Argh, this is just something I have to get off my chest. At work, sometimes the assistant manager feels the need to turn the station to the local country channel, despite being outnumbered by those of us that hate country music. It bothers me so much, I feel the need to share why.

Now, I listen to rock music. I grew up on it, and I have no problem admitting there are some bad rockers out there. But, within the rock community, there is true talent. Actual singing (with the exception of the like of AC/DC, let’s face it, sure you can bang your head, but come on, the dude can’t really sing), larger range of musical instruments (I’ve never heard an orchestral arrangement behind a country song, have you? There’s even metal music that has tons of string arrangements, bringing on a fuller sound, along with excellent vocals (referred to as Symphonic Metal), and rock as fuller arrange of emotions in songwriting.

What do I mean with all this. Country, with the exception of someone like Faith Hill (who, I am admitting, does have a very great singing voice), country musicians, to me, and this may just be me, don’t show a full vocal range when it comes to singing. This may be why I think all country songs sound alike (I’m telling you, they do). Country has fiddles and guitars, with the usual percussion instruments (drums/bass). As I said, there are metal bands out there with a Classical twist, which I believe gives them a unique, fuller sound. Then you have other metal bands that bring on multiple drums, bass and an arsenal of guitars (I’m thinking Slipnot with this, who I actually find mostly obnoxious, though there are a few songs I don’t mind). I don’t think I see pianos or keyboards in country, but I could be wrong. Though, in my head, I can’t hear a piano with a country song.

The main point is the amount of emotion. There are so many different sections of rock, from metal to punk to grunge to hard to soft. There’s something out there for everyone. Even Southern Rock, which is right at the line that separates country and rock. Punk and grunge is generally anger and of course Soft rock takes on a sadder note. Metal usually is seen as being an angry type music, but like I’ve mentioned, metal itself has different levels (thrash-heavy-symphonic-nu, etc). There are rock songs with uplifting tones, happy notes. Political songs, and songs that tell stories. What does country have? Uh, friggin “sexy tractors” and “my girl left me I’m so sad” boo-hoo. There may even be a “lost my foot in the lawn mower”, or even “first kiss at the rodeo” (boy, would that be romantic or what).

Give me “We Are the Champions” by Queen, highly recognizable rock song, adored by millions, a true theme song to all of sports. Give me “Sympathy for the Devil” by the Rolling Stones, “Who Are You” by the Who, and of course “Stairway to Heaven,” by Led Zeppelin (oh, and let’s not forget another great tune from them, “Kashmir”). True rock legends, among the best of the best, ranging from triumph to the evils of the world to money (as in it can’t buy you everything). And every new rock band of today were influenced by a band who were influenced by these bands. (Hell, even us young’ens have appreciation for the Classic Rock). And today, they continue write songs of happy times and bad times and all things in between.

Okay, I think it’s obvious I’m not a writer, so I think it’s best I may close this post with one more thing: Country Sucks; Rock, well, Rocks!!!!

Rock on,