoyed the linked dead soda article.

Well, you have to give them credit for the innovative "Guru Bar" concept.

If you've ever visited an Apple store you may find this interesting...

Whoa, MALL COP must be more exciting in Japanese. Maybe has space bears?

Beautiful. That bear needs to be in the next Star Trek flick.

Hmmm.

Connaker has always been more comfortable discussing bit-perfection than sound quality.

Some of their designs are certainly robot-y.

Hate to be literal, but Djivan Gasparyan's I Will Not Be Sad in This World is great medicine. Djivan Gasparyan - I will not be sad in this World - Free listening at Last.fm ______________________________________ I also can't help but smile every time I hear The Langley Schools Music Project - Innocence & Despair ______________________________________ Finally, I started a thread over at the other site a few years ago for this same reason... Just Really Beautiful Music - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Getting close[r] to Bell & Ross, etc. Monkey approved? ChronoShark | The Watch Deal a Day Site

Great book and I assume you know a flick is coming? His Them: Adventures with Extremists may even be better in you haven't read it. Just starting... And itching to start...