Battle of the Bands - COUNTRY

[Corki]

Here we go...here is the second genre up in the Battle of the Bands tournament. It's Country! Below are the 3 nominations that the 3 Regiments of the Band have put forward.

The Archers have nominated... JOHNNY CASH

Johnny Cash is widely considered one of the most influential music stars of all time. Not just in the counrty music scene, but for music in general. He started playing and writing music at a time when artists were still playing the normal "accepted" styles of music that mostly encompassed the good Christian Faith. Cash took music in a different direction, writing songs that reflected issues in peoples lives then. He was considered a rebel in the times, always dressing in black and pushing the limits of "acceptable behavior". His music is also remembered by the tell-tale boom-chick-a-boom or "freight train" sound of his Tennessee Three backing band. You have to wonder what modern music would be like if there hadnt been brilliant, and rebellous musicians like Johnny Cash to change the standards of what people listened too. That is why we chose Johnny Cash.

Sample song:  Cocaine Blues  or  A Boy Named Sue

The Cavalry have nominated... BIG AND RICH

We chose to champion Big and Rich because of their style that they bring to country music. They try to meld rock and country music together and they are stirring up a lot of fans. They may have only been around for a few years, but they are contributing several great pieces of work. Their music has a homely sound to it, but it catches you with the beat.

The Infantry have nominated... SHANIA TWAIN

Shania Twain is a Canadian singer and songwriter in the country and pop music genres. Her third album Come on Over is the biggest-selling album of all time by a female musician, and the best-selling album in the history of country music. Which is the reason we chose her to represent the Country Genre.

In addition to her selling power Shania was named the 1999 Entertainer of the Year by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association; Twain was the first non-US citizen to win the CMA award.  She was also ranked 7th in programme charting the Country Music Television's 40 Greatest Women of Country Music in 2002. She is currently working on another Country album due for release sometime this year.
Sample song: Man! I Feel Like a Woman

There you go. There are the 3 nominations. All you now need to do is pick who you want to win and go through as the Champion of Country for the Grand Final! You have until Friday 9th May 2008 to make your choice!

[Corki]

To get the ball rolling...

I've not heard of Big and Rich, and it's a close call between Shania and Johnny, but Johnny Cash just edges it and gets my vote.

[F Horn of Valere]

ahem... Big AND Rich.

[Corki]

Whoops! Changed.

[Kara_J]

Well I'll have to agree with Corki. I've not heard of Big And Rich so I'll look 'em up before I make a decision but at the moment I'm torn between Shania and Johnny 

[Auld Manriva]

Big Kenny and John Rich, definitely blur the lines between genres with their blend of Country, Rock and HipHop.. There really is no tellin what you'll see from their Theatre of the Bizarre shows. Their signature song is Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy and is a romp deluxe....

Being somewhat of a Nashville Music hater (even though I lived there in the early sixties and I have family to this day in Music City), I love their Musik Mafia satirical takes and nose thumbing at Nashville conventional thinking... I grew up with "Hello 'ahm Johnny Trash ... err Cash", and one might think I would vote that way... But I never cared all that much for John even though he is a monument of sorts in country music circles.

Big and Rich get the nod from me

[The winds of Time]

Johnny cash all the way man, his style of country matches none other

[snin83]

IM not a big country listener, but after seeing the movie and then looking up the music, I started to come around a little and listen to Johnny Cash.  So he gets my vote.

[Samuraiflip05]

Well, to me Shania is the blur of Country and Pop.  Big and Rich are a hoot, don't get me wrong.  But, if ou are going to talk country....the only one of the three is Johnny Cash. 

[Taymist]

I'm not a purist lol... Shania gets my vote on talent and voice.

[Talya]

I think I'll go with Shania Twain, though it was hard to choose between her and Johnny Cash.

[el Nyn]

I honestly admit I have never heard of Big and Rich. Shania is ok, but I didn't really think much of her music as I'm not a country fan anyway. I have heard and pretty much like most of Johnny Cash's stuff, so he gets my vote.