Russ,
The first red flag that the song might be suspect was that it was recommended by my friend Eddie. Things are mighty slow for him during the summer down in God's waiting room.

Seriously there is no accounting for taste when it comes to performing for the public. If I had a dollar for every time our band played "Alley Cat", "Proud Mary" or "Please Release Me" I'd be rich. They all suck but man were they popular. One night during a jam weekend I was sitting in a very fancy restaurant "Earnests" in Shreveport listing to Don Mason play. He broke into David Allen Coe's "You don't have to call me darling darling". Everyone in the place was singing along with him. Who would have thunk it? What makes a song popular is a mystery to me. Your public wants what you play and Don's public wants what he plays, different strokes.

BTW not all country has only three chords. I heard Don play some that used four. He even used a passing chord once or twice. Sorry Don I couldn't resist, you know how we Yankees are.

Tom

Gary, I'm keeping pace with you (with a three year delay). I started at 14 and still going at 67 and if you're anything like me, you wouldn't change a day - well, maybe one or two.

I really don't see what how long you have been playing has any bearing on how good a person is?

I'm sorry, but I just don't get it... I'd hate Night and Day or Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered if I had to play them twice a night EVERY night! We all have our pet musical hates, but I'd be willing to bet that repetition and maybe playing it in BAD bands has a lot more to do with the loathing than anything intrinsically 'bad' in the changes or melody...

Me, I have a blast doing country! Pulling off a convincing pedal steel part, or fiddle, or banjo is a challenge for ANY player. And doing that while your other hand is comping... Let's just say there is no 'bad' music... Just bad musicians! (Just kidding, guys! )

Tom, your BTW mentioning passing chords is really funny! And I'm with you on Alley Cat, Proud Mary, For the Good Times, Misty and others (WHEW)!

And Donny, the long-drawn out deal above is to indicate that:

1. You can survive in the music business without playing country.

2. Disliking the music does not mean you dislike the people.

Sorry for the off-topic rant. It was not intentional. Just got caught up in an issue I've struggled with for years.

No worries, though. Partially because of the music business and time, I'm too old and rich to really give a damn (LOL)!

And, to get back on topic (for Donny), I STILL DON'T LIKE THAT DAMN SONG (sorry, Gary)(LOL)!


Russ (Buck) Lay (Burp-Scratch, etc.)




[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 10-28-2010).]

Ha Ha...at least I have the first part.

Good one, Russ.

Ian