Country music, is it OK?

Use this forum to have philosophical discussions about aesthetics and art. What is art? What is beauty? What makes art good? You can also use this forum to discuss philosophy in the arts, namely to discuss the philosophical points in any particular movie, TV show, book or story.
Harbal
Posts: 1532
Joined: May 6th, 2013, 4:03 pm
Location: Yorkshire

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Harbal »

Madera wrote:I did.
So, you worked it out

BTW. See you soon. :twisted:
Madera
Posts: 340
Joined: April 25th, 2014, 7:53 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Madera »

:P quote="Harbal"]
Madera wrote:I did.
So, you worked it out

BTW. See you soon. :twisted:[/quote]

:roll:

-- Updated June 11th, 2015, 11:07 am to add the following --

Music aside, how are you doing since you have been so quiet?
User avatar
3uGH7D4MLj
Posts: 934
Joined: January 4th, 2013, 3:39 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by 3uGH7D4MLj »

Harbal wrote:Can country music ever be justified and, if so, under what circumstances? Most of us would find the world a much poorer place without music. Think of the void we would create if we removed Beethoven, Bach, Miles Davis, Gershwin, The Beatles, The Osmonds (?) and so on and so on, from our cultural landscape. We probably never even thing what life would be like without our own particular music, for, like love, friendship and all the things that are fundamental to our spiritual wellbeing, we take it for granted that it will just be there. Now, just imagine, that this pleasure we, so called, normal people get from the aforementioned sources could only be accessible to you by listening to country music. Would it be right to deny these unfortunates something that we, ourselves, would find so hard to live without? I don't think it would. No matter how distasteful it might be to us, should we impose our prejudices on others who, through no fault of their own, don't know any better? Obviously, there have to be checks and safeguards to prevent the general public from unwittingly being exposed to this music but that could be achieved, given the will. I realise there is a strong counter argument to my view on this subject and I haven't even attempted to address the Jim Reeves question but that's a whole topic on it's own. What do you think, am I being too liberal?
No, we should all be so liberal. The question is about class and politics, intellectualism and anti-intellectualism, the right to be bigoted against "rednecks." It would be good if we could stop being bigoted against the guns-and-religion crowd. Maybe if we challenge wrongheaded ideas, not people? Country music is fine.

I don't listen because I find it a little too bland and pat, without ambiguity, but it's fine, JMO. Wait, are you including bluegrass?
fair to say
User avatar
Alec Smart
Posts: 671
Joined: June 28th, 2015, 12:28 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Alec Smart »

3uGH7D4MLj wrote: Country music is fine.
Steady on, there may be children reading this.
User avatar
3uGH7D4MLj
Posts: 934
Joined: January 4th, 2013, 3:39 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by 3uGH7D4MLj »

Alec Smart wrote:
3uGH7D4MLj wrote: Country music is fine.
Steady on, there may be children reading this.
Mmm, hide the kids.

But are we talking about an indicator of where someone stands on the Prius <--> Pickuptruck continuum? Or am I getting that wrong?
fair to say
User avatar
WhatAmIDoing
New Trial Member
Posts: 1
Joined: May 31st, 2015, 8:15 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by WhatAmIDoing »

In reply to the OP:

I've found that all genres have a good number of both lyrically and instrumentally talented artists, although I am not 100% sure about country music. I know that most (mainstream) country music is inherently meaningless, as is most popular music, but there very well could be some musically proficient artists in the genre that are true musicians. But, since I'm unsure of any of their existences, I'll continue to dislike country music.
User avatar
Ambauer
Posts: 65
Joined: October 6th, 2015, 9:59 pm
Favorite Philosopher: Cosmo the Hedonist

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Ambauer »

I have to say that just like I enjoy reading a Buzzfeed article from time to time rather than Kant, that I do enjoy listening to country music rather than something more refined or pure (say the Beatles). I don't know, just like there is something beautiful about reading "22 Cats Who Just Want You To Stop" on Buzzfeed, I'd argue that there is intrinsic beauty in country music. There is just something beautiful that happens when you're relaxing outside on a hot summer day with a cold beer in your hand and Toby Keith comes on the radio.

However, I guess the deeper philosophical question here is, "Is 'good' music objective or subjective?" It seems like you are making an argument for "good" music being objective. However, I think there is a stronger argument for "good" music being subjective. I could be proven wrong!
User avatar
LuckyR
Moderator
Posts: 7914
Joined: January 18th, 2015, 1:16 am

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by LuckyR »

Music's importance for it's listener is not contained within the music itself, rather it is measured by the level of emotional output from the listener. This is intrinsic to the listener (not the music) and of course varies greatly from individual to individual.
"As usual... it depends."
User avatar
Alec Smart
Posts: 671
Joined: June 28th, 2015, 12:28 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Alec Smart »

Ambauer wrote: I'd argue that there is intrinsic beauty in country music.
I'd argue that what you take to be "intrinsic beauty" in the music is really bad taste in the listener.
Smart by name and Alec by nature.
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Sy Borg »

While it's fun to tease country music fans, when they allow the instruments to shine and you have creative musicians country-based music can be great, like James Taylor's Country Road live, where he "gives the drummer some" and the drummer, Steve Gadd (one of the greats), provides some incredible tension and release that drives the crowd crazy:
-- Updated 20 Oct 2015, 17:39 to add the following --

I get tingles every time I hear the climactic passage!
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated—Gandhi.
Jklint
Posts: 1719
Joined: February 23rd, 2012, 3:06 am

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Jklint »

I prefer classical music with first class soloists. This one can make your hair stand on end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoT66v4EHg
User avatar
Sy Borg
Site Admin
Posts: 14942
Joined: December 16th, 2013, 9:05 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Sy Borg »

Yes, that does give one paws for thought.Sufurlative!

I like me a bit of kulcha myself:
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated—Gandhi.
User avatar
3uGH7D4MLj
Posts: 934
Joined: January 4th, 2013, 3:39 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by 3uGH7D4MLj »

Music of the the African diaspora. There's no stopping it.
fair to say
Belinda
Premium Member
Posts: 13782
Joined: July 10th, 2008, 7:02 pm
Location: UK

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Belinda »

Isn't country music a little too repetitive in form ?

One can have a refrain but when there is no variation between the repetitions I find my attention wandering. Maybe country music varies in quality and I have heard only the more banal sort.
Socialist
User avatar
Alec Smart
Posts: 671
Joined: June 28th, 2015, 12:28 pm

Re: Country music, is it OK?

Post by Alec Smart »

Belinda wrote:Maybe country music varies in quality and I have heard only the more banal sort.
Country music does vary in quality. It can be just plain bad or, at the other end of the scale, it can be absolutely terrible.
Smart by name and Alec by nature.
Post Reply

Return to “Philosophy of the Arts and Philosophy in the Arts”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021