As a life long fan of country music, I have been quietly waging war against the recent spate of pop-country acts who think country music started with Garth Brooks. Preferring the soulful sounds of Patsy Cline, I have grown immeasurably bored with the cadre of young country acts who think the inclusion of a dobro and mandolin in the B-section is all you really need in order to call a song “country.” So imagine my surprise when a friend, a fan of old school country (Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, George Jones, etc.) gave me a Lady Antebellum CD for Christmas and told me to look past the cover art.
“You expect me to actually listen to the CD before I judge it,” I said half-jokingly. “They’re not even wearing boots, how country can they be? I mean for Heaven’s sake, the lead singer is wearing a tie!”
Despite my protestations, I decided to listen to the CD this weekend while I moved furniture. My initial reaction to the CD was iffy. I could see why a few of the tracks were shooting up the charts, but I was having trouble connecting with any of the tracks. Until, American Honey.
This track about a young girl from a small town who moves away and misses home read oddly biographical. The sweet harmonies and delicate guitar riffs reading like the perfect song for summer days spend down by the lake. Suddenly, I was very homesick and very much wishing that it was twelve degrees outside so that I could break out a sundress and some cowboy boots.
I plan to give the CD a deeper listen this weekend while I complete the rest of my mucking out and redecorating. Perhaps, I’ve turned over a new leaf or just discovered an exception to my “no pop-country” rule. Only time will tell.
Photo courtesy of Cavan Images.
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Kristen says:
Lady Antebellum is one of my favorite groups. Listen to "Need You Now".
Beyonce says:
ummm, I thought this was a fashion blog. If I want music, Ill turn on the radio.
Belle says:
Actually, this is a style blog. It’s also my blog, and I felt like trying something new. Feel free to read elsewhere if you do not approve.
Zoe says:
I am all for you branching out, but I have to admit this did seem out of place. Nothing wrong with it, just out of place.
Kim says:
Wow. Beyonce left you a comment Belle! And she didn’t even appreciate the fact that it was a post about music? Even after that country cover of ‘Irreplaceable’ and all. Well you can’t please everyone all the time. Anyhoo, cute post it gives a tiny peek into who Belle is outside of just fashion:) And hey….you did manage to tie in a sundress and cowboy boots reference;) Luv it!
~Kim
Belle says:
My original idea for this post was to talk about the band, and then create an outfit to fit the music. However, there weren’t a lot of cotton dresses to choose from in January. So I posted the pic at the bottom. It will evolve over time, I’m sure.
DC Celine says:
Capitol Hill Style can – and should – include as much variation on style as she wants. Nice post. (Says the other style blogger who also includes food and music in her posts and also happens to adore country music.)