by Michael Wetmore

Created on: February 06, 2007   Last Updated: April 01, 2007

I grew up listening to country music. It was by no means considered cool amongst my peers, but I still loved it. My parents exposed me to a lot of different musical styles, but country was their favorite. Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Steve Earle and Johnny Cash they were the kings of the genre; some of the best country music musicians to ever live. I loved them then and I still do.

These days however, country music is in a rather sorry state of affairs. It has become commercialized to the point of complete degradation. Flip on Country Music Television and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. Superficial, over-produced, clean-cut and polished garbage. People like Keith Urban for example. That's not country music, that's a disgrace.

Most artists (and I use that term loosely) today don't even play their own instruments. Even fewer write their own songs. The only good that I can see in all of this is the mere glimmer of hope that things will soon start to get better simply because they can't get any worse. And I believe there may be some evidence that this is already underway.

So who are the best country artists/bands performing today? There are three that I will mention here, in no particular order. First off: Dwight Yoakam. He's enjoyed commercial success and maintains his artistic integrity. He has a very distinct style yet remains very true to the electrified, Bakersfield sound popularized by country music legends such as Buck Owens. I'd love to see him in concert.

Second, I'd like to endorse a Canadian musician by the name of Fred Eaglesmith. A master songwriter, with strong folk influences, his songs capture a particular poignancy about life in many regards. He sings about the average guy and life in general, not to mention the classic country themes of pick-up trucks, trains and liquor. He also has a hell of a sense of humor which comes through in many of his songs, not to mention his live performances where he walks a line between musician and stand-up comic. He's a hard worker too, constantly on the road all over North America and beyond. Check his schedule at www.fredeaglesmith.com If he's headed your way I highly recommend going to check him out.

The last band I want to mention is another Canadian act hailing from Moncton, New Brunswick. They call themselves The Divorcees and if you like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, you'll love these guys. Disenfranchised with the "new country" being played on countless North American radio stations, The Divorcees are bringing back the outlaw country of the sixties and seventies, and they're doing one hell of a good job. I've seen them play live on several occasions and have yet to be disappointed. Their raw energy and musicianship is invigorating and their songs leave you wanting more. If you still long for the country music your parents listened to, check out The Divorcees. www.thedivorcees.com

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